Connection device for transferring a pourable material into a receiving port

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (121) for transferring a pourable material into a receiving port (103) in a passage direction (182) using a passage frame (123) for guiding the pourable material through a passage (111), wherein a spring device (131) is associated with a transfer device (127), wherein, when the spring device is in a tensioned position, the transfer device is arranged in a stowed position (173) in the passage frame and, when the spring device is in a relaxed position, the transfer device is moved into a usage position (171) in the direction of the connection side (163) by means of a spring force of the spring device.

Description

Connection device for transferring a pourable Good in a recording port

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting device for transferring a pourable material into a receiving port along a passage direction, having a passage frame for guiding the pourable material through a passage with a passage axis and a holding bag for providing the pourable material, wherein the passage frame has a connection side and a rear side and, in a connected position, the connection side faces the receiving port and the rear side faces away from the receiving port and the passage direction runs from the rear side to the connection side, wherein the holding bag has a film-like base body arranged on the rear side and a transfer device aligned with the connection side is assigned to the film-like base body for guiding the pourable material transferred from the holding bag through the passage frame.

[0002] Known connecting devices, which are designed, for example, with bags to transfer sterilized, pourable goods through a receiving port, sometimes have complex pouring aids or other transfer devices, such as funnel-shaped structures. In some cases, complex mechanics are necessary to convert these into a usable state for the transfer device. In some cases, drive elements for changing the transfer device from a stowed position to an operational position is also disruptive with regard to air flow in, for example, an isolator.

[0003] US 2014 / 0239016 A1 discloses an apparatus for providing medical products, wherein a part of a pouring device is flexibly aligned to close a passage.

[0004] US 2,042,858 A describes a filling aid for bags, which has a clamping device for bags and a movable filling wall, wherein the filling wall supports filling by moving into the filling opening of the respective bag.

[0005] JP 2004 / 196403A discloses a funnel-shaped filling aid for filling medical devices.

[0006] EP 0 416 534 A1 describes a filling nozzle for a filling pipe for filling valve bags with granular media, for example, fertilizers or plastic granules. The filling nozzle has two spout segments that can be moved relative to each other, with both fixed and movable spout segments being provided. Valve bags are clamped to at least one fixed spout segment.

[0007] The object of the invention is to improve the state of the art.

[0008] The task is solved by a connecting device for transferring a pourable material into a receiving Port along a passage direction with a passage frame for guiding the pourable material through a passage with a passage axis and a holding bag for providing the pourable material, wherein the passage frame has a connection side and a rear side and, in a connected position, the connection side faces the receiving port and the rear side faces away from the receiving port and the passage direction runs from the rear side to the connection side, wherein the holding bag has a film-like base body arranged on the rear side and a transfer device aligned with the connection side for guiding the pourable material transferred from the holding bag through the passage frame is assigned to the transfer device, wherein a spring device is assigned to the transfer device,wherein the transfer device is arranged in a stowed position in the passage frame in a tensioned position of the spring device and is moved in a relaxed position of the spring device by means of a spring force of the spring device into an operating position in the direction of the connection side.

[0009] It is a core idea of ​​the invention that the transfer device is spring-loaded, namely provided with a spring device, wherein the transfer device can be switched between a tensioned position of the spring device, which is synonymous with a stowed position of the transfer device, and a relaxed position of the spring device, which is synonymous with a deployment position of the transfer device. Thus, the transfer device can at least partially automatically spring into the deployment position by means of a rebound of the spring device, supported by the spring force of the spring device, if, for example, a cover of the port arrangement is opened and releases the transfer device.

[0010] The following terms are explained in this context:

[0011] A "connecting device" as described here refers to a device that is used to create a connection to a "receiving port". This can be, for example, a bayonet lock or a similar lock, which is also referred to in technical circles as an alpha-beta port. Here, the alpha part of the port designates one side, while the beta part of the port designates another side of the receiving port. The connecting device is used to "transfer" a pourable material, wherein in particular the pourable material is passed through the receiving port in order to be transferred, for example, from one sterile environment to another sterile environment. Such a pourable material can, for example, be a free-flowing quantity of components that can be sterilized or are to be sterilized, as is the case with closures for pull-off bottles, sterile stoppers or the like.

