CN119546854A - Pump device and pump assembly comprising at least one pump device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump device (112; 244) for, in particular, medical products, comprising a pump drive mechanism (124) and a pump head (126; 246; 248), wherein the pump drive mechanism (124) comprises a drive unit (132), a drive body (164) which can be driven by the drive unit in a manner rotatable about a drive axis (158), and a support body (136) for supporting directly or indirectly at a separating element (114), in particular a separating wall (117), wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a base body (184) for supporting at the separating element (114), a hose receptacle (202) for receiving a hose line (130) for guiding the product, a pump actuator (210) for acting on the hose, and a driven body (220) which can be rotated about a driven axis (218), which is operatively connected to the pump actuator (210), wherein the pump drive mechanism (124) and the pump head (126; 248) can be supported at sides facing away from each other of the separating element (114), and wherein the drive body (164) and the driven body (220) comprise a magnetic component (132) with a respective magnetic component (230, 178) for transmitting a driving force to the pump actuator (114). The invention also relates to a pump assembly (112; 244) having at least one pump device (112; 244).

Description

Pump device and pump assembly comprising at least one pump device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a pump device for use in particular with pharmaceutical products, comprising a pump drive mechanism and a pump head.

Background

For example, pump devices of this type are used in machines for processing liquid medical products. The product is transported through the hose line and supplied to a filling station where the product is filled into medical containers, such as vials, syringes, cartridges or ampoules, via for example needle-like filling elements. Very high hygiene standards are commonly employed in the handling of medical products, for example in terms of sterility, cleanability, material wear, etc. As a result, the pump device is conventionally usually arranged in a clean room, and can comply with the sanitary standards for the clean room. However, it is difficult to operate the pump device in a clean room because access to the clean room is not possible or difficult. For this reason, both the retrofitting and maintenance or adaptation tasks are time consuming and can interrupt the manufacturing chain.

In the handling of toxic and even highly toxic products, there is a risk of contamination of the pump device in case of improper operation or technical failure, since in this case the product may spill over the hose line and come into contact with the pump device in an undesired manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a pump device for, in particular, medical products, with which hygiene standards can be complied with in a simple manner in a preferably simplified operation.

This object is achieved by a pump device according to the invention for, in particular, pharmaceutical products, comprising a pump drive mechanism and a pump head, wherein the pump drive mechanism comprises a drive unit, a drive body which can be driven by the drive unit in a manner rotatable about a drive axis, and a support body for direct or indirect support at a separating element, in particular a separating wall, wherein the pump head comprises a base body for supporting at the separating element, a hose receptacle for receiving a hose line for guiding the product, a pump actuator for acting on the hose, and a driven body which can be rotated about a driven axis, which is operatively connected to the pump actuator, wherein the pump drive mechanism and the pump head can be supported at sides of the separating element facing away from each other, and wherein the drive body and the driven body comprise respective magnetic assemblies with magnetic elements which interact to transmit the drive force of the drive unit to the pump actuator via the separating element.

The pump device according to the invention has in particular two components, namely a pump drive and a pump head. In the conventional use of the pump device discussed below, the pump drive and the pump head are spaced apart from one another, wherein a separating element, for example a separating wall, can be arranged between them. The separating element may alternatively be a component part of the pump device. In conventional use, the pump drive and the pump head are supported, in particular directly or indirectly, on the sides of the separating element facing away from each other. The driving force may be transmitted via the magnetic assembly of the driving body and the driven body via the partition element.

The invention contemplates that in the treatment of pharmaceutical products, in particular toxic or highly toxic products, it is desirable to locate as few components as possible in the cavity of the filling machine, wherein the cavity forms, in particular, a clean room. The invention provides the possibility of positioning the pump drive mechanism outside the cavity and the pump head inside the cavity, wherein the wall of the cavity forms the separating element. In this way, a zoning between the clean room and the outside of the chamber can be ensured in a structurally simple manner, and likewise in a specific manner in the pump device. For example, for maintenance purposes, the pump drive mechanism may be arranged outside the cavity together with the attachment cable in an easily accessible manner. A pump head for delivering the product is arranged within the cavity and receives the hose line through which the product can be delivered by means of the pump actuator. The driving force can be transmitted via the wall portion by magnetic force.

The invention also provides the advantage that in the event of possible contamination by spilled product, only the pump head is affected, while the pump drive remains intact.

Advantageously, there is the possibility of constructing the pump head for single use (single use) for the treatment of specific products. In the case of a product change, for example, the pump head can be replaced by a different type of pump head.

Advantageously, the pump means may be applied in any orientation with reference to the direction of gravity.

It may prove advantageous if the pump head can be held at the pump drive via the interacting magnetic element via the separating element. Thus, the magnetic assembly provides not only the possibility of transmitting the driving force to the pump actuator, but also the possibility of applying a holding force to the pump head.

In particular, it is preferably provided that the pump head is not connected to the separating element and can be held on the separating element only via the magnetic element. A design with a simple structure can be achieved in which connecting elements for connecting the pump head to the separating element can be dispensed with. Thus, both the pump actuator and the pump head are driven via the magnetic assembly, and the connection between the pump drive mechanism and the pump head is thereby ensured via the separating element. Preferably, the pump device in this embodiment can even be held at a vertically oriented separating element, from which the pump drive mechanism and the pump head protrude horizontally, for example.

