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 flexible disposable container (3) which is filled with a fluid (2). In particular, the fluid (2) is a fluid (2) which contains a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a cultivation medium, and the portable container holder (1) has a container receiving area (6) for receiving the disposable container (3) and a cover (7) which can be installed on the container receiving area (6) in order to cover (7) the disposable container (3) received in the container receiving area (6), wherein the cover (7) has a fixing assembly (8) via which the disposable container (3) filled with the fluid (2) can be fixed in the container receiving area (6) in the installed state of the cover (7). According to the invention, the cover (7) has a spring assembly (9) which elastically supports the fixing assembly (8), and a spring force can be applied to the fixing assembly (8) in the direction of the spring via the spring assembly (9) in the installed state of the cover (7).

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 flexible disposable container filled with a fluid according to the preamble of claim 1, a cover for a portable container holder for use in a bioprocess for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container filled with a fluid according to the preamble of claim 12, a system for use in a bioprocess according to claim 13 and a method for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container filled with a fluid according to the preamble of claim 14.

[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 flexible disposable container. While the disposable container itself would be difficult to transport and hold, it 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 flexible 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] In order to protect the disposable container held in the container holder, for example, from external influences, the container holder has a cover which can be mounted on the container holder and by means of which the disposable container held in the container holder can be covered accordingly.

[0006] In addition to providing protection against external influences, the cover also secures the fluid-filled disposable container in the container holder. This minimizes the risk of potential accidents, particularly when transporting the disposable container in the container holder. The cover features a locking mechanism that allows the fluid-filled disposable container to be secured in the container holder when the cover is installed. This prevents the disposable container from slipping in the container holder, especially during transport.

[0007] The known prior art (WO 2017 / 129203 A1) on which the invention is based relates to a portable container holder. The container holder enables the holding and transport of a disposable container filled with fluid, wherein in this case the fluid can be mixed via a mixing element, such as a stirrer, in particular an impeller, while held. The container holder has a container receptacle in which the disposable container can be received. The disposable container can be fixed in the container receptacle via a fixing arrangement of a cover. In the known portable container holder, the cover is rigidly mounted on the container receptacle, for example by being screwed on. The cover is aligned in such a way that the cover with the fixing arrangement presses onto the disposable container filled with fluid, clamping the container into the container receptacle and thereby fixing it.

[0008] Although such portable container holders with container arrangement and cover have proven extremely useful in the past for holding a disposable container filled with fluid and transporting it at least over short distances, the above-described fixation of the disposable container via the fixation arrangement of the cover often results in difficulties in handling.

[0009] Firstly, due to the flexibility of the disposable container, it is quite possible that it will move slightly despite being secured within the container holder. Since the disposable container filled with fluid will usually not completely fill all corners of the container holder, it can slip, particularly during transport, due to the fluid sloshing back and forth, for example, into the initially unfilled corners. This means that the cover no longer presses sufficiently against the disposable container, so that the clamping and thus the fixation of the disposable container within the container holder decreases. As a result, the fluid can slosh back and forth during transport, which must be avoided for safe transport, especially with larger quantities of fluid.

[0010] Secondly, due to the rigid fixation of the disposable container by the fixing arrangement, it is not possible to compensate for certain volume fluctuations, such as an increase in the quantity of the fluid. For example, if the fluid in the disposable container is mixed while being held, in which a substance, such as a fluid or a solid, is added through an opening in the disposable container, the volume of fluid within the disposable container may increase, requiring the cover to be removed and subsequently reinstalled to compensate for the volume fluctuation.

[0011] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known portable container holder in such a way that a further optimization is achieved with regard to the fixation of a disposable container with fluid.

[0012] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0013] The key idea is that the disposable container filled with fluid is not secured in the container holder by a rigid fixation, as is generally known from the prior art, but rather can be fixed resiliently. This allows for optimized fixation by compensating for any volume fluctuations or movements of the disposable container. Due to the optimized fixation, the transport of the fluid with the portable container holder can be improved in particular. The cover of the proposed container holder has a spring arrangement which resiliently mounts the fixing arrangement. Via the spring arrangement, which can be retracted and retracted, the fixing arrangement can be subjected to a spring force in a spring direction when the cover is in the assembled state.If the disposable container is filled with fluid, the spring force presses the securing assembly onto the disposable container and secures it accordingly. If slight movement of the disposable container occurs within the container receptacle, for example, due to the fluid sloshing back and forth during transport or due to any volume fluctuations, the securing assembly can continue to sufficiently secure the disposable container thanks to the spring assembly's spring compression or extension, so that the securing assembly continues to press onto the disposable container and press it into the container receptacle.

[0014] In particular, it is proposed that the cover has a spring arrangement which resiliently supports the fixing arrangement, wherein the fixing arrangement can be subjected to a spring force in a spring direction via the spring arrangement in the mounted state of the cover.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment according to claim 2, the portable container holder, in particular the cover, has a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement allows the cover to be easily mounted on the container receptacle and thus brought into the assembled state. The fastening arrangement can be rigidly arranged on the container receptacle, and the fixing arrangement can be movable relative to the fastening arrangement. This ensures that the disposable container can be reliably fixed in the container receptacle by the fixing arrangement being movably mounted relative to the container receptacle.

[0016] Claim 3 relates to further advantageous embodiments of the fastening arrangement. According to one embodiment, the fastening arrangement can have support elements, which can serve as assembly aids when mounting the cover on the container receptacle. Multiple fastening elements of the fastening arrangement can ensure a more uniform fastening and more uniformly rigid arrangement of the fastening arrangement on the container receptacle than would be the case, for example, with a single fastening element. The basic elements of the fastening arrangement can represent a structural design option for arranging or mounting the support elements and / or the fastening elements. In claim 4, the fixing arrangement is advantageously further developed.The fixing plate with the fixing surface allows the fixing force, particularly in the form of fixing pressure exerted via the fixing surface, to be applied particularly evenly to the disposable container, allowing it to be securely fixed in the container holder. Fixability can be further improved by a flat fixing surface and / or a continuous fixing surface. A fixing surface formed from partial surfaces can have particular advantages in terms of manufacturing technology. A multi-layer fixing plate enables the combination of different plate layers with different properties to achieve specific properties of the fixing plate. Adapting the properties of the fixing plate can be possible through a targeted selection of the plate layers.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment according to claim 5, the spring arrangement comprises a plurality of spring elements. This allows the fixing arrangement to be uniformly subjected to a spring force by the spring force acting on the fixing arrangement at several points through the plurality of spring elements.

