EP1441953A1

EP1441953A1 - Sealed docking arrangement in particular for bags and a method for the filling and emptying of containers in an environmentally-sealed manner

Info

Publication number: EP1441953A1
Application number: EP02785323A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Koch; Gary Heath
Original assignee: GEA Buck Valve GmbH
Current assignee: GEA Aseptomag AG
Priority date: 2001-10-29
Filing date: 2002-10-28
Publication date: 2004-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-28
Also published as: DE50205387D1; CN1575241A; US7398804B2; ES2255628T3; HRP20040306B1; ATE313484T1; US20050084181A1; EP1441953B1; JP4095030B2; CN1281458C; DE20117669U1; WO2003037717A1; HRP20040306A2; JP2005536403A; DK1441953T3

Abstract

The sealed docking system comprises first and second coupling elements each having respective first and second coupling elements with respective first and second flexible receptacles. Each coupling element has a slot. The two coupling elements engage with one another. The coupling elements are flexible so that when force is applied the slots open.

Description

Sealed docking device, in particular for sacks, and a method for environmentally insulated filling and emptying of containers

description

The invention relates to a sealed docking device between two essentially environmentally insulated containers, each container being connectable or connected, at least in regions, essentially flexibly, in particular in the form of a bag, and tightly to a coupling element, in order to be tightly closable or closed and evident when the coupling elements are tight against one another are put in place. Furthermore, the invention relates to said coupling elements and a method for essentially environmentally insulated filling and emptying of containers.

In many areas of industry, e.g. In the food processing, chemical or pharmaceutical industry, products, such as bulk or fluids, are transferred from a mostly fixed first container into a transportable second container, or vice versa, whereby the industry is concerned in many cases with contamination of the products and / or avoid the environment through the products. Since some products have a very toxic effect on the human organism even in extremely small quantities or other products react very sensitively to the effects of air, effective coupling elements or docking devices have been developed by the industry, which enable a container to be infested or emptied in an isolated or at least dust-free state , Traditionally, containers are filled in this way in industry using a double flap technology, which proves to be very efficient, but also, due to the technical design and the materials used, very costly.

From DE 695 04 581 T2, for example, a generic, sealed docking device between two environmentally insulated containers is known, one. has rigid, annular flange with a door. The flange and the door are preferably made of a hard plastic material. The containers, which can be in the form of sacks, preferably consist of a soft plastic material. Plastic is suggested to keep material costs down as the bags are for single use. A disadvantage of this docking device is the constructional, very complex processing of the flange with its locking cam mechanism, which increases the manufacturing costs for a disposable item inappropriately and is also user-unfriendly because it is unwieldy.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to further develop the generic sealed docking device and the coupling elements belonging to this docking device and the known methods for the environmentally insulated filling of containers with bulk material or fluids in such a way that the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and that in particular the handling is simplified and the manufacturing costs are reduced.

With regard to a docking device, this object is achieved according to the invention in that each coupling element is elastically deformable for opening and closing.

Furthermore, it can be provided that each coupling element has at least one slot or passage, which is tightly closed in the basic state, in particular via at least one sealing element, and for filling and / or emptying the corresponding container by pressurization, preferably controlled and / or regulated, apparently is.

According to the invention it is also proposed that a first coupling element can be connected or equipped with a device for pressurization, the first coupling element being revealed by pressurization and, when in close contact with the other, second coupling element, forcing an opening of the second coupling element.

A docking device according to the invention is also characterized by at least one closing device for securing a coupling element which has not been brought into contact with another coupling element, the closing device preferably preventing the slits of the first coupling element from being opened when in contact with pressure.

Among other things, a docking device according to the invention is characterized by at least one guide device, preferably comprising a stop, such as in the form of a bead, a flat pin, a barrier wall and / or the like, and / or at least a groove or recess on the one hand and / or at least one web or projection on the other hand for engaging at least one coupling element and / or a closing device, the guide device ensuring in particular an alignment of the slots of the two coupling elements to be brought into abutment against one another.

Furthermore, a docking device according to the invention is characterized by at least one securing device for preventing a tight stop of the two coupling elements from detaching against one another or a coupling element against the associated closing device, the securing device preferably being encompassed by the guide device.

Alternatively, it is proposed that the guide device and / or the securing device be or are comprised by a first coupling element with the device for pressurizing.

The docking device according to the invention is also distinguished, inter alia, by the fact that, in particular, the upper sides of the coupling elements can be connected laterally or axially. For example, the tops of two corresponding coupling elements can be laterally, i.e. laterally, one over the other, if necessary with the help of guide devices, such as previously described.

It is also possible to design the coupling elements, in particular their tops, in such a way that the docking device according to the invention can be obtained by axially coupling the coupling elements.

