阅读说明：本技术 用于分配限定量的产品的填充装置 (Filling device for dispensing defined quantities of product ) 是由 J·博伊尔勒 于 2020-02-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于分配限定量的产品的填充装置,其包括：-活塞泵(3),用于将待分配的产品从储存器(2)输送到填充针(5),-活塞泵(3)包括活塞(30)、缸体(31)、入口(33)、出口(34)、第一止回阀(8)和第二止回阀(9),-所述活塞(30)、所述缸体(31)、所述入口(34)、所述出口(34)、所述第一止回阀(8)和所述第二止回阀(9)由非金属材料制成,其中,-所述入口(33)和所述出口(34)布置为相对于缸体(31)的轴线(22)以不同于零的角度(26、27)倾斜。(The present invention relates to a filling device for dispensing a defined quantity of a product, comprising: -a piston pump (3) for conveying a product to be dispensed from a reservoir (2) to a filling needle (5), -the piston pump (3) comprising a piston (30), a cylinder (31), an inlet (33), an outlet (34), a first non-return valve (8) and a second non-return valve (9), -the piston (30), the cylinder (31), the inlet (34), the outlet (34), the first non-return valve (8) and the second non-return valve (9) being made of a non-metallic material, wherein-the inlet (33) and the outlet (34) are arranged inclined at an angle (26, 27) different from zero with respect to an axis (22) of the cylinder (31).)

1. A filling device for dispensing a defined amount of a product, comprising:

a piston pump (3) for conveying the product to be dispensed from the reservoir (2) to the filling needle (5),

-wherein the piston pump (3) comprises a piston (30), a cylinder (31), an inlet (33), an outlet (34), a first check valve (8) and a second check valve (9),

-the piston (30), the cylinder (31), the inlet (34), the outlet (34), the first check valve (8) and the second check valve (9) are made of a non-metallic material,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

-the inlet (33) and the outlet (34) are arranged inclined with respect to the axis (22) of the cylinder (31) at an angle (26, 27) different from zero, preferably at an angle in the range between 30 ° and 70 °.

2. Filling device according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder (31) comprises at least one wall area (50, 52) for fastening at least one nozzle (28).

3. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall area (50, 52) has at least one connection point (24) for a nozzle (28) and/or at least one receiving surface (45) for a seal (39).

4. Filling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one check valve (9) is arranged in the inlet (33) and the other check valve (9) is arranged in the outlet (34).

5. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein different check valves (8, 9), in particular an umbrella valve, are used as check valve (8) in the outlet (34) and/or a duckbill valve is used as check valve (9) in the inlet (33).

6. Filling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one opening (57) is provided in the cylinder (31) for receiving a check valve (8, 9).

7. Filling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device further comprises at least one nozzle (28) for the inlet (33) or outlet (34).

8. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-return valve (9) at least partially covers at least one outer surface of a wall area (52) of the cylinder (31) such that the nozzle (28) acts directly on the non-return valve (9), in particular on a flange (55) of the non-return valve (9).

9. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one seal (39) is arranged between the nozzle (28) and the cylinder (31).

10. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder (31) has at least one internal space (41), the at least one internal space (41) having a substantially trapezoidal cross section.

11. Filling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder (31) has at least one recess (49, 51), at least one receiving structure for a non-return valve (8, 9) being provided between the recesses (49, 51) and opening out to a receiving surface (45) or an inner space (41).

12. The filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device further comprises:

-a reservoir (2) for storing a product to be dispensed,

-a filling needle (5) for dispensing a product to be dispensed,

-a connection line (4) connecting the reservoir (2) to the filling needle (5).

13. Filling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the piston pump (3), the filling needle (5), the nozzle (28) and the connecting line (4) form an assembly designed as a disposable item.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a filling device for dispensing a defined amount of a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product, with a piston pump.

