Portable container holder for use in a bioprocess

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable container holder for use in a bioprocess for holding and transporting a disposable container (3) which is filled with a fluid (2) and which has received a magnetically driven mixing element (4) for mixing the fluid (2), wherein the portable container holder (1) has a container receiving area (7) for receiving the disposable container (3), said receiving area having a drive location (8) where the mixing element (4) can be arranged in the disposable container (3) received in the container receiving area (7) such that the mixing element (4) can be driven by a drive unit (9) at the drive location (8). According to the invention, the portable container holder (1) has a transport securing unit (11) for securing and releasing the mixing element (4), which is arranged at the drive location (8), in its position, and the transport securing unit (11) has a magnet (10) which can be moved between a defined securing position (12), in which the mixing element (4) is secured in its position, and a defined release position (13), in which the mixing element (4) is released from its position.

Description

[0001] Portable container holder for use in a bioprocess

[0002] The present invention relates to a portable container holder for use in a bioprocess for holding and transporting a disposable container filled with a fluid according to the preamble of claim 1, a system for use in a bioprocess according to the preamble of claim 8 and a method for holding and transporting a disposable container according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0003] Portable container holders for holding and transporting disposable containers are used in various designs in different areas of biotechnology. In order to store, transport, or process a specific fluid, such as a fluid containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, the fluid is first filled into a disposable container, particularly a flexible one. While the disposable container as such would be difficult to transport and hold, particularly due to the extremely high weight of the fluid it contains, the disposable container is usually placed in a portable container holder before being filled with the fluid. In particular, in the frequent case where disposable containers hold large quantities of fluid, the portable container holder can enable the holding and transport of the disposable container.The portable container holder can be lifted for transport, for example using a pallet truck, and moved or shifted directly, for example using transport rollers or rails.

[0004] A container holder for holding and transporting a disposable container filled with fluid comprises a container receptacle. A disposable container, which can be configured to correspond to the container receptacle, can be accommodated in the container receptacle.

[0005] Since the fluid-filled disposable container is often intended to be mixed while the container is being held, the disposable container accommodates a mixing element, such as a stirrer, particularly an impeller. The mixing element is magnetically driven, allowing the mixing element to be driven contactlessly and the fluid to be mixed as needed within the disposable container.

[0006] The container receptacle has a drive point via which the mixing element can be magnetically driven by a drive unit. The drive unit can be an external drive unit, for example, which can also be arranged at or near the drive point. The mixing element in the disposable container is arranged at the drive point when the disposable container is accommodated in the container receptacle. The mixing element is then driven via the drive point by the drive unit, for example, without contact, using a magnetic field generated by the drive unit, which causes the mixing element to rotate within the disposable container.

[0007] The known prior art (WO 2017 / 129203 A1) from which the invention is based relates to a portable container holder that enables the holding and transport of a disposable container filled with fluid. While being held, the fluid can be mixed via a mixing element accommodated by the disposable container. The container holder has a container receptacle in which the disposable container can be accommodated. The container receptacle has a drive point at which the mixing element can be arranged, so that the mixing element can be driven by an external drive unit at the drive point.

[0008] Although such portable container holders from the prior art have proven extremely effective for holding and transporting a disposable container filled with fluid, and can also reliably mix the fluid while held, they do have the disadvantage that the magnetically driven mixing element can slip, particularly during transport. Although a type of bearing dome is usually provided on which the mixing element is initially rotatably mounted, the mixing element can slide off this bearing dome and then move freely within the disposable container. For this reason, for example in the event of vibrations or movement of the fluid, it can easily happen that the mixing element, which was initially arranged at the drive point, in particular on the bearing dome, slips within the disposable container and is then no longer arranged at the drive point.As a result, the shifted mixing element can no longer be driven and the fluid can no longer be mixed.

[0009] While prior art solutions are known, such as a magnetic cap from US 2005 / 0002274 A1, which are intended to avoid the aforementioned problem, these solutions are currently not fully developed, particularly with regard to their usability. For example, screw-on or clip-on caps frequently get lost, cannot be found when needed, or are difficult to assemble or disassemble.

[0010] The invention is based on the problem of optimizing the known portable container holder with regard to holding and transporting a disposable container which has received a mixing element, in particular to optimize it so that the mixing element can be reliably held in position, in particular also during transport.

[0011] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0012] The fundamental consideration is that the portable container holder has a transport lock. The transport lock allows the mixing element to be reliably held in position both while the disposable container is being held and during transport. The magnet-driven and therefore magnetic mixing element is secured in position by a magnet of the transport lock when the magnet is moved into a defined securing position. In the securing position, the magnetic field of the magnet acts on the mixing element and holds it accordingly in position within the disposable container. As soon as the mixing element needs to be released, the magnet can be moved to a defined release position, in which the magnetic field of the magnet no longer secures the mixing element.This can be the case, for example, if the mixing element is driven by an external drive unit and the fluid is to be thoroughly mixed. The position-locked mixing element can be driven, in particular, by the drive unit, causing the mixing element to rotate. This allows the fluid to be thoroughly mixed within the disposable container.

[0013] In particular, it is proposed that the portable container holder has a transport lock for securing and unlocking the mixing element arranged at the drive point in its position, and that the transport lock has a magnet which is movable between a defined securing position in which the mixing element is secured in position and a defined unlocking position in which the mixing element is unlocked in position.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment according to claim 2, the transport lock has a magnetic holder. The magnetic holder allows the magnet to be both held and moved in a structurally simple manner. The magnetic holder can have a magnetic guide, which enables guided, i.e., defined, movement of the magnet. A guide fastening of the magnetic holder represents a structural possibility for rigidly attaching the magnetic guide to the container holder.

