EP2646327A1 - A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister - Google Patents

A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister

Info

Publication number
EP2646327A1
EP2646327A1 EP11801999.1A EP11801999A EP2646327A1 EP 2646327 A1 EP2646327 A1 EP 2646327A1 EP 11801999 A EP11801999 A EP 11801999A EP 2646327 A1 EP2646327 A1 EP 2646327A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
opening
canister
connector
suction
substance
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP11801999.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2646327B1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Mai
Brigitte Scheithauer
Ayse ÖZDEMIR
Sarah Beyer
Thomas Fassbender
Freek Schepers
Brian Haworth
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.)
Ecolab USA Inc
Original Assignee
Carlhoff Gerold
Ecolab Inc
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
Priority claimed from PCT/EP2010/068648 external-priority patent/WO2012072130A1/en
Application filed by Carlhoff Gerold, Ecolab Inc filed Critical Carlhoff Gerold
Priority to EP11801999.1A priority Critical patent/EP2646327B1/en
Publication of EP2646327A1 publication Critical patent/EP2646327A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2646327B1 publication Critical patent/EP2646327B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/12—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums
    • B65D1/20—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by location or arrangement of filling or discharge apertures

Definitions

  • a suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister.
  • This invention relates to a suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister, wherein the suction system comprises a canister, a connector closure and a suction lance for emptying the substance out of the canister.
  • Devices and systems for emptying canisters filled with a substance are known in practice in various forms. These known devices often incorporate a suction lance that is inserted into the canister and that is pointing from an opening of the canister into the canister for sucking the substance out when coupled to a suction device. Due to this, the positioning of the suction lance inside the canister is different every time a canister is used. Further, using known suction lances in order to empty the canister so that it is free of residue, a residual amount of substance always remains in the canister. For the disposal of canisters that are filled with dangerous or harmful substance for example it is desirable to reduce the amount of substance that is left in the canister to a minimum. Moreover, an unintended contact of a person handling the emptied canister with the substance is to be avoided in order to reduce health risks .
  • a substance e.g. a fluid
  • a suction system for sucking a substance, preferably a fluid, from a canister comprises a canister for holding a substance, preferably a fluid, wherein the canister comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a top part, a side part and a bottom part, at least one nozzle, preferably located at the top part of the body, wherein the nozzle comprises a first opening, and
  • a suction lance for sucking the substance out of the body of the canister
  • the suction lance comprises an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is connected to the first opening and the lower end is located next to the bottom part of the canister, and a second opening, preferably at the top part of the body, suitable for filling the substance into the body
  • a connector closure for sealing the canister, wherein the connector closure is designed to seal and/or open the first opening and/or the second opening separately at the same time, wherein the connector closure further comprises a venting means for venting the inside of the body of the canister, wherein the suction lance is formed integrally as part of the body of the canister.
  • the canister further comprises a second opening, preferably at the top part of the body, suitable for filling the substance into the body.
  • a second opening preferably at the top part of the body, suitable for filling the substance into the body.
  • a second opening with a large diameter allows for an improved, faster filling of the substance into the canister, while the first opening may be designed comprising a diameter optimised for extracting the substance out of the canister.
  • the connector closure for sealing the canister is designed to seal and/or open the first opening and/or the second opening separately at the same time, wherein the connector closure further comprises a venting means for venting the inside of the body of the canister.
  • the venting means may for example be designed in form of a venting valve or a venting membrane, allowing a gas, e.g. air, to flow into the canister whilst stopping the substance from leaving the canister via the venting means. This enables pressure compensation when the canister is attached to a suction machine, extracting the substance out of the canister by means of an underpressure, a vacuum for example.
  • the suction lance Through the integration of the suction lance into the body, in particular into the side part of the body, of the canister, it is possible to define the position where the lower end of the suction lance is positioned inside the canister.
  • the canister and the suction lance are designed as one-piece. This makes the positioning of the lower end of the suction lance at the lowest point inside the body of the canister possible for every canister, where the remaining substance will move to, when being sucked out of the canister.
  • the bottom part of the canister may be designed to comprise a lowest point at the lower end of the suction lance. This enables the efficient, residue free removal of the substance out of the body of the canister.
  • the suction lance By forming the suction lance as an integral part of the body of the canister, it is ensured, that the lower end of the suction lance is positioned at the optimal position, i.e. the lowest point inside the body, with every canister designed according to the invention. Further, the integration of the suction lance into the canister makes the handling of the suction lance by a person, for example the introduction of the suction lance into the canister, unnecessary and therefore allows for a clean and safe handling. Especially after the canister is used and emptied of the substance, a handling of the suction lance is not necessary at all, because the suction system according to the invention forms, especially in connection with a the canister and the connector closure, a closed system for extracting the substance.
  • the closed suction system avoids any leakage during connecting the canister for example to a suction flange of a suction machine, emptying the canister and/or disconnecting the canister.
  • this clean, safe and efficient closed suction system the danger of contaminating and harming a person handling the emptied canister is avoided .
  • the connector closure comprises a first connector element and a second connector element, wherein the first connector element is arranged at the first opening and the second connector element is arranged at the second opening.
  • the first connector element is arranged at the first opening and may be designed to fit the form of the first opening.
  • the first connector element may seal the first opening recloseable in order to avoid any spillage of the substance and at the same time allow for a controlled suction of the substance from the canister.
  • the second connector element is arranged at the second opening of the canister and may be designed to fit the form of the second opening.
  • the second connector element may seal the second opening recloseable, in order to provide for example a safe filling or refilling of the canister with the substance, i.e. fluid.
  • the first connector element comprises a first connector insert and/ or a first connector cover
  • the second connector element comprises a second connector insert and/ or a second connector cover.
  • the first and/or second connector element may each be designed as a single or two part connector element.
  • the first connector element may comprise a first connector insert and/or a first connector cover.
  • the second connector element may comprise a second connector insert and/or a second connector cover.
  • the first connector insert may be arranged inside the first opening and may be designed to fit the first opening and to seal the first opening recloseable.
  • the first and/or second connector insert may be designed to connect to the first and/or second opening while extending the first and/or second opening in order to be connectable to a suction machine, in particular a flange of a suction machine, in order to allow the filling of the substance into the canister and/or the sucking of the substance from the canister.
  • the first connector cover may be arranged on the first opening, in particular a first opening with a first connector insert, and may be designed to fit the first opening and to seal the first opening recloseable.
  • the first connector cover may comprise access openings in order to allow access to for example openings, venting means or connector pieces arranged on the first connector insert.
  • the second connector insert may be arranged inside the second and may be designed to fit the second opening and to seal the second opening recloseable.
  • the second connector cover may be arranged on the second opening, in particular a second opening with a second connector insert, and may be designed to fit the second opening and to seal the second opening recloseable.
  • the second connector cover may comprise access openings in order to allow access to for example openings, venting means or connector pieces arranged on the second connector insert.
  • Arranged on the first and/or second opening means that the connector cover is designed and arranged like a lid, for example a screw-on or snap- on lid, covering at least partially the first and/or second opening, in particular the first and/or second connector insert inside the first and/or second opening.
  • the venting means is arranged in the second connector cover. Arranging the venting means in the second connector cover, for example in form of a screw-on or snap-on lid, on the second opening allows for a cost efficient design of the suction system. As the available space on the second connector cover does not need to be shared with means for extracting the substance out of the canister, the venting means may be of a standard venting means design, which allows for a reduction of the manufacturing costs .
  • the venting means is designed in form of a venting membrane and/ or a venting valve.
  • the venting means may for example be designed in form of a venting valve or a venting membrane, allowing a gas, e.g. air, to flow into the canister whilst stopping the substance from leaving the canister via the venting means.
  • the venting valve may be a spring loaded valve.
  • the venting membrane may be a membrane allowing the gaseous substance to pass but not the fluid. This enables a pressure compensation of the suction system, for example air flowing into the canister, when the canister is attached to a suction machine, extracting the substance out of the canister by means of an underpressure, a vacuum for example.
