Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
  • F16K27/07—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor of cutting-off parts of tanks, e.g. tank-cars
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
  • B65D90/54—Gates or closures
  • B65D90/62—Gates or closures having closure members movable out of the plane of the opening
  • B65D90/626—Gates or closures having closure members movable out of the plane of the opening having a linear motion
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
  • B65D2590/54—Gates or closures
  • B65D2590/542—Gates or closures special sealing means or means for improving sealing

Definitions

• the invention relates to a closure device, particularly to such a device as is used to obturate a filling or discharge opening of a container for flowable material.
• Containers such as intermediate bulk containers usually have a discharge opening obturated by a cone valve.
• Such valves have to be made to a high degree of accuracy, and are often made of solid 5mm stainless or mild steel with a fully welded and ground annular steel backing ring.
• Such valves are therefore expensive, about £83 for the cone alone owing to its heavy gauge and the cost of forming it, and in addition there is the cost of welding the seal ring, which generally results in some 3m of weld which then has to be ground and polished to a high degree of accuracy for hygienic purposes as the IBC's are often used to store/transport constituents of food or pharmaceuticals. Even so, the welding is seldom 100% owing to the virtual impossibility of welding the sealing ring in what is a confined space, without forming any microscopic cracks or crevices, in which material can in use lodge.
• cone valve can inadvertently be pulled up into the container, thereby opening an unwanted passage for flowable material. This is particularly so during transport.
• a closure device for a filling or discharge opening of a container for flowable material comprising at least two initially separate parts secured together with an interference fit.
• the seating means may comprise two spaced recesses for seating respective mounting parts of a seal means. This provides a relatively simple construction.
• One recess may be defined by the outer parts of the device and the other recess may be defined by the inner part of the closure device. This again provides a relatively simple yet efficient construction providing for the seal means to be securely mounted.
• the closure device is suitably annular in plan and the parts may comprise metal, the recesses also suitably being annular, to receive an annular seal.
• the parts may be formed by rolling or another suitable forming step.
• the invention relates to a closure device as hereinbefore defined in combination with a seal means, and to a container having an opening obturatable by a closure device and seal combination as hereinbefore defined.
• a retaining member for use in combination with an obturating device of a filling or discharge opening of a container for flowable material, the member comprising latch means adapted for releasable engagement with part of the obturating device whereby to hold same in position.
• the latch means may comprise a plurality of spaced apart projections. This is a relatively simple yet efficient construction, particularly where the member may comprise an annular cap adapted for insertion in the obturating device, when the projections may project away from the cap.
• the cap may have a substantially flat surface part inclined at about 20° to the vertical, the projections being mounted on the inclined surface part.
• each projection may comprise a substantially rectangular plate.
• the member, and projections may be of plastic, and the projections may be welded to the cap, particularly by a part of each projection being welded to a particular part of the inclined surface part.
• the retaining member may also include detent means whereby the member may be releasably engageable with lifting means of a container.
• detent means whereby the member may be releasably engageable with lifting means of a container.
• the detent means may comprise a lateral extension having a profile adapted to engage the lifting means on rotation of the member. This is a relatively simple construction.
• the profile may comprise an inverted V-shape and an edge spring lip extending therefrom. This provides for positive engagement.
• a retaining member as hereinbefore defined in combination with an obturating device of a container for flowable material.
• a set of parts comprising a retaining member as hereinbefore defined, and an obturating device for a filling or discharge opening of a container for flowable material, the obturating device having a part for receiving the latch means in releasable engagement.
• a closure device, seal means, retaining member and container embodying the invention are hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
• Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a closure device according to the invention
• Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of part 'X' of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 shows the closure device of Fig. 1 in combination with a seal means, in an outlet or discharge opening of a container such as an I. B.C. ;
• Fig. 4 shows to an enlarged scale a closure device and seal located in a base of a different container
• Figs. 5 and 6 show respectively enlarged details Y and Z of Fig. 4;
• Fig. 7 is a plan view of a retaining member according to the invention.