[0015] Claim 3 advantageously specifies an operating arrangement for the transport lock. The transport lock can be operated via the operating arrangement, so that the magnet can be moved into the unlocking or securing position as needed. An operating element of the operating arrangement can enable convenient manual, in particular hand-operated, operation of the operating arrangement. A locking arrangement can reliably lock the magnet in the securing or unlocking position, so that it cannot be moved accidentally. A pre-tensioning arrangement can pre-tension the magnet to automatically move it into the securing or unlocking position via the pre-tension. This increases operating comfort and prevents user errors by ensuring that the magnet is moved into the appropriate position.

[0016] Claim 4 specifies advantageous embodiments of the transport lock magnet. Configuring the magnet as a permanent magnet represents a cost-effective and relatively inexpensive design. Compared to, for example, an electromagnet, the magnet is designed as a permanent magnet, which is independent of any power sources, thus increasing the operational reliability of the transport lock, particularly during transport. A magnetic recess in the magnet can enable the magnet to be arranged around the mixing element, thereby achieving reliable positioning. The magnetic recess can also increase the ease of use of the transport lock by enhancing its positioning aid.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment according to claim 5, the container receptacle comprises one or more container walls and a container base on which the drive point is arranged. This allows for a structurally simple container receptacle. The drive point can have a drive recess, which ensures reliable driving of the mixing element by the drive unit.

[0018] In claim 6, advantageous arrangements of the magnet are proposed which enable a reliable position securing of the mixing element.

[0019] Claim 7 advantageously further develops the design of the portable container holder. A drive mount provides a structurally advantageous way of accommodating an external drive unit in a ready-to-use position. Transport rollers ensure the portability of the container holder, particularly allowing the portable container holder to be moved by a user without excessive effort, without additional aids such as a pallet truck or the like.

[0020] According to a further teaching according to claim 8, which has independent significance, a system for use in a bioprocess is claimed. The system comprises a portable container holder with a container receptacle and a disposable container that accommodates a magnetically driven mixing element for mixing a fluid. The disposable container is accommodated in the container receptacle, the container receptacle has a drive point, and the mixing element in the disposable container accommodated in the container receptacle is arranged at the drive point of the container receptacle in such a way that the mixing element can be driven by a drive unit, in particular magnetically.

[0021] What is essential in the proposed system is that the portable container holder has a transport lock for securing and unlocking the mixing element arranged at the drive point in its position, wherein the transport lock has a magnet which is movable between a defined securing position in which the mixing element is secured in position and a defined unlocking position in which the mixing element is unlocked in position.

[0022] Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed portable container holder.

[0023] Claim 9 relates to advantageous embodiments of the disposable container and the mixing element accommodated therein. A flexible disposable container can offer advantages during transport, storage, and production, particularly when empty. A stirrer, in particular an impeller, can ensure uniform mixing of the fluid within the disposable container and, at the same time, can be driven without contact.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment according to claim 10, the system comprises a drive unit. The drive unit enables the contactless drive of the magnetically driven mixing element, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller. In particular, the separate design of the drive unit from the portable container holder enables the flexible use of the drive unit with a variety of portable container holders.

[0025] According to a further teaching according to claim 11, which also has independent significance, a method for holding and transporting a disposable container using a portable container holder is claimed. In the method, the disposable container is received in a container receptacle of the portable container holder, and a magnetically driven mixing element for mixing a fluid, which mixing element is received in the disposable container, is arranged at a drive point of the container receptacle in such a way that the mixing element can be driven by a drive unit.

[0026] It is essential that the mixing element arranged at the drive point is secured in its position by a transport lock of the portable container holder, which transport lock has a magnet, by moving the magnet, in particular from a defined release position in which the mixing element is positionally released, into a defined securing position in which the mixing element is positionally secured.

[0027] Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed portable container holder and the proposed system.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment according to claim 12, the mixing element can be positionally unlocked, for example in order to be able to drive the mixing element via a drive unit.

[0029] Claim 13 relates to advantageous possibilities for moving the magnet between the different positions.

[0030] In claim 14, advantageous embodiments are proposed which improve the operability of the transport lock by automatically moving the magnet from the securing position to the release position or from the release position to the securing position.

[0031] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a portable container holder with a transport lock in a) perspective view, b) a section showing the transport lock in a locking position, and c) a section showing the transport lock in a release position,

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the transport lock according to Fig. 1 in a) the locking position, with the position of a drive point of the container holder being indicated by dashed lines, and b) the unlocking position in perspective view,

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a transport lock in a) the locking position, with the position of a drive point indicated by dashed lines, and b) the unlocking position in perspective view,

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a transport lock in a) the locking position, with the position of a drive point indicated by dashed lines, and b) the unlocking position in perspective view and

[0036] Fig. 5 shows the portable container holder according to Fig. 1 with the disposable container inserted and in a) without the drive unit and transport lock in the locking position and b) with the drive unit and transport lock in the unlocking position in a side sectional view.

[0037] The preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1a), 1b), 1c) and 5a), 5b) relates to a portable container holder 1 for holding and transporting a disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, in particular a liquid. The disposable container 3 can in particular be a disposable container 3 for use in bioprocesses. The disposable container 3 is preferably flexible, in particular in the manner of a bag, so that its outer volume increases when filled with fluid 2. The fluid 2 can in particular be a fluid 2 used in bioprocesses, for example a fluid 2 containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium.

[0038] The disposable container 3 accommodates a magnetically driven mixing element 4. The mixing element 4 can be freely rotatably mounted within the disposable container 3. The mixing element 4 allows the fluid 2 to be thoroughly mixed within the disposable container 3, for example, when a substance is added to the fluid 2 or to homogenize the fluid 2. It is possible for the fluid 2 to be thoroughly mixed via the mixing element 4 while the disposable container 3 is held by the portable container holder 1.