The magnetic assembly is configured, for example, as a multipole assembly, wherein the drive body and the driven body can be coupled to one another in a plurality of angular relative positions with respect to the axis with the drive axis and the driven axis aligned. This facilitates, for example, the operation of the pump device. The magnetic elements are arranged at the drive body and the driven body with reference to the axis such that more than just one relative position of the two bodies can be taken to ensure coupling. For example, two or more relative positions may be considered. In an exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the type and arrangement of the magnetic elements at the drive body and the driven body are repeated over respective angular distances of 120 °,90 °, 72 ° or 60 °, so that, for example, three, four, five or six angular positions are possible, in which the drive body and the driven body can be coupled to one another accordingly. Other angular distances than those exemplarily mentioned herein are contemplated.

It may be advantageous for the pump head to be held at the pump drive mechanism via the magnetic assembly at any angular relative position to the axis via the separating element with the drive axis and the driven axis aligned. For example, it is conceivable that the pump head is merely "docked" at the separating element in the appropriate orientation of the axis and that the holding and the transmission of the drive force is ensured by the magnetic engagement of the magnetic components with one another. It is desirable here for the pump head to have an arbitrary orientation in view of the particularly diverse uses of the pump device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic components are each configured as halbach arrays of magnetic elements. In practice, it has been shown that in this way a reliable interconnection of the magnetic components can be ensured.

It has proven advantageous if the pump head has a design which is compatible with medicines, in particular for clean rooms with toxic or highly toxic medical products,

Advantageously, the pump head can be cleaned in a non-destructive manner with a cleaning liquid, in particular with water. The present invention is preferably capable of WIP (in situ cleaning) applications. For example, between each production cycle, the cavity receiving the pump head is cleaned by washing with a cleaning liquid. The pump heads can be cleaned together and do not have to be removed from the chamber. This facilitates handling and helps to keep downtime as low as possible.

Advantageously, the pump head may be sterilized in a non-destructive manner, for example in a steam sterilization chamber and/or by radiation.

For example, the pump head may include a shaft that is coupled to the driven body and the pump actuator in a relatively torsionally stiff manner. Forces may be transferred from the driven body to the pump actuator via, for example, a shaft defining a driven axis.

Preferably, the driven body and/or the shaft is rotatably supported at the base body about a driven axis via at least one support element. In this way, a durable and reliable function of the pump head is ensured. Rolling and/or sliding bearings may be considered. For example, radial deep groove ball bearings are applied. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing element surrounds the driven body and is supported at the shoulder of the base body.

It may be advantageous if the base body comprises or constitutes a frame and/or a bottom wall, the base body forming an edge adjacent to the pump drive mechanism which can abut against the dividing element, wherein the frame surrounds a receiving space which receives the driven body. The base body may be supported at the separating element via the edge and/or the bottom wall. The driven body is disposed within the frame. Preferably, the frame is closed along the entire circumference around the receiving space, thereby protecting the driven body from the outside. For example, the bottom wall may lock the receiving space close to the separating element. The edge and/or the bottom wall are preferably planar for bearing against the separating element in a planar manner.

The base body advantageously comprises a cover element covering the receiving space on the side of the pump actuator, wherein the driven body or a shaft connected to the driven body passes through a through opening of the cover element and is connected to the pump actuator on the side of the frame facing away from the receiving space. The driven body is separated, for example by a cover element, from a spatial region at the base body, in or in which the pump actuator and the hose line are arranged. It is thereby preferably possible to limit contamination of this spatial region in the event of product spillage and to avoid contamination of the driven body. For example, the cover element is designed as a top wall, which extends over the entire opening of the frame.

Preferably at least one sealing element is provided for sealing between the cover element and the frame.

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

Advantageously, the driven body is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the base body or from the separating element via a gap in a state in which the pump head is resting against the separating element. This can be achieved, for example, by the fact that the driven body is maintained behind (zur ckbleiben) with respect to the contact plane of the base body defined by the edge or that a gap is provided between the driven body and the bottom wall. Thereby, the driven body can be rotated in a friction-free manner without contacting the partition wall or the bottom wall. The gap is preferably narrow, especially less than about 2mm, preferably less than about 1mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the driven body has, close to the separating element, a receiving element comprising a plurality of receptacles for the magnetic elements and a connecting element connected to the receiving element, the connecting element being connected directly or indirectly to the pump actuator. This preferably provides the possibility of simple constructional adaptation or scaling of the pump device. For example, various types of receiving elements can be provided which differ from one another in view of the magnetic assembly and can be used, for example, for different applications of the pump device, in particular in the case of separating elements of different thickness.

The connecting element is connected, in particular, via a clamping sleeve, for example, to the shaft. Alternatively, the connecting element may be connected, for example, directly to the pump actuator.

Advantageously, the receiving element is detachably connected to the connecting element and can be detached from the connecting element, preferably from the side facing away from the connecting element. Thereby, the receiving element can be obtained in an operation friendly manner.

The magnetic element is advantageously arranged in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle and is held therein, in particular by crimping and/or by adhesive bonding.

In order to protect the magnetic elements, it can be provided that the magnetic elements cover the receptacles on at least one side and preferably on both sides via a cover element.

