EP1622809B1 - Coupling element and docking device comprising such a coupling element - Google Patents

Abstract

In a coupling element for decanting, filling, or emptying of containers, a first sealing strip a flank piece comprising elastic as a first mounting element at a first end defining a first inner space for retaining a first axis, and a second mounting element on a second opposite end defining a second inner space for retaining a second axis. A second sealing strip comprising elastic has a first mounting element on a first end which defines a first inner space for retaining the second axis, and a second mounting element on a second opposite end which defines the second inner space for retaining the first axis. Inner sides of the flank pieces of the first and second sealing strips are attachable to one another to form a seal. The first mounting element of the first strip in the second mounting element of the second strip are positioned adjacent one another to form a first articulated section, and the second mounting element of the first sealing strip and the first mounting element of the second sealing strip being adjacent to one another to form a second articulated section. The first articulated cap forming a pivot bearing is positioned at least partially over the first articulated section and a second articulated cap forming a pivot bearing as positioned at least partially over the second articulated section. The first axis is retained in the first inner space for pivotable mounting of the first articulated section and the second axis is retained in the second inner space for pivotable mounting of the second articulated section.

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling element and a docking device comprising a coupling element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a holding device for actuating coupling elements or docking devices according to the invention and a connecting device comprising at least two coupling elements according to the invention.

In many areas, especially in the processing industry, high demands are often placed on the purity of the starting materials used, which is why contamination by impurities must be avoided at every point of the process sequence and not only in the production and isolation of the starting materials. Frequently, however, contact with the environment can not be completely avoided, especially when filling the finished starting products into suitable containers and when transferring them to further processing into intermediates or end products. Already hereby, the quality of the processed products can be sustainably affected and, if necessary, product batches can even be completely rejected. On the other hand, care must be taken, especially in the case of toxic compounds, that humans and the environment do not come into contact with these substances, which likewise requires very careful, environmentally-isolated work. Often only work under cleanroom conditions meets the requirements to be able to transfer toxic substances into suitable processing containers. In any case, both in the endeavor not to contaminate valuable starting materials, as well as the goal setting, not to contaminate the environment with toxic compounds, a high equipment and safety effort associated, which is inevitably reflected in the manufacturing cost. These high requirements are, for example, regularly to be met by the food processing, the chemical or the pharmaceutical industry, for example, if products in the form of bulk or fluids from a fixed first container to be transferred to a portable second container. Since some products have a very toxic effect on the human organism even in very small amounts and other products are very sensitive to air, for example, the industry has developed effective coupling elements or docking devices which can be filled or emptied in an insulated or at least dust-free container To enable state. For example, for this purpose containers are filled via a double cap technique, which have proved to be very efficient, but also because of the technical design and the materials used, as costly.

From the DE 695 04 581 T2 For example, a generic, sealed docking between environmentally insulated containers is known which has a rigid, annular flange with a door. The flange and the door are preferably made of a hard plastic material. The containers, which may be in the form of sacks, are preferably made of a soft plastic material. A disadvantage of this docking device is the structurally very complex processing of the flange with its serving for locking cam mechanism, which increases the manufacturing cost of a disposable object inappropriately and also user-unfriendly because cumbersome makes.

Docking devices for contamination-free decanting come especially in the handling of radioactive materials used and regularly require a structurally complex lock assembly, such as DE 39 05 362 A1 can be seen. In addition, a docking device adapted to its geometry is required for each type of container.

Of the DE 695 04 581 T2 is a sealed docking device between two environmentally insulated housings, which are each provided with a door to take. In this case, the outer sides of the doors can be tightly abutted against each other, wherein the locking mechanism of the first door can also be controlled by an actuator of the second door. After being transported from one housing to the other, the unit of two doors is returned to its place in the respective receptacles and the two housings can be separated from each other. In this way, the outsides of the two doors remain free of debris as they pass through the transfer or the transport have been isolated from each other. Also the docking device according to DE 695 04 581 T2 is structurally complex and can not be readily applied to environmentally isolated Befüllmechanismen for smaller sized structures.

Docking facilities simpler design can according to DE 196 24 189 A1 also from a first docking element, which is funnel-shaped, and a second docking element, which are formed positively on the funnel-shaped docking, in particular forming a spherical contact surface. To ensure the gas tightness, the contact surface has to have a rubber-elastic surface. Although succeeds with the docking device according to DE 196 24 189 A1 a transfer of flowable media, however, can not be guaranteed that when connecting or disconnecting the docking these flowable media does not enter the environment.

In the DE 43 29 276 A1 is a dust-tight connection of portable bulk containers, which in turn are already provided with a connection device proposed. Here, the bulk material container is inserted in the docked state with the outlet from above in an elastic disc and closed when closed by a sealing cone. The discharge hopper of the bulk material container has a diameter which is larger than that of the hole in the rubber disc. An end cone located in the outlet funnel cuts off the bulk material flow with its lower edge. When using a rubber disc with a deliberately undersized passage opening as a sealing element, however, can not be excluded that, at least in frequent use, damage or deteriorate the elasticity, so that an environmentally sound insulation of the discharge funnel is no longer guaranteed. Furthermore, special precautions must be taken to be able to effect an environmentally insulated closing of the bulk material container via a displacement of the end cone. The application possibilities of the dustproof connection according to DE 43 299 276 A1 are therefore severely limited.

The DE 20 217 669 U1 describes a sealed docking between two substantially environmentally isolated containers, each container is at least partially substantially flexible and can be tightly connected to a coupling element. The tightly against each other adjacent elastic coupling elements are each with a Slit equipped, which can be opened by elastic deformation of the coupling elements. By the respective slots of the flush-fitting coupling elements are precisely superimposed, the slots are opened by pressurizing opposite sides of the coupling elements and contents can be transported. In this way, in particular the handling of docking devices, as they are known from DE 69 504 581 T2 are known, simplified and the production costs are reduced.

The WO 03/037756 deals with a multi-walled, an inner and an outer shell comprehensive reversal container. The intermediate space between the flexible inner container and the outer casing can be filled with compressed air variably via a compressed air supply line, so that the cross section of the inner flexible container wall can be adjusted to reduce the falling speed of the bulk material introduced via an upper inlet. In this way, a gentle filling with bulk material succeeds, since it can influence the fall distance as well as the falling speed of the bulk material. In addition, the pressurization of the space between the inner and the outer shell can be used to quickly and efficiently remove even last Schüttgutreste when emptying the container. Further, the WO 03/037756 a container equipped at its inlet and / or outlet with an elastic coupling element comprising a slot opening. Such a coupling element may have, for example, on its longitudinal sides mounted on a peripheral edge guide rails and be equipped on its opposite narrow sides with fixing elements for mutual fixation of a docking device forming coupling elements. Such coupling elements are suitable for axial coupling to a second coupling element for the purpose of forming the docking device described above.

The GB 2 040 862 A discloses a packaging apparatus for vacuum packaging or for packaging in the absence of air and moisture. In addition to a suction line for evacuating the container to be filled and holding members are provided with which the opening edge of a flexible container held during filling and can be opened or closed automatically. In this case, a one-piece holding device made of a rubber material can be used, which, in order to ensure a reliable opening and closing of the opening edge of the flexible container, additionally equipped with metallic struts. With the in the GB 2 040 862 A The device should shorten the filling cycles, reduce or eliminate decontamination of the environment and minimize the control effort during filling.

Of the US 5,853,207 is a sealed docking device comprising two rotatably mounted half flaps refer to the applied on their outer sides together state about a common axis from a closed position in the transfer opening at least partially releasing transfer position can be transferred. Here, the first half-flap has locking means which can be controlled by actuators mounted on the second half-flap. Such a docking device makes it possible to protect the outsides of the half-flaps from contamination.

