EP1880942B1 - Closure and docking arrangement for a flexible bag, process for emptying and/or filling bulk material from flexible bags and two coupled flexible bags - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupling fastener (1) has a fastener strip (5) with an end and another end in longitudinal circumference, and an installation position (23) with a fastening element (19). Another installation position (25) has another fastening element (21). A supporting side has a third fastening element coupled with the fastening element reversibly, particularly sealed from environmental influences. The fourth fastening element is coupled with the former fastening element reversibly, particularly sealed from environmental influences. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a docking device particularly for emptying, filling or refilling of bulk cargo without environmental influences (2) a method particularly for emptying, filling or refilling of containers without environmental influences.

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling closure for a flexible container, a docking device for flexible containers, a method for emptying, loading and / or decanting of bulk material from flexible containers and two environmentally sealed coupled flexible container.

The transfer of bulk goods into or out of containers requires high quality standards in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Because on the one hand, the environment must not be contaminated with the sometimes harmful bulk material, on the other hand components of the ambient air or air as such are kept away from the bulk material during the transfer process in an environmentally sealed manner. Incidentally, the requirements for contamination-free work in the food processing, the chemical and the pharmaceutical industry are very high even with less problematic bulk.

For the purposes mentioned so-called containment docking systems based on the half-flap technology, such as in the DE 196 41 827 C2 described, reinforced. These systems, which are usually constructed of stainless steel, meet the highest requirements in terms of tightness when transferring bulk material, but are complex in design and, in particular For larger nominal sizes due to the not low weight for the variable-position use only partially suitable.

Constructively simpler docking devices, as in the WO 03/037717 A1 disclosed, for example, use elastically deformable coupling elements, each having a superimposed slot, which is closed in the ground state and can be opened by applying pressure. In this embodiment of a docking special care must be taken to ensure that the slots of the adjacent coupling elements of the same length and come to lie exactly above each other.

In the German patent application with the file number DE 103 21 814 a coupling element for environmentally-insulated transfer, filling and emptying of containers is disclosed, which is composed essentially of two flush abutting closure strips, which have at their ends via interlocking hinge body, which are rotatable about common bearing elements. The Gelenkachselemente or joint caps have to be matched exactly to the shape and size of the bearing elements of the sealing strips to permanently and reliably act as a pivot bearing can. An opening and closing of this coupling element is achieved in that opposing hinge body are moved toward or away from each other. In this case, the spring elasticity of the material of the closure strips is utilized in order to effect a repositioning in the closed state when the application of force ceases. Although there are now a variety of resilient plastic materials that are suitable for such applications, however, for example, in grossly improper handling, the closure strips overstretched or kept too long in the open state, which can no longer ensure an environmentally sealed closing. This problem is tried by using additionally incorporated in the closure strips reset elements, such as in the WO 2006/053545 A1 revealed to get at.

In addition, for less demanding applications resealable zippers for reversibly closing plastic bags from the DE 103 35 325 A1 known. Such closure systems are to be equipped with a Zippverschluß and a coupling slide element. While the zipper is responsible for closing the opposing closure strips of a bag, a reversible coupling to the closure strips of a second bag succeeds only with the coupling element. Accordingly, both closure elements on the opposite inner sides of the closure strips of a bag as well as closure elements on the tops of these closure strips are required.

It would now be desirable to be able to resort to even more improved closure systems for flexible bags, which can be used for any bag or opening sizes equally reliable and practical, in particular positionally variable, and also allow a safe, yet easier closure of containers.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide flexible container closures which do not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art and which are particularly suitable for each package size, e.g. especially for large container and opening sizes ensure safe and easy to handle closing and opening.

Accordingly, a coupling closure has been found for an at least partially flexible container, comprising a first closure strip having a first end and an opposite second end in the longitudinal direction (X-direction), an inner side, an outer side and an abutment side, the inner and outer sides together connects, wherein the plant side in the longitudinal extent at least partially has at least one first closure element; a second closure strip having a first end and an opposite second end in longitudinal extent, an inner side, a Outer side and an abutment side, which connects the inside and outside together, wherein the plant side in longitudinal extent at least partially at least a second closure element, further wherein the first and second ends of the first and second closure strip in mutual contact of the insides of these closure strips are adjacent and wherein the first and second closure members extend to the adjacent first and / or adjacent second ends; and a coupling closure comprising a strip having a first and a second end in longitudinal extent, the first and / or second end having an end stop, and a support side comprising, in longitudinal extension on the support side at least in sections, a third closure element connected to the first closure element is reversible, in particular environmentally sealed, coupled or coupled, and spaced, in particular equidistantly spaced, this at least partially a fourth closure element which is reversible, in particular environmentally sealed, coupled or coupled to the second closure element.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first and / or second end of the coupling closure an end stop, the first and / or the second end of the first closure strip an end stop and the first end and / or the second end of the second closure strip have an end stop , wherein each adjacent ends of the coupling closure and the first and second closure strip have an end stop, and that the first and second closure elements to the adjacent end stops of the first and second closure strip and that the third and fourth closure elements to the end stop of the coupling closure, the is adjacent to the adjacent end stops of the first and second closure strip, extend and that the first and / or second end of the coupling closure has an end stop.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the first and / or second closure strip has a holding section in longitudinal alignment at the first and / or second end, containing first and second contact surfaces and an inner and an outer side. The inside and the outside of a holding portion are connected by the first and second abutment surface with each other.

Bulk goods that can be environmentally sealed with the help of the coupling closure according to the invention include all fluid systems that are pourable. This may be liquid bulk material as well as particulate bulk material, for example fine or coarse-grained.

As flexible containers, for example, bags or sacks as well as conveying means, for example in the form of hoses or hose elements, come into question. Preferred containers also provide so-called inliners, e.g. for big bags, which are used, for example, in storage tanks for liquid or particulate bulk goods. These containers can e.g. also be made of a plastic, textile and / or nonwoven material. Conveniently, that portion of the container in the vicinity of the opening edge is designed to be flexible, which is connected to the coupling closure. The coupling closure according to the invention consequently serves in its first function as a closure for the openings of flexible containers. In its second function, it serves for coupling or docking to a complementary coupling closure to form a particular environmentally sealed docking device, can be easily transported by the bulk material from a first container in a second container.

The size of the coupling closures can be adapted in many areas to the opening size of the containers to be closed or coupled. For example, the coupling closures according to the invention can have openings with a diameter in the range of 10 to 200 cm, preferably in the range of 15 to 100 cm. Accordingly, containers, in particular bags, can be used with the coupling closures according to the invention and conveying means, eg closing or docking hoses, which have opening diameters in the range from 10 to 200 cm, preferably from 15 to 100 cm.

