EP0906872A1 - Method and device for filling a dispensing container - Google Patents

Abstract

The second (8) of the two valves (5,8) for filling the container (1) takes fluid and pressurised gas. The filler valve (8) is situated on the bottom (7) of the container. The container, such as can, is placed on a filler pipe (9) which is pref. in the form of a valve opened by the filler valve. The top dispenser valve is immovably fixed to the container. A surface part of the container acts as control for an on-off valve (15) for a filler appliance (2). A metering container (11) has a filler pipe (10) leading from the outlet or bottom to the filler pipe. A pressurised gas appliance (14-16) is connected to the dispenser container.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a filling device for filling a refillable dispenser for liquid media, especially an aerosol can.

Numerous liquid containers for liquids, in particular Spray cans and aerosol cans are for single use determined and will be discarded after the content is issued. To avoid waste, people have therefore started to do so Form containers for multiple use, i.e. again fillable design. So there are aerosol cans that go through your dispensing valve can be refilled, especially if if it is liquid gas containing propellant gas, in which the propellant gas is dissolved in the liquid. However, such propellants should also be used for environmental reasons be avoided. It is also known to use aerosol cans To be provided with a screw cap into the top of the atomizer valve is incorporated. After removing the screw cap the liquid can be easily refilled so that after closing the can, pressurized gas is applied is possible. For this purpose, cans are known in the Screw cap another valve for the compressed gas supply exhibit. Cans are also known which are in the can bottom Valve for injecting compressed gas, especially compressed air or nitrogen.

The filling process is particularly important in the commercial economy as a time-consuming process and thus as a cost factor to watch. In addition, if the Screw cap leaks occur, at least then result in a loss of pressure, so that the contents of the can can no longer be expressed.

It has also been suggested using aerosol cans on the floor to provide two valves, one for filling with liquid Medium and a second one designed for filling with compressed gas is.

The invention has for its object a method for Filling an output container for liquid media too create a quick and reliable refill allowed, and in particular a filling device for this purpose a quick and easy refilling of the dispenser enabled on site.

A preferred dispensing container is characterized in that that it has two valves and the second valve for Filling the container with both liquid medium and is formed with compressed gas. That from the dispensing valve of the container independent filling valve can meet the needs of Filling can be adjusted without changing another To have to perform a function. Filling with just one valve enables quick filling and uncomplicated Connect with appropriate filling elements.

The filling valve is advantageously provided on the bottom of the container. It is expediently designed as a pressure valve that by placing the container on a filler neck Filling device for dispensing liquid medium and compressed gas is trained. The upper dispensing valve is convenient permanently connected to the dispenser. Special Screw caps and the like are unnecessary. Preferably are none other than the dispensing valve and the filling valve additional valves or other openings are provided on the container, so that the container is easy and inexpensive to manufacture is. The filling valve is expediently centric arranged on the bottom of the container, which is advantageously concave is so that the valve on the base of the container does not survive. The filling valve can not be detached from the Output container connected. But it can also be beneficial interchangeably connected to the container to, if necessary to enable a replacement of the valve.

A particular advantage is a surface section of the can, especially the filling valve, as an actuator for a Switch valve of a filling device is formed. Such a thing Switching valve for starting the filling process and / or be designed to reload the filling device can then essentially simultaneously with the connection the filling valve of the dispenser with the filler neck the filling device can be actuated. This supports one further automation and acceleration of the filling process.

The dispensing container has a particular advantage in the bottom area, in particular on the filling valve, mechanical coding on the type of medium to be filled and / or Volume of the output container. The mechanical coding can be coded accordingly on the filling device, especially at its filler neck and / or switching valve, correspond. It can be achieved that only the correct output containers are filled, i.e. such Feed containers that are used to fill with a certain medium, that is emitted by the filling device should. It can also be achieved by coding that only containers with the correct volume are filled become. After all, it's also achievable through coding, that the filling of not aligned to the filling system Containers, especially those that have the operating pressure not endure, is excluded. The mechanical Coding can be of protrusions and / or recesses after the Principle formed by matrix and patrix or key and lock be.

The dispenser can vary depending on the type of liquid to be dispensed Medium has a volume of a few milliliters have up to a few liters. As a rule, the volume lies between approx. 0.2 liters and one liter. The to be issued liquid media are advantageously those used in commercial Companies are constantly needed. It is about especially media that are used for longer periods Interrupting the dispensing process does not result in constipation of the dispensing valve or dispensing nozzle. This includes especially lubricants, cleaning agents, care products and the same.

The invention particularly relates to a filling device for Refilling the dispensing containers, especially spray cans, with liquid medium and compressed gas. This filling device has a dosing tank designed as a pressure vessel for Absorption of liquid medium, a liquid line, the from the bottom or outlet of the metering container to a valve trained filler neck leads with a filling valve of the dispensing container can be connected, optionally a metering device for discontinuous replenishment in particular (predetermined) amounts of liquid in the dosing container, and a pressurized gas device that can be connected to the metering container for squeezing liquid quantities out of the dosing container and pressing into the dispensing container and for Structure of a compressed gas cushion in the dispensing container.

