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EP4032824B1 - Housing for a flexible container - Google Patents

Housing for a flexible container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4032824B1
EP4032824B1 EP22153960.4A EP22153960A EP4032824B1 EP 4032824 B1 EP4032824 B1 EP 4032824B1 EP 22153960 A EP22153960 A EP 22153960A EP 4032824 B1 EP4032824 B1 EP 4032824B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
foam
container
flexible container
lined
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP22153960.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4032824A1 (en
EP4032824C0 (en
Inventor
Thomas Wurm
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Single Use Support GmbH
Original Assignee
Single Use Support GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Priority claimed from ATGM50100/2017U external-priority patent/AT15857U1/en
Application filed by Single Use Support GmbH filed Critical Single Use Support GmbH
Priority to EP24212454.3A priority Critical patent/EP4484329A3/en
Publication of EP4032824A1 publication Critical patent/EP4032824A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4032824B1 publication Critical patent/EP4032824B1/en
Publication of EP4032824C0 publication Critical patent/EP4032824C0/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
    • B65D25/10—Devices to locate articles in containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/1468—Containers characterised by specific material properties
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/16—Holders for containers
    • A61J1/165—Cooled holders, e.g. for medications, insulin, blood or plasma
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/14—Linings or internal coatings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/02—Wrapped articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/022—Containers made of shock-absorbing material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/107—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material
    • B65D81/113—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material of a shape specially adapted to accommodate contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/05—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids ; Infusion or perfusion containers
    • A61J1/10—Bag-type containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a housing for a flexible container for transporting liquids, in particular drugs.
  • liquids in particular drugs.
  • other liquids that occur in the (bio)pharmaceutical production process can also be transported by means of a flexible container in such a housing.
  • Flexible containers that transport medicines in a housing are also known as “single use bags”. This is usually done in a frozen state, with the flexible container being placed in the housing before freezing. The liquid is then frozen by cooling the arrangement.
  • the volume expansion during freezing (about 8%) creates a pressure on the housing and the flexible container that should not be underestimated. This introduces the risk of mechanical damage and, as a result, leaks in the mechanical container.
  • the object of the present invention is to reduce the mechanical stress on the flexible container and the housing during freezing compared to the prior art.
  • this can at least partially compensate for the volume expansion of the container arranged in the housing that occurs during freezing.
  • the housing is essentially cuboid-shaped. This can facilitate easy stacking of the housings.
  • the cover surfaces of the housing are made of steel.
  • the cover surfaces of the housing rest on cooled surfaces, whereby cover surfaces made of steel result in improved heat transfer compared to the prior art.
  • Protection is also sought for an arrangement comprising a housing according to the invention and a flexible container arranged therein and filled with a liquid, in particular a medicament.
  • a housing according to the invention wherein a liquid, in particular a drug, is filled into the flexible container, the filled container is arranged in the housing and the liquid is frozen by cooling the arrangement of housing and container.
  • Liquids that can be transported in the flexible container include protein solutions, end products of purification, antibody solutions and other high-quality intermediate products in the pharmaceutical production cycle, as well as, of course, the drugs themselves.
  • the housing can optionally be lined with foam in such a way that any volume expansion of the container arranged in the housing that occurs during freezing is essentially completely compensated by the foam.
  • the foam exhibits decreasing elasticity as the temperature drops below freezing. It may also be provided that the foam essentially hardens at a temperature between 0° C and -30° C, preferably between -5° C and -25° C and particularly preferably between -10° C and -20° C. These measures can help ensure that the flexible container in the housing lies in a precisely adapted "bed” in the housing. All forces acting on the flexible container and the housing are thus absorbed by larger surfaces. Damage caused by clamping or the like is thus at least reduced, if not completely eliminated.
  • the foam is designed in such a way that the curing process is reversible.
  • the elasticity of the foam is available again and thus offers a certain degree of protection against impacts on the flexible container when it is removed from the housing.
  • the reversible process means that the housing can in principle be reused if desired.
  • the curing of the foam can also be referred to as solidification. This is not the curing that occurs during the production of the foam, but rather the change in the elastic properties under the influence of cold.
  • the housing is lined with the foam in such a way that the container - preferably including any attachments - is completely surrounded by the foam when the container is in the housing. This means that not only the flexible container but also the attachments can be better protected from damage.
  • attachments for such flexible containers often have different shapes, for example because they consist of deformable hoses and the like, a foam block in the housing that can accommodate the attachments (by deformation) can be advantageous.
  • the flexible container 2 is arranged inside the housing 1.
  • the housing 1 is lined with foam 3 and a foam block 5. If the liquid inside the container 2 freezes, the container 2 expands. This volume expansion is absorbed by the foam 3 and the foam block 5, so that no - or at least not significant - tension is created between the container 2 and the housing 1.
  • Attachments 4, e.g. hoses and valves and the like, are arranged above or inside the foam block 5, which can absorb these due to its elasticity or flexibility.
  • the housing 1 is designed to be completely enclosing.
  • the housing 1 can be made of plastics and/or metal.
  • the cover layers are each made of stainless steel and the side walls are made of polyethylene (specifically: high density polyethylene, HDPE).
  • the completely closed design of the housing 1 ensures protection against access to the container 2.
  • a closure or seal could also be attached, which can prevent or at least make visible manipulation during the transport process or in the warehouse.
  • the foam 3 can preferably be designed in such a way that it is relatively yielding and flexible at room temperature (and slightly negative temperatures) and hardens at lower temperatures (- 15° C and colder) and encloses the container 2 arranged in the housing 1 and protects it from relative movement.
  • the container 2 protected in this way cannot be bent or compressed because the relative movement to the housing 1 is prevented. This can prevent breakages and leaks in the container 2, which is made of plastic, for example.
  • visco-elastic foam can be used as foam, which hardens at certain negative temperatures.
  • the freezing of the arrangement of housing 1 and filled container 2 can be done, for example, by contact cooling systems or circulating air cooling systems or in some other way.
  • contact cooling systems the cover surfaces of the housing 1 (also referred to as the "shell") rest on cooled surfaces.
  • circulating air cooling systems the housing 1 is flushed with cooled air.
  • the individual sides of the housing 1, in particular the cover surfaces (i.e. top and bottom), can be made of relatively thin material, in particular steel, in order to achieve rapid heat conduction (or cold conduction).
  • the housings 1 according to the invention can - as already mentioned - be reused, especially if the foam 3 is designed in such a way that curing is reversible at low temperatures.
  • a single use of the housing 1 is also conceivable.
  • the housing 1 can be easily dismantled for simple recycling measures.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Gehäuse für einen flexiblen Behälter zum Transport von Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Arzneimittel. Neben Arzneimitteln können auch andere Flüssigkeiten, die im (bio-)pharmazeutischen Produktionsprozess auftreten, mittels eines flexiblen Behälters in einem solchen Gehäuse transportiert werden.The present invention relates to a housing for a flexible container for transporting liquids, in particular drugs. In addition to drugs, other liquids that occur in the (bio)pharmaceutical production process can also be transported by means of a flexible container in such a housing.