[0012] In this context, a "passage direction" refers to the direction along which the bulk material is transferred through the receiving port.

[0013] A "passage frame" serves as a frame-shaped enclosure, in particular a round enclosure, whereby this passage frame forms a "passage" for the passage of the pourable material. A "passage axis" defines a main axis or reference axis of the passage, whereby the passage axis can be coaxial with the passage direction, but does not have to be. In this context, obliquely arranged passages in corresponding receiving ports are also known.

[0014] In this context, a "holding bag" refers, for example, to a foil bag, a foil pouch or a similar device in which the pourable material, such as closure plugs, is provided. The components of the pourable material in the holding bag are usually sterilized or pre-cleaned.

[0015] In particular, the passage frame has a "connection side" for connecting to the receiving port and a "back side", wherein the back side receives the holding bag or faces the holding bag.

[0016] As already described, the holding bag has a "film-like base body", for example a base body made of a PE film, a PET film or a comparable material.

[0017] A "transfer device" refers to a technical device arranged in the holding bag or on the holding bag or associated with the holding bag, for example in the form of a trough or a hopper, through which the pourable material can be guided through the passage frame, in particular without having to touch the passage frame.

[0018] A "spring device" refers in particular to a spring or an elastically pre-tensioned device which reversibly provides absorbed energy in a tensioned position and releases this energy in a relaxed position by generating a movement. It is essential to the invention that the spring device keeps the transfer device pre-tensioned in a stowed position in the passage frame and, in the relaxed position of the spring device, moves it into an operational position, i.e., into a position for transferring the pourable material, by means of the spring force of the spring device.

[0019] In order to make the structure of the device as simple as possible, the spring device has a band spring, a spiral spring and / or a disc spring, wherein the respective spring is formed in particular from a stainless steel and / or a plastic.

[0020] A "band spring" is a particularly band-shaped spring, which stores spring energy by rolling up or bending a longitudinal extension. In a "spiral spring" a usual, helically shaped A "disc spring" is a spring device, particularly one that is circular or annular in shape, which provides or releases spring energy by arching along a longitudinal axis. Disc springs, in particular, can provide particularly high forces with short spring travel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the spring device is an air pressure spring and / or a bellows or has an air pressure spring and / or a bellows, wherein the air pressure spring and / or the bellows is formed in particular from a material forming the holding bag.

[0022] This allows, for example, a pocket-shaped pneumatic spring to be formed directly onto the retaining bag or directly molded with the retaining bag, eliminating the need for an additional spring device in the form of a metal spring. However, combinations of both options are also possible, for example, to provide an initial spring force with a metal spring and to transfer the spring into the deployment position entirely with an pneumatic spring.

[0023] In order to be able to clean and / or replace the spring device, for example if it is designed in a band-shaped manner, the spring device has at least one indentation, wherein the holding bag and / or the passage frame and / or the transfer device has or have at least one receptacle, wherein the respective indentation can be inserted or plugged into the respective receptacle in particular in a detachable manner, so that the spring device in a inserted position on the holding bag and / or on the passage frame and / or on the transfer device.

[0024] An "intervention" can be formed, for example, directly by an end region of a band spring or, for example, by an end region of a spiral spring, wherein the "receptacle" is arranged, for example, as a pocket-shaped receptacle on the holding bag, so that, for example, a band spring is inserted in the receptacle in a rod-like manner and thus an exchange is easily possible.

[0025] In one embodiment, the spring device is connected to the transfer device in a material-to-material and / or integral manner. This allows, for example, a spring device made of a similar or identical material to the transfer device to be molded directly onto the transfer device, thus reducing manufacturing costs and / or maintenance or cleaning requirements.

