CN104443473A - Volumetric metering proportioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a volumetric metering proportioning device which comprises a piston device (3) which can move in a cavity (4) of a shell device (5) and another cavity (53) of the shell device (5). The corresponding cavity is provided with an inlet (8a) and an outlet (8b) for products to be proportioned, the inlet and the outlet are connected with a supplying catheter (9a) and a discharging catheter (9b) respectively, and the supplying catheter and the discharging catheter are provided with valve assemblies (10) externally. Anther cavity is roughly coaxially connected to the cavity (4) and provided with another outlet (54) for cleaning and/or sterilizing fluid. The shell device (5) comprises an inner tube element (51) and an outer cover element (52), the cavity (4) is formed in the inner tube element, and the outer cover element encloses the inner tube element (51) from the outside and extends from one end of the inner tube element (51) to form the another cavity (53).

Description

Volumetric metering and dosing device

technical field

The invention relates to a volumetric metering and dosing device for precise dosing of liquids. the

Background technique

In the field of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food, the use of positive displacement piston pumps is well established. They are installed on filling machines for dosing fluid products of various viscosities into containers, such as glass bottles, vials, ampoules, etc. In such devices, a piston reciprocates linearly within a metering chamber formed in a hollow tubular body. During the stroke of the piston, the piston is able to draw in an amount of liquid product followed by dispensing, said amount being a function of the stroke and the diameter of the dosing chamber. The product to be dosed enters and exits the dosing chamber via an inlet and an outlet respectively. The inlet is connected to a supply conduit connected to the product tank, while the outlet is connected to an associated discharge conduit for dosing the product into the container. the

Previous dosing devices are mainly external on-off valves, which are arranged inside the supply and discharge conduits for alternately closing and/or opening the supply and discharge conduits when the injector is in operation. Subsequently, the external valve is replaced by a switching device, which is arranged in the metering chamber and is controlled to alternately connect the metering chamber to the supply conduit and the discharge conduit synchronously with the linear movement of the piston. Such a switching device may consist of a rotary valve inserted into the metering chamber, which is able to open and close the inlet and outlet. At present, there are dosing devices in which the switching device is arranged on the piston, so it is called a piston valve. In this case, in addition to sliding axially, the piston can also turn a predetermined angle around its longitudinal axis, so that the dosing chamber alternates. communicate with the supply and discharge conduits. the

In dosing syringes, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, the precision of the piston stroke is critical for the precision and accuracy of the dosing. Likewise, the rotational accuracy of the piston valve is necessary to ensure correct suction and discharge of the product to be dosed. the

Generally, in a dosing device provided with a piston valve, the top or bottom end of the piston valve is connected to a drive element which not only turns the piston but also moves it linearly. the

Because the driving element is arranged on the top of the piston valve, there are many disadvantages, including not easy access to the processing area, and inconvenient access to the operating device located in the processing area. If the above-mentioned mechanical elements and components fail or are damaged, they need to enter the processing area for maintenance. Furthermore, if the disinfection and/or sterilization treatment area is flushed with a flow of sterile air, the above-mentioned dimensions and position of the housing cause the air flow to deviate or change in the dosing area and, due to the piston movement of the dosing device, there will be Risk of particulates being generated and carried by the gas flow into the underlying container, thereby contaminating the container. the

Due to the development of time-pressure metering system technology, a new type of metering device can be invented by combining the related technology of time-pressure metering system with the current metering device. the

For this purpose, shut-off valves are provided outside the supply and discharge conduits, the alternate opening and closing of which is synchronized with the movement pattern of the pistons. the

In order to overcome these disadvantages, especially in the field of pharmaceutical packaging, the current trend is to provide dosing devices that can be moved in rotation and linearly from the bottom, so that the corresponding moving elements are located in the base of the filling machine. the

Known dosing devices are generally made of stainless steel, a material suitable for coming into contact with pharmaceuticals and/or food and capable of withstanding cleaning and sterilization procedures. the