[0018] In claim 6, the spring arrangement is advantageously further developed in such a way that it can be compressed and extended such that the fixing arrangement is moved relative to the fastening arrangement, and / or that the spring elements can be compressed and extended independently of one another. This allows for a particularly secure fixation of the disposable container in the container receptacle, which can be ensured even in the event of a volume fluctuation of the fluid in the disposable container or movement of the disposable container in the container receptacle.

[0019] Claim 7 also advantageously develops the spring arrangement. Several connecting elements of the spring arrangement can connect the fixing arrangement and the fastening arrangement to one another and thus, for example, form the cover as a pre-assembled part. This can simplify the installation of the cover on the container holder. Several guide elements can be used to guide the compression and rebound of the spring elements. The distance and / or preload can be adjusted in a structurally simple manner using the adjustment elements. By forming the guide elements and / or the adjustment elements as part of the connecting elements and thus fulfilling a dual function, namely guiding or adjusting as well as connecting, the design of the container holder, in particular the cover, can be further simplified.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment according to claim 8, it is proposed that the fixing arrangement has one or more access recesses. Via these, one or more access points can be passed through the cover, so that they are accessible from the outside even when the cover is in the assembled state. This allows sensors or probes, for example, to be guided into the disposable container, samples to be taken from the fluid held in the disposable container, and / or substances such as gases or liquids to be fed into the disposable container. The access fastening or fastenings enable the respective access points to remain arranged in the respective access recess, even if the spring arrangement compresses and extends and thus moves, in particular in the vertical direction.

[0021] Claim 9 defines advantageous embodiments with regard to a cantilever recess and an optional additional cantilever recess. These recesses allow a disposable container with a cantilever to be accommodated in the container receptacle, and the cantilever can be guided through the cover, in particular at least partially, when the cover is in its installed state. The cantilever can also be accessible from the outside when the cover is in its installed state, for example, to supply substances to the disposable container. This can be particularly advantageous if, while the disposable container is held with the portable container holder, the fluid in the disposable container is to be mixed and substances added.

[0022] Claim 10 relates to an advantageous embodiment of the fastening arrangement with hole recesses in which the guide elements are movably accommodated. This ensures the mobility of the fastening arrangement relative to the fixing arrangement in a structurally simple manner by allowing the connecting elements, in particular the guide elements, to move axially through the hole recesses during compression and rebound of the spring arrangement. In particular, slot-shaped hole recesses can enable not only axial mobility but also transverse mobility of the connecting elements, in particular the guide elements.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment according to claim 11 provides for limiting the maximum deflection of the spring elements by providing one or more adjustable spring stops. The spring stop or stops can, in particular, be manually movable, so that they can be easily adjusted by a user as needed.

[0024] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, a cover for a portable container holder for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container filled with fluid is provided, wherein the container holder has a container receptacle for receiving the disposable container. The cover has a fixing arrangement for fixing the flexible disposable container filled with fluid in the container receptacle when the cover is in the mounted state.

[0025] It is essential that the cover has a spring arrangement by means of which the fixing arrangement can be resiliently mounted and by means of which the fixing arrangement can be subjected to a spring force in a spring direction when the cover is in the mounted state.

[0026] Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed portable container holder.

[0027] According to a further teaching according to claim 13, which also has independent significance, a system is claimed with a flexible disposable container filled with fluid, wherein the fluid is preferably a fluid containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, and a proposed portable container holder.

[0028] Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed portable container holder and the proposed cover. According to a further teaching according to claim 14, which also has independent significance, a method is claimed for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container filled with fluid, comprising a flexible disposable container filled with fluid, wherein the fluid is preferably a fluid containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, and a proposed portable container holder. In the method, the disposable container is received in the container receptacle, the cover is mounted on the container receptacle, whereby the disposable container is covered by the cover, and the disposable container is fixed in the container receptacle by the fixing arrangement of the cover.

[0029] It is essential that the spring arrangement supports the fixing arrangement in a spring-loaded manner and that the spring arrangement applies the spring force to the fixing arrangement in the spring direction when the cover is in the assembled state.

[0030] Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed portable container holder, the proposed cover and the proposed system.

[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 arrangement with a mounted cover in perspective view,

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the dismantled cover according to Fig. 1 in a) a perspective view and b) a side sectional view,

[0034] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a cover in a) a perspective view and b) a side sectional view and

[0035] Fig. 4 shows the portable container arrangement according to Fig. 1 with the cover and a disposable container filled with fluid in a) a plan view and b) a side sectional view. The exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 4b) and which is preferred in this respect relates to a portable container holder 1 for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, in particular a liquid. The disposable container 3 can in particular be a disposable container 3 that can be used in bioprocesses. The disposable container 3 is flexible, in particular in the manner of a bag, so that its external 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.

[0036] "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 4 with transport rollers 5, as is preferably shown in Fig. 1, over which the container holder can be moved.

[0037] The proposed portable container holder 1 has a container receptacle 6 for receiving the disposable container 3. The disposable container 3 can, in particular, be arranged empty in the container receptacle 6 and subsequently filled with fluid 2. The container holder is preferably substantially cuboid or cube-shaped, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1. The disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, which is received in the container receptacle 6 and fills it, is shown by way of example in Fig. 4b). It is, in particular, possible for the disposable container 3 not to be completely filled with fluid 2, but rather to have air in a head region, for example.

[0038] Furthermore, the portable container holder 1 has a cover 7 that can be mounted on the container receptacle 6 for covering the disposable container 3 received in the container receptacle 6. The cover 7 can be mounted, for example, by a user who arranges and fastens the cover 7 to the container receptacle 6. The cover 7 can, in particular, be removable, for example in order to arrange the disposable container 3 in the container receptacle 6 or to remove it from the container receptacle 6. Figs. 1 and 4 show, by way of example, the mounted state of the cover 7, wherein the cover 7 covers the disposable container 3 received in the container receptacle 6.

