VALVE UNIT FOR A PLANT FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF A MEDICINIC PREPARATION

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a valve unit for a system for producing a medical preparation. In particular, the invention relates to a valve unit for a system used to fill, for example, infusion bags or syringes for parenteral nutrition. Background of the invention

[0002] Plants for the production of a medical preparation, in particular for the production of a preparation for parenteral nutrition, are used, for example, in pharmacies, compounding centers or clinics to fill a patient-specific preparation, in particular a mixture of various basic nutrients, trace elements and vitamins, if necessary also together with a medicinal product.

[0003] Such systems are also known as TPN compounders (TPN = Total Parenteral Nutrition). Systems known from practice and available on the market, such as the MultiComp® system from Fresenius, include a computer-controlled pump unit that transfers the components of the compound from various source containers to a target container located on a scale. At least in cases where a separate pump is not available for each source container, it is necessary to control the dosing from the various source containers via valves.

[0004] Document EP 1997471 A1 describes a device for the automatic preparation of a medication. Liquids are withdrawn from two containers, each associated with a valve, using a syringe and transferred to a target container.

[0005] The disadvantage is that providing valves is complex. Reusable valves are usually not an option due to their difficulty in cleaning. Object of the invention

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a valve unit for a system for producing a medical preparation, which is designed simply and compactly and which can be provided at a sufficiently low cost, in particular as a single-use component, as a so-called "disposable". Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is already achieved by a valve unit according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the respective dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0008] The invention relates to a valve unit for a system for producing a medicinal preparation. In particular, the valve unit can be attached to the system and removed again after use.

[0009] In particular, the invention relates to a valve unit for a system for preparing parenteral nutrition, i.e. a system with which ingredients from different source containers are supplied to a target container in a patient-specific composition.

[0010] The valve unit comprises a housing with a plurality of inlets, which can be connected to an outlet via valves. The target container is filled via the outlet.

[0011] The valve unit is designed in particular as a replaceable disposable component, preferably in the manner of a cassette, wherein the valves have engagement means for mechanical actuation for opening and closing.

[0012] By means of these engagement means, which are designed in particular as slots, the valves located in the housing can be actuated, in particular opened and closed, by means of a motor present on the system side.

[0013] Although several valves can be operated simultaneously, during system operation, only one valve is usually open at a time, meaning that liquid can only be drawn from one source tank. Thus, the various components from different source tanks are gradually transferred via the various inlets to fill the target tank.

[0014] According to the invention, the valves are designed at least as 3-way valves. It has been found that such a valve unit can be realized in a simple and compact design by using 3-way valves. The directional valve comprises at least two inlets and one outlet, so that two source containers can be connected to a single valve. According to the invention or preferably, at least some of the inlets are arranged laterally on the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, all inlets of the valve unit are arranged laterally on the housing. Preferably, the inlets are arranged on both sides of the housing. This can particularly improve the routing of hoses attached to the valve unit. The hoses are, for example, fewer angles. This results in a simpler fluid path.

[0015] In particular, valves designed as 3 / 3-way valves with a closed position, preferably a closed center position, are used. This allows a single valve to open and close the inlets of two source tanks.

[0016] The valves are preferably designed as plug valves.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the valves are arranged in at least two, preferably straight, rows. The valves in the rows are preferably offset from one another. Preferably, a valve in one row is arranged centrally relative to the opposite valves in the other row.

[0018] When viewed from above on the valve unit, the valves, and thus the engagement means for mechanical actuation, do not form an arrangement in which virtual straight lines connecting the valves intersect at a right angle.

[0019] Rather, the valves and thus the engagement means for mechanical actuation are preferably arranged according to the principle of hexagonal closest packing, but spaced apart from one another.

[0020] This allows the valves to be assembled more densely, which also enables a more compact design. This results in a reduced volume of the valve unit and thus a reduced dead volume.

[0021] The inlets of the valves, however, can be arranged in rows on the sides.

