Tubing pinch valve with integrated forced closure

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubing pinch valve (1) for a filling device (2) for filling containers (3) with pharmaceutical filling material, at least comprising: - a tubing (5) for the filling material, which is arranged at least partially in or on a valve housing (4); - a drive (24); - a pinching element (7) for pinching the tubing (5), which pinching element can be rotated by the drive (24) about an axis of rotation (8) into a closed position (9), in which the pinching element (7) closes the tubing (5), and into an open position (10), in which the pinching element (7) at least partially releases the tubing (5), - and a forced closing mechanism (25) which is mechanically connected to the drive (24) and / or the pinching element (7) and is designed to bring the pinching element (7) into the closed position (9) depending on a forced closing signal.

Description

[0001] Hose pinch valve with integrated forced closure

[0002] Hose pinch valve with integrated positive closing mechanism for a filling device for filling containers with a pharmaceutical product, filling device and method for filling containers with a pharmaceutical product

[0003] The present invention relates to a hose pinch valve for a filling device for filling containers with a pharmaceutical fill material, a filling device for filling containers with the pharmaceutical fill material and a method for filling containers with the pharmaceutical fill material.

[0004] Filling devices are used in the pharmaceutical industry to fill pharmaceutical products, such as medications or other pharmaceutical preparations, into containers like vials, bottles, ampoules, syringes, or other packaging. These filling devices can be automated and / or integrated into pharmaceutical production lines. In particular, filling devices are used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure accurate dosing of the products. Furthermore, the filling devices must be able to fill the containers hygienically and without contamination to guarantee the quality and safety of the pharmaceutical products.

[0005] A pinch valve is used in a filling device to control and / or regulate the flow of liquid or viscous materials.

[0006] It allows the flow of contents through a flexible tube to be controlled by pinching or releasing the tube at a predetermined point. The tube pinch valve has a movable pinch element for pinching the tube. Filling devices for containers with pharmaceutical contents typically include additional valves for forced closure, which can reliably prevent the dispensing of the contents in the event of a malfunction.

[0007] In filling valves driven by a servo motor, forced closure is achieved via an additional pinch valve or hose valve located between the intermediate container and the filling valve. Therefore, an additional pinch valve or hose valve is required for the reliable operation of the time-pressure filling system.

[0008] In filling valves driven by a stepper motor, the forced closing occurs via the filling valve itself. However, the actuator for the filling valve contains an additional gearbox with a self-locking mechanism. Greater force is required to overcome this self-locking feature.

[0009] Therefore, relatively large pneumatic cylinders and springs are necessary to ensure reliable operation. Furthermore, an additional sensor is required for position verification, which detects the closed position of the filling valve, since the stepper motor does not have an absolute encoder.

[0010] Systems comprising filling valves with servo motor and additional hose pinch valves for forced closure often have the following disadvantages:

[0011] • Additional installation space is required due to the additional hose pinch valve for forced closure.

[0012] • The entire system becomes heavier overall. In particular, the weight of interchangeable or format parts increases if it is a so-called combination filling station on which several filling systems can be operated.

[0013] • Furthermore, when the forced closure is activated on such systems, additional product may drip from the filling needle. • Another risk is that fingers or other body parts may be crushed by the additional forced closure, resulting in permanent damage.

[0014] • The additional hose pinch valve also results in higher manufacturing costs, as a filling valve and another additional hose pinch are required and must also be enclosed.

[0015] • A particular problem arises because fluid can become “trapped” between the two hose pinch valves (one valve for dosing and the other valve for forced closure), potentially causing overpressure.

[0016] • Because the system has more components located outside the housing of the filling station, cleaning the filling station or filling system also becomes more complex.

[0017] • Furthermore, pinch valves always require mechanical alignment, as the gap is not fixed. The additional pinch valves increase the system's setup effort due to the insertion of the pinch hose.

[0018] • Furthermore, in cases where an active forced closure has occurred, the pinch hose must be removed from the additional hose pinch. The additional hose pinch valve for forced closure therefore increases the effort required in this situation as well.

[0019] Systems comprising filling valves with stepper motor drives often have the following disadvantages:

[0020] • When using a stepper motor drive, mechanical components (pins) may fail because there is no sliding element and greater forces are required to activate the forced closing mechanism.