The receiving element and/or the connecting element are advantageously designed as a disk or ring, wherein the magnetic elements are arranged in the circumferential direction of the driven axis. In the ring-shaped embodiment, the mass of the driven body can be kept relatively low. The arrangement of the magnetic elements at the ring in the circumferential direction of the driven axis makes it possible to achieve a sufficiently high torque in a compact configuration.

The construction of the pump drive mechanism will be discussed below in terms of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The pump drive mechanism preferably comprises a shaft rotatably supported at the support body via at least one bearing element, which shaft is connected to the drive body in a rotationally fixed manner and is coupled to the drive shaft of the drive unit via a coupling element or is comprised in the drive unit. For example, the support body forms a one-piece or multi-piece block with at least one bearing element for reliably supporting the shaft. The shaft may be formed as a driving shaft of the driving unit, or may be formed separately from the driving unit.

For example, two support elements are provided that are axially spaced apart from one another for particularly reliable support of the shaft.

The at least one support element may be or comprise a rolling bearing or alternatively a sliding bearing. For example, radial deep groove ball bearings and/or radial thrust ball bearings may be used as rolling bearings.

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

In a different embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support body is or can be fastened to the separating element indirectly via the at least one holding part, and can thus be supported indirectly at the separating element. For example, the holding part is firmly connected with the separating element and provides the support with the possibility of attachment. The connection of the holding part to the separating element can be achieved, for example, by screwing. In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the holding part and the support body is realized by screwing.

Preferably, the support body is detachably secured or securable at the holding part in the case of indirect fastening at the separating element or at the separating element in the case of direct fastening at the separating element. This provides for example the possibility of simple installation or removal, for example for maintenance purposes. It is also contemplated that the retaining member provides a universal platform for various types of pump drive mechanisms, which may optionally be coupled to the dividing element.

The at least one holding part is, for example, or comprises a support against which the support body rests and which is connected to the separating element, wherein the drive body is positioned laterally beside the at least one holding part and protrudes beyond an end of the support body facing away from the drive unit. The drive body can thus be reached in a simple manner, for example for maintenance purposes, when the support body is detached from the at least one holding part. For example, two or more holding parts are provided, between which the driven body is positioned and thereby better protected from external influences.

It may be provided that the support body comprises or forms a flange on the side facing away from the drive body and rests via the flange on the housing of the drive unit, wherein the shaft of the pump drive extends in the through opening of the support body. The drive unit is connected, for example, in a detachable manner to the flange, whereby the components of the pump drive can be used in a wide variety of ways. For example, different drive units may be combined with the same support body as required. Inside the through opening, for example, a shaft of the drive unit, the above-mentioned coupling element and a shaft connected to the drive body are arranged.

Advantageously, in the state in which the pump drive is connected to the separating element, the drive body is spaced apart from the separating element via a gap. The advantages of this type of design have been discussed in connection with pump heads. For example, the contact plane defined by the at least one holding part or support body protrudes beyond the drive body, which is maintained behind the contact plane.

The width of the gap is advantageously less than about 2mm, still more preferably less than about 1mm.

The drive body may preferably comprise a receiving element adjacent to the separating element, which comprises a plurality of receptacles for the magnetic elements, and a connecting element connected to the receiving element, which is coupled to the drive unit and in particular to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The advantages and preferred embodiments of the receiving element and the connecting element have been discussed in connection with the driven body. Reference is made to the above.

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

The magnetic element is arranged in the receptacle, for example, in a form-fitting manner, and is held therein, in particular by crimping and/or adhesive bonding.

A cover element may be provided at least one side to close the receptacle and to cover the magnetic element, preferably two cover elements may be provided.

The receiving element and/or the connecting element are preferably designed as a disk or ring, wherein the magnetic elements are arranged in the circumferential direction of the drive axis.

It can be provided that the receiving elements of the drive body and the driven body are constructed as identical components. This simplifies the construction of the pump device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pump device is a peristaltic pump, wherein the hose receptacle comprises a groove-shaped recess for the hose line, and wherein the pump actuator is arranged within the hose receptacle and comprises at least one pressure element which, when rotated about the driven axis, is in pressing engagement with the hose line. For example, the hose line is inserted into a groove-shaped recess extending around the driven axis, wherein the pump actuator is arranged radially inside the hose line. When the pump actuator is rotated, the at least one pressurizing element squeezes the hose line and thereby delivers the product.

It may be provided that the pump actuator comprises a plurality of pressure elements. The pressing elements are advantageously spaced apart from each other by an equal angular distance with respect to the driven axis.

The at least one pressure element is, for example, a roller body which is rotatably mounted on the rotor of the pump actuator about a rotational axis which is oriented parallel to the driven axis.

Advantageously, the pump actuator and/or the hose receiving portion are/is detachably held at the pump head. This makes it possible to replace the pump actuator and/or the hose receiving portion according to the application and requirements without having to replace the entire pump device or even the entire pump head.

The pump means may be, for example, a single hose pump or a multi-hose pump (e.g. a dual hose pump). For this purpose, the hose receiving portion may be configured to receive one hose or two or more hoses, wherein the hoses may be inserted into the pump head, for example, one above the other in the axial direction.

