Installation for producing a medical preparation

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation for producing a medical preparation, in particular for producing a preparation for parenteral nutrition. Liquids are transferred by means of the installation from a plurality of source containers to a target container. The installation comprises a receptacle with drivers for a valve block, wherein the drivers of the valves are arranged offset from one another.

Claims

1. An installation for producing a medical preparation, by way of which liquids from a plurality of source containers are transferable into a target container, wherein the installation comprises at least one pump and a receptacle for a removable valve block having a multiplicity of valves, wherein an inflow from the source containers is controllable by the valves, wherein the valves comprise activation members, wherein the installation has entrainment elements that activate the activation members to open and close the valves, and wherein the entrainment elements are disposed so as to be mutually offset in at least two rows according to the principle of the hexagonally tightest pack so as to be mutually spaced apart.

2. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entrainment elements are disposed in at least two straight rows, wherein the entrainment elements in one row are offset by approximately half of the respective spacing of said entrainment elements in relation to the entrainment elements of the other row.

3. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the installation comprises a drive unit having motors for the entrainment elements, wherein the motors are disposed in at least two mutually displaced rows.

4. The installation as claimed in claim 3, wherein the motors comprise housings, wherein the housings of the motors along the rows are disposed so as to be mutually engaging.

5. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entrainment elements for driving the valves are connected to drive shafts of the motors by way of drive shafts that run in a linear manner.

6. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entrainment elements are connected to the motors by way of dog clutches.

7. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the installation comprises a modular drive unit for the entrainment elements, said drive unit being attached to a side of a housing of the installation that is opposite the entrainment elements.

8. The installation as claimed in claim 3, wherein the motors of the installation are monitored for load.

9. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the installation comprises a sensor unit for monitoring the respective valve position.

10. A valve block for placing onto an installation for producing a medical preparation as claimed in claim 1.

11. The valve block as claimed in claim 10, wherein the valves have in each case one outlet to a catchment duct, wherein the outlets of all valves along the catchment duct are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in an axial direction of the catchment duct.

12. The valve block as claimed in claim 10, wherein the valves are configured as 3/3-way valves having a blocked central position.

13. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation members comprise plugs.

14. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the valves has an outlet that leads to a catchment duct that defines an axial direction along which the outlets are mutually spaced apart.

15. The installation as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensor unit comprises a plurality of light barriers into which, depending on the valve position, a finger reaches.

16. An installation for producing a medical preparation, by way of which liquids from a plurality of source containers are transferable into a target container, wherein the installation comprises at least one pump and a receptacle for a removable valve block having a multiplicity of valves, wherein an inflow from the source containers is controllable by the valves, and wherein the valves comprise activation members, wherein the installation has entrainment elements by way of which the valves are activatable, wherein the entrainment elements are disposed so as to be mutually offset in at least two rows wherein the entrainment elements are movable by way of the drive shafts, wherein a front portion of the drive shafts is mounted in a level of a drive unit that is disposed above the dog clutches.

17. An installation for producing a medical preparation, by way of which liquids from a plurality of source containers are transferable into a target container, wherein the installation comprises at least one pump and a receptacle for a removable valve block having a multiplicity of valves, wherein an inflow from the source containers is controllable by the valves, and wherein the valves comprise activation members, wherein the installation has entrainment elements by way of which the valves are activatable, wherein the entrainment elements are disposed so as to be mutually offset in at least two rows, wherein the installation comprises a sensor unit for monitoring the respective valve position, wherein the sensor unit comprises a plurality of light barriers into which, depending on the valve position, a finger reaches.

18. The installation as claimed in claim 17, wherein the installation comprises a plurality of sensor units, wherein the sensor units are disposed on the upper side of a support as well as on the lower side of a support, in particular of a printed circuit board.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The subject matter of the invention is to be explained in more detail hereunder with reference to an exemplary embodiment and by means of the drawings FIGS. 1 to 13 in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an installation for producing a medical preparation;

(3) FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show perspective detailed views of a valve block used;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the sectioned housing of the valve block according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a support plate having the entrainment elements for the valves;

(6) FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show perspective views of the drive unit of the installation;

(7) FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 show detailed illustrations of the drive unit;

(8) FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the drive shaft for the entrainment elements and the motor;

(9) FIG. 12 shows a plan view onto the lower side of the drive unit; and

(10) FIG. 13 shows a perspective detailed illustration of the upper side of the drive unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(11) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an installation 1 for producing a medical preparation.