Furthermore, it is known to use ceramic materials, thus being able to produce components with narrow dimensional tolerances and small surface roughness values. Ceramic materials have a high coefficient of wear resistance, a high coefficient of high temperature resistance, and an extremely moderate coefficient of thermal expansion. These properties make ceramics particularly suitable for high-precision piston pumps for cleaning and sterilization in situ. However, ceramic materials have limitations in the mechanical field because ceramic materials are brittle and prone to fracture, cracking and chipping. Therefore, the pump cylinder made of ceramic material is covered with a metal liner, usually made of stainless steel. The liner is thermally fitted by interference to form a single unit with the ceramic cylinder. the

In addition to protecting the ceramic inner cylinder, the outer metal shell enables the dosing device to be fixed to the support frame and the connections enabling the supply and discharge conduits to be connected. the

In many applications, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, it is required to be able to clean and sterilize dosing syringes in situ without dismantling any parts. Such operations, known as CIP/SIP (Clean in Place/Sterilize in Place), basically consist of a series of steps that can be performed automatically or semiautomatically, during which the interior of the dosing device is filled with cleaning liquids of different temperatures and pressurized. Steam wash. In this way, all parts of the dosing device that come into contact with the product can be cleaned and sterilized within short time intervals. A necessary condition for correct and effective cleaning and sterilization operations is that each inner surface of the dosing device which has come into contact with the product is properly flushed by the cleaning and sterilization fluid at the necessary flow speed. In addition to this, the structure and construction of the dosing device must ensure that the fluid is properly drained and emptied at the end of the cleaning and sterilization cycle, i.e. no areas for said fluid to accumulate and remain, in particular for The CIP/SIP operated dosing device comprises a cleaning and sterilizing chamber connected to and coaxial with the dosing chamber and provided with openings for the discharge of the cleaning and sterilizing fluid. In a cleaning and sterilizing state of the dosing unit, the piston is located in the cylinder such that the parts of the piston which come into contact with the product are spaced from the inner walls of the dosing chamber and the cleaning and sterilizing chamber. In this way, the cleaning and sterilizing fluid can reach the aforementioned parts of the dosing device and the entire inner wall of the dosing chamber. the

Purpose of the invention

A metering and dispensing device with simple structure, small volume, convenient installation and in-situ cleaning and sterilization is invented. the

Contents of the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention provides a volumetric dosing device comprising a dosing unit, the dosing unit, including a piston, for automatic/semi-automatic connection with a piston driving device arranged in a filling machine or disengaged, and the inlet and outlet of the dosing liquid, the inlet and outlet are respectively connected to the corresponding supply conduit and discharge conduit, the supply conduit and discharge conduit are respectively provided with a valve assembly, the valve assembly controls the opening and closing of the corresponding conduit and Synchronization of the movement of the pistons; and a support and locking device or fixture attached to the filling machine to enable quick installation and removal of the dosing unit. the

Since the housing device comprises an inner tube element in which a cavity is formed, and the housing device comprises a housing element which surrounds the inner tube element from the outside and forms a further cavity for cleaning Sterilization chamber, thus obtaining a simple and compact dosing unit which is robust and impact-resistant at the same time. The outer cover element is actually made of plastic and is fastened to the inner tube element, in particular by molding around the inner tube element, so as to form one with the inner tube element. the

The inner tube element is made of ceramic material in order to guarantee a high dosing accuracy and is particularly suitable for SIP/CIP operation, thanks to this structure and embodiment of the dosing unit of the invention, an interface or connection between the outer cover element and the inner tube element is excluded There are crevices, voids, etc. in the zone in which the product to be dosed or the sanitizing and sterilizing fluid may deposit, rendering the CIP/SIP operation ineffective or at least unacceptable. the

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the partially cutaway front view of the device of the present invention in installed state;

Figure 2 An enlarged detail view of the valve assembly in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is in the partially cutaway front view of device of the present invention in running state;