Verpackungen für Flüssigkeiten existieren natürlich grundsätzlich, wofür beispielsweise auf die DE 2258163 A1 , die EP 1396440 A1 oder die NL 8501555 A zu verweisen ist. Die DE und die EP Patentanmeldungen offenbaren Gehäuse für flexible Behälter, welche zum Schutz gegen Stößen zumindest teilweise mit einem elastischen Schaumstoff ausgekleidet sind. Diese Verpackungen sind aber allesamt nicht auf die Erfordernisse des erwähnten (bio-)pharmazeutischen Produktionsprozesses angepasst.Packaging for liquids naturally exists, for which, for example, DE 2258163 A1 , the EP 1396440 A1 or the NL 8501555 A The DE and EP patent applications disclose housings for flexible containers which are at least partially lined with an elastic foam to protect against impacts. However, none of these packages are adapted to the requirements of the (bio)pharmaceutical production process mentioned.

Flexible Behälter, mit denen Arzneimittel in einem Gehäuse transportiert werden, werden auch als "single use bag" bezeichnet. Dies geschieht zumeist in gefrorenem Zustand, wobei der flexible Behälter vor dem Einfrieren im Gehäuse angeordnet wird. Durch Kühlen der Anordnung wird dann die Flüssigkeit gefroren.Flexible containers that transport medicines in a housing are also known as "single use bags". This is usually done in a frozen state, with the flexible container being placed in the housing before freezing. The liquid is then frozen by cooling the arrangement.

