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
  • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D3/0029—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with holders for bottles or similar containers
  • B67D3/0032—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with holders for bottles or similar containers the bottle or container being held upside down and provided with a closure, e.g. a cap, adapted to cooperate with a feed tube

Definitions

• the invention relates to a cap and a cap receiving structure for fluid dosing systems.
• the invention relates to a cap and a cap receiving structure for dosing fluids form
• the container should be in fluid connection with a dosage system, and preferably, when the container is removed, the container and the connection to the dosage system should be reclosed.
• valves in both the cap and the cap receiving structure which are spring biased to be urged back in a closing position as soon as the container is lifted of the cap receiving structure.
• the object of the invention can be seen in providing a closing system for a dosage system with removable containers, which is less complex in
• a cap suitable for closing a container, wherein the cap is connectable with an opening of the container the cap comprising a first valve part, and a first connector, wherein the first valve part is configured to be allowed to move in the cap and to be positioned between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position of the first valve part is
• the first valve part is configured to be pushed open when the cap or the cap and the container is placed in a cap receiving structure according to any of the claims 6 to 7 and wherein the first valve part is further configured to be pulled close by a force exerted by a second connector of the second valve part of the cap receiving structure according to any of the claims 6 to 7 on the first connector during removal of the cap from a cap receiving structure according to any of the claims 6 to 7.
• valves are integrated in the cap and its receiving connector.
• the materials of manufacture of the separate cap and valve part can be the same, thus allowing reduced efforts in separation of materials before recycling.
• both the cap and the cap receiving connector both virtually comprises two separate parts only, which can be fully automatically put together .
• the connector of the first valve part can be a mushroom shaped or head shaped extension.
• the connector of the second valve part can grab and hold the first
• cap and the cap receiving connector are less prone to corrosion and can thus exhibit an extended service life.
• the cap is at an outer circumference provided with at least two ribs, extending in a direction parallel to the direction of motion of the valve part.
• the at least two ribs can form a key, which fits in at least two complementary rib receiving grooves of a cap receiving connector. These ribs can form a unique code, for a specific fluid product in the container. Thus wrong installation can be prevented.
• the invention further relates to a cap receiving connector, suitable for connection to a dosage system and configured and adapted to receive a cap as described herein above, the connector comprising: a second valve part, a fluid line connecting portion and a second connector, wherein the second valve part is configured to be allowed to move in the cap receiving connector and to be positioned between an open position and a closed position, Wherein the fluid line connecting portion is arranged in the cap
• the receiving connector and configured to be closed off by the valve part in its closed position, wherein the open position of the second valve part is situated inwardly toward the fluid conduit connecting portion within the cap receiving connector in relation to the closed position of the second valve part, wherein the second connector is integrated with or attached to the second valve part, and wherein the second valve part is configured to be pushed open when the cap or the cap and the container is placed in the cap receiving structure and wherein the second valve part is further configured to be pulled close by a force exerted on the second connector by the first connector of the first valve part of the cap during removal of the cap from the cap receiving connector.