For example, the pump head may comprise a cover body which is transitionable from a closed position, in which it covers the pump actuator and/or the hose receiving portion, to an open position, and vice versa, and releases it in the open position. In use, the cover body assumes, inter alia, a closed position to protect the hose receiving portion and the pump actuator. For example, to replace the pump actuator and/or hose receptacle, the cover may be transitioned to the open position. Advantageously, the cover can be opened and closed manually and/or in a tool-free manner.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the pump device comprises a plurality of pump heads, which may optionally be coupled to a pump drive mechanism. The pump device thus has a high degree of diversity, wherein the pump heads can be different from one another in particular, in order to make the pump device adaptable to the respective application. The respective pump head can be coupled to the pump drive via a magnetic assembly, in particular via a separating element.

According to the disclosure, the pump device according to the invention may comprise, in particular, at least one pump head, wherein a plurality of pump heads may be considered.

For example, various types of pump heads can be implemented to configure the pump device as a single hose pump or a multi-hose pump. For example, it may alternatively be provided that the pump head can be converted from a single-hose pump to a multi-hose pump by replacing the hose receptacle and/or the pump actuator.

As mentioned at the outset, the invention also relates to a pump assembly.

The object of the present invention is to provide a pump assembly for use in a machine, in particular in a filling machine for pharmaceutical products, or as a component part of a machine of this type.

This object is achieved by a pump assembly according to the invention, which comprises a chamber and at least one pump device of the above-mentioned type, which chamber comprises a wall forming a separating element and an inner space surrounded by the wall, wherein the pump drive mechanism is arranged outside the chamber and is secured at the wall, and wherein the pump head is arranged in the inner space and is operatively connected with the pump drive mechanism via a magnetic element.

The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the pump device according to the invention can equally be achieved in the pump assembly according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the pump assembly according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the pump device according to the invention. In this regard, reference may be made to the embodiments described above.

The chamber may in particular be a clean room chamber, wherein the inner space has a higher degree of sterility than the outer space surrounding the chamber. The clean room cavity may, for example, have a clean room class a of annex 1 according to the EG-GMP guidelines when filled with a pharmaceutical substance.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for more detailed explanation of the present invention in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a filling machine for pharmaceutical products, comprising a pump assembly according to the invention with a pump device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a pump device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 in a partial view of the pump device;

fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of detail a in fig. 3;

fig. 5 shows a view corresponding to fig. 4, in which the cutting plane extends along the line 5-5 in fig. 3;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the pump device of FIG. 2 in a partial view;

fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the receiving body and the cover element of the pump device of fig. 2, and

Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a pump device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a filling machine indicated as a whole with reference numeral 100 in a schematic representation. The filling machine 100 is provided for handling schematically shown medical containers 102. The container 102 is, for example, a vial, syringe, cartridge, or ampoule.

The filling machine 100 comprises a plurality of processing stations 104, which currently comprise in particular a filling station 106. The container 102 is filled with a pharmaceutical product in liquid form at a filling station 106. For this purpose, the filling station 106 comprises filling elements 108, for example in the form of needles.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the filling machine 100 includes a pump assembly 110 according to the present invention for supplying a product. The pump assembly 110 itself comprises at least one pump device 112 according to the invention. Currently, for example, four pump devices 112 are provided, wherein this number is not limiting.

The pump assembly 110 also includes a divider member 114. The separating element 114 is currently formed by a wall 116 at the filling machine 100. The wall 116 surrounds an interior space 118 in which the processing stations 104 are disposed, and separates an exterior space 120 from the interior space 118.

The pump assembly 110 includes a cavity 122 having a wall 116 and an interior space 118 in the manner described above. The cavity 122 is currently a clean room cavity (e.g., having a clean room class a) that has a higher degree of sterility than the exterior space 120.

For example, the filling machine 100 is configured and arranged for handling toxic or highly toxic pharmaceutical products, which have high hygienic requirements. Thus, it is desirable that the product not leave the cavity 122. In the event of product spillage, possible damage should be limited as much as possible to the components of the filling machine 100 that are disposed within the cavity 122.

For example, the wall 116 is made of a material compatible with medicine, in particular stainless steel. Preferably, the wall 116 has a wall thickness of about 1 to 3mm.

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

The pump device 112 includes a pump drive mechanism 124 and a pump head 126. The pump device 112 is designed such that the pump head 126 is formed spatially separate from the pump drive mechanism 124, and when the pump device 112 is applied in a conventional manner, the pump head 126 is operatively connected to the pump drive mechanism via a magnetic assembly explained below.

The pump head 126 as a whole is designed to be medical-compatible and preferably sterilizable in a non-destructive manner and/or washable with a cleaning liquid, in particular water.

The pump head 126 is arranged in the interior space 118 and rests against the wall 116, which forms a separating wall 117 between the pump head 126 and the pump drive mechanism 124, as described below.

A storage container 128, for example, a bag-shaped container, for storing the product to be filled is arranged in the interior space 118. The product is supplied to the pump head 126 via a fluid line, currently designed as a hose line 130. From the pump device 112, the product is further conveyed to the respective filling element 108 and filled there.

The pump device 112 is a peristaltic pump in which the product is delivered by squeezing the hose line 130.

The pump drive 124 is arranged in the outer space 120 and serves to drive the pump head 126 by means of a drive unit 132, which is in particular designed as an electric drive. The attachment pipe 134 is laid in the outer space 120 in a manner which is advantageous in terms of hygienic technology and which is preferably easily accessible.

