EP3394576A1

EP3394576A1 - Minimal amount dosing device, in particular for pharmaceutical applications, and method for minimal amount powder dosing method

Info

Publication number: EP3394576A1
Application number: EP16822915.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: DIETRICH (JUN.), Frédéric
Original assignee: Fydec Holding SA
Current assignee: Fydec Holding SA
Priority date: 2015-12-21
Filing date: 2016-12-08
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Also published as: WO2017108439A1; CN108700449B; PL3184971T3; ES2714366T3; EP3184971B1; EP3184971A1; US10513355B2; US20190009934A1; CN108700449A

Abstract

The invention relates to a minimal amount powder dosing device (1), in particular for pharmaceutical or chemical applications, for dosing powder volumes of less than 1 cm³, preferably of less than 150 mm³, comprising a dosing chamber (3) which is delimited by a peripheral wall (9) and can be connected to a vacuum source (28) for drawing in the powder for filling the dosing chamber (3) with powder to be dosed, wherein filter means for retaining powder in the dosing chamber (3) during an intake process are associated with the dosing chamber (3). According to the invention, the filter means comprise at least one intake opening (12, 13) which is formed in the peripheral wall (9) for retaining the powder in the dosing chamber (3) and through which the dosing chamber (3) can be supplied with a vacuum. The invention further relates to a method for dosing minimal quantities of powder using a minimal amount powder dosing device (1) according to the invention.

Description

Small quantity metering device, in particular for pharmaceutical applications as well as very small quantity powder metering methods

The invention relates to a very small quantity Pulverdosiervorrichtung, in particular for pharmaceutical or chemical applications, according to the preamble of claim 1 for metering powder volumes of less than 1 cm ³ , preferably less than 150mm ³ , comprising a limited by a peripheral wall metering chamber, the Filling the dosing with dosed powder with a vacuum source for sucking the powder is connectable, wherein the dosing chamber filter means for retaining powder in the dosing (and thereby preventing suction into the vacuum source) in a suction, ie when filling, are assigned , The peripheral wall delimits the metering chamber preferably in the radial direction outwards, in particular with respect to a preferably vertical, Dosierkammerachse preferably perpendicular to a Dosierkammerbefüll- and / or discharge opening and / or coincident with a later to be explained adjustment axis of a preferred ejector ejector. ,

Furthermore, the invention relates to a very small amount dosing method according to the preamble of claim 13 for powder, in particular with an average particle size diameter x ₅₀ , 3 <50μηη. They are preferably pharmaceuticals or chemical substances. The process is particularly preferably carried out using a very small amount metering device according to the invention. The method also requires a metering chamber for powder to be metered, wherein the metering chamber is filled with powder to be metered by applying negative pressure to the metering chamber, whereby the negative pressure is applied through filter medium, in order to take up most of the sucked in during a metering process To retain powder in the dosing chamber. From EP 2 652 451 B1 a powder metering device is known, in which a metering chamber delimited by a peripheral wall is filled with powder to be dispensed by applying a negative pressure to the metering chamber through a filter membrane. This known Pulverdosiervorrich- device is compared to other, previously known Pulverdosiervorrichtungen very advanced, since the metering chamber is filled and emptied through one and the same opening - in older metering the powder to be metered was sucked through a lateral filling opening and emptied down by pressurization.

The known technology comes in small amounts of powder or volumes to their limits, since with decreasing Dosierkammervolumen and the available filter surface theoretically so far decreases that such small, usually grid-shaped, filter membrane hardly or no longer can be produced. In addition, the porosity, i. the maximum possible flow through such a small filter membrane, to very small values, in which the transfer of gas, i. a suction of gas through the filter membrane is very problematic and thus safe and in particular, complete filling of the metering chamber can no longer be ensured. In addition, very small filter membranes, as would be needed for here very small amounts, very fragile and difficult to seal.

Solutions are being sought to address the above problems, especially against the backdrop of increasing efforts to individualize active ingredient (API) dosing of drugs. The previous approach of large-scale dosing is that the active ingredient is first mixed with a carrier material and then dosed together in larger dosing volumes. However, the problem lies in the comparatively inhomogeneous mixture and the lack of an individualized, ie patient-specific dosage. It is therefore intended to specify a metering device and a metering method, which meets these requirements and permits a corresponding metering of very small amounts (of active substances), preferably to form a carrier material.

Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a very small amount Pulverdosiervorrichtung, especially for pharmaceutical or chemical applications, with the automated powder volumes of less than 1 cm ³ , more preferably less than 500mm ³ , especially preferably of less than 200 mm ³ or even less can be metered while ensuring complete filling of the metering and filter problems in terms of flow rate and robustness can be safely avoided. Furthermore, the object is to provide a correspondingly improved very small amount Pulverdosierverfahren.

This object is achieved with regard to the small-quantity Pulverdosiervorrich- device with the features of claim 1, i. in a generic Kleinstmengen powder metering device, characterized in that the filter means comprise at least one suction opening formed in the peripheral wall for retaining the powder in the metering chamber, through which the metering chamber can be acted upon by negative pressure.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved with the features of claim 13, ie in a generic method characterized in that the filter means comprise at least one suction opening formed in the peripheral wall through which the metering chamber is subjected to negative pressure, in particular such that in the process by means of the at least one intake opening, preferably all intake openings, at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight, of the powder particles sucked in during a filling process are retained in the metering chamber. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention. To avoid repetition, device-disclosed features should also be disclosed as being procedurally disclosed and be able to be claimed. Likewise, according to the method disclosed features should also be considered as disclosed device and claimable.

The invention is based on the idea, in particular waiving a separate from the peripheral wall of the metering and / or the metering axially limiting filter element, in particular filter fabric in which the metering chamber bounding peripheral wall at least one suction, ie a passage or breakthrough provided by through which the metering chamber can be acted upon with negative pressure and with which, preferably a large part, of the sucked-in powder is or can be retained in a filling or suction process in the metering chamber. In other words, the filter means are laid in or formed by the circumferential wall, in which at least one suction opening is provided in the peripheral wall, through which gas, in particular air, can be sucked out of the dosing chamber for filling the dosing chamber through a filling opening. wherein the at least one suction opening is designed, ie, has such a small clearance that this fulfills the desired filter function. As will be explained later, with regard to the specific geometric configuration of the at least one intake opening and the number of intake openings to be provided, there are different implementation possibilities. In view of a simple or optimized manufacturability while at the same time ensuring a sufficiently large gas flow, it is particularly preferred to design the at least one suction opening as a suction slot, which preferably has a substantially greater length than width extension (preferably measured perpendicular to the depth extension or throughflow direction respectively) and it is most preferred that the width dimension be chosen to be the limiting filtration factor. Particularly preferably, a gap width measured perpendicularly to the slot longitudinal extent is less than 50 μm, very particularly preferably less than 30 μm, the concrete slot width preferably being selected as a function of the particle size distribution and the type of powder to be metered. For example, with adhesive powders, it is possible to settle a width or generally an inside width, measured in one dimension, of a cross-sectional area of the at least one suction opening at an upper limit, while for metering non-sticky or only slightly sticky microparticles having a very small particle size distribution small clear widths or slot widths are selected. As will be explained in detail, the invention is not limited to the provision of slit-shaped intake openings - these may in principle have all conceivable geometrical configurations, as long as complete filling of the dosing with powder to be metered and sufficient retention of powder in the dosing Filling process is guaranteed.

Very particularly preferably, the suction opening is adapted to the powder to be filtered, in particular a pharmaceutically active substance or a chemical substance, such that at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight of the powder particles sucked in during a filling process are retained by the at least one suction opening, in particular by all suction openings of the peripheral wall in the metering chamber.

It is very particularly preferred if a clear width of the free cross-sectional area of the suction opening measured in one dimension, in particular a (lowest) slot width and / or a (smallest) edge length or a minimum diameter is smaller than one x ₃₀ , 3 (d3o , 3) - Particle diameter of the particle size distribution, most preferably less than a x ₂ o, 3 (d2o, 3) - diameter or a x ₀ , 3 (dio, 3) - particle size diameter of the powder to be dosed or less than a such. The aforementioned clear width need not correspond to the smallest particle size diameter of the powder particles to be metered for the desired filtration or retention results since it has been observed that these very small particles are trapped between larger particles of the particle mixture (powder mixture) and do not leach out during a filling process ( dense phase = density current). Such powder or particle mixtures of interest flow very slowly, comparable to very tough, non-Newtonian fluids. Within the scope of a further development of the invention, it should thus be regarded as disclosed and claimable that the clear width of the cross-sectional area of the at least one suction opening is larger or can be as a smallest particle diameter or as a particle diameter of the smallest particles of the powder to be dispensed.