[0022] In one embodiment, each valve is assigned two lateral inlets. The two inlets are preferably arranged at different heights. They provide an upper inlet and a lower inlet. The upper inlet and the lower inlet are arranged, in particular, one above the other.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the inlets on one side are arranged in at least two, preferably straight, rows. Preferably, the inlets on one side are offset from the inlets on the other side. Preferably, two inlets of a valve are arranged centrally relative to the opposite inlets of the valves on the other side.

[0024] Preferably, the valves are adjacent to a channel in the housing of the valve unit, with an opening between the channel and an outlet of the valve. The channel preferably has openings leading laterally toward the valves.

[0025] The opening can be realized, for example, by the valve housing having a rotationally symmetrical shape within which the valve plug can rotate. Preferably, the valve housing is essentially circular-cylindrical. This circular-cylindrical shape overlaps with the channel in a top view, so that the opening and thus the outlet of the 3-way valve is formed at the intersection point.

[0026] The channel is in turn connected to the outlet of the valve unit, which serves to fill the target container.

[0027] Preferably, the channel has a constant diameter, at least in the area of ​​the valves. This results in the valves, which are preferably identical, also being connected to the channel via an opening of the same size, which in turn ensures identical conductance or flow resistance of the various valves when open.

[0028] The housing of the valve unit is preferably formed as an injection-molded component. The material of the valve housing is preferably the same as the valve plugs. For example, the material of the valve housing is copolyester.

[0029] The housing can in particular have a cuboid basic shape.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the housing is open and serves to accommodate the system-side drive means after the housing has been placed on the system.

[0031] The valves, in particular the valve housings used to accommodate the chicks, may be part of a plate of the housing.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the channel is arranged in a one-piece housing section, in particular in a one-piece housing.

[0033] The valve unit is preferably designed for single use as a so-called "disposable." Single use refers to a valve unit configuration in which it is not intended to be cleaned and reused.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, the inlets of the valve unit each comprise a hose, wherein hoses are or can be present in at least two diameters.

[0035] In particular, it is intended that the tubes of source containers for so-called micro-quantities, such as preparations containing trace elements, vitamins, or other media, which are added in small doses, be designed with a smaller inner diameter than those through which the main components, e.g., sugar solutions, fatty acids, or amino acids, are added. A thinner tube, for example, can have at least half the inner diameter of the larger tube.

[0036] One embodiment also provides for the use of hoses of different lengths. In particular, the thicker hoses for dosing the main components of the preparation are longer. Larger source containers can thus be suspended at a more remote location in the system, for example, on a pole. Smaller source containers can be positioned closer to the valve unit, further reducing the remaining quantities of these often more expensive preparation components when replacing the valve unit.

[0037] The valve unit has, in particular, a number of inlets that is an integer multiple of 2. Preferably, the valve unit comprises at least four, particularly preferably at least eight, most particularly preferably twelve inlets.

[0038] The valve unit can be mounted on the system. The housing of the valve unit can, in particular, include locking means for easy mounting on the system.

[0039] The valve unit can be removed from the system after use and preferably replaced with a new one. The aforementioned locking means are therefore designed to be releasable in this variant. The locking means are preferably releasable from one side of the valve unit, so that the locking mechanism can be released, for example, from the front, and the valve unit can be easily removed. This can be achieved, for example, by a collar that engages under a system-side form-locking element and a spring-loaded locking hook on the opposite side of the valve unit.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the valve unit comprises valves with plugs, in particular made of copolyester, which are preferably installed in the housing without lubricant. In one embodiment, the plugs are provided by a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0041] It has been found that a good sealing effect can be achieved in a very simple manner using essentially circular-cylindrical plugs which are pressed into a circular-cylindrical valve housing.

[0042] The plugs preferably have an engagement element on an underside, in particular a slot, via which the plugs can be actuated by a motor from the system via a valve control unit present on the system side.

[0043] In addition to the hoses and their connections, the valve unit can consist only of the housing and the plugs inserted into the housing and is thus simple and made up of just a few components.