For this purpose, it can be provided that a coupling element has at least one axial guide device, in particular an essentially circumferential, continuous or discontinuous axial edge web on the upper side provided for coupling, the edge web being dimensioned in such a way that an essentially more tight, fixed and / or lockable Completion with the coupling element to be docked. If, for example, the mutually facing upper sides of corresponding coupling elements represent essentially smooth surfaces, an axial edge web, for example formed from two separate axial individual edge webs along opposing sides, in particular the Long sides of a coupling element can be fixed sealingly to a docking device according to the invention.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the sides of the coupling elements to be coupled can have continuously circumferential axial elevations, e.g. in the form of edges or edges, which can be brought into contact with a second coupling element over the entire circumference and thus enable a tight docking. According to the invention, in this case at least one of the upper sides of the coupling elements to be coupled has at least one continuously circumferential axial elevation, which can be brought into contact with a second coupling element over the entire circumference, in particular in a sealed manner. In this way, there is a tight docking of two coupling elements without larger areas of the mutually facing sides of the coupling elements touching each other.

According to a further embodiment according to the invention, only one coupling element has the above-described circumferential axial edge or elevation on a side to be coupled, while the side of the second coupling element provided for docking has an essentially uniform, in particular flat, surface, in particular in the area of coupling with the circumferential edge of the first coupling element.

As a rule, it is sufficient for an environmentally insulated filling if at least the circumferential axial elevation and a border or boundary of the visible passage or slot on the upper side of the coupling element can be brought to the, in particular tight, contact with the upper side of a second coupling element to be docked , in particular at least the circumferential axial elevation of the top of the first coupling element with the circumferential axial elevation of the top of the second coupling element and the border or limitation of the visible passage or slot of the top of the first coupling element with the border or limitation of the apparent passage or slot of the top of the second coupling element can be brought to, in particular tight, system. This embodiment makes it possible to construct a docking device according to the invention from two essentially identical coupling elements, which eliminates the need to have coupling elements of different design but corresponding in their fit. An axial edge web can also be attached continuously or discontinuously to the circumferential axial elevations on the inner and / or outer wall, in particular on the outer wall thereof, in order to fix the coupling elements. The continuous or discontinuous axial edge web provided as a guide device can be placed on the top of the coupling element on the side walls of the same or be an integral part of the coupling element. If, for example, the axial extension of the side wall of the coupling element forms the circumferential edge or elevation intended to abut the second coupling element, the axial edge web serving as a guide device is present on the outside of the circumferential edge and projects axially beyond it.

In addition to the edge webs or alternatively, the coupling elements according to the invention can be fixed via locking devices. For example, docked coupling elements can have rails or plug-in modules positioned adjacent to one another, via which a terminal strip can be guided for the purpose of fixing or which can be plugged into one another. Furthermore, it is possible to lock docked coupling elements in a known manner via clamp closures or clips, in particular temporarily.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one side of at least one coupling element of a docking device according to the invention, in particular the side intended for docking, has an adhesive and / or adhesive layer, at least in some areas. Preferred adhesives and adhesives are those which, as a rule, permit decoupling of interconnected coupling elements, but at the same time have sufficient adhesiveness, for example to bind bulk material which has not been completely filled, preferably permanently. If the coupling takes place via the previously described, adjacent circumferential edges or circumferential elevations, an adhesive or adhesive is preferably only provided in the area of the upper side of a coupling element to be docked which is encompassed by this circumferential edge. In one embodiment, both sides of the coupling elements to be coupled are equipped with an adhesive. However, it is enough in. generally completely out_, to provide only the side of the first coupling element intended for coupling with an adhesive or adhesive. Because in this way it is often already prevented that when the coupling elements are uncoupled, for example after a filling process has ended, what remains in or at the through slot is not completely transferred bulk material contaminates the environment. Dust-like or finely divided products that remain in the area of the coupling elements after the filling process are bound with the aid of the adhesive and can therefore no longer escape into the environment. The use of an adhesive or adhesive layer has proven very useful, especially when handling products that can cause environmental or health damage. It has also proven to be advantageous to use an adhesive layer that can be removed from its base. Adhesive tapes or films that are adhesive on both sides are suitable, for example, the adhesive properties of the respective film sides preferably being matched to their specific use, in order to achieve a reliable and permanent connection to the adhesive base, that is to say, for example, the top of the coupling element, and the other with the second Adhesive or adhesive layer to ensure that residual contamination with bulk goods is prevented.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a coupling element is connected or connectable in an essentially environmentally insulated manner to at least one, in particular translucent or transparent, flexible container, containing at least one removal device, in particular in the form of a spoon, a spatula or an, in particular closable , Container, especially for taking samples.

It can be provided that the removal device can be connected or connected to the flexible container in some areas, in particular at its rear or lower end. Since a removal device is already provided in a flexible container, smaller amounts of material can be removed in a safe and simple manner from a container which has a corresponding coupling element according to the invention, with which a docking device according to the invention can be designed. The size of the container provided for the sampling and containing the sampling device is preferably adapted to the amount of sample required and the sampling device required. In this way, sample quantities can be taken from a container for further analysis, without damaging it or without having to bring about another permanent opening or closing device of the container. This also eliminates the need, especially when sampling health and / or environmentally hazardous substances that have to be worked in specially prepared or insulated rooms that have, for example, permanent air extraction.

In addition, a docking device according to the invention is characterized in that each container is attached, in particular welded, to the corresponding coupling element, preferably in the area of its slot.

It can be provided that each container is attached to the inner surface of the slot of the corresponding coupling element.

It is also proposed that the slot be designed as a single slot or cross slot.