• the cap receiving annular space can be provided with at least two rib receiving grooves, arranged
• Figure 1A depicts a schematic front view of a cap according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure IB depicts a schematic side view of the cap according to figure 1A;
• Figure 1C depicts a schematic top view of the cap as depicted in figure 1A;
• Figure ID depicts a schematic sectional view through line A-A of the cap according to figure 1C;
• Figure IE depicts a schematic detailed cut-out view of the cross-sectional view according to figure ID;
• Figure IF depicts a schematic cut-out view of the top view of the cap according to figure 1C
• Figure 1G depicts a schematic perspective view of the cap according to figure 1A seen from the container connecting side
• Figure 1H depicts a schematic perspective view of the cap according to figure 1A;
• Figure 2A depicts a schematic front view of a first valve part according to an embodiment of the
• Figure 2B depicts a top view of the valve part according to figure 2A
• Figure 2C depicts a schematic cross-sectional view through line A-A of the valve part according to figure 2B;
• Figure 2D depicts a schematic detailed cut-out view of the cross-sectional view according to figure 2C;
• Figure 2E depicts a schematic perspective view of the first valve part
• Figure 2F depicts a further schematic perspective view of the first valve part
• Figure 3A depicts a schematic front view of the cap receiving structure according to a further embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 3B depicts a schematic side view of the cap receiving structure according to figure 3A;
• Figure 3C depicts a schematic top view of the cap receiving structure according to figure 3A;
• Figure 3D depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the cap receiving structure through line A-A of figure 3C;
• Figure 3E depicts a further schematic cross- sectional view of the cap receiving structure through B-B according to figure 3C;
• Figure 3F depicts a schematic perspective view of the cap receiving structure
• Figure 3G depicts a further schematic perspective view of the cap receiving structure
• Figure 4A depicts a schematic front view of the second valve part according to a further embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 4B depicts a schematic side view of the second valve part according to figure 4A;
• Figure 4C depicts a schematic top view of the second valve part according to figure 4A;
• Figure 4D depicts a schematic detailed cut-out view of a portion of the second valve part according to figure 4A;
• Figure 4E depicts a schematic cross-sectional view through line X-X of the valve part according to figure 4A
• Figure 4F depicts a schematic perspective view of the second valve part
• Figure 4G depicts a further schematic perspective view of the second valve part
• Figure 5 depicts a schematic cross sectional view of the combined parts of the figures 1A-4E according to the invention in an open position
• Figure 6 depicts a schematic cross sectional view of the combined parts of the figures 1A-4E according to the invention in a closed position.
• Figure 7 depicts a schematic perspective partly cut open view of the cap and the cap receiving structure in a closed position of the valve parts
• Figure 8 depicts a schematic perspective partly cut open view of the cap, the cap receiving structure and a portion of a container in a closed position of the valve parts .
• closed position used herein is to be understood as, though not to be considered limited to a position, wherein a fluid connections is shut off or blocked and substantially no fluid can pass.
• open position used herein is to be understood as, though not to be considered limited to a position wherein a fluid connection is opened and a fluid is allowed to pass.
• FIG 1A a schematic side view of a cap 1 is presented.
• the cap 1 comprises an outer 11 and an inner 12 annular walls.
• the inner annular wall 12 is configured to enter an opening of a container 2, and the outer annular wall 11 is configured to engage around the opening of the container 2.
• the cap 1 is at the inner side of its outer annular wall 12 provided with an inner screw thread 10.
• the inner screw thread 10 can engage a complement outer screw thread 3, provided around the opening of the container 2.
• fluid opening 13 can allow fluid to pass and to enter the inner annular wall 12 of the cap 1.
• dents 19 are provided.
• the outer circumference of the outer annular wall 11 comprises at least two ribs 14 and 15, arranged at a predefined angle. These ribs 14 and 15 can slide in and can fit in two rib receiving grooves 60 and 61 of a cap
• the ribs 14 and 15 can be arranged with two additional ribs (not shown) each arranged on the outer annular wall 11 at an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the ribs 14 and 15.
• the cap receiving connector 8 can similarly be equipped with two more complement rib receiving grooves.
• the container 2 with the cap 1 can be placed on the cap receiving connector 8 in two ways, each way rotated with respect to the other over 180 degrees.
• a further advantage is, that when a container 2 with a
• the cap 1 is provided with edge 17 on a first end of the annular wall 11.
• the edge 17 can act as a stopper and can thus define the dept of penetration of the cap 1 inside the cap receiving connector 8. Further, the edge 17 provides stability and strength to the outer wall 11 of the cap 1.
• the cap is on the second end of the outer annular wall 11 provided with a conical end portion 16, which can correct some inaccurate positioning of the cap 1 and the container 2 when a for instance a full container is
• the containers 2 can be rather heavy and the cap receiving connector 8 might be installed in an above head position.
• the conical end portion 16 provides a
• FIG IB a schematic side view of the cap 1 is provided.
• two fluid openings 13 can be distinguished, each provided in the inner annular wall 12. Although two openings 13 are presented, more openings might be provided.
• figure ID a schematic cross sectional view of the cap of figure 1C through line A-A is presented. From this figure, it can be deduced that the inner side of the inner circular wall 12 is provide on a first end with an annular inner groove 20, which is shown in more detail in figure IE, representing a detailed cut out view of figure ID.
• the inner groove 20 is provided with a first groove edge 21 and a second groove edge 22.
• the surface of the first groove edge is substantially conical and provides a an overhanging shoulder, behind which a second collar edge 41 of collar 27 can find grip, as is explained in further detail herein below.
