Pump device and pump assembly comprising at least one pump device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump device (112; 244) for a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product, comprising a pump drive device (124) and a pump head (126; 246; 248). The pump drive device (124) comprises a drive unit (132), a drive body (164) which can be rotated about a drive axis (158) by the drive unit, and a support body (136) for supporting directly or indirectly against a separating element (114), in particular a separating wall (117), wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a main part (184) for supporting on the separating element (114), a tube receiving area (202) for receiving a tube line (130) which guides the product, a pump actuator (210) for acting on the tube, and an output body (220) which can be rotated about an output axis (218) and which is operatively connected to the pump actuator (210), and the pump drive device (124) and the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be supported on separating element (114) faces facing away from each other. The drive body (164) and the output body (220) comprise a respective magnet assembly (176, 230) with magnet elements (178, 232) which interact in order to transmit a drive force of the drive unit (132) to the pump actuator (210) through the separating element (114). The invention additionally relates to a pump assembly (112; 244) comprising at least one pump device (112; 244).

Description

[0001] PUMPING DEVICE AND PUMPING ARRANGEMENT WITH AT LEAST ONE PUMPING DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a pumping device for a particularly pharmaceutical product, which comprises a pump drive device and a pump head.

[0003] Such a pumping device is used, for example, in a machine for processing liquid pharmaceutical products. The product is conveyed through a hose line and fed to a filling station, where the product is filled into pharmaceutical containers, such as vials, syringes, cartridges, or ampoules, using needle-shaped filling elements. Very high hygiene standards apply when processing pharmaceutical products, for example with regard to sterility, cleanability, material abrasion, etc. Therefore, pumping devices are usually located in a cleanroom where the hygiene standards can be maintained. However, handling pumping devices in a cleanroom is difficult because the cleanroom is not accessible or is difficult to access. For this reason, modifications, maintenance, or adjustments are time-consuming and disrupt the production chain.

[0004] When processing toxic or even highly toxic products, there is also a risk of contamination of the pumping device due to improper handling or a technical defect, which could cause the product to undesirably escape from the hose line and come into contact with the pumping device.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a pumping device for a pharmaceutical product in particular, with which hygiene standards can be maintained more easily with preferably simplified handling. This object is achieved by a pumping device according to the invention for a pharmaceutical product in particular, which comprises a pump drive device and a pump head, wherein the pump drive device comprises a drive unit, a drive body rotatably driven by the drive unit about a drive axis, and a support body for supporting directly or indirectly on a separating element, in particular a partition wall, wherein the pump head comprises a base body for supporting the separating element, a hose receptacle for receiving a hose line carrying the product, a pump actuator for acting on the hose, and an output body rotatable about an output axis, which output body is operatively connected to the pump actuator.wherein the pump drive device and the pump head can be supported on opposite sides of the separating element, and wherein the drive body and the driven body comprise a respective magnet arrangement with magnet elements which cooperate to transmit a drive force of the drive unit to the pump actuator through the separating element.

[0006] The pump device according to the invention comprises, in particular, two components, namely a pump drive unit and a pump head. During the intended use of the pump device, which will be discussed below, the pump drive unit and the pump head are spaced apart from one another, with a separating element, for example a partition wall, being arranged between them. The separating element can optionally be a component of the pump device. During the intended use, the pump drive unit and the pump head can be supported, in particular, directly or indirectly, on opposite sides of the separating element. A driving force can be transmitted through the separating element via the magnet arrangements of the drive body and the driven body.

[0007] The present invention takes into account the consideration that when processing pharmaceutical products, especially toxic or highly toxic products, it is desirable to position as few components as possible in a chamber of the filling machine, wherein the chamber in particular forms a clean room. The present invention offers the possibility of positioning the pump drive device outside the chamber and the pump head inside the chamber, wherein the wall of the chamber forms the separating element. The zone separation between the clean room and the outside of the chamber can be ensured in a structurally simple manner in this way, and in the pump device, a zone separation is also achieved to a certain extent. The pump drive device can, for example, be arranged outside the chamber so that it is easily accessible for maintenance purposes, including connecting cables.The pump head for conveying the product is located inside the chamber and houses the tubing through which the product is conveyed by the pump actuator. The driving force can be transmitted through the wall thanks to the magnetic force.

[0008] The invention further offers the advantage that in the event of possible contamination by escaping product, only the pump head is affected, whereas the pump drive device remains undamaged.

[0009] It is advantageous to design the pump head for single use, for processing a specific product. When changing products, the pump head can be replaced with a different type, for example.

[0010] Advantageously, the pumping device can be used in any orientation with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0011] It can prove advantageous if the pump head can be secured to the pump drive unit through the separating element via the interacting magnetic elements. Thus, the magnetic arrangements not only offer the possibility of transmitting the drive force to the pump actuator, but also of exerting a holding force on the pump head.

[0012] In particular, it is preferably provided that the pump head is free of any connection to the separating element and can be held in position on the separating element solely by means of the magnetic elements. This makes it possible to achieve a structurally simple design in which connecting elements for connecting the pump head to the separating element can be omitted. The magnetic arrangements thus drive both the pump actuator and hold the pump head, thereby ensuring the connection between the pump drive device and the pump head through the separating element. Preferably, it is even possible to hold the pump device in this embodiment on a vertically aligned separating element, with the pump drive device and the pump head, for example, projecting horizontally from the separating element.