Durch die Volumenausdehnung beim Gefrieren (etwa 8%) entsteht ein nicht zu unterschätzender Druck auf das Gehäuse und den flexiblen Behälter. Dadurch wird die Gefahr von mechanischen Beschädigungen und in der Folge Undichtigkeiten des mechanischen Behälters eingeführt.The volume expansion during freezing (about 8%) creates a pressure on the housing and the flexible container that should not be underestimated. This introduces the risk of mechanical damage and, as a result, leaks in the mechanical container.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, die mechanische Beanspruchung des flexiblen Behälters und des Gehäuses gegenüber dem Stand der Technik beim Einfrieren zu verringern.The object of the present invention is to reduce the mechanical stress on the flexible container and the housing during freezing compared to the prior art.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Gehäuse mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a housing having the features of claim 1.

Dies geschieht durch einen elastischen Schaumstoff - anders formuliert: durch zumindest einen Körper aus elastischem Schaumstoff -, mit dem das Gehäuse ausgekleidet ist.This is achieved by means of an elastic foam - in other words: by means of at least one body made of elastic foam - with which the housing is lined.

Dieser kann insbesondere die beim Gefrieren auftretende Volumenausdehnung des im Gehäuse angeordneten Behälters zumindest teilweise kompensieren.In particular, this can at least partially compensate for the volume expansion of the container arranged in the housing that occurs during freezing.

Das Gehäuse ist erfindungsgemäß im Wesentlichen quaderförmig ausgebildet. Dies kann ein leichtes Stapeln der Gehäuse erleichtern.According to the invention, the housing is essentially cuboid-shaped. This can facilitate easy stacking of the housings.

Erfindungsgemäß bestehen Deckflächen des Gehäuses aus Stahl. Insbesondere Kontaktkühlanlagen liegen die Deckflächen des Gehäuses an gekühlten Flächen auf, wobei sich durch Deckflächen aus Stahl im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik ein verbesserter Wärmeübertrag stattfindet.According to the invention, the cover surfaces of the housing are made of steel. In particular, in contact cooling systems, the cover surfaces of the housing rest on cooled surfaces, whereby cover surfaces made of steel result in improved heat transfer compared to the prior art.

Schutz begehrt wird ebenfalls für eine Anordnung aus einem erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuse und einem darin angeordneten mit einer Flüssigkeit, insbesondere einem Arzneimittel, befüllten flexiblen Behälter.Protection is also sought for an arrangement comprising a housing according to the invention and a flexible container arranged therein and filled with a liquid, in particular a medicament.

Außerdem wird Schutz für die Verwendung eines erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuses begehrt, wobei eine Flüssigkeit, insbesondere ein Arzneimittel, in den flexiblen Behälter gefüllt wird, der befüllte Behälter im Gehäuse angeordnet wird und die Flüssigkeit durch Kühlen der Anordnung aus Gehäuse und Behälter eingefroren wird.Furthermore, protection is sought for the use of a housing according to the invention, wherein a liquid, in particular a drug, is filled into the flexible container, the filled container is arranged in the housing and the liquid is frozen by cooling the arrangement of housing and container.

Flüssigkeiten, die im flexiblen Behälter transportiert werden können, sind z. B. Proteinlösungen, Endprodukte einer Aufreinigung, Antikörperlösungen und andere hochwertige Zwischenprodukte im pharmazeutischen Produktionszyklus, sowie natürlich Arzneimittel selbst.Liquids that can be transported in the flexible container include protein solutions, end products of purification, antibody solutions and other high-quality intermediate products in the pharmaceutical production cycle, as well as, of course, the drugs themselves.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen definiert.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Das Gehäuse kann optional so mit dem Schaumstoff ausgekleidet sein, dass eine beim Gefrieren auftretende Volumenausdehnung des im Gehäuse angeordneten Behälters im Wesentlichen vollständig vom Schaumstoff kompensiert wird.The housing can optionally be lined with foam in such a way that any volume expansion of the container arranged in the housing that occurs during freezing is essentially completely compensated by the foam.