The coupling closures according to the invention or the first and second closure strips as well as the coupling closure have a longitudinal extent, each bounded by the first and the opposite second end of the coupling closure or the closure strips and the coupling closure. The length of such a coupling closure, ie the distance between the first and the second end, which is demonstrably a particular advantage of the coupling closures according to the invention, can vary within very wide ranges and for example in the range of 10 to 400 cm, preferably in the range of 15 to 315 cm lie. If the coupling closure or the first and second closure strips as well as the coupling closure in longitudinal alignment on an X-axis, then the transverse or transverse extent, ie perpendicular to the X-axis, vary within wide ranges. For example, the height of the coupling closure, ie the extension in the Z direction in the range of 10 to 130 mm, preferably from 20 to 50 mm, lie. In this case, the height of the closure strips usually takes a value in the range of 6 to 100 mm, preferably 16 to 40 mm, and the height of the coupling closure or the bar of the coupling closure a height in the range of 4 to 30 mm, preferably from 4 up to 10 mm, on. The height of the end stop of the first and second closure strip may for example be in the range of 4 to 10 mm. Preferably, this height of the end stop of the first and second closure strip coincides with the height of the coupling closure or the strip of the coupling closure of a second coupling closure to be docked, in particular if the closure strips have holding sections which extend beyond the end stops in the X direction. The width of the first and second closure strips, ie the extent in the Y direction, is in each case preferably in the range from 2 to 10 mm, in particular from 2 to 4 mm, while the width of the coupling closure preferably in the range of 5 to 30 mm, in particular of 5 to 10 mm. In an expedient embodiment of the coupling closure is wider than the two adjacent to their inner sides first and second closure strips, so that the support side of the coupling closure protrudes at its longitudinal edges on the Anlageseiten the closure strips. The X, Y and Z dimensions correspond to the axes of a Cartesian coordinate system.

The first and the second closure strip of the coupling closure form a peripheral edge, which can be sealed by mutual application of the insides of these closure strips. The closure strips are preferably made of a non-rigid material, in particular a plastic material. Suitable materials for the closure strips are, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene. In principle, all thermoplastic materials known to the person skilled in the art, also in the form of mixtures, come into consideration. Of course, also sealing strips can be used, which are less flexible, as long as a sufficiently large cross-section for the passage of bulk material is reversibly adjustable.

For the coupling closure both flexible and more rigid materials, such as plastic or metal can be used. Suitable flexible materials include, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene, especially LD polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyester. As a more rigid plastic materials such as polyamides, polystyrene, polypropylene and polyoxyalkylenes are suitable. Particularly preferred are those materials with which the coupling closure, in particular the strip of the coupling closure, can be produced by means of extrusion by means of an extruded profile, for example polyethylene. The bar of the coupling closure can basically take any form, as long as it is ensured that docking with a complementary coupling closure can be accomplished with it. Preferably, the support side of the coupling closure is designed flat. The basic shape of the bar when viewed from above on the support side, can basically be arbitrarily shaped and, for example, be rectilinear, curved or wavy. Preferably, the course of the bar, when viewed from the top of the bar, is straight. This preferably also applies to the present on the support side third and fourth closure elements of Coupling closure to. The third and fourth closure elements extend as well as the first and second closure elements of the closure strips at least at one end directly to the respective end stops.

The plant sides of the closure strips are preferably formed such that they can form a tight seal when applied to the support side of the coupling closure.

The cross section of the closure strips can basically assume any desired shapes. Preferably, the cross-sectional shapes of the first and second closure strip are matched to each other in such a way and / or on the coupling closure, that an environmentally sealed coupling closure results. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second closure strips may have a square or rectangular cross-section. According to a further, preferred embodiment, the cross section of the first and / or second sealing strip tapers the farther one moves away from the contact side. This can be continuous or discontinuous. For example, the cross-sectional extent in the region of the end stop may be constant and only then use a taper of the cross section. Particularly preferably, this rejuvenation does not start immediately, but only at a location further away from the plant side. In this embodiment, therefore, also the holding portion has a cross-sectional segment, which at least partially has a uniform cross-sectional width. For example, while the uniform width (in the Y direction) extends over the entire extension of the end stop, for example over an extent of 5 to 10 mm, this unchanged cross-sectional extension can be maintained for a further 5 to 10 mm before the cross section is tapered starts. The taper of the cross section is preferably such that the inside of the first and / or second closure strip remains substantially on a straight line. In particular, the portions of the closure strips that taper away from the contact side are suitable as attachment surfaces, preferably welding surfaces, for the edges of containers to be connected to the coupling fasteners according to the invention. The connection of the flexible Binder edges to the connection surface or to the closure strip can be done by means known to those skilled, for example by means of gluing, ultrasonic, vibration or laser welding.

Accordingly, a further development of the coupling closures according to the invention also provides that the first and / or second closure strip spaced from the contact side (in the Z direction) has a connection surface, in particular welding surface, for the opening edge of containers, in particular with a thickness (in the Y direction ), which is at least partially smaller than the thickness of the first or second sealing strip in the region of the end stops. Of course, the container edges may also extend to the plant side and beyond, and e.g. be connected over the entire surface with the insides of the closure strips. Alternatively, the container edges may also be connected to the outsides of the closure strips.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the first and / or second closure strip in longitudinal alignment at the first and / or second end beyond the first and second end stop and in transverse alignment (Z direction) away from the plant sides and in connection to the first and / or second end stop in the form of holding sections, containing a first and / or second end stop extending first and second contact surface and an inner and an outer are extended, in particular such that the first and / or second End stop can be brought to the end stop of a coupling closure of a second coupling closure to the plant. The holding portions protrude in the X direction, for example in a length of 10 to 50 mm, preferably from 20 to 40 mm, beyond the respective end stop.

Are the first and second closure strips with their inner sides close to each other and form the Anlageseiten this closure strips essentially a common surface, the first and second closure elements can usually readily in the complementary third or fourth closure elements are inserted. By applying the end stops of the first and second closure strips to the end stop of the coupling closure of a complementary coupling closure and at the same time the end stops of the first and second locking of a second coupling closure to the end stop of the first coupling closure, the respective complementary first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strip are pushed together forming a tight docking device. At the same time, the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closures are gradually released. This docking operation can be substantially improved and simplified by the holding sections described above. The holder portions provide an extension of the closure strips spaced from their plant sides, while maintaining the first and second end stops. Accordingly, the holding portions do not have a continuous contact side with the closure strips, but the support surface of the holding portions is displaced in the direction of the bag wall to be connected and usually opens at an angle, preferably at right angles, in the first and second end stop. Preferably, the bearing surface of the holding portion of a closure strip is parallel to the plant side.

The holding sections facilitate the operation of the coupling closures according to the invention again considerably. When manually docking complementary coupling closures, the bearing surfaces of the holding sections can be placed on the opposite side of the coupling closure side, whereby the Anlageseiten the closure strips of the coupling to be docked closure are approximately at a level on which the closure strips or their first and second closure elements directly into the complementary first and second closure elements of the first coupling closure can be inserted.

It can be provided in particular that the coupling closure in transverse alignment (Z direction) between the support side and the support side opposite Side in the region of the end stop has a thickness which is the distance between the contact surface of the holding portion of the first and / or second closure strip, at the location where the contact surface meets the first and second end stop, and the contact side of the first and second closure strip in essentially corresponds.

In general can be used for complementary closure elements on spring / groove connections. Accordingly, an embodiment is characterized in that the closure elements of the first and second closure strip each represent a groove and that the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closure each represent a spring which is complementary to the groove of the first and second closure strip, so that groove and spring each reversible, in particular environmentally sealed, can be brought into engagement. According to a further variant, it is provided that the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strip each represent a spring and that the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closure form a groove which are complementary to the spring of the first and second closure strip, so that Both tongue and groove reversible, especially environmentally sealed, can be brought into engagement. Alternatively, it may further be provided that the first closure element of the first closure strip a groove and the second closure element of the second closure strip form a spring and that the third closure element of the coupling closure a spring which is complementary to the groove of the first closure strip, and the fourth closure element of the Coupling closure a groove which is complementary to the spring of the second closure strip represent, so that tongue and groove are each reversible, in particular environmentally sealed, engageable.