According to the invention, the dosing container is a pneumatic one Dosing pump trained. The liquid space and the gas space of the dosing container are movable by at least one temporarily sealing partition, in particular a piston, separated from each other, which is the size of airspace and liquid space changed relative to each other. The partition is advantageously by the gas pressure towards the outlet or bottom of the dosing container while reducing the Liquid space movable and preferably by spring force resettable. In particular by discontinuing the The metering container can also be designed as a suction pump with spring force be the amount of liquid from the reservoir suck in. In this embodiment, one is in the arrangement of the storage container free. It can also go below of the dosing container are arranged.

The partition, especially the piston, can be a mechanical one Be assigned switching element that when reaching an end position a switching valve after squeezing the liquid volume for the gas supply for the supply of compressed air in opens the dispenser. The switching valve can be outside of the dosing container. With one particularly preferred embodiment is the switching valve in the metering container arranged.

To avoid unintentionally filling a dispenser, which is intended to hold another liquid medium is, and / or has a size to accommodate a volume of liquid other than that is determined that the dosing chamber is set, the dispenser can and the filling device in particular mechanical fits have that are coordinated and a connection of dispensing container and filling device, in particular filler neck and filling valve of the dispensing container, only allow if the type and amount of liquid medium match with filling device and dispensing container. So can fits to determine the container size or can size feel the diameter of the container to be filled. fits To identify the correct can contents, in particular through appropriate shape and size design of Dispensing nozzle and filling valve may be provided.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling device has a dosing tank or a dosing chamber for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid medium is. This predetermined amount is, if necessary, i.e. when the filling process is initiated in the dispensing container promoted.

The dosing device of the filling device is in one embodiment of the invention preferably as a volume metering device trained which a predetermined volume of liquid dispenses into the dosing container or holds it there. At this embodiment corresponds to the volume of liquid in the Dosing container usually the one to be filled into the dispensing container Volume in the liquid medium. The dosing device can be used to change the desired amount of liquid be adjustable or changeable.

The valve of the filler neck of the filling device and the filling valve of the dispensing container are advantageously designed that if the dispenser and filling medium are correctly assigned and filling volume fit into each other and each other actuate.

The valve of the filler neck is preferably a self-closing one Valve that by pressing or putting the Filling valve of the dispenser can be opened. The filling valve of the output container can be designed in a corresponding manner be. But it is also possible to use the filling valve Train pressure-dependent valve that can be opened by fluid pressure is when the two valves are engaged brought and automatically closes again when the pressure decreases on the filling side of the valve. The two valves are advantageous by simply pressing together engaged. However, it is also a clutch after Type of quick release or bayonet lock possible, for example with a lock by a partial Revolution.

The dosing tank is designed as a pressure tank and on the gas pressure designed when filling the dispenser is used. This pressure is usually below 10 bar and usually around 6 bar. The compressed gas device expediently has one in the dosing container, in particular in the upper area, opening compressed gas supply line on that via a switching valve with a compressed gas source, for example a pump or a compressor or pressure vessel, is connectable. The volume of the interior the dosing container is advantageously kept larger than the maximum volume of the amount of liquid to be added. This creates an additional volume in the dosing tank available to form a gas pressure cushion above the liquid level the amount of liquid is used. The Gas pressure cushion above the liquid level is used to Liquid from the dosing container into the dispensing container drive without being substantial or sudden in the system Pressure drop takes place. The one flowing in from the compressed gas supply line The amount of gas is sufficient to maintain the pressure in the system.

It is possible to maintain the operating pressure in the dosing tank and that intended for the next filling process Liquid volume under pressure in the dosing tank introduce. However, the gas-bearing area is advantageous the system or the dosing tank via a pressure compensation valve connectable to the environment, the valve is arranged in particular in the gas feed line. By opening of the pressure compensation valve after the filling process the system can be brought to ambient pressure so that an essentially pressure-free refilling of the dosing container is possible. The actuation of the switching valve and preferably the pressure compensation valve is also preferably carried out through the container to be filled when it is placed and losing weight. Because the circuit of the switching valve and also the Alternatively, the pressure compensation valve can be actuated , both valves can be used as a reusable valve, in particular three-way valve, summarized, the has a common actuator.

The metering device is expediently volume-dependent Volume metering device formed when reached of a certain volume or level closes, the closure preferably also under pressure reacts and remains closed until both the The fill level fell below as well as the pressure in the dosing tank is dismantled. From a liquid storage container, the Content is preferably at ambient pressure then the appropriate amount of liquid for the next one Refill the filling process essentially without applying pressure.

The special feature of the filling according to the invention is that liquid medium and compressed gas in succession through the same valve be filled in. Filling takes place with advantage without interruption. This can be achieved with advantage be that a desired volume of liquid through the Pressurized gas is injected and pressurized gas the required Pressure pad builds up in the output container.