The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop generic sealed docking devices as well as these docking devices forming coupling elements and the known methods for environmentally insulated filling of containers with bulk material or fluids such that the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and in particular simplifies the handling and the manufacturing costs be reduced.

This object is achieved by a coupling element for environmentally-insulated transfer, filling and / or emptying of containers, comprising at least one first closure strip containing an at least partially elastic cheek body with an inner side, an outer side, an upper side and / or edge and / or a lower side and / or or edge, at least one first bearing element at the first end of the cheek body, in particular with a rounded, in particular radial, outer circumference or outer peripheral portion and / or at least a first inner space for receiving a hinge axis, and at least one second bearing element at the second, the first end opposite end of the cheek body, in particular with a rounded, in particular radial, outer circumference or outer peripheral portion and / or at least a second inner space to measure a hinge axis;
at least one second closure strip containing an at least partially elastic cheek body with an inner side, an outer side, an upper side and / or edge and / or a lower side and / or edge, at least one first bearing element on the first end of the cheek body, in particular with a rounded, in particular radial, outer circumference or outer peripheral portion and / or at least one inner space for receiving a hinge axis, and at least one second bearing element the second, opposite the first end of the car body, in particular with a rounded, in particular radial, outer circumference or outer peripheral portion and / or at least one interior for receiving a hinge axis;
wherein the inner sides of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip at least partially sealingly against each other can be applied, wherein the first bearing element of the first closure strip with the second bearing element of the second closure strip and the second bearing element of the first closure strip and the first bearing element of the second closure strip respectively under at least partially mutual contact of the inner sides of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip adjacent can be arranged to form first and second, in particular common outer surface areas, in particular cylinder surface areas;
at least one first joint cap, the formation of a pivot bearing at least partially over and / or about a first joint body, in particular adjacent first and second bearing elements of the first and second closure strip, can be arranged, and / or at least one second joint cap, the formation of a pivot bearing at least partially and / or about a second joint body, in particular adjacent to each other second and first bearing elements of the first and second closure strip can be arranged; and or
at least one first hinge axis for receiving in the first inner space for rotatably supporting the first joint body, in particular of the first and second bearing element of the first and second closure strip, and / or at least one second joint axis for receiving in the second inner space for rotatably supporting the second joint body, in particular of the second and first bearing element of the first and second closure strip.

By pressing against each other of the first and second joint body and / or by pulling apart the first and second closure strip, the coupling element according to the invention is or are opened, wherein the resilient cheek body or the resilient partial areas of the same ensure a reversible, secure closing.

It can be inventively provided that the first and / or second bearing element of the first and / or second closure strip at least partially simulates or replicate the shape of a circular ring, in particular represent bridge arms.

First and second bearing elements are preferably designed such that they form a joint body which is held on a common axis and / or a common joint cap in such a way that a guided, hinge-like movement of the cheek bodies connected to the bearing elements is made possible. A rounded or circular outer and / or inner surface of the bearing elements generally allows easy way a joint guide. Of course, adjacent bearing elements and / or the outer and / or inner surfaces of the joint body may be provided with a lubricant and / or lubricant.

In one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the first and / or second bearing element of the first and / or second closure strip on the outside of the first and / or second end of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip is attached or attachable or are. By attaching the bearing elements on the outside of the closure strip the cheek body over its entire length a maximum range of motion is granted. From this embodiment, e.g. includes both those coupling elements in which the or the bearing elements are an integral part of the first and / or second closure strip, as well as those in which the or the bearing elements are separate components with the closure strip or the webs or cheeks of the closure strip reversibly connectable. For example, it can be provided that a bearing element can be coupled via a snap-in connection, a spring / groove connection or another reversibly releasable non-positive or positive connection to the closure strip. This allows a very simple handling of the coupling elements according to the invention and also allows to keep containers sealed by means of the closure strips, without having to rely on additional storage elements. For this purpose, it is also possible, for example, to make use of a separate cover rail which can be pulled over adjoining first and second closure strips, e.g. using a spring / groove connection. The number of required for loading and refilling, structurally complex and therefore more expensive storage elements can be greatly reduced in this way, without having to accept restrictions when loading and decanting bulk material.

It can be inventively provided that, in particular annular, first and / or second bearing element does not extend to the inside of the cheek body of the first or second closure strip or extend, in particular has a central angle in the range of 90 ° to 240 ° or have , By the bearing elements do not circumscribe a complete circular path, but leave an opening in the area of the inside of the cheek body, the handling when joining the closure strips to coupling elements or docking devices and in particular facilitates the attachment of bag edges on the closure strips.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the first and / or second hinge cap has or have internal dimensions which correspond to the outer dimensions of adjacent first and / or second bearing elements substantially, so that when abutting inner sides of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip the first joint cap, the first and second bearing element of the first and second closure strip and the second joint cap at least partially flush the second and first bearing element of the first and second closure strip to form a pivot bearing. The expended for the bending apart of the elastic cheek body forces can be introduced, for example, by using a joint cap in the closure strips. This joint cap holds the first and second bearing elements forming the joint body also in the opening and closing of the cheek body in their predetermined adjacent arrangement.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the first and / or second joint cap a Gelenkkappendeckel with a hinge axis, in particular in the form of a hollow cylinder segment comprises, which formed in the first and second bearing element of the first and second closure strip first interior and the second and the first bearing element of the first and second closure strip formed second interior is inserted or are. In addition to the fixing or guiding of the bearing elements via a joint cap, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a joint or rotation axis can also be introduced into these first and second bearing elements or the first and second internal spaces.

Preferred coupling elements are further distinguished by the fact that the first end, in particular the inner side, of the cheek body of the first closure element and / or the second end, in particular of the inner side, of the cheek body of the second closure element projects into the first inner space, in particular up to approximately to the center of the interior, and / or that the second end, in particular that of the inside, the cheek body of the first closure strip and the first end, in particular the inside, of the cheek body of the second closure strip projects into the second interior, in particular to about the middle of the interior. It has proved to be particularly advantageous to let the cheeks body end approximately in the center of first and second inner spaces formed by the first and second bearing elements. As a result, on the one hand, the mechanical stress on the components of the coupling element is minimized. On the other hand, the bag edges attached to the cheeks are handled very gently and experience no distortion when opening and closing the coupling element.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the first bearing element of the first and / or second closure strip at least partially comprises at least one annular body and that the second bearing element of first and / or second closure strip comprises at least two spaced apart annular body, wherein the annular body of the first bearing element between two spaced annular body of the second bearing element, in particular flush, is fittable to form a first joint body, and / or wherein the annular body of the second bearing element between two spaced annular body of the first bearing element, in particular flush, with the formation of a second joint body einpaßbar is, in each case to form an interior for receiving at least one hinge axis. In that the first and second bearing elements of the first and second closure strip are designed such that they can be fitted flush with each other, the quality of the guide and the fixing during the opening and closing of the coupling element is further increased.

It can also be provided according to the invention that the first and second bearing elements of the first and second closure strip at least in sections form a substantially uniform cylindrical or spherical outer surface.