[0044] The valve housing is preferably at least partially closed on its upper side so that the plug has or can have a stop in the direction of insertion. This prevents the plug from passing through the valve housing when the valve unit is assembled. Alternatively, the plug can be designed with two sections. It can have a lower section with a larger diameter and an adjacent upper section. The upper section preferably achieves the seal via a surface seal. The lower section can serve as a stop for assembly in the valve housing and in particular for providing the engagement element. Once the valve unit has been placed on the system as intended, the plug is secured in position in one direction by the stop and in the other direction by engagement means of the system's motor drive.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the plugs are snap-fastened into the valve housing. For this purpose, the plugs preferably have at least one web on an outer side of the casing. The valve housings provide a recess or projection for receiving the web. This design ensures that the plug does not unscrew from the cartridge due to the rotating movement and is thus securely inserted.

[0046] In a further development of the invention, the outlet of the valve unit is connected to a hose which, for example, comprises at least three sections, wherein a central section has a cross-section which is larger than the adjacent sections.

[0047] In particular, it is intended that the hose present at the outlet be used for a peristaltic pump, in particular a hose pump, such as a roller pump or finger pump, with the middle section being inserted into the pump. In such pumps, the medium is pumped by periodically compressing a hose. The enlarged cross-section of the middle hose section is selected so that it can be used for the peristaltic pump used. The cross-sections of the other two hose sections are preferably designed for the required flow rates.

[0048] The entire route from the source container to the connection to the destination container is designed as a disposable component. No components, such as pump parts, come into contact with the transferred media.

[0049] The invention further relates to a valve unit for a system for producing a medical preparation, in particular a valve unit having one or more of the above-mentioned features.

[0050] The valve unit also comprises a housing with a plurality of inlets, wherein the inlets can be connected to an outlet via valves.

[0051] According to the invention, the valves comprise plugs that are inserted into the housing. The valves are preferably simply pressed into the valve housings formed in the housing of the valve unit and are preferably snapped into place.

[0052] In one embodiment, the valves comprise plugs, wherein a fluid can be guided through a partially hollow interior of the plug in an open position.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the valve unit, the fluid is guided via at least two through holes formed in the plugs. The two through holes preferably extend through a longitudinal axis of the plugs.

[0054] The two through-holes each have an inlet and an outlet in a circumferential surface of the plugs, with the outlets of the two through-holes preferably being located at substantially the same height. In particular, the outlets of the two through-holes are preferably located at substantially the same height as the openings leading laterally from the channel to the valves.

[0055] The entrances of the two through holes, however, are preferably at different heights. They define an upper entrance and a lower entrance. The upper entrance is located above the two exits. The lower entrance is located below the two exits. The upper entrance of the upper through hole is preferably substantially at the same height as an upper inlet. The lower entrance of the other lower through hole is preferably substantially at the same height as a lower inlet.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inlets of a valve unit each comprise a hose which is inseparably connected to the housing, e.g. by welding or gluing.

[0057] An inseparable connection is a connection that cannot be separated without causing damage when used as intended.

[0058] This simplifies the use of the valve unit, as the user doesn't have to connect any hoses. It also increases safety, as connections can't be mixed up and individual hoses can't be reused in an unauthorized manner.

[0059] The valve unit is connected to the source containers via hoses. It is designed for filling, for example, a specific volume into a plurality of target containers or for use over a specific period of time. After a specified volume has flowed through and / or after a specified period of time has elapsed, the valve unit is removed and replaced with a new one.

[0060] The housing's outlet is also preferably inseparably connected to a hose through which the preparation is transferred to a target container. The connection can be designed in a similar way to the connection between the inlets and the hoses. Brief description of the drawings

[0061] The subject matter of the invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment based on the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 8.b be explained. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a plant for producing a medicinal preparation. Fig. 2 shows a perspective wire diagram of a valve unit according to the invention (without hoses). Fig. 3.a and 3.b show a view of the top and bottom of the valve unit. Fig. 3.c and 3.d each show a perspective view of the two side walls of the valve unit. Fig. 4.a and 4.b show a perspective sectional view of the valve unit along the longitudinal axis L ( Fig. 4.a ) and along the transverse axis Q ( Fig. 4.b ) out of Figure 2 . Fig. 5.a shows a view of the underside of the valve unit with plugs inserted. Fig. 5.bshows a perspective view of the corresponding system-side mount for the valve unit. Fig. 6.a and 6.g show different views of a plug to be inserted into the valve unit, in a view of the top ( Fig. 6.a ), in a side view rotated by about 90° ( Fig. 6.b to 6.d ), in a cutaway side view ( Fig. 6.e ), in a view of the underside (Fig. 6.f) and in another rotated cut-away side view ( Fig. 6.f ). Fig. 7.a and 7.c show a sectional view of the valve unit with inserted plugs in different valve positions: in closed position ( Fig. 7.a ) and in the open position with the upper passage opening open ( Fig. 7.b ) and with the lower passage opening open ( Fig. 7.c ). Fig. 8.a and 8.b are each a perspective view of the system-side mounting for several valve units without ( Fig. 8.a ) and with attached ( Fig. 8.b) valve units. Detailed description of the drawings