Background

In the pharmaceutical industry, various, in particular liquid, active ingredients have to be dispensed in defined amounts with very narrow tolerances into containers, for example water or penicillin bottles and the like. Filling systems are known which have a stainless steel container which is filled with the product to be dispensed and leads via a line to a dispensing tube or the like on which one or more filling devices in the form of hoses are arranged, at the ends of which filling needles are arranged. A choke is also arranged through which the active substance to be dispensed passes. The choke, which is the component with the most tight tolerances, must be chosen according to the application to ensure a high precision during filling. Thus, such chokes are very expensive. Since the products to be dispensed are subject to frequent variation in the pharmaceutical industry, cross-contamination must be prevented. This requires a large amount of cleaning work, especially in the case of sterile products, a very large amount of work. For this reason, disposable products are increasingly used. Such a filling device with an assembly designed as a disposable article for filling is known from DE 102008001204 a 1. However, the accuracy of the filling depends on the activation of the shut-off valve. A generic device is also known from DE 102016215875 a 1.

The object of the invention is to further reduce the risk of possible leaks while increasing the metering accuracy. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

Disclosure of Invention

The filling device according to the invention for dispensing defined quantities of product and having the features of claim 1 has the advantage that a very inexpensive piston pump can be provided. Furthermore, according to the invention, a high precision metering of a predetermined quantity of product is possible, so that the filling device can be used in particular for dispensing medical products, in particular liquid or pasty products. The use of a piston pump also ensures that the filling device is independent of the state of the existing product template, since the piston pump provides its own suction stroke. Furthermore, highly accurate metering can be achieved because only one stroke is required to achieve metering. Since the connection point is located outside the cylinder, almost at ambient pressure, the risk of leakage that may occur during operation can be minimized. By arranging the inlet and outlet ports obliquely with respect to the cylinder axis, the dead space can be minimized. This allows for faster and safer venting. This also improves the metering accuracy. The metering accuracy can be further optimized, in particular due to the different design of the check valve. In particular when using umbrella valves and duckbill valves, on the one hand the inlet valve opening pressure can be selected to be minimal and on the other hand the outlet valve opening pressure can be selected to be correspondingly higher.

In an advantageous further development, the cylinder comprises at least one wall region for fastening at least one nozzle. This reduces the risk of leakage, as the fastening point is relocated out of the cylinder. Furthermore, the use of different nozzles allows for relatively quick adjustment of different hose geometries.

According to an advantageous further development, the wall region has at least one connection point for the nozzle and/or at least one receiving surface for the seal. This increases the flexibility of the arrangement and reduces the risk of leakage by providing a seal.

In an advantageous further development, different check valves are used, in particular the check valve in the outlet is designed as an umbrella valve and/or the check valve in the inlet is designed as a duckbill valve, the valve having a beak-shaped area for opening and closing. In this way, the inlet valve opening pressure can be set to a minimum, and the outlet valve opening pressure can be set correspondingly higher, thereby improving the filling accuracy.

In an advantageous further development, an opening is provided in the cylinder for receiving the check valve. In particular, the opening is arranged between the inner space of the cylinder and the inlet or outlet. This means that the same cylinder can always be used for quick and flexible assembly of the appropriate valve type, depending on the application.

In an advantageous further development, the non-return valve at least partially covers at least one outer surface of the wall region of the cylinder, so that the nozzle acts directly on the non-return valve, in particular on a flange of the non-return valve. A direct seal between the nozzle and the cylinder can thus be achieved without using an additional seal.

In an advantageous further development, a seal is provided between the nozzle and the cylinder, and the cylinder preferably has a corresponding receiving surface. A secure seal is thus achieved while the seal remains in the desired position.

In an advantageous further development, the interior space has a substantially trapezoidal cross section. This avoids dead zones. This helps to vent faster and more safely. This improves the filling accuracy.

In an advantageous further development, the piston pump, the filling needle and the connecting line form an assembly designed as a disposable article. This allows the assembly to be easily disposed of after use. To reduce the cost of the filling device, the cylinder, the piston, the cylinder head, the inlet, the outlet, the nozzle, and the first and second check valves are all made of non-metallic materials. This may prevent cross-contamination when different pharmaceutical products are dispensed sequentially. This is because in the case of a cleaning process that has to be carried out in a reusable system, absolute cleaning is never ensured even after cleaning. Thus, the present invention is particularly useful in toxic applications. Furthermore, it is not necessary to prepare the components of the filling device, since the piston pump is already pre-assembled in the filling device. This reduces the assembly effort, resulting in minimal process costs. And the cost of cleaning and the like is avoided.