According to another aspect, preferred coupling elements are characterized in that the inside of the cheek body of the first closure strip and / or the inside of the cheek body of the second closure strip curved at least in the ground state, in particular in the form of a circle segment is or are. Consequently, the inner sides close in mutual contact an opening slot. Formed from two cheek bodies, which are each arched on its inside, a coupling element according to the invention, this leads first to the fact that in fixed bearing elements or joint bodies, the adjoining inner sides of this cheek body a substantially straight closure line form. In this case, the bulging of the inner sides in the ground state already provides for such a coupling element for a bias and thus for a still secure closing. Furthermore, the use of curved on the inside cheek body in a coupling element according to the invention to the fact that the outer sides of this cheek body often have an outer curvature in such a coupling element. This outer curvature is now suitable to direct or facilitate the unfolding or opening of the abutting cheeks body.

Accordingly, the invention provides that at, in particular flush, conditioning the inner sides of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip at least one outer side of a cheek body has an outer curvature.

Particularly preferred are also those coupling elements in which the inside of at least one cheek body is profiled. By profiling the inside of the cheeks body, both the tightness of the coupling elements can be further improved, as well as the risk of residual contamination, e.g. by remaining of bulk material residues in the region of the coupling element, be considerably reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, preferred coupling elements have at least one bulge bar and / or at least one indentation gutter on the inside of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip, in particular from the first to the opposite second end of the cheek body, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cheek body Cheek body extends or extend.

It can be provided that at least one bulge in the region of at least one longitudinal edge is present or designed as a longitudinal edge and / or that there is at least one, in particular central, gutter gutter between two spaced longitudinal edges and / or Ausbuchtungsstegen.

It can further be inventively provided that the Ausbuchtungssteg in longitudinal section has substantially the shape of a circular section, in particular with a maximum bulge approximately in the middle of the cheek body.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that at least one inner wall, preferably both inner walls of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip, at least one, in particular central, bulge and at least one gutter between the bulge and the upper longitudinal edge and at least one gutter between the bulge and the having lower longitudinal edge of the inner wall.

Particularly preferred are those coupling elements in which the bulge web at least partially emerges more strongly from the inner wall than the lower and / or upper longitudinal edges of the same.

For example, it is possible, in particular only the longitudinal edges and the Ausbuchtungsstege on the inner wall of the cheeks elastic to design or only those areas that come for a secure closing when mutual contact of the insides of the cheeks body in question. Preferably, the flexible containers or hoses are then not attached to these elastic regions by means of an adhesive, but only in those areas which are not essential for a secure closing of the cheeks body. In this way it is prevented that the permanent elasticity of said, used for the secure closing areas of the inner wall is affected by adhesive or adhesive.

Accordingly, a particularly preferred coupling element has a flexible container or a flexible hose, the or, in particular along the edge regions or longitudinal edges, on the inside, outside, top edge and / or bottom edge of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip, in particular along the entire length of the cheeks body, attachable or present.

A preferred Ausfülu- ungsform is also characterized by the fact that the container or tube covers the entire inside of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip, in particular the edge of the container or the tube approximately to the edge of the inside of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip corresponds and / or protrudes beyond this.

The container or tube may e.g. be fully or partially glued or welded to the cheeks body or the inside. In a preferred embodiment, the hose or the flexible container is already integrated in the injection molding of the cheek body or the closure strip at least on a component of the coupling element. This eliminates a further step and creates a particularly strong and tight connection. Furthermore, the curing phenomena that occur when using adhesives due to the interaction with e.g. a flexible plastic material of the cheek body can occur. It also provides a further development that the hose or the container both on the first cheek body or the first closure strip and on the second cheek body and the second closure strip of a coupling element during injection molding of these components, either in one step or in successive process steps , with incorporated or tethered.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the first and / or second closure strip on the longitudinal top and / or bottom, in particular in each case comprising the portion between the inside and the outside of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip, at least one coupling device, in particular in the form of a groove and / or spring.

Suitably, it is provided that the first and / or second closure strip or its cheek body on the longitudinal side top has a groove or a spring and on the longitudinal underside of a spring or a groove or have.

It has proven advantageous to provide coupling devices on the upper and lower sides of the coupling elements according to the invention, since this leads to docking devices formed from two coupling elements in each case, which are distinguished by a particularly pronounced environmental tightness. Of course, a docking device according to the invention is already available with two coupling elements according to the invention, which are flush against each other, can be filled with the bulk material, especially if the edge of the container or the tube at about the edge of the inside of the cheek body of the first and / or or second closure strip corresponds and / or protrudes beyond this.

Preferred embodiments of the coupling elements according to the invention are also characterized in that the first and / or second closure strip, in particular the top and / or bottom of the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip, at least partially provided with an adhesive or at least one adhesive layer or . are. The application of an adhesive or adhesive surface, in particular on that side of the closure strip, which has a groove (passive side), has the advantage that the particles not transferred during the filling or transfer process or not completely transferred bulk material or fluid adheres to the coupling element or stay and do not end up in the environment. Suitably, peelable adhesive strips are used, which can be removed after use and replaced with a new adhesive strip.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the first and the second sealing strip substantially coincide in their shape and / or size. A particular advantage of the coupling elements according to the invention is that they can be formed from two substantially identical closure strips. For one of the closure strips each only to rotate 180 ° C to be brought to another closure strip to form a coupling element to the plant. This reduces the manufacturing costs, simplifies the assembly and ultimately also to less failure sides when loading or transferring bulk material.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the cheek body of the first and / or second closure strip on or on the inside, in particular extending over the entire length of the inside, at least one elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomeric segment. The cheek body or closure strip may be made of two or more different materials, wherein the inside of the cheek body preferably comprises an elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer material for reasons of achieving better tightness, while the outside is e.g. can be made of a thermoplastic. Such components can be e.g. Produce in a single process by means of two-component injection molding.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it is also contemplated that the joint cap comprises a first and a second joint cap half.

It can be inventively provided that the first and / or second joint cap half has a locking hole in the rounded outer surface for receiving a locking pin of a bearing element and / or at least one locking pin on a cover inside for inclusion in a recess on the bottom or top of a bearing element or dispose.

Preferred coupling elements are designed such that the first and / or second joint cap has or have a predetermined open section, which determines the opening angle of the first and second closure strip in the region of the first and second joint body. About the defined by the opening angle in the joint body maximum deflection can be easily adjusted, the maximum size of the opening of the coupling element and thus a predetermined bulk material fall speed.

According to another aspect, particularly preferred coupling elements are characterized in that the bearing elements at least in sections, in particular along the rounded outer surfaces, thermoplastic polymers, in particular polyoxyalkylenes, preferably polyoxymethylenes (POM), and / or polyketones, preferably alternating carbon monoxide / ethylene copolymers containing , In particular, suitable materials are characterized by low abrasion and very good Gleitreibeigenschaften.

Furthermore, coupling devices according to the invention can be at least one separate and / or integrated locking unit for, at least temporarily, fixing the position of the first and / or second closure strip or its cheek body and / or at least one separate or integrated covering unit for at least partially, in particular environmentally sealed, covering at least have a provided for docking side or surface of the coupling element. Of course, locking unit and cover unit can also be embodied in one component. Suitable locking and / or covering units can also be configured as a transport aid, for example as a transport clip, and ensure unproblematic transport or unproblematic storage of, for example, containers and sacks without the risk of the contents being contaminated during transport or storage contaminated. With the locking and covering units are thus suitable means available to secure a coupling element before and after use against unintentional opening or closing and the docking surfaces from contamination to protect. Conveniently, the closure strips or cheeks have on their respective outer sides at least one locking element, for example a locking groove into which the locking and covering units can be inserted via corresponding devices, eg rails.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a docking device for environmentally-insulated transfer, filling and / or emptying of bulk material and / or fluids comprising at least two together, in particular flush, engageable and / or dockable coupling elements according to the invention. In this case, the underside of the first coupling element, in particular the underside and / or lower edge of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip, with the top of the second coupling element, in particular the top and / or edge of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip, comes regularly to the plant. The coupling elements used for the docking device according to the invention are preferably matched in shape and size to each other, that when opposing first and second hinge body and / or first and second coupling elements are pressurized, the cheek body of the first and second coupling element, in particular uniformly, bend apart ie open and close at the same time. The movement of adjoining cheek body of the first and second coupling element can be particularly effective for example via intermeshing coupling devices, such as tongue and groove, make sure. In this case, for example, is on the underside or edge of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip of the first coupling element in each case before a spring, which are matched in shape and size to a groove which on the top or edge of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip of second coupling element are provided. In this way, it is possible to keep a bulk material container via an attached thereto first coupling element initially sealed to environmentally sealed and also absolutely environmentally sealed to couple a second coupling element to form a docking device according to the invention. Furthermore, the Umfüllvorgang can be made absolutely environmentally sealed, since the first and second coupling elements of the docking device are coupled in their opening and closing movement together.

