DK3218278T3

DK3218278T3 - Container with vent

Info

Publication number: DK3218278T3
Application number: DK15735678.3T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Jean Ingenbrand; Emmanuel Velut
Original assignee: Fhw Moulds Gmbh
Priority date: 2014-11-11
Filing date: 2015-07-07
Publication date: 2019-04-23
Also published as: HRP20190695T1; DE102014116429B4; EP3218278B1; PL3218278T3; HUE044208T2; DE102014116429A1; PT3218278T; EP3218278A1; WO2016074809A1; ES2720249T3; TR201905494T4

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The invention relates to a container in the embodiment as canister, for storing and/or transporting liquids, having a handle formed on the container top surface, at least one pour-out nozzle arranged on the container top surface, and a ventilation duct, which extends from an upper duct end in the region of the pour-out nozzle or below the pour-out nozzle to a lower duct end into the container interior, the ventilation duct being formed in one piece in the pour-out nozzle.

[0002] The container is preferably a stackable canister. Such a stackable container generally has positive-fit elements in the region of the container top surface, for example indents and/or protrusions, and positive-fit elements in the region of the container underside, e.g. indents and/or protrusions, so that in the course of the stacking of a plurality of containers, the upper positive-fit elements of a container engage into the lower positive-fit elements of the container arranged thereabove or vice versa. The container is preferably produced from thermoplastic plastic, particularly in the manner of blow moulding or stretch blow moulding. However, other production methods also come into consideration. The pour-out nozzle can be formed on the container top surface. The container is used for transporting and storing liquids or fluid media, for example chemicals, oils or the like. The container has a ventilation duct, which should compensate an underpressure generated during the emptying of the container. Thus, a "gurgle-free" emptying of the container should be enabled. The pour-out nozzle is also termed an outlet nozzle and it is generally used not only for emptying, but also for filling the container. If the container is a canister, the same has a handle which is formed on the container top surface.

[0003] A container with ventilation duct of the type described at the beginning is known for example from EP 0 677 445 BI. The ventilation duct is pulled up into the outlet nozzle and opens by way of the rear end thereof, with an outlet opening, into the container interior. The interior of the handle is not connected to the ventilation duct. A ventilation duct separate from the handle is consequently provided. The underside of the ventilation duct running essentially horizontally above the top part of the container should run at an angle of 2° to 15° obliquely downwards to the container side wall opposite the pour-in or pour-out nozzle. The ventilation duct is in this case led up so far that an uninterrupted thread is retained and therefore the sealing surface of the opening of the pour-in and pour-out nozzle is closed all round in a circular continuous manner.

[0004] Alternatively, containers are known, in which the handle or the handle interior is included in the ventilation concept. Thus, WO 00/27712 Al describes a container, in which the cavity formed in the interior of the handle is constructed as a ventilation duct, which extends from the front region of the outlet nozzle into the rear region of the container, so that the underpressure generated in the container during emptying is compensated via the cavity in the handle. In order to optimize the ventilation function, the ventilation duct is pulled up into the outlet nozzle, specifically up to a level somewhat below the outlet opening. In order to prevent liquid from accumulating in the region of the channel depths of the ventilation duct for example during transport or after a partial emptying of the container, a slot-like opening, which extends virtually into the region of the channel depths, is provided in this embodiment in the wall arranged in the outlet nozzle, which delimits the ventilation duct. In this manner, it should be ensured that liquid, which makes it into the handle duct, can flow out via this opening and consequently via the region of the outlet nozzle.

[0005] Furthermore, one knows a stackable container, in which the handle is arranged hollow in certain regions with a handle duct arranged in the interior, wherein the handle duct is constructed as a ventilation duct at least in certain regions and extends by way of the end thereof facing the outlet nozzle into the region of the outlet nozzle or the region below the outlet nozzle and there opens into this region. The handle duct has, in the channel depths thereof, at least one connection through hole, which connection through hole connects the handle duct connects to the container interior (cf. DE 10 2009 021 997 Al).

[0006] Also, WO 99/11524 Al describes a container, in which the handle duct is used for ventilation. Additionally, a further duct is connected to the ventilation duct, which extends below the handle down into the rear region of the container .