  • the first and/or second connector element is connectable to a flange of a suction machine allocated to the first and/or second connector element.
  • the first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover may be connectable to the flange of a suction machine.
  • the first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover may provide a female coupling element matching a male coupling element of the flange of the suction machine, in order to connect to the flange of the suction machine, and in particular allow for a recloseable opening of the first and/or second opening.
  • a cap may be provided to seal the nozzle, in particular the first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover, for example for transportation in order to protect the nozzle from dirt, which may hinder the forming of an underpressure when attaching the nozzle to a suction machine.
  • the first and/or second connector element comprises a profiling, matching the profiling of an allocated flange of the suction machine.
  • the profiling may be an external profiling arranged on the outside of the first and/or second connector element, in particular to the outside of the first and/or second connector cover, or to the outside of the first and/or second opening and/or the nozzle.
  • the profiling may be an internal profiling arranged on the inside of the first and/or second connector element, in particular to the inside of the first and/or second connector cover, or to the inside of the first and/or second opening.
  • the external profiling of the connector element, opening or nozzle matches a corresponding internal profiling of the allocated flange of the suction machine, and an internal profiling of the connector element, opening or nozzle matches a corresponding external profiling of an allocated flange of the suction machine.
  • the profiling, in particular the matching profilings may comprise several tongue-and- groove like arranged forms arranged around the circumference of the connector element, opening or nozzle, running in particular in a direction essentially parallel to an axis of the connector element, opening or nozzle.
  • the profiling of the first connector element, opening or nozzle may be different in form and/or size to a profiling of the second connector element or opening.
  • the profiling, in particular the matching profiling may be designed in form of a key-and-lock profiling
  • the canister comprises a third opening, in particular a rinsing opening for rinsing the canister with a fluid, in particular water.
  • the third opening may be located at the top part of the canister.
  • the third opening may be designed to be recloseable connected to a water supply in order to allow water to flow into the canister in order to rinse the inside of the canister.
  • the water for rinsing the canister may be sucked out of the canister via the suction lance after rinsing.
  • the third opening may be arranged in the first and/or second connector closure, in particular inside the second connector cover.
  • the third opening may be arranged next to, or inside, the second opening, and/or the first opening.
  • the first and/or second connector closure in particular the first and/or second connector cover, may comprise the third opening for rinsing the canister.
  • the suction system may be connected to a water supply in order to rinse the canister and remove essentially all of the substance out of the canister, thus avoiding any harm to a person handling the suction system, in particular the canister.
  • the third opening is located in the nozzle adjacent to the first opening.
  • the third opening may be located within the nozzle adjacent to, or inside, the first opening. This may enable the connection of the third opening to a water supply for example to be integrated into the flange of the suction machine.
  • the additional rinse function may be provided without further handling steps.
  • a fitment is provided in the first, second and/or third opening.
  • the suction system in particular the first and/or second connector element, may comprise a fitment, wherein the fitment may operate like a recloseable valve with or without a spring.
  • the fitment may be arranged in the first, second and/or third opening, in order to
  • the fitment may comprise a first fitment part and an allocated second fitment part, wherein for example the first fitment part receives the second fitment part in order to recloseably open the fitment, and wherein removing the second fitment part from the first fitment part may close the recloseable fitment.
  • the first and/or second fitment part may be arranged at the connector closure and/or the flange of the suction system.
  • the first fitment part may for example be arranged at the connector insert and the second fitment part may be arranged at the connector cover or the flange of the suction machine.
  • the fitment may be designed in form of a recloseable connector, for example a hose coupling, a plug-in connector, or a quick coupling, for establishing a recloseable fluid permeable connection of the first, second and/or third opening with a suction machine.
  • a recloseable connector for example a hose coupling, a plug-in connector, or a quick coupling, for establishing a recloseable fluid permeable connection of the first, second and/or third opening with a suction machine.
  • the recloseable fitment has the advantage, that the suction system, in particular the canister, may be connected and removed without the risk of substance leaving the
  • the first and/or second connector element in particular the first and/or second connector cover, comprises an indicator switch.
  • the indicator switch may for example comprise a metal stripe and a pin, wherein the pin is arranged in such a way, that when the flange of the suction machine is mounted properly to the suction system, in particular the connector closure, the pin contacts the connector closure and pushes the metal stripe into contact with a metal contact for example, closing an electric circuit, thus indicating the proper mounting of the flange in order to start sucking the substance out of the canister.
  • the metal stripe moved by the pin may also activate a switch, indicating the proper mounting of the flange.
  • the suction system comprises an empty alarm.
  • the empty alarm is to indicate that the substance in the canister is used up, for example to the suction machine in order to stop a pump or indicate the need for changing the canister to a person.
  • the empty alarm may comprise a detector element connected to the first opening and/or the suction lance, for example in the connector closure, in order to monitor the presence and/or lack of the substance.
  • the empty alarm may be based on an induction based detector element.
  • the detector element may be designed in form of an electromagnetic coil or an electro magnet and a float, in particular an at least partially metallic float, arranged for example in the first opening next to the electromagnetic coil, which may be arranged around the first opening.
  • the electromagnet may attract the float, sealing for example the first opening. If the pump is switched on and working, the electromagnet may reverse its polarity or exert a lower force of attraction onto the float, allowing the float to move away from the electromagnet and the electromagnetic field. A flowing substance may move the float, in particular in a downstream direction, away from the electro magnet, thus indicating the flow and the presence of the substance, for example by altering the magnetic field of the electromagnet. If the substance runs out, the float drops towards the electro magnet, indicating the lack of substance, for example by altering the magnetic field of the electromagnet, by reducing the distance towards it.
  • the connector closure (36) is designed as a snap-on connector closure (36) .
  • the connector closure may comprise positive locking means matching positive locking means arranged at the nozzle.
  • the connector closure may also be designed as a screw-on connector closure. This allows for a time saving fitting of the connector closure without use of tool.
  • the first opening and the second opening are both arranged in the nozzle. This reduces the manufacturing costs of the canister, by reducing the complexity of the design and also by avoiding the costs for an additional closure for the second opening.
  • the first opening and the second opening may have different cross sectional areas and/or different shapes.
  • the first opening may be arranged eccentrically to the geometrical centre of the nozzle.
  • the bottom part of the body is sloped at the inside, preferably sloped towards the lower end of the suction lance. By forming the inside of the bottom part in such a way that it is sloped and/or inclined, it is possible to guide the remaining substance in a defined direction, when extracting the substance out of the canister and when the level of substance is lowered. Thus, a last remaining amount of substance can be guided towards the lower end of the suction lance in order to further improve the residue free extraction of the substance out of the canister.
  • the canister is designed to be stackable with at least a second canister of the same design.
  • This enables canisters of the same design to be stacked on top of each other in order to save space which for example allows for an efficient transportation and/or storing of such canisters.
  • the bottom part of the body of the canister may be designed in such a way as to match the profile of the top part of a canister of the same design.
  • the top part of the body may comprise stacking means in order to accept the bottom part of a canister of the same design. This enables the received canister to be centred by the stacking means and to avoid a relative movement between the canisters.
  • the stacking means may be formed like side walls, protruding from the upper part of the body of the canister above the nozzle of the canister.
  • the stacking elements at the upper part of the body may be designed to interlock with fitting stacking elements at the bottom part of the canister.
  • the canister further comprises a connector closure to seal the first opening and/or the second opening.
  • the connector closure may be fitted inside the nozzle.
  • the connector closure may be designed to match and/or contact the flange of a suction machine attached to the nozzle of the canister, thus enabling a continuous, air and/or fluid tight, pressure- resistant connection of the flange of the suction machine with the suction lance, via the nozzle and the first opening in the nozzle.
