EP2193085A1

EP2193085A1 - Pouring and dosing system

Info

Publication number: EP2193085A1
Application number: EP08783454A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc A. Berner; Elke Wagner
Original assignee: Mifa AG Frenkedorf
Current assignee: Mifa AG Frenkedorf
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Also published as: WO2009039670A1

Abstract

Disclosed are pouring and dosing systems for supplying a volume of two or more pourable charges, comprising a flexible charge container that has two or more charge chambers (4) or two or more flexible charge containers that each have one charge chamber (4); at least one expanding device (11) per charge chamber (4); and a dosing device (1) per charge chamber (4). The dosing device (1) and the expanding device (11) are monolithic. Also disclosed is the use of said pouring and dosing systems for dosing pourable charges.

Description

Pouring and Dosiθrsystem

The present invention relates to spout and dosing systems for the simultaneous provision of two or more flowable contents, containing

Dosing device, product container and spreading device and their use for dosing flowable products

Generally, there is a need in the packaging industry for packaging that is lightweight and requires little material, i.a. so as to be perceived by the consumer as environmentally friendly. Furthermore, there is a trend, e.g. in the detergent industry, therein, contents, e.g. Detergents and cleaning products, in the form of multi-component systems offer, especially if individual components are not compatible. In such multi-component systems, it is important that they can be dosed in the right proportion to one another and that a given total quantity can be dosed correctly and simply.

Thus, various metering systems for the simultaneous metering of two liquids from bags and bottles are already known. EP 1245500 describes a multi-chamber bag with a multiple sampling channel. Similarly, US 2005/0109796 describes a flexible multi-chamber bag with a removal device which communicates with both chambers of the bag. These dosing systems are suitable for removing two products at the same time, and the ratio can be determined by the manufacturer when removing the two components. However, the total amount of the two components can not be determined by the manufacturer. Furthermore, the removal ratio of the contents can be set only inaccurate. An exact portionwise removal of the contents is therefore not possible. DE 10 2005 051 337 describes a dosing system consisting of a specially shaped multi-chamber bottle with an adaptive closure. This dosing system is suitable for dosing two liquids as an overhead dosing device so that the ratio of the components to one another and the total quantity can be determined by the manufacturer. However, this dosing system is not suitable for flexible or semi-rigid product containers. DE29511932 describes a dispenser, eg a two-chamber tube, for a medium composed of two components. According to the embodiment shown there, the ratio of the two components can be adjusted, but not the total amount to be dosed. US 4978025 describes a stand-up bag with spreading device and optionally present metering device. However, the bags described there are not suitable for dispensing several components.

An object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the known Dosiersysterαe. Further objects emerge from the description and the advantageous embodiments of the invention. In particular, there is a need for metering systems whose product containers are flexible or semi-rigid ("bags") and still provide the opportunity to dose several flowable products so that their

Ratio to each other and the total amount are predetermined or predeterminable.

The above-outlined objects are achieved according to the independent claims. The dependent claims represent advantageous embodiments.

The invention thus relates to a pouring and metering system for the simultaneous provision of two or more flowable fillers, the use of the pouring and metering system for metering flowable Fillings, in particular liquid detergents and cleaners.

The general, preferred and particularly preferred ^" embodiments, ranges, etc. given in connection with the present invention can be combined as desired with one another, Individual definitions, embodiments, etc. can also be omitted or irrelevant.

Unless otherwise stated in the direct context, the following terms have the meaning given here:

The term "flowable fill material" is well known to those skilled in particular, it refers to solid, finely divided solids such as powder, powder or granules with a particle size 10 -. 20000 microns, preferably from 50 - 3000 microns and liquid goods, such as complementary and ^¬ tel, solutions, emulsions, suspensions , gels having a viscosity of 0.2 - 30,000 mPas, preferably 1 - 5000 mPas (at the application temperature, in particular at room temperature) products in a context of the present invention are particularly detergent, laundry detergent, washing ^¬ aids, bleaching agents, soaps, shampoos as well as coarse-grain foods. Preferred solid bulk materials are those which have a low tendency to adhere to adhesion, preferred liquid bulk materials are those with Newtonian or shear-setting flow behavior. "product compartment" designates the space containing a product; it is typically formed by the product container.

"Provision room", as part of the dosing device, identifies the space that receives the contents to be dosed and communicates with the dosing device

Füllgraumäumen via supply port (s) on the one hand and the environment via discharge opening (s) on the other. "Flexible product containers" are known to the person skilled in the art, the term generally refers to all types of flexible packaging, eg stand-up, hose or block bags

Merhkammerbeutel. In principle, all known materials can be used for the product containers; plastics and fibrous materials are preferably used.

The invention will be further explained with reference to the figures:

Fig. 1 shows schematically an example of an arrangement according to the invention with the principle of operation of a sugar spreader, wherein the staging area is internal, i. inside the Füllgutraumes, is arranged. The spreading device 11 is not shown here

Fig. 2 shows schematically a spreading device 11, as it can be combined with the arrangement 1 according to FIG. The spreading device is detachably or permanently connected to the riser / the risers 10 and works on the spring principle, whereby the collapse of the product container prevented during removal and the handling is improved overall. FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein the riser pipes 10 form a unit with the separating membrane 12.