The filling device according to the invention is particularly preferably used for dispensing pharmaceutical products, in particular liquid or pasty products.

Additional advantageous further developments emerge from the other dependent claims and the description.

Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a filling device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the piston pump of FIG. 1; and

fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the upper region of the piston pump according to fig. 2.

Detailed Description

A filling device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to fig. 1 to 3.

As can be seen from fig. 1, the filling device 1 comprises a reservoir 2 in which the product to be dispensed is stored. The product to be dispensed is preferably a pharmaceutical product, such as a medicament.

The reservoir 2 is connected via a connecting line 4 to a filling needle 5, which filling needle 5 dispenses the product to be dispensed as a metering device into a container 6, for example a vial or the like.

A piston pump 3 comprising an oscillating piston 30 is arranged in the connecting line 4. This is indicated by the double arrow a in fig. 1. The piston 30 is arranged to be capable of reciprocating in the cylinder 31.

The piston pump 3 is driven by a driver 7.

The cylinder 31 at least partially surrounds the piston 30. In the lower region of the cylinder 31, a guide element 36 for guiding the piston 30 is provided. The cylinder 31 or piston 30 has an axis 22 oriented along the cylinder axis.

At least one inlet 33 and at least one outlet 34 are provided in the upper region of the cylinder 31. The in particular tubular portion of the inlet 33 has an axis 25. The axis 25 of the inlet 33 is designed to be inclined at an angle 26 different from zero with respect to the axis 22 of the cylinder 31. The axis 23 of the outlet 34 is designed to be inclined at an angle 27 different from zero with respect to the axis 22 of the cylinder 31. The two angles 26, 27 are preferably designed to be approximately the same. In the present embodiment, the angles 26, 27 are acute angles, i.e. in the range of angles between 0 ° and 90 °. The angles 26, 27 are particularly preferably in the range between 20 ° and 70 °; in this embodiment, an angle of about 57.5 ° has proven to be particularly useful. The inlet 33 and/or the outlet 34 each comprise a nozzle 28 or a hose nozzle for fastening a connecting line or a hose.

The nozzle 28 is connected or connectable to a cylinder 31 via a connection point 24, as shown in more detail in the detailed view according to fig. 3. The cylinder 31 terminates at the top in an inner space 41. The inner space 41 has a substantially trapezoidal cross section. The trapezoidal cross section is not axisymmetric, but only exists in the cross section in the cross sectional direction shown. Both the inlet 33 and the outlet 34 open into an opening surface 43 in the inner space 41. The mouth surface 43 is tapered or narrowly tapered. The mouth surface 43 is designed to be inclined with respect to the axis 22. The port surfaces 43 are substantially perpendicular to the axes 25, 23 of the inlet 33 and outlet 34, respectively.

For receiving the non-return valve 8, a respective opening 57 is provided between the mouth surface 43 and the recess 49. In particular, the opening 57 is arranged between the inner space 41 and the inlet 33 or the outlet 34. This may be, for example, a cylindrical receiving hole. In the present embodiment, an umbrella valve is provided as the check valve 8 for the outlet 34. The umbrella covers any opening between the outlet 34 and the inner space 41. The recess 51 is provided for receiving a check valve 9, in particular a check valve designed as a duckbill valve. The recess 51 is substantially cylindrical. The recess 51 substantially fits into the cylindrical portion 54 of the check valve 9. An opening 57 is provided between the recess 51 and the inner space 41 to introduce the beak-shaped area of the check valve 9. The opening 57 opens into the inner space 41 in the receiving surface 43.

When using a duckbill valve, the inlet valve opening pressure is minimal. When the umbrella valve is used, the opening pressure of the outlet valve is correspondingly higher. This allows optimizing the filling accuracy.