Bevorzugt kann eine Ausführungsform sein, bei der der Schaumstoff mit abnehmender Temperatur unter dem Gefrierpunkt eine abnehmende Elastizität aufweist. Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass der Schaumstoff bei einer Temperatur zwischen 0° C bis -30° C, bevorzugt zwischen -5° C und -25° C und besonders bevorzugt zwischen -10° C und -20° C, im Wesentlichen aushärtet. Diese Maßnahmen können dazu beitragen, dass der flexible Behälter im Gehäuse in einem genau angepassten "Bett" im Gehäuse liegt. Sämtliche auf den flexiblen Behälter und das Gehäuse einwirkende Kräfte werden dadurch durch größere Flächen aufgenommen. Beschädigungen durch Klemmung oder dergleichen werden dadurch zumindest reduziert, wenn nicht gar vollständig ausgeschlossen.An embodiment may be preferred in which the foam exhibits decreasing elasticity as the temperature drops below freezing. It may also be provided that the foam essentially hardens at a temperature between 0° C and -30° C, preferably between -5° C and -25° C and particularly preferably between -10° C and -20° C. These measures can help ensure that the flexible container in the housing lies in a precisely adapted "bed" in the housing. All forces acting on the flexible container and the housing are thus absorbed by larger surfaces. Damage caused by clamping or the like is thus at least reduced, if not completely eliminated.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist der Schaumstoff so ausgebildet, dass der Prozess des Aushärtens reversibel ist. Beim Erhöhen der Temperatur der Anordnung nach dem Transport steht somit die Elastizität des Schaumstoffs wieder zur Verfügung und bietet dadurch einen gewissen Schutz vor Einwirkungen auf den flexiblen Behälter beim Herausnehmen aus dem Gehäuse. Außerdem kann durch den reversiblen Prozess prinzipiell das Gehäuse wiederverwendet werden, wenn dies gewünscht ist.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the foam is designed in such a way that the curing process is reversible. When the temperature of the arrangement is increased after transport, the elasticity of the foam is available again and thus offers a certain degree of protection against impacts on the flexible container when it is removed from the housing. In addition, the reversible process means that the housing can in principle be reused if desired.

Das Aushärten des Schaumstoffs kann auch als Festwerden bezeichnet werden. Es handelt sich dabei nicht um das Aushärten bei der Herstellung des Schaumstoffs, sondern um die Veränderung der Elastizitätseigenschaften unter der Kälteeinwirkung.The curing of the foam can also be referred to as solidification. This is not the curing that occurs during the production of the foam, but rather the change in the elastic properties under the influence of cold.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann es vorgesehen sein, dass das Gehäuse so mit dem Schaumstoff ausgekleidet ist, dass der Behälter-vorzugsweise samt etwaiger Anbauteile - vollständig vom Schaumstoff umgeben ist, wenn der Behälter im Gehäuse angeordnet ist. Damit können nicht nur der flexible Behälter, sondern auch die Anbauteile noch besser vor Beschädigungen geschützt werden.In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the housing is lined with the foam in such a way that the container - preferably including any attachments - is completely surrounded by the foam when the container is in the housing. This means that not only the flexible container but also the attachments can be better protected from damage.

Da Anbauteile für derartige flexible Behälter oft von verschiedener Form sind, weil sie beispielsweise aus verformbaren Schläuchen und dergleichen bestehen, kann ein Schaumstoffblock im Gehäuse von Vorteil sein, der die Anbauteile (durch Verformung) aufnehmen kann.Since attachments for such flexible containers often have different shapes, for example because they consist of deformable hoses and the like, a foam block in the housing that can accommodate the attachments (by deformation) can be advantageous.

Es kann auch vorkommen, dass Behälter transportiert werden müssen, die nicht vollständig befüllt worden sind. In diesem Fall kann eine zusätzliche Lage an Schaumstoff eingesetzt werden, wodurch auch in diesem Fall ein das Volumen des Gehäuses ausfüllendes "Bett" für den flexiblen Behälter geschaffen wird.It may also happen that containers have to be transported that have not been completely filled. In this case, an additional layer of foam can be used, which also creates a "bed" for the flexible container that fills the volume of the housing.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Figuren sowie der dazugehörigen Figurenbeschreibung. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine geschnittene Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuses mit darin angeordnetem flexiblen Behälter, und
Fig. 2
eine geschnittene Draufsicht desselben.
Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the figures and the associated figure description. Shown are:
Fig. 1
a sectional side view of a housing according to the invention with a flexible container arranged therein, and
Fig. 2
a sectional top view of the same.