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a system 101 for producing a medical preparation in the form of parenteral nutrition preparation.

[0063] The system 101 has a modular design and comprises a main module 102. The main module 102 comprises a pump 109, which is preferably designed as a hose pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). Furthermore, the main module 102 comprises a scanner 112, with which recipe data, barcodes on target containers 106 and / or source containers 105 and / or associated hoses can be read.

[0064] The target container 106 itself is not shown, but only its position on the scale 103. On the top side of the main module 102, a receptacle 21 for a valve unit 1 is arranged. However, several valve units 1 can also be provided in a cascaded manner (see Fig. 8.a and 8.b) A valve unit can also be called a valve node.

[0065] In addition to the main module 102, the system 101 includes a scale module 103 and a display module 104. The scale module 103 includes a weighing pan 107 into which a target container 106 (not shown here) can be placed. The scale module 103 and the main module 102 are mounted on a base frame 111, which ensures a consistent position of the scale module 103 and the main module 102 relative to each other.

[0066] The gap between the scale module 103 and the main module 102 is partially spanned by the weighing pan 107, so that the connection of the target container 106 is located close to the top of the housing of the main module 102. Furthermore, the weighing pan 107 is inclined upwards relative to a horizontal plane toward the main module 102. This also brings the connection of the target container 106 close to the top of the main module 102. This reduces the length of a hose for connecting the target container 106 to the valve unit 1. The hoses are not shown in this view.

[0067] Also visible are rods 108 on which a plurality of source containers 105 are arranged. To operate the system 101, the source containers 105 are connected to the valve unit(s) 21 via hoses. The hose used to connect the target container 106 is guided through the peristaltic pump 109. The desired preparation can be transferred to the target container 106 via the valve unit, which here consists of the individual valve node 21, using the peristaltic pump 109 under computer control.

[0068] During a filling process, one of the valves 9 is opened, so that the pump 109 pumps liquid from a source container 105 into the target container 106 during a dosing step. The next valve 9 is then opened. Liquids are withdrawn from the various source containers 105 until the filling process is complete.

[0069] Preferably, only a single valve 9, which leads to a source container 105, is open during each individual dosing step. Therefore, liquid is preferably withdrawn from only one source container 105 at a time.

[0070] Fig. 2 and 3.a to 3.d show various representations of an embodiment of a valve unit 1, which is preferably designed as a disposable component. The valve unit 1 is preferably formed in one piece.

[0071] The valve unit 1 comprises a plastic housing 2. This can be designed in the form of a cassette. The housing 2 has a top side, a bottom side, a front side facing the outlet 5, and a back side facing the connection 7. The side walls are arranged on the sides. They are located between the front and back sides.

[0072] The cuboid-shaped housing 2 here comprises a plurality of inlets 3a-31 on each side. In this exemplary embodiment, twelve inlets 3a-31 are present, of which only the six inlets 3a to 3f are visible on one side. The valve unit 1 can also be designed with more or fewer inlets 3a-3l. The inlets 3a-3l are arranged essentially parallel to the top side of the housing 2 or (in the assembled state) parallel to the top side of the system 101. The inlets 3a-3l are arranged essentially horizontally.

[0073] The housing 2 preferably has a height of 2 to 6 cm, a width of 6 to 12 cm and a depth of 3 to 8 cm.

[0074] Two inlets each, in this embodiment, for example, the inlets 3a and 3b as well as the inlets 3c and 3d or 3e and 3f are each opened and closed via a single valve 9, here designed as a 3-way valve 9.