[0007] Similar is true for a container which became known from EP 1 803 650 Al, in which the interior of the handle is, at the front end thereof facing the outlet nozzle, in fluid connection with the ventilation duct and in which the interior of the handle opens, at the rear end thereof facing away from the outlet nozzle, into an elevated region of the upper wall, whilst the ventilation duct opens below the handle into the interior of the container. The front end region of the handle is constructed with a smaller cross section than the central region of the handle forming the interior of the handle. The rear end region of the handle is constructed with a smaller cross section than the central region of the handle forming the interior of the handle. As a result, an enlargement of the cross section available for ventilation should be created, as the air flowing in for compensating the underpressure forming in the container during pouring out can flow in both through the ventilation duct and through the hollow handle into the container.

[0008] A further container in the embodiment as canister with handle is known e.g. from EP 1 312 552 Al.

[0009] US 2008/0210715 Al describes a special insert for a bottle, wherein this insert has a ventilation duct, which is adapted in terms of the shape thereof to the inner wall of the bottle.

[0010] A similar pourer for drinks bottles is known e.g. from AT 394 700 B.

[0011] WO 2006/110938 Al describes a container with a special attachment, which can be screwed separately onto the container opening or screwed in between container opening and container lid.

[0012] The stackable canisters known from practice have proven themselves overall in connection with gurgle-free (residue) emptying. However, it is possible to develop these canisters. This is where the invention comes into play.

[0013] The invention is based on the object of creating a canister of the type described at the beginning, which, having a simple construction and simple and inexpensive production, is characterized by flawless handling and enables "gurgle-free" emptying.

[0014] To achieve this object, the invention teaches a container with the features of Claim 1. It is provided that the cross section of the ventilation duct decreases, at least in certain regions, from the upper duct end to the lower duct end. The ventilation duct consequently tapers at least in certain regions from the upper duct end to the lower duct end. In this case, a canister is provided, in which the ventilation duct is not connected to the interior of the handle, which is present if appropriate, that is to say the handle itself is not incorporated into the ventilation concept, but rather the ventilation takes place exclusively via the ventilation duct according to the invention. This ventilation duct extends out of the region of the outlet nozzle or out of the region below the outlet nozzle, but not - as in the prior art - into the rear region of the container, but rather only into a region between the pour-out nozzle and the rear handle end of the handle. Particularly preferably, in a side view, the lower duct end is arranged in the container half assigned to the pour-out nozzle, preferably in the container third assigned to the pour-out nozzle .

[0015] In this case, the invention is based on the discovery that it is expedient to realize the ventilation function exclusively with a separate ventilation duct, without a handle being included in the ventilation concept. In this manner, in the first instance, liquids are prevented from being able to accumulate in the handle. In addition, the invention has recognized that it is not necessary to pull such a separate ventilation duct into the rear end of the container, but rather that it is possible to operate with a relatively short ventilation duct, the lower end of which also ends in the front region of the container, if the ventilation duct has a "downwardly" tapering cross section. At its upper end, the duct has a larger cross section than at the lower end thereof. In this manner, fluid is prevented from penetrating into the ventilation duct. This is because, in the containers known from practice, the problem exists that in the course of the emptying, the liquid penetrates where the air for ventilation should penetrate, namely into the region of the ventilation duct. Due to the dimensioning according to the invention, this is prevented owing to the beneficial pressure conditions. The tapering channel in addition facilitates the flowing after of air similarly to a "nozzle effect". The container according to the invention is characterized by a simple construction, as the handle itself does not have to be included in the ventilation concept. It is possible to operate with a squeezed handle. In addition, only a relatively short ventilation duct is required. Nonetheless, a flawless ventilation or deaeration succeeds, so that gurgle-free residue emptying is realized, without there being the risk that liquid residues accumulate in certain regions of a channel.