In principle, it is possible under certain conditions to choose the clear width, in particular a slot width, of the cross-sectional area of the at least one intake opening such that it is at most ten times the mean diameter x ₅₀ , 3 (d ₅ o, 3) of the particles or metered particles , corresponds to the powder to be dispensed. The choice of such a comparatively large clearance or Ansaugoffnungsbreite is particularly possible with highly sticky powders, preferably pharmaceutical substances. Preferably, however, the clear width, ie a smallest dimension of the cross-sectional area of the at least one suction opening is smaller and is preferably at most five times x ₅₀ , 3 diameters, even more preferably at most twice x ₅₀ , 3 diameters or corresponds to x ₅₀ , 3 Diameter or is very particularly preferably less than such a x ₅₀ , 3-particle diameter of the particles to be metered.

Overall, the small-volume powder metering device according to the invention or the small-volume powder metering method according to the invention brings considerable advantages in comparison with conventional systems which, preferably in contrast to the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, separate from the peripheral wall, generally the Dosing chamber axially limiting filter elements work. Thus, in the peripheral wall comparatively easy to realize a lot of suction and / or suction, which guarantee by their, for example, elongated, in particular slot-shaped geometry sufficient gas flow rate at the same time good filter effect, especially since the peripheral surface, in particular lateral surface, a dosing compared to a very limited axial surface of, preferably circular cylindrical contoured, metering provided a lot of space or space for the provision of at least one appropriately designed suction opening. In addition, comparatively much material is available, so that a robust design can be guaranteed despite the good filter properties.

Preferably, in the context of the method according to the invention and / or for the design of the at least one suction opening in the case of the very small quantity powder metering device according to the invention, See powder, in particular active ingredients or alternatively chemical compounds are used which have a particle size distribution with a mean, volume-specific particle diameter x ₅₀ , 3 of less than 50μηη, preferably less than 30 μιτι, most preferably less than 10 μιτι

Quite preferably, the peripheral wall of the metering chamber limits it in a radially outward direction relative to a metering chamber axis, which is preferably arranged vertically and / or is perpendicular to a cross-sectional area of a filling and / or emptying opening of the metering chamber and / or which is defined or coincides with or from an adjustment axis of an optional, preferably provided ejection punch, which is preferably adjustable relative to the peripheral wall for ejecting powder after a filling operation. Most preferably, the peripheral wall of the metering chamber delimits a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical metering chamber volume, thus has an inner cylindrical contouring and is arranged coaxially around the above-mentioned, preferably a longitudinal central axis forming, Dosierkammerachse. It is furthermore particularly expedient if the at least one intake opening runs in the radial direction with respect to the metering chamber axis of the peripheral wall (which is not mandatory) and / or opens into an intake space arranged adjacent to the metering chamber, which communicates with the at least one via corresponding valve means Vacuum source is connectable.

As explained in the introduction, the powder metering device according to the invention is a metering device for very small quantities (small volumes) of less than 1 cm ³ . However, it is very particularly preferred if the volume to be metered or metered and thus the metering chamber volume is still (significantly) lower. Corresponding, preferred Dosierkammervolumina are explained in dependent claim 2. there it may be fixed, ie not manually or automatically changeable Dosierkammervolumina or alternatively by a variable Dosierkammervolumen, which is adjustable for example via a volume limiting drive, in particular by means of a punch, preferably the aforementioned ejection or Austragsstempels to the same Small quantity metering device to be able to dose different volumes depending on the application. The dosing chamber volume addressed here is preferably the dosing chamber volume during a filling process - the optionally compressed dosing chamber volume which results, for example, from a displacement of an ejection punch into the dosing chamber for the purpose of compressing the powder is smaller than the above-mentioned dosing chamber volume.

Additionally or alternatively, the metering chamber for metering a powder quantity is between 0.1 mg and 5 mg, preferably between 0.1 mg and 100 mg, even more preferably between 0.1 mg and 60 mg, very particularly preferably between 0.1 mg and 5 mg, more preferably 0.1 mg and 30 mg, most preferably between 0.1 mg and 20 mg, even more preferably between 0.1 mg and 1 mg, most preferably between 0.1 mg and 0.5 mg, most preferably between 0.1 mg and 0.4 mg, or less formed or such a powder amount is metered by way of the method.