[0039] "Portable" in the context of this application means that the container holder itself is transportable. Transport can occur both with and without the disposable container 3. To transport the container holder, it can be lifted and moved, for example, using a lift truck. It is also possible for the container holder to have a transport arrangement 5 with transport rollers 6, as is preferably shown in Fig. 1 a), over which the container holder can be moved.

[0040] The proposed portable container holder 1 has a container receptacle 7 for receiving the disposable container 3. The disposable container 3 can in particular be arranged empty in the container receptacle 7 and then filled with fluid 2. The portable container holder 1 is preferably essentially cuboid or cube-shaped, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1 a). The disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, which is received in the container receptacle 7 and fills it, is shown by way of example in Figs. 5a), 5b). It is in particular possible that the disposable container 3 is not completely filled with fluid 2, but rather has air in a head region.

[0041] The container receptacle 7 has a drive point 8 at which the mixing element 4 can be arranged in the disposable container 3 received in the container receptacle 7 in such a way that the mixing element 4 can be driven, in particular magnetically, by a drive unit 9 at the drive point 8. The mixing element 4 received by the disposable container 3, i.e. arranged inside the disposable container 3, can be driven contactlessly via the drive point 8. This can be achieved by a drive unit 9, in particular an external one, setting the mixing element 4 in rotation via a magnetic field, so that the fluid 2 is mixed accordingly. During mixing, the mixing element 4 remains in contact with the fluid 2 within the disposable container 3. However, the mixing element 4 can be driven contactlessly via the drive unit 9, i.e. without contact between the mixing element 4 and the drive unit 9.During holding, in particular during mixing, and transport with the portable container holder 1, the mixing element 4 remains in the disposable container 3. The magnetically driven 10 mixing element 4 is fundamentally freely movable within the disposable container 3 and is not fixed in position within the disposable container 3 by the disposable container 3 itself. While it is fundamentally possible for the mixing element 4 to be accommodated in the disposable container 3 and rotatably mounted at a specific position, e.g., in a type of recess, by a type of bearing mandrel, or similar, the mixing element 4 is not fixed in position at this position within the disposable container 3. Even after arranging the mixing element 4 at the drive point 8, there would still be a fundamental risk that the mixing element 4 could slip within the disposable container 3, for example, if it falls out of the aforementioned recess, bounces off the bearing mandrel, or something similar.

[0042] What is essential in the proposed portable container holder 1 is therefore that the portable container holder 1 has a transport lock 11 for securing and unlocking the mixing element 4 arranged at the drive point 8, in particular within the disposable container 3, in its position, and that the transport lock 11 has a magnet 10 which is movable between a defined securing position 12, in which the mixing element 4 is secured in position, in particular by the magnetic field of the magnet 10, and a defined unlocking position 13, in which the mixing element 4 is unlocked in position.

[0043] The transport lock 11 of the portable container holder 1 reliably ensures that the mixing element 4 held by the disposable container 3 remains securely in position. The mixing element 4 can thus be fixed in position, for example, in the aforementioned recess, on the storage dome, or similar. Slipping of the mixing element 4 can thus be prevented, particularly during transport, where vibrations may occur, for example.

[0044] The magnet 10 of the transport lock 11 ensures, in the defined securing position 12 (Fig. 1 b), via a magnetic field, that the magnetically driven mixing element 4 is held in position within the disposable container 3 and is accordingly secured in position. However, in order to continue to be able to drive the mixing element 4, for example by a drive unit 9, the magnet 10 of the transport lock 11 can be moved, if necessary, into the defined release position 13 (Fig. 1 c)), in which the mixing element 4 is accordingly released and can be driven as well as rotated. During mixing, the position of the mixing element 4 is generally not required, since the mixing element 4 can be held in position anyway by the magnetic field of the drive unit 9.

[0045] "Position-secured" in the context of the application includes the fact that the mixing element 4, accommodated in the disposable container 3, is held in a specific position by the magnet 10 of the transport lock 11, in particular arranged at the drive point 8. In the defined securing position 12 of the magnet 10, its magnetic field acts on the mixing element 4.

[0046] In the context of the application, "positionally unlocked" means that the mixing element 4 is not held in position by the magnet 10 of the transport lock 11. In the defined unlocked position 13 of the magnet 10, its magnetic field preferably does not act on the mixing element 4 or only so weakly on the mixing element 4 that it is not held in position by the magnet 10.

[0047] "Defined" in the context of this application and the positions includes that the securing position 12 and the release position 13 are fixed positions into which the magnet 10 can be repeatedly moved. The "defined securing position" 12 can thus be, in particular, a specific position in which the magnetic field of the magnet 10 acts on the mixing element 4, or else an angular range in which the magnetic field of the magnet 10 acts on the mixing element 4. The "defined release position" 13 can, in particular, be a specific position in which the magnetic field of the magnet 10 does not act on the mixing element 4, or only so weakly that the mixing element 4 is not held in position, or else an angular range in which the magnetic field of the magnet 10 does not act on the mixing element 4, or only so weakly that the mixing element 4 is not held in position.

[0048] Figs. 2a), 2b), 3a), 3b) and 4a), 4b) each show an exemplary embodiment of a transport lock 11 of the portable container holder 7. In Figs. 2a), 3a) and 4a), the respective transport lock 11 is in the securing position 12, and in Figs. 2b), 3b) and 4b) it is in the unlocking position 13. The transport locks 11 are shown disassembled in the figures, but can be installed if necessary, as can be seen from Figs. 1 and 5a), 5b). In Figs. 2a), 3a) and 4a), the position of a possible drive point 8 of a container holder 1 is shown by dashed lines.

