DE102016100867A1 - Container for liquids with a ventilation device and method for emptying the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container 1 with an automatically operating ventilation device 8, which makes it possible to establish a pressure equalization between the container interior 2 and the outside air 11. The invention also relates to a method for emptying containers 1 with a ventilation device 8.

Description

The invention relates to containers for liquids having an additional aeration device. It also relates to the method of emptying these containers.

Are known containers for liquids in the form of bottles, barrels, film bags, canisters or the like. At least containers with small volumes are tilted for the purpose of emptying and taken over the combined filling or pouring the required liquid.

It is well known that the emptying of said containers requires considerable attention. At least when the container is tilted so much that the liquid level present in the container is above the upper edge of the combined filling or pouring aperture, sporadic air suction occurs over the pouring aperture, which generally manifests itself as bubbling during the pouring operation. The emerging liquid jet is not stable, can not be safely controlled and it is difficult to avoid spilling liquid.

This problem is generally known, for example, with fuel canisters. If a motor vehicle refueled from canisters, it is hardly possible to do this without spilling fuel.

It is known that pouring aids can be mounted on the pouring opening of canisters. These are usually designed with 2 channels, which have different cross sections. When emptying a canister with such a pouring aid, an inwardly directed air flow normally sets in the channel with the smaller cross section, while the fuel runs out through the channel with the larger cross section. At least at the beginning of emptying the pouring aid must be quickly inserted into the filling opening of the vehicle tank. Otherwise it can also lead to splashing of the liquid due to surge and blistering.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages, it has also been proposed to arrange a separate ventilation on the containers and thus to separate the outflow of the liquid and the inflow of outside air from each other.

In DE 297 16 183 U1 a ventilation device is proposed which provides to introduce a bore in a gas canister in the upper region, to arrange a perforated plate above this and with the aid of a thumbscrew and sealing material to close the holes in the perforated plate or to open if necessary. A disadvantage of this solution is that it does not necessarily open at negative pressure in the interior of the container. If the ventilation device remains closed when pouring out the liquid, it does not work. A further disadvantage is that when filling the container and an open ventilation device can escape via this liquid. Finally, the knurled screw can be lost, so that the container is at least temporarily unusable.

In DE 20 2010 003 444 U1 It is therefore proposed to provide signal elements both at the filling opening of the container and at the aeration device in order to be able to recognize the respective state of both. Nevertheless, it can not be ruled out that filling takes place when the container is open or emptied when the ventilation device is closed.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a container for liquids, which has a ventilation device that automatically opens and closes. It is a further object of the invention to propose that when emptying the container according to the invention to be executed.

This object above is achieved with a container for liquids with the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 in conjunction with the features of the preamble of this claim. The above object is further achieved by a method for emptying containers for liquids according to claim 9. Second and subordinate claims describe embodiments of the container according to the invention for liquids or the method for emptying.

In the following description, embodiments and claims, the following terms are used with the following meaning:

Container - is a three-dimensional hollow vessel for holding liquids.

Vessel - is a hollow body with an outer wall made of liquid-tight materials, which has both a filling and outlet opening and one of these spatially separated ventilation device.

Ventilation device - is a structural unit designed to allow pressure equalization inside the container when pouring out the liquid in the container.

According to the invention, a container with a filling and outlet opening and spatially from this carried out separately with a ventilation device in the form of a backflow preventer.

Depending on the geometric shape of the container, the non-return valve is preferably arranged in a region which is already filled with gas during storage of the container or in the region of which a volume of gas forms during tilting and emptying.

The non-return valve makes it possible, according to the invention, to compensate for the negative pressure created during the emptying of the container by allowing the subsequent flow of air.

In order for the liquid to be removed from the container can be poured evenly and without bubbling or Schwallbildung.

The container according to the invention may be a three-dimensional vessel of any type. It must be liquid-tight with regard to its use. Thus, it may be a keg, a bottle, a foil bag, a glass balloon, a canister or the like.

For the effect according to the invention, it is advantageous if the container has a three-dimensional shape which, at least when emptying the container, forms a gas-filled partial volume within the container volume and if the ventilation device is arranged in this region. If necessary, it may be necessary to turn it before emptying the container so that during the subsequent tilting process, the ventilation device is positioned accordingly.

