EP2051928A2 - Couplage de connexion/déconnexion pour un contenant - Google Patents

Couplage de connexion/déconnexion pour un contenant

Info

Publication number
EP2051928A2
EP2051928A2 EP07836053A EP07836053A EP2051928A2 EP 2051928 A2 EP2051928 A2 EP 2051928A2 EP 07836053 A EP07836053 A EP 07836053A EP 07836053 A EP07836053 A EP 07836053A EP 2051928 A2 EP2051928 A2 EP 2051928A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
insert
container
unit
dispense
cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07836053A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Gary J. Harris
Thomas Anthony Braun
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Colder Products Co
Original Assignee
Colder Products Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Colder Products Co filed Critical Colder Products Co
Publication of EP2051928A2 publication Critical patent/EP2051928A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
    • B67D7/0288—Container connection means
    • B67D7/0294—Combined with valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves

Definitions

  • IBCs Ints Containers
  • TBCs Containers
  • These containers typically have a variety of closure sizes and styles depending on the size and type of container.
  • Some common closure types are threaded bung openings, snap-in, and crimp-in closures.
  • Some example threaded bung openings include 2" buttress female and 2" NPS female (commonly used in 30 gal, 55 gal, and larger drums and IBCs), 63 mm male (commonly used in 5 gal jerry cans), and European Mauser.
  • Most of these containers are intended to be low cost "one way" containers (i.e., the containers are filled once and never seen again by the original filler).
  • the containers may be refilled again by secondary fillers typically up to a maximum of five refills before the containers are destroyed or recycled.
  • An example life cycle of a container includes the following. Initially, pre-cleaned or in-housed cleaned containers are received. Next, the containers are clean room chemical filled and certified, and fitted with dust caps. Subsequently, the containers are shipped as dedicated containers to the user. Next, a dust cap is torn away and the user certifies the contents by checking extractables and/or particles levels, and the dispense head is installed.
  • the basic system requirements for a dispense system for a container are defined by the following four factors: closed or open systems, reusable or disposable systems, industrial (low-purity) grade or high grade (ultra-pure) chemical systems, and Department of Transportation (DOT) or United Nations (UN) approved or unapproved systems. Closed systems are designed to prevent exposure of a user to the contents of the container at any phase of the connection cycle (disconnected phase, connecting/disconnecting phase, and connected dispensing phase).
  • Open systems have at least the following two design possibilities: 1) a system that allows the user to be exposed to the container contents (either liquid or vapors) when the connect/disconnect system is being connected or disconnected and/or when the system is in the connected/dispense phase, and 2) a system that allows air to enter the container when product is withdrawn or allows vapors to escape when the system is in the connected/dispensing phase.
  • Reusable systems typically include a dip tube that is intended to be used for many (100+) connection cycles. A reusable system may have to be removed several times from the container during its life to allow for cleaning. Disposable systems typically include a dip tube that is intended to be used less than five connection cycles and then thrown away. Disposable systems may be inserted into the container once with the intent of being disposed of along with the container. Industrial (low-purity) grade (IPG) chemical systems make up about
  • Chemicals that fall under this category include those chemicals wherein the purity of the chemical is suitable for common chemical applications such as industrial cleaners, soaps, surfactants, clean-in-place (CIP) chemicals for dairy and food, dry cleaning and laundry, and agricultural pesticides and herbicides, as well as other general use applications.
  • IPG containers must be delivered in a reasonably clean system but do not require the stringent clean requirements needed for handling Ultra Pure chemicals such as metallic extractability, total organic carbon (TOC), and particle contaminants.
  • High grade (ultra-pure) chemical systems (HPG) applications make up about 20% of all chemicals supplied.
  • Chemicals that fall under this category include chemicals wherein the purity of the chemical must meet criteria for which ultra filtration down to the parts per million (PPM), parts per billion (PPB), or even parts per trillion (PPT) of particles and/or metals.