[0013] The magnet arrangements are designed, for example, as multipole arrangements, wherein the drive body and the output body, with the drive axis and output axis aligned, can be coupled to one another in a plurality of relative angular positions with respect to the axes. This facilitates, for example, the handling of the pumping device. Relative to the axes, the magnetic elements are arranged on the drive body and the output body in such a way that more than one relative position can be assumed by these two bodies in order to ensure coupling. For example, two or more relative positions are conceivable. In an exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the type and arrangement of the magnetic elements on the drive body and the output body are repeated over a respective angular distance of 120°, 90°, 72° or 60°, so that, for example, three, four, five orSix relative angular positions are possible in which the drive body and the output body can be coupled to each other. Other angular distances than those mentioned here as examples are conceivable.

[0014] It may be advantageous if the pump head can be mounted on the pump drive device via the magnet arrangements in any angular position relative to the axes, through the separating element, with the drive and output axes aligned. For example, it is conceivable that, with a suitable alignment of the axes, the pump head only needs to be "docked" onto the separating element, and both the mounting and the transmission of the drive force are ensured by the magnetic engagement of the magnet arrangements. Any orientation of the pump head is desirable in this case, with a view to a particularly versatile use of the pump device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnet arrangements are each designed as Halbach arrays of magnetic elements. Practical experience has shown that this ensures reliable coupling of the magnet arrangements to one another.

[0016] It is advantageous if the pump head has a pharmaceutical-compatible design, especially for use in a clean room with toxic or highly toxic pharmaceutical products.

[0017] Advantageously, the pump head can be non-destructively washed with a cleaning fluid, particularly water. The invention preferably enables WIP (washing-in-place) applications. For example, between individual production cycles, a chamber accommodating the pump head is cleaned by washing it with a cleaning fluid. The pump head can be washed with the chamber and does not need to be removed from the chamber. This facilitates handling and helps keep downtime as short as possible.

[0018] Advantageously, the pump head can be sterilized non-destructively, for example in a steam sterilization chamber and / or by radiation sterilization.

[0019] The pump head can, for example, comprise a shaft that is non-rotatably connected to the output body and the pump actuator. The shaft, which defines the output axis, can transmit the power from the output body to the pump actuator.

[0020] Preferably, the output body and / or the shaft are rotatably mounted on the base body via at least one bearing element about the output axis. This ensures long-lasting, reliable operation of the pump head. The use of a rolling bearing and / or a plain bearing is conceivable. For example, a radial deep groove ball bearing is used. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing element surrounds the output body and is supported on a shoulder of the base body.

[0021] It can be advantageous if the base body comprises or forms a frame and / or a base wall which, facing the pump drive device, forms an edge which can be placed against the separating element, wherein the frame encloses a receiving space which accommodates the output body. The base body can be supported on the separating element via the edge and / or the base wall. The output body is arranged within the frame. Preferably, the frame is closed around the entire circumference around the receiving space, whereby the output body is protected from external influences. The base wall can, for example, close off the receiving space facing the separating element. The edge and / or the base wall is preferably designed to be planar, for a flat fit against the separating element.

[0022] The base body advantageously comprises a cover element that covers the receiving space on the side of the pump actuator, wherein the output body or a shaft connected to the output body passes through a through-opening of the cover element and is connected to the pump actuator on the side of the frame facing away from the receiving space. The cover element, for example, separates the output body from the spatial area on the base body on or in which the pump actuator and the hose line are arranged. This preferably makes it possible to limit contamination to this spatial area in the event of escaping product and to prevent contamination of the output body. The cover element is designed, for example, as a ceiling wall that extends over the entire opening of the frame.

[0023] Preferably, at least one sealing element is provided for sealing between the cover element and the frame.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, at least one sealing element is preferably provided for sealing between the output body or the shaft and the edge of the through opening.

[0025] It is advantageous if the driven body is spaced from a bottom wall of the base body or, when the pump head is in contact with the separating element, from the separating element by a gap. This can be achieved, for example, by the driven body remaining behind relative to a contact plane of the base body defined by the aforementioned edge, or by providing the gap between the driven body and the bottom wall. This allows the driven body to rotate frictionlessly without contact with the separating wall or the bottom wall. The gap is preferably narrow, in particular less than approximately 2 mm, preferably less than approximately 1 mm.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the output body has a receiving element facing the separating element, which comprises a plurality of receptacles for the magnetic elements, and a connecting element connected to the receiving element, which is directly or indirectly connected to the pump actuator. This preferably offers the possibility of structurally simple adaptation or scaling of the pump device. For example, various receiving elements can be provided, which differ from one another with regard to the magnet arrangement and can be used, for example, for different applications of the pump device—particularly with separating elements of different thicknesses.

[0027] The connecting element is connected, for example, to the aforementioned shaft, in particular via a clamping set. Alternatively, the connecting element can be connected directly to the pump actuator, for example.

[0028] Advantageously, the receiving element is detachably connected to the connecting element and can be detached from the connecting element, preferably from the side facing away from the connecting element. This allows for easy access to the receiving element.

[0029] The magnetic elements are advantageously arranged in the receptacles in a form-fitting manner and are held therein in particular by pressing and / or by gluing.

[0030] To protect the magnetic elements, it can be provided that they are covered by a cover element on at least one side and preferably two sides of the receptacles.