Coupling of the first and second coupling closure succeeds particularly unproblematic if the strip of the coupling closure in the region of the first and / or second end, in particular in the region of the end stop of the first and / or second end in longitudinal alignment a receiving device, in particular a recess, the Receiving the holding portion of a second coupling closure has, in particular in the form spaced sidewalls, which extend away from the side opposite to the support side, in particular at least partially substantially parallel walls.

It is advantageous if the receiving device, in particular at least one inside of the spaced side walls of this receiving device, has at least one guide element which can be brought into engagement with a complementary guide element of the holding portion of the first and / or second closure strip of a second coupling closure. The holding portions are in the region of the first and second ends of the coupling closure according to the invention. At these opposite ends, the coupling closures are regularly gripped by hand to initiate the docking process. By providing the coupling closures with indentations into which the holding portions of corresponding coupling closures can be inserted, the first and second closure strips can already be moved together by compressing the side walls of these indentations with sufficient thickness of the inserted adjacent first and second holding portions. The adjoining, forming a closure first and second closure strips are then particularly well and unproblematically, as described above, connected to a complementary coupling closure when the holding sections during docking can not slip out of the recess. This is achieved by the use of complementary guide elements, which are engageable with each other and thus present in a substantially locked state.

Accordingly, the coupling closures according to the invention preferably have at least one holding section of the first and / or second closure strip with on its outer side at least one guide element which can be brought into engagement with a complementary guide element of the coupling closure of a second coupling closure. Particularly suitable are those coupling closures in which the first and third closure elements and / or the second and fourth closure elements so matched to one another are that the contact side of the first and second sealing strip and the support side of the coupling closure in the coupled state at least partially sealingly abut each other or sealingly against each other can be applied.

According to the invention it is further provided that the third and fourth closure elements have such a distance from each other that the inner sides of the first and second closure strip in the coupled to the first and second closure element state at least partially, in particular sealing, abut each other or can be applied.

Conveniently, the first and second closure members in longitudinal alignment are substantially the same length. This also preferably applies to the third and the fourth closure element, which preferably run parallel.

Also particularly preferred are coupling closures in which the first and third closure element and / or the second and fourth closure elements in longitudinal alignment are substantially the same length.

The device for receiving the holding portion or the first and second holding portions of a second coupling closure may be integrally or separately connected or connected to the strip of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure. Preferably, this device, which takes the form of a recess in an expedient embodiment, as a separate component with the strip, in particular at the first and / or the opposite second end connectable, e.g. in the way of a plug or clip connection. Thus, bar and device for receiving the holding portion of a second coupling closure can be made separately.

The first and second closure strips can be present both separately and connected to one another. It is preferred that the first and the second closure strip on their respective adjacent ends, in particular via adjacent holding portions and / or on the inner side portions adjacent to the end stops of adjacent end stops, are interconnected, in particular to form a closed periphery. Accordingly, at least portions of the adjoining inner sides of adjacent holding portions are preferably connected. In addition, the inner side regions adjacent to the adjacent end stops of the first and second closure strips are particularly preferably at least partially connected or sealed with one another, for example with the formation of a film hinge.

Coupling closures according to the invention also include such embodiments in which the closure strips are at least partially connected separately or integrally with the opening edge of a flexible container, in particular in the form of a bag or conveyor.

A particularly secure docking of a first coupling closure according to the invention to a second coupling closure according to the invention is achieved by at least one first adjusting aid present at the first and / or second end, in particular in and / or on the end stop of the coupling closure, in particular in the form of at least one pin or one inlet for receiving a second adjustment aid of a second coupling closure to be coupled, in particular for receiving a complementary adjustment aid in and / or on the end stop of the first and / or second closure strip of a dockable or to be coupled second coupling closure.

The pins and / or inlets of Justierhilfen are preferably configured with a cross-sectional geometry, for example in the form of a rectangle, triangle, square or pentagon, which automatically locks the required orientation of the first and second to be engaged when locked with the complementary second adjustment aid of the second coupling closure Ensures closure elements of the first and second coupling closure.

The docking process is further facilitated by at least one at the first and / or second end, in particular in and / or on the end stop, the first and / or second closure strip present second Justierhilfe, in particular in the form of at least one pin or an inlet, for receiving a complementary adjustment aid of a second coupling closure to be coupled, in particular for receiving a complementary adjustment aid in and / or on the end stop of a coupling closure of a second coupling closure to be coupled or to be docked.

Furthermore, such coupling fasteners are preferred in which on the support surface of at least one first and / or second holding portion, a first centering, in particular in longitudinal alignment, which with a complementary second centering on the opposite side of the pad side of the coupling closure of a to be coupled or docking Coupling closure is engageable.

By providing on the support surface of the holding portion a centering, for example in the form of a longitudinally oriented web or a longitudinally aligned indentation or gutter, a safe and unproblematic docking of two coupling closures can be further improved. This first centering engages or engages in on the support side of the strip of the coupling closure of a second coupling to be coupled opposite side present complementary second centering, whereby the mutual axial alignment of the closure strips of the first and second coupling closure is ensured at least in the region of abutting ends ,

Accordingly, according to the invention, such coupling closures are also included, in which on the side opposite the support side of the coupling closure at least one second centering, in particular in longitudinal orientation, which is provided with a complementary first centering on the support surface of a first and / or second holding portion a coupling closure to be coupled or docked can be brought into engagement.

In a further embodiment variant, the coupling closures according to the invention are designed such that when docking with a complementary second coupling closure, the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closures are not completely expelled from the coupled connection with the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strips, but that always in sections, the third and fourth closure elements of a coupling closure are in engagement with the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strip of the coupling closure.

According to a further aspect, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a docking device for, in particular environmentally sealed, emptying, loading and / or decanting of bulk material, comprising a first and a second coupling closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second closure strip the first coupling closure and the first and second closure strips of the second coupling closure are of substantially equal length and wherein the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strips of the first coupling closure are complementary to the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strips of the second coupling closure, so that the first and second closure strips of the first and second coupling closure, in particular environmentally sealed, reversibly connected to each other or are connected.

It can be provided in particular that the first and / or the second coupling closure with a flexible container, in particular in the form of a container or a conveyor, separately or in one piece, connectable or connected. A particular advantage of the docking devices according to the invention is also due to the fact that two substantially identical coupling closures can be used, which drastically reduces the material and construction costs.

A further development of the docking device according to the invention further provides that the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure in the docked state of the first and second coupling closure sections in engagement with the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strip of the first coupling closure remain and / or the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure in the docked state remain in sections in engagement with the first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strip of the second coupling closure.