  • PPM parts per million
  • PPB parts per billion
  • PPT parts per trillion
  • the specific product requirements that differentiate an IPG from an HPG system are primarily related to the materials of construction, handling procedures, and whether the system is "closed” or “open", as described above.
  • materials of construction metals are typically not allowed or desired to come in contact with the container contents.
  • Plastic resins must be very clean and free from metallic contaminants, colorants, etc. These same standards apply for seals that may come into contact with the container contents.
  • handling procedures the materials must be handled in a way that minimizes the transfer of contaminants to the piece parts or finished goods during production or shipping (e.g., mold release agents are not allowed), regrind plastic resin should not be used in components that have direct contact with the container contents, and lubricants are typically not permitted. Whether the system is "closed” or "open” is relevant to the extent that
  • Ultra-Pure chemicals often require minimum contact with oxygen.
  • an inert gas “blanket” is maintained within the container above the container contents versus allowing air, which has a higher O 2 content, to enter the container and make up for the container contents that are removed.
  • this blanket gas will be nitrogen, CO 2 , or other inert gas.
  • a dispense system is DOT and/or UN approved relates to standards for shipping a combined container and closure system. This combination of container and closure system must be approved and certified by the DOT and/or the UN before being transported. Container with closure systems that are used "in house” therefore are required to meet different safety and other standards as opposed to container with closure systems that must be shipped over- the-road.
  • the coupling assembly includes a container insert coupled to the container opening and having first and second insert ends, the container insert including a first seal positioned adjacent to the first insert end to seal the container insert with respect to the container, and defining a first insert cavity with insert threads, a second insert cavity, a third insert cavity with an insert valve engagement member, and a dip tube engagement surface adjacent to the second insert end for engaging a dip tube that extends into the container, the container insert defining an insert passage extending from the first insert end to the second insert end and through the first, second, and third insert cavities, and the container insert defining an insert vent path extending through the container insert to the first insert cavity.
  • the coupling assembly also includes a unit including first and second unit ends, and a coupling ring with threads positioned to engage the insert threads when coupled thereto and a first unit seal positioned to seal the container insert with respect to the first insert cavity, a coupling sleeve extending to the first unit end, a valve assembly positioned axially within the coupling sleeve, the valve assembly including a poppet member with first and second ends, the first end including a valve that seals against a shoulder formed in a first unit cavity defined by the unit, and a spring member positioned in the first unit cavity to force the valve into the closed position against the shoulder, and the unit defining a unit passage through the coupling sleeve and the first unit cavity to a unit port, and defining a unit vent path extending through the coupling sleeve to a vent port.
  • the insert vent path mates with the unit vent path to define a complete vent path extending from within the container to the vent port, and the insert valve engagement member forces the poppet member against the spring member so that the valve unseats with respect to the shoulder to place the insert passage in fluid communication with the first unit cavity and the unit port.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly with adapters, a connector, and a dip tube exploded therefrom;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coupling assembly of Figure 1 in exploded form
  • Figure 3 is a top view of an example container insert of the coupling assembly of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container insert of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4;
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container insert of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5;
  • Figure 6 is a bottom view of an example dispense unit of the coupling assembly of Figure 1;
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dispense unit of Figure 6 taken along line 7-7;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure
  • Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the coupling assembly of Figure 8.
  • Coupling assembly 10 includes a container insert 12, a dispense unit 14, and a dip tube 16.
  • container insert 12 and dispense unit 14 are configured for a quick connect/disconnect function relative to each other.
  • dispense unit 14 includes a port 127 that is configured to accept an adapter 57 that is threaded therein.
  • An opposite end of adapter 57 includes a connector structure 58 that is configured for connection with a connector 59.
  • connector 59 is a quick connect/disconnect connector such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,231,089 filed on March 10, 1999, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • dispense unit 14 includes a vent port 79 that is configured to accept an adapter 49 that can be threaded therein.
  • An opposite end of adapter 49 includes a barbed surface 47 for connection with a hose (not shown) that is, in turn, connected to a source of gas such as air.
  • coupling assembly 10 provides a semi- closed system for dispensing and storing contents in a container.