  • the connector closure may seal both, the first opening and the second opening simultaneously, for example after the canister is filled with the substance and prepared for transport. Further, the connector closure may seal one opening and leave the other opening open and/or unsealed, for example the second opening, e.g. used for filling the substance in to the canister, may be closed and/or sealed by the connector closure while the first opening, which is connected to the suction lance, may be left open and/or unsealed. Sealing is meant in a way of an air tight and/ or fluid tight closure of an opening.
  • the connector closure is designed to selectively seal and/or open the first opening and/or the second opening separately. This allows for the first opening and/or the second opening to be closed and/or sealed by the connector closure, and if needed to opened or re-opened the first opening and the second opening separately and independently of each other, if desired.
  • the second opening may be keep closed and/or sealed, while the first opening is opened or re-opened in order to allow a suction machine to connect to the first opening for extracting the substance through the suction lance which is connected to the first opening.
  • Fig. 1 is an illustration of a canister constructed in accordance with the suction system
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional drawing of a canister constructed in accordance with the invention ;
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of a second connector cover constructed in accordance with the invention; - Il ⁇ ls a sectional drawing of the connector cover shown in Fig. 3; is a sectional drawing of a first opening with a first connector element in accordance with the invention; is a schematic top view of a second connector cover constructed in accordance with the invention; is a first sectional drawing of the connector cover shown in Fig. 6; is a first sectional drawing of the connector cover shown in Fig. 6; is a sectional drawing of a canister comprising a third opening in accordance with the invention; is a schematic top view of a first and third opening shown in Fig. 9 in accordance with the invention; is a schematic perspective of an indicator switch constructed in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional drawing of a connector cover comprising a profiling in accordance with the invention; is a schematic top view of the connector cover shown in Fig. 12 in accordance with the invention; a profiling is shown comprising six different forms from a) to f) constructed in accordance with the invention; is a schematic perspective of a canister; is a similar view to Fig. 15, but with a different design; is an illustration of a canister constructed similar to Fig. 16; is a schematic drawing of a canister similar view to Fig. 16, but from a side view; is a similar view to Fig. 17, but showing the canister from a front perspective; is a drawing of a nozzle design; is a similar view to Fig.
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic top view of a nozzle; is a similar view to Fig. 22, but with a differently designed nozzle; Fig. 24 is a schematic illustration of a nozzle with a connector closure; and
  • Fig. 25 is an illustration of a connector closure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a canister 10 of a suction system for holding a substance, for example a liquid or fluid, comprising a body 12, wherein the body 12 has a top part 14, a side part 16, which may consist one or more side elements, and a bottom part 18 (not shown) .
  • the canister 10 further comprises a nozzle 20, which is located at the top part 14 of the body 12 of the canister 10.
  • the nozzle 20 comprises a first opening 22, wherein the first opening 22 of the nozzle 20 is connected with a suction lance 24.
  • the suction lance 24 is connected to the nozzle 20 with an upper end 26 and reaches down the bottom part 18 of the body 12 of the canister 10 with a lower end 28.
  • the suction lance 24 is formed as one-piece with the body 12 of the canister 10. As illustrated, the suction lance 24 may be formed as an integral part of the top part 14 and the side part 16 of the body 12. The suction lance 24 is designed to protrude at least partially towards the outside of the body 12, forming for example a bulge at the outside of the body 12. The suction lance 24 may also be designed in such a way that the suction lance 24 protrudes at least partially towards the inside of the body 12, forming for example a bulge at the inside of the body 12. The suction lance 24 provides a continuous, air and fluid tight, pressure-resistant connection from the bottom part 18 of the body 12 to the nozzle 20, thus enabling the extraction of the substance for example by applying a vacuum.
  • the canister 10 is further provided with a second opening 30, which is also arranged at the top part 14 of the body 12.
  • the second opening 30, as shown, has a larger diameter than the first opening 22 and the nozzle 20 and may for example be used for filling a substance into the body 12 of the canister 10.
  • the canister 10 is provided with a handle 32 at the top part 14.
  • the canister 10 illustrated in fig. 2 is shown in a sectional drawing.
  • the first connector insert 24 is arranged in the first opening 22 .
  • the first connector insert 24 comprises a fitment 48, wherein the first part of the fitment 48 is attached to the connector cover 48.
  • the second part of the fitment (not shown) may be attached to a flange of a suction machine.
  • the second part of the fitment may be inserted into the first part of the fitment 48 in order to recloseably open the fitment 48, in order to be able to suck the fluid out of the canister 10 via the first opening 22 and the integrated suction lance 24.
  • the second opening 30 of the canister 10, for example for filling the fluid into the canister 10, is shown open.
  • a second connector cover 50 is shown in fig. 3.
  • the second connector cover 50 comprises a venting membrane 52 and a venting valve 54, wherein the venting valve 54 may be a spring loaded valve.
  • the second connector cover 50 comprises a fitment 48, in particular for connecting to a water supply in order to provide a rinsing function for the suction system.
  • FIG. 4 A sectional drawing of a second connector cover 50, similar to the one shown in fig. 3, is shown in Fig. 4.
  • the second connector cover 50 covers the second opening 30, providing an opening 56 in order to access for example a connector insert (not shown) arranged in the second opening 30.
  • the first opening 22 of the canister 10 comprising the first connector insert 46 is shown in fig. 5.
  • the first connector insert 46 comprises the fitment 48.
  • the first opening 22 and the first connector insert 46 are covered by a first connector cover 58.
  • the first connector cover 58 comprises an opening 56 for providing access to the fitment 48.
  • the first connector cover 58 comprises a profiling 60, in particular an external profiling 60, matching a profiling (not shown) of an allocated flange of the suction machine. This enables a lock-and-key like coupling of a flange to an allocated connector cover, avoiding a coupling of the wrong flange to the first connector cover 58 for example.
  • a second connector cover 50 comprising a venting membrane 52 and a venting valve 54, as well as a fitment 48.
  • a sectional drawing along the line A-A of the second connector cover 50 in fig. 6 is shown in fig. 7.
  • the second connector cover 50 comprises a sealing 44 in order to seal the second opening 30 when firmly attached to the canister 10.
  • the fitment 48 is arranged in a small space, open to the canister through a small opening, in order for example to let water into the container, if the fitment 48 is located in a third opening 62 located in the second connector cover 50.
  • the venting valve 54 is located adjacent to the third opening 62 and the fitment 48.
  • FIG. 8 a sectional drawing along the line B-B of the second connector cover 50 illustrated in fig. 6 is shown.
  • the venting membrane 52 is located in a small tube-like element, wherein the tube-like element projects further into the canister 10 than the venting membrane 52, thus protecting the venting membrane from the dynamic forces of the fluid rushing towards the venting membrane 52, for example if the canister 10 is dropped or turns over.
  • a canister 10 with a first opening 22, a second opening 30 and a third opening 62 is illustrated in fig. 9.
  • the third opening 62 is located next to the first opening 22 in the nozzle 20.
  • the first opening 24 is connected to the integrated suction lance 24 and the third opening 62 is connected directly to the inside of the canister 10, for example in order to allow water for rinsing the canister 10 to enter the canister 10.
  • a top view of the nozzle 20 in fig. 9 is illustrated in fig. 10.
  • the first opening 22 is arranged next to the third opening 62.
  • the first and third opening 22,62 both comprise a fitment 48.
  • the nozzle 20 comprising a first connector insert 46 with a first connector cover 58 shown above the nozzle 20, for example prior to being mounted on to the nozzle 20.
  • the first connector cover 58 comprises an indicator switch 64 with a stripe 66 and a pin 68, wherein the pin 68 may push the stripe 66 towards a contact (not shown) when the first connector cover 58 is mounted properly.
  • the pin 68 may extend out of the connector cover 48 towards the canister 10 and/or towards a flange of the suction machine.
  • the pin 68 arranged at the for example first connector cover 58 may be moved by a flange of a suction system when the flange is connected to the first connector cover 58. By moving the pin 68 the stripe 66 may be moved in order to indicate a properly attached flange, thus providing an indication for a properly closed suction system.