[0031] The receiving element and / or the connecting element are advantageously designed in a disc-shaped or annular manner, with the magnetic elements arranged in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. With an annular design, the mass of the output body can be kept relatively low. The arrangement of the magnetic elements in the circumferential direction of the output shaft on the ring allows for a sufficiently high torque to be achieved with a compact design.

[0032] The configuration of the pump drive device in a preferred embodiment of the invention is discussed below.

[0033] The pump drive device preferably comprises a shaft rotatably mounted on the support body via at least one bearing element, which is connected to the drive body in a rotationally fixed manner and is coupled to a drive shaft of the drive unit via a coupling element or is enclosed by the drive unit. For example, the support body forms a single- or multi-part block with at least one bearing element for reliable support of the shaft. The shaft can be the drive shaft of the drive unit or formed separately from it.

[0034] For example, two axially spaced bearing elements are provided for particularly reliable support of the shaft.

[0035] The at least one bearing element can be or comprise a rolling bearing or, alternatively, a plain bearing. A radial deep groove ball bearing and / or an angular contact ball bearing can be used as a rolling bearing, for example.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support body is directly fixed or can be fixed to the separating element.

[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support body is indirectly secured or can be secured to the separating element via at least one retaining part, and can thus be indirectly supported on the separating element. For example, the retaining part is firmly connected to the separating element and offers the possibility of connecting the support body. The retaining part can be connected to the separating element, for example, by screwing. In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the retaining part and the support body is made by screwing.

[0038] Preferably, the support body is releasably secured or fixable to the holding part in the case of indirect attachment to the separating element, or to the separating element in the case of direct attachment. This offers the possibility of easy assembly or disassembly, for example, for maintenance purposes. It is also conceivable for the holding part to provide a universal platform for various pump drive devices that can be optionally connected to the separating element.

[0039] The at least one holding part is or comprises, for example, a base against which the support body rests and which is connected to the separating element, wherein the drive body is positioned laterally next to the at least one holding part and protrudes beyond an end of the support body facing away from the drive unit. When disassembling the support body from the at least one holding part, the drive body can thus be easily accessed, for example for maintenance purposes. For example, two or more holding parts are provided, between which the output body is positioned and thus better protected against external influences.

[0040] It can be provided that the support body comprises or forms a flange on a side facing away from the drive body and rests against a housing of the drive unit via this flange, wherein a shaft of the pump drive device runs in a through-opening of the support body. The drive unit is connected to the flange, for example, detachably, whereby the components of the pump drive device are versatile in use. For example, different drive units can be combined with the same support body as required. The shaft of the drive unit, the aforementioned coupling element, and the shaft connected to the drive body are arranged within the through-opening, for example.

[0041] Advantageously, the drive body is spaced from the separating element by a gap when the pump drive device is connected to the separating element. The advantage of such a configuration has already been discussed in connection with the pump head. A contact plane defined by at least one holding part or support body, for example, protrudes beyond the drive body, which remains behind the contact plane.

[0042] The gap is advantageously less than about 2 mm, more preferably less than about 1 mm wide.

[0043] The drive body can preferably comprise a receiving element facing the separating element, which comprises a plurality of receptacles for the magnetic elements, and a connecting element connected to the receiving element, which is coupled to the drive unit and, in particular, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft. The advantage and preferred embodiments of the receiving element and the connecting element have already been discussed in connection with the output body. Reference is made to the above explanations.

[0044] The receiving element is advantageously detachably connected to the connecting element and can be detached from the connecting element, preferably from the side facing away from the connecting element.

[0045] The magnetic elements are arranged, for example, in a form-fitting manner in the receptacles and are held therein in particular by pressing and / or gluing.

[0046] A cover element can be provided on at least one side to close the receptacles and cover the magnetic elements, preferably two cover elements.

[0047] The receiving element and / or the connecting element is preferably disc-shaped or ring-shaped, wherein the magnetic elements are arranged in the circumferential direction of the drive axis.

[0048] It can be provided that the receiving elements of the drive body and the output body are designed as identical parts. This simplifies the construction of the pumping device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pumping device is a peristaltic pump, wherein the hose receptacle comprises a groove-shaped recess for the hose line, and wherein the pump actuator is arranged within the hose receptacle and comprises at least one pressing element which, upon rotation about the output axis, is in squeezing engagement with the hose line. For example, the hose line is inserted into a groove-shaped recess running about the output axis, wherein the pump actuator is arranged radially within the hose line. Upon rotation of the pump actuator, the at least one pressing element squeezes the hose line and thereby conveys the product.

[0049] The pump actuator may comprise a plurality of pressure elements. The pressure elements are advantageously spaced from each other by equal angular distances relative to the output axis.

[0050] The at least one pressure element is, for example, a roller body which is rotatably mounted on a rotor of the pump actuator about an axis of rotation aligned parallel to the output axis.

[0051] Advantageously, the pump actuator and / or the hose receptacle are detachably mounted on the pump head. This allows the pump actuator and / or the hose receptacle to be replaced, depending on the application and requirements, without having to replace the entire pumping device or even the entire pump head.

[0052] The pumping device can be, for example, a single-hose pump or a multi-hose pump (e.g., a dual-hose pump). For this purpose, the hose receptacle can be designed to accommodate one hose or two or more hoses, whereby the hoses can be inserted one above the other in the axial direction, for example, in the pump head.