• Zurverfügungstellung eines zumindest im Öffnungsbereich flexiblen ersten Gebindes, insbesondere eines erfindungsgemäßen Gebindes, enthaltend mindestens einen ersten, zumindest teilweise verschlossen vorliegenden erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsverschluß,
• Zurverfügungstellung eines zumindest im Öffnungsbereich flexiblen zweiten Gebindes, insbesondere eines erfindungsgemäßen Gebindes, enthaltend mindestens einen zweiten, zumindest teilweise verschlossen vorliegenden erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsverschluß,
• Anlegen des ersten Endes des ersten Verschlußelements der ersten Verschlußleiste des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses an das erste Ende eines komplementären ersten Verschlußelements einer ersten Verschlußleiste des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses und Anlegen des ersten Endes des zweiten Verschlußelements der zweiten Verschlußleiste des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses an das erste Ende des komplementären zweiten Verschlußelements der zweiten Verschlußleiste des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses, so daß die jeweils komplementären ersten und zweiten Verschlußelemente von erstem und zweitem Kupplungsverschluß durch axiale Bewegung in Eingriff bringbar sind,
• gegenseitiges Ineingriffbringen der jeweils komplementären ersten und zweiten Verschlußelemente durch axiales Verschieben, wobei die dritten und vierten Verschlußelemente der Koppelverschlüsse von erstem und zweitem Kupplungsverschluß sukzessive aus der Verbindung mit dem ersten und zweiten Verschlußelement von erstem bzw. zweitem Kupplungsverschluß freigegeben werden, vorzugsweise bis das erste Ende des Koppelverschlusses des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses im Bereich des zweiten Endes des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses vorliegt und bis das erste Ende des Koppelverschlusses des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses im Bereich des zweiten Endes des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses vorliegt, insbesondere unter Ausbildung einer erfindungsgemäßen Andockeinrichtung,
• Überführen von Schüttgut aus dem ersten Gebinde in das zweite Gebinde, oder umgekehrt,
• Bewegen des ersten Endes des Koppelverschlusses des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses in Richtung des ersten Endes dieses Kupplungsverschlusses und Bewegen des ersten Endes des Koppelverschlusses des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses in Richtung des ersten Endes dieses Kupplungsverschlusses, so daß die dritten und vierten Verschlußelemente des Koppelverschlusses des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses sukzessive in Eingriff mit den komplementären ersten und zweiten Verschlußelementen der ersten und zweiten Verschlußleisten des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses gebracht werden und daß die dritten und vierten Verschlußelemente des Koppelverschlusses des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses sukzessive mit den komplementären ersten und zweiten Verschlußelementen der ersten bzw. zweiten Verschlußleiste des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses in Eingriff gebracht werden, insbesondere bis die ersten und zweiten Verschlußelemente des ersten Kupplungsverschlusses nicht mehr in Eingriff mit den komplementären ersten und zweiten Verschlußelementen des zweiten Kupplungsverschlusses vorliegen, so daß die ersten und zweiten Gebinde voneinander getrennt sind.

According to a further aspect, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by a method for, in particular, environmentally sound, filling, transferring and / or emptying containers, comprising the steps:

• Provision of a first container, in particular a container according to the invention, which is flexible at least in the opening region and contains at least one first, at least partially closed, present inventive coupling closure,
• Provision of a second container, in particular a container according to the invention, which is flexible at least in the opening region, comprising at least one second, at least partially closed, coupling closure according to the invention;
• Applying the first end of the first closure element of the first closure strip of the first coupling closure to the first end of a complementary first closure element of a first closure strip of the second coupling closure and applying the first end of the second closure element of the second closure strip of the first coupling closure to the first End of the complementary second closure element of the second closure strip of the second coupling closure, so that the respective complementary first and second closure elements of the first and second coupling closure can be brought into engagement by axial movement,
• mutual engagement of the respective complementary first and second closure elements by axial displacement, wherein the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closures of the first and second coupling closure are successively released from the connection with the first and second closure element of the first and second coupling closure, preferably until the first end the coupling closure of the first coupling closure is present in the region of the second end of the first coupling closure and until the first end of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure is present in the region of the second end of the first coupling closure, in particular forming a docking device according to the invention,
• Transfer of bulk material from the first container to the second container, or vice versa,
• Moving the first end of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure towards the first end of this coupling closure and moving the first end of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure towards the first end of this coupling closure so that the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure successively engage the complementary first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strips of the first coupling closure are brought and that the third and fourth closure elements of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure are successively engaged with the complementary first and second closure elements of the first and second closure strip of the second coupling closure, in particular until the first and second closure elements the first coupling closure are no longer in engagement with the complementary first and second closure elements of the second coupling closure, so that the first and second containers are separated from each other.

Particularly preferred are those methods in which one brings the end stop of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure to the end stops of the first and second closure strip of the second coupling closure and the end stop of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure to the end stops of the first and second closure strip of the first coupling closure, in particular to each other applies, so that extends at least in the region of the end stops the bearing side of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure substantially parallel to the Anlageseiten of the first and second closure strip of the second coupling closure and / or that the support side of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure substantially parallel to the Anlageseiten of the first and second closure strip of the first coupling closure extends.

A further development of the method according to the invention is based on that one applies the first and second contact surface of the first and second holding portion of the first coupling closure in axial alignment on the support side of the strip of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure opposite side and / or that the first and second Plays contact surfaces of the first and second holding portion of the second coupling closure to the support side of the bar of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure opposite side.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention provides in a preferred embodiment that the first and second holding portions of the first coupling closure in a recess of the coupling closure of the second coupling closure and / or that the first and second Holding portions of the second coupling closure are inserted into a recess of the coupling closure of the first coupling closure.

The present invention was based on the surprising finding that even very flexible coupling closures can be sealed in an environmentally sealed way for any nominal widths with the aid of a strip-shaped coupling closure. Furthermore, the invention is based on the surprising knowledge that these systems, if they are equipped with a common end stop, can be coupled with complementary coupling closure systems to form an environmentally-friendly docking device without problems.

Figur 1:

einen Ausschnitt einer schematischen perspektivischen Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsverschlusses;

Figur 2:

einen Ausschnitt aus einer schematischen perspektivischen Ansicht zweier erfindungsgemäßer Kupplungsverschlüsse;

Figur 3.

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Andockeinrichtung im entkoppelten Zustand; und

Figur 4:

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Andockeinrichtung im gekoppelten Zustand.

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

FIG. 1:

a detail of a schematic perspective view of a coupling closure according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

a detail of a schematic perspective view of two inventive coupling fasteners;

FIG. 3.

a schematic side view of a docking device according to the invention in the decoupled state; and

FIG. 4:

a schematic side view of a docking device according to the invention in the coupled state.

FIG. 1 shows the area around the first end 3 of a preferred embodiment of a coupling closure according to the invention 1. The coupling closure 1 is composed of a first closure strip 5, a second closure strip 7 and the coupling closure 9. The first and second closure strips can be integral with the front and rear side wall be connected to a flexible bag. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross section of the first and second closure elements according to the invention (in YZ plane) is initially constant starting from the plant side. Accordingly, both the end stops and a portion of the holding portions (apart from the recess 61) have a substantially constant cross section (in the Y direction). Beginning at the edges 41 and 43, the first and second sealing strips taper, respectively, until they have reached a relatively thin-walled cross-section. In the illustrated variant, the minimum cross-section obtained is maintained for a certain length. Particularly preferably, the taper affects the contour of the outer wall of the closure strip, but not the contour of the inner wall. The inner wall of the closure strips can, as shown, preferably lay in a flat plane.