[0075] The illustrated embodiment of a valve unit 1 comprises six 3-way valves. Each inlet 3a - 3l is connected to a flexible hose 4 (not shown). In one embodiment, the hoses 4 are connected to the inlets 3a - 3l in such a way, preferably welded or glued, that they cannot be removed without damage. The hoses 4 can have a smaller or a larger diameter. The hoses 4 with a smaller diameter can be used for dosing micro-quantities.

[0076] A target container 106 (not shown) can be filled via an outlet 5 and a hose 6 (not shown here), with which the outlet 5 is also preferably inseparably connected.

[0077] In this embodiment, an additional connection 7 is provided on the side opposite the outlet 5. The valve unit 1 can be connected from both sides via the connection 7. An unused outlet 5 or connection 7 can simply be closed.

[0078] You can see in the illustration in Fig. 3.b in particular the locking hook 8, in order to be able to lock the valve unit 1 onto a system 101. On the opposite side, the housing 2 is held by a collar 19 that engages under a system-side form-locking element.

[0079] To remove the valve unit 1, the user only needs to pull upwards from the front on the handle 20 of the spring-loaded locking hook 8 and the locking mechanism is released so that the valve unit 1 can be removed.

[0080] The valves 9 can also be seen. The valve housing 14 of the valves 9 protrudes from the top of the housing 2. In the figure, only one valve 9 is marked with a reference symbol.

[0081] Preferably, the valves 9 are designed identically for each two inlets 3a - 3l, so that the following description of a valve 9 refers to all valves 9 of the valve unit 1.

[0082] The valve 9, designated here by reference numeral 9, serves to control the inlets 3a and 3b. The inlets 3a and 3b are arranged laterally on the housing 2. The inlets 3a and 3b are adjacent to one another. Here, they are located one above the other. Preferably, the valve housing 14 has 1.1 to 1.5 times the inner diameter of the inlet 3a, 3b. For example, the valve housing 14 has an inner diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 cm and / or the inlet 3a, 3b has an inner diameter of 0.25 cm to 0.75 cm.

[0083] Fig. 5.ashows a view of the underside of the valve unit with inserted plugs. The valves 9 each have a pressed-in plug 10, which includes a slot 11 that serves as an engagement element for a motor-operated drive (see the drivers 22 with the engagement elements 23 in Fig. 5.b and 8.a ).

[0084] The complete opening of an inlet 3a - 3l is achieved by approximately rotating the plug 10 from 45° to 70° or from >45° to 70°. Preferably, the complete opening of an inlet 3a - 3l is achieved by approximately one-sixth of a rotation of the plug 10, whereby one connection is opened when rotating in one direction and the other connection is opened when rotating in the other direction. The rotation to reach the two opening positions thus essentially occurs by + / - 60° relative to the closed center position. 3 / 3-way valves, preferably with a closed center position, are used.

[0085] The chicks 10 are arranged in a top view in the two straight rows a and b (see Fig. 5.a ), whereby the chicks 10 of row a are axially offset from the chicks 10 of row b relative to the respective opposite chicks.

[0086] The plugs 10 in row b are in the center position, meaning the corresponding valves 9 are closed. The middle plug in row a is also closed. The left plug 10 in row a, however, is turned approximately one-sixth of a turn to the right, and the lower inlet 3b is open. The right plug 10 in row a, however, is turned approximately one-sixth of a turn to the left, and the upper inlet 3a is open.

[0087] It is understood, however, that during operation of the system 101 for producing a medicinal preparation, generally only one valve 9 is open at a time during a dosing step. Specifically, the valve 9 is then only open to one of the inlets 3a to 3l.

[0088] It can be seen that the valve housing 14 is essentially formed from a preferably circular-cylindrical channel in or on the housing 2, which leads from the underside of the housing 2 into or onto the housing 2. The plugs 10 are pressed into the housing 2 or into the valve housing 14 via the underside of the housing 2. The plug 10 is also locked in the valve housing 14 via a snap connection. For this purpose, a web 17 formed on the outside of the plug 10 engages in a recess 14c in the inside of the valve housing 14. Alternatively, the web 17 can engage behind a projection 14c in the valve housing 14.