As explained above, it is essential that the metering chamber is not only acted upon by negative pressure through the suction port, but that the suction is designed so that these due to this geometric design, the filter function, in particular despite a waiver of the at least one suction separate the Dosing chamber immediately limiting filter elements, met. For this purpose, it is particularly expedient for the at least one intake opening to have a free cross-sectional area, which is preferably perpendicular to an axis cross-section. tion or to a direction of extension of the suction port or the intake duct is measured, the clear width in at least one dimension, preferably only in one dimension, 50μηη or less. Most preferably, this clear width is 30μηη or less, even more preferably 20μηη or less. The lower limit is essentially due to manufacturing technology and / or dependent on the selected Dosierkammervolumen. Preferably, a lower limit of the clear width 1 μηη or is preferably even lower, most preferably 0.1 μιτι or less. The clear width is the dimension of the free cross-sectional area which is responsible for the retention of the particles in the metering chamber. Depending on the geometry of the suction opening, the clear width can be formed, for example, by an intake opening width, which is the case in particular in the case of slit-shaped, straight-line or curved intake-opening slots. In this case, the clear width is preferably the intake opening extent measured perpendicular to the length and depth extent of the intake opening. In the case of rather punctiform or circular or polygonal suction openings, the clear width can also be defined by a minimum intake opening diameter measured preferably perpendicular to the depth extension or by a minimum edge length, ie the smallest, preferably straight edge dimension of an intake opening edge. In any case, the clear width is the size or dimension of the intake opening cross-section delimiting the filter station. As already explained, a slot-shaped, for example rectilinear or alternatively also curved or coiled cross-sectional surface contour of the suction opening is particularly preferred, wherein the aforementioned clear width is preferably measured between two opposite, preferably parallel extending slot longitudinal edges, ie perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the suction and perpendicular to the depth extension. It is particularly preferred if the at least one Suction slot is dimensioned so that its length extension at least 100 times, preferably at least 1000 times greater than the slot width extension (clear width). Particularly in the case of a slit-shaped suction opening, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if it extends over at least 50%, preferably over at least 80%, of a dosing chamber length direction measured parallel to a predefined dosing chamber axis, preferably, but not necessarily, in the axial direction.

In principle, the at least one intake opening can be realized by various technologies. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, to form the intake opening in a 3D printing process of the metering chamber circumferential wall, which consists, for example, of a metal and / or plastic granulate, or alternatively by an etching process, in particular as part of a photolithographic production process. Also conceivable is a mechanical processing, in particular by machining or production by erosion, in particular spark erosion. It is also fundamentally possible to produce the at least one suction opening by means of a fluid jet drilling method or laser beam drilling method.

It has proven particularly expedient to design the metering chamber circumferential wall in several parts or to form several parts, in particular two, more preferably exclusively two, side by side (preferably circumferentially around the metering chamber axis and / or axially adjacent to each other along the metering chamber axis) , which preferably abut one another only in sections and to realize the at least one suction opening between these metering chamber peripheral wall parts (in particular in the at least one non-contact region), which is particularly advantageous for Slit-shaped (elongated) suction, but not limited thereto. Namely, when providing a plurality of metering chamber peripheral wall parts, at least one of the metering chamber peripheral wall parts can be machined on a side opposite to another metering chamber peripheral part, in particular a peripheral side or axial side, for example mechanically by material removal or material removal, so that in the assembled state between the at least two metering chamber peripheral wall parts the desired , in particular slit-shaped suction opening, since the adjacent Dosierkammerumfangswandteile no longer abut each other over the entire surface due to the removal of material, but in particular sections thereof between these at least one suction port is limited. In principle, a corresponding processing of one of the Dosierkammerumfangswandteile, where it is alternatively also possible, both Dosierkammerumfangswandteile on the facing in the assembled state facing surfaces (which would be flat on one another without the processing) to edit the at least one suction port. At least one elongated suction opening slot extending axially parallel to the metering chamber axis is provided by the method described or the embodiment described, wherein alternatively at least one slot extending in the circumferential direction is realized axially between two metering chamber peripheral wall parts or an angular, curved or coiled extending suction port slot.