[0016] The cross section (i.e. the cross-sectional area) of the ventilation duct is smaller at the lower duct end than the cross section at the upper duct end. The cross section at the upper or lower duct end in this case means, insofar as different projections or sections are possible in the region of the duct end owing to the geometry, the minimum cross-sectional area in each case. Particularly preferably, the cross section is at least 20% lower at the lower duct end than at the upper duct end, particularly preferably at least 40%. Preferably, it is provided that the ventilation duct tapers continuously and/or in stages, without expansions, from the upper duct end in the direction of the lower duct end. However, the invention also comprises embodiments, in which from the upper duct end in the direction of the lower duct end, in spite of tapering in certain regions, expansions are additionally realized, wherein it must be ensured in spite of that, that the cross section is smaller at the lower duct end than the cross section at the upper duct end.

[0017] The interior of the handle is closed at least in certain regions. This succeeds for example, in that the handle is squeezed. In any case, the handle is not included in the ventilation-duct concept.

[0018] It has already been explained that the tapering ventilation duct can extend into a region which, in a side view, lies between the between the pour-out nozzle and the rear handle end of the handle. Consequently, it lies within the scope of the invention, that the tapering ventilation duct is orientated obliquely to the vertical, specifically with respect to an upright orientation of the container, at least in certain regions. In such an embodiment, the lower duct end is consequently not arranged directly below the upper duct end, but rather offset to the side or to the rear towards the container centre.

[0019] Alternatively, the invention also comprises embodiments, however, in which the tapering ventilation duct is orientated essentially perpendicularly to the vertical, specifically in turn with respect to an upright orientation of the container. In such an embodiment, the lower duct end is consequently not arranged offset to the side or to the rear in the container interior, but rather directly below the upper duct end. In this case, there is the possibility that the ventilation duct is integrated into the pour-out nozzle, i.e. both the upper duct end and the lower duct end are arranged inside the pour-out nozzle. Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the ventilation duct extends by way of the lower end thereof into a region below the pour-out nozzle, without being arranged offset with respect to the pour-out nozzle, however. In any case, the invention has recognized that the described advantages can also be achieved using a relatively short, vertically orientated ventilation duct, which can even be integrated completely in the pour-out nozzle, if appropriate. Although the lower duct end may consequently be located in the pour-out nozzle or in the direct vicinity of the pour-out nozzle, it is avoided by means of the described effects, that liquid penetrates into the ventilation duct, so that the ventilation duct, in which the air flows after, can fulfil its ventilation function flawlessly. This even succeeds if the ventilation duct is standing in the liquid, as it were.

[0020] It has already been explained that the pour-out nozzle is preferably an integral constituent of the container and consequently is constructed in one piece with the container. Also, the ventilation duct is moulded into the pour-out nozzle or in the container. The ventilation duct is consequently produced in the course of the moulding of the container, e.g. during blow moulding. Alternatively, it lies within the scope of the invention that the pour-out nozzle is manufactured as a separate component. However, the ventilation duct is then manufactured in one piece with this pour-out nozzle.

[0021] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of a drawing which represents only one exemplary embodiment. In the figures

Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through a canister according to the invention (detail),

Fig. 2 shows the canister according to Fig. 1 in a simplified illustration in the course of pouring out the liquid,

Fig. 3 shows a plan view onto a second embodiment (detail) , Fig. 4 shows a section B-B through the subject according to Fig. 3.

[0022] In the figures, a stackable container is illustrated in the embodiment as stackable canister for storing and transporting liquids. The container is produced from thermoplastic plastic, e.g. in the manner of blow moulding.

[0023] The container has a pour-out nozzle 2 with an outlet opening 3 formed onto the container top surface 1 in the front edge region. The pour-out nozzle is constructed cylindrically and has an external thread 4, so that the outlet opening 3 can be closed with a screw cap, which is not illustrated. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical pour-out nozzle 2 runs substantially in the vertical orientation and consequently perpendicularly to the horizontally aligned container top surface 1. Furthermore, the container has a handle 5 formed onto the container top surface 1, which is closed on both sides in the exemplary embodiment, i.e. the interior of the handle 5 is not connected to the container interior. Consequently, no liquid reaches the interior of the handle 5.

[0024] The container has a ventilation duct 6, which extends from an upper duct end 7 in the region of the pour-out nozzle 2 to a lower duct end 8 into the container interior 9. This ventilation duct 6 is consequently likewise not connected to the handle 5 or the interior of the handle.