It is also proposed that at least one, in particular each, coupling element comprises a food-compatible plastic, such as EPDM, and / or silicone, or that at least one, in particular each, coupling element comprises bulk material or consists essentially of bulk material, in particular polyethylene or polyperopylene, or that at least one, in particular each, coupling element, at least in some areas, in particular at the points which can be contacted with bulk material, has a coating which comprises bulk material or essentially consists of bulk material, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene. In this context, particular preference is also given to using LD polyethylene as a constituent or material for the coupling element or a coating thereof. This procedure according to the invention has e.g. as advantageous when transferring plastic granules, e.g. in further processing devices such as extruders or injection molding devices. The material of the coupling element or its coating can be transferred to a large number of items, e.g. granular plastic materials are adapted, especially if e.g. high-purity plastic products are to be manufactured, such as be used for electrical insulation. In this embodiment according to the invention, even abrasion of the coupling elements or particles splintered off from them when decanting has no adverse effect on the purity of the bulk material.

It is also proposed according to the invention that each coupling element comprises at least one spring element, preferably made of metal. Furthermore, a docking device according to the invention is characterized in that the containers, the coupling elements and / or the closing device can be recycled together.

Finally, it can be provided according to the invention that the container to be emptied is part of a filling or production unit and the container to be filled comprises a sack or container, or that the container to be emptied is a sack or container and the container to be filled is part a production unit.

According to the invention, a coupling element for environmentally insulated filling and / or emptying of containers, which is fixed or detachable and essentially environmentally insulated on a first side, in particular the underside, is connected or connectable to at least one at least regionally essentially flexible container, the coupling element at least is elastically deformable in some areas and has a second side, in particular an upper side, which is essentially tight and in particular reversibly dockable to a second side, in particular an upper side, of a second coupling element, said coupling element being closed in the basic state and with elastic deformation, in particular via at least one slot, is reversibly evident, so that there is a passage from the first to the second side of the coupling element.

It can be provided according to the invention that the upper side of the coupling element has at least one continuously circumferential axial elevation, which can be brought over the entire circumference to, in particular tightly, contact with a second coupling element.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the circumferential axial elevation and a border or delimitation of the apparent passage or slot on the top of the coupling element can be brought to, in particular tight, contact with the top of a second coupling element to be docked, whereby in particular at least the circumferential axial elevation of the top. the first coupling element with the circumferential axial elevation of the top of the second coupling element and the border or boundary of the visible passage or slot of the top of the first coupling element with the border or boundary of the reveal Passage or slot of the top of the second coupling element for, in particular tight, plant can be brought.

In a further embodiment, there is an essentially axial guide device, in particular a continuously circumferential or discontinuous axial edge web, on the top of said coupling element, in particular on the circumferential axial elevation, for forming a tight, fixed and / or lockable closure with a dockable second Coupling element in front.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element has at least one guide device, comprising at least one groove or recess or at least one web or projection, in particular in the region of at least one side surface connecting the top and bottom, for engaging a second coupling element and / or a closing device.

Also particularly preferred are those embodiments which are characterized in that at least one side of the coupling element, in particular the second side provided for environmentally insulated attachment to a second coupling element, has an adhesive and / or an adhesive, in particular an adhesive and / or or adhesive layer. Suitable adhesives and adhesives generally do not themselves contribute to the contamination of the bulk material and are in particular food and / or pharmaceutical-compliant or unproblematic from the point of view of food and drug law.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the peripheral edge region of the receiving opening of the flexible container on the first side of the coupling element is tight with the peripheral edge, in particular the walls which are in the basic state closely abutting, the passage at least adjacent to the first side, with the surface of the first side or with the sides connecting the first and second sides, with or without the aid of a clamping belt or rubber, or can be connected.

The coupling element according to the invention is further characterized by a, in particular circumferential, continuous or discontinuous axial edge on the second side of said coupling element for forming a sealing and / or form-fitting closure with a dockable second coupling element. In one embodiment, a coupling element according to the invention is provided that at least one, in particular translucent or transparent, flexible container, which is connected to it in an environmentally insulated manner, contains at least one removal device, in particular in the form of a spoon, spatula or, in particular, closable container.

The object relating to the method for, in particular environmentally insulated, filling and / or emptying of containers is achieved according to the invention in that the coupling element is elastically deformable at least in some areas, in particular comprises an elastic base body, and has a second side, in particular an upper side, on a second side, in particular an upper side, of a second coupling element is essentially leakproof and in particular reversibly dockable, the said coupling element being closed in the basic state and at least one passage being reversible under elastic deformation, in particular in said elastic basic body, so that a passage of the first to the second side of the coupling element is present.

It can be provided according to the invention that the first and / or second coupling element before the formation of a docking device via at least one closing device, e.g. a locking clamp that is tightly closed.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that each coupling element has at least one slot, pressure being applied to a first coupling element to form an opening, as a result of which an opening of a second coupling element which is in tight contact with the first coupling element is formed with the formation of a passage from the forces the first to the second container.

An alternative embodiment is characterized in that each coupling element has at least one slot, pressure being applied to a first coupling element to form an opening and pressure being applied to a second coupling element located in close contact with the first coupling element to form an opening , whereby a passage is formed from the first to the second container.

It is particularly advantageous if the container to be emptied is briefly pressurized several times during the emptying process. According to the invention, the first container can also be stationary and the second container can be transportable.