[0026] In order to enable contact-free movement of the transfer device within the passage, the transfer device can be moved by means of a rotational movement, in particular by means of a pivoting movement, from the stowed position to the deployed position and / or from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0027] For example, a transfer device in the shape of a chute or one with a semicircular cross-section can be pivoted around a horizontal axis through the passage, whereby the Swivel movement is initiated and carried out by the spring device.

[0028] A "rotary movement" refers in particular to the movement around an axis, whereby the axis can be fixed or movable due to kinematics.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the transfer device has a film tube which is connected in particular in one piece to the holding bag, wherein the film tube is in particular partially dimensionally stable, so that a free passage opening of the film tube is formed in particular in the relaxed position of the spring device.

[0030] Such a "film tube" is made, for example, from a comparable or the same material as the holding bag and forms a tubular transfer device that can be molded directly onto the holding bag. Consequently, a separate transfer device in the form of a chute or funnel can be omitted, so that, for example, a cheaper and disposable holding bag with a molded-on film tube can be used for the sterile transfer of free-flowing or loose goods.

[0031] In a further embodiment, a length of the transfer device is smaller than a diameter of the passage frame and / or a diameter of the receiving Ports .

[0032] This geometric design of the invention ensures that during a movement of the transfer device, in particular by means of the spring device, abutment and / or contact with the passage frame and / or the receiving port is excluded, since a length of the transfer device is in any case smaller than a diameter and / or in particular a radius of the passage frame, wherein the relationship between, for example, a pivot axis of the transfer device and corresponding distances to the passage frame or to the receiving port must be taken into account.

[0033] In the simplest case, a "diameter" describes the mathematical diameter of a round passage frame, but can also, for example, refer to an extension along an axis, analogous to a semi-axis of an elliptical passage frame. The same applies to the diameter of the receiving port, whereby a semi-axis or a distance relative to a length of the transfer device is decisive.

[0034] In the following, the invention is explained with reference to It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a Recording ports with a Transfer device with a container designed as a transfer bag.

[0035] A port system 101 has a round port 103, which has a flange ring 105. The flange ring 105 forms a port passage 111 and has a bayonet 108 and a bayonet 109, each aligned with a rear side 161 and a connection side 163. Furthermore, the port 103 is defined by a through-axis 181, which runs along a through-direction 182 through the port 103, and a through-plane 191, which lies within the port plane of the port 103.

[0036] A cover 107, which is pivotably mounted (pivoting mechanism not shown), can be attached and secured to the bayonet 109. It should be noted at this point that the functions of port 103 are only sketched in Figure 1.

[0037] A transfer bag 121 is flanged to the bayonet 108 on the rear side 161 by means of a flange 123 and secured by the bayonet 108. The transfer bag 121 can hold, for example, sterilized plugs in a bag 125 that are to be passed through the passage plane 191. The bag 125 is made of plastic film, in this case, a polyethylene film.

[0038] A transfer tube 127 is arranged on the bag 125 in the direction of the connection side 163, which allows the plugs (not shown) located in the bag 125 to be poured through the port 103. The transfer tube 127 is aligned in a transfer position 171 along a transfer axis 183 diagonally opposite the passage plane 191 and is held in this position by a spring bar 131. This allows the plugs to be poured through a passage 129. Furthermore, the transfer tube 127 has a wall thickness which, in this position, ensures inherent stability of an essentially round cross-section of the transfer hose 127.

[0039] The spring bar 131 is inserted with a respective end portion 132 into a pocket 133 on the bag 125 and into a pocket 135 on the transfer tube 127, so that the spring bar 131 can be cleaned and / or sterilized separately. The pocket 133 serves as a receptacle, and the end portion 132 serves as an opening. Alternatively, the spring bar 131 can also be integrally formed, for example, welded, onto the transfer tube and / or the bag 125.