  • coupling assembly 10 is not a closed system, in that dip tube 16 and container insert 12 do not have a shut-off valve.
  • Coupling system 10 includes a shipping cap 13 that seals dip tube 16 and container insert 12 during shipping. Because there is no separate valve in dip tube 16 and container insert 12, the contents of the container to which container insert 12 is coupled can be exposed to a user outside of the container during the typically brief time when shipping cap 13 is removed and dispense unit 14 is not yet connected to container insert 12.
  • a fully open vent that provides air intake into the drum while vapors are allowed to escape through the same opening that the incoming air travels through; • a checked un-ported vent that is typically an air checking device control that is incorporated into the container insert or the dispense unit, allowing venting air into the container but not allow vapors or the container contents out through the vent opening; or • a ported vent that involves incorporation of an isolated and sealed air vent flow path through the container insert into the dispense unit, which would have an external port.
  • a barb flared can be used and would allow the user to have potentially three options for managing the pressure conditions inside the drum as follows: (1) simply vent the vapors to atmosphere, (2) install a oneway check valve into the port that allows air into the drum, but not allow vapors out of the same port (this would provide for a sealed container in the event of a tip over condition), or (3) plumb the vapor flow path to a controlled location such as an air scrubber or filter (this option may provide a method for the end user to apply an inert layer of "blanket gas" to the container contents to prevent oxidation (e.g., nitrogen)).
  • MPT barb flared
  • a fully open vent does not provide a sealed container, although the option can be inexpensive.
  • a ported vent option provides the most flexibility, although it can involve a compromise between flow capacity and expense.
  • a checked unported vent is a solution between the fully opened vent and the ported vent options.
  • Coupling assembly 10 can include any of these venting options.
  • coupling assembly 10 includes the ported vent option.
  • Coupling assembly 10 can be suited for industrial pure grade (IPG) applications, although the use of certain materials can make coupling assembly 10 available for use with high purity grade (HPG) chemical systems as well.
  • coupling assembly 10 is also designed to be capable of being Department of Transportation (DOT) or United Nations (UN) Certified with a variety of different container sizes.
  • DOT Department of Transportation
  • UN United Nations
  • the container is compatible with a plurality of chemicals and other container contents while minimizing the number of container insert configurations so as to minimize potential inventory while maximizing build lots.
  • Two factors that influence this objective is the material selection for the container insert 12 and related seals (not shown), and the number of container interfaces.
  • Both polyethylene and polypropylene can be used for the container insert material because of the very broad chemical compatibility and relatively low cost of these materials.
  • Other materials for construction include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or Teflon materials such as PTFE or PFA for applications related to high purity grade (HPG) chemical systems.
  • container insert 12 One consideration when choosing materials for container insert 12 is the DOT/UN Certification requirement that requires testing at 0° F, a temperature at which polypropylene materials often do not perform well.
  • the materials may also be "Fluorinated," which is a process that exposes the finished polyethylene part to a Fluorine gas resulting in a part that has typically better chemical resistance than standard polyethylene materials.
  • container insert 12, dip tube 16, and associated sealing member positioned between container insert 12 and the container are designed so that the combined cost of these features is such that it is cost effective to dispose of these components, for example, when the container is disposed of or after a limited number of uses.
  • container insert 12 is a disposable part that has a life of about, for example, five to ten cycles.
  • Container insert 12 can be designed to be a relatively low cost product. Alternatively, in other embodiments, container insert 12 can be constructed in a way so that it has a greater life cycle.
  • Dip tube 16 can be made from materials different from those used by container insert 12 or dispense unit 14.
  • the dip tube can include a "rigid" polytube such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or a soft flexible TYGON type material.
  • dip tube 16 is about 3/8 to about 3/4 inches in outer diameter.
  • tubing can be made of a rigid type material such as FEP or PFA having dimensions of about 1/2 to about 1 inch in outer diameter with a wall thickness of about 0.06 to 0.07 inches.