[0049] It is preferably provided that the transport lock 11 has a magnetic holder 14 for holding the magnet 10 in the securing position 12 and the releasing position 13. The magnet 10 can be moved via the magnetic holder 14 from the securing position 12, shown exemplarily in Figs. 2a), 3a) and 4a), into the releasing position 13, shown exemplarily in Figs. 2b), 3b) and 4b), and / or from the releasing position 13 into the securing position 12 in a rotational and / or translational, in particular linear, manner. The magnet 10 is preferably moved via the magnetic holder 14 by a pivoting movement, as implemented in the embodiments of Figs. 2a), 2b) or 4a), 4b), or moved translational, in particular linear, manner by a sliding movement, as implemented in the embodiment of Figs. 3a), 3b).It is also possible for the magnet 10 to be movable both rotationally and translationally, in particular linearly, for example by pivoting and shifting it. These movements can occur simultaneously, at least partially simultaneously, or sequentially. The magnet 10 is arranged on the magnet holder 14.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiments, and preferably, the magnet holder 14 has a magnet guide 15 for the guided movement of the magnet 10 between the securing position 12 and the releasing position 13, wherein the magnet guide 15 has a guide bearing 16 and a movement element 17 movably mounted in the guide bearing 16. The movement element 17 can be mounted in the guide bearing 16 in a rotational manner, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2a), 2b) or 4a), 4b), or in a linearly movable manner, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3a), 3b). It is possible for the magnet holder 14 to have two movably mounted movement elements 17, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3a), 3b).Here and preferably, the guide bearing 16 has two guide recesses in which the, in particular cylindrical, movement elements 17 are mounted movably in the main axis direction and / or in which the, in particular cylindrical, movement elements 17 are mounted parallel to one another. The magnet 10 can, here and preferably, be arranged on one side of the movement element 17 or the movement elements 17, in particular rigidly. The magnet 10 can, in particular, be arranged on the movement element 17 or the movement elements 17 via one or more clamping elements, such as clamps, or screw elements.

[0051] For rigidly fastening the magnetic guide 15 to the container receptacle 7, the magnet holder 14 preferably has a guide fastening 18 for rigidly fastening the magnetic guide 15 to the container receptacle 7, as can be seen from Figs. 1 b) and 2a), 2b). It is possible for the guide fastening 18 to be screwed and / or clamped to the container receptacle 7, for example via screw bolts or clamping means. Here and preferably, the magnet holder 14 is arranged via the guide fastening 18 on a container base 19 of the container receptacle 7, in particular facing the ground. The guide fastening 18 can be rigidly arranged relative to the container receptacle 7 or a drive receptacle 20, which will be discussed in more detail later. The magnet 10 is preferably movable relative to the container receptacle 7 and / or the drive receptacle 20 via the magnet holder 14.

[0052] Particularly preferably, the transport lock 11 has an operating arrangement 21 for operating the transport lock 11. The magnet 10 can be moved via the operating arrangement 21 from the locking position 12 to the release position 13 and / or from the release position 13 to the locking position 12, in particular manually and / or automatically. Manual and / or automatic actuation will be discussed in more detail below in connection with the proposed method.

[0053] For manual actuation of the operating arrangement 21, it is conceivable for the operating arrangement 21 to have an operating element 22. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3a), 3b), and preferably, the operating element 22 is designed as a handle 23, which can be actuated by a user, in particular with one hand. The operating element 22 can, here and preferably, be arranged at the end of one or more movement elements 17 and / or, here and preferably, connect two movement elements 17 to one another.

[0054] In connection with the operating arrangement 21, it has proven particularly advantageous that the operating arrangement 21 has a locking arrangement

[0055] 24 for locking the magnet 10 in the securing position 12 and / or the release position 13. The locking arrangement 24 can in particular have one locking element 25 or several locking elements 25. It is possible for the locking arrangement 24 to have two locking elements 25, wherein the magnet 10 can be locked in the securing position 12 via one of the locking elements 25 and the magnet 10 can be locked in the release position 13 via the other of the locking elements 25. The locking element(s) 25 can each preferably be designed as manually operable locking bolts, in particular with one hand, as is the case, for example, in the embodiments of Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b). The locking element

[0056] 25 or the locking elements 25 can each be preloaded into a locking position, so that the magnet 10 is automatically locked by the locking element 25 or by the locking elements 25 upon reaching the securing position 12 and / or the unlocking position 13. The locking arrangement 24, in particular the locking element 25 or the locking elements 25, can be unlocked in particular manually, preferably manually by a user.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the operating arrangement 21 can have a pretensioning arrangement 26, in particular with a spring element 27, for pretensioning the magnet 10 into the securing position 12 or the unlocking position 13. It is conceivable that the spring element 27 is designed as a torsion spring, a tension spring, or a compression spring. The pretensioning arrangement 26 can automatically move the magnet 10 from the securing position 12 to the unlocking position 13 or from the unlocking position 13 to the securing position 12, for example when the locking arrangement 24, in particular the locking element 25 or the locking elements 25, are unlocked by a user. It is particularly conceivable that the magnet 10 is moved manually from the securing position 12 to the unlocking position 13 and automatically from the unlocking position 13 to the securing position 12 by the pretensioning arrangement 26.Alternatively, it is possible for the magnet 10 to be moved automatically from the release position 13 to the safety position 12 by the pre-tensioning arrangement 26 and manually from the safety position 12 to the release position 13.