The tapered portions of the closure strips, both inside and outside, are preferred weld surfaces for flexible bag edges of environmentally sealed containers. The first closure strip 5 and the second closure strip 7 are provided with end stops 15 and 17 at their respective first ends 3. Furthermore, the first closure strip 5 has a first closure element 19 in the form of a longitudinal groove and the second closure strip 7 has a second closure element 21 in the form of a longitudinal spring. The groove 19 as well as the spring 21 are respectively mounted on the abutment side 23 and 25 of the first and second closure strip 5 and 7 respectively. Furthermore, the first and second closure strips 5 and 7 have retaining sections 27 and 29 at least at the first end 3.

The closure strips 5 and 7 have a longitudinal alignment between the first end 3 and the second end 31 (not shown), i. the abutment sides 23 and 25 extend between the first and second ends in the longitudinal direction (X-direction). Transverse to this longitudinal orientation each closure strip has a thickness or width (distance between the respective outer sides 33, 35 and inner sides 37, 39 of the first and second closure strip (Y-direction).) Furthermore, each closure strip or the base body of the closure strip also has transverse to the longitudinal direction over a height extent (Z-direction), which is characterized on one side by the plant sides 23 and 25 and on the other side by the edges 75 and 77.

Retaining portions 27 and 29 extend beyond the end stops 15 and 17 of the first and second closure strips 5, 7, respectively. These holding portions constitute extensions of the closure strips 5, 7 in longitudinal alignment. The respective holding portions 27 and 29 set in the Z direction where the stops 15 and 17 stop. Preferably, the end stops 15 and 17 at a right angle in the holding sections 27 and 29 over. As the closure strips 5, 7 have these holding sections as part of the same over an outer and an inner side. The outer and inner sides 33a, 35a and 37a, 39a of the holding portions 27, 29 generally form seamlessly a uniform surface with the inner and outer sides 33, 37; 35, 39 of the closure strips beyond the end stops. In the illustrated embodiment, these outer and inner sides of the holding portions by a contact surface 45, 47, which extends parallel to the contact side 23, 25 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7, respectively. The inner sides 37a, 39a of the holding portions 27, 29 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 are also close to each other can be applied, and preferably firmly connected. Inserting the inner sides 37, 39 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 close to each other, so that the respective first and second ends 3, 31 and thus the respective end stops 15, 17 are adjacent to each other, the surfaces of the respective end stops lie in a common curved or plan, especially plan level, as in Fig. 1 shown. Furthermore, the two end stops 15, 17 of first and second closure strip 5, 7 uniformly dimensioned at least in the Z direction, so that the contact surfaces 45, 47 of the holding portions 27, 29 of the first and second closure strip and the plant sides 23, 25 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 a curved or planar plane, in particular to form a plane plane.

Furthermore, the closure 1 according to the invention has a coupling closure 9. This coupling closure 9 has a longitudinal extension in the form of a strip 49 between the first and second end like the closure strips. This strip 49 is provided with a support side 51 adjacent to it in a longitudinal orientation to each other third and fourth closure elements 53, 55 are present. In the illustrated embodiment, the third shutter member 53 is a spring and the fourth shutter member 55 is a groove. The third shutter member 53 is complementary to the first shutter member 19 in the form of a groove of the first shutter bar 5. The fourth shutter member 55 is complementary to the second shutter member 21 in the form of a spring of the second closure strip 7. At the first end 3a of the coupling closure 9 there is an end stop 57 which extends at the first end between the support side 51 and the side 59 opposite the support side. As in FIG. 1 to see the coupling closure 9 allows in the coupled state, an environmentally sealed closing of the first and second closure strip 5, 7. Here, the first and third 19, 53 and second and fourth closure elements 21, 55 have been coordinated in such a way that the Anlageseiten 23, 25 of the first and second sealing strip in each case rest sealingly on the support side 51 of the coupling closure 9. Furthermore, the distance between the third and fourth closure element 53, 55 of the coupling closure 9 and the thickness of the first and second closure element 19, 21 (in the Y direction) have been selected such that in the closed, ie coupled state, the respective inner sides 37, 39 of first and second closure strip 5, 7 sealingly abut each other. The holding sections 27, 29 are also each equipped with a guide element 61, the operation of which will be described in more detail below.

Again FIG. 1 can be seen, the thickness or height of the end stop 57 of the coupling closure 9 (ie, the extension in the Z direction) is substantially equal to the height of the end stops 15, 17 (also in Z-orientation) of the first and second closure strip.

As shown, has the coupling closure 9 in the region of the first end 3a via substantially parallel side walls 63, 65 which extend away from the bar 49 and between them form a channel-like indentation 67. On the outsides of these side walls 63, 65 elevations 69 are provided to facilitate the manual operation.

As in FIG. 1 represented, the thickness of the closure strips 5, 7 (in the Y direction) in the region of the end stops, preferably greater than the thickness in the region of the welding surfaces 11, 13 for the subsequent bag walls. The transition from closure strip to bag wall can be made jumpy continuously.

FIG. 2 shows two coupling closures 1, 1 'according to the invention shortly before the docking operation. The docking operation has in an initial stage to the goal, the end stops 15, 17 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 with the end stop 57 'of the coupling closure 9' of the second coupling closure 1 'and the end stops 15', 17 'of first and second closure strip 5 ', 7' of the second closure 1 'with the end stop 57 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 in such a way to bear that the complementary first closure elements 19, 19' of the first and second coupling closure 1, the first 'and the complementary second closure elements 21, 21' of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1 'by mutual displacement of the two coupling closures 1, 1' according to the invention or the coupling closures 9; 9 'and / or closure strips 15, 17; 15 ', 17' can be coupled together in longitudinal alignment. This succeeds particularly reliable if holding sections 27, 29 and 27 ', 29' are used, which in indentations 67 'and 67 of the Coupling closures 9 ', 9 are insertable. A reliable docking of first and second coupling closure 1, 1 'requires that the complementary first closure elements 19, 19' and the complementary second closure elements 21, 21 'of the first and second coupling closure engage each other unhindered, whereby the respective coupling closures 9, 9' be successively forced out of their connection with these closure elements. For this purpose, the height of the end stops 15, 17 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 selected (in the Y direction), that when the contact surfaces 45, 47 of the holding portions 27, 29 in the recess 67 'of the coupling closure 9 'of the second coupling closure 1' are in contact with the support side 51 'of the coupling closure 9' opposite side 59 ', the plant sides 23, 25 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 is substantially at the level of the support side 51st 'of the coupling closure 9' of the second coupling closure 1 'are located. In the same way, the dimensions of the end stops 15 ', 17' of the first and second closure strip 5 ', 7' of the second coupling closure 1 'on the end stop 57 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 are tuned.

The inner sides of the indentation 67, 67 'forming side walls 63, 65; 63 ', 65' of the coupling closures 9, 9 'of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1' are equipped with guide elements 71, 71 'which are in complementary guide elements 61 and 61' on the outer sides 33, 33 'of the respective holding portions 25, 27 and 25 ', 27' engage in docking. The position of these complementary guide elements 61, 71 'and 61', 71 is selected such that the complementary first and second closure elements to be coupled to the first and second closure strips of the first and second coupling closure are unproblematically feasible. The indentations 67, 67 'of the coupling closure 9 forming side walls 63, 65 also have the purpose to serve as a preferred grip or breakpoints in particular manual docking. In this case, with the complementary engagement of the guide elements of the holding portions 25, 27 the first coupling closure 1 and the coupling closure 9 'of the second coupling closure 1' a particularly reliable docking be accomplished. Because in this way the respectively abutting closure strips of the coupling closures according to the invention are taken safely and reliably during docking.