At the end facing the inner space 41, the non-return valve 8 has an enlargement with a slightly larger diameter than the opening surrounding the mouth surface 43 of the non-return valve 8. This serves to fix the check valve 8. The thickening and the screen together with the corresponding height of the receiving holes or openings 57 form a valve preload. For simple assembly of the check valve 8, a conical recess into which an assembly tool can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the umbrella valve. For this purpose, the non-return valve 8 is made of an elastic material (e.g. plastic or rubber compound, e.g. VMQ) and can be inserted from the outside through the opening of the mouth surface.

On the side of the outlet 34, the cylinder 31 terminates in a recess 49. The recess 49 is aligned with the nozzle 28. The liquid to be metered reaches the connecting line 4 via the inner space 41 through the non-return valve 8, the recess 49 and the outlet 34 with the nozzle 28. The connection point 24 is arranged on an outer region of a wall region 50 of the cylinder 31, the wall region 50 laterally delimiting the recess 49. The connection point 24 of the cylinder 31 is for example an external recess or groove. The connection point 24 interacts with a corresponding projection at the end of the nozzle 28. The end of the nozzle 28 is slightly widened and surrounds a wall region 50 of the cylinder 31 in the region of the recess 49. This is conceivable, for example, without the use of the seal 39. The connection point 24 is for example part of a clip connection. Alternative connection options are conceivable. For example, the connection between the nozzle 28 and the cylinder 31 may be performed by welding, laser welding, screwing, or the like.

The receiving surface 45 is provided at the end of the wall area 50. The receiving surface 45 is for receiving the seal 39. The seal 39 is designed, for example, as an O-ring. The seal 39 acts as a seal between the cylinder 31 and the nozzle 28. The receiving surface 45 for the seal 39 is adapted to the outer contour of the seal 39. In the present embodiment, the receiving surface 45 is, for example, a semi-circular or annular profile. The seal 39 can be omitted if the clipped-on nozzle 28 is mounted clampingly.

The cylinder 31 is designed in the region of the inlet 33 in a similar manner to the outlet 34. Furthermore, a recess 51 is provided, which recess 51 is laterally formed by a wall region 52 of the cylinder 31. At least one connection point 24 is provided on an outer area of the wall area 52 for connecting the nozzle 28 to the cylinder 31. The connection point 24 of the cylinder 31 is for example an external recess or groove. The connection point 24 interacts with a corresponding projection at the end of the nozzle 28. The end of the nozzle 28 is slightly widened and surrounds a wall region 52 of the cylinder 31 in the region of the recess 51. The connection point 24 is for example part of a clip connection. Alternative connection options are conceivable. For example, the connection between the nozzle 28 and the cylinder 31 may be formed by welding or laser welding.

In the present embodiment, the check valve 9 is designed as a duckbill valve. Duckbill valves are designated as such: its function is formed by open or closed beaks or lips, one above the other. The beak-shaped part of the check valve 9 is surrounded by a corresponding opening geometry or opening 57 of the cylinder 31 corresponding to the beak shape of the check valve 9. This minimizes dead space. The duckbill or check valve 9 terminates at the opposite end in a cylindrical portion 54. The end of the cylindrical portion 54 terminates in a flange 55. The cylindrical portion 54 and the flange 55 are accommodated by the corresponding geometry of the wall region 52. The flange 55 or its end face facing away from the inner space 41 interacts with the widened end of the nozzle 28. The end of the nozzle 28 encloses the end of the check valve 9 and the outer area of the wall area 52 of the cylinder 31. This forms a seal between the spout 28 and the cylinder 31, in particular using the non-return valve 9, particularly preferably a duckbill valve or flange portion 55 thereof. A separate seal can be omitted here. In this case, the clip-on nozzle 28 is to be mounted in a clamping manner.

The interior space 41 is bounded by an end face 47. The end face 47 is oriented transversely to the axis 22. The end face 47 is preferably flat. The selected geometry of the inner space 41 ensures that almost no dead space is formed. This allows for faster and safer venting. This also helps to improve the filling accuracy.

The connection point 24 is arranged between the cylinder 31 and the nozzle 28 in the outer wall areas 50, 52. The risk of possible leakage during operation is minimized, since the connection point 24 has been moved outside the cylinder 31, in particular on the outside of the wall areas 50, 52, and is almost exposed to the ambient pressure.