• Figure 2A represents a first valve part 6, which can fit into the cap 2 and move in the cap 2 between an open and a closed position.
• the first valve part 6 comprises a cylindrical wall 24 and an end surface circular wall 29.
• the cylindrical wall 24 is provided with slits 26, such that tongues 25 are formed.
• the tongues 25 are at a first end, via the cylindrical wall 24, connected to each other and comprise at a second, free end a collar 27 and a conical surface 28.
• the collar 27 and the conical surface 28 are, similar to the tongues 25 interrupted by the slits 26.
• the tongues 25 can, due to the resilience of the material, be moved inward to some extend.
• the conical surface 28 can, as is further elucidated herein below, help to move the second free ends of the tongues 25 inwardly.
• the collar 27 of the tongues 25 can fit in annular inner groove 20 of the cap 1. When collar 27 is situated in groove 20, the tongues 25 can be in their relaxed, unbiased state. In this
• the first valve part 6 is in its closed position. Since the tongues 25 each urges a part of the collar 27 into inner groove 20 the first valve part is locked in this position. Because the tongues 25 each finds, with its portion of collar 26, hold in inner groove 20, it is very difficult to push the first valve part to its open position. Thus the container 2 is provided with a safe locked valve part and it is difficult to get fluid out, when the
• the circular surface 29 of the valve part 6 is positioned in a direction D beyond the fluid openings 13 within the inner annular wall 12. In this position, surface 29 can close off the fluid and prevent it from flowing through the fluid openings 13 and the slits 26 to the surroundings .
• FIG 2B a schematic top view of the first valve part 6 is depicted.
• six tongues 25 and six slits 26 are provided.
• the number of the slits and the tongues may however be varied.
• the width of the slots 25 and the tongues 26 can be varied, in order to adjust the amount of force needed to compress the tongues 25 and thus to release their locking action.
• the first valve part 6 further comprises a first connector 30 as can be seen in figure 2C, representing a cross sectional view through line A-A of the first valve part 6.
• the first connector 30 is a mushroom or head shaped extending element, comprising a neck
• the head comprises two conical surfaces 33, and 34.
• the conical surface 33 is provided at an extending side of the head 32, and the conical surface 34 is provided at the neck side of the head
• FIG 2D a schematic detailed cut out view of the valve part 6 of figure 2C is provided.
• the tongue 25 is provided with a portion of an inner conical surface 38 forming a club shaped free end of the tongue 25.
• This club shaped end is further defined by a surface 37 and the sides that define the slit 26.
• FIG 3A a schematic front view of a cap receiving connector 8 is depicted.
• connector 8 is provided with a opening 59, wherein a
• the cap receiving connector 8 is further provided with grooves 45 for insertion into a connector holding structure (not shown) .
• the connector holding structure can for instance be provided with edges that fit into the groove 45.
• the cap receiving connector 8 can be slit into the holding structure.
• the groove 45 is provided with a groove restriction 64. This restriction can provide additional grip between the cap receiving connector 8 and the holding structure.
• FIG 3C a schematic top view of the cap receiving connector is provided.
• the rib receiving grooves 60 and 61 are depicted, which are
• the cap receiving connector 8 is provided with an annular space 43 in which the cap 2 fits with an abutting side of the outer 11 and inner 12 annular walls.
• the outer circumference of the annular space 43 is defined by a conical surface 62.
• the conical surface 62 of the cap receiving connector 8, together with the conical surface 16 of the cap 1, can assist guiding the cap 1 to be well inserted into the annular space 43.
• the cap receiving connector 8 is provided with a centrally arranged inner hub 48 of solid material, in which an inner screw thread 10 is arranged to form a dosing conduit connecting portion for connecting a dosing conduit 80 to a dosing system.
• the inner hub 48 is provided with an edge, being formed by the outer cylindrical wall of the hub 48 and an inwardly facing conical surface 50.
• the inwardly facing conical surface 50 ends on its inner side in on a first circular edge of an annular groove 49.
• the second circular edge of the annular groove 49 is defined by a first 52 and a second 53 half cylindrical holder.