[0021] • When the forced closing mechanism is activated, additional product can drip from the filling needle because the closing mechanism closes perpendicular to the liquid flow direction. • The stepper motor drive requires a large installation space due to the lack of a modular design. The forced closing mechanism typically operates across multiple filling points. A modular approach with a separate forced closing mechanism for each individual filling point is often not implemented.

[0022] • The function and the force required for successful forced closure depend on the number of filling points at the filling station. Therefore, different types of systems with filling valves and varying numbers of filling points may require different closing system designs.

[0023] • Even with stepper motor systems, there is a risk that fingers or other human body parts may be crushed and permanently damaged by the forced closure.

[0024] • Due to the forced closing mechanism, systems with stepper motors also require more complex mechanical alignment. Setting a gap dimension is necessary.

[0025] • In order to be able to remove the crimp hose from the hose crimper when the forced closure is active, the lid of the filling valve must also be designed to be hinged (rotatable).

[0026] Starting from this premise, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a pinch valve that enables high dosing accuracy and is also designed to perform the function of a positive closing action. Furthermore, a filling device whose pinch valve enables high dosing accuracy is to be provided. In addition, a method is to be provided by which containers can be filled with a pharmaceutical product with high dosing accuracy.

[0027] This section describes a pinch valve for a filling device for filling containers with a pharmaceutical product, at least comprising:

[0028] - a hose for the filling material, which is at least partially arranged in or on a valve housing; - a drive;

[0029] - a crimping element for crimping the hose, which can be rotated by the drive around a rotary axis into a closed position, in which the crimping element closes the hose, and into an open position, in which the crimping element at least partially releases the hose,

[0030] - A forced closing mechanism that is mechanically connected to the drive and / or the crushing element and is designed to bring the crushing element into the closed position depending on a forced closing signal.

[0031] The pinch valve is particularly suitable for use in a filling device or a material feeding system for pharmaceutical production facilities. The filling device can be designed as a time-pressure filling system, allowing a pharmaceutical product to be dispensed into a container with a predefined filling time and pressure. The filling time is controlled by the pinch valve. The filling pressure is controlled by a pressure regulating valve located upstream of the pinch valve. The filling pressure is an overpressure that allows the product to be conveyed when the pinch valve is open. The pharmaceutical product can be, for example, a drug or another pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product is typically liquid or viscous.The filling device allows for the filling of a large number of containers with the product, for example, in mass production. The containers can be conveyed through or along the filling device by a conveying system, particularly an automatic one. The containers can be, for example, vials, bottles, ampoules, syringes, or other packaging. Each container can have a capacity for the product ranging from, for example, 0.1 milliliters to 1 liter. The containers can be made at least partially of glass, plastic, and / or metal. The pinch valve is specifically not a peristaltic pump. The pinch valve has a valve housing that can be made at least partially of metal and / or plastic. The valve housing preferably forms a contact surface. Preferably, the hose runs between the contact surface and the pinch element.The hose can be compressed between the compression element and the valve housing or mounting surface to seal it. The valve housing may also provide a mounting space and / or have a cover. The cover can close or seal an opening in the valve housing's mounting space. The valve housing may be attachable to the filling device.

[0032] Furthermore, the pinch valve has a hose for the filling material, which is at least partially arranged or attached to the valve housing. For example, the hose may be at least partially arranged or attached to an outer surface of the valve housing. The valve housing may support, guide, and / or hold at least part of the hose. The hose consists at least partially of a flexible and / or elastic material that enables precise pinching and simultaneously ensures a good seal. For example, the hose may be at least partially made of plastic, silicone, elastomer, or rubber. The hose may, for example, have an outer diameter of 2 mm to 20 mm. The pinch valve can be connected to a filling material source via the hose.The material source can be, for example, a storage container, a distribution pipe, or a pump. A first longitudinal hose end can be connected to the material source and / or a second longitudinal hose end to a hose connection of the pinch valve. From the hose connection, the material can be fed, for example, via a connecting line to a filling needle, through which it can be filled into a container.

[0033] The pinch valve has an actuator. This actuator can be an electric motor. The actuator can be located at least partially in and / or on the valve housing or the mounting space of the valve housing.