[0058] Here, and preferably, the magnet 10 is designed as a permanent magnet. The magnet 10 can be made of iron, cobalt, and / or nickel. Alternatively or additionally, the magnet 10 has a magnetic recess 28. In the securing position 12 of the magnet 10, the magnetic recess 28 can at least partially surround the mixing element 4 in the disposable container 3 accommodated in the container receptacle 7, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 5a).

[0059] In connection with the design of the magnet 10, it is conceivable that the magnet recess 28 is formed such that the magnet 10 has a cross-section, in particular a horizontal one in the securing position 12, which essentially represents a circle, a partial circle, as shown by way of example in Figs. 2a), 2b) and 4a), 4b), a horseshoe, as shown by way of example in Figs. 3a), 3b), an ellipse or a partial ellipse. The magnet 10 can in particular be open on one side, in particular along its circumference. It is preferably conceivable that the magnet 10 at least partially surrounds the mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, such as an impeller, in the securing position 12.

[0060] The magnetic recess 28 can be circular, as shown by way of example in Figs. 2a), 2b) and 4a), 4b). Preferably, the magnetic recess 28 is designed as a positioning aid for simplified positioning of the magnet 10 at the drive point 8 and / or around the mixing element 4. Here, and preferably, the magnetic recess 28 is designed to correspond to the drive point 8 and / or the mixing element 4.

[0061] With regard to the container receptacle 7, it is preferably provided that the container receptacle 7 has one or more, here and preferably at least four, container walls 29 and a container base 19. The drive point 8 is arranged on the container base 19. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 a), and preferably, two of the four container walls 29 are arranged essentially perpendicular to one another. The container base 19 can delimit the container receptacle 7 on one side. The container receptacle 7 can, here and preferably, be open on one side, so that a disposable container 3 can be received in the container receptacle 7. It is particularly conceivable for the disposable container 3 to be covered by a cover and for the container receptacle 7 to be closed by the cover on the open side. Here and preferably, at least one of the container walls 29 has a closable side door or is formed by such a door.The container receptacle 7 can be essentially cuboid-shaped, in particular cubic, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1 a).

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the drive point 8 to have a drive recess 30, in particular a substantially circular or elliptical one, which extends over the entire thickness of the container bottom 19 and in which the mixing element 4 or the drive unit 9 or the magnet 10 can be arranged at least partially. The circular drive recess 30 can be seen as an example in Fig. 1 c).

[0063] It is preferably provided that the magnet 10 is arranged in the securing position 12 at the drive point 8, in particular coaxial with the drive recess 30. In Fig. 5a), the magnet 10 is located in the securing position 12. The mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller, of the disposable container 3 is arranged at the drive point 8. The magnet 10, which is also arranged at the drive point 8 in the securing position 12, thus secures the mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller, and prevents it from slipping within the disposable container 3, for example during transport. The mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller, is thus secured in position. As shown in Fig. 5a), and preferably, the magnet 10 is arranged in the securing position 12 on one side of the drive point 8 arranged on the container bottom 19, in particular facing the ground.It is possible for the magnet 10 to rest against the container base 19 in the securing position 12. Here and preferably, the magnet 10 is aligned horizontally in the securing position 12. In order to be able to drive the mixing element 4 by an external drive unit 9, it is preferably provided, for example in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 a) and 5a), 5b), that the portable container holder 1 has a drive receptacle 20 for receiving the drive unit 9, which is arranged below the container receptacle 7. The drive receptacle 20 is designed such that the drive unit 9 can be arranged therein, so that the mixing element 4 can be driven accordingly. From a structural point of view, it is possible for the drive receptacle 20 to be limited at the top by the container base 19 of the container receptacle 7, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 1 a).

[0064] With regard to the portability of the container holder, it has proven extremely advantageous that the portable container holder 1 has a transport arrangement 5 with a plurality of transport rollers 6 for moving the portable container holder 1. The transport rollers 6 allow the container holder to roll, for example to transport the disposable container 3 accommodated in the container receptacle 7. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 a), and preferably, the transport arrangement 5 has four transport rollers 6. At least some, in particular two, of the transport rollers 6 can preferably be lockable. This can prevent the portable container holder 1 from moving unintentionally.

[0065] Here and preferably it is provided that the drive receptacle 20 is formed from at least several supports 31 and / or plates, wherein the drive receptacle 20 is delimited on at least two sides, in particular three sides, by the plurality of supports 31 and / or plates. The supports 31 can enable load support. Here and preferably the supports 31 comprise several vertical supports, which are arranged vertically, and several horizontal supports. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 a), the drive receptacle 20 is formed from three vertical supports and three horizontal supports. It is conceivable that one plate or several plates are arranged on the supports 31, for example to protect the drive unit 9, which can be accommodated in the drive receptacle 20, from external influences. Preferably the transport rollers 6 are arranged on the drive receptacle 20, in particular on the supports 31 and / or plates. From Fig.1 a), and preferably, the drive receptacle 20 is designed to be free of the floor. This allows a drive unit 9 to be moved, for example, by sliding, into the drive receptacle 20. Here, and preferably, the drive receptacle 20 is open at least on one side.

[0066] In addition to the proposed portable container holder 1, a system 32 for use in a bioprocess is also proposed, wherein the system 32 has a portable container holder 1, in particular a proposed portable container holder, with a container receptacle 7 and a disposable container 3 which has received a magnetically driven mixing element 4 for mixing a fluid 2, wherein the disposable container 3 is received in the container receptacle 7, the container receptacle 7 has a drive point 8 and the mixing element 4 in the disposable container 3 received in the container receptacle 7 is arranged at the drive point 8 of the container receptacle 7 in such a way that the mixing element 4 can be driven by a drive unit 9, in particular magnetically.