Wie aus den Figuren 1 und 2 zu erkennen ist, wird der flexible Behälter 2 innerhalb des Gehäuses 1 angeordnet. Dabei ist das Gehäuse 1 mit Schaumstoff 3 und einem Schaumstoffblock 5 ausgekleidet. Gefriert die Flüssigkeit innerhalb des Behälters 2, dehnt sich der Behälter 2 aus. Diese Volumenausdehnung wird vom Schaumstoff 3 und dem Schaumstoffblock 5 aufgenommen, sodass zwischen dem Behälter 2 und dem Gehäuse 1 keine - oder eine zumindest nicht nennenswerte - Spannung entsteht. Anbauteile 4, z. B. Schläuche und Ventile und dergleichen, werden dabei über dem oder innerhalb des Schaumstoffblocks 5 angeordnet, der diese durch seine Elastizität bzw. Flexibilität aufnehmen kann.As can be seen from the Figures 1 and 2 As can be seen, the flexible container 2 is arranged inside the housing 1. The housing 1 is lined with foam 3 and a foam block 5. If the liquid inside the container 2 freezes, the container 2 expands. This volume expansion is absorbed by the foam 3 and the foam block 5, so that no - or at least not significant - tension is created between the container 2 and the housing 1. Attachments 4, e.g. hoses and valves and the like, are arranged above or inside the foam block 5, which can absorb these due to its elasticity or flexibility.

Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Gehäuse 1 vollständig umschließend ausgeführt. Das Gehäuse 1 kann aus Kunststoffen und/oder Metall bestehen. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Deckschichten jeweils aus rostfreiem Stahl und die Seitenwände aus einem Polyethylen (konkret: high density Polyethyle, HDPE) gefertigt.In the present embodiment, the housing 1 is designed to be completely enclosing. The housing 1 can be made of plastics and/or metal. In the present embodiment, the cover layers are each made of stainless steel and the side walls are made of polyethylene (specifically: high density polyethylene, HDPE).

Durch die vollkommen geschlossene Ausführung des Gehäuses 1 ist ein Zugriffsschutz auf den Behälter 2 gewährleistet. Theoretisch könnte auch ein Verschluss bzw. ein Siegel angebracht werden, wodurch eine Manipulation während des Transportprozesses oder im Lager ausgeschlossen oder zumindest sichtbar gemacht werden kann.The completely closed design of the housing 1 ensures protection against access to the container 2. Theoretically, a closure or seal could also be attached, which can prevent or at least make visible manipulation during the transport process or in the warehouse.

Der Schaumstoff 3 kann vorzugsweise so ausgeführt sein, dass er bei Raumtemperatur (und geringen negativen Temperaturen) relativ nachgiebig und flexibel ist und bei tieferen Temperaturen (- 15° C und kälter) aushärtet und den im Gehäuse 1 angeordneten Behälter 2 umschließt und vor Relativbewegung schützt. Der so geschützte Behälter 2 kann demnach nicht verbogen oder gestaucht werden, weil die Relativbewegung zum Gehäuse 1 ja verhindert ist. Dadurch können Brüche und Leckagen am beispielsweise aus Kunststoff gefertigten Behälter 2 verhindert werden.The foam 3 can preferably be designed in such a way that it is relatively yielding and flexible at room temperature (and slightly negative temperatures) and hardens at lower temperatures (- 15° C and colder) and encloses the container 2 arranged in the housing 1 and protects it from relative movement. The container 2 protected in this way cannot be bent or compressed because the relative movement to the housing 1 is prevented. This can prevent breakages and leaks in the container 2, which is made of plastic, for example.

Als Schaumstoff kann beispielsweise sogenannter visko-elastischer Schaum eingesetzt werden, welcher bei gewissen negativen Temperaturen aushärtet.For example, so-called visco-elastic foam can be used as foam, which hardens at certain negative temperatures.

Das Einfrieren der Anordnung aus Gehäuse 1 und befülltem Behälter 2 kann beispielsweise durch Kontaktkühlanlagen oder Umluftkühlanlagen oder auf andere Art geschehen. Bei Kontaktkühlanlagen liegen die Deckflächen des Gehäuses 1 (auch als "Schale" bezeichnet) an gekühlten Flächen auf. Bei Umluftkühlanlagen werden die Gehäuse 1 mit gekühlter Luft umspült.The freezing of the arrangement of housing 1 and filled container 2 can be done, for example, by contact cooling systems or circulating air cooling systems or in some other way. In contact cooling systems, the cover surfaces of the housing 1 (also referred to as the "shell") rest on cooled surfaces. In circulating air cooling systems, the housing 1 is flushed with cooled air.

Die einzelnen Seiten des Gehäuses 1, insbesondere die Deckflächen (also oben und unten), können aus relativ dünnem Material, insbesondere Stahl, hergestellt sein, um eine schnelle Wärmeleitung (bzw. Kälteleitung) zu erreichen.The individual sides of the housing 1, in particular the cover surfaces (i.e. top and bottom), can be made of relatively thin material, in particular steel, in order to achieve rapid heat conduction (or cold conduction).