Partial side view of the supporting device in Fig. 4 Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is along the sectional view of line A-A in Fig. 1;

A modified part of the dosing device in Fig. 6 Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is along the sectional view of B-B line in Fig. 6;

Figure 8 is a partially cutaway front view of the connector device of Figure 1 . the

Detailed ways

1 shows a dosing device 1, the dosing device can be connected to the filling machine, and includes a dosing unit 2, the dosing unit includes a piston device 3, the piston device includes a piston, the piston can be along the first longitudinal line W1 Moves within the cavity 4 of the housing device 5 in order to draw the desired amount of liquid from the inlet 8a of the housing device 5 and to direct this desired amount of liquid towards the outlet 8b of the housing device 5 . the

The dosing device 1 comprises a valve assembly 10 for opening and closing the supply duct and the discharge duct, which are synchronized with the movement of the piston. the

The dosing device 1 comprises a supporting device 40, which can be fixed, for example, on the outer wall 120a of the base 120 of the filling machine and is used for supporting and locking the dosing unit 2 in the installed state A. the

The dosing device 1 comprises joint means 11 for detachably connecting the first end 6 of the piston means 3 in said installed state A of the dosing unit 2 to a displacement means 110 for The piston device 3 is moved linearly. the

The moving device 110 is of a known type, not shown in detail in the drawings, and is housed inside a base 120 of the filling machine. the

Referring to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first end 6 of the piston means 3 is the lower end, so that the dosing unit 2 is driven by the moving means 110 from the bottom. the

The second end 7 of the piston device 3 , which corresponds to the first end 6 , can slide in the cavity 4 . the

The piston device 3 driven by the moving device 110 is linearly reciprocable along the first axis W1 between a retracted/inner position and an extended/outer position. the

The inlet 8a and the outlet 8b are respectively connected with the supply conduit 9a and the discharge conduit 9b, and the supply conduit and the discharge conduit are provided with a valve assembly 10. When inhaling, the valve assembly 10 on the supply conduit 9a opens the conduit, and the valve assembly 10 on the discharge conduit 9b The assembly closes the conduit, and in the discharge position, the valve assembly on the supply conduit 9a opens the conduit and the valve assembly on the discharge conduit 9b closes the conduit. the

The housing device 5 of the dosing unit 2 comprises: an approximately cylindrical inner tube element 51 forming a cavity 4 inside; One end (for example the lower end) to form another cavity 53 provided with a corresponding opening 56 for the passage of the joint device 11 . the

The inner tube element 51 is made, for example, of ceramic material, while the outer cover element 52 is made of plastic. In particular, the outer cover element 52 is molded directly around the inner tube element 51 , for example by injection moulding, so as to be integral with the inner tube element. the

The cavity 4 is substantially cylindrical and extends longitudinally over the entire length of the inner tube element 51, the cavity 4 is in flow connection with the supply circuit of the product to be dosed via the inlet 8a comprising the inner tube element 51 formed and the outer casing Corresponding ducts on the side walls of the element 52, which ducts are transverse to said first axis W1, in particular almost perpendicular to the first axis. The cavity 4 is also formed by the outlet with a corresponding duct, for example on the side wall of the housing element 52 , transverse to said first axis W1 , in particular almost perpendicular thereto. the

The inlet 8 a and the outlet 8 b are externally provided with connections 8 a 1 , 8 b 1 for quick-fit connection to the supply and discharge circuits, formed directly on the housing element 52 . the