[0067] What is essential in the proposed system 32 is that the portable container holder 1 has a transport lock 11 for securing and unlocking the mixing element 4 arranged at the drive point 8 in its position. The transport lock 11 has a magnet 10 that is movable between a defined securing position 12, in which the mixing element 4 is secured in position, and a defined unlocking position 13, in which the mixing element 4 is unlocked in position. A proposed system 32 is shown as an example in Figs. 5a), 5b).

[0068] Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed portable container holder 1.

[0069] Preferably, the disposable container 3 is designed as a flexible disposable container 3. The flexible disposable container 3 is dimensionally unstable. By receiving the disposable container 3 in the container receptacle 7, the disposable container 3 is held and can be filled with fluid 2. The disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2 comes into contact with the container receptacle 7 and is held as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 5a), 5b). Here and preferably, the disposable container 3 is designed in the manner of a flexible bag. Alternatively or additionally, the disposable container 3 is designed to be sterile. This can be crucial for use, particularly in the field of biotechnology, in that contamination of the fluid 2 received in the disposable container 3 can be avoided. The disposable container 3 can be designed, in particular, as a bioreactor and / or cultivation container.

[0070] Preferably, the mixing element 4 is designed as a stirrer, in particular as an impeller. Fig. 5b) shows the mixing element 4 designed as an impeller. The mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller, is, here and preferably, designed without a shaft and / or shaft. The mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller, can in particular be designed to be rotationally symmetrical. It is conceivable that the mixing element 4, in particular the stirrer, preferably the impeller, has a one-piece housing in which in particular a permanent magnetic material and / or a magnetic material, such as iron, cobalt or nickel, is accommodated.

[0071] The system 32 particularly preferably has a drive unit 9. The drive unit 9 can, as shown in Fig. 5b), preferably be designed as an external drive unit 9, which is preferably separate, i.e., as an independent unit, from the portable container holder 1. The drive unit 9 can be arranged at the drive point 8 if required. The drive unit 9 can preferably be received by the drive receptacle 20 of the container holder. In this context, it is preferably possible for the drive unit 9 to be arranged in the drive receptacle 20 or removed from the drive receptacle 20 by the drive unit 9 and / or the portable container holder 1 being movable by pushing and / or pulling. In Fig. 5b), the drive unit 9 can be moved into or out of the drive receptacle 20 by pushing or pulling.

[0072] Furthermore, a method for holding and transporting a disposable container 3 using a portable container holder 1, in particular a proposed portable container holder, is proposed, wherein the disposable container 3 is received in a container receptacle 7 of the portable container holder 1 and a magnetically driven mixing element 4 for mixing a fluid 2, which is received in the disposable container 3, is arranged at a drive point 8 of the portable container holder 1 in such a way that the mixing element 4 can be driven by a drive unit 9.What is essential in the proposed method is that the mixing element 4 arranged at the drive point 8 is secured in its position by a transport lock 11 of the portable container holder 1, which transport lock 11 has a magnet 10, by moving the magnet 10, in particular from a defined release position 13, in which the mixing element 4 is positionally released, into a defined securing position 12, in which the mixing element 4 is positionally secured.

[0073] The portable container holder 1 used in the method can in particular be part of a proposed system 32.

[0074] Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed portable container holder 1 and the proposed system 32.

[0075] Preferably, the method provides for the position of the mixing element 4 arranged at the drive point 8 to be unlocked by the transport lock 11 of the portable container holder 1 by moving the magnet 10 into a defined unlocking position 13. The magnet 10 can be moved back and forth between the locking position 12 and the unlocking position 13. In the unlocking position 13, the mixing element 4 can be driven. This allows the fluid 2 contained in the disposable container 3 to be thoroughly mixed.

[0076] With regard to the movement of the magnet 10, it is preferably provided that the magnet 10 is moved in a pivoting manner between the securing position 12 and the releasing position 13. This is the case, for example, with the transport locks 11 shown in Figs. 2a), 2b) and 4a), 4b). Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the magnet 10 to be moved translationally, in particular linearly, between the securing position 12 and the releasing position 13. In the embodiment of the transport lock 11 according to Figs. 3a), 3b), the magnet 10 is linearly movable between the securing position 12 and the releasing position 13. It is also conceivable for the magnet 10 to be moved in a pivoting and translational manner, in particular linearly. In this case, the magnet 10 can, for example, first be moved linearly and then pivoted.It has been found to be particularly preferred that the magnet 10 is moved manually and / or automatically between the securing position 12 and / or the releasing position 13.

[0077] "Manually" in the context of this application includes movements in which the movement of the magnet 10, in particular entirely, is performed by a user. The user can move the magnet 10 directly via the operating arrangement 21, for example, by pulling or pushing on the operating element 22 or by moving the magnet 10 via the operating element 22, or move the magnet 10 indirectly via the operating arrangement 21, for example, by moving the magnet 10 via the operating arrangement 21 when inserting or retracting the drive unit 9 into the drive receptacle 20.

[0078] "Automatic" in the context of this application includes movements that occur via a motor or a biasing arrangement 26, in particular a spring element 27, without the user performing the movement. The movements can be initiated by the user, for example, by a control command triggered by the user or by the user unlocking the locking arrangement 24.

[0079] In the simplest case, it is conceivable that the magnet 10 is manually moved from the securing position 12 to the release position 13 and from the release position 13 to the securing position 12. The operating arrangement 21 can, here and preferably, be designed without a preloading arrangement 26, and the magnet 10 can be unpreloaded. In this case, the magnet 10 can be manually moved between the securing position 12 and the release position 13, in particular exclusively, via an operating arrangement 21, in particular an operating element 22.