While the holding portions 27, 29 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 engage in the indentation 67 'of the coupling closure 9' of the second coupling closure 1 ', this happens in the same way with the holder portions 27', 29 'of the first and second closure strip 5 ', 7' of the second coupling closure 1 ', which engage in the indentation 67 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1.

Like the one already FIG. 2 can be seen, there is an advantage of the docking device according to the invention also in being able to be formed from two identical coupling closures 1, 1 'according to the invention. As a result, the construction and material costs in the production of environmentally sealed docking is minimized again.

FIG. 3 shows a docking device 101 according to the invention, in which the two coupling closures 1, 1 'according to the invention are coupled in the region of their respective adjacent first ends 3, 3'. This arrangement is obtained in that the coupling closures 1, 1 ', as in FIG. 2 indicated by the arrow symbols to be moved towards each other to the mutual attachment. In this case, the contact surfaces 45, 47 of the holding portions 25, 27 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 on the coupling closure 9 'of the second coupling closure 1' and the contact surfaces of the first and second closure strips 5 ', 7' of the second coupling closure 1 'to the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 to the plant. Also, the end stops 15, 17 of the first and second closure strip 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 at the end stop 57 'of the coupling closure 9' of the second coupling closure 1 'and the end stops 15', 17 'of the first and second closure strip 5', 7 'of the second coupling closure 1' to the end stop 57 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 at. Here are the holding portions 27, 29 of the first and second closure strips 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 in the recess 67 'of the coupling closure 9' of the second coupling closure 1 'and the holding portions 27', 29 'of the first and second closure strips 5', 7th 'of the second coupling closure 1 in the indentation 67 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 according to the invention. The coupling closures 9, 9 'of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1' are made of flexible plastics in the illustrated embodiment, as well as the closure strips 5, 5 ', 7, 7' of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1 '.

In order to keep the coupling closures 9, 9 'in this embodiment reliably connected to the first and second coupling closure 1, 1', in particular, the use of complementary guiding elements on the insides of the side walls of the indentation has proven to be particularly useful. Particularly preferred is such an embodiment, in which the indentations 67 of the coupling closure 9 forming side walls 63, 65 have on their opposite inner sides further clamping or holding elements. These clamping or holding elements can, for example, as in FIG. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 shown, in the direction of the respective opposite side wall facing projections 73, which are arranged as far away from the support side 51 opposite side 59, be.

By mutual movement of the coupling closures 1, 1 ', a coupled docking device can be obtained (see arrows in FIG Fig. 3 ).

FIG. 4 shows a docking device 101 according to the invention in the coupled state. Here are the first closure strips 5, 5 'of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1' via their complementary first closure elements 19, 19 'and the second closure strips 7, 7' of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1 'via their complementary second closure elements 21, 21 'sealingly connected to each other over their entire length in longitudinal extent. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective coupling closures 9, 9 'of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1' via the holding portions 27, 29 and 27 ', 29' connected to the respective closure strips. The closure elements 53, 55; 53 ', 55' of the coupling closures 9, 9 'in this embodiment are no longer in engagement with the closure elements of the first and the second coupling closure 1, 1' before. Of course, it is also possible to extract the coupling closures of the first and / or second coupling closure 1, 1 'only so far from the first and second closure elements of these coupling closures, that still always coupled a section at the end of / the coupling closures in sections with the first and second closure elements remains.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner sides 35, 39; 35 ', 39' of the first and second closure strips 5, 7; 5 ', 7' of the coupling closures 1, 1 'according to the invention in the region of the end stops and in particular also in the region of the inner sides of the holding sections 27, 29; 27 ', 29' permanently sealed, for example glued or integrally connected.

The method according to the invention for emptying or loading and / or transferring bulk material with the aid of the inventive coupling fasteners 1, 1 'or the docking device 101 according to the invention will be described below on the basis of the drawings discussed above. For better illustration, let it be assumed that the first coupling closure 1 according to the invention, as in FIG FIG. 3 reproduced, the opening of an inliner closes, as it is used for example in so-called big bags for products used in the food industry products. The second coupling closure 1 'according to the invention should in the present case represent the opening of a flexible filling hose which is connected to a storage container. First of all, the coupling closures 1, 1 'present in the closed state are in the range their end stops 15, 17 to be coupled; 15 ', 17', as in the Figures 2 and 3 reproduced, led together. Here are the holding portions 27, 29 of the first coupling closure 1 in the recess 67 'of the coupling closure 9' of the second coupling closure 1 'and the holding portions 27', 29 'of the second coupling closure 1' in the recess 67 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 to for each mutual investment introduced. The end stops are at this stage of the process in such a way that the first closure element 19 of the first closure strip 5 of the first coupling closure 1 in the complementary first closure element 19 'of the first closure strip 5' of the second coupling closure 1 'and the second closure element 21 of the second closure strip of the first coupling closure 1 engage in the complementary second closure element 21 'of the second closure strip 7' of the second coupling closure 1 '. The docking of the two coupling closures 1, 1 'according to the invention can now be accomplished by holding the side walls 63, 65 of the indentation 67 of the coupling closure 9 of the first coupling closure 1 in order to secure the closure strips 5', 7 'of the second coupling closure 1' left in the Figure 4 ) over the closure strips 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 to pull. Here, the plant sides slide 23, 23 ', 25, 25' of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1 'one above the other.

Alternatively, the side walls 63 ', 65' of the coupling closure 9 'of the second coupling closure 1' can be kept to the first and second closure strips 5, 7 of the first coupling closure 1 (to the right in FIG. 3 ), as described above, with the closure strips 5 ', 7' of the second coupling closure 1 'to connect. Furthermore, it is possible by holding the side walls 63, 65; 63 ', 65' of the coupling closures 9, 9 'of the first and second coupling closure 1, 1', the closure strips of these closures relative to each other to move toward each other. In each of the preceding variants, a coupled docking device 101, as in FIG FIG. 4 shown, received. This docking device can now be separated again, namely environmentally sealed, in that the third and fourth closure elements 53, 55 of the first coupling closure 1 are reintroduced into the complementary first and second closure elements 19, 21 of the first coupling closure 1. In this case, the first and second closure elements 19 ', 21' of the second coupling closure 1 'are automatically reinserted into the complementary third and fourth closure elements 53', 55 'of the second closure. Accordingly, the coupling closures 1, 1 'to be coupled are automatically opened during the docking operation, while they are automatically closed again during decoupling.

When docked, bulk material can thus be removed from a storage container, e.g. a silo to be filled into the inliner of a big bag. If the filling process is completed and no further bulk material material is transferred, as described above, the docking device can be decoupled again. During the entire process, it is ensured that the bulk material to be filled into the inliner neither escapes to the outside nor can components from outside contaminate the bulk material.