In the present case, the pump drive mechanism 124 comprises a support body 136 in order to be indirectly supported at the partition wall 117 and for fastening the drive unit. The support body has, for example, a central through opening 138. The support 138 is currently rectangular in cross-section, but may be of a different type.

The support body 136 comprises a flange 142 adjacent to the drive motor 140 of the drive unit 132, against which flange the drive motor 140 rests. The connection is effected, for example, by screwing.

The support 136 currently comprises two segments 144, 146. The first segment 144 includes a flange 142. The first section 144 is connected to a second section 146 forming a bearing body 148 in the direction of the partition wall 117.

The support 136 is supported on at least one holding member 150 via a bearing body 148. Currently two holding parts 150 are provided spaced apart relative to each other.

The holding parts 150 each form a seat 152 on which the support body 136 rests and via which the support body is indirectly supported at the partition wall 117. The connection between the support body 136 and the holding part 150 is achieved, for example, by screwing. In particular, the connection is preferably detachable to separate the pump drive mechanism 124 from the partition wall 117, wherein the holding member 150 may be held in connection with the partition wall 117. The connection of the holding part 150 to the partition wall 117 is achieved, for example, by screwing.

A receiving space 154 is formed between the holding members 150.

The drive unit 132 includes a drive shaft 156 defining a drive axis 158. In the present exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 156 is connected via a coupling element 160 to a shaft 162 in a rotationally fixed manner, which shaft 162 is supported on the bearing body 148 in a rotatable manner about the drive axis 158.

The shaft 162 itself is connected to the drive body 164 of the pump drive mechanism 124 in a rotationally fixed manner, so that the drive body 164 as a whole can be rotated about the drive axis 158 by means of the drive motor 140. Reference numeral 166 designates a clamping sleeve for connecting the shaft 162 with the driving body 164.

For supporting the shaft 162, at least one support element, in the present case two support elements 168, 170, which are axially spaced apart from one another, are provided. The support element 168 is, for example, a radial thrust ball bearing and is currently close to the drive motor 140. The support element 170 is, for example, a radial deep groove ball bearing and is currently close to the partition wall 117.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 5 to 7, the drive body 164 in the present case is of multipart design.

The drive body 164 comprises a receiving element 172 at the side close to the partition wall 117 and a connecting element 174 at the side close to the drive motor 140. The connecting element 174 is connected to the shaft 162 via the clamping sleeve 166.

The interconnection of the receiving element 172 and the connecting element 174 is achieved, for example, by screwing. The connection is preferably separable so that the receiving member 172 can be separated from the connecting member 174 if desired. This may be desirable, for example, for maintenance purposes and/or to adapt the pump device 112 to various types of tasks.

The receiving member 172 and the connecting member 174 are both annular in shape and are oriented coaxially with respect to one another.

The receiving element 172 is for receiving a magnetic assembly 176 including a plurality of magnetic elements 178. The magnetic element 178 is arranged radially outside at the receiving element 172 and is positioned in a receptacle 180 formed there. For example, the fixation may be achieved by crimping and/or bonding.

A cover element 182 (fig. 7) is preferably provided with which the magnetic element 178 in the receptacle 180 is covered. Currently, a cover element 182 is provided on both sides of the receiving element 172 in the axial direction.

The magnetic elements 178 form a so-called halbach array such that the magnetic assembly 176 is a multipole assembly of magnetic elements 178.

As further appreciated from fig. 7, the pattern of magnetic elements 178 repeats in a circumferential direction about the drive axis 158. The present arrangement is repeated four times, so that in total five identical assemblies of magnetic elements 178 are provided, each having an angular distance of 72 ° relative to the drive axis 158.

The arrangement of the magnetic elements 178 is such that, starting from a first magnetic element 178 with north and south poles oriented in the axial direction, the other magnetic element 178 is followed in the circumferential direction, wherein the north and south poles are oriented in the circumferential direction. The next magnetic element 178 is opposite in polarity in the axial direction relative to the first mentioned magnetic element 178, while the fourth magnetic element 178 is opposite in polarity in the circumferential direction relative to the second mentioned magnetic element 178.

As best seen in particular in fig. 3-6, pump head 126 includes a base 184. The base 184 currently has a first section 186 and a second section 188, the outer profile of which is substantially square. Section 188 protrudes from section 186 in a direction pointing away from partition wall 117. The segments 186 form a frame 190. The frame 190 has a substantially rectangular cross section and surrounds a receiving space 192, which is closed via a bottom wall 191 at a side close to the partition wall 117.

The frame 190 includes an edge 194 proximate the partition wall 117. The base body 184 rests via the bottom wall 191 and the edge 194 against the separating wall 117, in the present case in a planar manner.

The receiving space 192 is closed at a distance from the bottom wall 191. For this purpose, the pump head 126 has a cover element 196. The cover element 196 currently forms an upper cover for the section 186 (fig. 3).

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

A central through opening 200 is formed in the cover element 196.

A hose receptacle 202 for receiving the hose line 130 is arranged on the side of the base body 184 facing away from the receiving space 192. The hose receptacle 202 comprises a groove-shaped recess 204 into which the hose line 130 can be inserted, preferably in a form-fitting manner, with the formation of a loop. For this purpose, the hose receptacle 202 forms a frame 206 with an introduction opening 208 for the hose line 130.