[0039] The cover 7 has a fixing arrangement 8. When the cover 7 is mounted on the container receptacle 6, the disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2 can be fixed in the container receptacle 6 via the fixing arrangement 8. This fixing prevents the disposable container 3 from being moved excessively back and forth within the container receptacle 6, for example, when transporting the disposable container 3 by moving the portable container holder 1. In particular, due to the flexibility of the disposable container 3 and the fluid 2 filled into the disposable container 3, it is necessary to be able to fix it.

[0040] What is essential about the proposed portable container holder 1 is that the cover 7 has a spring arrangement 9, which resiliently mounts the fixing arrangement 8, particularly in the mounted state of the cover 7, wherein the fixing arrangement 8 can be subjected to a spring force in a spring direction via the spring arrangement 9 when the cover 7 is in the mounted state. This generally enables a flexible fixing of the disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2 in the container receptacle 6 via the fixing arrangement 8, which can compensate for certain movements of the disposable container 3. A rigid fixing of the disposable container 3 received in the container receptacle 6 and filled with fluid 2, as is known from the prior art, can thus be avoided.

[0041] The spring arrangement 9 is designed to be compressible and extendible, whereby the spring-mounted fixing arrangement 8 is moved accordingly depending on the compression and extension of the spring arrangement 9. The fixing arrangement 8 is subjected to the spring force exerted by the spring arrangement 9, in particular when the disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2 is received in the container receptacle 6, the cover 7 is mounted on the container receptacle 6 and the fixing arrangement 8 fixes the disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2. In this way, the flexible fixation of the disposable container 3 can be achieved in that the spring force exerted on the fixing arrangement 8 ensures that the disposable container 3 is pressed against it and thus fixes it within the container receptacle 6. The spring force acts at least in the direction of the disposable container 3, in particular in the vertical direction, as can be seen from Fig. 4b).

[0042] Furthermore, it is particularly preferably provided here that the portable container holder 1 has a fastening arrangement 10 for fastening the cover 7 to the container receptacle 6. The cover 7 can be mounted and, preferably, dismounted on the container receptacle 6 via the fastening arrangement 10. The fastening arrangement 10 can be operated, in particular, manually. The fastening arrangement 10 can be formed as part of the container receptacle 6. Here and preferably, the spring arrangement 9 can connect the fastening arrangement 10 and the fixing arrangement 8.

[0043] Preferably, the fastening arrangement 10 is formed as part of the cover 7. This is the case, for example, with the covers 7 shown in Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b). The fastening arrangement 10 can be arranged, in particular detachably, on the container receptacle 6 in such a way that the fixing arrangement 8 is fastened to the container receptacle 6, in particular movably relative to the container receptacle 6. From Fig. 4b), it can be seen by way of example that the cover 7 is fastened to the container receptacle 6 by the fastening arrangement 10. For this purpose, the fastening arrangement 10 is arranged on the container receptacle 6 and the fixing arrangement 8 is accordingly movably fastened to the container receptacle 6 via the fastening arrangement 10.

[0044] As shown by way of example in Fig. 4b), and preferably, the fastening arrangement 10 can be arranged or is arranged rigidly relative to the container receptacle 6. The fixing arrangement 8 is movable relative to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular because the fixing arrangement 8 is spring-mounted and the fixing arrangement 8 is connected to the fastening arrangement 10 via the spring arrangement 9. The fixing arrangement 8 is thus, here and preferably, movably fastened or movably fastened to the container receptacle 6.

[0045] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the fastening arrangement 10 to have a plurality of support elements 11 which, when the cover 7 is in the assembled state, rest on the container receptacle 6. The support elements 11 can in particular rest on a horizontal surface of the container receptacle 6. The support elements 11 can be plate-shaped and / or extend, in particular, in the assembled state of the cover 7 in the horizontal direction. The cover 7 can be suspended via the support elements 11, for example during assembly to simplify the arrangement of the cover 7 on the container receptacle 6. The support elements 11 are, in Fig. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b), and preferably, plate-shaped. It is possible for the support elements 11 to be arranged opposite one another with respect to a vertical direction when the cover 7 is in the assembled state. The support elements 11 can be at least partially connected to one another.

[0046] Preferably, the fastening arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of, in particular four, preferably six, and more preferably eight, fastening elements 12, via which the fastening arrangement 10 can be rigidly arranged on the container receptacle 6. In the exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b), and preferably, the fastening elements 12 are designed to be manually operable and / or screw-actuated. The fastening elements 12 can, in particular, each have a manually operable handle 13.

[0047] It is preferably further provided that the fastening arrangement 10 has a base element 14 or several, in particular two, base elements 14, on which or on which the support elements 11 are arranged, in particular fixedly. This is shown by way of example in Figs. 2a) and 3a). The base element 14 can or the base elements 14 can each be designed as a base plate which, when the cover 7 is in the assembled state, extends at least in a horizontal plane. Here and preferably, the base plate or the respective base plate has vertically and horizontally arranged plate sections 15. This is shown, for example, in Figs. 2a) and 3a). It is possible for the base plate or the base plates to each be C-shaped. In the examples in Figs. 2a) and 3a), and particularly preferably, it is provided that the support elements 11 are formed integrally with the base element 14 or the base elements 14, in particular as a sheet metal part.This can bring manufacturing advantages. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements 12 are mounted, in particular axially, movably in the base element 14 or the base elements 14. Preferably, it is possible for the fastening elements 12 to be mounted so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. This is the case, for example, in the embodiments of Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b). It is possible for the fastening elements 12 to be arranged opposite one another in such a way that they can be clamped in the container receptacle 6, in particular in the horizontal direction. The fastening elements 12 can in particular be mounted in a respective thread 16 of the base element 14 or the base elements 14.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the fixing arrangement 8 has a fixing plate 17 with a fixing surface 18, wherein the fixing plate 17 can be subjected to the spring force in the spring direction via the spring arrangement 9, in particular when the cover 7 is in the assembled state. The fixing force can be exerted on the disposable container 3 via the fixing surface 18. The fixing plate 17 and / or the fixing surface 18 can in particular be square. It is conceivable for the fixing plate 17 to have elevations and / or depressions, in particular on the side of the fixing plate 17 opposite the fixing surface 18. The fixing plate 17 can in particular be arranged substantially parallel to one or more, in particular horizontal, plate sections 15.