As already indicated, it is very particularly preferred if the filling and emptying opening of the metering chamber is formed by a common, ie the same opening, which is very particularly preferably located at a lower end of the metering chamber, ie oriented vertically downwards. Overall, the formation of the at least one suction opening between two peripheral wall parts has the advantage that the suction opening can be produced simply by conventional machining methods, in particular machining methods, and also disassembly of the dosing chamber peripheral wall is possible in order to maintain the suction opening (s) after one certain operating time intensive, for example, manually, to clean.

A slit-shaped and / or formed between two peripheral wall parts configuration of the suction also has the advantage of good cleanability and sterilizability, for example with steam and / or hydrogen peroxide. In addition, with slot-shaped suction openings there is less tendency to retain liquid sterilizing or cleaning fluid due to capillary action.

As also already indicated at the outset, it is particularly preferred if, for ejecting the powder, i. for discharging the metering chamber, an ejection punch is provided which is adjustable by means of a drive relative to the Dosierkammerumfangswand by active adjustment of the ejection punch and / or the peripheral wall. Preference is given to a hitherto usually used ejection or emptying with compressed air, i. a blow, dispensed, since this could scatter the interest here small amounts or volumes too bad. If necessary, the ejection punch can be used after a filling process and before a discharge process for compacting the powder to be dispensed.

In order to enable an automated, in particular regular cleaning of the suction openings against possibly adhering or wedged powder, it is advantageously provided in a further development of the invention that at least two, but preferably not necessarily diametrically opposed, be provided. Provide suction openings opposite each other, which are successively, in particular independently acted upon with negative pressure, most preferably mutually to connect by connecting one of the suction with a vacuum source, the at least one further (preferably to a higher pressure level, in particular atmospheric pressure connected) suction opening by sucking powder residues in flush out the dosing chamber. In this case, the at least two intake openings are assigned valve means with which the intake openings can be connected at different times to at least one negative pressure source and / or a higher pressure level. Depending on the configuration of the cleaning step, this can be done with simultaneous filling of the vacuum chamber with powder, so that simultaneously by the connection of one of the suction with a vacuum source powder from the filling or at least the filling opening is opened and sucked at the same powder residues from a further Suction are sucked at the same time, in which case preferably the freizuspülende suction is connected to a higher pressure level. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out the cleaning step before and / or after a filling, that is to say with a filling opening closed and / or not connected to a powder supply. It is very particularly preferred if one of the suction openings is flushed free after a filling operation, ie after a connection to the vacuum source, in the manner described above, ie by the procedure described above, before it is again connected to the vacuum source for another filling operation ,

Most preferably, the metering device according to the invention is operated as follows: First, powder is sucked through the, preferably common, filling and emptying opening, wherein the vacuum supply by a Peripheral wall side suction takes place. Most preferably, the vacuum is applied only by a part, in particular half, the intended intake openings. This is followed by optional compression by means of an optional ejection punch and then ejection of the powder portion, in particular by means of the ejection ram. Before a next metering step, flushing of the suction or suction openings which are still subjected to negative pressure in a preceding metering process, in particular in the last metering operation, is preferably carried out by connecting another of the suction openings to negative pressure. This Freispülvorgang can be performed before the next filling and / or at least partially overlapping during the next filling. Preferably, the at least one suction-free to be flushed during this Freispülvorgangs with a higher pressure level (than the negative pressure level) is connected, in particular with the atmosphere. Preferably, the flushing of suction takes place alternately.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

1 shows an exploded view of some components of a very small amount metering device according to the invention,

2a-h: different operating states of an inventive

Low Volume Powder metering, 3 shows the illustration of a preferred exemplary embodiment of a metering chamber circumferential wall part and two enlarged detail views, FIG. 4 shows two alternative design variants of metering chamber peripheral walls.

In the figures, like elements and elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, some components of a trained according to the concept of the invention small quantity metering device 1 (hereinafter metering device 1) are shown. The metering device 1 comprises a carrier plate 2, on which a metering chamber 3 is arranged. This comprises a lower common filling and emptying opening 4. Opposite the filling and emptying opening 4 of the hollow cylindrical metering chamber 3 projects into this, i. in the drawing here from above, an ejection punch 5 in which, for example, hydraulically, pneumatically or electromotively axially along a perpendicular to the filling and emptying opening 4 Dosierkammerachse A is adjustable to convey powder from the metering chamber 3 out and to optionally, such will be explained later, in a compression step to compress powder. The ejection punch 5 delimits the metering chamber directly axially upward - an axial filter element is not provided.