• the first and the second half cylindrical holders 52 and 53 form a cylindrical structure coaxially arranged with hub 48, wherein two slits 54 are provided, that separate the two cylindrical holders
• the cylindrical holders are in the vicinity of a hub 48 connected and provided with an outwardly extending edge 58. At their free end, the cylindrical holders 52 and
• the inwardly extending edge 57 defines a first circular boundary of a cylindrical surface 56.
• the second circular boundary of the cylindrical surface 56 on the two cylindrical holders 52 and 53 is shared with an inwardly facing conical surface 55, which diminishes the inner diameter of the open space seen in direction D towards the hub connected ends of the holders 52 and 53.
• FIG 4A a schematic front view of a second valve part 9 is depicted.
• the valve part 9 fits into the two holders 52 and 53 and can be moved between an open and a closed position.
• the second valve part 9 comprises two arms 68 and 69 which are both at a first end connected to a first circular plate 76.
• the arms 68 and 69 comprise both at a second free end inwardly protruding grabbing extensions 65 and 65 respectively.
• These grabbing extensions 65 and 66 are among others defined by an inwardly facing conical surface 70.
• the conical surface 70 provides an inwardly broadening of the arms 68 and 69 towards their free end, such that a grabbing action can be performed by the surface 70.
• a stopper rod 67 arranged in between the arms 68 and 69. At its second face two perpendicularly crossing axially surfaces are arranged, defining four axially
• the plates 71-74 are at a first side connected with the first circular plate 76 and at a second side connected with a second circular plate 77.
• This second circular plate 76 is at its circular outer circumference provided with a groove 75. In this groove a seal such as an O-ring 79 can be placed.
• the second valve part 9 can fit within the open space defined by the half circular holders 52 and 53 with the second circular radial plate 76 seen in direction D towards the hub 48 and the arms 68 and 69, seen in a
• the second valve part is allowed to move in direction D between an open and a closed
• the second circular plate 77 with the O-ring 79 is arranged in the channel 78.
• the channel 78 forms a fluid connection between a dosing conduit 80, connected to the screw thread 10 and the inner space within cylindrical wall 51.
• the channel 78 is closed of by the circular plate 76 and the 0- ring 79, arranged in groove 75.
• the edges of the free ends of the arms 67 and 68 abut against the inwardly extending edge 57 of the half circular holders 52 and 53.
• the arms 68 and 69 are urged slightly inwards, by the conical surface 55.
• the grabbing extensions 65 and 66 of the arms 68 and 69 can enclose in this position the head 32 of the first connector 31 of the first valve part 6.
• valve part 6 touches the stopper rod 67 of the second valve part 9.
• the motion of the first valve part 6 in direction D relative to second valve part 9 is prohibited and while the cap 1 is further penetrating in the cap receiving connector 8 the first and second valve parts push each other towards the open position.
• the opening sequence of the tow valve parts can be composed.
• the second valve part 9 opening first, installing a vacuum on he internals of the cap 1 and thus removing any possible excess material, after which the first valve part 6, opening the supply of fluid is opened.
• valve parts 6 and 9 are a trade of between air ingress on the one hand and spill of fluid on the other hand. All these options are left open and are within the scope of the invention.
• the tongues 25 are in their inwardly bend state, and are held in place relative to the cap receiving connector until the cap is lifted so high that the inner groove 20 in the inner wall 11 of the cap allows the collar 27 of the tongues to re-enter.
• the outwardly extending edge 58 on the two half circular holders will prevent the relative motion of the first valve part by stopping the inwardly bent tongues by exerting to the conical surface 38. Once the tongues 25 are allowed to re- expand into inner groove 20, the outwardly extending edge 58 can no longer prevent the first valve part 6 from moving.
• the first valve part is closed and when the cap 1 is further pulled out of the cap receiving connector, the first connector 30 of the first valve part 6 is still engaged by the grabbing extensions 65 and 66 of the arms 68 and 69.
• the first connector 30 will exert a force on the grabbing extensions and the arms
• the second valve part 9 can pull the first valve part 6 and itself back to a closed position.
• cap may also be a connector instead, for connecting a further fluid conduit to the dosing conduit 80.
• both the cap 1 and the cap receiving connector 8 can be connected to any conduit.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=44211856

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2010
  • 2010-11-12 WO PCT/EP2010/067403 patent/WO2012062380A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-11-12 EP EP10781868.4A patent/EP2637963A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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