[0049] It is conceivable that the fixing surface 18 is designed as a flat fixing surface 18, as can be seen by way of example in Figs. 2b) and 3b). In the assembled state of the cover 7, the fixing surface 18 can, in particular, face the disposable container 3. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the fixing surface 18 to be formed as a continuous fixing surface 18, as in the embodiments of Figs. 2a) and 3a), or from several partial surfaces.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing plate 17 can be constructed in multiple layers and have at least a first plate layer 19 and a second plate layer 20. The first plate layer 19 is preferably formed as a continuous first plate layer 19 or from a plurality of first partial plates. The second plate layer 20 is preferably formed as a continuous second plate layer 20 or from a plurality of second partial plates. In the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 2a) and 3a), the fixing plate 17 has a first plate layer 19 and a second plate layer 20. Here and preferably, the first plate layer 19 has two first partial plates, and the second plate layer 20 is formed as a continuous second plate layer 20.It is particularly preferred that the first plate layer 19 is formed from a rigid material, such as a metal or a hard plastic, and / or that the second plate layer 20 is formed from a soft material, in particular a foam material.

[0051] The spring arrangement 9 preferably has a plurality of, in particular four, preferably six, more preferably eight, spring elements 21 for resiliently supporting the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, and for applying the spring force to the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17. The spring elements 21 can be designed as compression springs, preferably and exemplarily shown in Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b). The spring elements 21 are arranged, in Figs. 2a), 2b) and preferably, between the fastening arrangement 10 and the fixing arrangement 8.

[0052] Preferably, the spring elements 21 each bear on one side against the fastening arrangement 10, in particular the base plate or base plates, and on one side against the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17. It is possible for the spring elements 21 to bear directly against the fixing plate 17 and / or directly against the base plate or base plates. It is also possible for the spring elements 21 to bear indirectly against the fixing plate 17 via first support elements 22 and / or indirectly against the base plate or base plates via second support elements 23.

[0053] In the embodiment in Fig. 2a), 2b) and preferably, the first support elements 22 are formed as part of a respective guide element 24. It is alternatively conceivable for the first support elements 22 to be rigidly arranged on the respective guide element 24. Here and preferably, the second support elements 23 are arranged immovably on the base plate or base plates in the axial direction of the respective guide element 24. The guide elements 24 will be discussed in more detail at a later point in time. The axial direction can correspond to the direction along a main axis of the respective guide element 24. In the embodiment in Fig. 3a), 3b) and preferably, the first support elements 22 are part of the fixing arrangement 8 and are rigidly arranged on the fixing plate 17. It is alternatively conceivable for the first support elements 22 to be formed as part of the fixing plate 17.Here, and preferably, the second support elements 23 are part of the fastening arrangement 10 and are rigidly arranged on the base plate or base plates. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the second support elements 23 to be formed as part of the base plate or base plates.

[0054] It is possible for the spring arrangement 9, in particular the spring elements 21, to preload the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, relative to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular relative to the base element 14 or base elements 14. The preload can also exist, in particular, in the disassembled, i.e., unassembled, state of the cover 7.

[0055] In the embodiment according to Fig. 3a), 3b) and preferably, the spring arrangement 9 has eight spring elements 21. It is conceivable for the spring arrangement 9 to also have a number of spring elements 21 different from eight, for example four, as shown in Fig. 2a), 2b) and preferably, or six or ten spring elements 21. Both in the embodiment according to Fig. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b) and preferably, the spring elements 21 are arranged vertically when the cover 7 is in the assembled state. The spring elements 21 are, here and preferably, arranged between the first support elements 22 and the second support elements 23. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2a), 2b), the spring elements 21 are additionally arranged between the fastening arrangement 10, in particular the base element 14 or the base elements 14, and the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17.

[0056] It is further preferably provided that the spring arrangement 9, in particular the spring elements 21, can be compressed and extended in such a way that the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, is moved relative to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular relative to the base element 14 or the base elements 14. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the spring elements 21 to be compressed and extended independently of one another. This allows the fixing plate 17 to be tilted relative to the base element 14 or the base elements 14. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, to be prestressed relative to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular the base plate or the base plates, via the spring arrangement 9. Due to the prestress, the spring force can be exerted on the fixing arrangement 8, in particular on the fixing plate 17, even when the cover 7 is in the disassembled state.

[0057] It is possible that the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, is resiliently connected to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular to the base plate or base plates, via the spring arrangement 9, in particular the spring elements 21.

[0058] As can be seen from Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b), and preferably, the spring arrangement 9 has a plurality of connecting elements 25, which movably connect the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, and the fastening arrangement 10, in particular the base element 14 or the base elements 14, at a distance 26. The distance 26 between the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, and the fastening arrangement 10, in particular the base element 14 or the base elements 14, is variable via the compression and rebound of the spring arrangement 9.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the spring arrangement 9 comprises a plurality of guide elements 24 for the guided compression and rebound of at least one of the spring elements 21. Preferably, the guide elements 24 each have a guide pin 27, and the respective spring element 21, in particular designed as a compression spring, is arranged around the respective guide pin 27. This is particularly evident in Figs. 2b) and 3b). The spring elements 21 can each be arranged coaxially around the guide elements 24.Here and preferably, the guide elements 24 are immovable relative to the fixing arrangement 8, in particular relative to the fixing plate 17, during the compression and rebound of the spring arrangement 9, and are movable relative to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular relative to the base element 14 or the base elements 14, in the axial direction of the guide elements 24 and / or the spring elements 21 during the compression and rebound of the spring arrangement 9, in particular movable through the base element 14 or the base elements 14. The axial direction can correspond to the direction along a main axis of the respective guide element 24. As shown in Fig. 2b) and preferably, the guide elements 24 are arranged rigidly on the fixing plate 17.