[0040] It should be noted that the spring bar 131 can also be implemented alternatively or additionally by means of a spiral spring, a disc spring, or by means of an air cushion element with spring properties molded onto the transfer hose. For example, an air cushion element acting as an air spring can be formed integrally with the transfer hose (not shown in each case).

[0041] In Figure 1, the transfer hose 127 is shown in position 171, which can only be achieved when the lid 107 is open. When the lid 107 is closed, the transfer hose 127 is deformed from the transfer axis 183 in the direction of the passage plane 191 against a preload of the spring bar 131 and thus also restricted in its cross-section, so that it remains in the rest position 173 when the lid 107 is closed and, for example, the transfer bag 121 is attached to the bayonet 108 with the flange 123.

[0042] Thus, if the transfer bag 127 is flanged to the port 103 with the lid 107 closed, the transfer hose 127 is clamped in the rest position 173. It should be noted that the length of the transfer hose 127 is dimensioned such that, if the lid 107 is subsequently closed, the transfer hose 127 cannot become clamped in the port 103 and / or in the flange ring 105 or the bayonet 109. Reference symbol list 101 port system 103 Port 105 flange ring 107 lids 108 Baj onett 109 Baj onett 111 Port passage 121 transfer bags 123 Flange 125 bags 127 Transfer hose 129 passage 131 spring bar 132 End area 133 Bag 135 bag 161 back 163 Connection side 171 Transfer position 173 Resting position 181 Through axis 182 Passing direction 183 Transfer axle 191 passage level

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A connecting device (121) for transferring a pourable material into a receiving port (103) along a passage direction (182) with a passage frame (123) for guiding the pourable material through a passage (111) with a passage axis (181) and a holding bag (125) for providing the pourable material, wherein the passage frame (123) has a connecting side (163) and a rear side (161) and in a connected position the connecting side (163) faces the receiving port (103) and the rear side (161) faces away from the receiving port (103) and the passage direction (182) extends from the rear side (161) to the connection side (163), wherein the holding bag (125) has a film-like base body (125) arranged on the rear side (161), and a transfer device (127) aligned with the connection side (163) for guiding the pourable material transferred from the holding bag (125) through the passage frame (123) is assigned to the film-like base body (125), characterized in that a spring device (131) is assigned to the transfer device (127), wherein the transfer device (127) is arranged in a stowed position (173) in the passage frame (123) in a tensioned position of the spring device (131) and is moved into an insertion position (171) in the direction of the connection side (163) by means of a spring force of the spring device (131).

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring device (131) comprises a band spring (131), a spiral spring and / or a disc spring, wherein the respective spring is formed in particular from a stainless steel and / or from a plastic.

3. Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring device (131) has an air pressure spring and / or a bellows, wherein the air pressure spring and / or the bellows is formed in particular from a material forming the holding bag (125).

4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (131) has at least one engagement (132), wherein the holding bag (125) and / or the passage frame (123) and / or the transfer device (127) has or have at least one receptacle (133, 135), wherein the respective engagement (132) can be inserted into the respective receptacle (133, 135), in particular detachably, so that the spring device (131) is fixed in an inserted position on the holding bag (125) and / or on the passage frame (123) and / or on the transfer device (127).

5. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (131) is materially connected and / or integrally formed with the Transfer device (127).

6. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (127) can be moved by means of a rotational movement, in particular by means of a pivoting movement, from the stowed position (173) into the deployed position (171) and / or from the deployed position (171) into the stowed position (173).

7. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (127) has a film tube (127) which is connected in particular in one piece to the holding bag (125), wherein the film tube (127) is in particular partially dimensionally stable, so that a free passage opening (129) of the film tube (127) is formed in particular in the relaxed position of the spring device (131).

8. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims 6 or 7, characterized in that a length of the transfer device (127) is smaller than a diameter (111) of the passage frame (123) and / or a diameter of the receiving port (103).

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