The invention relates to an arrangement, in particular a pouring and dosing system, which is suitable for the simultaneous provision of two or more flowable filling goods, such that the contents are provided in predetermined ratio to each other and given total amount. This type of provision, in which a plurality of contents are provided in predetermined partial volumes, so that a predetermined ratio of the contents to each other and in the context of this invention, a "volumetric supply." The arrangement according to the invention comprises a metering device, at least one spreading device per product space and either a flexible product container with several, in particular two Füllgreuäumen or more, in particular two, product containers, each with a Füllgutraum.

An advantage of the inventive arrangement is that a volumetric provision of the filling materials is possible without having to be in the arrangement of moving parts, such as valves or pistons, vorgese ^¬ hen. As a result, a cost-effective production and good reliability are obtained.

The arrangement according to the invention can be filled or filled. The described arrangement thus allows a partial emptying and at the same time a volumetric provision of the contents.

The individual elements of the arrangement according to the invention are explained below:

Dosing device: The dosing device 1 comprises for each Füllgutraum 4 at least one, preferably one, staging space 2 wherein this staging space i) communicates with the corresponding Füllgutraum 4 through one or more feed ports 3 and ii) via at least one discharge port is emptied and iii) by hydrodynamic Pressure filled. Said filling material space is preferably a tubular element. This element can be arranged inside the Füllgutraumes or on its wall. The feed openings 3 are advantageously arranged close to the floor of the product space in order to ensure complete removal of the contents. By form and greetings of the Füllgutraumes The extracted subset is determined to determine the ratio of the subset to each other and the total quantity provided. By simply tilting the spout and dosing system, it is possible to provide volumetric products. The dispensing device 1 further comprises at least one dispensing opening 5 for each product compartment 4. This dispensing opening 5 can be designed so that each product is emptied separately or that the contents are first combined before they leave the dispensing device 1.

In an advantageous embodiment, the invention relates to a metering device as described above additionally containing means for preventing backmixing which are arranged in the dispensing opening. The dispensing opening 5 of the product space is advantageously designed so that adhering Füllgutreste of the various products back after dosing in the original preparation space. This can be achieved, for example, by a partition wall within the dispensing opening 5 or by corresponding shaping of the bottom of the dispensing opening 5.

In an advantageous embodiment, the invention relates to a metering device as described above, additionally containing means for

Closing the dispensing opening. As such means all common closures, such as screw or snap closures, caps, plugs, valves, are suitable. Generally, such closures are advantageous because they are consumer-friendly. Furthermore, such agents are advantageous in the use of air or moisture sensitive filling goods.

According to the present invention, the staging area 2 of the metering device 1 is filled by the hydrodynamic pressure of the filling material. This is advantageous because the contents flow freely, and thus allow a particularly simple handling. Product container: A product container suitable for the inventive arrangement is semi-rigid or flexible, preferably flexible. In an advantageous embodiment, the product containers are bags, eg stand-up pouches, with one or two chambers. •

In one embodiment, the spout and dosing system comprises a dosing device as described above; a flexible or semi-rigid Füllgutbe- container with two or more chambers and one or more

Spreading devices per chamber. In this embodiment, the two chambers have a common wall. This common wall (e.g., a separation membrane 12) may be rigid or flexible, preferably flexible. In a particular embodiment, the separation membrane is designed such that it forms at least one tubular element ("riser") 10, preferably one riser tube per chamber

5. This riser is advantageously formed by the membrane 12. In Fig. 3 there is shown an embodiment in which two molded (e.g., deep drawn) membranes are bonded together (e.g., adhered or welded) to form the respective riser tubes.

In a further embodiment, the pouring and metering system comprises a metering device as described above; two or more flexible or semi-rigid product container with a chamber and a spreading devices per product container.

In a further embodiment, the product container comprises at least one handle element. Such an element facilitates handling, in connection with a correspondingly adapted dispensing opening 5, a secure handling is ensured. Spreading device: The term "spreading device" describes any device which is suitable for keeping the walls of a product container partially or completely spaced apart.This method prevents collapsing of the product container and thereby ensures a uniform and user-friendly removal of the product Such expansion devices for flexible or semi-rigid product containers are known per se, whereas in the case of semi-rigid product containers (eg plastic tubes), the restoring forces of the walls often make a spreading device unnecessary In the case of flexible product containers (eg bags), a spreading device is advantageous The spreading device can be detachably or non-detachably connected to the product container and / or the metering device or as an independent Sufficient device present in the product container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the spreading device is therefore detachable or non-detachable, preferably insoluble, connected to the metering device. This embodiment is preferred for disposable packaging. In this embodiment, the