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

coupling seal

3

first end of the coupling closure

3a

first end of the coupling closure

5

first closure strip

7

second closure strip

9

coupling closure

11

Welding surface for front wall of a flexible bag

13

Welding surface for the back wall of a flexible bag

15

End stop of the first sealing strip

17

End stop of the second sealing strip

19

first closure element of the first closure strip

21

second closure element of the second closure strip

23

Investment side of the first closure strip

25

Attachment side of the second closure strip

27

Holding sections of the first closure strip

29

Holding section of the second closure strip

31

second end of the coupling closure

33

Outside of the first closure strip

35

Outside of the second closure strip

37

Inside of the first closure strip

39

Inside the second closure strip

41

Rejuvenation edge of the first closure strip

43

Rejuvenation edge second closure strip

45

Contact surface of the first holding section

47

Contact surface of the second holding section

49

Strip of the coupling closure

51

Overlay side of the bar

53

third closure element of the coupling closure

55

fourth closure element of the coupling closure

57

End stop of the coupling closure

59

Side of the bar, which is opposite to the support side 51

61

Guide element of the side wall

63

sidewall

65

sidewall

67

indentation

69

Projections, elevations

71

Guide element on the outside of the holding section

73

head Start

75

upper edge of the first closure strip

77

upper edge of the second closure strip

101

docking

Claims (27)

1. Coupler seal (1) for an at least partly flexible container, comprising:

   a first sealing strip (5) with a first end (3) and an opposite second end (31) in the longitudinal extension (X-direction), an inner surface (37), an outer surface (33), and a contact surface (23) that connects the inner and outer surfaces to each other, wherein in the longitudinal extension, the contact surface (23) has, at least in a section thereof, at least a first sealing member (19); a second sealing strip (7) with a first end (3) and an opposite second end (31) in the longitudinal extension, an inner surface (39), an outer surface (35), and a contact surface (25) that connects the inner and outer surfaces to each other, wherein in the longitudinal extension, the contact surface (25) has, at least in a section thereof, at least a second sealing member (21), further wherein both the first ends (3) and the second ends (31) of the first and second sealing strips (5, 7) are adjacent to each other if the inner surfaces (37, 39) of these sealing strips are in contact with each other, and wherein the first and second sealing members (19, 21) extend to the adjacent first ends (3) and/or the adjacent second ends (31); and

   a coupling seal (9), comprising a strip (49) with a first and a second end (3a, 31a) in the longitudinal extension, wherein the first end and/or the second end have/has an end stop (57), and a supporting surface (51), comprising, at least in a section thereof, in the longitudinal extension on the supporting surface (51), a third sealing member (53) that is coupled to or can be coupled to the first sealing member (19) in a reversible manner and, in particular, in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided, and spaced thereto, in particular equidistantly spaced thereto, comprising, at least in a section thereof, a fourth sealing member (55) that is coupled to or can be coupled to the second sealing member (21) in a reversible manner and, in particular, in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided.
2. Coupler seal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end and/or the second end of the coupling seal (9) have/has an end stop (57), the first end (3) and/or the second end (31) of the first sealing strip (5) have/has an end stop (15) and the first end (3) and/or the second end (31) of the second sealing strip have/has an end stop (17), wherein adjacent ends of the coupling seal and of the first and second sealing strips have an end stop (15, 17), and in that the first and second sealing members (19, 21) extend to the adjacent end stops (15, 17) of the first and second sealing strips (5, 7), and in that the third and fourth sealing members (53, 55) extend to the end stop of the coupling seal (9) that is adjacent to the mutually adjacent end stops of the first and second sealing strips.
3. Coupler seal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the longitudinal orientation, the first sealing strip (5) and/or the second sealing strip (7) have/has a holding section (27, 29) at the first end (3) and/or the second end (31), said holding section (27, 29) including first and second contact surfaces, respectively, (45, 47) as well as an inner surface and an outer surface (37a, 39a; 33a, 35a).
4. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing strip (5) and/or the second sealing strip (7) are/is extended, in the longitudinal orientation, at the first end (3) and/or the second end (31) beyond the first end stop and second end stop, respectively, (15, 17), and, in the transverse orientation (Z-direction), remote from the contact surfaces (23, 25) and following the first end stop (15) and/or the second end stop (17) in the form of holding sections (27, 29) including a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, (45, 47) extending from the first and/or second end stop (15, 17) as well as an inner surface and an outer surface (37a, 39a; 33a, 35a), in particular in such a manner that the first end stop (15) and/or the second end stop (17) can be brought into contact with the end stop of a coupling seal of a second coupler seal.
5. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the thickness of the coupling seal (9) in the transverse orientation (Z-direction) between the supporting surface (51) and the surface (59) opposite the supporting surface in the area of the end stop (57) essentially corresponds to the distance between, on the one hand, the contact surface (45, 47) of the holding section (27, 29) of the first and/or the second sealing strip (5, 7) at the point where the contact surface (45, 47) meets the first end stop and second end stop, respectively, (15, 17), and, on the other hand, the contact surface (23, 25) of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip, respectively, (5, 7).
6. Coupler seal according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second sealing strips are essentially made of a flexible synthetic material and in that the coupling seal is also made of a flexible synthetic material or of a more rigid material, particularly of synthetic material or metal.
7. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing members (19, 21) of the first and second sealing strips (5, 7) each represent a slot and in that the third and fourth sealing members (53, 55) of the coupling seal (9) each represent a key that is complementary to the slot of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip, respectively, (5, 7), so that in each case, the slot and the key can be engaged in a reversible manner and, in particular, in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided;
   or in that the first and second sealing members (19, 21) of the first and second sealing strips (5, 7) each represent a key and in that the third and fourth sealing members (53, 55) of the coupling seal (9) represent a slot that is complementary to the key of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip, respectively, (5, 7), so that in each case, the slot and the key can be engaged in a reversible manner and, in particular, in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided; or in that the first sealing member (19) of the first sealing strip (5) represents a slot and the second sealing member (21) of the second sealing strip (7) represents a key and that the third sealing member (53) of the coupling seal (9) represents a key that is complementary to the slot of the first sealing strip (5) and the fourth sealing member (55) of the coupling seal (9) represents a slot that is complementary to the key of the second sealing strip (7), so that in each case, the slot and the key can be engaged in a reversible manner and, in particular, in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided.
8. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip of the coupling seal (9) has, in the area of the first end (3a) and/or the second end (31a), in particular in the area of the end stop (57) of the first end (3a) and/or the second end (31 a), in the longitudinal orientation, a receiving device, in particular a recess (67), for receiving the holding section of a first sealing strip and/or a second sealing strip of a second coupler seal, in particular in the form of spaced side walls (63, 65) that extend away from the surface (59) that is opposite the supporting surface (51) of the strip (49), in particular at least partly essentially parallel walls.
9. Coupler seal according to claim 8, characterized in that the receiving device (67) can be connected to or is connected to the strip (49) integrally or separately, in particular by a plug-in or clip connection.
10. Coupler seal (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the receiving device (67), in particular at least one inner surface of the spaced side walls (63, 65) of this receiving device (67), has at least one guide member (71) that can be engaged with a complementary guide member (61) of the holding section of the first sealing strip and/or the second sealing strip of a second coupler seal.
11. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that at least one holding section (27, 29) of the first sealing strip and/or the second sealing strip has, on its outer surface (33a, 35a), at least one guide member (61) that can be engaged with a complementary guide member of the coupling seal of a second coupler seal.
12. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the third sealing members (19, 53) and/or the second and the fourth sealing members (21, 55) are adjusted to each other in such a manner that the contact surface (23, 25) of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip, respectively, (5, 7) and the supporting surface (51) of the coupling seal (9), when in the coupled state, at least partly contact each other in a sealing manner or can be brought into sealing contact with each other;
    and/or in that the distance between the third and fourth sealing members (53, 55) is such that the inner surfaces (37, 39) of the first and second sealing strips (5, 7), when coupled to the first sealing member and second sealing member, respectively, (19, 21), at least partly, in particular in a sealing manner, contact each other or can be brought into contact with each other.
13. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing member (19) and the second sealing member (21), in the longitudinal orientation, essentially have the same length,
    and/or the third sealing member (53) and the fourth sealing member (55), in the longitudinal extension, essentially have the same length and, in particular, are parallel to each other, and/or the first sealing member (19) and the third sealing member (53) and/or the second sealing member (21) and the fourth sealing member (55), in the longitudinal orientation, essentially have the same length.
14. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing strip (5) and the second sealing strip (7) are connected to each other via their respective adjacent ends (3, 31) and, in particular, via adjacent holding sections (27, 29) and/or via the inner-surface areas adjacent to the end stops of adjacent end stops, in particular by forming a closed circumference.
15. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an at least partly flexible container, in particular in the form of a bag or conveying means whose opening edge is separately or integrally connected to the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip.
16. Coupler seal according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least a first adjusting aid provided at the first end and/or the second end (3a, 31a), in particular in and/or on the end stop, of the coupling seal, in particular in the form of at least one pin or one lead-in, for receiving a second adjusting aid of a second coupler seal to be coupled, in particular for receiving a complementary adjusting aid in and/or on the end stop of the first sealing strip and/or the second sealing strip of a dockable second coupler seal;
    and/or characterized by at least a second adjusting aid provided at the first end and/or the second end (3a, 31a), in particular in and/or on the end stop, of the first sealing strip and/or the second sealing strip, in particular in the form of at least one pin or one lead-in, for receiving a complementary adjusting aid of a second coupler seal to be coupled, in particular for receiving a complementary adjusting aid in and/or on the end stop of a coupling seal of a dockable second coupler seal.
17. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first centering aid is provided on the supporting surface (45, 47) of at least a first and/or a second holding section (27, 29), in particular in the longitudinal orientation, wherein said first centering aid can be engaged with a complementary second centering aid on that surface of the coupling seal of a dockable coupler seal which is opposite the supporting surface;
    and/or in that at least a second centering aid is provided on the surface (59) opposite the supporting surface of the coupling seal (9), in particular in the longitudinal orientation, wherein said second centering aid can be engaged with a complementary first centering aid on the supporting surface of a first and/or a second holding section of a dockable coupler seal.
18. Coupler seal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or the second sealing strip (5, 7), in particular spaced from the contact surface (in the Z-direction), have/has a connecting surface, in particular a welding surface, for the opening edge of containers, in particular with a thickness (in the Y-direction) that is at least partly smaller than the thickness of the first or the second sealing strip in the area of the end stops.
19. Docking device (101) for discharging bulk material, filling with bulk material and/or filling bulk material into another container, in particular in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided, comprising a first and a second coupler seal (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second sealing strip (5, 7) of the first coupler seal (1) and the first and the second sealing strip (5', 7') of the second coupler seal (1') essentially have the same length, and wherein the first and second sealing members (19, 21) of the first and the second sealing strip (5, 7) of the first coupler seal (1) are complementary to the first and second sealing members (19', 21') of the first and the second sealing strip (5', 7') of the second coupler seal (1'), so that the first and second sealing strips (5, 5', 7, 7') of the first and the second coupler seal (1, 1') can be connected to or are connected to each other in a reversible manner and, in particular, in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided.
20. Docking device (101) according to claim 19, characterized in that the first coupler seal (1) and/or the second coupler seal (1') can be separately or integrally connected to or are/is separately or integrally connected to a flexible container that, in particular, is in the form of a receptacle or a conveying means.
21. Docking device (101) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the first coupler seal (1) and the second coupler seal (1') are essentially identical.
22. Docking device (101) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, when the first coupler seal and the second coupler seal are in the docked state, the third and fourth sealing members of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal partly remain in engagement with the first and second sealing members of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip, respectively, of the first coupler seal, and/or in that the third and fourth sealing members of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal, when in the docked state, partly remain in engagement with the first and the second sealing members, respectively, of the first and the second sealing strip of the second coupler seal.
23. An at least partly flexible container, including at least one coupler seal according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
24. Method for filling containers, filling the contents of a container into another container and/or emptying containers, in particular in such a manner that a seal against the environment is provided, comprising the steps of:

    - providing a first container that is flexible at least in the area of its opening, in particular according to claim 23, including at least a first, at least partly closed coupler seal according to any one of claims 1 to 18;

    - providing a second container that is flexible at least in the area of its opening, in particular according to claim 23, including at least a second, at least partly closed coupler seal according to any one of claims 1 to 18;

    - putting the first end of the first sealing member of the first sealing strip of the first coupler seal against the first end of a complementary first sealing member of a first sealing strip of the second coupler seal, and putting the first end of the second sealing member of the second sealing strip of the first coupler seal against the first end of the complementary second sealing member of the second sealing strip of the second coupler seal, so that the respective complementary first and second sealing members of the first and the second coupler seal can be engaged by axial movement;

    - engaging the respective complementary first and second sealing members with each other by axial displacement, wherein the connection between the third and fourth sealing members of the coupling seals of the first and the second coupler seal and the first and the second sealing member of the first and the second coupler seal, respectively, is successively released, preferably until the first end of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal is in the area of the second end of the first coupler seal and until the first end of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal is in the area of the second end of the first coupler seal;

    - transferring bulk material from the first container into the second container or the other way round;

    - moving the first end of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal toward the first end of this coupler seal and moving the first end of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal toward the first end of this coupler seal, so that the third and fourth sealing members of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal are successively engaged with the complementary first and second sealing members of the first and second sealing strips of the first coupler seal and that the third and fourth sealing members of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal are successively engaged with the complementary first and second sealing members of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip, respectively of the second coupler seal, in particular until the first and second sealing members of the first coupler seal are no longer engaged with the complementary first and second sealing members of the second coupler seal, so that the first and second containers are separate from each other.
25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the end stop of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal is brought to, in particular put against, the end stops of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip of the second coupler seal and that the end stop of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal is brought to, in particular put against, the end stops of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip of the first coupler seal, so that, at least in the area of the end stops, the supporting surface of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal is essentially parallel to the contact surfaces of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip of the second coupler seal and/or that the supporting surface of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal is essentially parallel to the contact surfaces of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip of the first coupler seal.
26. Method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the first holding section and the second holding section of the first coupler seal are, in the axial orientation, put against the surface that is opposite the supporting surface of the strip of the coupling seal of the second coupler seal and/or that the first and second contact surfaces of the first and the second holding section of the second coupler seal are put against the surface that is opposite the supporting surface of the strip of the coupling seal of the first coupler seal.
27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the first and second holding sections of the first coupler seal are inserted into a recess in the coupling seal of the second coupler seal and/or that the first and second holding sections of the second coupler seal are inserted into a recess in the coupling seal of the first coupler seal.

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