The ejection punch 5 is guided in a guide element 7, which is arranged above the metering chamber - depending on the ejection punch position, the metering chamber has another (adjustable) metering chamber. lumen. Evident is also an elastomeric seal 8 to seal the guide member 7 relative to the metering chamber 3.

It can also be seen from FIG. 1 that the metering chamber 3 is radially bounded on the metering chamber axis A outside in the circumferential direction by a circumferential wall 9 which delimits an inner-cylindrical cylindrical metering chamber inner surface. This peripheral wall 9 is formed in the embodiment shown by two peripheral wall parts 10, 1 1, which are plate-shaped in the concrete embodiment and rest under limitation of two diametrically opposed slot-shaped expansion suction 12, 13 to each other and to each other by means of screws 14, 15th are detachably fixable.

In a region radially behind each suction port 12, 13 is located in a respective peripheral wall part 10, 1 1 formed suction chamber 16, 17, wherein the suction chambers 16, 17 via ports 18, 19 mutually with a vacuum source, not shown, and / or a higher pressure level are connectable, namely for filling and / or SpISPzwecken, as will be explained later.

Below the metering chamber 3 is the ejector punch 5 opposite a sliding plate 20 on which the metering chamber 3 between a filling position, an optional compression position and a discharge position is adjustable. In the sliding plate 20 is a supply opening 21 for powder, which is aligned with a powder supply port 22. This supply opening 21 defines a filling position, while a disposal opening 23 with associated discharge guide 24 defines a discharge position. Between these positions is the optional compression position 6, in which the filling and emptying opening 4 is closed by being in one Region between the supply port 21 and the disposal port 23 is located.

For a better understanding of the construction of the metering chamber, reference is made to FIG. Here, by way of example, in the plane of the drawing on the right, one of the peripheral wall parts 10 is shown with, by way of example, half a metering chamber 3. In this, not shown, protrudes from above the ejection punch, while at the bottom is the common filling and emptying opening.

From the enlarged illustrations in the drawing plane left, the design of the intake now follows. These are based on a contact or system level 25 at which the peripheral wall parts 10, 1 1 meet or abut each other, deepened here, for example, on each peripheral wall part 10, 1 1 (alternatively only on a peripheral wall part) by 5μηη , so that in the present case a measured perpendicular to the plane of clearances of the suction of 10μηη results, while measured in the drawing from bottom to top longitudinal extent of the respective intake multiple times, here well over a thousand times. The clear width is here oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent and perpendicular to the radial extent of the exit opening.

It can be seen in a respective region radially outside of each on-mammal opening 12, 13, the associated suction chamber 16, 17, which are connected by corresponding valve positions alternatively with negative pressure or a higher pressure level, for example, atmospheric pressure. It can be seen that in the specific exemplary embodiment, the slot-shaped intake openings extend in the axial direction, ie, parallel to the metering chamber axis A, over the major part of the extent of the metering chamber in this direction. In FIG. 4, by way of example, alternative design variants of intake openings 10 in the peripheral wall of the metering chamber 3 are shown, here by way of example of one-piece peripheral wall configurations, multi-part embodiments, for example analogous to FIG. 3, being realizable as well. Thus, in the plane of the drawing according to FIG. 4 right, a number of suction openings or slots running in sections in the circumferential direction are shown, which are subdivided into two groups, which can be mutually connected with negative pressure. In Fig. 4 right is an embodiment with in comparison to slit-shaped embodiments rather punctiform realizations of suction. Here is the inside diameter of example 10 μιτι the opening diameter. Further alternative embodiments can be realized.

In the following, a preferred mode of operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2h, wherein the unfilled valves are opened and the respective filled valve representations are closed. The structure of the identical in all representations Kleinstmengen- dosing device 1 is always the same and corresponds to the exploded view of FIG. 1st Evident is additionally an adjusting bolt 27, via which the metering chamber 3 by means of a corresponding drive between a Befüllposition, a Kompaktierposition (Kompressionpositi- on) and a discharge position in the plane of the drawing from right to left and back is adjustable. The adjustment direction is perpendicular to the Dosierkammerachse A. For reasons of clarity, most of the reference numerals have been drawn only in Fig. 2a. Evident is a vacuum source 28, here in the form of a vacuum pump. Signed are two vacuum pumps, where basically Also, the provision of a single vacuum pump for alternately supplying the different intake ports or Ausgangsöffnungsgruppen is sufficient. In addition, it can be seen an increased pressure level 29, ie a discharge connection, which, as will be explained later, is advantageous for a flushing of the suction openings.