In a further embodiment of the docking device according to the invention it is provided that at least one coupling element, in particular environmentally insulated, with a, in particular in the edge region of the opening, flexible container is connectable or connected.

It can be inventively provided that at least one coupling element with a, in particular in the edge region, flexible tubular shaped body, in particular environmentally isolated, connectable or connected.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a holding device for actuating coupling elements according to the invention and / or docking devices according to the invention, comprising a first receiving and / or locking unit for, in particular flush, receiving and / or locking the first joint body and / or the first Joint cap of a coupling element or a docking device; a second receiving and / or locking unit for, in particular flush, receiving and / or locking the second joint body opposite the first joint body and / or the second joint cap of the coupling element or the docking device; and an adjusting mechanism configured to move the first receiving and / or locking unit and the second receiving and / or locking unit toward and away from each other by opening and closing the coupling element or docking device.

The holding device according to the invention preferably has at least one hinge axis for receiving a first and / or second bearing element of the first and / or second closure strip, in particular of the first and / or second joint body.

It can further be provided that the first and / or second receiving and / or locking unit has a lower and / or upper, in particular rotatable or displaceable, locking mechanism.

In addition, preferred holding devices are characterized in that the path of the first and second receiving unit is limited to each other and / or away from each other.

The holding device can be manually, semi-automatically as well as fully automatically operated and used for unlocking, locking, opening and closing of a coupling element or a docking device. The adjusting mechanism may e.g. use a swivel joint or an actuator with or without swivel joints.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the holding device is characterized by at least one pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motor operated, in particular semi or fully automatic, adjusting mechanism. A e.g. pneumatically operated holding device again increases the reliability when filling, decanting or emptying of bulk material. In addition, with such a device, the opening and closing of docking devices according to the invention always optimally, regardless of their size and / or elastic properties.

In an advantageous embodiment, the holding device according to the invention also has at least one suction device which is in operative connection with the first and / or second holding device and / or the first and / or second joint cap and / or first and / or second joint body of the first and / or second Coupling element can be brought or is. By combining the holding device with a suction device, e.g. after completion of the filling and closing of the docking device and before the first and second coupling elements of the docking device are decoupled bulk material remains that have remained in the region of the joint body are sucked. This further reduces the risk of residual contamination when decoupling the docking device.

Finally, the object underlying the invention by a connecting device for environmentally-insulated loading and / or decanting of bulk material or fluids, comprising comprising a substantially schauchförmiges structure having at least a first and second opening, wherein at least the edge regions of the first and second opening flexible are configured, and a first coupling element according to the invention, in particular environmentally isolated, connectable or connected to the first opening of the tubular structure and a second coupling element according to the invention, in particular environmentally isolated, connectable to or connected to the second opening of the tubular structure.

The present invention is therefore based on the finding that the inventive design of a coupling element and a docking device for filling or emptying of at least partially substantially flexible containers an effective contamination-free loading or decanting of bulk material and / or fluids is guaranteed. Furthermore, the coupling elements and docking devices according to the invention have an effective structural design with a very small number of individual components and offer a high degree of reliability and safety, since e.g. Defects due to technical defects as well as due to signs of wear and tear as well as during continuous operation can be virtually excluded. In addition, the coupling elements and docking devices according to the invention are inexpensive to manufacture. In a very advantageous embodiment, a coupling element may even comprise two identical first and second closure strips. In the same way, it is now possible to provide a docking device comprising four identical sealing strips, which makes production and handling even easier. Lost items can be easily replaced. In addition, the full cross-section of the passage opening of a coupling element according to the invention or a docking device can be used, whereas according to the known double-cap technique, the double-cap inserts reduce the cross-section.

The docking devices according to the invention as well as coupling elements are suitable for the particularly environmentally insulated filling of flexible containers directly from filling or production plants. These docking devices and coupling elements can also be used without problems and reliably in order to be able to fill or empty, for example, sacks, production plants, formulation systems, extruders and injection molding and blow molding machines without contamination. In particular, when it has to be ensured that only the materials intended for production are used, for example in the introduction of e-duct material in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products or pharmaceutical intermediate or end products, including formulated products, the docking device according to the invention has or have the coupling elements according to the invention proved to be extremely advantageous. Also, for example, high-purity plastics can be obtained in a reliable manner that granules are filled via the docking device according to the invention directly into a plastic processing plant, such as an extruder, in a preferred embodiment, the coupling elements, docking devices and / or containers can be made of the same material the substance to be transfused.

With the docking device according to the invention, filling or emptying stations in production plants can be made much simpler and more cost-effective without having to accept any losses with regard to contamination-free work. The coupling elements and docking devices according to the invention both ensure that the environment is not burdened with bulk material residues, as well as that the bulk material to be transferred is not contaminated by substances and particles from the environment. Surprisingly, it has also been found in this connection that residual contamination can be completely avoided by adapting the material or coating material used for the docking devices and coupling elements according to the invention to the bulk material to be transfilled. In these cases, even the abrasion occurring during transfer at the coupling elements does not lead to contamination of the bulk material, e.g. in the case of polymer granules. The coupling elements or docking devices according to the invention thus contribute both to environmental and product protection.

Figur 1a)

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Verschlußleiste eines erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungselements;

Figur 1b)

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungselements;

Figur 2

eine Darstellung der Verschlußleiste gemäß Figur 1 in perspektivischer Seitenansicht;

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf eine erste Gelenkkappenhälfte eines erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungselements;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Gelenkkappenhälfte eines erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungselements;

Figur 5

eine Darstellung eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemäßer Kopplungselemente;

Figur 6a)

eine Querschnittsansicht eines bevorzugten Wangenkörpers eines erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungselements;

Figur 6b)

eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines Wangenkörpers gemäß Figur 6a);

Figur 7

eine perspek-tivische Ansicht eines Teils einer erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorrichtung;

Figur 8

eine perspek-tivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorrichtung enthaltend eine erfindungsgemäße Andockeinrichtung;

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorrichtung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Andockeinrichtung;

Figur 10a)

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorrichtung; und

Figur 10b)

einen Ausschnitt der Ansicht gemäß Figur 10a).