[0034] The hose pinch valve has a pinch element for pinching the hose. In particular, the hose pinch valve has a single pinch element. The pinch element can, for example, be designed as a roller. The pinch element is rotatable or rotatable about a rotary axis into a closed and an open position by means of the drive. The hose pinch valve is therefore, in particular, a rotary hose pinch valve. The pinch element can be rotatably mounted on the valve housing about the rotary axis. The hose can preferably be pinched by the pinch element between the valve housing or a section or contact surface of the valve housing and the pinch element in order to be closed in the closed position. The rotary axis can extend at least partially through the valve housing. The rotary axis can extend (essentially) orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the hose.The axis of rotation can extend (essentially) orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of a section of the hose that the pinch element contacts in the closed position. In the closed position, the pinch element pinches the hose in such a way that the material cannot flow through it. In the closed position, the pinch element presses against an outer circumferential surface of the hose. In the closed position, the hose or the hose pinch valve is closed. In the open position, the pinch element releases the hose at least partially or completely. In the open position, the hose or the hose pinch valve is at least partially or completely open. When rotating the pinch element into the closed position and / or when rotating the pinch element between the open and closed positions, the pinch element can slide or roll at least partially on the hose or on the outer circumferential surface of the hose.To adjust the crimping element from the open to the closed position, the crimping element can, for example, be rotated by a first angle of 45° to 90° around the axis of rotation. Adjusting the crimping element from the open to the closed position can be accomplished with less than one turn of the drive. In particular, no gearbox is required to drive the crimping element.

[0035] The rotatability of the pinch element around the axis of rotation enables very fast opening and closing of the hose pinch valve, thereby increasing the dosing accuracy of the filling device.

[0036] The drive mechanism of the rotary pinch valve described here can preferably be more compact and lighter (especially with low inertia of the moving components) than that of linear pinch valves. In particular, no gearbox is required to convert the rotary motion of a drive motor into a linear pinch motion. The rotary pinch valve requires less installation space compared to a linear pinch valve. Since such a rotary pinch valve is lighter, this is advantageous when replacing it or switching to a different filling system. The elimination of a gearbox also eliminates the need for lubrication.

[0037] Compared to linear pinch valves, the rotary pinch valve described here also has the advantage of allowing greater independence of operation from the valve's installation orientation. With a linear pinch valve, a vertical installation may require movement against gravity, which can lead to operational inaccuracies. Moving a pinch element vertically, rather than horizontally, requires greater force. The rotary pinch valve described here is significantly less affected by this.

[0038] Opening and closing the pinch valve preferably requires less than one rotation of the actuator. Preferably, the angle of rotation between the open and closed positions of the pinch valve is approximately 45 degrees. This also enables very rapid opening and closing of the pinch valve. This, in turn, makes it possible to generate very small fill quantities or (micro-)droplets (micro- and droplet dosing).

[0039] Controlled acceleration of the filling product is possible at the start of the filling process via the ramp geometry in the valve housing and the acceleration of the roller with this filling valve. The roller moves in the direction of flow of the filling product and transfers the movement to the liquid even before the filling valve reaches its opening point.

[0040] This allows for a gentle opening of the valve, and this feature prevents splashing at the beginning of the filling process.

[0041] The movement profile and geometry of the ramp in the valve housing can also influence the product's deceleration in the filling system during closing. This optimizes product flow and dispensing at the end of the filling process. As a result, air pockets and drips that hang or fall off the filling needle at the end of the filling process can be avoided. All these effects directly impact filling accuracy.

[0042] The rotational movement of the squeezing element around the axis of rotation can be controlled by a control system, in particular automatically. The control system can include a microprocessor.

[0043] By squeezing the hose with a crimping element that performs a rotary motion during the squeezing process, a particularly gentle crimping action can be achieved. The crimping force is applied evenly along the length of the hose. The section where the crimping begins is located some distance from the point where a complete seal is first achieved. This distributes the hose deformation over a section of the hose's length. The service life of the hose is increased with this type of hose crimp valve compared to hoses with linearly operating valves.

[0044] The positive closing mechanism of the pinch valve described here is integrated directly into the pinch valve, which is also used for dispensing the liquid. Specifically, the positive closing mechanism does not include a separate pinch device; rather, the pinch device / hose crimp used for dispensing is also used for positive closing. A positive closing signal that triggers the positive closing action could, for example, be the absence of another signal that overrides the positive closing mechanism when positive closing is not desired.

[0045] The forced closing mechanism closes the filling valve, especially in the event of serious malfunctions (power failure, emergency stop). This ensures that the filling system is securely sealed and that the liquid inside the system cannot escape.