The filling process according to the invention can be done within a few Seconds to complete and complete. The use the dispensing container, in particular aerosol cans, is through the shortness of the filling time is not affected. For this Basically, no other output containers need to be the same Contents are kept in stock.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling device designed so that first a predetermined volume of liquid, preferably in a predetermined amount in the dosing container is held by the compressed gas from the dosing tank is pressed out and metered into the dispensing container. The liquid volume is calculated so that after Filling the predetermined volume of liquid in the dispensing container there is still enough space to flow through Pressurized gas to build up a sufficient gas cushion. If the dispenser is emptied incorrectly, i.e. with its incorrect posture, essentially only pressurized gas spent so that still or substantial amounts of liquid contained in the dispenser essentially without pressure then the gas cushion can be replaced by Filling can only be rebuilt with compressed gas. For this purpose, a separate compressed gas discharge valve can be installed on the filling device be provided. It is also possible to use the dispensing nozzle the filling device via a compressed gas line and a to apply additional changeover valve directly with compressed gas.

In the pressure line or filling line between the dosing tank and the dispensing valve. preferably a check valve arranged that a backflow of liquid or gas from the pipe system is prevented if in Dosing tank there is a relative negative pressure. More like that Way is advantageous between the switching valve for that A check valve is provided for the compressed gas and the discharge valve, that prevents backflow of liquid or gas, when the gas pressure line is depressurized.

In one embodiment of the invention, the backflow will occur of liquid or gas in the dosing container and in the Gas line prevented by a check valve that is functional at the bottom or outlet of the dosing container or one outgoing line piece is arranged before this branches if necessary. In this embodiment the dosing container can be flowed through with compressed gas. The partition or the piston can expediently here also flowable and with a flow direction acting check valve provided as a switching valve works for the compressed gas and when a final position is reached after dispensing the volume of liquid through the mechanical actuator is opened so that the compressed gas through the pressure line between the dosing tank and the dispensing valve can flow into the output container.

In one embodiment of the invention is a gas vent line provided that the gas pressure relief released gas from the system into the reservoir initiates to possibly entrained liquid droplets and to chop off fog and condense vapors. As a result, the environmental impact can be kept low.

According to advantageous embodiments of the invention, all are Switching and control devices and valves not electric educated. The corresponding devices and valves can be operated pneumatically, hydraulically and / or mechanically.

This eliminates the explosion protection that is otherwise required Execution of the filling system.

The refill line between the liquid reservoir and dosing container is preferred in one embodiment through a removable lid into the storage container, so that the storage container can be easily replaced, which can be a plastic canister, for example, is possible without changing the line connections. A Gas return line and possibly further lines can also through this lid in the reservoir be led through.

To prevent unwanted air from entering the system prevent when the reservoir is empty is at one A level-dependent shut-off valve is provided, that from the liquid level in the reservoir responds. For this purpose, a level-dependent, arranged as a shut-off valve float valve be the outgoing liquid line from the reservoir when the liquid level drops below one closes predetermined level. To the entire system decommissioning when the storage container is empty can in the Compressed air supply line a main switch can be arranged depending on the filling level of the liquid storage container can be actuated and the compressed air that can be supplied to the system shuts off when a predetermined liquid level is below. In the storage container can be used as a circuit diagram trained float valve can be provided, which over Pressure lines connected to the main switch and at The liquid level drops below a predetermined level Level opens, so that a pressure pulse is given, which the Main switch closes. The shut-off valve for the liquid line and the switching valve for actuating the Main switches can be used together in a float valve be integrated, which performs both functions. This float valve can be removable with the lid so that the Liquid line and the main switch are each closed when the cover is removed.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover has a coding or fit interacting with the container, which vary depending on the container volume and container content is. This will prevent accidental mistakes Storage container connected in terms of size and / or content become.

In another embodiment, the filling device is like this trained that first filling the dispenser with compressed gas up to a partial pressure, after which liquid is pressed into the dispenser until the predetermined maximum pressure is reached. In this case not volume metering, but pressure-dependent Liquid dosing. Through this embodiment of filling device and filling process ensures that there is always a sufficient gas cushion in the dispenser is that for dispensing those in the dispenser Amount of liquid is sufficient if handled correctly.

The filling device can be used for pressure-dependent liquid dosing be equipped with a second switching valve that preferably works depending on pressure. The switching valve has preferably two supply lines, namely a liquid supply line, coming from the dosing tank, a gas filling line, which is branched off from the gas-carrying area of the system, and a discharge line, namely a filling line, the the respective medium leads to the filler neck. To the gas filling line during the filling process at a lower pressure level to hold than the other gas routing systems is in the branch or preferably a pressure regulator or Pressure reducer provided that the desired lower Pressure level guaranteed. The pressure-dependent control of the second switching valve can with the help of the pressure difference between Gas pressure in the gas filling line and the liquid or. Gas pressure in the leading from the switching valve to the filler neck Filling line can be made, with relative Overpressure in the gas filling line is preferably the way for the filling with compressed gas is open and with pressure equalization preferably the way for filling with liquid is open. The switch position for the liquid filling with pressure equalization, mechanical pre-tensioning, which acts on the switching element can be achieved.

Fig. 1

eine Ausführungsform eines Befüllgerätes für eine volumendosierte Befüllung von Ausgabebehältern,

Fig. 2

eine Ausführungsform eines Befüllgerätes für eine druckabhängige Flüssigkeitsbefüllung eines Ausgabebehälters,

Fig. 3

eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit mechanischer Codierung zwischen Ausgabebehälter und Befüllgerät,

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung für eine volumendosierte Befüllung von Ausgabebehältern mit einer Trennwand zwischen Flüssigkeitsraum und Gasraum im als Pumpe ausgebildeten Dosierbehälter, und

Fig. 5

eine Abwandlung und Erweiterung der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 4.