  • all of the components of coupling assembly 10 are made from a polymer material due to the relatively low cost and high resistance to wear and corrosion of these materials as compared to metals and other materials.
  • This can include springs or other mechanisms that may be required in coupling assembly 10.
  • coated metal materials or metal materials can be used at locations that are not exposed to the container contents.
  • Some example materials for use in the springs include Hastelloy C, 316SS, PPS, PEEK, and PTFE/FEP encapsulated 316SS.
  • coupling assembly 10 can be used for container applications that involve a "pump sucking" of the container contents from the container, so that coupling assembly 10 can be exposed to a slight vacuum pressure (e.g., of about -5 psi maximum).
  • a slight vacuum pressure e.g., of about -5 psi maximum.
  • drum pressure ratings are about 15 psig for plastic materials and 36 psig for metal materials.
  • coupling assembly 10 is designed for use within a temperature range of about -32° to 140 0 F.
  • Coupling assembly 10 can be configured with features that reduce fluid spillage upon disconnect of the container insert 12 and the dispense unit 14. In one embodiment, the fluid spillage at disconnect is minimized to levels less than 0.1 cc/disconnect range if possible.
  • Coupling assembly 10 can also configured to minimize the turbulence in the flow path through the coupling assembly. Agitation of the pump contents is minimized in order to avoid aeration of the pumped material and the generation of particles and degradation of flow performance. Coupling assembly 10 is also functional without the use of lubricant.
  • container insert 12 includes first and second ends 24, 26, an open passage 23 that defines a flow path, a dip tube engagement surface 30, and a valve engagement member 32.
  • Dip tube engagement surface 30 include ribs, channels or features on an internal or external surface of container insert 12 at first end 24 for connection of dip tube 16.
  • Valve engagement member 32 is positioned within a wall 33 forming a cavity 31 within passage 23 of container insert 12.
  • Valve engagement member 32 includes a wall structure 40 with an end 42 and a slot 46 formed therein. Slot 46 can be useful for facilitating draining of any fluids collected around a wall structure 40, thereby preventing fluids from puddling within container insert 12 and reducing the chance for exposure by the user to the container contents.
  • Second end 26 includes a wall 63 forming an open cavity 64 and includes a plurality of threads 66 formed thereon, a container engagement member 70, and a sealing member 72.
  • Container engagement member 70 can have any number of different sizes and features for connecting to a particular container opening.
  • member 70 can be in the form of a bung, cap, or pail cover, such as, for example, a two inch buttress bung, S56X4 buttress bung, S70X6 buttress bung, a two inch NPS or BSP bung, a DIN 61, an S63 cap, or a flex spout or other removable pail cover.
  • container engagement member 70 includes a bung style male threaded portion having a plurality of threads 71 sized to fit within a common threaded opening of a container.
  • Seal member 72 provides a sealing function between container insert 12 and the container.
  • Shipping cap 13 is used to seal the container when dispense unit 14 is not coupled to the container insert 12.
  • Shipping cap 13 includes threads 19 formed on an outer surface thereof that are sized to engage internal threads 66 of second end 26 of container insert 12.
  • Shipping cap 13 also includes a sealing member 17, such as an O-ring or similar structure, that is capable of forming a seal between an outer circumference surface of sealing member 17 and an inner surface of second end 26 of container insert 12.
  • Shipping cap 13 also includes an actuator seat 15 that is configured for engagement by an off-the-shelf tool such as, for example, a #4 Phillips or a 3 A" flat standard screwdriver, or a standard square, hexagon, or torque type driving tool structure.
  • an off-the-shelf tool such as, for example, a #4 Phillips or a 3 A" flat standard screwdriver, or a standard square, hexagon, or torque type driving tool structure.
  • the actuator seat 15 in the example shown is configured to provide a relatively reliable seal that can be established with a relatively low amount of torque using a relatively conventional tool available to most users.
  • shipping cap 13 provides additional convenience for a user while minimizing the chances of damaging cap 13 or container insert 12 from the user over tightening shipping cap 13, which may more frequently occur when using specialized tools.