[0046] The novel hose pinch valve described here, with integrated forced closing mechanism, has the following advantages in particular:

[0047] • The forced closure is integrated directly into the filling valve, so no additional hose crimp or valve is needed.

[0048] • Handling of the system is simplified, as no separate hose crimper or additional valve is required. The hose only needs to be inserted into the metering valve at one point, which also provides a forced closing function.

[0049] • The system requires less installation space. All additional components can be arranged below the squeeze, between the drive and the squeeze.

[0050] • A rapid closing mechanism of the filling valve can be achieved when forced closing is activated. • When forced closing occurs, the filling or metering valve is closed. In the event of forced closing, the filling valve can be opened mechanically by turning the hose clamp. A hinged cover for hose removal is not required.

[0051] • The moment of inertia of the filling valve is only minimally increased by the additional components for the forced closing mechanism. Only the cam disc represents an additional moving component that must be moved. The cam disc can (also) be made of plastic for reasons of inertia.

[0052] • The need for mechanical alignment is reduced. No gap adjustment is required.

[0053] • The closing movement of the forced closing mechanism described here can be directed against the flow direction of the product during normal operation. This causes a backflow of liquid into the line when the forced closing mechanism is activated. This prevents droplet formation on the filling needle.

[0054] • The forced closure function works even if the coupling (between rotor and drive) of the filling valve is defective, displaced or slipping.

[0055] • The forced closure is functional over almost 360° of the filling valve's angle.

[0056] • The forced closure deliberately has no function in the hose change position so that there is no risk of crushing the operator during hose changes and the filling pressure is deactivated in the hose change position.

[0057] • The forced closure mechanism eliminates any (additional) risk of fingers or other body parts being crushed and causing permanent damage, particularly because no additional hose pinch is used. Furthermore, the closing forces of the forced closure are designed to ensure the system closes securely, but only to a degree that prevents permanent damage, for example to fingers.

[0058] • Due to the reduced number of components, cleaning of the visible parts (outside the filling station housing) is easier. • The system's manufacturing costs are reduced because there is only one valve and therefore fewer components are required.

[0059] • No (over)pressure can be “trapped” between the two hose clamps, which are present if a separate valve for forced closure is provided in addition to the metering valve or filling valve.

[0060] • The solution can be implemented at all types of filling stations (normal filling station or combination filling station).

[0061] It is particularly preferred if the squeezing element is arranged eccentrically on a rotor.

[0062] The hose can be pressed against a concave contact surface by means of the crimping element.

[0063] The squeezing element can be arranged eccentrically on a rotor. The squeezing element can be rotatably mounted on and / or at least partially within the rotor. The squeezing element can be mounted on and / or at least partially within a longitudinal end of the rotor. The squeezing element can be rotatable about the axis of rotation by the rotor. The rotor extends, in particular, parallel to the axis of rotation and / or at least partially into the valve housing. The rotor can be rotatably mounted in the valve housing and / or be designed at least partially as a shaft. The rotor can be rotatable about the axis of rotation by the drive and / or connected to the drive via a coupling.

[0064] The hose can be pressed against a concave contact surface by the pinch element. In particular, the hose can be pressed against the concave contact surface by the pinch element when it is in the closed position. In the closed position of the pinch element, the hose runs between the pinch element and the concave contact surface. The concave contact surface can be formed, for example, on the valve housing or on the cover. The concave contact surface can extend at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation and / or along an outer circumferential surface of the rotor. The concave contact surface can extend around the axis of rotation at an angle of, for example, 45° to 180°, preferably 90° to 180°. The concave contact surface can have a circular segment-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0065] The concave contact surface on the housing and the shape of the crimping element preferably define a specific ramp geometry. This ramp geometry defines how, and with what dependence on the rotation angle of the rotor or crimping element, the hose is compressed from the open position to the closed position.

[0066] Controlled acceleration of the product being filled is possible at the start of a filling process via the ramp geometry in the valve housing and the acceleration of the rotor. The rotor moves in the direction of product flow. Opening therefore preferably occurs with the rotor or pinch element moving in the direction of product flow during filling, transferring this movement to the product. This is particularly true before the rotor or pinch element reaches the opening point, the hose seal is broken, and a passage for the product through the hose pinch valve is open.