In the operating condition according to Fig. 2a, the dosing chamber 3 is in the filling position, i. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the left in the drawing plane intake 13 is connected to the vacuum source 28 (see valve open), while the other in the drawing plane right intake 12 to the higher pressure level 29 is connected. At this time, in the valve position shown, the right in the drawing plane suction port 12 is flushed, i. adhering powder is sucked into the metering chamber 3. Alternatively, it is possible to perform this Freispülvorgang with closed filling and emptying opening 4.

In the illustration according to FIG. 2b, the slot-shaped intake opening 12 is no longer connected to a higher pressure level 29, but the intake opening 13 left in the drawing plane continues to be connected to the vacuum source, so that now, indicated by the lower arrow in the drawing plane, powder from below into the metering chamber 3 passes. After filling, the metering chamber 3, as shown in FIG. 2c, moved into the Komprimi- mierposition 6 and the ejection punch 5 is moved to compact the powder in the metering chamber down. During this compaction, the suction openings 12, 13 are vented or connected to the higher pressure level, so that no further suction takes place. In Fig. 2d, the compression process is completed and the metering chamber 3 was further moved in the drawing plane to the left in the emptying position and the ejection punch 5 down moved and thus emptied the chamber. The compressed powder volume 30 is located in the representation of FIG. 2d in the compressed state in the drawing plane below. In the illustration according to FIG. 2e, the dosing chamber 3 is again adjusted to the filling position. Now located in the drawing plane right suction port 12 is connected to the vacuum source 28 (and not with the higher pressure level), while the opposite suction port 13 is connected to the higher pressure level 29, so that now the left in the drawing plane intake 13 into the metering chamber 3 is rinsed into it. After this Freispülvorgang, as shown in Fig. 2f can be seen, the connection between the suction port 13 and the higher pressure level 29 is closed so that now from below powder is sucked into the metering chamber 3 via the suction port 12. In FIG. 2g, the compression step is then shown analogously to FIG. 2c and in FIG. 2h the discharge step is analogous to FIG. 2d. Now the operating states again start from FIG. 2a.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 small quantity powder metering device

2 support plate

3 dosing chamber

4 (common) filling and emptying opening

5 ejection punches

6 compression or compaction position

7 guide element

8 elastomer seal

9 (Dosierkammer-) peripheral wall

10 (Dosierkammer-) peripheral wall part

1 1 (Dosierkammer-) peripheral wall part

12 intake opening

13 intake opening

14 screws

15 screws

16 suction chamber

17 suction chamber

18 connection

19 connection

20 sliding plate

21 supply opening

22 powder supply connection

23 disposal opening

24 drainage guide

25 system level

27 adjusting bolt

28 vacuum source

29 increased pressure level

30 compressed powder volume

A dosing chamber axis

Claims

claims

1 . Small-volume powder metering device (1), in particular for pharmaceutical or chemical applications, for metering powder volumes of less than 1 cm ³ , preferably of less than 150 mm ³ , comprising a metering chamber (3) delimited by a peripheral wall (9), for filling the metering chamber (3) with a powder to be metered with a vacuum source (28) for sucking the powder is connected, wherein the metering chamber (3) filter means for retaining powder in the metering chamber (3) are associated with a suction process, characterized in that the Filter means at least one in the peripheral wall (9) formed suction opening (12, 13) for retaining the powder in the metering chamber (3) through which the metering chamber (3) can be acted upon by negative pressure.

2. Very small quantity powder metering device (1) according to claim 1,

characterized,

that a dosing chamber of the dosing chamber (3) is less than 1 cm ^3, preferably less than 500 mm ^3, even more preferably less than 200 mm ^3, most preferably less than 150 mm ^3, even more preferably less than 100 mm ^3, even more preferably less than 50mm ³ , more preferably between 0.1 mm ³ and 150mm ³ , more preferably between 0.1 mm ³ and 100mm ³ , more preferably between 0.1 mm ³ and 50mm ³ , more preferably between 0.1 mm ³ and 10mm ³ , more preferably between 0.1 mm ³ and 1 mm ³ , even more preferably between 0.1 mm ³ and 0.4 mm ³ and / or on such a metering chamber volume, in particular In particular, it can be limited by means of a volume limiting drive or manual adjustment means that can be driven by means of a control mechanism.