• Fig. 8 is a transverse section through the member of Fig. 7;
• Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of detail 'X' of Fig. 8; and Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of detail 'Y' of Fig. 8;
• a closure device 1 for obturating a filling or discharge opening 2 of a container 3 for flowable material, such as a powder, comprising at least two initially separate parts 4 and 5 secured together by an interference fit.
• One part 4 of the closure device 1 is in the embodiment in the form of a substantially conical part which in use is an outer part.
• the second part 5 of the closure device 1 is in use an inner part, and has a generally cylindrical skirt part 6.
• the two parts 4 and 5 are of metal and rolled or otherwise formed to the configuration shown.
• the second part 5 is pressed into the first part 4, a nose 7 of the second part 5 sliding over and past a nose 8 of the one part 4 and springing into place in a complementary recess 9 in the one part 4, above the nose 8, the natural resilience of the metal enabling this action to take place.
• the interference fit between the two parts 4 and 5 is what is known as a heavy interference, being about 5mm, whereby the interference fit holds the two parts 4 and 5 securely together.
• the parts 4 and 5 are thus secured together without the use of additional securing means such as welding, and this enables a relatively light gauge of metal to be used, thereby providing financial saving in construction, and in use not so much power is required to raise and lower the lighter closure device 1 of the invention, as compared with the previous cones.
• additional securing means such as welding
• the metal being rolled is in any event strong owing to the constructional method, so it does not deform under load.
• the closure device 1 is used with a seal means 10 which is mounted in two spaced apart recesses 11 , 12 comprising seating means for the seal means.
• the first or upper (as used) recess 11 is of generally V-shape having a 10° inclined lower wall and the upper part of which is partially closed by a lip or overhang 13 which is a continuation of the nose 8 of the outer part 4 of the closure device 1.
• the other or lower recess 12 is at the lower edge of the annular skirt part 6 and is defined by a D-shaped profile 14 which forms part of the aforesaid strengthening of the closure device and which also has a 10° upper (in use) inclined wall.
• the seal means 10 itself is a substantially U or C-shaped moulding suitably of rubber.
• the seal means is generally annular and has an upper annular enlarged or bulbous part 15 of generally complementary shape to the recess 11.
• a lower annular enlarged or bulbous part 16 of the seal means 10 of generally complementary shape to the lower recess 12 in the annular skirt part 6.
• the lower annular part 16 also has an annular toe or lip 17 which is slightly larger in diameter than the discharge opening or outlet 2 of the container 3, hence when the closure device 1 is pulled down firmly in use to obturate the outlet 2, the lip 17 self engages below the container outlet to effect a complete seal.
• the upper annular part 15 is mounted in the recess 11 before the inner and outer parts 4, 5 of the closure device are pressed together with an interference fit.
• a flat surface of the upper annular part 15 of the seal means 10 is tightly compressed between the lip 13 and the V-shaped part of the skirt means defining the V-shaped recess 11 , so locking the upper annular part 15 in place and compressing it tightly so that in use, no foreign bodies, such as dirt, or powder or product can enter the space between the seal means 10 and the skirt means 6, so enhancing hygiene.
• the lower annular part 16 is engaged in the D-shaped recess 14 by stretching it and forcing it in the D- shaped recess, the thickness of the annular part being greater than that of the "D" so that the annular part 16 is received with a snug fit.
• the lower annular part 16 can, however, be relatively readily removed manually or automatically such as by vacuum cups attached to pneumatic pistons and cylinders to allow a body 18 of the seal means 10 to be moved away from the skirt 6, the upper part 15 remaining firmly anchored in the V-shaped recess 11 to allow access to the annular space between the inner (as used) surface of the seal means body and the outer surface of a vertical part of the skirt part means. After cleaning, the bulbous part 16 can be forced back into snug, secure engagement in the D- shaped recess 14.