[0067] This allows for a gentle opening of the pinch valve. In particular, the formation of splashes of the product at the beginning of a filling process can be effectively prevented by such a pinch valve in the line.

[0068] The movement profile and ramp geometry can also influence the deceleration of the product during closing. In particular, the flow of the product at the end of a filling process can be improved. For example, air inclusions and drips hanging from or subsequently falling off the filling needle can be avoided at the end of a filling process. All these effects have a direct impact on filling accuracy. The squeeze element can be rotated from the open position to the closed position against the flow direction of the product in the tube. This can mean, in particular, that when rotating from the open position to the closed position, the squeeze element slides or rolls at least partially against the flow direction of the product in the tube on the tube or on the outer circumferential surface of the tube.This allows for a clear and / or clean interruption of the flow of the filling material at the filling needle when the hose pinch valve is closed, which increases the dosing accuracy.

[0069] The pinch element can be rotated into a back-suction position by the drive. In particular, the pinch element can be rotated into the back-suction position by the drive about the axis of rotation. The pinch element can be rotated from the open or closed position against the flow direction of the material in the hose into the back-suction position. To adjust the pinch element from the closed position to the back-suction position, the pinch element can, for example, be rotated by a second angle of rotation of 10° to 90°, preferably 30° to 60°, about the axis of rotation. When rotating the pinch element from the closed position to the back-suction position, the distance between the pinch element and the concave contact surface can remain (essentially) constant. When rotating the pinch element from the closed position to the back-suction position, the pinch element can (continuously) pinch the hose in such a way that the hose is closed.When the pinch element is rotated from the closed position to the return-suction position, it presses against the outer circumferential surface of the hose. When the pinch element is rotated from the closed position to the return-suction position, the hose or hose pinch valve is closed. When the pinch element is rotated from the closed position to the return-suction position, the contents, particularly from the filling needle, can be drawn back in. This back-suction of the contents prevents dripping from the filling needle, thereby increasing dosing accuracy.

[0070] In preferred embodiments, the described pinch valve has a calibration structure with which a calibration position (a rotation angle) of the rotor relative to the housing is specified, in particular to calibrate the drive of the pinch valve.

[0071] The calibration structure can, for example, be implemented as a bore in the rotor. Optionally, the calibration structure includes a bore in the housing. Preferably, a pin can be inserted through the bore in the rotor into the bore in the housing to achieve precise relative positioning of the rotor to the housing and to calibrate the rotor or the drive. Using the calibration structure, it can be checked whether the rotor or the clamping element is in the calibration position. Starting from a calibration position defined by the calibration structure, all positions of the rotor (closed position, open position, hose change position, etc.) are preferably precisely defined and can thus be approached by the drive. The drive includes, for example, a stepper motor. The aforementioned positions are defined, for example, by a fixed number of steps by which the drive is moved from the calibration position.

[0072] The squeezing element can be designed as a sliding roller.

[0073] The pinch valve can have a hose retainer that prevents movement of the hose in any longitudinal direction. The hose retainer can be formed on or arranged on the valve body and / or the cover. The hose can, for example, be inserted into a mounting slot of the hose retainer, so that the hose is frictionally secured in the mounting slot. The mounting slot may be non-linear and / or meandering in the longitudinal direction of the hose. Inserting and removing the hose from the hose retainer or mounting slot can be done without opening or removing any mechanical components. The hose retainer can be positioned upstream of the pinch element in the direction of material flow.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferred if the forced closing mechanism is designed to move the squeezing element from the open position against a flow direction of the filling material in the hose into the closed position when a forced closing signal occurs.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferred if the forced closing mechanism is connected to the crushing element via a shaft in order to be able to bring the crushing element into the closed position.

[0076] It is also preferred if the positive closing mechanism is arranged between the crushing element and the drive.

[0077] A coupling, with which the rotor or the crushing element can be disconnected from the drive, is preferably arranged between the drive and the positive locking mechanism. Preferably, no coupling exists between the positive locking mechanism and the rotor or the crushing element. It is preferably ensured that the positive locking mechanism always acts on the rotor or the crushing element (under all possible operating conditions) in such a way that the intended positive locking occurs.