[0053] The pump head can, for example, comprise a cover body that can be moved from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. In the closed position, the cover body covers the pump actuator and / or the hose receptacle and, in the open position, exposes it. During use, the cover body assumes the closed position, in particular, to protect the hose receptacle and the pump actuator. For example, to replace the pump actuator and / or the hose receptacle, the cover body can be moved to the open position. Advantageously, the cover body can be opened and closed manually and / or without tools.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pumping device can comprise a plurality of pump heads that can be selectively coupled to the pump drive device. This provides the pumping device with a high degree of versatility, with the pump heads, in particular, being able to differ from one another to enable adaptation of the pumping device to specific applications. The respective pump head can be coupled to the pump drive device via the magnet arrangement, in particular through the separating element.

[0055] According to the above, the pumping device according to the invention can in particular comprise at least one pump head, wherein a plurality of pump heads is conceivable.

[0056] Different pump heads can, for example, allow the pumping device to be configured as a single-hose pump or a multi-hose pump. Alternatively, a pump head can be converted from a single-hose pump to a multi-hose pump by replacing the hose receptacle and / or the pump actuator.

[0057] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a pump arrangement.

[0058] The object of the invention is to provide a pump arrangement for use in a machine, in particular a filling machine for pharmaceutical products or as a component of such a machine.

[0059] This object is achieved by a pump arrangement according to the invention, comprising a chamber which comprises a wall forming the separating element and an interior space enclosed therefor, and at least one pump device of the type described above, wherein the pump drive device is arranged outside the chamber and is fixed to the wall, and wherein the pump head is arranged in the interior space and is operatively connected to the pump drive device via the magnetic elements.

[0060] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the pumping device according to the invention can also be achieved with the pumping arrangement according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the pumping arrangement according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the pumping device according to the invention. Reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0061] The chamber can, in particular, be a cleanroom chamber, with the interior having a higher degree of sterility than the surrounding exterior. For example, when filling pharmaceutical substances, the cleanroom chamber can be classified as cleanroom class A according to Annex 1 of the EC GMP Guidelines.

[0062] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:

[0063] Figure 1: a schematic representation of a filling machine for pharmaceutical products, comprising a pump arrangement according to the invention with pump devices according to the invention;

[0064] Figure 2: a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pumping device according to the invention;

[0065] Figure 3: a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in Figure 2 in a partial representation of the pumping device;

[0066] Figure 4: an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 3; Figure 5: a view corresponding to Figure 4, the section plane being taken along line 5-5 in Figure 3;

[0067] Figure 6: an exploded view of the pumping device from Figure 2 in a partial view;

[0068] Figure 7: perspective views of receiving bodies and cover elements of the pumping device from Figure 2; and

[0069] Figure 8: a schematic representation of a pumping device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a filling machine, designated overall by reference numeral 100. The filling machine 100 is intended for processing schematically illustrated pharmaceutical containers 102. The containers 102 are, for example, vials, syringes, cartridges, or ampoules.

[0071] The filling machine 100 comprises a plurality of processing stations 104, which in the present case include, in particular, a filling station 106. At the filling station 106, the containers 102 are filled with a pharmaceutical product in liquid form. For this purpose, the filling station 106 comprises, for example, needle-shaped filling elements 108.

[0072] For supplying the product, the filling machine 100 comprises a pump assembly 110 according to the invention, in the present preferred embodiment. The pump assembly 110, in turn, comprises at least one pump device 112 according to the invention. In the present case, for example, four pump devices 112 are provided, although this number is not limiting.

[0073] The pump assembly 110 further comprises a separating element 114. The separating element 114 is formed in the present case by a wall 116 on the filling machine 100. The wall 116 encloses an interior space 118 in which processing stations 104 are arranged and which separates an exterior space 120 from the interior space 118. The pump assembly 110 comprises, in the manner described above, a chamber 122 with the wall 116 and the interior space 118. In the present case, the chamber 122 is a cleanroom chamber (for example, with cleanroom class A) that has a higher degree of sterility than the exterior space 120.

[0074] The filling machine 100 is designed and configured, for example, for processing toxic or highly toxic pharmaceutical products, which are subject to very strict hygiene requirements. It is therefore desirable that the products do not escape outside the chamber 122. If product leaks out, any damage should be limited, if possible, to components of the filling machine 100 located within the chamber 122.

[0075] The wall 116 is made, for example, of a pharmaceutical-grade material, particularly stainless steel. Preferably, the wall thickness of the wall 116 is approximately 1 to 3 mm.

[0076] The design of the pump device 112 according to the invention will be discussed below.

[0077] The pump device 112 comprises a pump drive device 124 and a pump head 126. The pump device 112 is designed such that the pump head 126 is spatially separated from the pump drive device 124 and is, however, operatively connected to the latter via magnet arrangements explained below when the pump device 112 is used as intended.

[0078] The pump head 126 is designed overall to be pharmaceutically acceptable and is preferably non-destructively sterilizable and / or washable with a cleaning fluid, in particular water.

[0079] The pump head 126 is arranged in the interior space 118 and, as explained below, rests against the wall 116, which forms a partition 117 between the pump head 126 and the pump drive device 124. A storage container 128, for example in the form of a bag, for storing the product to be filled is arranged in the interior space 118. The product is fed to the pump head 126 via a fluid line, here configured as a hose line 130. The product is conveyed by the pump device 112 to a respective filling element 108 and filled there.