Referring to Fig. 2, the inlet 8a and the outlet 8b are respectively connected with the supply conduit 9a and the discharge conduit 9b, and the supply conduit 9a and the discharge conduit 9b have an associated valve assembly 10 (the control valve assembly on the supply conduit and the discharge conduit). Units can be the same control unit or different control units). The valve assembly 10 includes a motor, especially a brushless motor, which mainly adjusts the rotation angle of the shaft through a corresponding control unit C on the basis of a predetermined movement law. The motor 104 rotates on a cam element 105, moving the blocking element 102 between two different operating positions, namely: the disengaged position PD of the corresponding section T1 of the relevant supply duct 9a/discharge duct 9b, see figure A, here This state prevents element 102 from being in non-interfering contact with the conduit; and the blocking position PS of section T1, see Figure B, this state hinders element 102 to completely block conduit section T1, making it elastically deformed. In particular, an idler wheel 103 is installed on the blocking element 9 to reduce the frictional force between the blocking element 102 and the cam element 105 . The first abutment element 101 is installed at the section T1 of the discharge conduit 1 , opposite to the throttling device. the

Fig. 3 is an embodiment, when the liquid enters, the piston moves downward, and the supply conduit is in an open state at this time, that is, in the PD state, and the discharge conduit is in a closed state, that is, the PS state, see Fig. 3A; when the liquid is delivered, the piston Moving upwards, at this time the supply light is in the closed state, that is, the PS state, and the discharge conduit is in the open conduit, that is, the PD state, as shown in Figure 3B. the

The dosing unit 2 of the invention is provided for cleaning and sterilization in place (CIP/SIP) operations. These operations, without dismantling any part of the dosing unit 2, comprise a series of steps, which can be carried out automatically or semi-automatically, during which the interior of the configuration unit is passed through by cleaning liquids of different temperatures and pressurized steam. the

For this purpose, the outer cover element 52 extends below the inner tube element 51, so that the cylindrical lower part 52b forms a further cavity 53, which serves as a cleaning and sterilization chamber in the CIP/SIP operating steps of the dosing unit 2 . The other cavity 53 is substantially cylindrical, with a diameter greater than that of the cavity 4 . This further chamber 53 is in flow connection with an external discharge circuit of cleaning and sterilizing fluid through a further outlet 54 comprising a cleaning conduit with a corresponding connection 54a for a quick-fit connection. the

The first end 6 slides with play in the other cavity 53 . the

In the clean and sterilized state L, the piston means 3 is arranged to put the chamber 4 in flow communication with a further chamber 53 and a further outlet 54 . In particular, in this cleaned and sterilized state L, the second end 7 of the piston device 3 is completely housed in the other cavity 53, while the first end 6 of the piston device 3 is partially housed in the other cavity 53, close the opening 56 of the other cavity 53. More precisely, the outer side wall of the first end portion 6 is sealingly abutting against a sealing means 55, for example comprising an annular seal of the O-ring type and arranged in a corresponding interior of the other cavity 53, so that the A fluid connection is provided between the other cavity and the external environment. In this way, the cleaning and/or sterilizing fluid fed into the chamber 4 via the inlet 8a and/or the outlet 8b can reach and flush the chamber 4 and the parts of the piston device 3 that have come into contact with the metered product at the necessary speed. all points. the

It should be noted that due to the structure and embodiment of the dosing unit 2 of the present invention, in the interface or joint area between the outer cover element 52 and the inner tube element 51, the existence of seams, voids and the like are excluded, which would make the The product to be dosed or the cleaning and sterilizing fluid deposits therein, rendering the CIP/SIP operation ineffective or at least unacceptable. the

Thus, the housing element 52 made of plastic not only includes the ceramic inner tube element 51 and thus protects it from vibrations and shocks, but also enables the fixing of the dosing unit 2 on the support device 40 and the supply of the product to be dosed. The circuit and discharge circuit and the discharge circuit of the cleaning and/or sterilizing fluid are connected to the dosing unit 2 via connections 8a1 , 8a2 and 54a. the

The supporting device 40 includes a supporting body 46 fixed on the upper wall 112 a for supporting the guiding device 41 . The guide device 41 includes a guide element, which is flat and provided with a straight groove 49 , the cross section of the straight groove is T-shaped and extends parallel to the first direction X. The connection device 60 comprises a T-shaped connection element fixed on the housing device 5 so as to be slidably combined in the linear groove 49 with a predetermined clearance, so that the dosing unit 2 can be easily mounted on the support device 40 and the upper jaw can be easily removed from the support device 40. Disassemble. the