[0078] The coupling can be designed as a slip clutch in various embodiments, limiting the forces exerted by the drive on the rotor or the pinch element. Preferably, the positive locking mechanism is designed such that the forces it can exert on the rotor or the pinch element are greater than the forces that can be transmitted via the coupling. This ensures that a positive locking action initiated by the positive locking mechanism cannot be unintentionally reversed by the drive.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferred that the positive closing mechanism has a cam disk which is rotationally fixed to a shaft and which has a cam track, wherein the positive closing mechanism further has a control element which is configured to press against the cam disk in the direction of the axis of rotation of the shaft on the cam track in order to generate a closing force and a closing movement with which the pinch element can be brought into the closed position.

[0080] The cam track is preferably a circumferential, helical track that is rotationally fixed to the shaft via the cam disc. An axial force along the axis of rotation, exerted on the cam track or cam disc by the control element, can, due to the cam track's pitch, apply a torque to the shaft. This torque acts on the rotor or the squeezing element in addition to the torque exerted by the drive. The cam disc or cam disc is designed such that this torque causes the rotor or the squeezing element to move into the closed position.

[0081] It is also preferred if the control element is designed with a roller that rests against the cam disc to transmit forces from the control element to the cam disc.

[0082] The roller on the control element can reduce frictional forces between the cam disc or the cam track and the control element.

[0083] Furthermore, it is preferred if the forced closing mechanism has a spring with whose spring force the crushing element can be brought into the closed position.

[0084] The spring acts as an energy storage device, containing the energy necessary to drive the control element and perform the forced closing action. When a forced closing signal is lost, this stored energy is released to perform the forced closing action.

[0085] Furthermore, it is preferable if the forced closing mechanism has a compressed air connection, wherein a pressure applied to the compressed air connection prevents the pinch element from being brought into the closed position by the forced closing mechanism, and wherein a drop in the pressure applied to the compressed air connection is a forced closing signal.

[0086] The positive closing mechanism is held permanently open during operation by compressed air (pneumatic overpressure). Preferably, the positive closing mechanism has a pressure chamber into which the pressure applied to the compressed air connection is transferred. The compressed air chamber is delimited by a piston connected to the control element. The pressure in the compressed air chamber compresses the spring and preferably holds the control element in a position where it does not act on the cam or the cam track. If the pressure in the compressed air chamber or at the compressed air connection is released, the spring can move the control element to a position where it acts on the cam or cam track as described, thus effecting positive closing.

[0087] The pressure chamber, piston, and spring are preferably designed such that the force exerted by the compressed air is greater than the spring force when a predetermined pressure is applied to the compressed air connection. If the pressure falls below a certain threshold, the spring actuates the control element in the manner described to trigger the forced closure.

[0088] As soon as the compressed air (pneumatic overpressure) is switched off, the spring force of the spring is the decisive force.

[0089] The forced closing mechanism is preferably designed in such a way that it can assume the following operating states:

[0090] 1. The forced closure of the filling valve is actively kept open by compressed air.

[0091] 2. The filling valve is securely closed by spring force after the electrical and thus the pneumatic energy is switched off. 3. A third option may be provided: When the filling valve is in the hose change position (position 180°), the contour of the cam disc ensures that the filling valve is not moved into the closed position by the forced closing mechanism (safety function).

[0092] In preferred embodiments, a silencer can also be attached to the compressed air chamber, which slows down the movement caused by a forced closure in order to avoid noise formation.

[0093] Also described here is a filling device for filling containers with a pharmaceutical product, comprising at least one described hose pinch valve.

[0094] Furthermore, a method for filling containers with a pharmaceutical product is described here, comprising at least the following steps: a) providing a container; and b) at least partially filling the container with the pharmaceutical product, whereby the filling is controlled and / or metered using a described pinch valve, c) optionally performing a forced closing action in which the pinch element is moved into the closing position when a forced closing signal has been received by the forced closing mechanism.

[0095] It should be noted that the special advantages and design features described above in connection with the devices (hose pinch valve and filling device) are also applicable and transferable to the method described below.

[0096] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show preferred embodiments, to which the invention is not limited. It should be noted in particular that the figures, and especially the size relationships shown in the figures, are only schematic. They show:

[0097] Fig. 1 : a filling device with a hose pinch valve with the described positive closing mechanism in a perspective view;

[0098] Fig. 2: a top view of the hose pinch valve with a pinch element in an open position;

[0099] Fig. 3: a top view of the hose pinch valve with the pinch element in a closed position;

[0100] Fig. 4: a filling device with several described hose pinch valves; and

[0101] Fig. 5: a sectional view of a hose pinch valve with the described forced closing mechanism.