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, are explained in the embodiments of coupling elements and docking devices according to the invention with reference to schematic drawings in detail. Showing:

FIG. 1a)

a perspective view of a closure strip of a coupling element according to the invention;

FIG. 1b)

a perspective view of a coupling element according to the invention;

FIG. 2

an illustration of the closure strip according to FIG. 1 in perspective side view;

FIG. 3

a perspective top view of a first joint cap half of a coupling element according to the invention;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of a second joint cap half of a coupling element according to the invention;

FIG. 5

a representation of a section of the inventive coupling elements;

FIG. 6a)

a cross-sectional view of a preferred cheek body of a coupling element according to the invention;

FIG. 6b)

a partial perspective view of a cheek body according to FIG. 6a );

FIG. 7

a perspective view of a part of a holding device according to the invention;

FIG. 8

a perspective view of a holding device according to the invention comprising a docking device according to the invention;

FIG. 9

a perspective view of a holding device according to the invention with a docking device according to the invention;

FIG. 10a)

a perspective view of an alternative holding device according to the invention; and

FIG. 10b)

a section of the view according to FIG. 10a ).

FIG. 1 shows a first closure strip 2 of a coupling element according to the invention 1. The first closure strip 2 has an elongated cheek body 6 and a first bearing element 18 at the first end of the cheek body 6 and a second bearing element 20 at the first end opposite the second end of the cheek body. 6 The cheek body 6 comprises an outer wall 14 and an inner wall 10, wherein the inner wall 10 is slightly bulged in the ground state with a maximum bulge 11 approximately in the middle of the cheek body, which flattens steadily to both sides, ie to the first and second end. The cheek body 6 further includes an upper side 13 with its upper edge 15 and opposite a lower side with at least one lower edge (not shown). In the ground state, no external mechanical forces act on the cheek body. According to the in FIG. 1 shown embodiment, two additional bulges 42a, 42b along the longitudinal alignment of the cheek body 6 can be placed on the described advantageous embodiment of the inner wall 10 of the cheek body 6 or be an integral part of the same. These bulge webs 42a, 42b are part of a particularly preferred embodiment of a coupling element according to the invention, whose operation will be described below. Of course, the coupling element 1 according to the invention also includes those embodiments in which Ausbuchtungsstege 42a and 42b are not present. The cheek body 6 can be further subdivided into an outer wall region 14 of, for example, only moderately elastic, for example, thermoplastic material and an inner wall portion 10 of a more elastic material. Such material combinations can be obtained, for example, by means of coextrusion or multicomponent injection molding in a single operation. In the region of the first end 44 of the cheek body 6, a first bearing element 18 is present, which is attached with its projection 26 on the outer side 14 of the cheek body 6. In a corresponding manner, the second bearing element 20 is provided at the second end 66 of the cheek body 6. The first and second bearing elements 18 and 20 are in sectional view substantially similar to the shape of circular rings, ie the webs or web arms are not closed to a complete circle. The first bearing element 18 comprises according to Fig. 1 two spaced web arms 34 and 36. The distance between these web arms is selected such that a web arm 38 'of a second closure strip 4 can be received therein (not shown). Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the second bridge arm 36 has a recess 59 on its underside, the function of which will be described below. The web arms 34 and 36 and the first bearing element 18 at least partially enclose a space 48 into which the first end 44 of the cheek body 6 protrudes. This first end 44 is preferably located approximately at the center of the circles indicated by the circular-shaped web arms 34 and 36. Preferably, both the outer and the inner surfaces of the web arms 34 and 36 are designed as cylinder segments. The second bearing member 20 includes a lug 28 which is continued by the web arm 38. Also, the second end 66 of the cheek body 6 is preferably approximately in the center of the indicated by the web arm 38 Circumference placed. On the outer surface of the web arm 38 is a locking pin 52, whose function will be discussed later.

The coupling element 1 according to the invention can, as in FIG. 1b ) are obtained, characterized in that a first closure strip 2 with a second closure strip 4, which may be substantially identical to the closure strip 2, along the inner sides of their cheeks body 6 and 8 are placed against each other. In this case, the first end 44 of the cheek body 6 of the first closure strip 2 comes to rest with the second end of the cheek body of the second closure strip 4 and the second end of the cheek body of the first closure strip 2 with the first end of the cheek body of the second closure strip 4, and the web arm 38th the first closure strip 2 engages in a first bearing element 22 of the second closure strip 4, containing spaced web arms 34 'and 36', and a web arm 38 'of the second closure strip 4 engages the first bearing element 18 containing the web arms 34 and 36, forming Articulated bodies 25 and 25 '. Here, the inner walls 10 and 12 of the cheek body 6 and 8 of the first and second closure strips 2 and 4 pass over their bulge webs 42a, 42b and 42'a and 42'b to the plant. Assigning the interlocking first and second bearing elements 18, 20, 22, 24 of the first and second closure strip 2, 4 each flush to form first and second joint body 25, 25 'on top of each other, this leads due to the elastic properties of the cheeks 6 and 8 and the rounded configuration of the inner walls 10 and 12 to a slightly rounded Au-ßenwölbung the outer walls 14, 16 of the cheek body 6 and 8 in the assembled coupling element. 1

In FIG. 2 is again a first closure strip 2 of a coupling element 1 according to the invention shown in a schematic side elevational view. As can be seen from this figure, the projections 26 and 28 of the first and second bearing elements 18, 20 each begin at opposite ends of the outer wall 14 of the cheek body 6. At least the inner wall region 10 is seated in the center of the web arms 34, 36 and 38 partially enclosed cavities 48 and 50. How through FIG. 2 is indicated, the cheek body 6 is made of two different segments, namely an outer wall portion 14 and an immediately adjoining these inner wall portion 10 which has a slight curvature. The web arms 34, 36, 38 cover viewed from the side about a circular ring from 250 to 300 °. Basically, the bridge arms until so far the inner wall of the closure strip are introduced, that it is still possible to apply a second closure strip, as described above, to the first closure strip to form a coupling element according to the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first hinge cap half 60 having an outer wall 62, a truncated inner hollow cylinder 64, and a cap cap 66, which together circumscribe at least a portion of a first and second bearing member receiving space 68. The hinge cap half 60 may be mounted on the first and / or second bearing members of abutting first and second closure strips 2 and 4 to provide a rotary body and a rotation axis, respectively. The truncated inner cylinder 64 is designed such that optionally also in the cavity 48 and 50 protruding first and second end of the cheek body can be accommodated. The truncated inner cylinder 64 is preferably dimensioned such that it is in the formed by the bearing elements, partially enclosed spaces 40 and 50, in particular flush, insertable. In the same way, the inside of the outer wall 62 corresponds in dimension and shape, in particular flush, with the outer contour of the first and second bearing element of the first and second closure strip.

In the FIG. 4 shown second joint cap half 70 forms with the first joint cap half 60 a joint cap 56 which surrounds the adjacent, interlocking first and second bearing elements, which together form a joint body 25, to the area circumscribed by the opening angle 58 substantially completely. The outer wall 72 of the second hinge cap half 70 is configured such that a first wall portion 86 can be slid along the inside of the outer wall 62 of the first hinge cap half 60 to provide an outwardly sealed and not readily separable hinge cap 56 having a substantially uniform outer surface becomes. The second joint cap half 70 also has a partially cut inner cylinder 74, which projects into the partially enclosed spaces of the first and second bearing elements. In addition to a joint cap cover 76, which closes the receiving space 78 of the joint cap down, the second joint cap half 70 also has a locking opening 80, a suction opening and a further locking pin 84. In the locking opening 80 engages in the assembly of the coupling element according to the invention the locking pin 52 of Stegarms 38 of the second bearing element 20 a. By dimensioning the locking hole Finally, the range of motion of the bearing element 20 rotatably mounted in the joint cap 56 is also limited. An overuse of the cheekpiece 6 or 8 by over-opening of the coupling element is prevented in this way constructive. Furthermore, it is prevented that a joint body 25 or 25 '(not shown) forming bearing elements when in function, twist against each other or individual component sections are claimed on one side. Similarly, the locking pin 84 on the inside of the joint cap cover 76 helps to limit the deflection of the first and second closure strips and the range of motion of the joint cap 56 as such. The locking pin 84 engages in the recess 59 of the lower Stegarms 36 of the first bearing element 18 a. In particular, the combination of the system locking pin 52 / locking opening 80 on the one hand with the system locking pin 84 / indentation 59 ensures a permanently reliable relative movement of interlocking bearing elements and in particular ensures a centering of the joint caps 60, 70 against the closure strips 2 and 4.

FIG. 5 shows two coupling elements 1 and 1 according to the invention in a lateral view. The first and second bearing elements of the first and second closure strip are respectively surrounded by first and second joint cap half 60 and 70 to form the joint cap 56. The inner walls 10 and 12 of the cheek body of the first and second closure strip are pressed in the ground state against each other, so that the bag 90 is present completely closed. Contribute to this on the one hand in the ground state arched inner walls of the cheeks body 6 and 8, which arrive at fixing of adjacent bearing elements in the joint caps 56, 56 'at the two ends of the closure strips to form a substantially rectilinear locking slot for mutual contact. On the other hand, the bulge webs present on the curved inner walls reinforce this effect again. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge portions of the flexible bag 90 in the region of the inner walls 10 and 12 of the cheeks 6 and 8 are fixed, it has been found to be particularly advantageous to extend this attachment until each of the opposite first and second ends of the cheek body so that the point at which the bag edge reverses its direction substantially coincides with the pivot point of the cheeks in opening and closing the closure strips. In this way, the bag is not or least stressed at the opening and closing of the coupling element, whereby material fatigue or cracks, which could lead to contamination of the environment, can be avoided. The edge of the flexible bag 90 is preferably in the region of the lower edges the cheek body 6 and 8, that is mounted in the transition region from the inner wall to the outer wall. This can be done for example by gluing. This type of attachment has the advantage that the bag wall is indeed applied to the bulge webs 42a and 42b, but by not using adhesive material in the rest of the inner wall areas, the elastic properties of the inner wall are permanently retained. Accordingly, a secure closing is ensured by way of the bulging webs 42a and 42'a or 42b and 42'b which have come into contact with one another in the coupling element 1 according to the invention (not shown). As in particular the coupling element 1 'in FIG. 5 can be seen, is given by the opening angle 58 of the joint cap 56, the range of motion of the first and second closure strip. If the opposite joint caps of a coupling element pressed against each other, the first and second closure strips move under opening of the bag away from each other. In order to avoid overstrain of the coupling element from the outset, the maximum spread of the closure strips is defined by the opening angle 58 of the joint caps 56. For as soon as the outer sides of the first and second closure strips of a coupling element abut against the edges of the joint cap defining the opening angle 58, a further opening is no longer possible without destruction. To limit the opening angle also contribute to the system of locking pin 52 and locking hole 80 and the system of indentation 59 and locking pin 84 at.

In the same way as with the coupling element 1, a flexible bag 90 is attached, for example, a flexible Umfüllschlauch 94 can be attached to the coupling element 1 '. The coupling elements 1 and 1 'are dimensioned substantially identically and form a docking device 96 according to the invention in the mutually coupled state. An environmentally insulated docking can be achieved in a preferred embodiment in that along the upper edge curves 98a and 98b or on the tops 13, 15 of the cheeks 6, 8 of the first and second closure strip 2 and 4 of the second coupling element 1 grooves 92a, 92b attached or are incorporated, which, preferably in register, in corresponding in the undersides of the cheek body 6, 8 of the first and second closure strip 2 and 4 of the coupling element 1 present spring elements 114a, 114b are inserted.

FIG. 6a ) is a cross-sectional view of a particularly preferred cheek body 6 of a coupling element 1 according to the invention can be seen. A substantially resilient, projecting ridge 120 is provided in this embodiment along a central longitudinal axis of the cheek body. Indentations 122 and 124 extend on both sides of this central elastic web 120, to which side edge regions 126 and 128, in turn, are attached on both sides. By attaching the edge of a flexible bag 90 only to an upper side edge region 126, eg by means of an adhesive, it is possible to prevent the web 120 causing the seal by the coupling element from losing its elastic properties, for example due to adhesive-induced curing. Furthermore, the fact that the edge of the flexible bag is connected only at one point with the inner wall of the cheek body, the bag edge as much freedom of movement are granted, whereby stresses, cracks or material wear of the bag can be reduced. The increased freedom of movement of the bag edge in conjunction with the indentations 122 and 124 also help to be able to seal the coupling element again in an environmentally sealed manner if bulk material residues have remained in the region between adjacent cheek bodies of the coupling element. These residues can, since the bag is attached only in one place, are pressed into the recesses and do not interfere with tight sealing of the coupling element on the protruding elastic web 120. Particularly preferred is a coupling element that on first and second closure strips with cheeks, as in FIG. 6a ).

FIG. 6b ) is a perspective partial view of a cheek body according to FIG. 6a ), but without depicting the flexible bag 90 with. Of the FIG. 6b ), the indentations 122 and 126 extending over the inner sides of the cheek body 6, the raised side edge regions 126 and 128, and a centrally extending elastic web 120 can be seen. Further shows FIG. 6b A spring element 114a on the upper side or upper edge of the cheek body 6 and a groove 92a along the underside 17 of the cheek body 6 of the closure strip 2. With the help of such grooves and spring elements succeeds an environmentally sound docking with an adjacent coupling element, in a corresponding manner also with a Groove or a spring element is equipped.

FIG. 7 shows a holding device 100 according to the invention with a first receiving unit 102 and a second receiving unit 104 and lever arms 106 and 108. The receiving units 102 and 104 are designed such that they can accommodate the joint caps 56, 56 'of the coupling elements 1 and 1 at least partially flush. Preferably, at least portions of the receiving unit and joint cap behave as negative and positive fits. The coupling element 1 is already inserted into the holding device 100, wherein the Umfüllschlauch 94 is connected to a container 116 which is to be filled. The coupling element 1 has, as already to FIG. 5 described on the top of the closure strips or cheek body via spring elements 114a and 114b. Accordingly, the coupling element 1 on the undersides of the closure strips or cheek body grooves 92a and 92b for receiving the spring elements of the coupling element 1 on. The coupling element 1 is held on its underside via bottom plates 110 in the receiving units 102 and 104. After introduction of the coupling element 1 in the holding device 100 can, as in FIG. 8 shown, the upper support plates 112 are guided over the tops of the joint caps 56 and, for example by means of screws, attached. Advantageously, the receiving units 102 and 104 are dimensioned such that by fastening or screwing the upper holding plate 112, the springs 114a, 114b and grooves 92a, 92b are each driven to the stop into one another. In this way, an absolutely environmentally insulated docking device 96 is obtained, with which any bulk materials, such as shown in Figure 9, in fixed or transportable containers 116 can be transferred. For this purpose, the lever arms 106 and 108 are actuated in such a manner that the first and second receiving units 102 and 104 are moved towards each other. As a result, the first and second closure strips of the first and second coupling elements move uniformly apart opening both the flexible bag 90 and the flexible Umfüllschlauches 94. By the flexible bag 90 as well as the flexible Umfüllschlauch 94 respectively to the outer edge of the cheek body or closing strips, these edges abut each other when coupling the coupling elements to a docking, so that when filling of bulk material, no single component of the docking device according to the invention comes into contact with this bulk material. After removing the bags and attaching new bags, the docking device according to the invention can continue to be used without contamination, without the need for additional cleaning steps. The removal of the docking device according to the invention from the holding device 100 is as simple as their installation. After removing the upper support plate 112, the coupling elements 1 and 1 can be easily separated from each other, in the respective closed state, so that even after the loading or refilling contamination of the environment as well as the transfilled products is not to be feared.

In FIG. 10a ) is a pneumatically driven holding device 100 shown with a first receiving unit 102 and a second receiving unit 104. For receiving a coupling element 1 and a docking device according to the invention 96. The pneumatically driven holding device 100 has a pneumatic actuator 130, with the pneumatic cylinder over 132 and 134, the receiving units 102 and 104 can be moved toward and away from each other under opening or closing the docking device. With such a pneumatic holding device or opening unit, the extent of the opening and thus also the Umfüllgeschwindigkeit can be adjusted very accurately. Another advantage is that with coupling elements with very rigid closure strips, which, when under bias, as described above, guarantee a high environmental tightness, nonetheless an opening and closing can accomplish easily. It can be provided that the pneumatic cylinder 132, 134 via a releasable coupling 136, the receiving unit 102 and 104 move toward and away from each other. As well as in FIG. 10b ), the coupling 136 can be locked in a receiving unit via two, for example pneumatically controlled, pins. With the aid of a pneumatically driven holding device 100, a loading or refilling process using the coupling elements or docking devices according to the invention can be automated very easily.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, the drawings and the claims may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

coupling element

2

first closure strip

4

second closure strip

6

Cheek body of the first closure strip

8th

Cheek body of the second closure strip

10

Inside of the cheek body of the first closure strip

12

Inside the cheek body of the second closure strip

13

Top of the cheek body of the first closure strip

14

Outside of the cheek body of the first closure strip

15

Upper edge of the cheek body of the first closure strip

16

Outside of the cheek body of the second closure strip

17

Bottom of the cheek body of the first closure strip

18

first bearing element of the first closure strip

19

Lower edge of the cheek body of the first closure strip

20

second bearing element of the first closure strip

22

first bearing element of the second closure strip

24

second bearing element of the second closure strip

25

first joint body

25 '

second joint body

26

Approach of the first bearing element of the first closure strip

28

Approach of the second bearing element of the first closure strip

30

Approach of the first bearing element of the second closure strip

32

Approach of the second bearing element of the second closure strip

34

Stegarm of first bearing element 18th

36

Stegarm of first bearing element 18th

38, 38 '

Stegarm of second bearing element 20

40

elastic component of the cheek body

42a, 42b

protuberant

42'a, 42'b

protuberant

44

first end of the cheek body 6

46

second end of the cheek body 6

48

first interior

50

second interior

52

locking pin

56

first joint cap

56 '

second joint cap

58

Opening angle of the joint cap

59

Indentation in bar arm 36

60

first joint cap half

62

Exterior wall of 60

64

attached inner hollow cylinder

66

second end of the cheek body 6

68

Salon space of joint cap half 60

70

second joint cap half

72

Outside wall of 70

74

cut hollow cylinder of 70

76

Hood cap of 70

78

Recording room of 70

80

locking hole

84

locking pin

86

first edge region of the second joint cap half 70

90

bag

92a, 92b

groove

94

Umfüllschlauch

96

docking

98a, 98b

Oberkantenverläufe of first and second closure strip 2 and 4

100

holder

102

first recording unit

104

second recording unit

106

first lever arm

108

second lever arm

110

baseplate

112

upper retaining plate

114a, 114b

spring elements

116

container

120

protruding bridge

122

indentation

124

indentation

126

Side edge region

128

Side edge region

130

pneumatic actuator

132

pneumatic cylinder

134

pneumatic cylinder

136

clutch

138

locking pin

Claims (51)

1. A coupling element (1) for environmentally insulated decanting, filling, and/or emptying of containers, comprising:

   at least a first sealing strip (2) comprising a flank piece (6) which is elastic at least in sections, with an inner side (10), an outer side (14), an upper side and/or edge (13, 15), and a lower side and/or edge (17, 19), at least one first mounting element (18) on the first end of the flank piece (6), and at least a second mounting element (20) on the second end of the flank piece (6) opposite the first end;

   at least a second sealing strip (4) containing a flank piece (8) which is elastic at least in sections, with an inner side (12), an outer side (16), an upper side and/or edge, and/or a lower side and/or edge, at least a first mounting element (22) on the first end of the flank piece (8) and at least a second mounting element (24) on the second end of the flank piece (8) opposite the first end;

   whereby the inner sides (10, 12) of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and second sealing strips (2, 4) are attachable to one another to form a seal, at least in sections,

   whereby the first mounting element (18) of the first sealing strip (2) with the second mounting element (24) of the second sealing strip (4), and the second mounting element (20) of the first sealing strip (2) and the first mounting element (22) of the second sealing strip (4) being positioned adjacent one another in each case with reciprocal arrangement at least in sections of the inner sides (10, 12) of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and second sealing strips (2, 4) being positioned in each case adjacent to one another to form first and second articulated section (25, 25');

   at least a first articulated cap (56) forming a pivot bearing and positioned at least partially over said first articulated section (25), and/or at least a second articulated cap (56') forming a pivot bearing and is positioned at least partially over and/or about a second articulated section (25'); and/or

   at least a first articulated axis being retained in said first inner space (48) of the first mounting element for pivotable mounting of said first articulated section, and/or at least a second axis being retained in the second inner space (50) for pivotable mounting of the second articulated element (25').
2. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the first mounting element (18, 22) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) and/or the second mounting element (20, 24) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) has or respectively have a rounded or radial outer periphery or outer peripheral section and/or at least an inner space for retaining an articulated axis.
3. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first and second articulated section (25, 25') have common outer face areas or cylinder face areas.
4. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first articulated cap (56) can be arranged about adjacent first and second mounting elements (18, 24) of first or respectively second sealing strip (2, 4) and/or the second articulated cap (56') can be arranged about adjacent second and first mounting elements (20, 22) of first or respectively second sealing strip (2, 4).
5. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first articulated axis for retaining first and second mounting element (18, 24) of first or respectively second sealing strip (2, 4) and that the second articulated axis for retaining second and first mounting element (20, 22) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) is or respectively are provided.
6. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second mounting element (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) at least partially emulates or respectively emulate the form of a ring (34, 36, 38) or constitute link arms.
7. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that the first and/or second mounting element (18, 20, 22, 24) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) is or respectively are attached or can be attached on the outer side (14, 16) of the first and/or second end of the flank piece (6, 8) of the first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4).
8. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the first and/or second mounting element (18, 20, 22, 24) does not or respectively do not extend as far as the inner side (10, 12) of the flank piece (6, 8) of first or second sealing strip (2, 4).
9. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that the first and/or second mounting element (18, 20, 22, 24) is circular and has a centre angle in the vicinity of 90° to 240°.
10. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second articulated cap (56, 56') has or respectively have inner dimensions which substantially correspond to the outer dimensions of adjacent first and/or second mounting elements (18, 24; 20, 22), such that inner sides (10, 12) of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) are laid on one another the first articulated cap (56) at least partially encloses the first and second mounting element (18, 24) of first or respectively second sealing strip (2, 4) and the second articulated cap (56') encloses the second and first mounting element (20, 22) of first or respectively second sealing strip (2, 4) to form a pivot bearing.
11. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second articulated cap (56, 56') comprises an articulated cap cover (66) with an articulated axis, which can be inserted into the first outer space (48) made up of first and second mounting element (18, 24) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) or respectively the second inner space (50) made up of second and first mounting element (20, 22) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4).
12. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first end (44) of the flank piece (6) of the first sealing element (2) and/or the second end of the flank piece (8) of the second coupling element (4) projects or respectively project into the first inner space (48) and/or that the second end (46) of the flank piece (6) of the first sealing strip (2) and the first end of the flank piece (8) of the second sealing strip (4) projects into the second inner space (50).
13. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first mounting element (18, 22) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) at least in sections includes at least one circular element and that the second mounting element (20, 24) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) includes at least two circular elements spaced apart from one another, whereby the circular element of the first mounting element (18, 22) can be fitted in between two spaced-apart circular elements of the second mounting element (20, 24) to form a first articulated section 25, and/or whereby the circular element of the second mounting elements (20, 24) between two spaced-apart circular element of the first mounting elements (18, 22) to form a second articulated section (25'), in each case forming an inner space for retaining at least one articulated axis.
14. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and second mounting elements (18, 20, 22, 24) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) at least in sections form a substantially consistent cylindrical or spherical outer face.
15. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner side (10) of the flank piece (6) of the first sealing strip (2) and/or the inner side (12) of the flank piece (8) of the second sealing strip (4) is or respectively are bulged at least in the basic state.
16. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that with arranging the inner sides (10,12) of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) at least one outer side (14,16) of a flank piece has an outward bulge.
17. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner side (10, 12) of at least one flank piece (6, 8) is profiled.
18. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one convex member (42a, 42b) and/or at least one recessed gutter (122, 124) on the inner side of the flank piece of first and/or second sealing strip.
19. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 18, characterised in that the convex member (42a, 42b) is elastic and that this convex member and/or the recessed gutter (122, 124) extend from the first to the opposite second end of the flank piece (6, 8) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flank piece.
20. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that at least one convex member is in the vicinity at least of one longitudinal edge or is designed as a longitudinal edge and/or that there is at least one recessed gutter between two spaced-apart longitudinal edges and/or convex members.
21. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of Claims 18 to 20, characterised in that the convex member has substantially the form of a circular section in longitudinal section.
22. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one inner wall (10, 12) of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) has at least one convex member (120) and at least one recessed gutter (122, 124) between the convex member (120) and the upper longitudinal edge (126, 128) and at least one recessed gutter (122, 124) between the convex member (120) and the lower longitudinal edge (126, 128) of the inner wall (10, 12).
23. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 22, characterised in that the convex member (120) protrudes at least in sections more prominently from the inner wall (10, 12) than the lower and/or upper longitudinal edge (126, 128) of same.
24. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a flexible container (90) or a flexible hose (94), which can be arranged or is present on the inner side (10, 12), outer side (14, 16), upper edge and/or lower edge of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4).
25. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 24, characterised in that the container (90) or hose (94) covers the entire inner side of the flank pieces (6, 8) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4).
26. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) or their flank pieces (6, 8) has or respectively have at least one coupling element on the long topside and/or underside (98a, 98b).
27. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 26, characterised in that there is at least one coupling device in the form of a groove (114a, 114b) and/or spring (92a, 92b) on the long top and/or underside (98a, 98b) in each case comprising the section between the inner (10, 12) and the outer side (10, 16) of the flank piece (6, 8) of first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4).
28. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 26 or 27, characterised in that the first and/or second sealing strip (2, 4) or its flank piece (6, 8) has or respectively have a groove (114a, 114b) or a spring (92a, 92b) on the long topside (98a) and a spring (92a, 92b) or a groove (114a, 114b) on the long underside (98b).
29. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second sealing strip is or respectively are provided at least in sections with an adhesive or at least an adhesive layer.
30. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and the second sealing strip (2, 4) match substantially in their form and/or size.
31. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flank piece of the first and/or second sealing strip has an elastomer or thermoplastic-elastomer segment at or on the inner side at least.
32. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 31, characterised in that the flank piece extends over the entire length of the inner side.
33. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the articulated cap (56) includes a first and a second articulated cap half (60, 70).
34. A coupling element as claimed in Claim 33, characterised in that the first and/or second articulated cap half (60, 70) has or respectively have a lock opening (80) in the rounded outer face for retaining a lock pin (52), a mounting element and/or at least a lock bolt (84) on a cover inner side (76) for retaining in a recess on the underside or topside of a mounting element.
35. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second articulated cap (56, 56') has or respectively have a preset open section (58, 58'), which determines the opening angle of first and second sealing strip (2, 4) in the vicinity of first and second articulated section (25, 25').
36. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting elements contain thermoplastic polymers at least in sections.
37. A coupling element (1) as claimed in Claim 36, characterised in that that the thermoplastic polymer comprises polyoxymethylene (POM).
38. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one separate and/or integrated lock unit for fixing the position of first and/or second sealing strip or its flank piece and/or at least one separate or integrated covering unit for covering at least in sections at least one side or face of the coupling element provided for docking.
39. A coupling element (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one removal device, which is in the flexible container or the flexible hose.
40. A coupling element as claimed in Claim 39, characterised in that the removal device can be connected or is connected in sections with the flexible container or hose.
41. A docking device (96) for environmentally insulated decanting, filling and/or emptying of bulk goods and/or fluids, comprising at least two coupling elements (1,1') which can be laid and/or docked on one another as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 40.
42. A docking device (96) as claimed in Claim 41, characterised in that at least one coupling element (1, 1') can be connected or is connected with a flexible container (90).
43. A docking device (96) as claimed in Claim 41 or 42, characterised in that at least one coupling element (1, 1') can be connected or is connected with a flexible tubular moulded article (94).
44. A holder (100) for actuating coupling elements (1,1') as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 40 and/or docking devices (96) as claimed in any one of Claims 41 to 43, comprising a first receiving and/or lock unit (102) for retaining and/or locking the first articulated section (25) and/or the first articulated cap (56) of a coupling element (1) or a docking device (96), a second recess and/or lock unit (104) for retaining and/or locking the second articulated section (25') opposite the first articulated section and/or the second articulated cap (56') of the coupling elements (18) or the docking device (96), and an adjustment mechanism, arranged so as to move the first receiving and/or lock unit (102) and the second receiving and/or lock unit (104) towards or away from one another by opening and closing.
45. A holder as claimed in Claim 44, characterised by at least one articulated axis for retaining a first and/or second mounting element of first and/or second sealing strip.
46. A holder as claimed in Claim 45, characterised in that the articulated axis is suitable for retaining first and/or second articulated section.
47. A holder (100) as claimed in any one of Claims 44 or 46, characterised in that the first and/or second receiving and/or locking unit has a lower and/or upper adjustment mechanism (110, 112).
48. A holder (100) as claimed in any one of Claims 44 to 47, characterised in that the travel path of first and second receiving unit (102, 104) is restricted in moving towards and/or away.
49. A holder as claimed in any one of Claims 44 to 48, characterised by at least one suction device, which can be connected or is connected to the first and/or second holder and/or the first and/or second articulated cap and/or first and/or second articulated section of first and/or second coupling element.
50. A holder as claimed in any one of Claims 44 to 49, characterised by at least one pneumatically, hydraulically or electromotor-driven adjustment mechanism.
51. A connecting device for environmentally insulated filling and/or decanting of bulk goods and/or fluids comprising a substantially tubular form with at least one first and second opening, whereby at least the edge region of the first and second opening is designed to be flexible, and a first coupling element as claimed in Claims 1 to 40, which can be connected or is connected with the first opening of the tubular form and a second coupling element as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 40, which can be connected or is connected with the second opening of the tubular form.

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