[0080] The pumping device 112 is a peristaltic pump in which the product is pumped by squeezing the hose line 130.

[0081] The pump drive device 124 is arranged in the outer space 120 and serves to drive the pump head 126 by means of a drive unit 132, which is in particular electrically designed. Connecting lines 134 are laid in the outer space 120 in a manner that is advantageous from a hygiene perspective and is preferably easily accessible.

[0082] In the present case, the pump drive device 124 comprises a support body 136 for supporting it indirectly on the partition wall 117 and for fastening the drive unit. The support body has, for example, a central through-opening 138. In the present case, the support body 138 has a rectangular cross-section, but it could also be of a different type.

[0083] Facing a drive motor 140 of the drive unit 132, the support body 136 comprises a flange 142 against which the drive motor 140 rests. A connection is made, for example, by screwing.

[0084] The support body 136 comprises two segments 144, 146 in the present case. The first segment 144 comprises the flange 142. In the direction of the partition wall 117, the first segment 144 is connected to the second segment 146 forming a bearing block 148.

[0085] The support body 136 rests on at least one holding part 150 via the bearing block 148. In the present case, two holding parts 150 spaced apart from one another are provided.

[0086] The holding parts 150 each form bases 152 on which the support body 136 rests and via which it is indirectly supported on the partition wall 117. A connection between the support body 136 and the holding part 150 is made, for example, by screwing. In particular, the connection is preferably detachable in order to detach the pump drive device 124 from the partition wall 117, whereby the holding parts 150 can remain connected to the partition wall 117. The connection of the holding parts 150 to the partition wall 117 is made, for example, by screwing.

[0087] A receiving space 154 is formed between the holding parts 150.

[0088] The drive unit 132 comprises a drive shaft 156 defining a drive axis 158. In the present embodiment, the drive shaft 156 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner via a coupling element 160 to a shaft 162 mounted on the bearing block 148 for rotation about the drive axis 158.

[0089] The shaft 162 is in turn connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive body 164 of the pump drive device 124, so that the drive body 164 as a whole can rotate about the drive axis 158 by means of the drive motor 140. Reference numeral 166 denotes a clamping set for connecting the shaft 162 to the drive body 164.

[0090] At least one bearing element is provided to support the shaft 162, in this case two axially spaced-apart bearing elements 168, 170. The bearing element 168 is, for example, an angular contact ball bearing and, in this case, faces the drive motor 140. The bearing element 170 is, for example, a radial deep groove ball bearing and, in this case, faces the partition wall 117.

[0091] As can be seen in particular from Figures 5 to 7, the drive body 164 in the present case is designed in several parts.

[0092] The drive body 164 comprises a receiving element 172 on the side facing the partition wall 117 and a connecting element 174 on the side facing the drive motor 140. The connecting element 174 is connected to the shaft 162 via the clamping set 166. The connection between the receiving element 172 and the connecting element 174 is achieved, for example, by screwing. The connection is preferably detachable so that the receiving element 172 can be separated from the connecting element 174 if necessary. This may be desirable, for example, for maintenance purposes and / or adapting the pump device 112 to different tasks.

[0093] The receiving element 172 and the connecting element 174 are both annular and coaxially aligned with each other.

[0094] The receiving element 172 serves to receive a magnet arrangement 176 comprising a plurality of magnetic elements 178. The magnetic elements 178 are arranged radially on the outside of the receiving element 172 and positioned in receptacles 180 formed there. Fixation can be achieved, for example, by pressing and / or gluing.

[0095] Cover elements 182 (Figure 7) are preferably provided, with which the magnetic elements 178 are covered in the receptacles 180. In the present case, cover elements 182 are provided axially on both sides of the receptacle element 172.

[0096] The magnetic elements 178 form a so-called Halbach array, so that the magnetic arrangement 176 is a multipole arrangement of magnetic elements 178.

[0097] As further shown in Figure 7, the pattern of the magnetic elements 178 is repeated in the circumferential direction around the drive axis 158. In the present case, four repetitions are provided, so that a total of five identical arrangements of magnetic elements 178 are provided, each with an angular spacing of 72° with respect to the drive axis 158.

[0098] The magnetic elements 178 are arranged as follows: Starting with a first magnetic element 178 with its north and south poles oriented in the axial direction, another magnetic element 178 follows in the circumferential direction, with the north and south poles oriented in the circumferential direction. The following magnetic element 178 has its polarity reversed axially relative to the first magnetic element 178, and the fourth magnetic element 178 has its polarity reversed circumferentially relative to the second magnetic element 178.

[0099] As is particularly clear from Figures 3 to 6, the pump head 126 comprises a base body 184. The base body 184 in the present case has a first section 186, which has a substantially cuboid-shaped outer contour, and a second section 188. The section 188 protrudes from the section 186 in the direction away from the partition wall 117. The section 186 forms a frame 190. The frame 190 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and encloses a receiving space 192, which is closed on the side facing the partition wall 117 by a bottom wall 191.

[0100] Facing the partition wall 117, the frame 190 comprises an edge 194. Via the bottom wall 191 and the edge 194, the base body 184 rests against the partition wall 117, in the present case flat.