  • a sectional drawing of a first and/or second connector cover 50, 58 is shown in fig. 12.
  • the connector cover 50,58 comprises an opening 56 to provide access for example to the first and/or second opening 22,30.
  • the connector cover 50,58 comprises on the outside a profiling 60, matching the profiling (not shown) of a flange allocated to the connector cover 50,58.
  • a top view of the connector cover 50,58 in fig. 12 is illustrated in fig. 13.
  • the profiling 60 of the connector cover 50,58 is circumferentially arranged, providing an irregular pattern of a tongue and groove connection for connecting a flange to an allocated connector cover 50,58.
  • the profiling 60 on the outside of the connector cover 50,58 are arrange in different patterns, comprising smaller and larger circumferential tongue-like sections of the tongue and groove connection for connecting the flange to the allocated connector cover 50,58.
  • the patterns of the profiling 60 may be arranged in such a way, that in several sections of 45° each, none, one, two or two and a half patterns may be arranged.
  • the tongue-like patterns extend along the outside of the connector cover 50,58 essentially in parallel to a symmetrical axis of the connector cover 50,58 and/or opening 22,30 or nozzle 20.
  • Fig. 16 illustrates a canister 10 of a similar design to the canister 10 shown in Fig. 15, but provides a different design of the suction lance 24 and the arrangement of the first opening 22 and the second opening 30.
  • the suction lance 24 is formed at the outside of the body 12 mainly in a straight line, as an integral part of the body 12.
  • the nozzle 20 is located at the edge of the top part 14 of the body 12.
  • the second opening 30 comprises a larger diameter than the first opening 22, which is located adjacent to the circular second opening 30.
  • the nozzle 20 has an oval outer circumference.
  • the canister 10 shown in fig. 17 comprises a suction lance 24 that is formed as an integral part of the body 12 of the canister 10, wherein the suction lance 24 protrudes or bulges towards the outside of the body 12.
  • the upper end 26 of the suction lance 24 which is connected to the first opening 22 is arranged inside the nozzle, wherein the nozzle 20 has a circular outer contour .
  • Fig. 18 shows a canister 10, similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 17, from a side view.
  • the suction lance 24 is formed as one-piece with the side part 16 of the body 12.
  • the suction lance 24 reaches from the bottom part 18 to the first opening 22, located inside the nozzle 20, which has a circular outer contour.
  • the canister 10 also comprises stacking means 34, which are formed as side walls, rising up to the height of the nozzle 20, in order to enable a stacking of canisters 10 of the same design.
  • a canister 10 similar to the one depicted in fig. 18, is shown in a frontal view.
  • the suction lance 24 is formed towards the outside of the body 12.
  • Stacking elements 34 are formed as side walls, that rise up to the upper level of the nozzle 20, in order to enable stacking canisters 10 of the same design on top of each other.
  • Illustrated in fig. 20 is a nozzle 20, which is arranged centrally on the top part 16 of the body 12 of the canister 10.
  • the first opening 22 and the second opening 30 are both arranged horizontally adjacent to each other within the nozzle 20.
  • the suction lance 24 is formed at the inside of the body 12. The arrow indicates the filling of the substance into the canister 10 via the second opening 30.
  • Fig. 21 depicts a canister 10 with a centrally at the top part 14 of the body 12 arranged nozzle 20, wherein the suction lance 24 is formed at the outside of the body 12 as one-piece with the body 12.
  • the first opening 22 and the second opening 24 shown in fig. 22 are both arranged inside the nozzle 20 horizontally adjacent to each other.
  • the nozzle 20 has an oval outer contour.
  • the first opening 22 and the second opening 30 both comprise a circular cross-sectional area, wherein the second opening 30 is has a larger cross- sectional area than the first opening 22.
  • the nozzle 20 in fig. 23 has a circular outer contour, with both the first opening 22 and the second opening 30 arranged within the nozzle 20.
  • the first opening 22 and the second opening 30 disembogue into the nozzle 20 with a circular cross-sectional area.
  • the nozzle 20 comprises two areas of different shape into which each of the two openings disembogue. These areas may be contacted by a seal of a flange 38 of a suction machine (not shown) , in order to enable the build up of a vacuum for extracting the substance out of the canister.
  • a cross-sectional view of a canister 10 with a nozzle 22 is shown.
  • the first opening 22 and the second opening 30 are both arranged inside the nozzle 20.
  • the connector closure 36 may receive a flange 38 of a suction machine (not shown) , in order to extract the substance out of the canister 10.
  • the flange 38 may be screwed onto the nozzle 20.
  • the suction machine With the flange 38 fitted to the nozzle 20, the suction machine is connected to the first opening 22 and the suction lance 24 and may built up a vacuum allowing the substance to flow upwards through the suction lance 24, the first opening 22, the connector closure 36, the flange 38, towards the suction machine .
  • Fig. 25 shows a connector closure 36 suitable for sealing for example the second opening 30, after the canister 20 has been filled with the substance.
  • the connector closure 36 may be pressed-on, snapped-on or screwed on the canister 10 in order to seal the opening.
  • the connector closure 36 may only be removable with a tool, not by hand.
  • the connector closure 36 comprises a spring 40, which applies a pressure in a movable lid of the connector closure 36.
  • the spring 40 may be made of plastic and is supported by a spring holder 42.
  • the movable lid comprises a sealing 44 in order to avoid any leakage of the substance.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a closed suction system for residue free sucking a substance, preferably a fluid, comprising a canister (10) for holding the substance, wherein the canister (10) comprises a body (12), having a top part (14), at least one nozzle (20), preferably located at the top part (14), wherein the nozzle (20) comprises a first opening (22), and a suction lance (24) for sucking the substance out of the body (12), wherein the suction lance (24) comprises an upper end (26) being connected to the first opening (22) and a lower end (28) being located next to the bottom part (18) of the canister (10), and a second opening (30), preferably at the top part (14) of the body (12), suitable for filling the substance into the body (12), a connector closure (36) for sealing the canister (10), wherein the connection closure (36) is designed to seal and/or open the first opening (22) and/or the second opening (30) separately at the same time, wherein the connection closure (36) further comprises a venting means for venting the inside of the body (12) of the canister (10), wherein the suction lance (24) is formed integrally as part of the body (12) of the canister (10).

Description

A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister.
Technical field of the invention
This invention relates to a suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister, wherein the suction system comprises a canister, a connector closure and a suction lance for emptying the substance out of the canister. Background of the invention
Devices and systems for emptying canisters filled with a substance, e.g. a fluid, are known in practice in various forms. These known devices often incorporate a suction lance that is inserted into the canister and that is pointing from an opening of the canister into the canister for sucking the substance out when coupled to a suction device. Due to this, the positioning of the suction lance inside the canister is different every time a canister is used. Further, using known suction lances in order to empty the canister so that it is free of residue, a residual amount of substance always remains in the canister. For the disposal of canisters that are filled with dangerous or harmful substance for example it is desirable to reduce the amount of substance that is left in the canister to a minimum. Moreover, an unintended contact of a person handling the emptied canister with the substance is to be avoided in order to reduce health risks .
SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a suction system for sucking a substance, preferably a fluid, from a canister, which enables a complete emptying of the canister without the risk of a person handling the canister to get into contact with the substance held in the canister. This object is solved by a suction system according to claim 1 of the present invention.
Accordingly, a suction system for sucking a substance, preferably a fluid, from a canister, comprises a canister for holding a substance, preferably a fluid, wherein the canister comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a top part, a side part and a bottom part, at least one nozzle, preferably located at the top part of the body, wherein the nozzle comprises a first opening, and
a suction lance for sucking the substance out of the body of the canister, wherein the suction lance comprises an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is connected to the first opening and the lower end is located next to the bottom part of the canister, and a second opening, preferably at the top part of the body, suitable for filling the substance into the body, a connector closure for sealing the canister, wherein the connector closure is designed to seal and/or open the first opening and/or the second opening separately at the same time, wherein the connector closure further comprises a venting means for venting the inside of the body of the canister, wherein the suction lance is formed integrally as part of the body of the canister.