According to a further embodiment according to the invention, the second container is designed to be flexible only in the region of the second coupling element.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the second container is part of a filling or production device or is connected to a production device, and that the first container is filled via the filling or production device or that the production device is filled via the first container.

A method has proven to be particularly advantageous in which the second coupling element is pushed sealingly over the first coupling element, the upper side of the second coupling element being pushed sealingly, in particular laterally, over the upper side of the first coupling element, with, in particular, opposing second guide devices , in particular in the form of edges, in particular longitudinal edges, of the second coupling element engage in corresponding first guide devices, in particular on opposite sides, in particular in the form of grooves, of the first coupling element.

It can be provided according to the invention that a closing device sealing the first coupling element, in particular a locking clamp, is pushed down from the latter when the edges of the second coupling element are inserted into the grooves of the first coupling element.

In this context, it has proven to be advantageous that the second coupling element has a stop on a front side, the first coupling element being pushed onto the second coupling element until it abuts this stop in particular.

Has proven to be particularly preferred; that one connects the upper sides of the coupling elements axially, in particular via at least one axial guide device.

The invention is therefore based on the finding that, by designing a docking device for filling or emptying, at least in some areas essentially flexible containers according to the present invention an effective contamination-free transfer of bulk goods and / or fluids is guaranteed, a structurally simple structure offers a high degree of reliability and security, since defects due to technical defects can be almost excluded, and at the same time result in low manufacturing and material costs by the Coupling elements for opening the access to the associated containers are elastically deformable.

In addition, a docking device according to the invention provides the full cross section when filling or emptying containers in the passage opening, whereas in the known double flap technology the double flap inserts reduce the cross section.

The docking devices and coupling elements according to the invention are suitable for, in particular, environmentally insulated filling of flexible containers directly from infestation or production plants. These docking devices and coupling elements can also be used easily and reliably, in order to be able to fill or empty, for example, sacks, production plants, formulation plants, extruders, injection molding and glass molding machines without contamination. The docking device according to the invention has, or has, in particular when it is important to ensure that only the materials intended for production are used, for example when introducing starting material in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products or of pharmaceutical intermediate or end products, including formulated products the coupling elements according to the invention have proven to be extremely advantageous. High-purity plastics can also be obtained, for example, by filling granules directly into a plastics processing system, for example an extruder, via the docking device according to the invention. Thus, with the docking device according to the invention, filling or emptying stations in production plants can be made much simpler and less expensive without having to accept any losses in terms of contamination-free working. The coupling elements and docking devices according to the invention thus ensure both that the environment is not contaminated with bulk material residues and that the bulk material to be transferred is not contaminated by substances and particles from the environment. It was also surprisingly found in this connection that by adjusting the material or coating used for the docking devices and coupling elements according to the invention Allow residual contamination on the bulk material to be transferred to be avoided completely. In these cases, even when the coupling elements are rubbed off, abrasion does not lead to contamination of the bulk material, for example in the case of polymer granules. The coupling elements or docking devices according to the invention thus contribute to both environmental and product protection.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description, in which an exemplary embodiment of a docking device according to the invention is explained in detail with the aid of schematic drawings. It shows:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first coupling element in the closed state;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the first coupling element of Figure 1 in the partially open

Status;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a locking clip;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the closure clamp from FIG. 3 in operative connection with the first coupling element from FIGS. 1 and 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second coupling element;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a docking device according to the invention, comprising two coupling elements and two flexible containers;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a first and second coupling element of an alternative docking device according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a first coupling element according to FIG. 7; and

9 shows a perspective view of a second coupling element according to FIG. 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a docking device according to the invention comprises a first coupling element 1 in the form of an elongated elastomer body with a rope tenlänge L, which has a rectangular groove 3 in each of its side surfaces 2. The grooves 3 are arranged in the side surfaces 2 such that a web 6 of height h and depth t is formed on each side surface 2 both from the bottom 4 of the elastomer body to the groove 3 and from the top 5 to the groove 3 , so that the front 7 and the back 8 of the elastomer body each have a maximum width b in comparison to their minimum dimension of b-2t in the region of the grooves 3. Centrally between the side surfaces, a passage or slot 9 is provided in the elastomer body, which is made continuously from the top 5 to the bottom 4 and extends over a length that is less than the side length L of the elastomer body, preferably in the range from 50 to 600 mm. A container, for example in the form of a sack 10, is attached to the first coupling element 1. B. can be welded to the inner surfaces 11 (see FIG. 2) of the elastomer body formed by the passage or slot 9.

According to FIG. 1, the first coupling element 1 is not exposed to any external forces and is therefore in its closed state, in which the passage or slot 9 is tightly closed. In this closed state, the inside of the bag 10 is sealed off from the surroundings. For this purpose, the inner surfaces 11 of the slot 9 can be provided with additional sealing elements (not shown), such as lips or beads.