A preferred design of the container is that of a canister, particularly preferably the design of a fuel can in the known cuboid design. It has either on the filling or outlet opening opposite side a higher bulge or an existing handle is also part of the container interior.

The non-return valve according to the invention has the effect that it opens at a negative pressure in the container interior and establishes a connection to the outside air. Typically, such a negative pressure arises especially when pouring liquids.

The backflow preventer acts as a check valve, that is, it can only get into the container interior air. In case of internal overpressure it is always closed.

A preferred embodiment of the non-return valve is constructed similar to a check valve. It consists of a molded part, which is adapted in its outer contour to the conditions, in particular to the geometric conditions and the wall thicknesses of the vessels. The molding has approximately concentrically arranged a stepped bore. Towards the outside air, the bore diameter is smaller than toward the container interior.

The step in the bore also serves as a support (sealing collar) for the sealing body arranged in the bore.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the molded part has in the region of the inner end of the stepped bore precautions against unintentional falling out of the sealing body. This can also be built-in security elements or material uniformly molded from the molding elements that protrude into the hole.

Another embodiment of the molding has at the rear end of the stepped bore elements that can hold a spring coil. In this embodiment of the non-return valve can be used as a sealing body, a ball, a cylindrical or a plate-shaped part, each supported on a compression spring and held by this in the closed position.

In another embodiment of the non-return valve, a magnetic or magnetizable part is used at least for the region of the molded part in which the sealing collar is formed. The sealing body in turn is also magnetic or magnetizable. It is sufficient if one of the two parts is permanently magnetic and the other one consists of a ferromagnetic material. In this design of the non-return valve, the sealing body is held by the ever-present magnetic forces on the sealing collar and only a sufficiently large, acting from the outside on the sealing body force, it can stand out from the sealing collar.

If the molding itself can not be made of magnetic materials, it is possible to install in the same on the outwardly facing end face an additional plate of magnetic material.

Another embodiment may provide that the sealing body be designed so that its density is lower than the density of the liquid filled in the container. This can be ensured that the sealing body during the filling on the liquid floating reliably closes the backflow preventer and unwanted leakage of liquid is avoided. This also applies if the container is tilted or folded.

It is also possible to use backflow preventer, which are flat in design and in which the molded part and the sealing body are preferably designed plate-shaped. In this type of non-return valve, moreover, the at least one bore can also be arranged off-center. In the case of a spring-supported sealing body, a flat form spring can be used.

Another embodiment of the non-return valve may have an approximately plate-shaped and flexible elastic sealing body, which is flat in the initial state and bending in external forces, so that the existing part in the molding is free.

A preferred embodiment of the non-return valve is used in particular in vessels (canisters) with molded carrying handles use. In addition to the backflow preventer one of the designs described above, an actuating element in the bore and a handle are arranged in the region of the handle. The handle is hinged to the vessel and is supported at its opposite end on the actuator. The actuator is supported at the same time on the sealing body. In the initial position, the handle is slightly raised, so that the person using the container or a mechanical device can open the backflow preventer by operating the handle. In this embodiment of the non-return valve, the difference between closing force and opening force may be greater than in the above-described embodiments.

A further embodiment of the ventilation device, in turn, provides a bore in the region of a handle of a vessel which establishes a connection to a gas-filled interior of the vessel. On the outside of the handle, a bearing is arranged, in which a rocker arm is pivotally mounted. In the area of the bore a material-uniform formation is arranged on the rocker arm, which closes the bore. The rocker arm is spring biased, wherein advantageously a so-called hairpin spring can be used. This can be designed in their properties so that it generates a high biasing force and also is captive.

In an advantageous embodiment of the aeration device described above, additional sealing material is arranged in the bore region, which seals in contact with the shape of the rocker arm.

The inventive method for emptying the container according to the invention for liquids uses the container described above.

According to the invention, the container standing on a solid base is first opened. That is, a closure located on the fill or outlet port is opened or removed.

Optionally, the container may be transported prior to opening, lifted to a higher working position or received by a person.

A likewise optional work step may be that a pouring aid is placed on the filling or outlet opening.

Subsequently, the opened container is tilted, so that the liquid level of the liquid contained therein reaches the edge of the filling or outlet opening and the liquid runs out.

Thereafter, the container may be further tilted and the liquid level may be higher than the top of the fill or outlet opening, the liquid flowing in a unitary stream from the container.