[0101] The receiving space 192 is closed at a distance from the bottom wall 191. For this purpose, the pump head 126 has a cover element 196. In the present case, the cover element 196 forms an upper end of the section 186 (Figure 3).

[0102] A sealing element 198, for example in the form of an O-ring, seals between the cover element 196 and the frame 190.

[0103] A central through-opening 200 is formed in the cover element 196.

[0104] On the side of the base body 184 facing away from the receiving space 192, a hose receptacle 202 for receiving the hose line 130 is arranged. The hose receptacle 202 comprises a groove-shaped recess 204 into which the hose line 130 can be inserted, preferably in a form-fitting manner, to form a loop. For this purpose, the hose receptacle 202 forms a frame 206 with an insertion opening 208 for the hose line 130. The hose receptacle 202 can be placed on the section 186 and positioned laterally next to the projecting section 188.

[0105] A pump actuator 210 of the pump head 126 is arranged radially within the hose receptacle 202. The pump actuator 210 comprises a rotor 212 and at least one pressure element 214 held thereon. In the present case, four pressure elements 214 are provided, arranged at equal angular spacing from one another.

[0106] A respective pressure element 214 is cylindrical and is rotatably mounted on the rotor 212 about a rotation axis 216.

[0107] The axis 216 is aligned parallel to an output axis 218 of the pump head 126. During proper use of the pump device 112, the output axis 218 is aligned with the drive axis 158 (Figures 4 and 5).

[0108] The pump actuator 210 is rotatable about the output shaft 218, as explained below. The pressure elements 214 are in squeezing engagement with the hose line 130 to convey the pharmaceutical product therethrough.

[0109] To transmit a drive force from the drive body 164 to the pump actuator 210, the pump head 126 includes an output body 220 that is operatively connected to the pump actuator 210. In the present case, the output body 220 is rotationally fixedly connected to a shaft 222 defining the output axis 218. The shaft 222, in turn, is rotationally fixedly connected to the pump actuator 210.

[0110] A sealing element 223, in this case a shaft seal, seals between the shaft 222 and the edge of the through opening 200.

[0111] As can be seen particularly from Figures 3 to 5, the output body 220 in the present example has a receiving element 224 and a connecting element 226. The connecting element 226 is connected to the shaft 222, for example, via a clamping set 228. The receiving element 224 and the connecting element 226 are preferably detachably connected to one another, for example by screwing, and in this case are aligned coaxially with one another.

[0112] In functional terms, the output body 220 is designed similarly to the drive body 164. In particular, the receiving elements 224 and 172 are functionally identical parts, so that reference can be made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0113] In the output body 220, the receiving element 224 is also provided for receiving a magnet assembly 230 with magnetic elements 232. Regarding their configurations and arrangements in the receiving element 224, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0114] The connecting element 226 is ring-shaped, corresponding to the connecting element 174.

[0115] A bearing element 234 of the pump head 126 is provided to support the output body 220 on the base body 184. In the present case, a radial deep groove ball bearing is used as the bearing element 234, which surrounds the connecting element 226 in a ring-shaped manner and is supported on a shoulder of the frame 190.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, the shaft 222 may be rotatably mounted relative to the base body 184 via a bearing element.

[0117] The output body 220 is arranged in the receiving space 192. The frame 190 surrounds the receiving space 192 along its entire outer circumference. The output body 220 is protected from external influences by the frame 190 and the bottom wall 191.

[0118] Compared to the pump actuator 210, the output body 220 is protected by the cover element 196 and the sealing element 198. If the hose line 130 is damaged, the pharmaceutical product preferably does not enter the receiving space 192, so that the pump head 126 advantageously does not have to be completely disposed of. For example, only the hose receptacle 202 and the pump actuator 210 can be disposed of and replaced with new components.

[0119] During intended use of the pump device 112, the pump drive mechanism 124 rests against the partition wall 117. A gap 236 is formed between the partition wall 117 and the receiving element 172. The width of the gap 236 is preferably less than 1 mm. Due to the gap 236, friction between the receiving element 172 and the partition wall 117 is avoided.

[0120] The contact plane of the pump drive device 124 for engagement with the partition wall 117 is defined by the holding parts 150.

[0121] In a corresponding manner, the base body 184 is supported on the partition wall 117 via the edge 194 and the bottom wall 191 on the side facing away from the pump drive device 124. A gap 236 is also provided between the bottom wall 191 and the receiving element 224 to prevent friction.

[0122] When used as intended, the drive force of the drive motor 140 is transmitted to the output body 220 via the drive shaft 156, the shaft 162, and the drive body 164. For this purpose, the magnet assemblies 176 and 230 interact without contact through the partition wall 117.

[0123] The zone separation between the sterile interior 118 and the less sterile exterior 120 caused by the partition wall 117 is implemented in the pump device 112 in such a way that the pump head 126 is spatially separated from the pump drive device 124, but a drive force can still be transmitted.

[0124] The drive force is transmitted to the pump actuator 210 via the output body 220 and the shaft 222.

[0125] The drive body 164 and the output body 220 can be coupled to each other in a plurality of relative angular positions with respect to the axes 158, 218, since the arrangements of the magnetic elements 178, 232 repeat periodically in the circumferential direction of the axes 158, 218. In the present case, there are five such relative angular positions.