The connecting element 60 is formed, for example, directly on the side wall of the cylindrical lower part 52c of the housing element 52 . The connection element 60 may be a separate element fixed to the aforementioned side wall of the cylindrical lower part 52c. the

The support device 40 also includes fixing means for locking the connecting element 60 on the guide device 41 . The fixing device comprises at least two fixing elements 42, 43 connected with the guide 41, the fixing elements are movable so as to respectively engage or disengage two connecting receptacles 62, 63 of the connecting element 60, so that the connecting device 60 is locked on the guiding device. 41 or released from the guide. the

The fixing elements 42 , 43 act on the connecting receptacles 62 , 63 with a predetermined fixing force along the second direction Y substantially perpendicular to the first direction X, so as to lock the connecting device 60 . the

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, the fixing device includes a first fixing element 42 and a second fixing element 43. The fixing element can be, for example, a bolt, and passes through the first opening 42 and the second opening 48 to connect with the second fixing element 60 of the connecting element. A connection receptacle 62 engages with a second connection receptacle 63 . Wherein the first opening 47 and the second opening 48 pass through part of the supporting body 46 and the guiding device 41 . The openings in the guide part as well as the first connection receptacle 62 and the second connection receptacle 63 have threads that fit into the fixing elements. the

The openings 44 and 45 are larger in diameter than the first opening 47 and the second opening 48, and are mainly used to accommodate the head of the fixing element and isolate the fixing element from the external environment. the

When the first fixing element 42 abuts against the first connecting receptacle 62 and pushes the connecting element against the linear groove 49 in the second direction Y, the dosing unit 2 is locked in a firm and precise manner, thereby preventing direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z, and the third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. the

When the second fixing element 43 abuts against the second connecting receptacle 63 and pushes the connecting element 60 against the linear groove 49, the dosing unit 2 is locked and cannot surround the shaft parallel to the Y direction and passing through the first fixing element 42. Axis rotation. the

The first connection receptacle 62 and the second connection receptacle 63 are formed in corresponding inserts 67 and 68 made of metal material, which are integrated in the connection element 60, so as to ensure that the aforementioned connection receptacles 62 and 63 have greater rigidity and Deformability, and ensure the accuracy of the fitting of the fixing elements 42 and 43 with the receptacles 62 and 63. the

6-7 show a support device 140 different from the above examples, and the support device 140 includes a fixing device 141 and a connecting device 601 . the

The fixing device 141 is similar to a sleeve, including a first part 141a and a second part 141b, and the two parts form two holes that are coaxial but have different diameters, the diameter of the hole formed by the first part 141a is the same as the outer diameter of the connecting device 601, The diameter of the hole formed in the second portion 141b is smaller than that of the hole formed in the first portion. The first portion 141a includes a threaded portion 142 which engages the threads on the connecting device 601 . the

The connecting means 601 comprises a threaded portion 602 fixed on the housing means 5 to engage with the fixing means with a predetermined clearance, so that the dosing unit 2 can be easily mounted on and detached from the fixing means 140 . the

The connecting device 601 is similar to the aforementioned connecting device 60 , forming a cylindrical shape with the lower part of the cleaning/sterilizing outlet of the housing element 52 . the

During the installation process, the operator rotates the dosing device 2 and combines it with the fixing device 141 to realize quick installation. the

1 and 8 show the joint means 11 connecting the first end 16 of the piston to the moving means 110 . the

The joint device 11 comprises a connecting element 25 which has an elongated shape and is provided with the clutch part 12 at one section. This clutch is intended to engage into the first end 6 of the piston means 3 including the seat 16, the other end of the connecting element 25 being connected to the displacement means 110 so as to be linearly movable along the second longitudinal axis W2. Also in this case, the clutch portion 12 can be connected to and disconnected from the seat 16 along a connection direction M substantially parallel to the first axis W1 or inclined by a few degrees with respect to said first axis W1 . the