[0102] Fig. 1 shows a filling device 2 for filling containers 3 with a pharmaceutical product. The filling device 2 has a pinch valve 1 with a valve housing 4. An actuator 24 is arranged on the valve housing 4, by which a rotor 11 can be rotated about an axis of rotation 8. The actuator 24 is preferably connected to the rotor 11 by a coupling 6 to drive the rotor 11. The rotor 11 has an eccentric pinch element 7, which can be rotated with the rotor 11 about the axis of rotation 8. The pinch element 7 extends outside the valve housing 4 parallel to the axis of rotation 8. A hose 5 for the product runs between the pinch element 7 and a concave contact surface 12 of the valve housing 4. The concave contact surface 12 extends around the rotor 11, i.e., around the axis of rotation 8, at an angle.Hose 5 leads from a source of filling material (not shown here, for example, a central supply line) to a hose connection 32 of the pinch valve 1. Hose 5 extends through a hose holder 16 of the pinch valve 1, which prevents movement of hose 5 in a longitudinal direction 17 when the pinch element 7 is rotated about the axis of rotation 8. The pinch valve 1 is connected to a filling needle 21 via a connecting line 20. The connecting line 20 is connected to a line connection 22 of the pinch valve 1. The filling material can be supplied to the filling needle 21 via hose 5 and the connecting line 20, and discharged into the container 3 via the filling needle 21.

[0103] The pinch valve 1 has a described positive closing mechanism 25, which is arranged between the actuator 24 and the pinch element 7 and which has a compressed air connection 28 through which compressed air can be supplied to the positive closing mechanism 25. A possible and preferred design of the positive closing mechanism 25 will be explained below with reference to the further figures.

[0104] Fig. 2 shows the pinch valve 1 in a top view, with the pinch element 7 of the rotor 11 rotated about the axis of rotation 8 into an open position 10. In the open position 10, the hose 5 is open, so that the material can flow in a flow direction 13 through the hose 5 and the connecting line 20 to the filling needle 21.

[0105] Fig. 3 shows the pinch valve 1 in a top view, with the pinch element 7 of the rotor 11 rotated from the open position 10 shown in Fig. 2 counterclockwise around the axis of rotation 8 and against the flow direction 13 of the material to a closed position 9. In the closed position 9, the pinch element 7 presses the hose 5 against the concave contact surface 12, so that the hose 5 is closed and no material can flow through the hose 5 to the filling needle 21.

[0106] Figures 2 and 3 also show a calibration structure 23 with which a specific position of the rotor 11 can be determined, for example, to mount the pinch element 7 in the correct position on the rotor 11. Figure 4 shows a filling device 2 with several pinch valves 1, which can be used for the parallel filling of a plurality of containers 3. The pinch valves 1 are each connected via lines to a central supply line 29 in which the filling material is provided at a metered pressure. By opening the respective pinch valve 1 for a defined time interval, a defined quantity of the filling material provided in the central supply line 29 is reached.

[0107] In the sectional view of a described pinch valve 1 according to Fig. 5, the positive closing mechanism 25 is shown in detail. The shaft 14 with the axis of rotation 8, which connects the rotor 11 and the actuator 24, is visible. The shaft 14 has a coupling 6 at which the actuator 24 and the rotor 11 or the pinch element 7 can be separated from each other, in order to allow the rotor 11 or the pinch element 7 to be moved independently of the actuator 24.

[0108] The positive closing mechanism 25 is also connected to the shaft 14, but beyond the coupling, so that positive closing always occurs when the positive closing mechanism 25 is triggered as described above. The positive closing mechanism 25 comprises a cam disk 15, which is rotationally fixed to the shaft 14 and has an ascending cam track 19. A control element 18 presses against the cam track 19. The control element 18 is connected to a piston 31, which is adjacent to a compressed air chamber 30. In the normal operation of the pinch valve 1, the compressed air chamber 30 is pressurized with compressed air via the pressure port 28. The control element 18 is further acted upon by the spring force of a spring 27.The pressure in the compressed air chamber 30 holds the control element 18 in a position against the spring force of the spring 27, in which it is spaced apart from the cam disk 15, so that the shaft 14 is movable independently of the positive locking mechanism 25. In particular, movements of the rotor 11 and the squeezing element 7 generated by the drive 24 are not hindered by the positive locking mechanism 25 in this situation. When the pressure in the compressed air chamber 30 is released, the control element 18 is moved by the spring force of the spring 27, so that it acts on the cam disk 15 or the cam track 19 of the cam disk 15. The control element 18 is particularly preferably designed with a roller 26 that is in contact with the cam track 19 and rolls on it. Through the interaction of the control element 18 and the cam track 19, a rotary movement of the shaft 14 and the rotor 11 is achieved.of the pinch element 7, which causes a forced closure of the hose pinch valve 1.