[0126] Reference numerals 237 indicate schematically illustrated sensor elements for detecting the angular position of the output body 220 about the output axis 218 (Figures 3 and 4). One sensor element 237 may be sufficient. The illustration is only symbolic. The sensor elements 237 do not impede the rotation of the drive body 164. For example, a magnetic element can be accommodated in the output body 220, which can be detected by a sensor element 237 to determine the angular position.

[0127] A further particular advantage of the invention is that the magnet arrangements 176, 230 not only enable the transmission of the drive force, but also the mounting of the pump head 126 through the partition wall 117 on the pump drive device 124. In particular, no connecting elements are provided to secure the pump head 126 to the partition wall 117. This not only enables a simple structural design of the pump device 112, but also improved handling.

[0128] For example, the pump drive device 124 can remain mounted on the partition 117, while the pump head 126 can simply be detached from the partition 117, for example, for cleaning and maintenance purposes, against the magnetic force. Conversely, the pump head 126 can be "docked" to the partition 117 in the interior for easy handling when the magnet assemblies 176, 230 come into magnetic engagement with each other. This simply and easily aligns the pump head 126 in the correct desired position.

[0129] As can be seen particularly from Figures 2, 3, and 6, the pump head 126 comprises a cover body 238. The cover body 238 forms a lid 240, which, in a closed position, covers the hose receptacle 202 and the pump actuator 210. The lid 240 can be moved into an open position so that the hose receptacle 202 and the pump actuator 210 can be removed from the pump head 126 if necessary. The lid 240 is also moved into the open position for inserting the hose line 130.

[0130] The cover 240 is pivotally mounted on the base body 184, in this case on section 186. A locking element 242, with which the cover 240 can be secured against unintentional opening, is arranged, for example, on section 188.

[0131] The above description refers to a preferred embodiment with only one pump actuator 210. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pumping device can comprise two or more pump actuators 210, which, for example, are both rotationally fixedly coupled to the shaft 222. By means of a respective pump actuator 210, the product can be conveyed through a respective hose line 130.

[0132] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the pumping device according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 244. The properties and advantages explained in connection with the pumping device 112 also apply to the pumping device 244, so that reference can be made to the above explanations in this regard. The pumping device 244 can be a component of a pumping arrangement according to the invention.

[0133] The pump device 244 comprises the pump drive device 124 and a plurality of pump heads, in this case the pump head 126 and two further pump heads 246, 248. The number of pump heads can vary.

[0134] The pump heads 126, 246, 248 can be configured in different ways, for example, with regard to different applications, which can differ from one another, for example, due to the hose line(s) 130 used. The pump heads 126, 246, 248 can be selectively coupled to the pump drive device 124 via the respective magnet arrangements 176, 230. The pump device 244 thus has a high degree of versatility.

[0135] 100 filling machines

[0136] 102 containers

[0137] 104 processing station

[0138] 106 filling station

[0139] 108 Filling element

[0140] 110 Pump arrangement

[0141] 112 Pumping device

[0142] 114 Separator

[0143] 116 wall

[0144] 117 Partition wall

[0145] 118 Interior

[0146] 120 outdoor space

[0147] 122 Chamber

[0148] 124 Pump drive device

[0149] 126 Pump head

[0150] 128 storage containers

[0151] 130 hose line

[0152] 132 drive unit

[0153] 134 connecting cable

[0154] 136 support bodies

[0155] 138 passage opening

[0156] 140 drive motor

[0157] 142 flange

[0158] 144, 146 segments

[0159] 148 bearing block

[0160] 150 holding part

[0161] 152 bases

[0162] 154 Recording Room

[0163] 156 drive shaft

[0164] 158 drive axle

[0165] 160 coupling element

[0166] 162 Shaft drive body clamping set, 170 bearing element

[0167] Receiving element Connecting element Magnet arrangement Magnetic element Receiving cover element Base body, 188 Section

[0168] Frame Base wall Receptacle Edge Cover element Sealing element Through hole Hose holder

[0169] Recess frame insertion opening pump actuator rotor pressure element rotation axis output axis

[0170] Output shaft

[0171] Sealing element

[0172] Receiving element Connecting element Clamping set Magnet arrangement Magnetic element Bearing element Intermediate space Sensor element Cover body Lid Securing element Pumping device Pump head Pump head