The canister further comprises a second opening, preferably at the top part of the body, suitable for filling the substance into the body. This allows for the second opening to be designed different to the first opening. For example a second opening with a large diameter allows for an improved, faster filling of the substance into the canister, while the first opening may be designed comprising a diameter optimised for extracting the substance out of the canister.
Further, the connector closure for sealing the canister is designed to seal and/or open the first opening and/or the second opening separately at the same time, wherein the connector closure further comprises a venting means for venting the inside of the body of the canister. This allows for the first opening and/or the second opening to be closed and/or sealed by the connector closure, and if needed to opened or re-opened the first opening and the second opening separately and independently of each other, if desired. The venting means may for example be designed in form of a venting valve or a venting membrane, allowing a gas, e.g. air, to flow into the canister whilst stopping the substance from leaving the canister via the venting means. This enables pressure compensation when the canister is attached to a suction machine, extracting the substance out of the canister by means of an underpressure, a vacuum for example.
Through the integration of the suction lance into the body, in particular into the side part of the body, of the canister, it is possible to define the position where the lower end of the suction lance is positioned inside the canister. The canister and the suction lance are designed as one-piece. This makes the positioning of the lower end of the suction lance at the lowest point inside the body of the canister possible for every canister, where the remaining substance will move to, when being sucked out of the canister. In order to improve this, the bottom part of the canister may be designed to comprise a lowest point at the lower end of the suction lance. This enables the efficient, residue free removal of the substance out of the body of the canister. By forming the suction lance as an integral part of the body of the canister, it is ensured, that the lower end of the suction lance is positioned at the optimal position, i.e. the lowest point inside the body, with every canister designed according to the invention. Further, the integration of the suction lance into the canister makes the handling of the suction lance by a person, for example the introduction of the suction lance into the canister, unnecessary and therefore allows for a clean and safe handling. Especially after the canister is used and emptied of the substance, a handling of the suction lance is not necessary at all, because the suction system according to the invention forms, especially in connection with a the canister and the connector closure, a closed system for extracting the substance. The closed suction system avoids any leakage during connecting the canister for example to a suction flange of a suction machine, emptying the canister and/or disconnecting the canister. Thus, with this clean, safe and efficient closed suction system the danger of contaminating and harming a person handling the emptied canister is avoided .
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector closure comprises a first connector element and a second connector element, wherein the first connector element is arranged at the first opening and the second connector element is arranged at the second opening. The first connector element is arranged at the first opening and may be designed to fit the form of the first opening. The first connector element may seal the first opening recloseable in order to avoid any spillage of the substance and at the same time allow for a controlled suction of the substance from the canister. The second connector element is arranged at the second opening of the canister and may be designed to fit the form of the second opening. The second connector element may seal the second opening recloseable, in order to provide for example a safe filling or refilling of the canister with the substance, i.e. fluid.
According to a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the first connector element comprises a first connector insert and/ or a first connector cover, and that the second connector element comprises a second connector insert and/ or a second connector cover. The first and/or second connector element may each be designed as a single or two part connector element. The first connector element may comprise a first connector insert and/or a first connector cover. The second connector element may comprise a second connector insert and/or a second connector cover. The first connector insert may be arranged inside the first opening and may be designed to fit the first opening and to seal the first opening recloseable. The first and/or second connector insert may be designed to connect to the first and/or second opening while extending the first and/or second opening in order to be connectable to a suction machine, in particular a flange of a suction machine, in order to allow the filling of the substance into the canister and/or the sucking of the substance from the canister. The first connector cover may be arranged on the first opening, in particular a first opening with a first connector insert, and may be designed to fit the first opening and to seal the first opening recloseable. The first connector cover may comprise access openings in order to allow access to for example openings, venting means or connector pieces arranged on the first connector insert. Accordingly, the second connector insert may be arranged inside the second and may be designed to fit the second opening and to seal the second opening recloseable. The second connector cover may be arranged on the second opening, in particular a second opening with a second connector insert, and may be designed to fit the second opening and to seal the second opening recloseable. The second connector cover may comprise access openings in order to allow access to for example openings, venting means or connector pieces arranged on the second connector insert. Arranged on the first and/or second opening means that the connector cover is designed and arranged like a lid, for example a screw-on or snap- on lid, covering at least partially the first and/or second opening, in particular the first and/or second connector insert inside the first and/or second opening.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the venting means is arranged in the second connector cover. Arranging the venting means in the second connector cover, for example in form of a screw-on or snap-on lid, on the second opening allows for a cost efficient design of the suction system. As the available space on the second connector cover does not need to be shared with means for extracting the substance out of the canister, the venting means may be of a standard venting means design, which allows for a reduction of the manufacturing costs .
According to an embodiment of the invention, the venting means is designed in form of a venting membrane and/ or a venting valve. The venting means may for example be designed in form of a venting valve or a venting membrane, allowing a gas, e.g. air, to flow into the canister whilst stopping the substance from leaving the canister via the venting means. The venting valve may be a spring loaded valve. The venting membrane may be a membrane allowing the gaseous substance to pass but not the fluid. This enables a pressure compensation of the suction system, for example air flowing into the canister, when the canister is attached to a suction machine, extracting the substance out of the canister by means of an underpressure, a vacuum for example. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and/or second connector element is connectable to a flange of a suction machine allocated to the first and/or second connector element. In particular the first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover may be connectable to the flange of a suction machine. The first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover may provide a female coupling element matching a male coupling element of the flange of the suction machine, in order to connect to the flange of the suction machine, and in particular allow for a recloseable opening of the first and/or second opening. As the upper end of the suction lance is connected to the first opening inside the nozzle of the suction system, attaching the flange of the suction machine directly to the nozzle, in particular to the first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover, improves the handling of the suction system, in particular of the canister, when the substance is to be extracted as no further handling, for example of an adapter or a separate suction lance, is required. Thus a closed suction system is provided, and the risk of contaminating a person handling the canister with the substance is avoided. Further, a cap may be provided to seal the nozzle, in particular the first and/or second connector insert and/or connector cover, for example for transportation in order to protect the nozzle from dirt, which may hinder the forming of an underpressure when attaching the nozzle to a suction machine.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first and/or second connector element comprises a profiling, matching the profiling of an allocated flange of the suction machine. The profiling may be an external profiling arranged on the outside of the first and/or second connector element, in particular to the outside of the first and/or second connector cover, or to the outside of the first and/or second opening and/or the nozzle. The profiling may be an internal profiling arranged on the inside of the first and/or second connector element, in particular to the inside of the first and/or second connector cover, or to the inside of the first and/or second opening. The external profiling of the connector element, opening or nozzle matches a corresponding internal profiling of the allocated flange of the suction machine, and an internal profiling of the connector element, opening or nozzle matches a corresponding external profiling of an allocated flange of the suction machine. The profiling, in particular the matching profilings, may comprise several tongue-and- groove like arranged forms arranged around the circumference of the connector element, opening or nozzle, running in particular in a direction essentially parallel to an axis of the connector element, opening or nozzle. The profiling of the first connector element, opening or nozzle may be different in form and/or size to a profiling of the second connector element or opening. The profiling, in particular the matching profiling, may be designed in form of a key-and-lock profiling
According to an embodiment of the invention the canister comprises a third opening, in particular a rinsing opening for rinsing the canister with a fluid, in particular water. The third opening may be located at the top part of the canister. The third opening may be designed to be recloseable connected to a water supply in order to allow water to flow into the canister in order to rinse the inside of the canister. The water for rinsing the canister may be sucked out of the canister via the suction lance after rinsing. The third opening may be arranged in the first and/or second connector closure, in particular inside the second connector cover. The third opening may be arranged next to, or inside, the second opening, and/or the first opening. The first and/or second connector closure, in particular the first and/or second connector cover, may comprise the third opening for rinsing the canister. By providing a third opening, the suction system may be connected to a water supply in order to rinse the canister and remove essentially all of the substance out of the canister, thus avoiding any harm to a person handling the suction system, in particular the canister. According to an embodiment of the invention the third opening is located in the nozzle adjacent to the first opening. The third opening may be located within the nozzle adjacent to, or inside, the first opening. This may enable the connection of the third opening to a water supply for example to be integrated into the flange of the suction machine. Thus, the additional rinse function may be provided without further handling steps.