The smallest quantity powder metering device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2,

characterized,

in that the at least one suction opening (12, 13), preferably all suction openings (12, 13), has a free cross-sectional area whose clear width is at least one dimension, preferably only in one dimension, 50μηη or less, or preferably 30μηη or less , preferably 20μηη or less, very particularly preferably selected from a range of values between 1 μηη and 20μηη, even more preferably between 0.1 μιτι and 20μηη, even more preferably between 1 μηη and Ι Ομιτι, even more preferably between 0.1 μιτι and 10μηη, more preferably between 1 μιτι and 5μηη, even more preferably between 0.1 μιτι and 5μηη.

Micro-quantity powder metering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the at least one suction opening (12, 13) is slot-shaped, preferably such that a slot length extension is at least 100 times, preferably at least 1000 times, greater than a slot width extent measured perpendicular thereto.

characterized, in that the slot-shaped suction opening (12, 13) extends over at least 50%, preferably over at least 80%, of a longitudinal dosing chamber extension.

characterized,

in that the metering chamber circumferential wall (9) has a plurality of parts, in particular two parts, and comprises a plurality of metering chamber peripheral wall parts, and that the at least one suction opening (12, 13) is formed between two of the metering chamber peripheral wall parts (10, 11).

Small quantity powder metering device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

the suction opening (12, 13) is formed in at least one of the metering chamber circumferential wall parts (10, 11) by forming at least one recess which is open prior to assembly of the metering chamber peripheral wall (9) in a direction oriented perpendicular to a vacuum application direction.

characterized,

in that the at least one suction opening (12, 13) is produced by SD printing of the metering chamber peripheral wall (9) or by etching, preferably photolithographically, or by mechanical processing or by fluid jet or laser drilling.

Micro-quantity powder metering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized,

in that the metering chamber (3) has a common, preferably downwardly oriented, filling and emptying opening (4), which is preferably adjustable between a filling position and an emptying position (by means of an adjusting drive).

characterized,

in that an ejection punch (5) which is adjustable in the metering chamber (3) is provided for emptying the powder volume to be metered from the metering chamber (3).

characterized,

in that the filter means have at least two suction openings (12, 13) in the metering chamber peripheral wall (9) which can be supplied with negative pressure via valve means such that at least one of the suction openings (12, 13) is pressurized by at least one of the suction openings (12, 13). into the metering chamber (3) is flushed into it.

The smallest quantity powder metering device (1) according to claim 1 1, characterized

in that the valve means can be activated via control means in such a way that the suction openings (12, 13) can be connected to a higher pressure level (29), in particular atmospheric pressure, above the vacuum level, such that the at least one of the suction openings (12, 13) to be freed the higher pressure level (29), while the at least one dere the suction openings (12, 13) is acted upon by negative pressure.

A method for dosing small amounts of powder, preferably having a mean particle size diameter x ₅₀ , 3 <50 m, preferably of pharmaceuticals, preferably using a very small amount Pulverdosiervorrichtung (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a metering chamber (3) with metered Powder is filled, in which the metering chamber (3) is subjected to negative pressure, wherein the negative pressure is applied through filter means to retain by means of this powder in the metering chamber (3), characterized in that the filter means at least one in the peripheral wall (9) formed suction opening (12, 13) through which the metering chamber (3) is subjected to negative pressure, in particular such that by means of at least one suction port (12, 13) at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight of the sucked-in powder particles during a filling process of the metering chamber (3) i n the dosing chamber (3) are retained.

Method according to claim 13,

characterized,

in that a plurality of suction openings (12, 13) are provided in the metering chamber peripheral wall (9) and that at least one of the suction openings (12, 13) is flushed free by pressurizing another of the suction openings (12, 13) into the metering chamber (3) , Method according to claim 14,

characterized,

in that the at least one of the suction openings (12, 13) to be purged is connected to a higher pressure level (29), in particular atmospheric pressure, at least during a time period of a purging period than the at least one vacuum inlet (12, 13).