FIG. 2 shows a partially opened state of the first coupling element 1, which results when the first coupling element 1 is subjected to a force on its front side 7 and rear side 8, as indicated by the arrows D in FIG. 2. In this open state, the bag 10 welded to the inner surfaces 11 of the slot of the first coupling element 1 can be filled or emptied in a metered manner. If the force applied externally is withdrawn from the first coupling element, it returns to its closed state shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a locking device in the form of a locking clip 1 for the first coupling element as a further component of the docking device according to the invention. This locking clamp 12, made of essentially dimensionally stable material, for example hard plastic, has a base plate 13 with a lateral spacing b from one another. Neten walls 14 of the side length L. Edges 15 are formed on the walls 14, so that a recess 16 is formed on the walls 14 on both sides of the base plate 13. The recesses 16 are dimensioned with a height h and a depth t such that the locking clamp 12 can be guided frictionally over the first coupling element 1 for engaging the webs 6 in the recesses 16.

FIG. 4 shows a structure in which the closure clip 12 from FIG. 3 is mounted on the first coupling element 1 from FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to prevent the slot 9 of the first coupling element 1 and thus the bag from opening unintentionally due to the dimensional stability of the closure clip 12 10 to prevent. The closure clip 12 or the first coupling element 1 can each have a small bead, tooth or the like (not shown) with a more or less slidably fitting fit, which in a correspondingly designed negative form (also not shown) of the first coupling element 1 or the closure clip 12 intervenes so as to prevent unwanted sliding and opening of the bag 10, but this connection can be released by slightly applied pressure.

Figure 5 shows a second coupling element 17 'of the docking device according to the invention from an elastomer body, which is constructed essentially analogously to the locking clamp 12 with a base plate 13', walls 14 'and edges 15' to provide recesses 16 '. The base plate 13 ', however, additionally has a continuous slot 9' similar to the first coupling element 1, on the inner surfaces of which a flexible second container in the form of a bag 10 'is attached, for example welded on. In addition, the second coupling element 17 'has a stop 18' in the form of a barrier wall on its front side T.

FIG. 6 shows a docking device 20 according to the invention, which is composed of a first coupling element 1 according to FIG. 1 or 4 and a second coupling element 17 "corresponding to coupling element 17 'according to FIG. 5, but without a stop 18' in the form of a barrier wall on the side T. The reference symbols used in Figure 6 have the meaning previously discussed in Figures 4 and 5. Docking is achieved by pushing the top sides 5 of the coupling elements 1 and 17 "laterally one above the other. Of course, it is also possible to provide a docking device with a second coupling element analogous to the coupling element 17 ', which has a stop 18'.

7 shows a first and second coupling element 1 ', 17'"of an alternative embodiment of a docking device 20 'shortly before docking. While in the docking device according to FIG. 6, the coupling elements 1, 17" are guided laterally or laterally one above the other with formation a sealing unit, the coupling elements V, 17 '", in particular their tops 5' and 5", are designed such that an axial docking takes place. For reasons of clarity, the flexible containers which are usually attached in an environmentally-tight manner to the undersides 4 'and 4 "have not been shown here for the sake of clarity. The top 5' of the first coupling element 1 'has an outline shape which essentially corresponds to that of the top 5" of the second coupling element In the case of environmentally sealed docking, the circumferential edges 22 and 24 come to lie on one another. With guide rails 26 and 28 on the opposite longitudinal sides of the coupling element 1 ', axial docking is facilitated and the docking device formed is substantially stabilized and the environmental tightness is increased Flexible containers can either be connected directly to the slots 9 "closed in the basic state of the coupling elements or their passage walls, similar to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. Alternatively, the peripheral edge 30, 32 on the undersides 4 'and 4" of the Coupling elements 1 'and 17'"are used en to environmentally flexible from the inside and preferably from the outside, z. B. under elastic bias to bring to the plant. Such a container brought to the plant can, for. B. can also be attached to the circumferential edge with a ribbon, belt or buckle. In this way, the coupling element can be reused in a very simple manner. The connection of the coupling elements 1 'and 17'"can be stabilized by means of fixing elements 34 and 36, in particular on opposite sides of the coupling elements 1 'and 17'". For example, a locking clamp (not shown) can be guided over fixing elements 34 and 36 having groove-shaped indentations, in particular with a precise fit. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this closure element is designed with gripping surfaces or gripping elements "by means of which the coupling elements 1 'and 17'" of the docking device can be deformed particularly easily. The fixing elements 34 and 36 can in principle be identical or, as shown in FIG. 7, be configured differently. In general, bige Forms possible, as long as they allow or allow a fixation and / or elastic deformation of the coupling elements.

FIG. 8 shows a first coupling element 1 'viewed from the top 5'. The guide rails 26 and 28 attached to the long sides are placed on the peripheral edge 30. The narrow sides contain fixing elements 34. The slot 9 "extends in a central orientation essentially parallel to the long sides of the coupling element. The coupling element 1 'shown is in the basic state, accordingly the slot 9" is closed. In a preferred embodiment, in particular the top 5 'or parts thereof are provided with an adhesive layer for fixing residual bulk material (not shown). Since the guide rails 26 and 28 are located only on the longitudinal sides of the coupling element 1 ', the illustrated embodiment also allows the coupling elements to be pushed on or docked laterally in addition to the axial docking. Docking is also possible in the present case by combining lateral and axial relative movements of the coupling elements.

In Figure 9, the coupling element 17 '"is shown from its top 5", including slot 9' ".

A filling process using a coupling element shown in FIG. 5 or a docking device based thereon is described below.