According to an embodiment of the invention a fitment is provided in the first, second and/or third opening. The suction system, in particular the first and/or second connector element, may comprise a fitment, wherein the fitment may operate like a recloseable valve with or without a spring. The fitment may be arranged in the first, second and/or third opening, in order to
recloseably seal the first, second and/or third opening. The fitment may comprise a first fitment part and an allocated second fitment part, wherein for example the first fitment part receives the second fitment part in order to recloseably open the fitment, and wherein removing the second fitment part from the first fitment part may close the recloseable fitment. The first and/or second fitment part may be arranged at the connector closure and/or the flange of the suction system. The first fitment part may for example be arranged at the connector insert and the second fitment part may be arranged at the connector cover or the flange of the suction machine. The fitment may be designed in form of a recloseable connector, for example a hose coupling, a plug-in connector, or a quick coupling, for establishing a recloseable fluid permeable connection of the first, second and/or third opening with a suction machine. The recloseable fitment has the advantage, that the suction system, in particular the canister, may be connected and removed without the risk of substance leaving the
canister, thus providing a closed suction system.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first and/or second connector element, in particular the first and/or second connector cover, comprises an indicator switch. The indicator switch may for example comprise a metal stripe and a pin, wherein the pin is arranged in such a way, that when the flange of the suction machine is mounted properly to the suction system, in particular the connector closure, the pin contacts the connector closure and pushes the metal stripe into contact with a metal contact for example, closing an electric circuit, thus indicating the proper mounting of the flange in order to start sucking the substance out of the canister. The metal stripe moved by the pin may also activate a switch, indicating the proper mounting of the flange. Thus, the operating of a securely closed suction system may be provided.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction system comprises an empty alarm. The empty alarm is to indicate that the substance in the canister is used up, for example to the suction machine in order to stop a pump or indicate the need for changing the canister to a person. The empty alarm may comprise a detector element connected to the first opening and/or the suction lance, for example in the connector closure, in order to monitor the presence and/or lack of the substance. The empty alarm may be based on an induction based detector element. The detector element may be designed in form of an electromagnetic coil or an electro magnet and a float, in particular an at least partially metallic float, arranged for example in the first opening next to the electromagnetic coil, which may be arranged around the first opening. If a pump is not operating and drawing the substance form the canister, the electromagnet may attract the float, sealing for example the first opening. If the pump is switched on and working, the electromagnet may reverse its polarity or exert a lower force of attraction onto the float, allowing the float to move away from the electromagnet and the electromagnetic field. A flowing substance may move the float, in particular in a downstream direction, away from the electro magnet, thus indicating the flow and the presence of the substance, for example by altering the magnetic field of the electromagnet. If the substance runs out, the float drops towards the electro magnet, indicating the lack of substance, for example by altering the magnetic field of the electromagnet, by reducing the distance towards it. On triggering the empty alarm, the electro magnet may reverse its polarity again to attracting the float towards the electro magnet, hence sealing the opening. Thus, the suction machine may be stopped and an alarm be sounded. According to an embodiment of the invention the connector closure (36) is designed as a snap-on connector closure (36) . The connector closure may comprise positive locking means matching positive locking means arranged at the nozzle. The connector closure may also be designed as a screw-on connector closure. This allows for a time saving fitting of the connector closure without use of tool.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the first opening and the second opening are both arranged in the nozzle. This reduces the manufacturing costs of the canister, by reducing the complexity of the design and also by avoiding the costs for an additional closure for the second opening. The first opening and the second opening may have different cross sectional areas and/or different shapes. The first opening may be arranged eccentrically to the geometrical centre of the nozzle. In a further exemplary embodiment, the bottom part of the body is sloped at the inside, preferably sloped towards the lower end of the suction lance. By forming the inside of the bottom part in such a way that it is sloped and/or inclined, it is possible to guide the remaining substance in a defined direction, when extracting the substance out of the canister and when the level of substance is lowered. Thus, a last remaining amount of substance can be guided towards the lower end of the suction lance in order to further improve the residue free extraction of the substance out of the canister.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the canister is designed to be stackable with at least a second canister of the same design. This enables canisters of the same design to be stacked on top of each other in order to save space which for example allows for an efficient transportation and/or storing of such canisters. The bottom part of the body of the canister may be designed in such a way as to match the profile of the top part of a canister of the same design. Further, the top part of the body may comprise stacking means in order to accept the bottom part of a canister of the same design. This enables the received canister to be centred by the stacking means and to avoid a relative movement between the canisters. The stacking means may be formed like side walls, protruding from the upper part of the body of the canister above the nozzle of the canister. The stacking elements at the upper part of the body may be designed to interlock with fitting stacking elements at the bottom part of the canister. In a further exemplary embodiment, the canister further comprises a connector closure to seal the first opening and/or the second opening. The connector closure may be fitted inside the nozzle. The connector closure may be designed to match and/or contact the flange of a suction machine attached to the nozzle of the canister, thus enabling a continuous, air and/or fluid tight, pressure- resistant connection of the flange of the suction machine with the suction lance, via the nozzle and the first opening in the nozzle. The connector closure may seal both, the first opening and the second opening simultaneously, for example after the canister is filled with the substance and prepared for transport. Further, the connector closure may seal one opening and leave the other opening open and/or unsealed, for example the second opening, e.g. used for filling the substance in to the canister, may be closed and/or sealed by the connector closure while the first opening, which is connected to the suction lance, may be left open and/or unsealed. Sealing is meant in a way of an air tight and/ or fluid tight closure of an opening.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the connector closure is designed to selectively seal and/or open the first opening and/or the second opening separately. This allows for the first opening and/or the second opening to be closed and/or sealed by the connector closure, and if needed to opened or re-opened the first opening and the second opening separately and independently of each other, if desired. For example when extracting the substance out of a canister with both openings sealed, the second opening may be keep closed and/or sealed, while the first opening is opened or re-opened in order to allow a suction machine to connect to the first opening for extracting the substance through the suction lance which is connected to the first opening.
The afore mentioned components, as well as the claimed components and the components to be used in accordance with the invention in the described embodiments, are not subject to any special exceptions with respect to their size, shape, material selection and technical concept such that the selection criteria known in the pursuant field can be applied without a limitation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional details, features, characteristics and advantages of the object of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the figures and the following description of the respective figures and examples, which - in exemplary fashion - show several embodiments and examples of a canister and a connector closure according to the invention. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is an illustration of a canister constructed in accordance with the suction system;
Fig. 2 is a sectional drawing of a canister constructed in accordance with the invention ;
Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of a second connector cover constructed in accordance with the invention; - Il ¬ ls a sectional drawing of the connector cover shown in Fig. 3; is a sectional drawing of a first opening with a first connector element in accordance with the invention; is a schematic top view of a second connector cover constructed in accordance with the invention; is a first sectional drawing of the connector cover shown in Fig. 6; is a first sectional drawing of the connector cover shown in Fig. 6; is a sectional drawing of a canister comprising a third opening in accordance with the invention; is a schematic top view of a first and third opening shown in Fig. 9 in accordance with the invention; is a schematic perspective of an indicator switch constructed in accordance with the invention;
is a sectional drawing of a connector cover comprising a profiling in accordance with the invention; is a schematic top view of the connector cover shown in Fig. 12 in accordance with the invention; a profiling is shown comprising six different forms from a) to f) constructed in accordance with the invention; is a schematic perspective of a canister; is a similar view to Fig. 15, but with a different design; is an illustration of a canister constructed similar to Fig. 16; is a schematic drawing of a canister similar view to Fig. 16, but from a side view; is a similar view to Fig. 17, but showing the canister from a front perspective; is a drawing of a nozzle design; is a similar view to Fig. 20, but with a differently designed suction lance; is a schematic top view of a nozzle; is a similar view to Fig. 22, but with a differently designed nozzle; Fig. 24 is a schematic illustration of a nozzle with a connector closure; and
Fig. 25 is an illustration of a connector closure.