Dosing be designed so that a riser or other element takes over the function of the spreading. In an advantageous embodiment, a funnel-shaped riser with lateral recesses forms the expansion element.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spreading device is detachable or non-detachable, preferably non-detachable, connected to the product container. This embodiment is preferred in reusable packaging. An additional advantage of this embodiment is that the flexible or semi-rigid Filling container is easier to fill because of the present spreading device. In this embodiment, for example, a wall of the product container can be designed so that it fulfills the function of a spreading device. Alternatively, the spreading device may be an additionally inserted into the packaging molded body, which is connected to the product container, for example on a sealed seam.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spreading device is connected neither to the product container nor to the metering device. This embodiment allows a simplified production and a free choice of materials. An additional advantage of this embodiment is that the flexible or semi-rigid product container is easier to fill because of the present spreading device. In this embodiment, the spreading device, for example, in the form of one or more moldings (ball, cylinder, cone, wedge ...) are present in the Füllgutraum.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spreading device is connected to both the product container and with the metering device, preferably inseparably connected. Advantageously, therefore, spreading device, dosing device and parts of the product container (in particular the separating membrane) are made of a single piece ("one-piece") .This embodiment enables a simplified production and a particularly economical use of material An additional advantage of this embodiment is that the flexible or semi-rigid product container is easier to fill because of the present spreading device.

In the following, further embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention are described: In one embodiment, the product container is permanently connected to the metering device. This embodiment, a disposable packaging, allows a simple and inexpensive production of filled spout and dosing systems. Further, these exporting ^¬ approximate shape is advantageous in hazardous and / or noxious substances.

In an alternative embodiment, the product container is detachably connected to the metering device. This embodiment makes it possible to establish a refill system in which the user only buys the product containers and connects them to the existing metering device. ( "Reusable packaging")

In an alternative embodiment, the invention relates to a pouring and metering system as described herein, wherein metering device (1) and spreading device (11) are made in one piece. This can be achieved, for example, in that a deep-drawn plastic element forms both the spreading device and the metering device.

In an alternative embodiment, the invention relates to a pouring and dosing system as described herein, the Füllgutbehäter is formed by a two-chamber bag with internal partition (12) and wherein metering device (1), spreading device (11) and partition (12) are made in one piece , This can be achieved, for example, in that two deep-drawn

Plastic elements are so joined together that they form a partition wall, the spreading device and the metering device.

In an alternative embodiment, the invention relates to a pouring and dosing system such as described herein, in which the metering device is disposed within the Füllgutraumes.

The invention further relates to an arrangement for providing a predetermined filling volume of at least two flowable filling goods comprising a metering device; at least two fillable or filled bags; at least one spreading device in one of the bags.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of an arrangement as described herein for the provision of flowable fillers, in particular detergents and / or cleaning agents. According to this method, it is possible to dose a mixture of two or more components in a predetermined ratio and a predetermined total volume and provide it for the application ("Provision").

In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of an arrangement as described above for providing liquid products having a viscosity of 0.2-30,000 mPas, preferably 1-5,000 mPas and / or solid products having a particle size of 10-20,000 micrometers, preferably 50 - 3000

Micrometers. According to this method, it is possible to dose a mixture of two or more liquid contents or two or more solid flowable contents or combinations thereof in a predetermined ratio and a predetermined total volume and to provide for the application.

List of reference numerals 1 metering device 2 staging area

3 feed opening

4 filling room Dispensing opening riser spreading device separating diaphragm

Claims

claims

1. pouring and dosing system, for the volumetric delivery of two or more flowable products, comprising

• a flexible product container with two or more Füllguträumen (4) or two or more flexible product containers, each with a Füllgutraum (4); • at least one spreading device (11) per Füllgutraum (4);

• a metering device (1) per Füllgutraum (4) wherein metering device (1) and spreading device

(11) are made in one piece.

2. Pouring and dosing system according to claim 1, in which the dosing device (1)

• for each product compartment (4) at least one, preferably one, staging area (2), • one or more supply openings (3) per staging area and

• comprises at least one dispensing opening (5) per staging area.

3. spout and dosing system according to claim 2 in which the staging area (2)

• through said supply opening (s) (3) communicates with the corresponding Füllgutraum (4) and

• via said discharge opening (s) (5) can be emptied and

• filled by hydrodynamic pressure.

4. Pouring and dosing system according to claim 2 or 3, in which the supply space (2) comprises a rohrför- miges element, which may be arranged in the interior of the Füllgutraumes (4) or on its wall.

5. spout and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims containing

• A flexible product container with two Füllgut- spaces (4) which are interconnected by a membrane (12), preferably a two-chamber bag, and

A metering device comprising a supply space (2) in the form of a tubular element which is formed by said membrane (12).

6. Pouring and metering system according to one of claims 2 to 5 in comprising a discharge opening (5) which is designed so that the contents are first combined before they leave the metering device (1).

7. Spout and metering system according to one of the preceding claims in which the spreading device is releasably or non-detachably, preferably unsolvable, connected to the product container.

8. Pouring and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, additionally containing means for

Closing the dosing device.

9. Use of a pouring and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims for the provision of cleaning agents, detergents, washing aids, bleaching agents, soaps, shampoos.

10. Use of a pouring and dosing system according to one of claims 1 to 9 for the provision of liquid products having a viscosity of 0.2 to 30,000 mPas, preferably from 1 to 5,000 mPas and / or solid products having a particle size of 10 to 20,000 micrometers, preferably from 50 to 3000 microns.