[0060] It is further preferred that the spring arrangement 9 has a plurality of adjustment elements 28 for adjusting the, in particular maximum, distance 26 between the fixing arrangement 8 and the fastening arrangement 10. The preload of the spring arrangement 9, in particular of the spring elements 21, can be adjusted by adjusting the, in particular maximum, distance 26. The, in particular maximum, distance 26 can be adjustable in particular in the disassembled state and / or in the assembled state of the cover 7. The adjustment elements 28 can each have at least one thread 16, in which one of the guide elements 24, in particular the guide bolts 27, is mounted so that it can be screwed in and out. This makes it possible, for example, to change the distance 26 and / or the preload.

[0061] In connection with the guide elements 24 and the adjustment elements 28, it is preferably the case that the guide elements 24 and / or the adjustment elements 28 are designed as part of the connecting elements 25. The guide elements 24 and the adjustment elements 28 each fulfill a dual function, namely, on the one hand, the guidance of the spring elements 21 or the adjustability of the distance 26, and on the other hand, the movable connection of the fixing arrangement 8 and the fastening arrangement 10. In Fig. 2a), 2b), for example and preferably, the adjustment elements 28 are designed as nuts and the guide elements 24 as guide bolts 27. The guide bolts 27 are, here and preferably, mounted in the nuts so that they can be screwed in and out, whereby the distance 26 between the fixing plate 17 and the base plates can be changed. In Fig. 3a), 3b), by way of example and preferably, the adjusting elements 28 are formed as part of the first support elements 22.The guide bolts 27 are, here and preferably, mounted so that they can be screwed in and out in a respective thread 16 of the adjusting elements 28, which are arranged in the first support elements 22.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, has an access recess 29 for the passage of at least one, in particular several, accesses 30 of the disposable container 3. The access 30 can be or the accesses 30 can each be designed as an access line 30, such as in particular as a hose or pipe. From Fig. 2a) and 3a) it can be seen that several accesses 30 of the disposable container 3 are passed through a recess in the fixing plate 17. Alternatively, it is possible for the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, to have several access recesses 29. The access recess 29 can be or the access recesses 29 can each be hole-shaped or elongated-hole-shaped, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2a) and 3a).

[0063] To secure at least one of the, in particular several, accesses 30 of the disposable container 3 in the respective access recess 29, it is preferably provided that the fixing arrangement 8 has an access fastening 31. As shown in Fig. 2a) and preferably, the access fastening 31 is designed as a clamp fastening for clamping the accesses 30. This has proven particularly useful when sensors or probes are guided over the accesses 30 and these are to be arranged rigidly relative to the fixing arrangement 8. Here and preferably, the access fastening 31 is designed in the manner of a comb. This allows the accesses 30 to be arranged at a distance from one another. In addition, it is possible for the access fastening 31 to be selected as needed according to the number of accesses 30, for example by exchanging the access fastening 31.The access fastening 31 can, here and preferably, be arranged on the fixing plate 17, in particular detachably, for example via a screw connection. More preferably, the access fastening 31 can be formed as a sheet metal part. The access fastening 31 can be formed as a single piece or in multiple pieces. An access fastening 31 can also be provided in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3a).

[0064] It is particularly advantageous for the fixing arrangement 8 to have a cantilever recess 32 in which a cantilever 33 of the disposable container 3 accommodated in the container receptacle 6 can be received. The cantilever 33 can be accommodated in the cantilever recess 32, in particular so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cantilever 33. The axial direction can correspond to the direction along a main axis of the cantilever 33. According to Fig. 2b) and 3b) and preferably, the cantilever recess 32 extends over the entire thickness of the fixing plate 17. The cantilever 33 can be guided at least partially through the fixing plate 17 through the cantilever recess 32.

[0065] The cantilever 33 is preferably arranged on the top side of the disposable container 3. Further preferably, the cantilever 33 is substantially cylindrical. It is further preferred that the cantilever 33 be firmly connected to the disposable container 3.

[0066] The term "Canotier" 33 in the context of this application is to be understood broadly and includes in particular a closable opening of the disposable container 3, through which substances, for example solids, can be added to the fluid 2 in the disposable container 3.

[0067] It is preferred that the fastening arrangement 10 has a further cantilever recess 34 in which the cantilever 33 can be received. The further cantilever recess 34 can be arranged coaxially with the cantilever recess 32. Here and preferably, the further cantilever recess 34 extends over the entire thickness of the base element 14 or the base elements 14. The cantilever 33 can thereby be passed through the base element 14 or the base elements 14. It is particularly possible for the cantilever 33 to be received in the further cantilever recess 34 so that it is axially movable or rigid relative to the fastening arrangement 10, as is the case in Fig. 2b). The cantilever 33 can be clamped via the base elements 14. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0068] The canoeing recess 32 and / or the further canoeing recess 34 may be circular or elliptical.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the fastening arrangement 10 has a plurality of hole recesses 35, in each of which one of the connecting elements 25 is movably received in the axial direction of the respective connecting element 25. The axial direction can correspond to the direction along a main axis of the respective connecting element 25. As shown by way of example in Fig. 2a) and preferably, the base element 14 or the base elements 14 have a plurality of hole recesses 35, in each of which one of the guide elements 24 is movably received in the axial direction of the guide element 24. The guide elements 24 are, here and preferably, enclosed by the connecting elements 25. During compression and rebound, the guide element 24 is moved accordingly through the base element 14 or the base elements 14 via the respective hole recess 35. It is shown in Fig.2a), 2b), and preferably such that the guide elements 24 are movably mounted in the hole recesses 35 via the second support elements 23. The second support elements 23 can be movably guided in the hole recesses 35 in the transverse direction to the guide elements 24. The guide elements 24 can be movable through the second support elements 23 in the axial direction of the guide elements 24.

[0070] The hole recesses 35 can preferably be circular, as exemplified in the embodiment according to Fig. 3a), 3b), or elongated, as exemplified in the embodiment according to Fig. 2a), 2b). As shown exemplarily in Fig. 2a), the base elements 14 are preferably movable relative to one another via the hole recesses 35, which are in particular elongated. In particular, when the cover 7 is disassembled, the base elements 14 can be movable relative to one another. It is preferably possible for the base elements 14 to be movable relative to one another in such a way that the cantilever 33 received in the further cantilever recess 34 can be clamped by the base elements 14. The clamped cantilever 33 is arranged immovably relative to the fastening arrangement 10, in particular relative to the base elements 14.