(12) The installation 1 is in particular configured for mixing preparations for parenteral nutrition. Infusion pouches or syringes are filled by means of the installation, for example.

(13) To this end, a multiplicity of source containers 2 are connected to the installation 1. The source containers 2 illustrated here are suspended from a frame. Further source containers which are configured, for example, as pouches and which contain the main component parts of the nutrient composition are not illustrated here.

(14) The installation 1 comprises a valve block 3 which has inflows 8a to 8l (cf. to this end FIG. 2) which are connected to the source containers 2 by way of hoses (not illustrated). The hoses here comprise, for example, a spike and/or a Luer lock connector by means of which said hoses are connected to the respective source container 2.

(15) By way of the activation of a valve 9 of the valve block 3 in each case one inflow 8a to 8l of the valve block 3 is connected to an outflow 11a, 11b of the valve block 3, and the respective liquid by means of a pump 6 can be transferred into a target container 5 (cf. to this end also FIG. 2). The hoses used therefor are not illustrated.

(16) The target container 5 is disposed on a balance 4. It is in particular checked by way of the balance 4 whether the desired quantity of liquid has been retrieved.

(17) The transfer from the various source containers 2 and thus the production of the medical preparation is performed in a computer-controlled manner.

(18) Only one valve 9 of the valve block 3 is typically opened at any one time, that is to say that liquid is at all times retrieved from exactly one source container 2.

(19) When being transferred, the liquid of the source container being pumped by the pump 6 does not immediately arrive in the target container 5, since the hoses are initially still filled with another liquid. Leaving aside other effects, the quantity of the liquid retrieved can however in principle be initially determined by way of the balance 4, specifically at least when the liquids in the various source containers 2 have approximately the same density.

(20) For the completion of the filling procedure a neutral medium such as, for example, water, is generally pumped into the target container 5 in order to ensure that the desired nutrient component parts have completely exited a hose which connects the valve unit 3 to the target container 5 (not illustrated).

(21) The valve block 3 conjointly with the hoses (not illustrated here) for connecting to the source containers 2 and to the target container 3 is preferably provided or used, respectively, as a single-use component. The valve block 3 is preferably latch-fitted onto a support plate 7 of the installation 1, and can thus be readily removed by the user.

(22) To this end, the housing 20 of the installation 1 comprises a support plate 7 which serves for latch-fitting the valve block 3 thereonto (cf. to this end also FIG. 5).

(23) FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of the valve block 3, in which the upper side of the valve block 3 can be seen.

(24) The valve block 3 comprises a housing that is preferably configured so as to be substantially cuboid, having the inflows 8a to 8l. The source containers 2 are connected to the inflows 8a to 8l by way of hoses (not illustrated here).

(25) The inflows 8a to 8l are in each case preferably connected, preferably welded or adhesively bonded, to one hose in such a manner that said hose cannot be removed in a non-destructive manner.

(26) The valve block 10 furthermore comprises valves 9, wherein each valve 9 is provided for controlling two inflows 8a-8l.

(27) The explanation of the design embodiment of a valve 9 is performed by means of the valve 9 having the inflows 8a and 8b. The other valves 9 are preferably of identical configuration.

(28) In this exemplary embodiment one valve 9 is tasked with controlling the inflows 8a and 8b. The inflows 8a to 8b in the plan view overlap in each case with the housing of the valve 9.

(29) It can be seen that the valves 9 which have a valve housing that protrudes from said housing 10 are positioned in two straight rows that are disposed so as to be mutually offset.

(30) As opposed to the valves 9, the inflows 8a to 8l are not disposed so as to be offset but disposed so as to be exactly opposite in the rows.

(31) In order to be able to open and close in each case two inflows 8a-8l, the valves 9 are configured as 3/3-way valves having a closed central position.