The hose receptacle 202 may rest on the section 186 and be positioned laterally alongside the protruding section 188.

Radially inward of the hose receptacle 202, a pump actuator 210 of the pump head 126 is arranged. The pump actuator 210 includes a rotor 212 and at least one pressurizing element 214 held therein. In the present case four pressing elements 214 are provided, which are arranged at a uniform angular distance from each other.

The respective pressing elements 214 are configured as rollers and are rotatably supported at the rotor 212 about a rotational axis 216.

The axis 216 is oriented parallel to the driven axis 218 of the pump head 126. In conventional use of the pump device 112, the driven axis 218 is aligned with the drive axis 158 (fig. 4 and 5).

As described below, the pump actuator 210 may rotate about a driven axis 218. Here, the pressurizing element 214 is in pressing engagement with the hose line 130 for delivering a medical product therethrough.

To transmit the driving force at the driving body 164 to the pump actuator 210, the pump head 126 includes a driven body 220 operatively connected to the pump actuator 210. In the present case, the driven body 220 is connected in a relatively torsionally non-rotating manner with a shaft 222 defining a driven axis 218. The shaft 222 itself is connected to the pump actuator 210 in a relatively torsionally stiff manner.

A sealing element 223 (currently a shaft sealing ring) seals between the shaft 222 and the edge of the through opening 200.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 3 to 5, the driven body 220 in the present example has a receiving element 224 and a connecting element 226. For example, the connecting element 226 is connected to the shaft 222 via a clamping sleeve 228.

The receiving element 224 and the connecting element 226 are preferably detachably connected to one another, for example by screwing, and are currently oriented coaxially with respect to one another.

Functionally, the driven body 220 is designed similar to the driving body 164. In particular, the receiving elements 224 and 172 are currently functionally identical components, so that reference can be made in this regard to the above embodiments.

In the case of the driven body 220, the receiving element 224 is also provided for receiving a magnetic assembly 230 having a magnetic element 232. In terms of its design and arrangement in the receiving element 224, reference is made to the above explanation.

The connecting element 226 is designed in a ring shape in a corresponding manner to the connecting element 174.

A support member 234 of the pump head 126 is provided to support the driven body 220 at the base 184. Radial deep groove ball bearings are currently used as bearing elements 234 which surround the connecting element 226 in an annular manner and are supported at the shoulders of the frame 190.

It may be provided that the shaft 222 is rotatably supported relative to the base body 184 alternatively or additionally via a bearing element.

The driven body 220 is currently disposed in the receiving space 192. The frame 190 encloses the receiving space 192 along the entire periphery. The driven body 220 is protected from the outside via the frame 190 and the bottom wall 191.

The driven body 220 is protected from the pump actuator 210 by the cover member 196 and the seal member 198. In the event of a defect in the hose line 130, the medical product preferably does not enter the receiving space 192, so that the pump head 126 advantageously does not have to be completely discarded. For example, only hose receptacle 202 and pump actuator 210 may be discarded and replaced with a new assembly.

In conventional use of the pump device 112, the pump drive mechanism 124 is supported at the dividing wall 117. A gap 236 is formed between the partition wall 117 and the receiving element 172. The width of the gap 236 is preferably less than 1mm. Friction between the receiving element 172 and the partition wall 117 is avoided due to the gap 236.

The holding part 150 defines a contact surface of the pump drive 124 for abutment against the separating wall 117.

The base body 184 is supported at the partition wall 117 via the edge 194 and the bottom wall 191 at a side facing away from the pump drive mechanism 124 in a corresponding manner. There is also a gap 236 between the bottom wall 191 and the receiving member 224 to avoid friction.

In the case of conventional applications, the driving force of the driving motor 140 is transmitted to the driven body 220 via the driving shaft 156, the shaft 162, and the driving body 164. For this purpose, the magnet assemblies 176 and 230 interact in a contactless manner via the separating wall 117.

In the pump device 112, a division between the sterile interior 118 and the less sterile exterior 120 by the dividing wall 117 is achieved to some extent in that the pump head 126 is spatially separated from the pump drive 124, but can still transmit drive forces.

The driving force is transmitted to the pump actuator 210 via the driven body 220 and the shaft 222.

Since the arrangement of the magnetic elements 178, 232 along the circumferential direction of the axes 158, 218 is periodically repeated, the driving body 164 and the driven body 220 may be coupled to each other at a plurality of angular relative positions with respect to the axes 158, 218. There are currently five such angular relative positions.

Reference numeral 237 designates a schematically illustrated sensor element for detecting an angular position of the driven body 220 about the driven axis 218 (fig. 3 and 4). One sensor element 237 may be sufficient. The illustration is merely symbolic. The sensor element 237 does not interfere with the rotation of the drive body 164. For example, a magnetic element may be received in the driven body 220, which may be detected by the sensor element 237 to determine the angular position.

Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous in the present invention that not only the driving force can be transmitted via the magnetic assemblies 176, 230, but also the pump head 126 can be held at the pump drive mechanism 124 via the partition wall 117. In particular no connecting elements are provided to secure the pump head 126 at the dividing wall 117. This not only enables a structurally simple design of the pump device 112, but also enables improved operation.