[0089] Towards the outside, each valve housing 14 comprises two openings 14a, 14b which each lead to the valve-side inlet 3a or 3b.

[0090] In two open positions of the plug 10, a fluid can pass through the plug 10 either from one inlet 3a via the opening 14a or from the other inlet 3b via the opening 14b and from the valve housing 14 via the opening 13 into a central channel 12. The openings 14a, 14b in this embodiment are essentially formed as round, preferably circular holes. They are preferably located at a height above and below the center of the central channel 12 (see in Fig. 4.b and 7.a ).

[0091] The circular cylindrical shape of the valve housing 14 overlaps in particular with the channel 12. The opening 13 of the valve housing 14 thus formed opens into the channel 12. The fluid can flow into the channel 12 through the opening 13.

[0092] Figure 4.apresents a perspective sectional view of the valve unit 1 along the longitudinal axis L. The channel 12 preferably has a substantially uniform cross-section, at least in the region of the valves 9. This ensures openings 13 of the same size for all valves 9, which in turn ensures an approximately identical conductance for all valves 9 in the open state. The openings 13 are substantially oval, preferably with the longer extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the housing 2.

[0093] Figure 4.b presents a perspective sectional view of the valve unit 1 along the transverse axis Q. Shown are the sectional views of the inlets 3e and 3f. They are arranged laterally on the housing 2. The inlets 3e and 3f extend from the housing outer side 2 to the valve housing 14.

[0094] They have a cross-section that tapers from the outside to the inside and open into the valve housing 14 via the openings 14a and 14b, respectively.

[0095] The respective inlet 3e or 3f can be connected to the central channel 12 of the valve unit 1 via the plug 10 pressed into the valve housing 14 (see the Figures 7.a to 7.c ) .

[0096] On the top side, the valve housing 14 can have a vent hole (not shown in the figures). In the present example, however, a recess 18 is provided in the top side of the plug 10 (see Fig. 6.g ). This recess 18 allows the air present in the valve housing 14 to escape when the plug 10 is pressed in.

[0097] Figures 7.a to 7.c are sectional views of a valve 9 in different positions.

[0098] In the view according to Fig. 7aThe plug 10 of valve 9 is initially in the closed position, preferably in the closed center position. The opening 13 between the channel 12 and the valve housing 13 is closed by the plug 10. This prevents fluid from entering the channel 12 via the inlet 3e and opening 14a or the inlet 3f and opening 14b. The valve 1 or the plug 10 is sealed against the valve housing 14 by a surface seal. The outer side of the plug 10 forms a sealing contact with the inner side of the valve housing 14.

[0099] Fig. 7bshows the valve 9 in a first open position. The upper through-opening 15 in the plug 10 connects the inlet-side opening 14a with the channel-side opening 12. During operation of the system 1, liquid can now be withdrawn from a source container 105 connected to the inlet 3e. In detail, the liquid flows from the inlet 3e via the opening 14a into the upper inlet 15a of the upper through-opening 15 in the plug 10. The liquid then flows into the channel 12 via the lower outlet 15b of the through-opening 15 and the channel-side opening 13. The fluid flow is indicated by the two arrows.

[0100] Fig. 7c now shows the valve 9 in a second open position. The illustration according to Fig. 7c corresponds Fig. 7b with the difference that the chick 10 is starting from the Fig. 7.ashown closed center position is rotated approximately one-sixth of a turn in the opposite direction. As shown in Fig. 7c As can be seen, the inlet 3f is now connected to the channel 12. The lower through-opening 16 in the plug 10 now connects the inlet-side opening 14b with the channel-side opening 12. During operation of the system 1, liquid can now be withdrawn from a source container 105 connected to the inlet 3f. In detail, the liquid flows from the inlet 3f via the opening 14b into the lower inlet 16a of the lower through-opening 16 into the plug 10. The liquid flows via the upper outlet 16b of the through-opening 16 and the channel-side opening 13 into the channel 12. The fluid flow is indicated by the two arrows.