• Fig. 6 shows the annular lip or toe 17 clipped behind an outlet lip 19 of the container 3, while Fig. 5 shows the closure device part way raised, the seal means thus providing a valve seal itself via its toe or lip 17 (Fig. 4, left hand side).
• This avoids contamination by powder or product because the closure device 1 can be pushed up the first time it opens and thereafter is not pulled down to re-engage the bottom outer lip of the container until the end of a cycle or complete emptying of the container 3.
• the bottom engaging ring 17 of the seal means thus acts as the valve.
• a retaining member 100 which also acts as a transport cap and/or dust cover, for use in combination with the closure obturating device 1 such as a cone valve of the filling or discharge opening 2 of a container 3 for flowable material, such as a powder, granules, grain (s) or the like, comprising latch means 101 adapted for releasable engagement with part 14 of the obturating device 1 whereby to hold same in position (in the opening 2).
• the member 100 is plastic, suitably formed by a vacuum forming process, having an annular cap or dome 102 which just fits inside the inner periphery of the cone valve 1 , (Fig. 4), the cap or dome 102 being housed internally of the cone valve 1.
• the member 100 includes an annular lateral rim or wing 103 including a detent in the form of a V or U-shaped profile 104 and an edge spring lip 105.
• the cap 102 and the V or U-shaped profile 104 are closed by a flat plate 106 (Fig. 8) secured to the rest of the member 100 as by welding.
• the cap 102 has an annular flat part 107, inclined at about 20° to the vertical to which is secured as by welding the latch means 101 , in the form of a plurality, in the embodiment three, equiangularly disposed at 120°, projections.
• the projections 101 each comprise a flat rectangular plastic plate or tab secured at one end to the flat part 107 by welding as mentioned hereinbefore.
• the projections 101 are relatively stiff, but have a degree of inherent flexibility.
• the part 14 of obturating device 1 is an internal part in the form of an annular shoulder or ledge at a free edge and which in use is located substantially at the level of the boundary of the opening 2 of the container 3.
• Externally of the obturating device 1 at the same level as the shoulder or ledge is the base of the ring seal 10 (Fig. 6) which in use clips below the outlet 2, being deformable and elastic. It could thus be forced upwardly (as viewed) which would raise the cone valve 1 and hence open an unwanted opening for passage of material.
• the retaining member 100 is offered up to the container 3, with the cone valve 1 in position (right hand side of Fig. 4), so that the cap 102 enters below the cone 1.
• the latch means or projections 101 ride up the inner periphery of the shoulder 14 and then clicks into place on top of the shoulder 14 (Fig. 4).
• the obturating device 1 is then firmly held down, in position, and cannot be moved upwardly because the plate 106 extends laterally beyond the opening 2 as shown.
• a retaining member 100 which acts as a transport cap, and dust cover as the plate 100 prevents dust getting to or from the seal 10.
• the retaining member 100 is removable, by pulling downwardly, whereupon the projections 101 , on application of a reasonably high force, flex, deform and slide down and out.
• the cone valve 1 can then be moved as desired.
• the retaining member 100 may be used with an I. B.C. , of stainless steel or mild steel, which has a pair of transport (fork) channels 107.
• the retaining member 100 is offered up as before and pushed horizontally so that the U or V-profiles are parallel to the fork channels and between them.
• the retaining member 100 is then rotated 90° to clip the lateral spring edge on the bottom surface of the channels 107, so holding the retaining member 100 in position.
• This operation can be performed manually, or automatically by means of an engage and disengage station using, for example, a suction cup or expansion tyre to hold the cap of the member whereafter the container is lowered onto it to rotate and engage the clips 105.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=26305710

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 1995
  • 1995-09-28 EP EP95932829A patent/EP0783641A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1995-09-28 WO PCT/GB1995/002309 patent/WO1996010709A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1995-09-28 AU AU35722/95A patent/AU3572295A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1995-09-28 JP JP8511517A patent/JPH10509785A/ja active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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