Clutch 12 and seat 16 have complementary shapes. the

The joint means 11 comprise sealing means 14 against the inner wall of the seat 16 , mainly an annular seal made, for example, of elastomeric material, housed in an annular cavity formed on one end of the clutch part 12 . the

The transmission comprises two or more pins 15, such as two, spaced apart from each other by a certain angle, such as 180°, and fixed on the side wall 18 of the clutch element 12 for engaging a pin formed on the first end 16. In the corresponding seat 19. The dimensions of the pin 15 as well as of the seat 19 should be such that the radial play between the piston means 3 and the connecting element 25 is minimized in order to guarantee that said piston means 3 moves with the necessary precision and accuracy during operation. the

The pin 15 is fixed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 25 so that it can be inserted into or out of the seat 19 when the clutch part 12 is inserted into or out of the seat 106 respectively. The seats 19 each include a slit opening below. the

The guide device 13 in the clutch part 12 is roughly M-shaped, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the first axis W1 direction, and has a complementary structure with 6a in the seat 16, and is connected in an M-shaped manner. The guide device 13 also includes at least two seals. Means 17, similar to sealing means 14. In the installation step, when the operator has fixed the dosing unit 2 on the supporting device 40, after being in the installed state A, activates the moving device 110 to move the joint device 11 mounted thereon along the second axis W2, until the clutch part 12 is inserted into the seat 16 of the first end part 6 . By firmly engaging the clutch part 12 with the first end part 6 in the connected state B, the piston device 3 is connected to the moving device 110 . the

Claims (10)

1. A volumetric metering and dosing device, comprising a piston device (3), which can move between the cavity (4) of the housing device (5) and the housing device (5) along the first axis (W1). ) inside another cavity (53) provided with an inlet (8a) and an outlet (8b) for the product to be dosed, which are respectively connected to a supply conduit (9a) and a discharge conduit ( 9b), said supply and discharge conduits have valve assemblies (10) respectively; said another chamber is connected substantially coaxially to said chamber (4) and is provided with a valve assembly (10) for cleaning and/or sterilizing fluid Another outlet (54), characterized in that the housing device (5) includes an inner tube element (51) and an outer cover element (52), the cavity (4) is formed in the inner tube element, and the outer cover element ( 52) Surrounding said inner tubular element (51 ) externally and extending from a section of said inner tubular element (51 ) to form said further cavity (53). 2. As claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner tube element (51) is made of ceramic material. 3. As claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said outer cover element (52) is made of plastic and fixed on said inner tube element (51), in particular molded around said inner tube element, so as to form one. 4. The preceding claim, wherein said further cavity (53) comprises a corresponding opening (56) for passage of said piston means (3) . 5. The preceding claim, wherein said cavity (4) is a through cavity extending longitudinally over the entire length of said inner tube element (51 ), said cavity (4) being substantially cylindrical . 6. As claimed in claim 5, wherein said another cavity (53) is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter greater than that of said cavity (4). 7. As claimed in claims 5 and 6, wherein the inlet (8a) and outlet (8b) lead into the top cavity (4). 8. As claimed in claims 5-7, wherein said piston means (3) comprises a first end (6) and a second end (7) substantially coaxial with each other, said second end (7) is arranged to slide sealingly in said cavity (4), said first end (6) is arranged to slide in said another cavity (53) and can cooperate with said piston means (3 ) mobile device connection. 9. According to claims 5-8, wherein said inlet (8a) and outlet (8b) are respectively connected with a supply conduit (9a) and a discharge conduit (9b). 10. As claimed in claim 9, wherein, there are valve assemblies (10) outside the supply conduit (9a) and the discharge conduit (9b), respectively, characterized in that the opening and closing of the valve assembly (10) and the movement of the piston device (3) Synchronize.