For example, the pump drive mechanism 124 may be maintained mounted at the partition wall 117, while the pump head 126 may be separated from the partition wall 117 only against magnetic force, for example, for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Conversely, if the magnetic assemblies 176, 230 are magnetically engaged with one another, the pump head 126 may "dock" at the dividing wall 117 in an operationally friendly manner in the interior space. Here, the automatic orientation of the pump head 126 in the correct target position is easily achieved in an operationally friendly manner.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 2,3 and 6, the pump head 126 comprises a cover 238. The cover 238 forms a cover 240 that covers the hose receiver 202 and the pump actuator 210 in the closed position. The cover 240 may be transitioned to an open position so that the hose receptacle 202 and pump actuator 210 may be removed from the pump head 126 as necessary. The cover 240 is also transitioned to an open position for placement of the hose line 130.

The cover 240 is pivotally supported at the base 184, currently at the section 186. A locking element 242 is arranged, for example, at the section 188, by which the cover 240 can be locked against accidental opening.

The above description relates to a preferred embodiment with only one pump actuator 210. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the pump device comprises two or more pump actuators 210, which are each coupled to the shaft 222, for example, in a rotationally fixed manner. The product may be conveyed through the respective hose lines 130 by means of the respective pump actuators 210.

Fig. 8 shows in a schematic representation an advantageous embodiment of a pump device according to the invention, which is designated by reference numeral 244. The features and advantages explained in connection with the pump device 112 also apply to the pump device 244, so that reference can be made to the previous embodiments in this regard. The pump device 244 may be a component of a pump assembly according to the present invention.

The pump device 244 includes a pump drive mechanism 124 and a plurality of pump heads, currently pump head 126 and two other pump heads 246, 248. The number of pump heads may be different.

The pump heads 126, 246, 248 are designed in particular for various types, for example for various types of applications, which can differ from one another, for example, due to the hose line 130 of the application. The pump heads 126, 246, 248 may optionally be coupled with the pump drive mechanism 124 via respective magnetic assemblies 176, 230. The pump device 244 thus has a high degree of diversity.

Description of the reference numerals

100. Filling machine

102. Container

104. Treatment station

106. Filling station

108. Packing element

110. Pump assembly

112. Pump device

114. Separating element

116. Wall portion

117. Partition wall

118. Interior space

120. External space

122. Cavity(s)

124. Pump driving mechanism

126. Pump head

128. Storage container

130. Hose line

132. Driving unit

134. Attachment pipe

136. Support body

138. Through opening

140. Driving motor

142. Flange

144. 146 Segment

148. Bearing body

150. Holding member

152. Support seat

154. Receiving space

156. Driving shaft

158. Drive axis

160. Coupling element

162. Shaft

164. Driving body

166. Clamping sleeve

168. 170 Support element

172. Receiving element

174. Connecting element

176. Magnetic assembly

178. Magnetic element

180. Receiving portion

182. Covering element

184. Matrix body

186. 188 Section

190. Frame

191. Bottom wall

192. Receiving space

194. Edge of the sheet

196. Covering element

198. Sealing element

200. Through opening

202. Hose receiving portion

204. Concave part

206. Frame

208. Inlet opening

210. Pump actuator

212. Rotor

214. Pressing element

216. Axis of rotation

218. Driven axis

220. Driven body

222. Shaft

223. Sealing element

224. Receiving element

226. Connecting element

228. Clamping sleeve

230. Magnetic assembly

232. Magnetic element

234. Support element

236. Gap of

237. Sensor element

238. Cover body

240. Cover for a container

242. Locking element

244. Pump device

246. Pump head

248. Pump head

Claims (27)

1. A pump device (112; 244) for, in particular, medical products, comprising a pump drive mechanism (124) and a pump head (126; 246; 248),

Wherein the pump drive (124) comprises a drive unit (132), a drive body (164) which can be driven by the drive unit in a manner rotatable about a drive axis (158), and a support body (136) for direct or indirect support at a separating element (114), in particular a separating wall (117),

Wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a base body (184) for supporting at the separating element (114), a hose receptacle (202) for receiving a hose line (130) for guiding the product, a pump actuator (210) for acting on the hose, and a driven body (220) which can be rotated about a driven axis (218) and is operatively connected to the pump actuator (210),

Wherein the pump drive (124) and the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be supported on sides of the separating element (114) facing away from each other,

And wherein the driving body (164) and the driven body (220) comprise respective magnetic assemblies (176, 230) having magnetic elements (178, 232) that interact to transmit the driving force of the driving unit (132) to the pump actuator (210) via the separating element (114).

2. Pump device (112; 244) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be held at the pump drive mechanism (124) via the separating element (114) via an interacting magnetic element (178, 232), in particular the pump head (126; 246; 248) is not connected to the separating element (114) and can be held at the separating element (114) only via the magnetic element (178, 232).

3. The pump device (112; 244) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnetic assembly (176, 230) is configured as a multipole assembly and the driving body (164) and the driven body (220) can be coupled to each other in a plurality of angular relative positions with the driving axis (158) and the driven axis (218) aligned.

4. The pump apparatus (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be held at the pump drive mechanism (124) in any angular relative position via the magnetic assembly (176, 230) with the drive axis (158) and the driven axis (218) aligned.

5. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic assemblies (176, 230) are each configured as halbach arrays of the magnetic elements (178, 232).

6. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following applies:

-the pump head (126; 246; 248) has a design compatible with medicine;

-the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be cleaned in a non-destructive manner with a cleaning liquid, in particular with water;

-the pump head (126; 246; 248) can be sterilized in a non-destructive manner.

7. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following applies:

-the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a shaft (222) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the driven body (220) and to the pump actuator (210);

-the driven body (220) and/or the shaft (222) is rotatably supported at the base body (184) about the driven axis (218) via at least one support element (234).

8. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (180) comprises or constitutes a frame (190) and/or a bottom wall (191), which forms an edge (194) which can abut against the separating element (114) close to the pump drive mechanism (124), wherein the frame (190) surrounds a receiving space (192) which receives the driven body (220).

9. The pump device (112; 244) according to claim 8, characterized in that the base body (184) comprises a cover element (196) covering the receiving space (192) on one side of the pump actuator (210), and that the driven body (220) or a shaft (222) connected with the driven body (220) passes through a through opening (200) of the cover element (196) and is connected with the pump actuator (210) at the side of the frame (190) facing away from the receiving space (192).

10. The pump apparatus (112; 244) according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the following applies:

-at least one sealing element (198) is provided for sealing between the cover element (196) and the frame (190);

-at least one sealing element (223) is provided for sealing between the driven body (220) or the shaft (222) and the edge (194) of the through opening (200).

11. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driven body (220) is spaced apart from the bottom wall (191) of the base body (184) or from the separating element (114) via a gap (236) in a state in which the pump head (126; 246; 248) is resting at the separating element (114).

12. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driven body (220) comprises a receiving element (224) adjacent to the separating element (114) and a connecting element (226) connected with the receiving element (224), the receiving element comprising a plurality of receptacles (180) for the magnetic elements (232), the connecting element being connected directly or indirectly with the pump actuator (210).

13. Pump device (112; 244) according to claim 12, characterized in that the receiving element (224) and/or the connecting element (226) are designed as a disk or ring, wherein the magnetic element (232) is arranged in the circumferential direction of the driven axis (158).

14. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump drive mechanism (124) comprises a shaft (162) rotatably supported at the support body (136) via at least one bearing element (168, 170), which is connected to the drive body (164) in a rotationally fixed manner and is coupled to a drive shaft (156) of the drive unit (132) via a coupling element (160) or is comprised in the drive unit (132).

15. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support body (136) is or can be secured directly at the separating element (114) or indirectly via at least one holding means (150).

16. The pump device (112; 244) according to claim 15, wherein the support body (136) is detachably secured or securable at the holding part (150) or at the separating element (114).

17. Pump device (112; 244) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least one of the holding parts (150) is or comprises a seat (152) against which the support body (136) rests and which is connected at the separating element (114), wherein the receiving body is positioned laterally beside at least one of the holding parts (150) and protrudes beyond an end of the support body (136) remote from the drive unit (132).

18. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (136) comprises or forms a flange (142) at a side facing away from the drive body (164) and rests via the flange (142) against a housing of the drive unit (132), and that a shaft (162) of the pump drive mechanism (124) extends in a through opening (138) of the support body (136).

19. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive body (164) is spaced apart from the separating element (114) via a gap (236) in a state in which the pump drive mechanism (124) is connected to the separating element (114).

20. The pump device (112; 244) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive body (164) comprises a receiving element (172) adjacent to the separating element (114) and a connecting element (174) connected to the receiving element (172), which comprises a plurality of receptacles (180) for the magnetic elements (178), which is coupled to the drive unit (132) and in particular to the shaft (162) in a rotationally fixed manner.

21. Pump device (112; 244) according to claim 20, characterized in that the receiving element (172) and/or the connecting element (174) are designed as a disk or ring, wherein the magnetic element (178) is arranged in the circumferential direction of the drive axis (158).

22. The pump device (112; 244) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the receiving elements (172, 224) of the driving body (164) and the driven body (220) are configured as identical components.

23. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump device (112; 244) is a peristaltic pump, wherein the hose receiving portion (202) comprises a groove-shaped recess (204) for the hose line (130), and wherein the pump actuator (210) is arranged within the hose receiving portion (202) and comprises at least one pressing element (214) which, upon rotation about the driven axis (218), is in pressing engagement with the hose line (130).

24. The pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following applies:

-the pump actuator (210) and/or the hose receptacle (202) are detachably held at the pump head (126; 246; 248);

-the pump head (126; 246; 248) comprises a cover body (238) which can be shifted from a closed position, in which it covers the pump actuator (210) and/or the hose receptacle (202), to an open position, in which it is released, and vice versa.

25. A pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of pump heads, optionally coupleable with the pump drive mechanism.

26. Pump assembly (112; 244) comprising a cavity (122) and at least one pump device (112; 244) according to any one of the preceding claims, the cavity comprising a wall (116) forming the separating element (114) and an inner space (118) surrounded by the wall, wherein the pump drive mechanism (124) is arranged outside the cavity (122) and is mounted at the wall (116), and wherein the pump head (126; 246; 248) is arranged in the inner space (118) and is operatively connected with the pump drive mechanism (124) via the magnetic element (178, 232).

27. The pump assembly (112; 244) according to claim 26, wherein the cavity (122) is a clean room cavity, wherein the interior space (118) has a higher degree of sterility than the exterior space (120) surrounding the cavity (122) externally.