[0025] According to the invention, the cross section of the ventilation duct 6 decreases from the upper duct end 7 to the lower duct end 8 at least in certain regions. This means that the ventilation duct 6 tapers from the top downwards. In this case, it is shown in the figures that the cross section B of the ventilation duct is smaller at the lower duct end 8 than the cross section A at the upper duct end 7. In Figure 1, this is shown by the plan view, shown as a detail, onto the duct 6, wherein the cross-sectional areas A and B are indicated schematically. Otherwise, in addition to the cross-sectional areas A and B, the gap widths x and y at the upper duct end 7 or lower duct end 8 are indicated in the figures, wherein these gap widths x, y then only relate to a dimension/direction. The respective total cross-sectional area A or B is decisive for the pressure conditions .

[0026] Furthermore, it can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 that this ventilation duct 6, which is not connected to the handle interior, does not extend up to the rear region of the container interior, but rather up to a region, which is located in the left container half in a side view. In this case, the invention proceeds from the discovery that it is not necessary to pull the ventilation duct 6 into the rear region of the container if the tapering of the cross section according to the invention is realized. This is clarified on the basis of the simplified Figure 2, which shows the container in the course of the pouring out of liquid F. It is possible to see how the liquid F exits from the container. In addition, how air L flows after into the container is indicated. Owing to the tapering of the duct 6 according to the invention, the air L can flow after flawlessly, without liquid F penetrating into the ventilation duct, although the channel 6 does not extend into the rear region of the container .

[0027] Figures 1 and 2 consequently show an embodiment of the invention, in which the tapering ventilation duct extends obliquely to the vertical - with respect to an upright orientation of the container. This can be seen in particular in Fig. 1, as there, the lower duct 8 is not located directly below the upper duct end 7, but rather offset with respect thereto, specifically offset in the direction of the container centre.

[0028] By contrast, Figures 3 and 4 show a modified embodiment, in which the tapering ventilation duct 6 is orientated perpendicularly to the vertical. The lower duct end 8, is consequently not located offset with respect to the upper duct end 7, but rather directly below the upper duct end 7. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, this vertically orientated ventilation duct 6 is integrated completely into the pour-out nozzle 2. This vertical arrangement of the ventilation duct 7 means that in the plan view onto the pour-out nozzle, not only the upper duct end 7, but rather also the lower duct end 8 is (completely) visible (cf. Fig. 3).

[0029] The figures show the invention in an embodiment as a canister, which is produced in one piece from plastic, e.g. in the manner of blow moulding.

Claims

1. Plastic container for the storage and / or transport of liquids of a can design, with - a handle (5) formed on the container surface (1), - at least one pour spout (2) arranged on the container surface (1) and - a venting duct (6) extending from an upper duct end (7) in the area of the pouring spout or below the pouring spout to a lower duct end (8) into the interior space (9) of the container, where the venting duct (6) is formed in one piece in the pouring spout, characterized in that the cross-section of the vent duct (6) decreases from the upper duct end (7) to the lower duct end (8) at least regionally.

Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-section (B) of the vent duct in the lower duct end (8) is smaller than the cross-section (A) in the upper duct end (7).

Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the cross-section (B) in the lower channel end (8) is at least 20% preferably at least 40% smaller than the cross-section (A) in the upper channel end.

Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the venting duct (6) is not connected to the interior space of the handle (5).

Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the venting duct (6), which tapers, is at least regionally oriented oblique to the vertical line - based on a standing orientation of the container.

Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the venting duct (6), which tapers, is oriented perpendicular to the vertical line - based on a standing orientation of the container.

Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the venting duct (6) extends into a lateral area between the pouring spout (2) and the rear grip end of the handle (5).

Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower channel end (8) is viewed from the side in the container half assigned to the pouring spout (2), preferably in the third of the container assigned to the pouring spout. .

Container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is e.g. vertically oriented vent channel is fully integrated into the pour spout or with its lower duct end (8) extending into an area just below the pour spout (2).

Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the interior space of the handle (5) is at least regionally closed, e.g. are squeezed on one side or both sides.

Container according to one of claims 1 to 10, made of thermoplastic plastic, preferably by blow molding or stretch blowing.