(32) The valve block 3 furthermore comprises the outflows 11a and 11b which are disposed on two opposite sides of the housing 10. Said outflows 11a and 11b are interconnected by way of a preferably central duct 38.

(33) A hose which is connected to the target container 5 (not illustrated) can be connected either to the outflow 11a or to the outflow 11b. The outflow not required can be closed off.

(34) The housing 10 furthermore comprises a sprung latching tab 12. The latter is configured as a handle. When the user pulls the latching tab 12 the valve block 3 can be removed from the support plate (7 in FIG. 1) of the installation 1.

(35) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view onto the lower side of the valve block 3. It can be seen that the valve block 3 comprises activation members, in this exemplary embodiment in the form of plugs 14a-14f, that are accessible from below. The plugs 14a to 14f are disposed in two rows which are disposed so as to be mutually offset.

(36) In the plan view of the lower side of the valve block the plugs 14a to 14c to this end are disposed on the plotted imaginary straight line a, and the plugs 14d to 14f are disposed on the imaginary straight line b, wherein the plugs on the mutually opposite straight lines are in each case disposed so as to be mutually offset such that, for example, the plug 14e lies between the opposite plugs 14a and 14b.

(37) Furthermore, the valves 9 and thus also the plugs 14a to 14f 11e along a central duct 38 which leads to the outflow 11a or 11b of the valve block 3.

(38) The activation members, thus the plugs 14a-14f, have a form-fitting element which corresponds to the form-fitting element of an entrainment element 18 of the installation 1 (cf. to this end also FIG. 5). This form-fitting element in this embodiment is configured as a slot. The plugs 14a-14f are activated and the respective valve 9 is opened and closed by way of the entrainment elements 18 on the installation.

(39) A slot as a form-fitting element is particularly suitable for the plugs since the latter in this exemplary embodiment are configured from an elastomer and are press-fitted into the housing of the valve block. Despite the elastomer material, a sufficiently stable connection between the entrainment element and the plugs 14a-14f is provided by way of a slot.

(40) It can be furthermore seen on the lower side that the latching tab 12 has a web 13 which in the latched-on state engages below the periphery 16 of the support plate 7 (cf. to this end also FIG. 5).

(41) A web 15 of the housing, opposite the web 13, serves as a form-fitting element for the valve block 3 on that side that is opposite the latching tab 12. The valve block 3 can therefore be removed by pulling the latching tab 12 from one side.

(42) The valves 9 having the plugs 14a to 14c in this illustration can be seen in the central position and thus in the closed position. For illustrative purposes, the valves 9 having the plugs 14d to 14f are rotated by approximately an eighth of a rotation in relation to the closed central position. In each case one inflow is thus opened. It is understood that only one valve 9 is opened at any one time in the operation of the installation 1. In detail, the valve 9 is opened only toward one inflow 8a or 8b.

(43) FIG. 4 shows a perspective sectional view of the housing of the valve block 3 without plugs 14a-14f.

(44) The design embodiment of the valves 9 will be explained using the example of a valve 9. Preferably, all of the valves 9 are of identical configuration.

(45) It can be seen that a circular-cylindrically shaped valve housing 46 has the inlets 40a and 40b through which liquid from in each case one inflow 8a-8l can flow through the valve 9 when the respective plug 14a-14f is in an opened position.

(46) It can furthermore be seen that each valve 9 has an outlet 39 which opens into the catchment duct 38.

(47) The outlet 39 in this exemplary embodiment is formed in that the circular-cylindrically shaped housing of the valve 9 in the plan view overlaps the catchment duct 38. The valve housing 46 opens directly into the catchment duct 38.

(48) On account of the valves 9 being disposed so as to be mutually offset, all of the outlets 39 along the catchment duct 38 are mutually spaced apart and are not mutually opposite in the axial direction.

(49) FIG. 5 shows a perspective detailed view of the support plate 7 of the housing 20 of the installation 1.

(50) The valve block 3 is latch-fitted onto this support plate 7.