[0080] The manual movement can, quite generally, be performed manually by a user or by arranging or removing the drive unit 9. For example, in the transport lock 11 according to Fig. 3a), 3b), it is conceivable and preferably provided that the user pulls on the movement element 17 designed as a handle 23 to move the magnet 10 from the securing position 12 to the release position 13 and presses on the movement element 17 designed as a handle 23 to move the magnet 10 from the release position 13 to the securing position 12.

[0081] The manual movement can, in general, also be performed by arranging or removing the drive unit 9, i.e., by pushing or pulling the drive unit 9 into or out of the drive receptacle 20. For example, it is possible and preferably provided that the user actuates the operating arrangement 21 via the drive unit 9, for example, by pushing the drive unit 9 against the operating element 22 during arranging or removing and operating the operating element 22 accordingly. For this purpose, the operating element 22 can be designed, for example, as a pressure rail into which the drive unit 9 engages or which the drive unit 9 actuates by pressure.

[0082] As an alternative to purely manual actuation, and particularly preferably, it is also possible for the magnet 10 to be moved manually from the securing position 12 to the release position 13 and automatically from the release position 13 to the securing position 12. The magnet 10 can be pretensioned in the direction of the securing position 12 by the pretensioning arrangement 26. It is conceivable in this case for the magnet 10 to be moved manually from the securing position 12 to the release position 13 by the operating arrangement 21, in particular the operating element 22, being actuated manually by a user or via the drive unit 9 during its arrangement by a user.From the release position 13, the magnet 10 is automatically moved into the locking position 12, in particular due to the preload of the preload arrangement 26, for example when the drive unit 9 is removed from the drive receptacle 20, in particular pushed or pulled out, and / or when a locking arrangement 24, in particular a locking element 25, is unlocked. This ensures that the mixing element 4 is automatically secured in position when, for example, the drive unit 9 is removed from the drive receptacle 20.

[0083] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the magnet 10 to be moved automatically from the securing position 12 to the release position 13 and manually from the release position 13 to the securing position 12. The magnet 10 can be preloaded toward the release position 13 by the preloading arrangement 26. For example, it is possible for the locking arrangement 24 to first lock the magnet 10 in the securing position 12 and then unlock it. The magnet 10 is released and automatically moved from the securing position 12 to the release position 13. The drive unit 9 can now be arranged, for example, in the drive receptacle 20.

[0084] Alternatively, it is also possible for the magnet 10 to be moved automatically from the securing position 12 to the releasing position 13 and from the releasing position 13 to the securing position. The automatic movement can be effected, for example, by an electric motor and / or by the pretensioning arrangement 26. The motor can be actuated, for example, when the drive unit 9 is arranged in the drive receptacle 20 or removed from the drive receptacle 20 and / or by a control command from a user. It is conceivable for the motor to move the magnet 10 from the securing position 12 to the releasing position 13 and for the pretensioning arrangement 26 to move the magnet 10 from the releasing position 13 to the securing position 12. Alternatively, it is also possible for the motor to move the magnet 10 from the release position 13 to the safety position 12 and for the pretensioning arrangement 26 to move the magnet 10 from the safety position 12 to the release position 13.

[0085] Preferably, it is provided that the magnet 10 is moved manually from the securing position 12 into the release position 13 when the drive unit 9 is received by the drive receptacle 20 of the portable container holder 1, in particular is pushed or retracted into the drive receptacle 20, and that the magnet 10 is moved automatically from the release position 13 into the securing position 12 when the drive unit 9 is removed from the drive receptacle 20, in particular is pulled out or pushed out.

[0086] Likewise, it is preferably provided that the magnet 10 is manually moved from the securing position 12 to the unlocking position 13 after the drive unit 9 has been received in the drive receptacle 20, and / or that the magnet 10 is moved from the unlocking position 13 to the securing position 12 before the drive unit 9 is removed from the drive receptacle 20. The drive unit 9 can be received in the drive receptacle 20 by pushing and / or pulling the drive unit 9 and / or the portable container holder 1. The drive unit 9 can be removed from the drive receptacle 20 by pushing and / or pulling the drive unit 9 and / or the portable container holder 1.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A portable container holder for use in a bioprocess for holding and transporting a disposable container (3) filled with a fluid (2), which container has a magnetically driven mixing element (4) for mixing the fluid (2), wherein the portable container holder (1) has a container receptacle (7) for receiving the disposable container (3) with a drive point (8) at which the mixing element (4) can be arranged in the disposable container (3) accommodated in the container receptacle (7) such that the mixing element (4) can be driven by a drive unit (9) at the drive point (8), characterized in that the portable container holder (1) has a transport lock (11) for securing and unlocking the mixing element (4) arranged at the drive point (8) in its position, and in that the transport lock (11) has a magnet (10) which can be moved between a defined securing position (12), in which the mixing element (4) is secured in position,and a defined release position (13) in which the mixing element (4) is positionally released, is movable., 2. Portable container holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport lock (11) has a magnetic holder (14) for holding the magnet (10) in the securing position (12) and the release position (13), and in that the magnet (10) is rotatably and / or translatorily, in particular linearly, movable via the magnetic holder (14) from the securing position (12) into the release position (13) and / or from the release position (13) into the securing position (12), preferably in that the magnetic holder (14) has a magnetic guide (15) for the guided movement of the magnet (10) between the securing position (12) and the release position (13), and in that the magnetic guide (15) has a guide bearing (16) and a movement element (17) movably mounted in the guide bearing (16), further preferably in that the magnetic holder (14) has a guide fastening (18) for rigid Fastening of the magnetic guide (15) to the container holder (7).