The illustration in Fig. 1 shows a canister 10 of a suction system for holding a substance, for example a liquid or fluid, comprising a body 12, wherein the body 12 has a top part 14, a side part 16, which may consist one or more side elements, and a bottom part 18 (not shown) . The canister 10 further comprises a nozzle 20, which is located at the top part 14 of the body 12 of the canister 10. The nozzle 20 comprises a first opening 22, wherein the first opening 22 of the nozzle 20 is connected with a suction lance 24. The suction lance 24 is connected to the nozzle 20 with an upper end 26 and reaches down the bottom part 18 of the body 12 of the canister 10 with a lower end 28. The suction lance 24 is formed as one-piece with the body 12 of the canister 10. As illustrated, the suction lance 24 may be formed as an integral part of the top part 14 and the side part 16 of the body 12. The suction lance 24 is designed to protrude at least partially towards the outside of the body 12, forming for example a bulge at the outside of the body 12. The suction lance 24 may also be designed in such a way that the suction lance 24 protrudes at least partially towards the inside of the body 12, forming for example a bulge at the inside of the body 12. The suction lance 24 provides a continuous, air and fluid tight, pressure-resistant connection from the bottom part 18 of the body 12 to the nozzle 20, thus enabling the extraction of the substance for example by applying a vacuum. The canister 10 is further provided with a second opening 30, which is also arranged at the top part 14 of the body 12. The second opening 30, as shown, has a larger diameter than the first opening 22 and the nozzle 20 and may for example be used for filling a substance into the body 12 of the canister 10. For handling, the canister 10 is provided with a handle 32 at the top part 14. The canister 10 illustrated in fig. 2 is shown in a sectional drawing. In the first opening 22 a first connector insert 24 is arranged. The first connector insert 24 comprises a fitment 48, wherein the first part of the fitment 48 is attached to the connector cover 48. The second part of the fitment (not shown) may be attached to a flange of a suction machine. The second part of the fitment may be inserted into the first part of the fitment 48 in order to recloseably open the fitment 48, in order to be able to suck the fluid out of the canister 10 via the first opening 22 and the integrated suction lance 24. The second opening 30 of the canister 10, for example for filling the fluid into the canister 10, is shown open. For covering the second opening 30, a second connector cover 50 is shown in fig. 3. The second connector cover 50 comprises a venting membrane 52 and a venting valve 54, wherein the venting valve 54 may be a spring loaded valve. Further, the second connector cover 50 comprises a fitment 48, in particular for connecting to a water supply in order to provide a rinsing function for the suction system. A sectional drawing of a second connector cover 50, similar to the one shown in fig. 3, is shown in Fig. 4. The second connector cover 50 covers the second opening 30, providing an opening 56 in order to access for example a connector insert (not shown) arranged in the second opening 30.
The first opening 22 of the canister 10 comprising the first connector insert 46 is shown in fig. 5. The first connector insert 46 comprises the fitment 48. The first opening 22 and the first connector insert 46 are covered by a first connector cover 58. The first connector cover 58 comprises an opening 56 for providing access to the fitment 48. On the outside, the first connector cover 58 comprises a profiling 60, in particular an external profiling 60, matching a profiling (not shown) of an allocated flange of the suction machine. This enables a lock-and-key like coupling of a flange to an allocated connector cover, avoiding a coupling of the wrong flange to the first connector cover 58 for example.
In fig. 6 a second connector cover 50 is shown, comprising a venting membrane 52 and a venting valve 54, as well as a fitment 48. A sectional drawing along the line A-A of the second connector cover 50 in fig. 6 is shown in fig. 7. The second connector cover 50 comprises a sealing 44 in order to seal the second opening 30 when firmly attached to the canister 10. The fitment 48 is arranged in a small space, open to the canister through a small opening, in order for example to let water into the container, if the fitment 48 is located in a third opening 62 located in the second connector cover 50. The venting valve 54 is located adjacent to the third opening 62 and the fitment 48. In fig. 8 a sectional drawing along the line B-B of the second connector cover 50 illustrated in fig. 6 is shown. The venting membrane 52 is located in a small tube-like element, wherein the tube-like element projects further into the canister 10 than the venting membrane 52, thus protecting the venting membrane from the dynamic forces of the fluid rushing towards the venting membrane 52, for example if the canister 10 is dropped or turns over.
A canister 10 with a first opening 22, a second opening 30 and a third opening 62 is illustrated in fig. 9. The third opening 62 is located next to the first opening 22 in the nozzle 20. The first opening 24 is connected to the integrated suction lance 24 and the third opening 62 is connected directly to the inside of the canister 10, for example in order to allow water for rinsing the canister 10 to enter the canister 10. A top view of the nozzle 20 in fig. 9 is illustrated in fig. 10. The first opening 22 is arranged next to the third opening 62. The first and third opening 22,62 both comprise a fitment 48.
In fig. 11 for example the nozzle 20 is shown, comprising a first connector insert 46 with a first connector cover 58 shown above the nozzle 20, for example prior to being mounted on to the nozzle 20. The first connector cover 58 comprises an indicator switch 64 with a stripe 66 and a pin 68, wherein the pin 68 may push the stripe 66 towards a contact (not shown) when the first connector cover 58 is mounted properly. The pin 68 may extend out of the connector cover 48 towards the canister 10 and/or towards a flange of the suction machine. The pin 68 arranged at the for example first connector cover 58 may be moved by a flange of a suction system when the flange is connected to the first connector cover 58. By moving the pin 68 the stripe 66 may be moved in order to indicate a properly attached flange, thus providing an indication for a properly closed suction system.
A sectional drawing of a first and/or second connector cover 50, 58 is shown in fig. 12. The connector cover 50,58 comprises an opening 56 to provide access for example to the first and/or second opening 22,30. The connector cover 50,58 comprises on the outside a profiling 60, matching the profiling (not shown) of a flange allocated to the connector cover 50,58. A top view of the connector cover 50,58 in fig. 12 is illustrated in fig. 13. The profiling 60 of the connector cover 50,58 is circumferentially arranged, providing an irregular pattern of a tongue and groove connection for connecting a flange to an allocated connector cover 50,58.
In fig. 14 six different profilings 60 a), b) , c) , d) , e) and f) are illustrated. The profiling 60 on the outside of the connector cover 50,58 are arrange in different patterns, comprising smaller and larger circumferential tongue-like sections of the tongue and groove connection for connecting the flange to the allocated connector cover 50,58. The patterns of the profiling 60 may be arranged in such a way, that in several sections of 45° each, none, one, two or two and a half patterns may be arranged. The tongue-like patterns extend along the outside of the connector cover 50,58 essentially in parallel to a symmetrical axis of the connector cover 50,58 and/or opening 22,30 or nozzle 20.
Fig. 16 illustrates a canister 10 of a similar design to the canister 10 shown in Fig. 15, but provides a different design of the suction lance 24 and the arrangement of the first opening 22 and the second opening 30. The suction lance 24 is formed at the outside of the body 12 mainly in a straight line, as an integral part of the body 12. The nozzle 20 is located at the edge of the top part 14 of the body 12. The second opening 30 comprises a larger diameter than the first opening 22, which is located adjacent to the circular second opening 30. The nozzle 20 has an oval outer circumference.