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Pumping device (112; 244) for a particularly pharmaceutical product, comprising a pump drive device (124) and a pump head (126; 246; 248), wherein a pump drive device (124) comprises a drive unit (132), a drive body (164) which can be driven thereby in rotation about a drive axis (158), and a support body (136) for supporting directly or indirectly on a separating element (114), in particular a partition wall (117), wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a base body (184) for supporting on the separating element (114), a hose receptacle (202) for receiving a hose line (130) carrying the product, a pump actuator (210) for acting on the hose, and an output body (220) which can be rotated about an output axis (218). which is operatively connected to the pump actuator (210), wherein the pump drive device (124) and the pump head (126; 246;248) can be supported on opposite sides of the separating element (114), and wherein the drive body (164) and the driven body (220) comprise a respective magnet arrangement (176, 230) with magnet elements (178, 232) which cooperate to transmit a drive force of the drive unit (132) to the pump actuator (210) through the separating element (114). Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be held on the pump drive device (124) through the separating element (114) via the cooperating magnetic elements (178, 232), in particular that the pump head (126; 246; 248) is free of any connection to the separating element (114) and can be held in position on the separating element (114) solely via the magnetic elements (178, 232).244) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnet arrangements (176, 230) are designed as multipole arrangements and the drive body (164) and the output body; (220), with the drive axis (158) and output axis (218) aligned, can be coupled to one another in a plurality of relative angular positions. Pumping device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be held on the pump drive device (124) in any relative angular position via the magnet arrangements (176, 230) with the drive axis (158) and output axis (218) aligned. Pumping device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet arrangements (176, 230) are each designed as Halbach arrays of the magnet elements (178, 232).Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the pump head (126; 246; 248) has a pharmaceutically acceptable design; the pump button (126; 246; 248) can be non-destructively washed with a cleaning fluid, in particular with water; the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be non-destructively sterilized. Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a shaft (222) that is non-rotatably connected to the output body (220) and to the pump actuator (210); the output body (220) and / or the shaft (222) is rotatably mounted on the base body (184) about the output axis (218) via at least one bearing element (234).Pumping device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (180) comprises or forms a frame (190) and / or a bottom wall (191) which, facing the pump drive device (124), has a partition wall (114) connected to the separating element (114). a layable edge (194), wherein the frame (190) encloses a receiving space (192) receiving the output body (220). Pump device (112; 244) according to claim 8, characterized in that the base body (184) comprises a cover element (196) covering the receiving space (192) on the side of the pump actuator (210), and in that the output body (220) or a shaft (222) connected to the output body (220) passes through a through-opening (200) of the cover element (196) and is connected to the pump actuator (210) on the side of the frame (190) facing away from the receiving space (192). Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: at least one sealing element (198) is provided for sealing between the cover element (196) and the frame (190); at least one sealing element (223) is provided for sealing between the output body (220) or the shaft (222) and the edge (194) of the through-opening (200).Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output body (220) is spaced from a bottom wall (191) of the base body (184) or, in a contact state of the pump head (126; 246; 248) on the separating element (114), via an intermediate space (236). Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output body (220) comprises a receiving element (224) facing the separating element (114), which comprises a plurality of receptacles (180) for the magnetic elements (232), and a connecting element (226) connected to the receiving element (224) and directly or indirectly connected to the pump actuator (210). Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 12, characterized in that the receiving element (224) and / or the connecting element (226). is disk-shaped or ring-shaped, wherein the magnetic elements (232) are arranged in the circumferential direction of the output shaft (158). Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump drive device (124) comprises a shaft (162) which is rotatably mounted on the support body (136) via at least one bearing element (168, 170), which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive body (164) and is coupled via a coupling element (160) to a drive shaft (156) of the drive unit (132) or is encompassed by the drive unit (132). Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (136) is or can be fixed to the separating element (114) directly or indirectly via at least one holding part (150) on the separating element (114).Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 15, characterized in that the support body (136) is releasably secured or can be secured to the holding part (150) or to the separating element (114). Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the at least one holding part (150) is or comprises a base (152) against which the support body (136) rests and which is connected to the separating element (114), wherein the receiving body is positioned laterally next to the at least one holding part (150) and protrudes beyond an end of the support body (136) facing away from the drive unit (132).Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (136) comprises or forms a flange (142) on a side facing away from the drive body (164) and bears against a housing of the drive unit (132) via this flange (142), and in that a shaft (162) of the pump drive device (124) runs in a through-opening (138) of the support body (136). Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the pump drive device (124) is connected to the separating element (114), the drive body (164) is spaced from the separating element (114) by an intermediate space (236). Pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive body (164) comprises a receiving element (172) facing the separating element (114), which comprises a plurality of receptacles (180) for the magnetic elements (178), and a connecting element (174) connected to the receiving element (172), which is coupled to the drive unit (132) and, in particular, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft (162).Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 20, characterized in that the receiving element (172) and / or the connecting element (174) is disk-shaped or annular, wherein the magnetic elements (178) are arranged in the circumferential direction of the drive axis (158). Pumping device (112; 244) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the receiving elements (172, 224) of the drive body (164) and the output body (220) are designed as identical parts. Pumping device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pumping device (112; 244) is a peristaltic pump, wherein the hose receptacle (202) comprises a groove-shaped recess (204) for the hose line (130), and wherein the pump actuator (210) is arranged within the hose receptacle (202) and comprises at least one pressing element (214) which is in squeezing engagement with the hose line (130) upon rotation about the output axis (218). Pumping device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the pump actuator (210) and / or the hose receptacle (202) is releasably held on the pump head (126; 246; 248); the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a cover body (238) that can be transferred from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, which covers the pump actuator (210) and / or the hose receptacle (202) in the closed position and releases it in the open position. Pumping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump device comprises a plurality of pump heads that can be selectively coupled to the pump drive device.A pumping arrangement (112; 244) comprising a chamber (122) which has a wall (116) forming the separating element (114) and an interior space (118) enclosed by the wall, and at least one pumping device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump drive device (124) is arranged outside the chamber (122) and is fixed to the wall (116), and wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) is arranged in the interior space (118) and is operatively connected to the pump drive device (124) via the magnetic elements (178, 232). A pumping arrangement (112; 244) according to claim 26, characterized in that the chamber (122) is a clean-room chamber, wherein the interior space (118) has a higher degree of sterility than an exterior space (120) surrounding the chamber (122).

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