Filling the second sack 10 'with bulk material (not shown) from the first sack 10 is described below:

The bulk material is initially in the sack 10, which is kept closed by the closure clip 12, as indicated in FIG. 4. In order to transfer the bulk material into the sack 10 'located on the second coupling element 17', the second coupling element 17 'is simply pushed over the first coupling element 1 by inserting the edges 15' of the second coupling element 17 'into the grooves 3 of the first coupling element 1 inserted and at the same time the locking clip 12 is pushed down from its seat on the first coupling element 1. The grooves 3 in combination with the edges 15 'engaging therein as well as the webs 6 of the first coupling element which bear against the cutouts 16' of the second coupling element 17 '. elements 1 act as a guide device, while the grooves 3 and the edges 15 'positioned therein simultaneously act as a securing device for axially securing against detachment of the coupling elements 1, 17' from one another when the bags 10 and 10 'are arranged vertically one above the other for filling , serve. The second coupling element 17 'is correctly mounted on the first coupling element 1 when the front 7 of the first coupling element 1 abuts the stop 18' on the front 7 'of the second coupling element 17' and thus the slot 9 lies exactly above the slot 9 ' Lying comes.

If the front sides 1, T and the rear sides 8, 8 'of the coupling elements 1, 17' are directly or indirectly pressurized via the respective other coupling element 17 ', 1, the slots 9, 9' spread apart and the bulk material can get from the first sack 10 into the second sack 10 '. The pressure applied can be regulated so that a finely metered filling of the second sack 10 'or emptying of the first sack 10 is possible. In addition, the flexible design of the coupling elements 1, 17 'makes it easier to empty the first sack 10 or to fill the second sack 10' by breathing the first sack 10 in a manner similar to that of a bellows by briefly applying pressure several times, whereby on the one hand bulk material, the possibly adheres to the walls of the first sack 10, can be detached, and on the other hand a higher packing density is achieved in the second sack 10 'to be filled, since bulk material bridges (not shown) are destroyed by the corresponding flexing work.

In the coupling elements 1, 1 ', 17', 17 ", spring elements (not shown), preferably made of metal, can be arranged in the periphery of the slots 9, 9 ', 9", which can be extrusion-coated with an elastomer during manufacture and put the coupling elements 1, 1 ', 17', 17 "in certain directions into a slightly pre-stressed state by applying pressure. For the same purpose, additional cuffs can also be made around the coupling elements 1, 1 ', 17', 17" an elastically deformable material. Likewise, grooves, cutouts, webs, edges and the like can be arranged on the upper sides of the coupling elements instead of the side walls. Of course, both containers do not have to be in the form of sacks. For example, the docking device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of filling a first, bag-like container directly from a production device, for example with tablets or coated tablets. For this purpose, the second container could only be designed flexibly in the area of its coupling element in order to enable the coupling element to be opened and closed to deform it. In such a case, it would also be advantageous to apply pressure to open the coupling elements to the first coupling element connected to the bag-like container, so that this first coupling element could be referred to as an active part and said pressure to the second coupling element connected to the production device, which would then be classified as a passive part.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the drawings and the claims can be essential both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims

Expectations

1. Sealed docking device between two essentially environmentally insulated containers (10, 10 '), each container (10, 10') being, at least in regions, essentially flexible, in particular sack-shaped, and tightly connectable or connected to a coupling element (1, 17 '), in order to be tightly closable or closed and evident when the coupling elements (1, 17 ') are brought into tight contact with each other, characterized in that each coupling element (1, 17') is elastically deformable for opening and closing.

2. Docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that each coupling element (1, 17 ') has at least one slot (9, 9') which is sealed in the basic state, in particular via at least one sealing element, and for filling and / or emptying of the corresponding container (10, 10 ') by pressurization, preferably controlled and / or regulated, is evident.

3. Docking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first coupling element (1) can be connected or equipped with a device for pressurizing, wherein by pressurizing the first coupling element (1) is evident and, if in close contact with the other, second coupling element (17 '), forcing an opening of the second coupling element (17').

4. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one closing device (12) for securing a coupling element (1) which has not been brought into contact with another coupling element (17 '), the closing device (12) preferably opening the slot (9 ) of the first coupling element (1) prevented when pressure is applied.

5. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one guide device (3, 6, 15, 15 ', 16, 16', 18 ^l ), preferably comprehensively - end stop (18 '), such as in the form of a bead , a flat pin, a barrier wall and / or the like, and / or at least one groove (3) or recess (16, 16 ') on the one hand and / or at least one web (6) or projection (15, 15') on the other on the other hand, for engaging at least one coupling element (1, 17 ') and / or a closing device (12), the guide device (3, 6, 15, 15', 16, 16 ', 18') in particular aligning the slots (9 , 9 ') of the two coupling elements (1, 17') to be brought into abutment against one another.

6. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one securing device (3, 15, 15 ') to prevent the detachment of a tight stop of the two coupling elements (1, 17') against each other or a coupling element (1) against the associated closing device ( 12), preferably the securing device (3, 15, 15 ') from the guide device

(3, 6, 15, 15 ', 16, 16', 18 ').

7. Docking device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the guide device (3, 6) and / or the securing device (3) of a first coupling element (1) with the device for pressurization is or are.

8. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper sides (5, 5 ', 5 ") of the coupling elements (1, 1', 17 ', 17", 17' ") can be connected laterally or axially.

9. Docking device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the upper sides (5, 5 ', 5 ") of the coupling elements to be coupled (1, 1', 17 ', 17", 17' ") has at least one continuously rotating axial elevation (22), which can be brought over the entire circumference to, in particular tight, contact with, in particular the top of, a second coupling element.

10. Docking device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least the circumferential axial elevation (22) and a border or boundary (38) of the apparent passage or slot (9 ") on the top (5 ') of the coupling element for, in particular tight, System with the top (5 ") of a second coupling element (17 '") to be docked, in particular at least the circumferential axial elevation (22) of the top of the first coupling elements (1 ') with the circumferential axial elevation (24) of the top of the second coupling element (17'") and the border or boundary (38) of the visible passage or slot (9") of the top (5 ') of the first coupling element ( 1 ') with the border or boundary (40) of the visible passage or slot (9'") of the top (5") of the second coupling element (17 '") can be brought into contact, in particular a tight seal.

11. Docking device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that a coupling element has at least one axial guide device (26, 28), in particular a substantially circumferential, continuous or discontinuous axial edge web, on the upper side provided for coupling, the guide device , in particular the edge web, is dimensioned in such a way that an essentially tight, fixed and / or lockable closure is created with a second coupling element to be docked.

12. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one side, in particular the side provided for docking, has at least one coupling element, at least in regions, an adhesive and / or adhesive layer.

13. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coupling element is connected or connectable in an essentially environmentally insulated manner to at least one, in particular translucent or transparent, flexible container, containing at least one removal device, in particular in the form of a spoon, a spatula or one, in particular a closable container, in particular for taking samples.

14. Docking device according to claim 13, characterized in that the removal device can be connected or connected in regions, in particular at the rear or lower end, to the flexible container.

15. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each container (10, 10 ') on the corresponding coupling element (1, 17'), preferably in the region of its slot (9, 9 '), is attached, in particular welded ,

16. Docking device according to claim 15, characterized in that each container (10, 10 ') on the inner surface of the slot (9, 9') of the corresponding coupling element (1, 17 ') is attached.

17. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (9, 9 ') is designed as a single slot or cross-slot.

18. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, coupling element (1, 17 ') comprises a food-compatible plastic, such as EPDM, and / or silicone, or that at least one, in particular each, coupling element comprises bulk material or consists essentially of bulk material, in particular polyethylene or polyperopylene, or that at least one, in particular each, coupling element or at least in some areas, in particular at the points that can be contacted with bulk material, has a coating which comprises bulk material or essentially consists of bulk material, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene , consists.

19. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each coupling element (1, 17 ') comprises at least one spring element, preferably made of metal.

20. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers (10, 10 '), the coupling elements (1, 17') and / or the closing device (12) are jointly recyclable, in particular sorted.

21. Docking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container to be emptied is part of a filling or production unit, and the container to be filled comprises a sack or container container, or that the container to be emptied is a sack or a container container and the one to be filled Container comprises part of a production unit.

22. Coupling element for environmentally insulated filling and / or emptying of containers which is fixed or detachable and essentially environmentally insulated on a first side, in particular the underside, connected or connectable to at least one essentially flexible container, at least in some areas, characterized in that the coupling element (1, 1 ') is elastically deformable at least in certain areas and has a second side, in particular an upper side, which is essentially sealed to a second side, in particular an upper side, of a second coupling element (17', 17 ", 17 '") and in particular is reversibly dockable, wherein said coupling element is closed in the basic state and is reversibly evident under elastic deformation, in particular via at least one slot (9, 9 ', 9 ", 9'"), so that a passage from the first to the second Side of the coupling element is present.

23. Coupling element according to claim 22, characterized in that the upper side of the coupling element has at least one continuously circumferential axial elevation, which can be brought over the entire circumference for, in particular tight, contact with a second coupling element.

24. Coupling element according to claim 23, characterized in that the circumferential axial elevation (22) and a border or boundary (38) of the apparent passage or slot (9 ") on the top (5 ') of the coupling element with the top (5 ") of a second coupling element to be docked, in particular at least the circumferential axial elevation (22) of the top (5 ') of the first coupling element (1') with the circumferential axial elevation (24) of the top of the second coupling element (17 '") and the border or boundary (38) of the apparent passage or slot (9 ") of the top (5 ') of the first coupling element (1') with the border or boundary (40) of the visible passage or slot (9") of the top (5 ") of the second coupling element (17 '") can be brought to, in particular tight, plant.

25. Coupling element according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized by an essentially axial guide device (26, 28), in particular a continuously circumferential or discontinuous axial edge web, on the top of said coupling element, in particular on the circumferential axial elevation, to form a tight, fixed and / or lockable termination with a dockable second coupling element.

26. Coupling element according to claim 22, characterized by at least one filling device (3, 6, 15, 15 ', 16, 16', 18 '), comprising at least one groove (3) or recess (16, 16') or at least one Web (6) or projection (15, 15 '), in particular in the area of at least one side surface connecting the top and bottom, for engaging a second coupling element and / or a closing device (12).