The canister 10 shown in fig. 17 comprises a suction lance 24 that is formed as an integral part of the body 12 of the canister 10, wherein the suction lance 24 protrudes or bulges towards the outside of the body 12. The upper end 26 of the suction lance 24 which is connected to the first opening 22 is arranged inside the nozzle, wherein the nozzle 20 has a circular outer contour .
Fig. 18 shows a canister 10, similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 17, from a side view. The suction lance 24 is formed as one-piece with the side part 16 of the body 12. The suction lance 24 reaches from the bottom part 18 to the first opening 22, located inside the nozzle 20, which has a circular outer contour. The canister 10 also comprises stacking means 34, which are formed as side walls, rising up to the height of the nozzle 20, in order to enable a stacking of canisters 10 of the same design. In fig. 19 a canister 10, similar to the one depicted in fig. 18, is shown in a frontal view. The suction lance 24 is formed towards the outside of the body 12. Stacking elements 34 are formed as side walls, that rise up to the upper level of the nozzle 20, in order to enable stacking canisters 10 of the same design on top of each other.
Illustrated in fig. 20 is a nozzle 20, which is arranged centrally on the top part 16 of the body 12 of the canister 10. The first opening 22 and the second opening 30 are both arranged horizontally adjacent to each other within the nozzle 20. The suction lance 24 is formed at the inside of the body 12. The arrow indicates the filling of the substance into the canister 10 via the second opening 30.
Fig. 21 depicts a canister 10 with a centrally at the top part 14 of the body 12 arranged nozzle 20, wherein the suction lance 24 is formed at the outside of the body 12 as one-piece with the body 12.
The first opening 22 and the second opening 24 shown in fig. 22 are both arranged inside the nozzle 20 horizontally adjacent to each other. The nozzle 20 has an oval outer contour. The first opening 22 and the second opening 30 both comprise a circular cross-sectional area, wherein the second opening 30 is has a larger cross- sectional area than the first opening 22. The nozzle 20 in fig. 23 has a circular outer contour, with both the first opening 22 and the second opening 30 arranged within the nozzle 20. The first opening 22 and the second opening 30 disembogue into the nozzle 20 with a circular cross-sectional area. At the inside, the nozzle 20 comprises two areas of different shape into which each of the two openings disembogue. These areas may be contacted by a seal of a flange 38 of a suction machine (not shown) , in order to enable the build up of a vacuum for extracting the substance out of the canister.
In fig. 24 a cross-sectional view of a canister 10 with a nozzle 22 is shown. The first opening 22 and the second opening 30 are both arranged inside the nozzle 20. Inside the nozzle 20, covering both the first opening 22 and the second opening 30, a connector closure 36 is arranged. The connector closure 36 may receive a flange 38 of a suction machine (not shown) , in order to extract the substance out of the canister 10. The flange 38 may be screwed onto the nozzle 20. With the flange 38 fitted to the nozzle 20, the suction machine is connected to the first opening 22 and the suction lance 24 and may built up a vacuum allowing the substance to flow upwards through the suction lance 24, the first opening 22, the connector closure 36, the flange 38, towards the suction machine .
Fig. 25 shows a connector closure 36 suitable for sealing for example the second opening 30, after the canister 20 has been filled with the substance. The connector closure 36 may be pressed-on, snapped-on or screwed on the canister 10 in order to seal the opening. The connector closure 36 may only be removable with a tool, not by hand. The connector closure 36 comprises a spring 40, which applies a pressure in a movable lid of the connector closure 36. The spring 40 may be made of plastic and is supported by a spring holder 42. The movable lid comprises a sealing 44 in order to avoid any leakage of the substance. The particular combinations of elements and features in the above detailed embodiments are exemplary only; the interchanging and substitution of these teachings with other teachings in this and the patents/applications incorporate by reference are also expressly contemplated. As those skilled in the art will recognize, variations, modifications, and other implementations of what is described herein can occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by the way of example only and is not intending as limiting. In the claims, the wording "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the identified article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The inventions scope is defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto. Furthermore, reference signs used in the description and claims do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed . List of reference numerals
10 canister
12 body
14 top part
16 side part
18 bottom part
20 nozzle
22 first opening
24 suction lance
26 upper end
28 lower end
30 second opening
32 handle
34 stacking means
36 connector closure
38 flange
40 spring
42 spring holder
44 sealing
46 first connector insert
48 fitment
50 second connector cover
52 venting membrane
54 venting valve
56 opening
58 first connector cover
60 profiling
62 third opening
64 indicator switch
66 stripe
68 pin

Claims

Claims
1. A suction system for sucking a substance, preferably a fluid, comprising
a canister (10) for holding a substance, preferably a fluid, wherein the canister comprises a body (12), wherein the body (12) comprises a top part (14), a side part (16) and a bottom part (18),
at least one nozzle (20), preferably located at the top part (14) of the body (12), wherein the nozzle (20) comprises a first opening (22),
a suction lance (24) for sucking the substance out of the body (12) of the canister (10), wherein the suction lance (24) comprises an upper end (26) and a lower end (28), wherein the upper end (26) is connected to the first opening (22) and the lower end (28) is located next to the bottom part (18) of the canister (10), and
a second opening (30), preferably at the top part (14) of the body (12), suitable for filling the substance into the body (12) ,
a connector closure (36) for sealing the canister (10), wherein the connector closure (36) is designed to seal and/or open the first opening (22) and/or the second opening (30) separately at the same time, wherein the connector closure (36) further comprises a venting means for venting the inside of the body (12) of the canister (10), wherein the suction lance (24) is formed integrally as part of the body (12) of the canister (10) .
2. A suction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the connector closure comprises a first connector element and a second connector element, wherein the first connector element is arranged at the first opening and the second connector element is arranged at the second opening .
3. A suction system according to claim 1 or 2,
characterised in that the first connector element comprises a first connector insert and/ or a first connector cover, and that the second connector element comprises a second connector insert and/ or a second connector cover.
4. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
3, characterised in that the venting means is arranged in the second connector cover.
5. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
4, characterised in that the venting means is designed in form of a venting membrane and/or a venting valve.
6. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
5, characterised in that the first and/or second
connector element is connectable to a flange of a suction machine allocated to the first and/or second connector element .
7. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
6, characterised in that the first and/or second
connector element comprises a profiling, matching the profiling of an allocated flange of the suction machine.
8. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the canister comprises a third opening, in particular a rinsing opening for rinsing the canister with a fluid, in particular water.
9. A suction system according to claim 8, characterised in that the third opening is located in the nozzle adjacent to the first opening.
10. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
9, characterised in that a fitment is provided in the first, second and/or third opening.
11. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
10, characterised in that the first and/or second connector element, in particular the first and/or second connector cover, comprises an indicator switch.
12. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
11, characterised in that the suction system comprises an empty alarm.
13. A suction system according to any of the claims 1 to
12, characterised in that the connector closure (36) is designed as a snap-on connector closure (36) .
EP11801999.1A 2010-12-01 2011-12-01 A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister Active EP2646327B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11801999.1A EP2646327B1 (en) 2010-12-01 2011-12-01 A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2010/068648 WO2012072130A1 (en) 2010-12-01 2010-12-01 A canister for holding a substance, preferably a fluid
EP11801999.1A EP2646327B1 (en) 2010-12-01 2011-12-01 A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister
PCT/EP2011/071523 WO2012072744A1 (en) 2010-12-01 2011-12-01 A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2646327A1 true EP2646327A1 (en) 2013-10-09
EP2646327B1 EP2646327B1 (en) 2016-08-17

Family

ID=45648223

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11801999.1A Active EP2646327B1 (en) 2010-12-01 2011-12-01 A suction system for drawing a substance, preferably a fluid, out of a canister

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2646327B1 (en)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2012072744A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2646327B1 (en) 2016-08-17

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