Further features of the invention result from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the subclaims and the drawing. Here, the individual features can be implemented individually or in groups in one embodiment of the invention. Here show:

Fig. 1

one embodiment of a filling device for a volume-metered filling of dispensing containers,

Fig. 2

one embodiment of a filling device for a pressure-dependent liquid filling of a dispensing container,

Fig. 3

one embodiment of the invention with mechanical coding between the dispensing container and the filling device,

Fig. 4

an embodiment of the invention for a volume-metered filling of dispensing containers with a partition between the liquid space and gas space in the metering container designed as a pump, and

Fig. 5

a modification and extension of the embodiment of FIG. 4th

Fig. 1 shows a refillable can 1 in connection with a filling device 2. The can 1 consists essentially of Metal, especially aluminum, and is used as a pressure cell Dispensing liquid content, especially by spraying, educated. It has a cylindrical jacket 3 and is on its top 4 with a dispensed valve 5 non-detachably connected by pressing down one Spray head 6 is actuated. The can base 7 is in one piece formed with the jacket 3 and drawn in concave. Downtown of the can bottom is spring loaded into the bottom wall Filling valve 8 screwed in sealingly, mechanically and / or can be opened from below by fluid pressure. Of the on the can bottom 7 protruding part of the filling valve 8 is sufficient not to the bottom of the can bottom, so that the footprint the can 1 is not affected by the valve 8 is.

The filling device 2 has a design as a dispensing valve Filler neck 9, which works as a check valve and the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the valve 8 of the can 1, so that when the can is placed on the filler neck 9 the bilateral valves are opened under mutual Sealing the connection to the outside. The filler neck 9 is connected to a liquid pressure line 10 which to the bottom of a metering pressure container 11 for the refillable liquid medium leads. This dosing 11 is with a preferably adjustable, as a volume metering device working refill 12 provided, via the the container 11 with the volume intended for refilling of liquid medium from a storage container above 13 or canister can be filled. The refill dosing device 12 is designed as a level-dependent switch and closes after the filling process of the Dosing container with the predetermined volume of liquid by itself, especially after loading the dosing container with compressed gas, tightly sealed.

The dosing container 11 is closed on all sides and in the upper one Area connected to a gas supply line 14 through which the compressed gas over the free surface of the liquid medium, only about a third of the volume of the dosing container occupies, is insertable. The line 14 is via a three-way valve 15 connected to a compressed gas supply line 16, which can be connected to a pressure pump, with either the Pressure pump and / or the compressed gas supply line 16 with a not shown pressure regulator and / or with a pressure relief valve is provided to the gas pressure in line 16 substantially to keep it expensive or to limit it. A usable maximum pressure in the entire system is, for example at approx. 6 bar, to which can 1 also acts as the operating pressure is designed.

The multi-way valve 15 is designed as a mechanical switching valve and actuated by a key 17, which by Placing the can 1 on the filler neck 9 can be pressed down and the compressed gas line 14 with the compressed gas supply line 16 connects. When the can is lifted off, this connection becomes separated again and at the same time by changing the Three-way valve 15, the gas supply line 14 with a vent outlet 18 connected, i.e. open to the outside.

With free passage from the compressed gas supply line 16 to Gas supply line 14 through the open valve 15 is in the metering container above the predetermined volume of liquid Gas cushion built up, for example with a pressure of 6 bar. With valves 8 and 9 open at the same time, press the pressure gas cushion in the metering container 11 the predetermined Volume of liquid from this and through line 10 from below through the valves 9 and 8 into the can 1, and gas then flows itself until the same pressure in the can as in the compressed gas supply line 16, i.e. so for Example 6 bar. The can 1 is then up to a predetermined one Height 19 filled with the liquid medium and located above is used to expel the liquid medium Compressed gas cushion.

By removing the can 1 from the filler neck 9, the filling valves 8 and 9 closed. At the same time the three-way valve 15 changed over by relieving the pressure element 17, so that the gas supply line 14 is separated from the gas supply line 16 and is connected to the vent 18. Thereby the gas pressure builds up in the gas supply line 14 and Dosing container 11 to ambient pressure, so that the hydrostatic Pressure of the liquid column 20 of the liquid supply in the canister 13 arranged above the dosing container 11 comes into effect, a float valve 21 of the volume metering device 12 opens and again the predetermined volume of liquid can flow into the dosing container 11. A new refill process can then be done by placing another one Box 1 on the filler neck 9 by pressing the pushbutton 17 can be initiated.

The push button 17, the direction of actuation parallel to the the valves 8 and 9 run, is designed or adjusted so that it responds earlier when the can is put on than the valves 8 and 9 and when removing the can later than this. This has the consequence that the gas pressure in the dosing tank 11 is constructed before the valves 8 and 9 open and that it is only dismantled again when the valves 8 and 9 after Removing the can are closed again.