[0101] Fig. 6.a and 6.g show different views of a plug 10 to be inserted into the valve unit 1.

[0102] On its underside, the plug 10 has a slot 11 as an engagement element for a drive (see also Fig. 5.a and 5.b ).

[0103] The plug 10 is at least partially or substantially circular-cylindrical in shape. It has an upper section 10-1 and a wider lower section 10-2. Preferably, the plug 10 has a height of 1 to 3 cm. The upper section 10-1 has a diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 cm and / or the lower section 10-2 has a diameter of 1 to 2 cm.

[0104] The plug 10 is pressed into the valve housing 14 with its upper section 10-1. The upper section 10-1 essentially provides the surface seal. The lower section 10-2, on the other hand, provides a stop during pressing. An annular elevation 17 is provided in the lower region of the upper section 10-1. This formed web 17, in conjunction with a projection 14c on or a recess 14c in the valve housing 14, provides a snap-in connection.

[0105] To release a channel in valve 9 when open, plug 10 includes two through-openings 15 and 16. Through-openings 15 and 16 extend through the center axis of plug 10. However, they do not intersect. They are separate from each other.

[0106] There is a first upper through-opening 15 with an upper inlet 15a and a second lower through-opening 16 with a lower inlet 16a. The outlet 15b of the upper through-opening 15 and the outlet 16b of the lower through-openings 16 are at the same height as the plug 10. Thus, by rotating the plug 10, either the upper through-opening 15 or the lower through-opening 16 can be connected to the channel 12 via the channel-side opening 13.

[0107] The exits 15b and 16b of the two through-openings 15 and 16 are each arranged offset by approximately 120° from one another in the casing of the plug 10. The entrances 15a and 16a of the two through-openings 15 and 16 are also each arranged offset by approximately 120° from one another in the casing of the plug 10. The through-openings 15 and 16 have a diameter of 2 to 5 mm.

[0108] Fig. 5.bis a perspective detailed view of a single system-side receptacle 21 for the valve unit 1.

[0109] The receptacle 21 comprises a base 25 and a protruding edge 24, which serves as a positive locking element for the locking hook 8 and the collar 19 of the valve unit 1. Furthermore, the receptacle 21 comprises drivers 22, which can be rotated by means of a motor on the system side.

[0110] The drivers 22 are arranged in two straight rows corresponding to the plugs 10, wherein the drivers 22 of one row are axially offset from the drivers 22 of the other row.

[0111] The drivers 22 comprise engagement elements 23 designed in the manner of a screwdriver, which, when the valve unit 1 is latched on, engage the slots 11 of the plugs 10. Thus, the plugs 10 can be rotated via the drivers 22 and the valves 9 can be actuated.

[0112] While Fig. 5.bshows a single receptacle 21 for fastening a single valve unit 1, whereas Figure 8.a an embodiment in which a plurality of receptacles 21 are provided for fastening a plurality of valve units 1. In detail, three receptacles 21 for mounting three valve units 1 are shown here as an example.

[0113] Finally, in Figure 8.b . illustrates the system-side receptacle 21 with attached valve units 1. The valve units 1 shown here serve only as illustrations and are not part of the present invention. The individual valve units 1 can be connected to one another via hoses 6 indicated here. This allows a system 1 to be operated with more than twelve source containers 15.

[0114] The invention makes it possible to provide a robust and reliable valve unit for a system for producing a medical preparation, for example for parenteral nutrition. List of reference symbols

[0115] 1 Valve unit 2 Housing 3a - 3l Inlet 4 Hose 5 Outlet 6 Hose 7 Connection 8 Snap hook 9 Valve 10 Plug 10-1 Upper section of the plug 10-2 Lower section of the plug 11 Slot 12 Channel 13 Opening (valve body - channel) 14 Valve body 14a Opening (upper inlet - valve body) 14b Opening (lower inlet - valve body) 14c Recess or projection (in the valve body) 15 (Upper) through-hole 15a (Upper) inlet of the upper through-hole 15b Exit of the upper through-hole 16 (Lower) through-hole 16a (Lower) inlet of the lower through-hole 16b Exit of the lower through-hole 17 Ridge or annular elevation on the plug casing 18 Recess or depression in the top of the plug 19 Collar in the valve body 20 Handle on the snap hook 21 Receptacle (for valve unit) 22 Carrier 23 Engagement element 24 Edge 25 Base 101 System 102 Main module 103 Scale module 104 Screen module 105 Source container 106 Destination container 107 Weighing pan 108 Rod109 Pump, peristaltic pump 111 Base frame 112 Scanner