This is made possible by an interaction between container, liquid and non-return valve. By tilting the container and pouring out of the liquid, a residual volume filled with gas forms and in this a negative pressure. At the same time created by the pending external air pressure, a force acting on the sealing body of the backflow preventer and lifts it from the sealing seat. This results in a pressure equalization between outside air and container interior. The jet of liquid remains uniform and it can be well controlled at least in the free transfer or partial removal of liquid even with freehand holding the container.

In another embodiment of the method, a container is used, which also has a mechanically openable non-return valve. When receiving the container on the handle or later when tilting the container of the backflow preventer is forcibly opened by the operation of a handle. There is an immediate pressure equalization.

A further embodiment of the method may provide to execute the ventilation device exclusively manually operable. In this case, the backflow preventer must be operated when emptying the container either manually or via auxiliary equipment, so that the necessary pressure equalization is achieved in the container.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to some embodiments and drawings. Showing:

1 - A container in one embodiment as a canister with a handle arranged in the same aeration device in a sectional view.

2 - A container in one embodiment as a canister with ventilation device in a tilted position, as it is present during the emptying process and again in section.

3 - An enlarged view of the ventilation system used.

4 - A sectional view of a ventilation device with a loaded by a compression spring sealing body.

5 - A container in one embodiment as a canister with ventilation device in a tilted position, as it is present during the emptying process, in which a manually operable ventilation device is arranged.

6 - An enlarged view of in 5 used ventilation device.

A container 1 is in the container interior 2 with a liquid 3 filled. The container 1 has the shape of a canister with a molded handle 4 , a filling and / or discharge nozzle 5 and a closure device 6 for this.

In the area of a back rounding 7 of the handle 4 is a ventilation device 8th arranged.

When emptying the container 1 in tilted position, as in 2 shown, held out of the filling and / or discharge nozzle 5 a uniform liquid jet 9 pours. In the container interior 2 results in a residual volume 10 , in the area of which the ventilation device 8th located. Through the ventilation device 8th can outside air 11 in the container interior 2 flow.

The ventilation device 8th consists of a molded part 12 , a stepped bore 13 a sealing body 14 and a security component 15 , In the stepped bore 13 is a magnetic or magnetizable area 16 available. The sealing body 14 is either magnetic or magnetizable. In any case, one of the two magnetic components is permanently magnetic, so that a magnetic field builds up.

If the molding 12 is made of a non-magnetic material, the required magnetic force can also be achieved by a permanent magnetic or magnetizable disc 24 at the front of the molding 12 is arranged.

At the in 4 shown embodiment of the ventilation device 8th is again a molded part 12 with a stepped bore 13 and a sealing body 14 used. On the security component 15 supports a compression spring 17 from that the sealing body 14 holds in closed position. The compression spring 17 is sized so that the ventilation device 8th at pressure differences between outside atmosphere 18 and internal tank pressure opens and pressure equalization is brought about.

In 5 and 6 is again a container 1 shown in a tilted position, the liquid 3 with a uniform jet of liquid 9 from the filling and / or discharge nozzle 5 pours.

In the area of the handle 4 is a ventilation device 19 arranged, consisting of a rocker arm 20 with a material integrally molded shape 21 , one with the handle 4 connected bearing element 22 and a spring 23 is constructed. The rocker arm 20 is movable.

The inventive method for emptying containers 1 for liquids is that a vessel with a filling and emptying nozzle 5 used with a liquid 3 is filled and is approximately perpendicular to a surface. As an alternative to a surface can also be a frame the container 1 take up.

In a first step, the container 1 opened by the closure device 6 of the filling and emptying nozzle 5 is opened.

In an optional step can on the filling and emptying nozzle 5 a pouring aid are placed.

In a further optional step, the container 1 be lifted or transported to another location. This can also be done before opening the fill and drain nozzle 5 happen.

Below is the container 1 so far from the vertical inclined to the side that the liquid contained therein 3 from the filling and emptying nozzle 5 runs out. As the slope increases, the liquid level in the container changes 1 located liquid 3 so far that he is above the filling and emptying nozzle 5 lies.

By the outflow of the liquid 3 arises in the container 1 a negative pressure. About the ventilation device 8th outside air flows 11 in the container interior 2 until equilibrium is established between external and internal air pressure.