The refill 12 can be done in a simple manner be formed that one of the canister 13 in the metering container 11 leading refill line 22 into the dosing container protrudes and at least the lower end 23 of the Refill line 22 is adjustable in height. The valve 21 is at the lower end 23 of the refill line 22 trained so that it is on the rising liquid level in the dosing tank responds and closes when the liquid level reaches the lower end 23 of the refill line 22.

The refill line 22 is still with a mechanical shut-off valve 24 provided for the permanent closure of the Refill line 22 is provided, for example when dismantling the filling device 2 or for cleaning purposes.

The embodiment according to FIG. 2 works according to a similar one Principle like the embodiment according to Fig. 1, i.e. both the Liquid as well as the compressed gas are separated by a single one Valve conveyed into the output container. That is why they are comparable Parts also with corresponding reference numbers Mistake. One major difference is that that not as in the embodiment of Fig. 1 first Liquid and then the pressurized gas into the dispensing container 1 be metered in, but that conversely the compressed gas first and then metered the liquid into the dispensing container become. The aerosol can 1 'provided as a dispensing container is designed the same as in the embodiment according to Fig. 1. Therefore it is only partially shown. Also the Filling nozzle 9 ', the pressure line 10', the metering container 11 ', the refill 12 ', the reservoir 13', the Compressed gas line 14 ', the mechanical multi-way valve 15', the Pressurized gas supply line 16 ', the sensing element 17' of the multi-way valve 15 ', the vent line 18', the float valve 21 ', the refill line 22' and the mechanical shut-off valve 24 'are designed accordingly, but in a schematic Representation shown. The dosing container 11 'can have a larger volume, in particular a volume of liquid, there, as already mentioned, the liquid in this embodiment not metered in volume from the dosing container, but is output in pressure-dosed. Therefore, with the Filling device of this embodiment in principle also different large output containers 1 'are filled.

In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the Pressure line leading from the dosing tank 11 'to the filler neck 9' leads, not continuously trained, but by one Pressure switch 25 interrupted in two sections 26 and 27, the section 26 between the metering container 11 'and Pressure switch 25 is located and the section 27 between the pressure switch 25 and filler neck 9. From that of the reusable valve 15 ' gas supply line leading into the gas space of the metering container 11 ' 14 is a gas metering line 28 branched off to the pressure switch 25 leads as the second entrance and in the one as Pressure regulator working pressure regulator 29 is arranged.

In the pressure switch 25 there is a control slide 30, the the liquid line 26 or the gas metering line 28 with connects the line section 27 serving as the filling line. The control slide 30 is biased by a compression spring 31 in the direction of a slide position, in which the liquid line 26 with the filling line 27 to Control slide 30 is connected. In addition, a control line leads 32 from the filling line 27, which in the case of a prevailing fluid pressure acts in the same direction, like the compression spring 31. On the other side of the control spool 30 attacks a control line 33, which in the case of a there prevailing gas pressure a thrust on the spool 30 towards a connection between the gas metering line 28 and the filling line 27 exercises. The pressure regulator 29 reduces that in the gas metering line 28 and Control line 33 prevailing gas pressure to a maximum of 3 bar, whereas the maximum gas pressure in the rest of the gas-carrying system is 6 bar.

The mechanical switch 15 'is in this embodiment presented in detail. It is also a three-way valve trained and has a supply line, namely the compressed gas supply line 16 'and two derivatives, namely the gas supply 14 'to the dosing tank and the vent line 18 '. The switching valve 15 'has a control slide 34, which is biased on one side with a compression spring 35 namely in the direction of the switch position, in which the gas-carrying system of the filling device with the ventilation line 18 'is connected, i.e. the gas-carrying system is depressurized is posed. By pressing the button 17 'of Reusable valve 15 'using the bottom edge of the pressure cell 1' or by means of other parts of the box, the control slide 34 of the multi-way valve 15 'pressed into the other switching position, so that the pressure gas supply line having a pressure of 6 bar 16 'connected to the gas supply line 14' is.

The filling process is initiated in this switch position. Pressurized gas flows through the pressurized gas supply line 16 'over the Reusable valve 15 'in the gas supply line 14', via the branch to the gas metering line 28 through the pressure regulator 29 and from there into the control line 33 at a reduced pressure of only 3 bar and by the control slide 30 in the switch position, at which connects the gas metering line 28 to the filling line 27 is. Gas can then flow through the opened valves 8 'and 9' get into the box 1 'until there is a gas cushion of essentially 3 bar is built up. Then there is between them Control lines 33 and 32 essentially pressure equalization, see above that the compression spring 31 the spool 30 in the other Switched position in which the liquid line 26 in Communication with the filling line 27 comes. By the Gas pressure of 6 bar, which is above the liquid level in the Dosing chamber 11 'prevails, the liquid medium is then out dosed into the can 1 and in one such a quantity until the maximum pressure of 6 bar in the can is achieved. The volume-related amount of liquid is included depending on the capacity of the can 1. Was the Can 1 empty before filling, then took the gas cushion of 3 bar the entire volume of the can 1 'and was by the inflowing liquid essentially to half compressed so that the can with essentially half Liquid was filled. However, there was still residual liquid in the can is present, then after filling with compressed gas from 3 bar the gas cushion is correspondingly smaller. After this pressure-dependent metering of the liquid to 6 bar, however still big enough to hold the total amount of fluid to be able to spend.