27. Coupling element according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that at least one side of the coupling element, in particular the second side provided for environmentally insulated docking to a second coupling element, at least in some areas an adhesive and / or an adhesive, in particular an adhesive and / or adhesive layer.

28. Coupling element according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that the peripheral edge region of the receiving opening of the flexible container on the first side (4, 4 ^ς , 4 ") of the coupling element tightly with the peripheral edge, in particular in the basic state closely abutting Walls, of the passage (9, 9 ', 9 ") at least adjacent to the first side, with the surface, the first side or, with the sides connecting the first and second sides, with or without the aid of a clamping belt or rubber, or is connectable.

29. Coupling element according to one of claims 22 to 28, characterized by at least one, in particular environmentally connected, in particular translucent or transparent, flexible container in which there is at least one removal device, in particular in the form of a spoon, spatula or, in particular closable, container.

30. Coupling element according to claim 29, characterized in that the removal device can be connected or connected in regions, in particular at a rear or lower end, to the flexible container.

31. Coupling element according to one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that it comprises a food-compatible plastic, such as EPDM, and / or silicone, or that said coupling element contains bulk material or consists essentially of bulk material, in particular polyethylene or polyperopylene, or that said coupling element at least in some areas, in particular at the points which can be contacted with bulk material, has a coating which contains bulk material or essentially consists of bulk material, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene.

32. Method for, in particular environmentally insulated, filling and / or emptying of containers, characterized in that each container is at least partially, in particular adjacent to a coupling element, essentially flexible, in particular bag-shaped, in which a) the opening of a first container is included a first coupling element and the opening of a second container with a second coupling element, each of which is elastically deformable for opening and closing, in particular essentially environmentally insulated, permanently or reversibly connects; b) the first and second coupling elements are tightly closable or closed and evidently connect with the formation of a docking device, in particular with the formation of a docking device according to claims 1 to 21, in particular laterally or axially; c) the first and / or second coupling element is elastically deformed to form a passage in the first and in the second coupling element; and d) the contents of the first container are transferred to the second container, or vice versa, partially or completely by the common passage.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that the first and / or second coupling element is sealed tightly before forming a docking device via at least one closing device.

34. The method according to any one of claims 32 or 33, characterized in that each coupling element has at least one slot, wherein a first coupling element is pressurized to form an opening, whereby an opening of a second coupling element located in close contact with the first coupling element to form a passage from the first to the second container.

35. The method according to any one of claims 32 or 33, characterized in that each coupling element has at least one slot, wherein a first coupling element is pressurized to form an opening and wherein a second coupling element located in close contact with the first coupling element Forming an opening with pressure, whereby a passage is formed from the first to the second container.

36. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the container to be emptied is briefly subjected to Dmck several times during the emptying process.

37. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, characterized in that the first container is stationary and the second container is transportable.

38. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 37, characterized in that the second container is flexible only in the region of the second coupling element.

39. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 38, characterized in that the second container is part of a filling or production device or is connected to a production device, and that the first container filled via the filling or production device or that the production device is filled via the first container.

40. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 39, characterized in that the upper side of the second coupling element is pushed sealingly, in particular laterally, over the upper side of the first coupling element, with, in particular, opposing second guide elements, in particular in the form of edges, in particular Long edges, of the second coupling element engage, in particular on opposite sides, corresponding first guide devices, in particular in the form of grooves, of the first coupling element.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that a closing device sealing the first coupling element, in particular a locking clamp, is pushed down when the edges of the second coupling element are inserted into the grooves of the first coupling element.

42. The method according to any one of claims 40 or 41, characterized in that the second coupling element has a stop on a front side, wherein one pushes the first coupling element, in particular, up to the abutment against this stop on the second coupling element.

43. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 39, characterized in that the upper sides of the coupling elements are axially coupled and in particular fixed via at least one axial guide device.

44. Use of docking devices according to one of claims 1 to 21 or of coupling elements according to one of claims 22 to 31 for, in particular environmentally insulated, filling of flexible containers, in particular from filling or production plants.

45. Use of docking devices according to one of claims 1 to 21 or of coupling elements according to one of claims 22 to 31 for, in particular um- world-insulated, filling of production plants, especially of formulation plants, extruders, injection molding or blow molding machines.

46. Use of docking devices according to one of claims 1 to 21 or of coupling elements according to one of claims 22 to 31 for, in particular environmentally insulated, filling and / or emptying of pharmaceutical starting, intermediate or end products.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

, 1 'first coupling element LL SSeeiitteennllänängegee

Side surface hh height height

Nut tt TTiieeffee, 4 ', 4 "bottom bb BBrreeiittee, 5', 5" top DD DDrruucckk

Web, 7 'front, 8' rear, 9 ', 9 ", 9'" slot 0, 10 'sack 1 inner surface 2 locking clip 3, 13' base plate 4, 14 * wall 5, 15 'edge 6, 16' recess 7 ', 17 ", 17'" second coupling element 8 'stop 0, 20' docking device 2 circumferential edge of a first coupling element, axial elevation 4 circumferential edge of a second coupling element, axial elevation 6 guide rail 8 guide rail 0 circumferential edge 2 circumferential edge 4 fixing element 6 fixing element 8 border of slot 9 "0 border of slot 9 '"