(51) To this end, the support plate 7 has a base 17. A periphery 16 of the support plate 7 protrudes beyond the base 17. The projecting periphery 16 serves as a form-fitting element for the latching tab 12 and the web 13 of the valve block 13, so as to latch-fit the latter onto the base 17.

(52) The entrainment elements 18 for the activation members of the valves 9, thus for the plugs 14a-14l, protrude from the support plate 7.

(53) The entrainment elements 18 are also disposed so as to be mutually offset in two rows, according to the principle of the hexagonally tightest pack, but so as to be mutually spaced apart.

(54) The entrainment elements 18 in this exemplary embodiment have a web-shaped protrusion 19 and are configured in a manner similar to that of a slotted screwdriver. The protrusions 19 engage in the slots of the plugs 14a-14f.

(55) The support plate 7 is preferably fitted to the housing 20 of the installation 1 from above, or can also be part of the housing, respectively.

(56) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the drive unit 41 for the entrainment elements 18.

(57) The drive unit 41 is configured as a modular unit. Said drive unit 41 comprises a head part 24 which is fitted to the housing 20 of the installation 1 from below under the support plate 7, and to which the further components of the drive unit 41 are fastened.

(58) The drive shafts 23 for the entrainment elements 18 protrude from the head part 24.

(59) The end of the drive shaft 23 is preferably likewise configured as an entrainment element and has a form-fitting element for a corresponding form-fitting element of the entrainment elements 18 for the valves 9, said entrainment elements 18 for the valves 9 being in each case connected to the drive shaft 23 by way of said form-fitting element on the end of the drive shaft 23.

(60) The motors 21 for driving the valves 9 are fitted to a support 22 of the drive unit 41, said motors 21 likewise being disposed in two mutually offset rows, in a manner corresponding to that of the valves 9. It can be seen that the entire drive unit 41 is thus configured so as to be particularly compact.

(61) FIG. 7 shows a further perspective view of the drive unit 41, on which that side of the drive unit 41 that is opposite to the one illustrated in FIG. 6 can be seen.

(62) It can be seen in this view that a circuit board 25 which comprises the electronics, the controller, and the power supply of the motors is fitted in a vertical orientation to a support 26 of the drive unit 41, this likewise contributing toward a compact construction mode.

(63) FIG. 8 shows a perspective detailed illustration of the drive unit 41 illustrated in FIG. 6. It can be seen in this detailed illustration that the drive unit 41 configured in a modular manner comprises two levels 42, 43. The motors 21 are fitted to a support 22 that closes off the lower level 43. The drive shafts of the entrainment elements 18 are connected to the motors 21 by way of dog clutches 27 in the level 43.

(64) The mounting of the drive shafts 23 of the entrainment elements 18 is thus decoupled from the mounting of the motors 21.

(65) FIG. 9 shows a further perspective detailed illustration in which the sensor units of the drive unit 41 can be seen in particular.

(66) A drive shaft 23a for an entrainment element can be seen. The drive shafts 32a-23c have a lateral protrusion 34, the latter in this exemplary embodiment configured as a pin, in order to prevent the drive shaft 23a from being able to be installed when rotated by 180°.

(67) Furthermore, a finger 30a is attached to the drive shaft 23a. The finger 30a, depending on the valve position, reaches into one of the light barriers 28a to 28c that are disposed about a quadrant.

(68) The light barriers 28a to 28c form a sensor unit.

(69) The light barriers 28a to 28c are disposed on the upper side 29a of a support 29 which is configured as a circuit board and provides at least the power supply for the light barriers 28a to 28c.

(70) The finger 30a, configured in a hook-shaped manner, of the drive shaft 23a, depending on the valve position, reaches from above into an opening of the light barriers 28a to 28c.

(71) The light barriers 28a to 28c can serve for monitoring the valve position and/or for controlling the motors 21.

(72) The finger 30a reaches into the central light barrier 28b. The valve 9 in this view is located in the central position, thus the closed position.

(73) As can be seen here, on the upper side 29a of the support 29 there is no sensor unit provided for the drive shafts 23b and 23c.

(74) The sensor units for the drive shafts 23b and 23c can be seen in the perspective detailed illustration according to FIG. 10.