3. Portable container holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport lock (11) has an operating arrangement (21) for operating the transport lock (11) and that the magnet (10) is Operating arrangement (21) is movable manually and / or automatically from the securing position (12) into the release position (13) and / or from the release position (13) into the securing position (12), preferably that the operating arrangement (21) comprises an operating element (22), in particular a handle (23), and / or that the operating arrangement (21) has a locking arrangement (24), in particular with a locking element (25), for locking the magnet (10) in the securing position (12) and / or the release position (13), and / or that the operating arrangement (21) has a pretensioning arrangement (26), in particular with a spring element (27), for pretensioning the magnet (10) in the securing position (12) or the release position (13).

4. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet (10) is designed as a permanent magnet, and / or that the magnet (10) has a magnetic recess (28) which, in the securing position (12) of the magnet (10), at least partially surrounds the mixing element (4) in the disposable container (3) accommodated in the container receptacle (7), preferably that the magnetic recess (28) is designed as a positioning aid for simplified positioning of the magnet (10) at the drive point (8) and / or around the mixing element (4), further preferably that the magnetic recess (28) is designed such that the magnet (10) has a cross-section, in particular in the securing position (12) horizontal, which essentially represents a circle, a partial circle, in particular a semicircle, a horseshoe, an ellipse or a partial ellipse.

5. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container receptacle (7) is formed from one or more container walls (29) and a container base (19) and that the drive point (8) is arranged on the container base (19), preferably that the drive point (8) has a, in particular substantially circular or elliptical, drive recess (30) which extends over the entire thickness of the container base (19) and in which the mixing element (4) can be arranged at least partially or the drive unit (9) can be arranged at least partially.

6. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet (10) in the securing position (12) is arranged at the drive point (8), in particular coaxially to the drive recess (30), preferably that the magnet (10) in the securing position (12) is arranged on one side at the drive point (8) arranged on the container bottom (19).

7. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable container holder (1) has a drive receptacle (20) for receiving the drive unit (9), which is arranged below the container receptacle (7), which drive receptacle (20) is delimited at the top in particular by the container base (19) of the container receptacle (7), preferably in that the drive receptacle (20) is formed from at least several supports (31) and / or plates, which drive receptacle (20) is delimited on at least two sides, in particular three sides, by the several supports (31) and / or plates, and / or in that the portable container holder (1) has a transport arrangement (5) with several transport rollers (6) for moving the portable container holder (1), preferably in that the transport rollers (6) are arranged on the drive receptacle (20), in particular on the supports (31) and / or plates.

8. System for use in a bioprocess, wherein the system (32) comprises a portable container holder (1), in particular a portable container holder according to one of claims 1 to 7, with a container receptacle (7) and a disposable container (3) which has received a magnetically driven mixing element (4) for mixing a fluid (2), wherein the disposable container (3) is accommodated in the container receptacle (7), the container receptacle (7) has a drive point (8) and the mixing element (4) in the disposable container (3) accommodated in the container receptacle (7) is arranged at the drive point (8) of the container receptacle (7) in such a way that the mixing element (4) can be driven by a drive unit (9), characterized in that the portable container holder (1) has a transport lock (11) for securing and unlocking the mixing element arranged at the drive point (8) (4) in its position and that the transport lock (11) has a magnet (10) which is movable between a defined securing position (12), in which the mixing element (4) is secured in position, and a defined unlocking position (13), in which the mixing element (4) is unlocked in position.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the disposable container (3) is designed as a flexible disposable container (3), in particular in the manner of a flexible bag, and / or sterile, and / or that the mixing element (4) has a stirrer, in particular a rotationally symmetrical one, preferably an impeller.

10. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the system (32) has a drive unit (9), preferably that the drive unit (9) is designed separately from the portable container holder (1) and can be arranged at the drive point (8) as required, further preferably that the drive unit (9) can be received by a drive receptacle (20) of the portable container holder (1) and that the drive unit (9) can be arranged in the drive receptacle (20) or removed from the drive receptacle (20) by the drive unit (9) and / or the portable container holder (1) being movable in a pushing and / or pulling manner.

11. A method for holding and transporting a disposable container (3), using a portable container holder (1), in particular a portable container holder according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the disposable container (3) is received in a container receptacle (7) of the portable container holder (1) and a magnetically driven mixing element (4) for mixing a fluid (2) received in the disposable container (3) is arranged at a drive point (8) of the portable container holder (1) in such a way that the mixing element (4) can be driven by a drive unit (9), characterized in that the mixing element (4) arranged at the drive point (8) is secured in its position by a transport lock (11) of the portable container holder (1), which transport lock (11) has a magnet (10), in that the magnet (10), in particular from a defined release position (13),in which the mixing element (4) is released in position, is moved into a defined securing position (12) in which the mixing element (4) is secured in position., 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the mixing element (4) arranged at the drive point (8) is released from its position by the transport lock (11) of the portable container holder (1) by the magnet (10), in particular from the defined securing position (12), into a defined unlocking position (13).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the magnet (10) is moved pivotally and / or translationally, in particular linearly, between the securing position (12) and the releasing position (13), preferably that the magnet (10) is moved manually and / or automatically between the securing position (12) and / or the releasing position (13).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the magnet (10) is moved from the securing position (12) into the arming position (13) when a drive unit (9) is received by a drive receptacle (20) of the portable container holder (1), in particular is pushed or retracted into the drive receptacle (20), and / or that the magnet (10) is moved from the arming position (13) into the securing position (12) when the drive unit (9) is removed from the drive receptacle (20), in particular is pulled out or pushed out, and / or that the magnet (10) is moved from the securing position (12) into the arming position (13) when a drive unit (9) is received by the drive receptacle (20), in particular is pushed or retracted into the drive receptacle (20), and / or that the magnet (10) is moved from the arming position (13) into the Safety position (12) is moved,before a drive unit (9) is removed from the drive receptacle (20), in particular pulled out or pushed out.,

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