If the can 1 'is lifted after the filling process, then moved the control slide 34 of the mechanical multi-way valve 15 'in the pressure relief position, so that the gas-carrying System in the filling device depressurized or set to ambient pressure becomes. It is at the lower pressure level lying area of the gas-carrying system, namely the gas metering line 28 and the control line 33 with a device to maintain the pressure so that the in residual pressure prevailing in these lines is sufficient, the control spool 30 of the pressure switch valve 25 back to the starting position, which is shown in Fig. 2 to push back.

The in the filling device 2 'of FIG. 2 has a pot-like Receptacle 36, which is used to center the attached can 1 ' serves. This receptacle 36 is also suitable for The can diameter. Larger diameter cans do not fit in the receptacle and therefore cannot be filled become. The outer one is sufficient for cans with a smaller diameter lower edge of the can not up to the push button 17 'of the reusable valve 15 ', so that the filling process cannot be initiated can. In this way, incorrect fillings can be made to a limited extent be avoided.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3 shows a coding in the form of mechanical fits between the can and the filling device that incorrect filling can be completely ruled out. The Mechanical coding is preferably on the filling valve 8 ″ and Filler neck 9 '' provided because these two valves in their Form design are largely free and therefore the rest Training of the can and the filling device is not affected are needed. The multi-way valve 15 '' can be used in a preferred Embodiment included in the mechanical coding as shown in FIG. 3. Thereby security can be increased. As shown in Fig. 3, is the pushbutton 17 '' of the mechanical switching valve arranged at such a small distance from the filler neck 9, that it is neither from the outer lower can edge nor from the retracted Can bottom 7 '' is actuated. For actuation of the sensing element 17 ″ has the filling valve 8 ″ of the can 1 ″ mechanical coding element. As shown, provided as a plate-shaped widening of the filling valve 8 ' be and a widened, pot-shaped from the can bottom 7 ' repellent widened edge. The after bottom-facing edge 38 can be used as a pressure member for Depress the pushbutton 17 ''. On the other hand, can the widened edge 38 also has holes or cutouts 39 have, in the correct version pins or projections 40 engage, which are provided on the receptacle 36 'of the filling device are. By appropriate dimensioning of size, radial Distance and / or angular position of the pins or projections in the area of the filler neck and the corresponding Holes or receptacles in the area of the filling valve any variants for mechanical coding available. In addition, the receptacle 36 '' serving as a centering aid also record the can diameter.

The embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 4 shows a Development of the not according to the claimed invention Working embodiment according to FIG. 1. Corresponding to each other Parts are therefore with the same reference numerals Mistake. The dispensing container designed as a spray can 1 '' has an inclined position when filling, which is easy to handle facilitated. For the rest, the interaction is between Filling valve 8 "and filler neck 9" and the actuation of the Probe 17 "of the reusable valve 15" the same as in the Embodiment according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. Also the coding to avoid incorrect operation is appropriate educated.

Unlike the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the Liquid space 41 from the gas space 42 through a partition trained piston 43 separately. The movement of the piston in However, the direction of discharge is still pneumatic through the gas cushion in the gas space 42, so that in the How the liquid is squeezed out didn't change anything. Regarding the location of the dosing container however, one is free, so that the outlet 44 has Bottom 45 does not coincide with the lowest point needs. The piston 43 is with a mechanical Spring 46 loaded piston rod 47, the Spring force is set so that the piston 43 when pressure is released retrieved and at the same time a new volume of liquid be sucked out of the reservoir 13 '' can. The free end of the piston rod has a mechanical one Stop 48 on the one with an actuator 49 one Switch valve 50 cooperates when the piston 43 hits the bottom 45, i.e. the volume of liquid is squeezed out. The passage for compressed gas is then opened in the switching valve a gas supply line 51 coming from the reusable valve 15 ″ is released and passes through a further compressed gas line 52 via a check valve 53 in the filling line 54, the leads to the filler neck 9 ''.

Takes place after filling the dispensing container 1 '' and after its decrease is a shutdown of the compressed gas supply and a Pressure relief in the gas system by operating the reusable valve 15, then the piston 43 due to the spring force of the Spring 46 moved back, the actuator 49 from the mechanical Stop 48 of the piston rod is released again so that the pressure-loaded switching valve 50 is back in its Starting position decreases, in which the compressed gas supply is interrupted. Due to the mechanical return movement of the Piston 49 is simultaneously via a liquid suction line 55 liquid medium sucked out of the reservoir 13 ''. As a result of the negative pressure, the liquid suction line from above via a lid 56 of the storage container 13 '' are inserted into this. A check valve 57 enables easy suction of liquid from the Storage container and prevents backflow of liquid when squeezing the volume of liquid into the dispenser 1''. Conversely, a check valve prevents 58 in the from the dosing container 11 '' to the filler neck 9 '' leading filling line 54 a suction of gas or Liquid from the filling line as long as in the dosing tank 11 '' there is a relative negative pressure.

The gas outlet 18 '' does not lead to the outside, but opens into the reservoir 13 ''. For this purpose is between reusable valve 15 '' and vent opening 18 '' a vent line 59 provided to the vent of the multi-way valve 15 is connected.