  • a keying scheme is used to assist the user in determining which dispense unit should be connected to a container insert of a container.
  • no keying is provided.
  • visual keys are provided on the dispense unit and container insert.
  • visual and/or mechanical keys are provided. Example keying schemes are described below.
  • a key member 65 (see Figure 2) is positioned within a cavity 28 of passage 23 of container insert 12.
  • Key member 65 includes a plurality of key slots 67 formed therein that correspond to keys formed in a mating portion of dispense unit 14, as described below.
  • key member 65 is a separate member that is snap fit (see detent 89 of container insert 12 shown in Figure 9 that engages key member 65) or otherwise coupled within cavity 28.
  • key member 65 can be integrally formed within cavity 28 of container insert 12.
  • key member 65 forms an interference fit with the walls of cavity 28 so that key member 65 can be rotated within cavity 28.
  • Container insert 12 also includes a key 29 coupled to an exposed surface of insert 12 (see, e.g., port 27 in Figure 8). Key 29 can include text, color, or other indicia that indicates the contents of the container to which container insert 12 is coupled.
  • dispense unit 14 includes a key ring 39 coupled thereto. See Figures 2 and 7. Key ring 39 can include text, color, or other indicia that indicates the container to which dispense unit should be connected.
  • key 29 and key ring 39 are both colored the same color so that visual confirmation that dispense unit 14 can be coupled to container insert 12 is provided.
  • Such a configuration can be used in conjunction with the keying structures identified above and/or the smart technology described below to assure that the dispensing unit is connected to the proper container insert.
  • Container insert 12 includes a vent passage 77 defined adjacent to second end 26. See Figures 2 and 8. Vent passage 77 extends from between threads 71 of container engagement member 70 through wall 63 of container insert 12 and threads 66 to cavity 64. Vent passage 77 facilitates venting of gas into and out of the container to which container insert 12 is attached, as described further below.
  • dispense unit 14 includes a coupling ring 80, a coupling sleeve 82, a spring 84, an adapter member 86, and a valve assembly 88.
  • Coupling ring 80 includes a drum insert engagement surface 96 having a plurality of threads 97, and coupling ring 80 engages a seal 83 positioned between coupling ring 80 and coupling sleeve 82.
  • Drum engagement surface 96 and associated threads 97 are configured to engage the plurality of threads 71 of container engagement member 70.
  • Actuator surface 98 ⁇ e.g., projections
  • a seal 131 is positioned adjacent on drum engagement surface 96 to form a seal between dispense unit 14 and wall 63 forming cavity 64 of container insert 12.
  • vent passage 78 extends through dispense unit 14 to vent port 79. See Figures 2 and 8. Specifically, vent passage 78 extends through coupling ring 80, along a passage formed between a portion of ring 80 and coupling sleeve 82, and to vent port 79. Vent passage 78, in conjunction with vent passage 77 of container insert 12, provides a vent path between the inside of the container to which coupling 10 is attached and the environment outside of the container (i.e., a line attached to vent port 78).
  • Coupling sleeve 82 includes first and second ends 100, 102, a sealing member 104, a key member 106, and a poppet sealing surface 114.
  • Sealing member 104 such as an O-ring, is positioned at first end 102 and is configured to provide a fluid seal between first end 102 of the coupling sleeve 82 and the walls forming open cavity 28 of container insert 12.
  • Key member 106 can be integrally formed into coupling sleeve 82, or can be a separate member (as shown in Figures 2 and 7) that is snap fit or otherwise coupled to the coupling sleeve 82 at a predetermined position (see detent 87 of key member 106 shown in Figure 9 that engages coupling sleeve 82).
  • Key member 106 includes a plurality of keys 108 that are sized and positioned to engage key slots 67 formed on key member 65 of container insert 12. See Figures 6, 8, and 9. If keys 108 are not aligned with key slots 67, key member 106 cannot be inserted into key member 65, thereby not allowing dispense unit 14 to be coupled to container insert 12.