The design of the two non-return valves 8, 9 is different. What is achieved thereby is that the suction process and the delivery process are allowed depending on the direction of movement of the piston 30. The non-return valves 8, 9 can be made of a suitable plastic, for example a rubber compound, for example VMQ (vinyl methyl siloxane) or the like.

The seal 35 is integrally formed on the piston 30 and is made of the same material as that of the piston 30. The material used is preferably UHMW polyethylene. The circumferential seal 35 ensures that a tight seal with the cylinder 31 is provided during the suction stroke, i.e. when the piston 30 is moved in a direction away from the upper region of the cylinder 31 where the inlet 33 and the outlet 34 are located, and during the supercharging movement, i.e. when the piston 30 is moved in a direction towards the upper region. The sealing lip pretension also contributes to a large extent to the sealing. By integrating the seal 35 in the piston 30, a particularly cost-effective construction can be obtained. A seal 35 is disposed on the enlarged diameter of the piston 30. Also for the nozzle 28 it is made of another plastic, preferably a plastic such as PE or PP.

Since the connecting line 4, the piston pump 3, the nozzle 28 and the filling needle 5 are provided as an assembly designed as a disposable item, the seal 35 is sufficiently dimensioned to ensure a piston pump seal for the filling process of the product stored in the reservoir 2. Since the assembly of the connecting line 4, the nozzle 26, the piston pump 3 and the filling needle 5 is disposed after use, it is not necessary to ensure long-term sealability. It is only necessary to ensure the sealing during the filling process.

A guide element 36 is also provided so that the piston 30 is guided safely in the cylinder 31. The guide member 36 guides the piston 30 in the cylinder 31. The guide element 36 is arranged in the cylinder by means of a clip connection. More precisely, the clip connection is provided at the end of the cylinder 31 remote from the inlet 33 or the outlet 34.

Thus, according to the present invention, a disposable filling device 1 can be provided, wherein a very cheap piston pump 3 can be used. In this case, an inexpensive piston pump 3, preferably made of PEEK or UHMW polyethylene, can provide the same filling capacity as a commonly used metal piston pump. By integrating the piston pump 3 in the filling device 1, it is also possible to ensure a state independent of existing product templates. Furthermore, the piston pump 3 is configured such that the container 6 can be filled in a single stroke. In this way, particularly precisely metered volumes can be achieved.

Since the piston pump 3, the nozzle 28, the connecting line 4 and the filling needle 5 form a disposable assembly, no cross-contamination occurs during the successive filling processes. Furthermore, faster product changes can be achieved on the filling device. There is also no need to clean the components of the filling device.

The assembly comprising the piston pump 3, the nozzle 28, the connecting line 4 and the filling needle 5 is particularly preferably supplied as a pre-sterilized system, so that the assembly can be used immediately after opening the package.

The seal 35 preferably has a sealing lip with a pretension. A particularly reliable sealing of the piston in the cylinder 31 can thereby be achieved.

Since the first non-return valve 8 is designed as an umbrella valve and the other non-return valve 9 as a duckbill valve, it is not necessary to use special mechanical control elements to switch between the filling and suction cycles. The check valves 8, 9 are controlled exclusively via the respective pressures prevailing in the piston pump. The opening and closing pressures required for the non-return valves 8, 9 can be varied by correspondingly selecting the valve geometry used in the umbrella or duck bill valves. It should be noted here that by selecting a predetermined valve preload and valve geometry of the non-return valves 8, 9, the viscosity of the product to be dispensed can be adapted. Thus, the piston pump 3 can be realized whose check valves 8, 9 are controlled by the fluid pressure.

Thus, according to the invention, a filling device can be provided which provides an assembly with a piston pump 3, a nozzle 28, a connecting line 4 and a filling needle 5 designed as a disposable article. Disposable piston pumps can be used which are particularly inexpensive to manufacture compared to peristaltic pumps and allow particularly high-precision metering. The parts in contact with the product no longer need to be cleaned, since the parts in contact with the product can be disposed of as a disposable item. This also eliminates in particular the risk of cross-contamination during the drug dispensing process.