[0071] A further embodiment provides that the spring arrangement 9 has one or more adjustable spring stops, via which a maximum deflection of the spring elements 21 between the fastening arrangement 10 and the fixing arrangement 8 can be adjusted. The spring stop or the spring stops can each be designed to be manually operable, in particular via a knob 36. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 3a), 3b), and preferably, a maximum deflection of the spring elements 21 between the base element 14 or the base elements 14 and the fixing plate 17 can be adjusted via the spring stop or the spring stops. Here and preferably, the spring stop or the spring stops are arranged on the fastening arrangement 10, in particular on the base element 14 or the base elements 14, in the axial direction of the respective spring stop so that they can be moved manually, in particular screwed.The axial direction can correspond to the direction along a main axis of the respective spring stop. The spring stop(s) can each have a screw bolt with a stop. When the spring elements 21 compress, the fixing plate 17 can come into contact with one or more of the spring stops, in particular with the stop(s).

[0072] With regard to the container receptacle 6, it is preferably provided that the container receptacle 6 is formed from at least four container walls 37 and a container base 38. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 and preferably, two of the four container walls 37 are arranged essentially perpendicular to one another. The container base 38 can delimit the container receptacle 6 on one side. The container receptacle 6 can, here and preferably, be open on one side, so that a disposable container 3 can be received in the container receptacle 6. It is particularly conceivable that the disposable container 3 can be covered by the cover 7 and the container receptacle 6 is closed by the cover 7 on the open side, as can be seen from Figs. 1 and 4b. Here and preferably, at least one of the container walls 37 has a closable side door 39. The container receptacle 6 can be essentially cuboid-shaped, in particular cubic, as shown by way of example in Fig.1 is shown.

[0073] While the disposable container 3 is held by the proposed portable container holder 1, the fluid 2 contained in the disposable container 3 can be thoroughly mixed. This holding can accordingly include a thorough mixing. For this purpose, the disposable container 3 can have, for example, a magnetically driven mixing element, which can be driven via a, in particular external, drive unit 40.

[0074] It is generally conceivable for the container receptacle 6 to have a drive point 41 at which the mixing element 42 of the disposable container 3 received in the container receptacle 6 can be arranged such that the mixing element 42 can be driven, in particular magnetically, by a drive unit 40 at the drive point 41. The drive unit 40 can be an external drive unit 40 designed separately from the portable container holder 1. The drive point 41 can be arranged on the container base 38, as shown in Fig. 4b). The drive point 41 can have a drive recess 43, in particular a substantially circular or elliptical one, which extends over the entire thickness of the container base 38 and in which the mixing element 42 of the disposable container 3 or the drive unit 40 can be at least partially arranged.

[0075] In order to be able to drive the mixing element 42 by an external drive unit 40, it is preferably provided, for example in the embodiment according to Figs. 1 and 4a), 4b), that the portable container holder 1 has a drive receptacle 44 for receiving the drive unit 40, which is arranged below the container receptacle 6. The drive receptacle 44 is designed such that the drive unit 40 can be arranged therein, so that the mixing element 42 can be driven accordingly. From a structural point of view, it is possible for the drive receptacle 44 to be limited at the top by the container base 38 of the container receptacle 6, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 4b).

[0076] With regard to the portability of the container holder, it has proven extremely advantageous for the portable container holder 1 to have a transport arrangement 4 with a plurality of transport rollers 5 for moving the portable container holder 1. The transport rollers 5 allow the container holder to roll, for example, to transport the disposable container 3 accommodated in the container receptacle 6. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 and preferably, the transport arrangement 4 has four transport rollers 5. At least some, in particular two, of the transport rollers 5 can preferably be lockable. This can prevent the portable container holder 1 from moving unintentionally.

[0077] Here and preferably it is provided that the drive receptacle 44 is formed from at least several supports 45 and / or plates, wherein the drive receptacle 44 is delimited on at least two sides, in particular three sides, by the plurality of supports 45 and / or plates. The supports 45 can enable load bearing. Here and preferably the supports 45 comprise several vertical supports, which are arranged vertically, and several horizontal supports. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the drive receptacle 44 is formed from three vertical supports and three horizontal supports. It is conceivable that one plate or several plates are arranged on the supports 45, for example to protect the drive unit 40, which can be accommodated in the drive receptacle 44, from external influences. Preferably the transport rollers 5 are arranged on the drive receptacle 44, in particular on the supports 45 and / or plates.As can be seen in Figure 1, the drive receptacle 44 is preferably designed to be free of the floor. This allows a drive unit 40 to be moved, for example, by sliding, into the drive receptacle 44. Here, and preferably, the drive receptacle 44 is open at least on one side.

[0078] Also proposed is a cover 7 for a portable container holder 1 for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, wherein the portable container holder 1 has a container receptacle 6 for receiving the disposable container 3. The cover 7 has a fixing arrangement 8 for fixing the flexible disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2 in the container receptacle 6 when the cover 7 is in the mounted state.

[0079] For the proposed cover 7, it is essential that the cover 7 has a spring arrangement 9, via which the fixing arrangement 8 can be resiliently mounted and via which the fixing arrangement 8 can be subjected, in particular acted upon, in a spring direction with a spring force in the mounted state of the cover 7.

[0080] Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b) show two different embodiments of the proposed cover 7. The embodiment according to Figs. 2a), 2b) corresponds to the cover 7 shown in Figs. 1, 4a), and 4b) in the assembled state.

[0081] Reference may be made to all features and specifications of the proposed portable container holder 1. All features and specifications of the proposed cover 7 also apply to the portable container holder 1.