At the bottom of the storage container 13 '' is located on the Intake opening of the liquid suction line 55 a float valve 60, the suction opening of the liquid suction line 55 closes when the liquid level 61 in the reservoir Has fallen 13 '' below a predetermined level, i.e. when the storage container 13 '' is empty. The float valve 60 also remains closed if the intake pipe after removal the lid with this from the reservoir 13 '' will and will only open again when it is among the Liquid level 61 is immersed.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the metering is carried out of the liquid volume and the compressed gas through the dosing tank 11 '' ', although also in this a separation between Liquid space 41 and gas space 42 through a piston 62 is provided. In order for a passage of compressed gas through the To enable the metering container '' ', the piston 62 has a equipped with a check valve 63 passage, the check valve is closed while still There is liquid in the dosing container 11 '' '. On the floor 64 the Dosing chamber 11 '' 'is a stop 65, which with the Check valve 63 cooperates as soon as the piston 62 the Floor 64 has reached. Through the stop, the check valve 63 opened mechanically, so that on the Back of the piston 62 pressurized gas through the piston in the liquid space of the Dosing container 11 '' 'can get. From this it flows via a pressure line 66 from the bottom 64 of the metering container leads to the filler neck 9 '' '. In the bottom 64 of the dosing container 11 '' '' is advantageous at the base of pressure line 66 another check valve 67 arranged in the The opposite direction locks like the check valve 63 in the piston 62. The stop 65 is advantageously on the check valve 67 and is an extension of the pressure line 66 in the Dosing container 11 '' 'formed. This makes the check valves work 63 of the piston 64 of the bottom in a similar way Way together like a plug coupling, like the filling valve 8 '' 'and the filler neck 9' '' between the filling device and dispenser 1 '' '.

A return spring is in turn for returning the piston 62 68 provided, this time within the liquid space of the metering container 11 '' 'is arranged and on the container bottom 64 supported on the one hand and on the piston 62 on the other and the piston 62 when the pressure in the gas supply line 69 is relieved pushes back into the starting position. From the gas pressure line 16 '' 'is a dispensing valve before the reusable valve 15' '' is reached 70, as in the embodiment according to FIG. 4, provided that for the exclusive output of compressed air serves. Each dispensing container 1 '' 'is independent of it Coding can be connected to the compressed air discharge valve 79. The Dispenser 1 '' 'can be supplied with compressed air via this valve be filled when the gas pressure in the dispensing container 1 '' ', for example as a result of incorrect operation without the liquid being dispensed. Also one only filling an empty dispenser 1 '' ' with compressed air, if desired, is possible via this valve.

The from the reservoir 13 '' 'to the liquid space of the Dosing container 11 '' 'leading liquid suction line 71 again extends from the bottom of the storage container 13 '' ' a lid 72 of the storage container and leads over Check valve 73 in the area of the container bottom 64 in the Liquid space of the metering chamber 11 '' '. The check valve 73 becomes like the check valve 57 of the embodiment Fig. 4 when returning the piston to its initial position due to the relatively reduced pressure due to suction opened so that liquid from the reservoir can flow. Will the piston 62 on its back with Pressurized gas is applied, then the check valve prevents a backflow of liquid to be added.

The suction end of the liquid suction line is also with a float valve 74 which is an intake of air prevented from the emptied reservoir 13 '' '. The Float valve 74 is also designed as a switching valve, that sits in a gas pressure line, the inlet and Outlets 75 and 76 also through the container lid 72 to Bottom of the reservoir 13 '' 'are guided. The access of the Gas pressure line 75 is constantly connected to the pressure gas line 16 '' ' connected. The outlet 76 leads to a main switch 77, the sits in the compressed gas line 16 '' 'and the compressed air supply in the compressed gas line 16 '' 'shuts off when the float valve 74 in the storage container 13 '' 'the passage between access 75 and outlet 76 of the compressed gas line opens. With the help of this Main switch 77 is the further use of the filling device prevented when the reservoir 13 '' 'is empty. After removing the last output container 1 '' 'it will System via the actuator 17 '' 'and the multi-way valve 15' '' depressurized, after which the main switch is not switched off 77 no further compressed gas can get into the system. The float valve 74 can be a piston Have float in a vertical cylindrical Sleeve is guided and in its upper stop position Suction opening for the liquid suction line releases and at the same time the horizontal passage between the access line 75 and outlet line 76 closes. The liquid level comes 61 in the area of the float valve 74, then the float sinks, taking the suction opening of the liquid suction line 71 closed and at the same time the passage between lines 75 and 76 is opened. Of the Lid 72 of the liquid storage container 13 '' 'is again preferably provided with a coding that with the Opening of the container 13 '' interacts so that incorrect operation as a result of incorrect container content and incorrect container size excluded are.