(75) In this view, the lower side 29b of the support 29, on which the light barriers 28, 28d-28f, and thus the sensor units for the drive shafts 23b and 23c are located, can be seen.

(76) The finger 30b of the drive shaft 23b, 23c here reaches in each case from below into a light barrier 28, 28d.

(77) The construction of the sensor unit otherwise corresponds to that of the sensor unit illustrated in FIG. 9.

(78) On account of the sensor units having been split between two planes, a more compact design embodiment has likewise been enabled.

(79) The plug connector 31 which serves for the electrical connection of the support 29 that is configured as a circuit board can furthermore be seen.

(80) FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a drive shaft 23 as well as a motor 21. The drive shaft 23 corresponds to the drive shafts 23b and 23c which have been illustrated above and in which the finger 30b reaches from below into the light barriers 28, 28d-28f.

(81) The drive shaft 23 and the motor 21 are disposed on one axis.

(82) The drive shaft 23 comprises a front portion 32 which is separately mounted in a level 42 of the drive unit 41. This front portion 32, in order to be coupled to an entrainment element 18 for a valve 9, comprises an entrainment element 33.

(83) The finger 30 for activating the light barriers of the sensor units is fitted to the drive shaft 23 below the front portion 32.

(84) The drive shaft 23 is connected to the drive shaft 45 of the motor 21 by way of the dog clutch 27.

(85) The mounting of the front portion 32 is thus decoupled from the mounting of the drive shaft 45 of the fitted motor 21 in such a manner that any potential tolerances in terms of the axial alignment are compensated for.

(86) The motor 21 as a first portion comprises an electric motor 36 which is supplied with power by way of the cable 37.

(87) A planetary gearbox 35 which ensures a high gearing ratio and thus enables precise controlling of the valves at a simultaneously high force is disposed as a second portion above the electric motor 36.

(88) The motors 21 are monitored for load. Upon blocking of a valve 9, said blocking is detected and the motor 21 is stopped. The user of the installation 1 is informed by way of a respective error message.

(89) FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the lower side of the drive unit 41.

(90) It can be readily seen that the motors 21 are disposed in two mutually offset rows. The housings of the motors 21 thus engage in one another along the rows, this enabling a compact design embodiment of the drive unit 41 as well as of the valve block 3 that is connected to the drive unit 41.

(91) FIG. 13 shows a perspective detailed view onto the upper side of the drive unit 41.

(92) It can be seen that the head part 24 of the drive unit 41 comprises a projecting base 44.

(93) The entrainment elements 33 of the drive shafts 23, the former in turn activating the entrainment elements 18 for the valves 9, protrude from the base 44.

(94) It can be seen that the entrainment elements 33 in this exemplary embodiment are configured in the manner of cams so as to interact with a corresponding form-fitting element on the lower side of the entrainment element 18 for the valve 9 (not illustrated).

(95) The drive unit 41 configured in a modular manner can be screw-fitted to the housing 20 of the installation 1 from below, and the support plate 7, conjointly with the entrainment elements 18 for the valves 9, is fitted to the housing 20 of the installation 1 from above.

(96) A reliable installation for producing medical preparations that is configured in a simple and compact manner has been able to be provided by the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(97) 1 Installation 2 Source container 3 Valve block 4 Balance 5 Target container 6 Pump 7 Support plate 8a-8l Inflow 9 Valve 10 Housing 11a, 11b Outflow 12 Latching tab 13 Web 14a-14f Plug, activation member 15 Web 16 Periphery 17 Base 18 Entrainment element 19 Protrusion 20 Housing 21 Motor 22 Support 23, 23a-23c Drive shaft 24 Head part 25 Circuit board 26 Support 27 Dog clutch 28, 28a-28f Light barrier 29 Support 29a Upper side 29b Lower side 30, 30a, 30b Finger 31 Plug connector 32 Front portion 33 Entrainment element 34 Protrusion 35 Planetary gearbox 36 Electric motor 37 Cable 38 Catchment duct 39 Outlet 40a, 40b Inlet 41 Drive unit 42 Level 43 Level 44 Base 45 Drive shaft 46 Valve housing