  • Poppet sealing surface 114 extends within an interior diameter of the coupling sleeve 82 and provides a fluid seal between valve assembly 88 and coupling sleeve 82. In some embodiments, poppet sealing surface 114 can be located at other positions along the length of coupling sleeve 82 depending on, for example, the size, shape, and position of various valve assembly members and the desired sealing surface defined by the valve assembly members.
  • Spring 84 is positioned within a bore 120 of adapter member 86 and provides a spring force against valve assembly 88, thereby maintaining a seal between valve assembly 88 and coupling sleeve 82 when dispense unit 14 is in a closed or rest state.
  • Valve assembly 88 is shown in an open state in Figure 7.
  • Spring 84 can be made from any material suitable for the coupling assembly 10 application, and can include, for example, polymer materials, metal materials, or embedded metal materials.
  • Adapter member 86 includes an adapter portion 128 with a port 127 with threads 129, and a coupler sleeve connection member 130.
  • Adapter portion 128 is sized to connect to a dispense line (not shown) via adapter 57 and connector 59. See Figure 1.
  • the adapter portion 128 can include structures on an external surface thereof that assist in providing a sealed connection with a dispense line, such as threads 129.
  • Connection member 130 can have any desired configuration for securing adapter member 86 to the coupling sleeve 82 with a releasable or a permanent connection.
  • Valve assembly 88 includes poppet 132 with a passage 133, first and second ends 138, 140, and a sealing member 134 such as an O-ring.
  • Poppet 132 is shaped to form a seal with poppet seat surface 114 of coupling sleeve 82.
  • Poppet 132 can seal with coupling sleeve 82 at various positions on poppet 132 such as, for example, on a slanted surface or on a surface extending parallel to an axis of dispense unit 14.
  • Sealing member 134 provides additional sealing function between valve assembly 88 and coupling sleeve 82.
  • First end 138 of poppet 132 extends axially from valve assembly 88 of poppet 132 to first end 102 of coupling sleeve 82.
  • Second end 140 can include a plurality of openings adjacent to poppet 132 to promote flow of the container contents through valve assembly 88.
  • First end 138 of valve poppet 132 is configured to contact valve engagement member 32 of container insert 12. In use, first end 138 of poppet 132 contacts valve engagement member 32 and moves poppet against the axial forces applied by spring 84 to open and close the valve assembly 88. In the open position, passage 133 is in fluid communication with bore 120 and port 127.
  • dispense unit 14 is shown coupled to container insert 12 to form coupling assembly 10.
  • keys 108 of key member 106 of dispense unit 14 are inserted into key slots 67 of key member 65 of container insert 12. If keys 108 do not align with key slots 67, the coupling of dispense unit 14 with container insert 12 is prevented. Otherwise, if keys 108 do align with key slots 67, dispense unit 14 can be coupled to container insert 12.
  • drum insert engagement surface 96 of coupling ring 80 engage threads 66 of wall 63 within cavity 64 of container insert 12.
  • Coupling ring 80 is rotated to thread dispense unit 14 onto container insert 12.
  • Seal 131 of drum engagement surface 96 forms a seal between dispense unit 14 and wall 63 forming cavity 64 of container insert 12 as dispense unit 14 is threaded onto container insert 12.
  • coupling ring 80 can rotate freely relative to the coupling sleeve 82, thereby making it possible for key features 67, 108 to remain in engagement with each other and continue to move axially relative to each other while the threads 97 rotate relative to the threads 66.
  • dispense unit 14 moves axially such that first end 102 of coupling sleeve 82 is inserted into dispense unit 14 until seal 104 engages the wall forming cavity 31.
  • second end 138 of poppet 132 contacts end 42 of wall structure 40 of engagement member 32.
  • Wall structure 40 forces poppet 132 axially against spring 84 so that sealing member 134 is unseated from poppet seat surface 114 of coupling sleeve 82.