Claims (24)

Process for filling, in particular refilling, of pressure vessels designed for dispensing liquid media, especially aerosol cans, by filling with liquid medium through a different from the dispensing valve Valve and pressurized with a gas that is in the liquid medium is essentially insoluble, whereby the liquid medium and the pressurized gas by the same Valve can be pushed in one after the other characterized that first the liquid medium with the help a pneumatic dosing pump with a liquid chamber and a gas space and one the liquid space and the movable partition separating the gas space Movement of the partition is added in volume and then the compressed gas serving as a pressure cushion is metered in becomes. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure gas is metered in depending on the pressure. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the liquid medium and the pressurized gas in succession essentially without interrupting the filling process be pushed in. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid medium by the compressed gas is pressed into the container. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling process when reached a predetermined working pressure of in particular 6 bar is ended, in particular ends by itself. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation of for the Filling provided valves exclusively Press on, in particular put on the pressure container a filler neck is introduced. Filling device for refilling dispensing containers, in particular spray cans with liquid medium and compressed gas, with a dosing container (11 '', 11 '' ') for admission and dispensing liquid medium, a fill line (54, 66) from the outlet or bottom of the metering container (11 '', 11 '' ') to a filler neck designed as a valve (9 '', 9 '' ') leads with a filling valve (8 '', 8 '' ') of the output container (1', 1 '', 1 '' ') can be connected and one with the dosing container (11 ', 11 '' ') connectable compressed gas device (15, 16) for Squeeze out a quantity of liquid from the dosing container and injecting the amount of liquid into the dispensing container (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') and to build up a compressed gas cushion in the dispensing container (1 ', 1' ', 1' ''), thereby characterized in that the dosing container (11 ''; 11 '' ') as pneumatic dosing pump with a liquid chamber (41) and a gas space (42) is formed and that the Liquid space (41) and the gas space (42) through a movable, at least temporarily sealing partition (43; 62) which are the size of Liquid space (41) and gas space (42) relative to each other changed. Filling device according to claim 7, characterized in that the partition (43; 62) is a piston, preferably the dosing container (11 ''; 11 '' ') from one as Dosing chamber serving cylinder is formed in the the piston (43; 62) is slidably mounted. Filling device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that that the partition (43; 62) by gas pressure in Direction to the outlet or bottom (45; 64) of the metering container (11 '', 11 '' ') while reducing the liquid space (41) of the dosing container (11 ''; 11 '' ') can be moved and is preferably resettable by spring force. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized characterized in that the dosing container (11 ''; 11 '' ') as Suction pump for drawing in the amount of liquid from the Storage container (13) is formed. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized characterized in that the partition (43; 62) is a switching element (48; 65) is assigned, which when the Outlet or bottom (45; 64) a switching valve (50; 63) for the supply line (54; 66) for supplying compressed gas in the output container (1 '', 1 '' '). Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized characterized in that in the gas line between compressed gas switching valve (50; 63) and dispensing valve (9 '', 9 '' ') Check valve (53; 67) is arranged, which is preferably with a check valve (67) of the liquid line is identical. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized characterized in that the compressed gas device (15, 16) one in the dosing container (11 '', 11 '' '), preferably in the upper area, opening compressed gas supply line (69), which has a preferably mechanical Switch valve (15 '', 15 '' ') with a compressed gas source is connectable. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized characterized in that a gas-carrying area of the metering container (11 '', 11 '' ') via a pressure compensation valve (15 '', 18 '') can be connected to the environment, the Pressure compensation valve (15 '', 15 '' ', 18' ') in particular sits in the gas supply line (69). Filling device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that that the switching and preferably also that Pressure compensation valve (15 '', 15 '' ') through the one to be filled Container (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') can be actuated, wherein especially the dosing container (11 '', 11 '' ') Actuation of the valve (15 '', 15 '' ') by the container (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') can be pressurized with compressed gas. Filling device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the gas supply line (69) with a multi-way valve (15 '', 15 '' '), in particular a three-way valve, is equipped, both as a switching valve and works as a pressure compensation valve. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 16, characterized characterized in that a refill device for preferably Level-dependent filling of the dosing container is provided. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 17, characterized characterized in that one, preferably above the dosing container (11 '', 11 '' ') arranged liquid storage container (13) is provided, which is a feed line to Dosing container (11 '', 11 '' '). Filling device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized characterized in that the mechanical switching valve and / or the pressure compensation valve is a mechanical one Has actuator (17 '', 17 '' ') through the floor area of the output container, especially through additional parts (37, 38) of the filling valve can be actuated, wherein especially the mechanical switching element (17 '') so close is arranged on the filler neck that it is neither from lower container edge still from a retracted container bottom (7 '') is detectable. Filling device according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized characterized in that the mechanical switching valve (15 '', 15 '' ') towards a switch position with opening the pressure compensation (18 '') is biased. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 20, characterized characterized in that the filling pressure and / or a predetermined volume of liquid to be added adjustable is. Filling device according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized characterized in that the refill and the Dosing chamber form a volume dosing device and the amount of liquid a predetermined volume of liquid is. Filling device according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized characterized in that the refill for change the amount of liquid to be added adjustable is. Filling device according to one of claims 7 to 23, characterized characterized in that on the filling device, especially in Area of its filler neck (9 '') and / or one Switching valve (15 '') a coding (17 ''; 40) is provided with a corresponding coding of a Output container (1 ', 1' ') corresponds to the Type of media to fill in the output container and / or the volume of the dispensing container (1 ', 1' ') reproduces.

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