[0082] In connection with the cover 7, it is fundamentally possible for the cover 7 to be constructed in multiple parts, i.e. as several separate parts. In particular, the fastening arrangement 10, the spring arrangement 9 and / or the fixing arrangement 8 can be connectable during assembly of the cover 7 to the container receptacle 6. Alternatively, however, it has proven particularly advantageous for the cover 7 to be constructed as an assembly unit. In particular, the fastening arrangement 10, the spring arrangement 9 and the fixing arrangement 8 can thus be pre-assembled. This makes assembly of the cover 7 particularly easy. The exemplary embodiments of the cover 7 according to Figs. 2a), 2b) and 3a), 3b) are constructed as an assembly unit.

[0083] Furthermore, a system 46 is proposed comprising a flexible disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, wherein the fluid 2 is preferably a fluid 2 containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, and a proposed portable container holder 1. A proposed system 46 is shown as an example in Fig. 4b).

[0084] Reference may be made to all features and specifications of the proposed portable container holder 1 and the proposed cover 7. All features and specifications of the proposed system 46 also apply to the proposed portable container holder 1 and the proposed cover 7.

[0085] It is possible for the system 46 to have a cantilever clamp 47 arranged on the cantilever 33 of the disposable container 3. This can be seen by way of example in Fig. 3a). In Fig. 3a), the cantilever 33 is shown open. The cantilever 33 can be movable relative to the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, when, for example, the spring arrangement 9 compresses and extends. The cantilever clamp 47 can secure the cantilever 33 in the cantilever recess 32 of the fixing arrangement 8, and in particular prevent the cantilever 33 from slipping out of the cantilever recess 32. The cantilever clamp 47 can, here and preferably, have two semicircular clamp sections 48. The cantilever clamp 47 can preferably enable a substance container, such as a powder container, to be connected to the cantilever 33. This is possible by securing the connected material container with the cantilever clamp 47. The cantilever clamp 47 can thus serve a dual function.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 6, 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 6 and is held in this way, as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 4b). 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, as contamination of the fluid 2 received in the disposable container 3 can be avoided.

[0086] As already described above, while holding the disposable container 3 with the portable container holder 1, the fluid 2 contained in the disposable container 3 can be mixed.

[0087] The disposable container 3 can preferably have a magnetically driven mixing element 42, which can be driven via a drive unit 40. Preferably, the mixing element 42 is designed as a stirrer, in particular an impeller. This can be seen by way of example in Fig. 4b). The mixing element 42, in particular the impeller, can preferably be rotationally symmetrical. It is conceivable for the mixing element 42, in particular the impeller, to have a one-piece housing, in which, in particular, a magnet and / or a magnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, is accommodated.

[0088] Particularly preferably, the system 46 comprises a drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 can preferably be designed as an external drive unit 40, which is preferably designed separately, i.e. as an independent unit, from the portable container holder 1. The drive unit 40 can be arranged at the drive point 41 if required. Preferably, the drive unit 40 can be received by a drive receptacle 44 of the container holder. In this context, it is preferably possible for the drive unit 40 to be inserted and / or retracted into the drive receptacle 44 and / or pulled and / or pushed out of the drive receptacle 44. Furthermore, a method for holding and transporting a container filled with fluid

[0089] 2 filled flexible disposable container 3, with a flexible disposable container 3 filled with fluid 2, wherein preferably the fluid 2 is a fluid 2 containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, and a proposed portable container holder 1. In the method, the disposable container 3 is received in the container holder 6, the cover 7 is mounted on the container holder 6, whereby the disposable container

[0090] 3 is covered by the cover 7, and the disposable container 3 is fixed in the container receptacle 6 by the fixing arrangement 8 of the cover 7.

[0091] It is essential that the spring arrangement 9 resiliently supports the fixing arrangement 8 and that the spring arrangement 9, in the mounted state of the cover 7, applies the spring force to the fixing arrangement 8 in the spring direction.

[0092] Reference may be made to all features and specifications of the proposed portable container holder 1, the proposed cover 7, and the proposed system 46. All features and specifications of the proposed method also apply to the proposed portable container holder 1, the proposed cover 7, and the proposed system 46.

[0093] It is conceivable that the spring arrangement 9 compresses and extends in such a way that even when the disposable container 3 moves, for example due to movements of the fluid 2, and / or volume fluctuations of the fluid 2, the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, fixes the disposable container 3 in the container receptacle 6. It is possible for the fixing arrangement 8, in particular the fixing plate 17, to press the disposable container 3 in the container receptacle 6, in particular flatly.

[0094] To install the cover 7, it is possible for the cover 7 to be loosely arranged on the container holder 6 and secured via the fastening arrangement 10. The disposable container 3 can be filled with fluid 2 before or after the cover 7 is installed, for example, via an access 30 or via the canotier 33.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Portable container holder for use in a bioprocess for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container (3) filled with a fluid (2), wherein the fluid (2) is in particular a fluid (2) containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, wherein the portable container holder (1) has a container receptacle (6) for receiving the disposable container (3) and a cover mountable on the container receptacle (6) (7) for covering (7) the disposable container (3) received in the container receptacle (6), wherein the cover (7) has a fixing arrangement (8) by means of which, in the mounted state of the cover (7), the disposable container (3) filled with the fluid (2) can be fixed in the container receptacle (6), characterized in that the cover (7) has a spring arrangement (9) which resiliently mounts the fixing arrangement (8) and in that, in the mounted state of the cover (7), the fixing arrangement (8) can be subjected to a spring force in a spring direction by means of the spring arrangement (9).

2. Portable container holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the portable container holder (1) has a fastening arrangement (10) for fastening the cover (7) to the container receptacle (6), preferably that the fastening arrangement (10) is designed as part of the cover (7) and can be arranged on the container receptacle (6) in such a way that the fixing arrangement (8) is fastened to the container receptacle (6), in particular movably, further preferably that the fastening arrangement (10) can be rigidly arranged on the container receptacle (6) and that the fixing arrangement (8) is movable relative to the fastening arrangement (10).

3. Portable container holder according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastening arrangement (10) has a plurality of support elements (11) which, in the mounted state of the cover (7), rest on the container receptacle (6), and / or that the fastening arrangement (10) has a plurality of fastening elements (12) by means of which the fastening arrangement (10) can be rigidly arranged on the container receptacle (6), and / or that the fastening arrangement (10) has a base element (14) or a plurality of, in particular two, base elements (14), on which or on which the support elements (11) are arranged, in particular fixedly, and / or in which or in which the fastening elements (12) are mounted, in particular axially, movably.

4. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing arrangement (8) has a fixing plate (17) with a fixing surface (18), wherein the fixing plate (17) can be subjected to the spring force in the spring direction via the spring arrangement (9), preferably that the fixing surface (18) is designed as a flat fixing surface (18) and / or that the fixing surface (18) is designed as a continuous fixing surface (18) or is formed from a plurality of partial surfaces and / or that the fixing plate (17) has a multi-layer construction and has at least a first plate layer (19) and a second plate layer (20), further preferably that the first plate layer (19) is or are formed as a continuous first plate layer (19) or from a plurality of first partial plates and / or that the second plate layer (20) is or are formed as a continuous second plate layer (20) or from a plurality of second partial plates.

5. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arrangement (9) has a plurality of spring elements (21), in particular designed as compression springs, for resiliently mounting the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), and for applying the spring force to the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), and / or that the spring arrangement (9), in particular the spring elements (21), prestresses or prestresses the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), relative to the fastening arrangement (10), in particular relative to the base element (14) or the base elements (14), and / or that the spring arrangement (9), in particular the spring elements (21), prestresses or prestresses the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17),is or is subjected to the spring force relative to the container holder (6) via the fastening arrangement (10) rigidly arranged on the container holder (6) in the mounted state of the cover (7).

6. Portable container holder according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the spring arrangement (9), in particular the spring elements (21), is or are capable of being compressed and extended in such a way that the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), is moved relative to the fastening arrangement (10), in particular relative to the base element (14) or the base elements (14), and / or that the spring elements (21) are capable of being compressed and extended independently of one another, and / or that the fixing arrangement (8) is prestressed relative to the fastening arrangement (10) via the spring arrangement (9).

7. Portable container holder according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the spring arrangement (9) has a plurality of connecting elements (25) which connect the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), and the fastening arrangement (10), in particular the base element (14) or the base elements (14), movably at a distance (26) from one another, and / or that the spring arrangement (9) has a plurality of guide elements (24) for the guided compression and rebound of at least one of the spring elements (21), and / or that the spring arrangement (9) has a plurality of adjusting elements (28) for adjusting the pretension of the fixing arrangement (8), in particular with respect to the fastening arrangement (10), and / or for adjusting the distance (26) between the fixing arrangement (8) and the fastening arrangement (10), preferably that the guide elements (24) and / or the adjusting elements (28) are formed as part of the connecting elements (25),further preferably, that the guide elements (24) have a plurality of guide bolts (27) and the respective spring element (21), in particular designed as a compression spring, is arranged around the respective bolt, and / or that the adjusting elements (28) have a plurality of threads (16) into which the guide elements (24), in particular the guide bolts (27), can be screwed in and out.

8. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), has an access recess (29) or a plurality of access recesses (29) for passing through at least one access (30) of the disposable container (3), preferably that the fixing arrangement (8) has an access fastening (31) for fastening at least one of the accesses (30) of the disposable container (3) in the respective access recess (29), further preferably, that the access fastening (31) is arranged on the fixing plate (17) for fastening the access (30) or the accesses (30).

9. Portable container holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing arrangement (8) has a cantilever recess (32) in which a cantilever (33) of the disposable container (3) received in the container receptacle (6) can be received, which extends in particular over the entire thickness of the fixing plate (17), preferably that the fastening arrangement (10) has a further cantilever recess (34) in which the cantilever (33) can be received, which extends in particular over the entire thickness of the base element (14) or the base elements (14).

10. Portable container holder according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the fastening arrangement (10), in particular the base element (14) or the base elements (14), has a plurality of hole recesses (35), in each of which one of the connecting elements (25), in particular of the guide elements (24), is accommodated so as to be movable in the axial direction, preferably that the hole recesses (35) are circular or elongated hole-shaped, further preferably that the base elements (14) are movable towards one another via the hole recesses (35), which are in particular elongated hole-shaped, in particular are movable towards one another in such a way that the cantilever (33) accommodated in the further cantilever recess (34) can be clamped by the base elements (14).

11. Portable container holder according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the spring arrangement (9) has one or more adjustable spring stops, via which or via which a maximum spring deflection of the spring elements (21) between the fastening arrangement (10), in particular the base element (14) or the base elements (14), and the fixing arrangement (8), in particular the fixing plate (17), can be adjusted, preferably that the spring stop or the spring stops on the fastening arrangement (10), in particular on the base element (14) or the base elements (14), are arranged to be manually movable in the axial direction of the respective spring stop.

12. Cover for a portable container holder (1) for use in a bioprocess for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container (3) filled with a fluid (2), wherein the fluid (2) is in particular a fluid (2) containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, wherein the container holder has a container receptacle (6) for receiving the disposable container (3), wherein the cover (7) has a fixing arrangement (8) for fixing the flexible disposable container (3) filled with the fluid (2) in the container receptacle (6) in the mounted state of the cover (7), characterized in that the cover (7) has a spring arrangement (9) by means of which the fixing arrangement (8) can be resiliently mounted and by means of which the fixing arrangement (8) can be subjected to a spring force in a spring direction in the mounted state of the cover (7).

13. System for use in a bioprocess, wherein the system (46) comprises a portable container holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a flexible disposable container (3) filled with a fluid (2), wherein the fluid (2) is in particular a fluid (2) containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium.

14. Method for holding and transporting a flexible disposable container (3) filled with a fluid (2), wherein the fluid (2) is in particular a fluid (2) containing a purified pharmaceutical ingredient or a culture medium, using a portable container holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the disposable container (3) is received in the container receptacle (6), the cover (7) is mounted on the container receptacle (6), whereby the disposable container (3) is covered by the cover (7) is covered, and the disposable container (3) is fixed in the container receptacle (6) by the fixing arrangement (8) of the cover (7), characterized in that the spring arrangement (9) resiliently supports the fixing arrangement (8) and the spring arrangement (9) in the mounted state of the cover (7) the fixing arrangement (8) is subjected to the spring force in the spring direction.

Images