[0109] Reference symbol list

[0110] 1 hose pinch valve

[0111] 2 Filling device

[0112] 3 containers

[0113] 4 valve housings

[0114] 5 hoses

[0115] 6 Clutch

[0116] 7 Squeeze element

[0117] 8 axis of rotation

[0118] 9 Closed position

[0119] 10 Disclosure

[0120] 11 Rotor

[0121] 12 concave mounting surfaces

[0122] 13 Flow direction

[0123] 14 wave

[0124] 15 Cam disc

[0125] 16 hose holder

[0126] 17 Hose longitudinal direction

[0127] 18 Control element

[0128] 19 scenery railway

[0129] 20 connecting line

[0130] 21 Filling needle

[0131] 22 Line connection

[0132] 23 Calibration structure

[0133] 24 drive

[0134] 25 Forced locking mechanism

[0135] 26 rolls

[0136] 27 spring

[0137] 28 Compressed air connection

[0138] 29 central supply line compressed air chamber piston hose connection

Claims

Claims 1. Hose pinch valve (1) for a filling device (2) for filling containers (3) with a pharmaceutical filling material, comprising at least: - a hose (5) for the filling material, which is arranged at least partially in or on a valve housing (4); - a drive (24); - a crimping element (7) for crimping the hose (5), which is rotatable by the drive (24) about a rotary axis (8) into a closed position (9), in which the crimping element (7) closes the hose (5), and into an open position (10), in which the crimping element (7) at least partially releases the hose (5), - a forced closing mechanism (25) which is mechanically connected to the drive (24) and / or the crimping element (7) and is designed to bring the crimping element (7) into the closed position (9) depending on a forced closing signal, wherein the hose (5) can be pressed through the crimping element (7) against a concave contact surface (12).

2. Hose pinch valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pinch element (7) is arranged eccentrically on a rotor (11).

3. Hose pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forced closing mechanism (25) is configured to move the pinch element (7) from the open position (10) against a flow direction (13) of the filling material in the hose (5) to the closed position (9) when a forced closing signal occurs.

4. Hose pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive closing mechanism (25) is connected to the pinch element (7) via a shaft (14) in order to bring the pinch element (7) into the closed position (9).

5. Hose pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive closing mechanism (25) is arranged between the pinch element (7) and the actuator (24).

6. Hose pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive closing mechanism (25) has a cam disk (15) which is rotatably connected to a shaft (14) and which has a cam track (19), wherein the positive closing mechanism (25) further has a control element (18) which is configured to press against the cam disk (15) in the direction of the axis of rotation (8) of the shaft (14) on the cam track (19) in order to produce a closing force and a closing movement with which the pinch element (7) can be brought into the closed position (9).

7. Hose pinch valve (1) according to claim 6, wherein the control element (18) is provided with a roller (26) which bears against the cam disk (15) to transmit forces from the control element (18) to the cam disk (15).

8. Hose pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive closing mechanism (25) has a spring (27) with whose spring force the pinch element (7) can be brought into the closed position (9).

9. Hose pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive closing mechanism (25) has a compressed air connection (28), wherein a pressure applied to the compressed air connection (28) prevents the pinch element (7) from being brought into the closed position (9) by the positive closing mechanism (25), wherein a drop in the pressure applied to the compressed air connection (28) is a positive closing signal.

10. Filling device (2) for filling containers (3) with a pharmaceutical product, comprising at least one pinch valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Method for filling containers (3) with a pharmaceutical product. Filling material, comprising at least the following steps: a) providing a container (3); and b) at least partially filling the container (3) with the pharmaceutical filling material, wherein the filling is controlled and / or metered by means of a hose pinch valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, c) optionally performing a forced closing in which the pinch element (7) is brought into the closing position (9) when a forced closing signal has been received by the forced closing mechanism (25).

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