Upon further outflow of the liquid 3 this results in an interaction and as a result a constant pressure equalization. There is no outside air 11 over the filling and emptying nozzle 5 sucked. The outflowing liquid jet 9 is stable, can be reliably determined in terms of quantity and flow direction and there is neither a bubbling nor a change in the beam direction.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the ventilation device works 8th with magnetic or magnetizable elements, so that the sealing body 14 held by magnetic force in the closed position.

Another embodiment of the method can be the use of a ventilation device 8th provide, in which the sealing body 14 with a compression spring 17 is held in the closed position.

A further embodiment of the method provides a ventilation device 19 to use that with a rocker arm 20 , a bearing element 22 and a spring 23 works, with the spring 23 the rocker arm 20 held in the closed position in the closed position and the tightness with a molding 21 is produced.

In an additional step, during the emptying of the container 1 the rocker arm 20 be moved from the closed position manually or with the help of ancillary equipment, so that the required pressure equalization can take place.

The invention thus has the advantage that it makes it possible to bring about an automatic or a forced pressure equalization during emptying of containers, so that the pouring of liquids facilitates, and at rest, that is, during storage of the container, is always closed and located in the container Liquid can not flow out.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 container

2

 Container interior

3

 liquid

4

 handle

5

 Filling and / or drainage nozzle

6

 closure device

7

 Back rounding

8th

 aerator

9

 liquid jet

10

 residual volume

11

 outside air

12

 molding

13

 Stepped bore

14

 sealing body

15

 securing component

16

 Magnetic or magnetizable area

17

 compression spring

18

 external atmosphere

19

 aerator

20

 rocker arm

21

 formation

22

 bearing element

23

 feather

24

 Permanent magnetic or magnetizable disc

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 29716183 U1 [0007]
• DE 202010003444 U1 [0008]

Claims (10)

Container ( 1 ) for liquids with a ventilation device, at least consisting of a vessel, a filling and emptying nozzle ( 5 ), and a ventilation device ( 8th ), characterized in that the ventilation device ( 8th ) is an automatically opening and closing non-return valve. Container ( 1 ) for liquids according to claim 1, characterized in that the backflow preventer is arranged in a region of the vessel which is filled with storage and / or emptying of the tank with gas. Container ( 1 ) for liquids according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-return valve from a molded part ( 12 ) with a coaxially arranged bore ( 13 ), one in the bore ( 13 ) formed sealing collar and one in the bore ( 13 ) arranged sealing body ( 14 ) consists. Container ( 1 ) for liquids according to claim 3, characterized in that the molded part ( 12 ) and / or the sealing body ( 14 ) of the non-return valve are magnetic and the sealing body ( 14 ) is held in the closed position by magnetic force. Container ( 1 ) for liquids according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing body ( 14 ) of the non-return valve by a spring ( 23 ) is held in the closed position. Container ( 1 ) for liquids according to one of the claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the sealing body ( 14 ) of the non-return valve is mechanically pressed from the closed position. Container ( 1 ) for liquids with a ventilation device, at least consisting of a vessel, a filling and emptying nozzle ( 5 ), and a ventilation device ( 8th ), characterized in that the ventilation device ( 8th ) an opening in the container ( 1 ), which is closed by a spring-loaded element and mechanically openable. Container ( 1 ) for liquids according to claim 7, characterized in that the spring-loaded element pushbutton, a rocker arm ( 20 ) or a toggle is. Method for emptying containers ( 1 ) for liquids consisting of a vessel, a filling and emptying nozzle ( 5 ), and a ventilation device ( 8th ), characterized in that, in the case of the container ( 1 ) the closure of the filling or emptying nozzle ( 5 ) is opened or removed, optionally in an optional step on the filling or emptying nozzle ( 5 ) is placed a pouring aid, optionally in an optional step of the container ( 1 ) is lifted and / or transported, then the vessel is tilted so far out of the vertical to the side until the liquid contained in the vessel ( 3 ) flows out, wherein in the interior of the vessel forms a negative pressure through which the sealing body ( 14 ) in the aeration device ( 8th ) arranged backflow preventer in the direction of the container interior ( 2 ) is moved and by the backflow preventer outside air ( 11 ) into the container interior ( 2 ) is sucked. Method for emptying containers ( 1 ) for liquids according to claim 9, characterized in that the sealing body ( 14 ) of the non-return valve or the shaping ( 21 ) can be pressed mechanically from the closed position.

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