Claims

1. A valve unit (1) for a system (101) for producing a medical preparation, in particular a preparation for parenteral nutrition, comprising a housing (2) with a plurality of inlets (3a-31) and an outlet (5), wherein the inlets (3a-31) can be connected to the outlet (5) via valves (9) which are designed as at least 3-way valves, wherein at least part of the inlets (3a-31) are arranged laterally on the housing (2), characterised in that at least two inlets (3a-31) are assigned to each of the valves (9), such that two source containers (105) can be connected to a single valve (9).

2. The valve unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the outlet (5) is connected to a channel (12) arranged in the housing (2), wherein the channel (12) has openings (13) leading off, preferably laterally, to the valves (9).

3. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (9) are designed as 3 / 3-way valves, preferably with a blocked middle position.

4. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve unit (1) has at least four, preferably at least eight and particularly preferably at least twelve inlets (3a-31).

5. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least two inlets (3a-31) are arranged at a different height and provide an upper inlet (3a, 3c, 3e, 3g, 3i, 3k) and a lower inlet (3b, 3d, 3f, 3h, 3j, 31).

6. The valve unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the upper inlet (3a, 3c, 3e, 3g, 3i, 3k) and the lower inlet (3b, 3d, 3f, 3h, 3j, 31) are each arranged one above the other.

7. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (9) have cock plugs (10) which are rotatably inserted into the housing (2), preferably without lubricant.

8. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (9) comprise cock plugs (10), wherein, in an open position, a fluid can be guided through a partially hollow interior of the cock plugs (10).

9. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, characterised in that the cock plugs (10) comprise at least two through holes (15, 16), via which, in an open position of the valve (9), a channel is formed between an inlet and the outlet of the valve (9), wherein the two through holes (15, 16) preferably extend through a longitudinal axis of the cock plugs (10).

10. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the cock plugs (10) are fastened so as to snap into a valve housing (14).

11. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the cock plugs (10) have on an outer side of a shell at least one web (17) and the valve housings (14) have a depression (14c) or a projection (14c) for receiving the web (17).

12. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the two through holes (15, 16) in a shell surface of the cock plugs (10) each have an entry (15a, 16a) and an exit (15b, 16b), wherein the entries (15a, 16a) of the two through holes (15, 16) are at a different height and define an upper entry (15a) and a lower entry (16a) and / or the exits (15b, 16b) of the two through holes (15, 16) are substantially at the same height.

13. The valve unit (1) according to the preceding claim 12, characterised in that the upper entry (15a) of the upper through hole (15) is substantially at the same height as the upper inlet (3a, 3c, 3e, 3g, 3i, 3k) and in that the lower entry (16a) of the lower through hole (16) is substantially at the same height as the lower inlet (3b, 3d, 3f, 3h, 3j, 31) and / or in that the exits (15b, 16b) of the two through holes (15, 16) are substantially at the same height as the opening (13) leading off laterally from the channel (12) to the valves (9).

14. The valve unit (1) for a system (101) for producing a medical preparation, in particular a preparation for parenteral nutrition, comprising a housing (2) with a plurality of inlets (3a-31) and an outlet (5), wherein the inlets (3a-31) can be connected to the outlet (5) via valves (9) which are designed as at least 3-way valves, wherein the valves (9) are each assigned at least two inlets (3a-31), such that two source containers (105) can be connected to a single valve (9), wherein the valves (9) have cock plugs (10) which are rotatably inserted into the housing (2) and wherein the cock plugs (10) comprise at least two through holes (15, 16), via which, in an open position of the valve (9), a channel is formed between an inlet and the outlet of the valve (9).

15. A system (101) for producing a medical preparation, in particular a system for producing parenteral nutrition, comprising a receptacle (21) for a valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims.