EP1723042A1

EP1723042A1 - Reclosable seals and docking systems containing said seals

Info

Publication number: EP1723042A1
Application number: EP05714890A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Koch; Ed 3 Manor Farm Cottages PIEPEREIT
Original assignee: GEA Niro GmbH
Current assignee: GEA Niro GmbH
Priority date: 2004-01-23
Filing date: 2005-01-21
Publication date: 2006-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-21
Also published as: US8060992B2; DE502005006747D1; ATE424353T1; EP1723042B1; DE102004003511B4; DE102004003511A1; WO2005070776A1; US20080276435A1

Abstract

A docking seal system has a first flexible enclosure with a first coupling seal and a second flexible enclosure with a second coupling seal. Each of the coupling seals has first and second sealing strips. A first zip slide is engageable with the first and second sealing strips of the first coupling seal and a second zip slide is engageable with the first and second sealing strips of the second coupling seal so that the respective first and second coupling seals can be opened and closed. The first and second zip slides are each combined with a respective portion of a coupling slide to form respective combined slides. When the combined slides are combined together, the respective portions of the coupling slides mate together to form the coupling slide, the coupling slide engaging or disengaging the first and second coupling seals so as to dock or separate the first and second flexible enclosures from one another.

Description

Resealable closures and docking systems containing these closures

description

The present invention relates to reclosable N-closures for the essentially environmentally-tight, reversible closure of and for essentially environmentally-tight filling and / or decanting of bulk goods from containers or hose elements, as well as docking systems containing these reclosable N-closures.

Furthermore, the invention relates to multiple coupling closures containing the reclosable N-closures according to the invention, as well as multiple docking systems containing these multiple coupling closures.

Very high demands with regard to long-term reliability and environmental tightness are regularly imposed on N-closures or coupling closures, which are used for the transfer of bulk goods from, for example, flexible containers. Because some bulk goods are toxic to the human organism even in very small quantities. Furthermore, certain bulk goods are very sensitive to air and moisture and must be kept completely separate from the ambient air at every processing stage and, of course, when decanting. Bulk materials to be processed often also have to meet very high purity criteria and must never be contaminated by external contamination. The need for contamination-free work leads, particularly in the food processing, chemical or pharmaceutical industries, to a high outlay in terms of apparatus and safety, which inevitably has an impact on the production costs. Bulk goods, for example, can be transferred from containers in an environmentally-friendly manner using double flap technology, as described in DE 695 04 581 T2. Such docking devices according to the double flap technology are structurally very complex and therefore also regularly cost-intensive.

Structurally simpler docking devices, as disclosed in PCT / EP02 / 12010, e.g. elastically deformable coupling elements, each of which has an overlying slot, which is closed in the basic state and can be opened by applying pressure. In this embodiment of a docking device, special care must be taken to ensure that the slots of the coupling elements lying against one another are of the same length and come to lie exactly one above the other.

In the unpublished German patent application with the file number 103 21 814.9, on the other hand, a coupling element for environmentally insulated decanting, filling and / or emptying containers is disclosed, which essentially consists of two flush sealing strips, which have interlocking joint bodies at their ends, which have are rotatable about common bearing axis elements. The joint axis elements or joint caps must be matched exactly to the shape and size of the bearing elements of the closure strips in order to be able to function permanently and reliably as a pivot bearing. Opening and closing of this coupling element is achieved in that the opposing joint bodies are moved towards or away from each other. With this construction, however, only a limited opening angle can be achieved.

For the proper operation of conventional docking devices, it is not only important that the coupling closures of the individual containers can be closed in an environmentally-friendly manner. Rather, it is also of great importance that the coupling closures or elements can be docked to corresponding coupling elements or closures without problems and in an environmentally-friendly manner. The smaller and more rigid the individual coupling elements or their components, for example sealing strips, are, the better. In particular with coupling closures with a simple design, with large-sized coupling closures and with coupling closures formed from very flexible components, docking with corresponding coupling closures prepares often problems, is time consuming and does not always lead to environmentally tight docking facilities.

The present invention was therefore based on the object of providing closures for the environmentally sealed filling and / or decanting or emptying of bulk goods from containers or conveying devices, which, regardless of the size and the flexibility or rigidity of the materials used, provide a problem-free and reliable closure guarantee. The present invention was also based on the object of providing closures for the environmentally sealed filling and / or decanting or emptying of bulk material from containers or conveying devices which, regardless of the size and the flexibility or rigidity of the materials used, are reliable and reversible with the environment corresponding closures of a similar or identical design can be coupled.

Accordingly, a reclosable zip closure for reversibly closing a coupling closure has been found, comprising a coupling closure for essentially environmentally sealed, reversibly closing and for substantially environmentally tight filling and / or decanting of bulk material, in particular flexible containers or hose elements, comprising at least a first flexible one Closure strip, comprising an inside and an upper side, with at least one first, in particular continuous, closure element, in particular a spring, on the inside and at least one second flexible closure strip, comprising an inside and an upper side, with at least one second, in particular continuous, closure element the inside, in particular a groove, which is complementary to the first closure element, so that first and second closure elements can be brought into engagement, and a reversible, tight closure of the coupling Enable ngsverschluß with a further, corresponding coupling closure, wherein the first and the second closure strip, in particular via their respective end sections, are connected to one another, in particular to form a closed circumference, and wherein the top of the first closure strip at least a third, in particular continuous, closure element for reversible docking to a complementary closure element and the top of the second closure strip have at least a fourth, in particular continuous, closure element for reversible docking to a complementary closure element; and at least one zipper slider for opening and closing the coupling closure, which is movable along the coupling closure, with a separating and a squeezing end and opposite side walls and a separating element at the separating end, which can be inserted between the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strips, the first and the second closure element can be brought into engagement with one another in response to the movement of the zipper slide in a closing direction from the open position to the closed position and can be brought into an open position in response to the movement of the zipper slide in an opening direction. The first and second closure strips of the closure according to the invention can be connected to one another indirectly or directly. For example, the respective endings or end sections of the first and second closure strips can be connected in pairs to form a flexible opening. It is also possible for the ends of the first and second closure strips to merge into an end block, for example in one piece, onto which the zipper slide can be placed in the rest position, if necessary. Accordingly, such an end section can also have an end stop for the zipper slide. Such an end section can be present on both sides of the opposite ends of the first and second closure strips.

Zippers for e.g. Plastic bags are e.g. known from DE 698 09 569 T2, DE 697 18 439 T2 and DE 696 19 983 T2 and can be used here as a starting point to arrive at a reclosable zipper according to the invention. Now that not only the inside of the first and second closure strips have mutually corresponding closure elements, but also their tops are equipped with closure elements that enable environmentally-friendly coupling to a second closure according to the invention, an environmentally-friendly filling and / or decanting of bulk material can also be done with very flexible bag and / or last materials are ensured. For example, the coupling closure can be part of a plastic bag and can be present in the area of the peripheral opening edge.

The zipper according to the invention is particularly suitable for filling and / or decanting bulk goods from flexible containers, for example plastic bags or sacks. Accordingly, in one embodiment, such a zip closure already has a flexible bag or hose, the opening edge of which is separate with the first and second closure strips. advice or connected in one piece. The coupling closure can thus be an integral part of the flexible bag, in particular in the region of the opening edge of this bag, and can also be connected reversibly or irreversibly to a bag afterwards.

The zipper slide for opening or closing the reclosable zipper generally engages over the first and second closure strips of a clutch closure. The separating element can be pushed between the closure elements of the first and second closure strips to open the zipper closure. In one embodiment, the side walls of the zipper slide extend downward from the end face to a point below the first and second closure strips, so that these closure strips are held between the side walls. The first and second closure strips, which are connected to one another at their respective ends or closed positions, can also form an end stop. A locking station can also be present in this position. In a further embodiment, the first and second closure strips of a coupling closure can extend at least on one side beyond the circumference of a bag or hose connected to this coupling closure, in particular to accommodate the zip closure in the closed position. This ensures that the coupling lock is completely environmentally sealed over the entire length.

In the zipper slide, the closure elements of the first and second closure strips are brought into engagement with one another at the pinch end. In any case, at the end of the squeeze, the internal distance between the opposite side walls is dimensioned such that it approximately corresponds to the width of the coupled coupling closure. The separating and the squeezing end of the zipper slide can of course also be present inside the zipper slide and do not necessarily have to coincide with the opposing boundary surfaces of the zipper slide.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the zipper slide, which is movable between a closed position and an open position along the first and second closure strips, an upper end wall and opposite side walls which extend downward from opposite sides of the end wall and which the first and Take the second sealing strip between them, the side tenwand from the separating end to the squeeze end of the Zippschieber and are spaced further apart at the separating end than at the squeezing end, the side walls at the squeezing end being spaced closely enough that they press the first and second closure elements into mutual engagement when the Zippschieber is moved towards the closed position, and wherein the partition member protrudes past the partition end from the upper end wall between the side walls and past the first and second closure members.

The object on which the invention is based is further achieved by a reclosable docking closure for the reversible docking of two coupling closures for the essentially environmentally sealed, reversible closing of and for the essentially environmentally tight filling and / or decanting of bulk material from containers or hose elements, comprising a coupling closure, comprising at least a first flexible closure strip, comprising an inside and an upper side, with at least one first, in particular continuous, closure element, in particular a spring, on the inside and at least one second flexible closure strip, comprising an inside and an upper side, with at least a second, in particular continuous , Closure element on the inside thereof, in particular a groove which is complementary to the first closure element and enables reversible, tight closure with the first closure element, the first and second closure elements can be brought into engagement, the first and the second closure strip being connected to one another, in particular via their respective end sections, in particular with the formation of a closed circumference, and wherein the top of the first closure strip is at least a third, in particular continuous, closure element for reversible Docking to a complementary closure element and the top of the second closure strip have at least a fourth, in particular continuous, closure element for reversible docking to a complementary closure element; and at least one clutch slide element, which engages in sections around the first and second closure strips and which is movable along the coupling closure, suitable for coupling and decoupling the closure strips of the coupling closure with the closure strips of a further coupling closure, containing closure elements which form part of the third and fourth closure elements of the closure strips Coupling lock of the docking lock are complementary. A preferred embodiment of the docking closure according to the invention is characterized in that the coupling slide element has an end wall and opposing first and second side walls which extend downward from opposite sides of the end wall and which accommodate the first and second closure strips between them, a first wall section which the End wall is opposite and from the first side wall in the direction of the opposite second side wall and at least partially overlaps at least a portion of the underside of the first flexible closure strip, a second wall section which is opposite the end wall and goes from the second side wall in the direction of the opposite first side wall and at least partially overlaps at least a portion of the underside of the second flexible closure strip, with at least one gap between the first and second wall portions t remains, at least one guide channel for the first and second closure strips, formed from the opposite side walls, the end wall and the first and second wall sections, and a front wall surface with an inlet opening of the channel and a rear wall surface with an outlet opening of the channel, the The inlet and outlet openings and the channel between the inlet and outlet openings are suitable for receiving the first and second closure strips, the edge of the inlet opening, adjacent to the upper sides of the first and second closure strips, being spaced apart from the outer surface of the end wall, and wherein the inner surface the end wall, which is part of the channel, approaches the outer surface of the end wall from the inlet opening in the direction of the outlet opening at least in regions and merges into the latter at the latest at the outlet opening, so that at least over the width of the top The end wall or regions of the end wall of the first and second closure strips are no longer present, and the height of the channel at least at the point at which the end wall assumes zero thickness corresponds approximately to the height of the flexible first and / or second closure elements.

The clutch slide element overlaps the first and second closure strips and can be guided along these closure lines. The channel in the clutch slide element is shaped, at least in sections, in such a way that the first and second closure strips of the clutch closure, which are in engagement with one another, are essentially enclosed with a precise fit. The cross section of the channel is then only slightly larger than the cross section of the coupling lock, so that an unimpeded sliding of the coupling lock through the coupling slide element is still possible. During the By sliding the coupling lock through the coupling slide element, the position of the upper sides of the locking strips relative to the outer surface of the end wall is changed, ie reduced when moving in the docking direction. The upper sides of the closing strips are brought to the level of the outer surface of the end wall or are then in the same plane as this, which effectively means that the end wall has an opening or opening. In the same way as the channel approaches the outer surface of the end wall, the course or the thickness of the first and second wall sections changes, so that these wall sections are always immediately adjacent to the respective undersides of the first and second closure strips. A closure element present on the top of the closure strip, for example a spring, can in this way be easily inserted into a corresponding closure element of an adjacent closure, for example a groove.

By moving the clutch slide element above or along the closure strips, each area of the upper sides of these closure strips is in any case brought into a position in order to be able to be brought into engagement with a corresponding clutch closure of a corresponding closure, which is also equipped with such a clutch slide element ,

In a further embodiment, the reclosable docking closure according to the invention further comprises at least one zipper slide for opening and closing the coupling closure, which can be moved along the coupling closure, with a separating and a squeezing end and opposite side walls and a separating element at the separating end, which is between the first and second closure elements is insertable, the first and second closure elements being engageable with one another in response to the movement of the zipper slider in a closing direction from the open position to the closed position and in response to the movement of the zipper slider in an opening direction from the closed position in an open position can be brought.

In this embodiment, both a clutch slide element and a zip slide, each as described above, can be moved along the first and second closure strips of the clutch closure. These two sliders can be guided independently of one another, but also together via the coupling lock, which results in a very large scope for action when coupling and filling or decanting containers results.

Of course, it is also possible for the clutch slide element and the zip slide to be connectable to one another, in particular reversibly, or for the clutch slide element and the zip slide to be integrated in a uniform slide. With an integrated slide, both the features of a clutch slide element and the features of a zipper slide are present. If such an integrated slide is actuated, two closures corresponding to one another can be coupled with one another to form a docking device, and the respective closures can be opened or closed simultaneously.

Furthermore, a closure can be provided which already has a flexible bag or hose, the opening edge of which is sealingly connected to the first and second closure strips, separately or in one piece.

The risk of contamination can preferably also be reduced by having at least in sections at least the inside and / or the top of the first and / or second sealing strip of the coupling seal having an adhesive and / or adhesive layer.

In order to simplify and reliably design the handling of the coupling locks according to the invention, it is also advantageous if the first and / or second locking strip, in particular on the outside, has or have at least one operating handle.

In an expedient embodiment, it is provided that the first and second closure strips and / or the first and second closure elements are of essentially the same length.

The object on which the invention is based in relation to the environmentally sound decanting of bulk material is also achieved by a docking system according to the invention, comprising a first zipper closure according to the invention or a first docking closure according to the invention. conclusion and a second zip fastener according to the invention or a second docking fastener according to the invention, the third and fourth fastener elements of the upper sides of the first and second fastener strips of the first coupling fastener of the first zip or docking fastener being complementary to the third and fourth fastener elements of the upper sides of the first and second fastener strips of the second coupling lock of the second zip or docking lock, so that the first and second locking strips of the first and second coupling locks can be connected to one another in a reversible manner, in particular in an environmentally sealed manner, and wherein the zip locks of first and second locks and / or the clutch slide elements of first and second locks can be applied to one another and / or can be coupled to one another.

Such embodiments have proven to be particularly advantageous in which the zipper slides of first and second closures and / or the clutch slider elements of first and second closures can be reversibly coupled to one another via corresponding means, in particular in, on or on their end walls.

For example, the zipper slide of the first closure can have an indentation on its end wall, into which a bulge present on the end wall of the zipper slide of the second closure can be reversibly latched. Interlocking slide or clutch slide elements of first and second closures allow particularly uncomplicated and reliable handling when opening, closing or docking containers to be filled. Of course, e.g. the outer surfaces of the end walls of a zipper slide or a clutch slide element of the first and second fastener can also be equipped with a Velcro fastener or a magnet in order to achieve a temporary connection using these means.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the docking system according to the invention is composed of two zip fasteners according to the invention. Furthermore, it is possible to use docking systems comprising two docking closures according to the invention, each of which is equipped with at least one coupling slide element. It is particularly advantageous to use docking systems in which the first and second closures to be coupled both have at least one zip closure according to the invention and at least one have clutch slide element according to the invention. Of course, it is also possible if, for example, only the first closure has a slide slide and a clutch slide element and the second closure is only equipped with a clutch slide element. The coupling lock, which in this case has no zip lock, can be opened or closed, for example, using control handles or control elements attached to the locking strips. Furthermore, docking systems according to the invention are also advantageous in which at least one first closure has a zipper slide which is coupled to a clutch slide element or contains this as an integral part. It is of course particularly advantageous if both closures of the docking system are equipped with such coupled or integrated sliders.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the first and the second clutch locks of the first and second locks, the zipper slides of the first and second locks and / or the clutch slide elements of the first and second locks are shaped essentially identically or in mirror image.

The object on which the invention is based is further achieved by a multiple coupling closure for the essentially environmentally-tight, reversible closing of and for the essentially environmentally-tight filling and / or decanting of bulk goods from flexible and / or rigid containers or conveying means, comprising at least two each an at least sectionally flexible first conveying means connected or connectable first and second closures, each comprising coupling closures which can be coupled to coupling closures of corresponding first and second closures, the opening area, in particular the inside diameter, of the opened coupling closure of the first closure being larger than the outer circumference and / or opening area, in particular the outside and / or inside diameter, of the coupling closure of the second closure, the second closure when the coupling closure of the first V with a corresponding closure within the conveying means and / or with at least partial passage through the opening of the coupling closure of the first closure with the formation of a docking device, wherein at least the first closure represents a zipper closure or a docking closure according to the invention. It is regularly provided that the second closure, in particular in an environmentally sealed manner, can be connected or connected to a second funding means that is flexible at least in sections. If necessary, the second conveying means therefore represents a connection between the second closure and a container or conveying means connected to it, in particular a rigid one. In a further embodiment it is also possible that the first conveying means is not directly on the second closure, in particular in an environmentally sealed manner , is bound, but that it enters into a connection, in particular an environmentally sealed connection, with the second funding.

A further embodiment of the multiple coupling closure according to the invention provides that the second closure or coupling closure comprises a closing flap with a first pipe socket, the closing flap being able to be brought into a closed position in which the first end of the pipe socket can be sealed off from the atmosphere. Such systems can be found e.g. disclosed in DE 695 04 581 T2. In principle, such closures as are known from DE 195 20 409 Cl, DE 43 42 962 Cl, WO 02/18248 and WO 02/18247 can in particular also be used as second closures or coupling closures for the multiple clutch closure according to the invention are. Furthermore, systems as described in WO 03/037756, WO 03/037717 and the unpublished German patent application with the file number 103 21 814.9 are also suitable as suitable closures or coupling closures for the multiple clutch closure according to the invention. Suitable second closures or coupling closures are also described in the as yet unpublished DE 103 35 325.9.

The multiple coupling closures according to the invention accordingly have a first coupling closure which forms the inlet opening and a second or further coupling closure which is adjoined by a container or conveying means, for example a hose. In the multiple clutch locks according to the invention, adjacent clutch locks are designated such that the one with the larger inner diameter or the larger opening area represents the first clutch lock and the one with the smaller inner surface represents the second clutch lock. Of course, the adjacent first and second coupling locks can be of identical design as well as of different design within a Mel rfachkupplung. It is also possible that if more than two coupling closures form a multiple coupling closure according to the invention, the conveying means or hoses connecting the adjacent coupling closures, for example, can be designed identically as well as differently in terms of type, size or length.

In an expedient embodiment, a multiple clutch closure according to the invention comprises at least one, in particular reversible and / or environmentally sealed, connection device, in particular a triclamp connection, on at least one clutch closure or a base body or container connected to a clutch closure, by means of which the first or second conveying means can be indirectly or is directly, in particular environmentally sealed, connectable or connected to a coupling lock or the base body or container connected to this coupling lock.

Two multiple coupling closures according to the invention can be coupled with one another to form a multiple docking device according to the invention. The actual bulk material transfer takes place via the opened second docking device, i.e. the docking device formed from second coupling locks instead. The conveying means or hoses, which are connected to one another via the respective first coupling closures, form a protective cover which hermetically shields the first docking device from the outside world, at least during the transfer process.

The subject matter of the present invention therefore also includes a multiple docking device, in particular a double docking device, for filling and / or decanting bulk material, comprising a first and a second multiple coupling closure according to the invention, the adjacent first closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures with one another to form a first docking system according to the invention , in particular environmentally sealed, coupled or couplable and wherein the second closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures are coupled or couplable to one another, forming a second docking system, in particular environmentally tight. The present invention also relates to a container, in particular a flexible container, and a conveying means, in particular a hose, each comprising at least one closure according to the invention.

Furthermore, the subject of the present invention comprises a container, in particular a flexible container, which comprises a multiple coupling closure according to the invention, the coupling closure at the outlet opening of the multiple coupling closure being connectable or connected to the container directly or via a flexible hose element or being an integral part of the same.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the object on which this invention is based is achieved by a method for, in particular environmentally impermeable, infesting, decanting and / or emptying containers and / or with conveying means, comprising the steps: providing a first container that is flexible at least in the opening area or conveying means, in particular a container or conveying means according to the invention, containing at least a first, preferably closed closure, according to the invention, providing a second container or conveying means that is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular a container or conveying means according to the invention, containing at least a second, preferably closed present, according to the invention Closure, coupling the slide, each comprising clutch slide elements, of the first and second closure, so that the first and second V connecting strips of the coupling locks of the first and second locks can be brought into contact with one another, joint movement of the coupled slides or coupling slide elements of the first and second locks along at least a section of the first and second locking strips of the coupling locks of the first and second locks together to form a docking system according to the invention, common or moving the zipper slides of the first and second locks in an opening direction at different times from the closed position tion into an open position with the formation of an environmentally-tight passage opening between the first container or funding and the second container or funding, transfer of bulk goods from the first container or funding into the second container or funding, or vice versa, moving the Zippschjieber from together or at different times first and second closures in a closure direction from the open position to a closed position while forming environmentally sealed first and second closures and while maintaining an environmentally sealed docking system, jointly moving the coupled slides or clutch slide elements of the first and second closures along at least a section of the first and second respectively Closure strip of the coupling closures of the first and second closures while separating the docking system according to the invention, in particular while maintaining environmentally tight first and second closures.

It can be provided according to the invention that the clutch slide elements and the zip slide of the first and second closure are moved simultaneously during the design and / or separation of the docking system according to the invention, the clutch slide element and the zip slide of the first closure and / or the clutch slide element and the zip slide of the second closure are preferably present directly or indirectly adjacent and / or wherein the zipper slides of the first and second closures abut one another.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the clutch slide element and the zip slide of the first closure and / or the clutch slide element and the zip slide of the second closure are integrated in a slide.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the lengths of the first and second closure strips of the first closure and the lengths of the first and second closure strips of the second closure essentially match. According to a further aspect, the object to which the invention is based is also achieved by a method of filling, in particular environmentally sealed, filling, decanting and / or emptying containers and / or with means of conveyance, comprising the steps: providing a first container or means of conveyance which is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular according to the containers or conveying means according to the invention, containing at least one first multiple coupling closure according to the invention, the first and / or second closure of the first multiple coupling closure preferably being or being closed, providing a second container or conveying means which is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular according to the containers according to the invention or Funding means containing at least one second multiple clutch closure according to the invention, the first and / or second closure of the second multiple clutch tion lock preferably is or are present, coupling the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks to form a docking system according to the invention by coupling the slide, each comprising clutch slide elements, the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks, so that the first and second locking strips of the clutch locks first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks can be brought into contact with one another, and joint movement of the coupled slides or clutch slide elements of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks along at least a section of the first and second lock strips of the clutch locks of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks, Opening the coupled first closures of the first and second multiple winding closures while maintaining g of an environmentally sealed docking system by moving the zipper slides of the first closures of the first and second multiple clutch closures in a direction of opening from the closed position into an open position together or at different times, with the formation of an environmentally sealed passage opening between the first container or conveyor and the second container or conveyor, Coupling the second locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks with the formation of an, in particular environmentally-tight, second docking device, in particular with the formation of a multiple docking device according to the invention, simultaneous or sequential opening of the second locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks while maintaining the environmentally sound second docking device, transferring bulk material from the first container or funding into the second container or funding, or vice versa, simultaneous or sequential closing of the second closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures while maintaining an environmentally sealed second docking device, decoupling of the second closures from the first and second multiple coupling closures while separating the second Docking device, simultaneous or time-delayed closure of the first closure of the first multiple clutch lock and / or the first lock of the second multiple clutch lock by moving the zipper slides of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks in a closing direction from the open position to a closed position together or at different times, with the formation of environmentally tight first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks and while maintaining an environmentally sealed docking system, and decoupling the first locks from the first and second multiple clutch locks by jointly moving the coupled sliders or clutch slide elements from the first and second locks along at least a section of the first and second lock strips of the clutch locks from the first and second multiple clutch locks below Separation of the docking system according to the invention.

It is particularly advantageous here that the coupling slide elements and the zip slides of the first closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures are moved simultaneously during the formation and / or separation of the first docking system according to the invention, the coupling slide element and the zip slide of the closure of the first multiple coupling closure and / or the clutch slide element and the zipper slide of the closure of the second multiple clutch closure is preferably directly or indirectly adjacent.

A particularly preferred further development also takes into account the fact that the clutch slide element and the zip slide of the closure of the first milk compartment clutch lock and / or the clutch slide element and the zip slide of the lock of the second multiple clutch lock are integrated in a slide.

A particular advantage of the zipper closure according to the invention is that for the first time this enables coupled or docked containers to be opened and closed easily and reliably in one movement by actuating a slide. With the docking closures according to the invention, it is surprisingly easy and safe to use to obtain environmentally-friendly docking systems for flexible containers and hoses. In addition, the concept of multiple coupling closures has surprisingly been further developed by incorporating the zip and docking closures according to the invention. Basically, with the closure or docking systems according to the invention, it is also possible to use simple, flexible containers, regardless of their size, for environmentally sound filling and / or refilling operations, which has hitherto not been possible in a correspondingly simple, uncomplicated and nevertheless reliable manner. To ensure operational safety and reliability and to maintain the integrity of the containers and locking and docking systems used, especially in long-term use, the fact that only the zipper slides, clutch slider elements and, if necessary, end stops are to be operated in the Grande. Neither the closure elements or strips nor the flexible containers can be operated manually to close or dock.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of zipper closures, docking closures and docking systems according to the invention are explained in detail with the aid of schematic drawings. It shows:

Figure 1 shows two flexible containers to be coupled according to the invention in a schematic side view; Figure 2 shows the containers of Figure 1 at the beginning of the docking process in a schematic side view;

Figure 3 shows the containers of Figure 1 in the partially docked state in a schematic side view;

Figure 4 shows the containers of Figure 1 in a fully docked state in a schematic side view;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a closure according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a detail of the closure according to the invention in a schematic side view; and

Figure 7 shows a detail of an embodiment of a closure according to the invention in a schematic plan view.

FIG. 1 shows a section of two flexible containers 50 and 52 according to the invention to be coupled, each with closure strips 2 and 4 or 2 'and 4' which are in engagement with one another. Both containers are therefore closed. Furthermore, both containers have a combined closure 200 and 202 according to the invention, each with a combined slide 100 and 102, each containing a zipper slide and integrating a clutch slide element. A zipper closure according to the invention and a docking closure according to the invention are thus combined in the combined closures 200, 202. Furthermore, both containers are equipped with end stops 104 and 106, which can also be used to provide a second stopping point when the closure according to the invention is actuated. In this way, it is not necessary to have to hold the flexible container itself when operating the combined closures. The closures 200 and 202 of the first and second containers 50, 52 can be placed against one another via the respective outer surfaces of their end walls 108, 110, which are preferably matched in size and shape, as shown in FIG. The outer surfaces of these end walls preferably have means in order to be able to be brought into engagement with one another (not shown). In this way, the first and second sliders 100 and 102 placed against one another can be moved particularly simply and unproblematically along the closure strips 2, 4 and 2 ', 4' of the first and second coupling closures 1, 1 '. Temporary locking of the abutting end stops 104 and 106 also succeeds very effectively without the fear of mutual sliding of the abutting surfaces.

If the abutting first and second sliders 100 and 102 are moved along the closure strips of the combined closures 200, 202, on the one hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the closure strips 2, 4 and 2 ', 4' of the first and second closure 200 and 202 become environmentally sealed coupled to one another to form a docking system 112 and, on the other hand, simultaneously the first and second closure strips 2, 4 of the first closure 200 and the first and second closure strips 2 ', 4' of the second closure 202 or their respective complementary closure elements are separated from one another. In this way, when the flexible containers 50 and 52 to be coupled are docked, an environmentally sealed passage opening 114 is created, which is available for filling and / or transferring bulk material. Depending on the amount to be filled, a passage opening 114 corresponding to the needs can be created with the aid of the closures according to the invention or the docking system 112 according to the invention.

In FIG. 4, the first and second flexible containers 50, 52 have been coupled to one another over their entire opening width. By moving the first and second combined slides 100 and 102 backwards in the direction of the end stops 104 and 106, the first and second flexible containers 50 and 52 can be closed again and simultaneously separated from one another (not shown).

FIG. 5 shows two combined slides 100 and 102 according to the invention which abut one another over the outer surfaces of their end walls 108 and 110, as already shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. These slides each have an inlet opening 150 and 152 respectively Guide channels 178 and 180 for mutually engaging first and second closure strips 2, 4 and 2 ', 4' of the coupling closures 1 and 1 'of the first and second closures 200 and 202, respectively. The sliders 100 and 102 have an end wall 108 or 110 extending side walls 154, 156 and 158, 160 and via wall sections 162 and 164 (not shown) and 166 and 168 (not shown) extending from the side walls. At the inlet openings 150 and 152, the respective upper sides 14, 14 ', 16, 16' of the first and second closure strips 2, 2 4, 4 'are spaced from the edges 170, 172 of the end walls 108 and 110 in such a way that also from the tops 14 and 16 'each of the extending closure elements 18 and 20' do not reach up to these edges, but that a distance to them remains. The channel in which the coupled first and second closure strips are guided in the combined slide is shaped in such a way that the upper sides 14, 16 and 14 ', 16' of the first and second closure strips of the first and second closure 200, 202 are continuous to move towards each other and finally meet under the engagement of the complementary closure elements 18 and 18 'and 20 and 20' within the abutting combined closures. For this purpose, the end walls 108, 110 of the first and second combined slides 100, 102 have corresponding openings and openings in the openings in order to be able to bring about the desired docking. Care must be taken here that the wall sections 162, 164 and 166, 168 starting from the side walls 154, 156 and 158, 160 are worked in such a way that when the coupling locks 1, 1 'are pulled or moved through the combined slider Closure strips 2, 4 or 2 ', 4' is not offered the possibility to evade the docking process. For this it is usually sufficient if the height of the channel 178 or 180 remains unchanged, ie if the respective inner surfaces of the wall sections 162, 164, 166, 168 move in a similar manner towards the outer surface of the end wall as that side of the Channel that faces the tops of the first and second sealing strips. In addition to docking the first and second closure strips of the first and second closure 200, 202, the present combined slides 100, 102 also bring about opening of the respective first and second closure strips. For this purpose, a zipper slide according to the invention is also integrated in each of the combined sliders shown in addition to a clutch slide element. The separating end of this zipper slide is located on the side opposite the inlet opening 150, 152, on which the separating element is also located (not shown). Thus, after the coupling locks 1, 1 'have been docked, the first and second locks can be connected via the first and second combined nated slider 100, 102, the closure elements 10 and 12 and 10 'and 12' of the first and second closure strips 2, 2 4, 4 'are separated from one another with the aid of separating elements. In an alternative embodiment, it is of course also possible for a slide comprising a combination of a clutch slide element and a zip slide to first separate the first and second closure strips, which belong to a clutch closure, and then to couple or dock the separated ones Closure strips of a first container with the separate closure strips of a second container.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of the detail according to FIG. 5. The engaged first and second closure strips of the respective clutch closures 1 and 1 'are fed to one another in the first and second clutch slide elements of the combined slide valves 100, 102 which abut one another via their end walls 108 and 110. The channels 178, 180 of the first and second clutch slide elements are adapted in their shape and dimensions to the respective clutch locks 1, 1 'and the coupled first and second locking strips. The end walls 108, 110 each have an opening or opening along the route AB, so that the tops 14, 16 and 14 ', 16' of the first and second closure strips of the first and second closures 200, 202 are given the opportunity to Engagement of their complementary closure elements to be able to take the shortest possible distance or to be able to come into contact. The side view shown shows the side walls of the first closure strips 2 and 2 'of the coupling closures 1 and 1'. The respective upper sides of the first and second coupled closure strips 2 and 4 or 2 'and 4' are indicated by edge lines 14, 16 and 14 ', 16'. The third closure element 18, which is designed in the form of a spring, stands out from the surface 14. The fourth closure element 20, which is concealed in the selected side view in the second closure strip 4 and is designed in the form of a groove, is indicated by a dashed line. In the same way, the third and fourth closure elements 18 'and 20' in the form of a groove and a tongue are reproduced from the first and second closure strips 2 'and 4' of the coupling closure 1 '. In the area of the opening AB, the tongue 18 is then inserted into the groove 18 'and the tongue 20' into the groove 20. Finally, FIG. 7 shows a top view of the combined slides shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, one looks at the spaced wall sections 166 and 168 of the combined slide 102. The separating element 174 engages between the closure elements 10 ', 12' of the first and second closure strips 2 ', 4' of the coupling lock 1 'of the first lock. In the same way, the first and second closure strips 2, 4 of the second closure are separated from one another via a corresponding second separating element. The pinch end 176, which is adapted in its width to the extent of the coupled first and second closure strips 2 'and 4', ensures that when the direction of movement of the coupled closures 200, 202 is reversed, the closure elements 10 'and 12' of the first and second locking bar 2 'and 4' intermesh again to form an environmentally sealed closure. The separating element 174 helps to remove the first and second closure strips 2 'and 4' from one another by separating the complementary first and second closure elements 10 'and 12' from one another, ie driving the tongue 10 'out of the groove 12'. Conversely, at the pinch end 176, the first and second closure elements 10 'and 12' of first and second closure strips 2 'and 4' are pressed flush into one another using their complementary structure. The zipper slide of the closure 200 can then function in the same way.

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

Reference list, 1 'coupling lock, 2' first locking strip, 4 'second locking strip inside of the first locking strip inside of the second locking strip0, 10' first locking element2, 12 'second locking element4, 14' top of the first locking strip6, 16 'top of the second locking strip8, 18' third closure element0, 20 'fourth closure element0 first flexible container 2 second flexible container 00 first combined slide 02 second combined slide 04 first end stop 06 second end stop 08 end wall 10 end wall 12 docking system 14 passage opening 50 inlet opening of the first combined closure 10052 inlet opening of the second combined closure 10254 first side wall of the first combined wall of the first combined fastener 10058 first side wall of the second combined fastener 10260 second side wall of the second combined fastener 10262 of Wall portion 64 extending from side wall 154. Wall portion 66 extending from side wall 156. Wall portion extending from side wall 158 168 wall section extending from the side wall 160

170 edge of the end wall 108 adjacent to the inlet opening 150

172 Edge of end wall 110 adjacent inlet opening 152

174 separating element

176 bruises

178 channel in the first combined slider 100

180 channel in a second combined slide 102

200 first combined closure

202 second combined closure

Claims

Resealable closures and docking systems containing these closures

1. A reclosable zipper closure for reversibly closing a coupling closure, comprising a coupling closure for essentially environmentally sealed, reversibly closing and for substantially environmentally tight filling and / or decanting of bulk goods from containers or hose elements, comprising at least a first flexible closure strip (2) an inner side (6) and an upper side (14), with at least one first closure element (10) on the inner side (6) and at least one second flexible closure strip (4), comprising an inner side (8) and an upper side (16) at least one second closure element (12) on its inside (8), which is complementary to the first closure element (10), so that first and second closure elements can be brought into engagement and enable reversible, tight closure of the coupling closure, the first and the second Sealing strip (2, 4) are interconnected, un d wherein the upper side (14) of the first closing strip (2) attaches at least one third closing element (18) for reversible docking to a complementary closing element and the upper side (16) of the second closing strip (4) at least one fourth closing element (20) for reversible docking have a complementary closure element; and at least one zipper slide for opening and closing the coupling closure, which can be moved along the coupling closure, with a separating and a squeezing end and opposite side walls. such as a separating element at the separating end, which can be inserted between the first and second closure elements (10, 12) of the first and second closure strips (2, 4), the first and the second closure element (10, 12) in response to the movement of the zipper slide can be brought into engagement with one another in a closing direction from the open position into the closed position and can be brought into an open position from the closed position in response to the movement of the zipper slide in an opening direction.

2. Resealable docking closure for the reversible docking of two coupling closures for the essentially environmentally tight, reversible sealing of and for the essentially environmentally tight filling and / or decanting of bulk goods from containers or hose elements, comprising a coupling closure, comprising at least a first flexible closure strip (2) an inner side (6) and an upper side (14), with at least one first closure element (10) on the inner side (6) and at least one second flexible closure strip (4), comprising an inner side (8) and an upper side (16) at least one second closure element (12) on its inside (8), which is complementary to the first closure element (10), so that first and second closure elements can be brought into engagement and enable reversible, tight closure of the coupling closure, the first and the second sealing strips (2, 4) are connected to one another, and wherein the upper side (14) of the first closing strip (2) attaches at least one third closing element (18) for reversible docking to a complementary closing element and the upper side (16) of the second closing strip (4) at least one fourth closing element (20) for reversible docking have a complementary closure element; and at least one clutch slide element, which engages in sections around the first and second closure strips (2, 4) and which can be moved along the coupling closure (1), suitable for coupling and decoupling the closure strips (2, 4) of the coupling closure (1) with the closure strips further coupling closure, comprising closure elements which are connected to the third and fourth closure elements (18, 20) of the closure strips (2, 4) of the coupling closure (1) of the docking closure are each complementary.

Docking closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the coupling slide element has an end wall and opposing first and second side walls which extend downward from opposite sides of the end wall and which accommodate the first and second closure strips (2, 4) between them, a first wall section, which is opposite the end wall and extends from the first side wall in the direction of the opposite second side wall and overlaps at least in sections at least a portion of the underside of the first flexible closure strip (2), a second wall section which is opposite the end wall and from the second side wall in the direction of the opposite first side wall goes off and at least partially overlaps at least a section of the underside of the second flexible closure strip (4), at least one gap remaining between the first and second wall sections, at least e a guide channel for the first and second sealing strips (2, 4) formed with the opposite side walls, the end wall and the first and second wall sections, and comprising a front wall surface with an inlet opening of the channel and a rear wall surface with an outlet opening of the channel, wherein the inlet and outlet openings and the channel between the inlet and outlet openings are suitable for receiving the first and second closure strips (2, 4), the edge of the inlet opening adjacent to the upper sides (14, 16) of the first and second closure strips ( 2, 4), spaced from the outer surface of the end wall and wherein the inner surface of the end wall, which is part of the channel, approaches the outer surface of the end wall at least in regions from the inlet opening in the direction of the outlet opening and merges into it at the outlet opening at the latest, so at least across the width of the top sides (14, 16) of the first and second sealing strips (2, 4) the end wall or regions of the end wall are no longer present, and the height of the channel at least at the point at which the end wall is the Assumes zero thickness, corresponds approximately to the height of the flexible first and / or second closure elements (2, 4).

4. Closure according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising at least one zipper slide for opening and closing the coupling closure, which is movable along the coupling closure, with a separating and a squeezing end and opposite side walls and a separating element at the separating end, which between the first and second Closure elements (10, 12) can be inserted, the first and second closure elements (10, 12) being engageable with one another in response to the movement of the zipper slide in a direction of closure from the open position to the closed position and in response to the movement of the zipper slide can be brought in an opening direction from the closed position into an open position.

5. Closure according to claim 4, characterized in that the clutch slide element and the slide slide can be connected to one another, in particular reversibly, or that the clutch slide element and the slide slide are integrated in a uniform slide.

6. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Zippschieber, which is movable between a closed position and an open position along the first and second closure strips (2, 4), an upper end wall and opposite side walls, which are from opposite sides the end wall extend downwards and which accommodate the first and second closure strips (2, 4) between them, the side walls running from the separating end to the pinch end of the zipper slide and being spaced further apart at the separating end than at the pinch end, the side walls being narrow at the pinch end are sufficiently spaced that, when the zipper slide moves towards the closed position, they press the first and second closure elements (2, 4) into mutual engagement, and the separating element at the separating end from the end wall between the Side walls and past the first and second closure element (10, 12).

7. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a flexible bag or hose, the opening edge of which is connected to the first and second closure strips (2, 4), separately or in one piece, in a sealing manner.

8. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the inside (6, 8) and / or the top (14, 16) of the first and / or second closure strip (2, 4) of the coupling closure has an adhesive at least in sections and / or has or have an adhesive layer.

9. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second closure strip, in particular on the outside, has or have at least one control handle.

10. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second closure strips (2, 4) and / or the first and second closure element (10, 12) are of substantially the same length.

11. Docking system for filling and / or decanting bulk material, comprising a first closure according to one of the preceding claims and a second closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third and fourth closure elements (18, 20) of the top sides (14, 16) of the first and second closure strips (2, 4) of the first coupling closure are complementary to the third and fourth closure elements (20 ', 18') of the upper sides (14 ', 16') of the first and second closure strips (2 ', 4') of the second coupling lock, so that the first and second locking strips (2, 2 ', 4, 4') of the first and second coupling locks can be reversibly connected to one another, and the zip slides of first and second locks and / or the coupling slide elements of first and second locks can be applied to one another and / or can be coupled to one another.

12. Docking system according spoke 11, characterized in that the Zippschieber of first and second closures and / or the clutch slide elements of first and second closures can be reversibly coupled to one another via corresponding means, in particular in, on or on their end walls.

13. Docking system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and the second closure comprise zipper closures according to spoke 1 or 2.

14. Docking system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and the second closure comprise docking closures according to spoke 3.

15. Docking system according to spoke 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and the second closure closures according to spoke 4 or that the first closure comprises a closure according to claim 4 and the second closure comprises a closure according to claim 3.

16. Docking system according to spoke 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and the second closure closures according to spoke 5, that the first closure a closure according to claim 5 and the second closure a closure according to spoke 4, or that the first closure a closure according to claim 5 and the second closure comprise a closure according to spoke 3.

17. Docking system according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the first and the second coupling closures of the first and second closure, the zipper slides of the first and second closure and / or the coupling slide elements of the first and second closure are substantially identical and / or are mirror images.

18. Multiple coupling closure for substantially environmentally-tight, reversible closing of and for substantially environmentally-tight filling and / or decanting of bulk goods from flexible and / or rigid containers or conveying means, comprising at least two first and second closures, each connected or connectable via an at least sectionally flexible first conveying means, each comprising coupling closures which can be coupled to coupling closures of corresponding first and second closures, the opening area, in particular the inside diameter, of the opened coupling closure of the first closure being larger as the outer circumferential and or opening area, in particular the outer and / or inner diameter, of the coupling closure of the second closure, the second closure with the coupling closure of the first closure open with a corresponding closure within the conveying means and / or with at least partial passage through the opening the coupling lock of the first lock can be docked with the formation of a docking device, at least the first lock being a lock according to em of claims 1 to 10.

19. Multiple coupling closure according to claim 18, characterized in that the second closure, in particular environmentally sealed, is connectable or connected to an at least sectionally flexible second conveying means.

20. Multiple coupling closure according to spoke 18 or 19, characterized in that the coupling closure of the second closure comprises a closing flap with a first pipe socket, the closing flap being able to be brought into a closed position in which the first end of the pipe socket can be sealed off from the atmosphere.

21. Multiple coupling closure according to claim 18 to 20, characterized by at least one, in particular reversible and / or environmentally-tight, connection device, in particular a triclamp connection, to at least one coupling closure or a base body or container connected to a coupling closure, with which the first or second Funding means, directly or indirectly, in particular in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be connected or connected to a coupling closure or the grand body or container connected to this coupling closure.

22. Multiple docking device, in particular double docking device, for filling and / or decanting bulk material, comprising a first and a second multiple coupling closure according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the adjacent first closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures with one another to form a first docking system according to one of claims 11 to 17, in particular environmentally sealed, coupled or couplable and wherein the second closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures with the formation of a second docking system, in particular environmentally sealed, can be coupled or coupled.

23. Container, in particular flexible container, comprising at least one closure according to one of claims 1 to 10, in particular according to one of claims 4 to 10.

24. Funding means, in particular hose, comprising at least one closure according to one of claims 1 to 10, in particular according to one of claims 4 to 10.

25. Container, in particular flexible container, comprising at least one multiple coupling closure according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the coupling closure of the second closure can be connected or connected to the container directly or via the second flexible conveying means, in particular hose element, or is an integral part of the container is.

26. Funding means, in particular hose, comprising at least one multiple coupling closure according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the coupling closure of the second closure can be connected or connected to the container directly or via the second flexible conveying means, in particular hose element, or is an integral part of the container ,

27. A method for, in particular environmentally impermeable, infestation, decanting and / or emptying of containers and / or with conveying means, comprising the steps: providing a first container or conveying means that is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular according to address 23 or 24, comprising at least one first, preferably closed, closure according to one of claims 4 to 10,

Providing a second container or conveying means that is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular according to claim 23 or 24, containing at least one second, preferably closed, closure according to one of claims 4 to 10,

Coupling the slider, each comprising coupling slide elements, of the first and second closure, so that the first and second closure strips of the coupling closures of the first and second closure can be brought into contact with one another, joint movement of the coupled slide or coupling slide elements of the first and second closure along at least one each Portions of the first and second locking strips of the coupling locks of the first and second locks with the formation of a docking system according to one of claims 11 to 17, joint or temporally displaced movement of the zipper slides of the first and second locks in an opening direction from the closed position into an open position with training an environmentally sealed through opening between the first container or funding and the second container or funding,

Transfer of bulk material from the first container or funding into the second container or funding, or vice versa, moving the zipper slides together or at different times from the first and second closures in a closing direction from the open position to a closed position, with the formation of environmentally sound first and second closures and while maintaining an environmentally sealed docking system, jointly moving the coupled slide or clutch slide elements from the first and second locks along at least a section of the first and second lock strips of the clutch locks from the first and second locks while separating the docking system according to one of claims 11 to 17, in particular while maintaining environmentally sealed first and second closures.

28. The method according spoke 27, characterized in that the clutch slide elements and the Zippschieber first and second closure during the formation and / or separation of the docking system according to one of claims 11 to 17 are moved simultaneously, the clutch slide element and the Zippschieber the the first closure and / or the coupling slide element and the slide slide of the second closure are preferably present directly or indirectly adjacent and / or wherein the zip slide of the first and second closure lie against one another.

29. The method according spoke 27 or 28, characterized in that the clutch slide element and the slide slide of the first closure and / or the clutch slide element and the slide slide of the second closure are present integrated in a slide.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the lengths of the first and second closure strips of the first closure and the lengths of the first and second closure strips of the second closure substantially match.

31. A method for, in particular environmentally impermeable, infestation, decanting and / or emptying of containers and / or with conveying means, comprising the steps: providing a first container or conveying means which is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular according to claim 25 or 26, containing at least a first Multiple clutch closure according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first and / or second closure of the first multiple clutch closure is or are preferably closed, providing a second container or conveying means that is flexible at least in the opening area, in particular according to claims 25 and 26, containing at least a second one Multiple clutch lock according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first and / or second lock of the second multiple clutch lock is or are preferably closed, Coupling the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks to form a docking system according to one of claims 11 to 17 by coupling the slide, each comprising clutch slide elements, the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks, so that the first and second locking strips of the clutch locks of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks can be brought into contact with one another, and joint movement of the coupled slides or clutch slide elements of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks along at least a section of the first and second locking bars of the clutch locks of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks,

Opening of the coupled first closures of the first and second multiple clutch closures while maintaining an environmentally sealed docking system by moving the zipper slides of the first closures of the first and second multiple clutch closures in an opening direction from the closed position into an open position together or at different times, with the formation of an environmentally sealed passage opening between the first container or funding and the second container or funding, coupling the second closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures to form a, in particular environmentally-tight, second docking device, in particular forming a multiple docking device according to claim 22, simultaneous or sequential opening of the second closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures, at least in certain areas while maintaining the environmentally tight second docking device, transferring Schü good from the first container or conveying means into the second container or conveying means, or vice versa, simultaneous or sequential closing of the second closures of the first and second multiple coupling closures while maintaining an environmentally-tight second docking device,

Decoupling the second locks from the first and second multiple clutch locks with separation of the second docking device, Simultaneous or time-delayed closing of the first lock of the first multiple clutch lock and / or of the first lock of the second multiple clutch lock by moving the zipper slides of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch locks in a locking direction from the open position into a closed position in a closed direction, forming a more environmentally friendly seal first closures of the first and second multiple clutch closures and while maintaining an environmentally sealed docking system, and decoupling the first closures of the first and second multiple clutch closures by moving the coupled slides or clutch slide elements of the first and second closures along at least a section of the first and second closure strips of the clutch closures of first and second multiple coupling locks with separation of the docking system according to one of the Ans proverbs 11 to 17.

32. The method according to spoke 31, characterized in that the clutch slide elements and the zipper slide of the first locks of the first and second multiple clutch lock during the formation and / or separation of the docking system according to one of claims 11 to 17 are moved simultaneously, the clutch slide element and the zipper slide of the closure of the first multiple clutch closure and / or the clutch slide element and the zipper slide of the closure of the second multiple clutch closure are preferably present directly or indirectly adjacent.

33. The method according spoke 31 or 32, characterized in that the clutch slide element and the zipper slide of the closure of the first multiple clutch closure and / or the clutch slide element and the zipper slide of the closure of the second multiple clutch closure are present integrated in a slide.