Die erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuse 1 können - wie bereits erwähnt - wiederverwendet werden, insbesondere, wenn der Schaumstoff 3 so ausgebildet ist, dass das Aushärten bei niedrigen Temperaturen reversibel ist. Natürlich ist auch eine Einfach-Verwendung des Gehäuses 1 denkbar. Hierfür kann das Gehäuse 1 für einfache Recycling-Maßnahmen leicht zu zerlegen sein.The housings 1 according to the invention can - as already mentioned - be reused, especially if the foam 3 is designed in such a way that curing is reversible at low temperatures. Of course, a single use of the housing 1 is also conceivable. For this purpose, the housing 1 can be easily dismantled for simple recycling measures.

Claims (10)

  1. Housing for a flexible container (2) for transporting liquids, in particular medicines, which is at least partially lined with an elastic foam (3, 5), characterized in that the housing (1) is of a in essence cuboidal shape and is lined with the foam (3, 5) in such a way that an increase in volume of the container (2) arranged in the housing (1) that occurs upon freezing is at least partially compensated by the foam (3, 5), wherein cover surfaces of the housing (1) being made of steel.
  2. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) is lined with the foam (3, 5) in such a way that an increase in volume of the container (2) arranged in the housing (1) that occurs upon freezing is in essence completely compensated by the foam (3, 5).
  3. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam (3, 5) has decreasing elasticity with decreasing temperature below freezing point.
  4. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam (3, 5) in essence hardens at a temperature between 0°C and -30°C, preferably between -5°C and -25°C and particularly preferably between -10°C and - 20°C.
  5. Housing according to claim 4, characterized in that the hardening process is reversible.
  6. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1) is lined with the foam (3, 5) in such a way that the container (2) - preferably together with any attachments (4) - is completely surrounded by the foam (3, 5) when the container (2) is arranged in the housing (1).
  7. Housing according to claim 6, characterized in that a foam block (5) is provided in the housing (1) for receiving the attachments (4).
  8. Arrangement comprising a housing according to one of the preceding claims and a flexible container (2) arranged therein filled with a liquid, in particular a medicine.
  9. Use of a housing according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein a liquid, in particular a medicine, is filled into the flexible container (2), the filled container (2) is arranged in the housing (1) and the liquid is frozen by cooling the arrangement comprising the housing (1) and the container (2).
  10. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one additional layer of foam (3, 5) is arranged in the container (2) when the flexible container (2) is filled only to a part of its capacity.
EP22153960.4A 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container Active EP4032824B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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EP24212454.3A EP4484329A3 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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AT600042017 2017-01-16
ATGM50100/2017U AT15857U1 (en) 2017-01-16 2017-05-24 Housing for a flexible container
PCT/AT2018/060010 WO2018129576A1 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container
EP18705541.3A EP3509956B1 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container

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EP18705541.3A Division EP3509956B1 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container
EP18705541.3A Division-Into EP3509956B1 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container

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EP24212454.3A Division EP4484329A3 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container
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EP4032824A1 EP4032824A1 (en) 2022-07-27
EP4032824B1 true EP4032824B1 (en) 2024-12-18
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EP22153960.4A Active EP4032824B1 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container
EP18705541.3A Active EP3509956B1 (en) 2017-01-16 2018-01-15 Housing for a flexible container

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EP (3) EP4484329A3 (en)
CN (1) CN109890716B (en)
DK (1) DK3509956T3 (en)
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WO (1) WO2018129576A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
CN109890716B (en) 2022-04-26
EP4032824A1 (en) 2022-07-27
EP4484329A3 (en) 2025-03-19
WO2018129576A1 (en) 2018-07-19
EP4484329A2 (en) 2025-01-01
DK3509956T3 (en) 2022-04-11
US20220047457A1 (en) 2022-02-17
ES2999645T3 (en) 2025-02-26
US11602487B2 (en) 2023-03-14
CN109890716A (en) 2019-06-14
US20230157928A1 (en) 2023-05-25
US11207239B2 (en) 2021-12-28
EP3509956B1 (en) 2022-03-09
US20190224074A1 (en) 2019-07-25
EP3509956A1 (en) 2019-07-17
EP4032824C0 (en) 2024-12-18

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