  • container insert 12 is coupled to an example container 300, and container insert 12 and dispense unit 14 together form a fluid path 111 from second end 24 of container insert 12 to port 127 of dispense unit 14. In this manner, fluid can flow to/from container 300 coupled to container insert 12 to/from equipment coupled to port 127 of dispense unit 14.
  • vent path 113 is formed by vent passage 77 of container insert 12 and vent passage 78 of dispense unit 14. In this manner, vent path 113 extends from within the container to which container insert 12 is coupled, through passages 77, 78, and to vent port 79 of dispense unit 14.
  • vent path 113 allows airflow from outside the container, through port 79, passages 77, 78, and into the internal volume of the container.
  • a hose from an air ' compressor can be connected to port 79 to force air through vent path 113 to assist in the extraction of fluid from the container.
  • coupling assembly 10 enables: 1.) proper keying of the container insert 12 and dispense unit 14 features, 2.) a positive connection between the container insert 12 and dispense units 14, and 3.) opening of the valve for dispensing of the contents of the container.
  • coupling assembly 10 enables: 1.) proper keying of the container insert 12 and dispense unit 14 features, 2.) a positive connection between the container insert 12 and dispense units 14, and 3.) opening of the valve for dispensing of the contents of the container.
  • container insert 12 can include a radio frequency identification tag
  • dispense unit 14 can include a radio frequency identification reader.
  • the reader can read information from the tag related to the container, such as the size and certification, and information related to the container insert such as, for example, certification ratings, number of uses, the contents of the container, the dates when the container was filled or emptied, and the length of time of connection between container insert 12 and dispense unit 14. This information can be communicated to a remote location. Additional details regarding such a system can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/095,125 filed on March 30, 2005. Additional details regarding radio frequency devices incorporated into connectors is found in U.S. Patent No. 6,649,829 filed on May 21, 2002, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • a separate key member 106 can be produced for many different key configurations related to, for example, different container contents, industries, etc.
  • the majority of dispense unit 14 components can be produced with a single design while only key member 106 is changed and separately coupled to coupling sleeve 82 for different keying configurations and applications.
  • the features of key member 106 can be integrally formed into the coupling sleeve 82, which option may be well suited for high production of a single key configuration.
  • the unit 14 is described as a
  • the unit and container insert can be used to fill or otherwise insert material into the container, as opposed to dispensing material from the container.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble de couplage pour retirer le contenu d'un contenant à partir d'une ouverture dans le contenant. L'ensemble de couplage comprend un insert de contenant couplé à l'ouverture de contenant, l'insert de contenant comprenant un passage d'insert, et un trajet de ventilation d'insert s'étendant à travers l'insert de contenant. L'ensemble de couplage comprend également une unité comprenant une cavité d'unité, un ensemble de clapet disposé axialement dans celle-ci, et un trajet de ventilation d'unité. Lorsque l'unité est couplée à l'insert de contenant, le trajet de ventilation d'insert s'apparie au trajet de ventilation d'unité pour créer un trajet de ventilation complet s'étendant de l'intérieur du contenant à un orifice de ventilation sur l'unité, et l'ensemble de clapet s'ouvre pour placer le passage d'insert en communication fluide avec la première cavité d'unité.
EP07836053A 2006-07-11 2007-07-11 Couplage de connexion/déconnexion pour un contenant Withdrawn EP2051928A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US80702406P 2006-07-11 2006-07-11
PCT/US2007/015818 WO2008008392A2 (fr) 2006-07-11 2007-07-11 Couplage de connexion/déconnexion pour un contenant

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2051928A2 true EP2051928A2 (fr) 2009-04-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07836053A Withdrawn EP2051928A2 (fr) 2006-07-11 2007-07-11 Couplage de connexion/déconnexion pour un contenant

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US (1) US20080011785A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2051928A2 (fr)
CN (1) CN101600644B (fr)
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Also Published As

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WO2008008392A2 (fr) 2008-01-17
CN101600644A (zh) 2009-12-09
CN101600644B (zh) 2014-08-13
WO2008008392A3 (fr) 2008-04-03
US20080011785A1 (en) 2008-01-17

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