EP2928811B1 - Apparatus for emptying containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for emptying containers. Such devices are known from the prior art, for example as dispensing equipment. For example, the pamphlets show GB 2 436 828 and WO 03/097519 such devices. Furthermore, devices are known, for example, in which the emptying of the containers takes place in such a way that gas is fed into the container and the liquid is thus forced out of the container by the resulting overpressure. Also, devices have become known in recent times, in which the emptying of the container takes place in that this container is compressed and so the liquid located inside is pushed out of the container.

In such dispensers, the problem arises that their components are often very difficult to clean and also for the purpose of cleaning many chemicals must be used.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to make cleaning operations for such facilities easier and possibly completely waive this.

This object is achieved by the subject of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for removing fluids from deformable containers has a first holding device for holding a first region of a container and a second holding device for holding a second region of the container, this second region being spaced from the first region. Furthermore, the device has a removal device in order to remove liquid from the container, and a drive device which moves the second holding device with respect to the first holding device in a predetermined direction of movement.

According to the invention, the removal device is removably arranged on the device and at least one element of the removal device is designed as a disposable element. Advantageously, the deformable container is a plastic container, in particular made of PET. However, it would also be conceivable that the container is made of another deformable material.

It is therefore proposed that the removal device is at least partially disposable or not, as usual in the art, remains on the device. In this way, a complex cleaning process for this removal device can be saved.

Further, while the liquid is being withdrawn from the container, there is only flow communication (i.e., in particular, only flow communication only) between the interior of the container and an exterior of the container. Unlike in the conventional art, therefore, no further connection such as a further line, for example a gas pressure line, is provided here, but only the said liquid line. In particular, said single flow connection is the fluid connection via which the liquid is withdrawn from the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the removal device has a flexible hose element. In many comparable systems, the removal device is rigidly designed as a tube and often also firmly integrated into the device. In particular, this hose element is a disposable hose element.

According to the invention, the removal device has a flow connection body, which protrudes at least in sections into the container for removing the liquid. It is possible that about a tubular body, which is part of the flow connection body, which protrudes into this during the removal of the liquid or at least projects into the interior of the container.

Advantageously, the hose connection adjoins this flow connection body at least indirectly and preferably directly. It is possible that the hose member is attached to the flow connection body, but it would also be possible that the hose member is bolted to the flow connection body.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the flow connection body is designed as a piercing device or has such a piercing device, which pierces a closure or at least one wall of the container for establishing the flow connection with the interior of the container.

In this embodiment, it is conceivable that, for example by means of a piercing needle, the plastic lid of the container or the closure is pierced and the medium is tapped by means of a plastic line and in particular a disposable plastic line. In this case, this puncture needle is advantageously designed such that a round circular portion of the lid is not completely demolished due to this formation and thus does not fall into the liquid. After complete emptying of the container, which preferably can not be resealed, the disposable line and the piercing means or the piercing needle are disposed of. For another container is a new line, preferably a new piercing, ready. Preferably, the puncture device consists of a plastic material, since this allows a cost-effective production and easy disposal after use. In this case, the plastic material of the puncture device preferably has in particular a greater strength than the material of the closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a carrier on which at least one holding device is detachably arranged. Carriers are advantageously provided, on which the two holding devices are detachably arranged, so that the device can be adapted to different containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it would also be possible for the closure to have a tubular body, for example in the manner of a cannula, which facilitates the complete emptying of the container during "mechanical emptying", i. when deforming the container allows. This tubular body can still push down the bottom of the container at a complete emptying, to empty the remaining liquid. Again, it is preferably provided that the puncture means and the closure are disposed of. However, the container is preferably open here.

The present invention is further directed to a dispensing assembly for dispensing liquids from containers, and in particular deformable containers, having a liquid dispensing device which in turn comprises a first holding means for holding a first portion of the container and a second holding means for holding a second portion of the container, wherein the second region is spaced from the first region. Furthermore, the removal arrangement on a removal device to remove the container liquid.

According to the invention, the container here has a closure, which is followed by a tubular body for removing the liquid inside the container. This tubular body may be, for example, a hose that extends to a bottom of the container. However, it may also be a fixed tube, wherein preferably in this embodiment, the container is not compressed or deformed during the removal process. It is advantageous - in particular on the closure - provided a sealing element which closes this extending inside the container tubular body. Advantageously, this tubular body acts as a riser for the liquid, especially when it is removed or if due to a supplied pressure, the liquid is forced out of the container.

Thus, the medium is emptied here by means of a tube or a long cannula, which preferably extends almost to the container bottom, in which case, in particular, an additional gas supply can take place. The supply of gas increases the pressure in the container and the medium is emptied through said cannula. The piercing is carried out as in the manner described above using a piercing body. In contrast to the embodiment described above, therefore, there is a further flow connection between the Interior of the container and its outer space, in particular in the form of the gas connection.

Advantageously, the removal device is removably disposed on the device and at least one element of the removal device is formed as a disposable element. Therefore, it is also proposed in this embodiment that the removal device comprises disposable components. Therefore, also here preferably after each change of the container, the hose and preferably also the piercing needle or the piercing means are changed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the removal device has a flow connection body, which is at least partially insertable into the tubular body. In this embodiment - as mentioned - preferably again a piercing means is provided, which, however, adapted in terms of its cross-section to the tubular body so that it can also be introduced into this tubular body in the interior of the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the closure of the container has a valve device. Advantageously, this valve device is opened by a movement of the removal device and in particular an insertion or insertion of the removal device or the flow connection body. This will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. For example, it is possible that the container is closed by the valve with an inserted seal and is preferably already filled via this valve. Furthermore, for example, by a special expression in the Füllstempel, or the removal device after the complete filling, the valve automatically pulled up with and thus closed.

In an emptying operation, the valve is pushed by a removal device or a stamp to which the disposable line is connected, down and the container can be emptied. Preferably, the removal device is also designed as a disposable element and can be disposed of after complete emptying of the container. However, it would also be conceivable that the valve is closed again before the container is completely emptied.

In a further embodiment, it would also be possible for the container closure to have two closure elements arranged one above the other in the piercing direction. It is possible that the two closure elements each have openings which are offset in this way in the longitudinal direction of the container to each other.

In a further preferred embodiment, it would be possible that the valve is formed in the container closure as a check valve, which preferably closes automatically when no removal device is used. In a further advantageous embodiment, the closure has at least one element which is movable relative to another element of the closure and in particular is also movable in a longitudinal direction of the container or a piercing direction of the puncturing element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the closure also has a suspension element, which urges the valve in a closed or an open position, but preferably in the closed position. It may be a suspension device, which consists of a plastic. In a further advantageous embodiment, the closure has a pierceable and in particular a film-like element.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Fig. 1

Eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2a-2c

drei Darstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3a-3e

fünf Darstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4a-4d

vier Darstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5a, 5b

zwei Darstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer vierten Ausführungsform; und

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung eines Verschlusses mit Ventileinrichtung.

Show:

Fig. 1

A schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2a-2c

three representations of a device according to the invention in a first embodiment;

Fig. 3a-3e

five illustrations of a device according to the invention in a second embodiment;

Fig. 4a-4d

four illustrations of a device according to the invention in a third embodiment;

Fig. 5a, 5b

two representations of a device according to the invention in a fourth embodiment; and

Fig. 6

a representation of a closure with valve device.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for removing liquid from a container 10 in a schematic representation. Here, the device has here a first holding device 2, which serves to hold a first portion 10a of the container. This first area of the container 10a is a floor area.

Furthermore, a second holding device 4 is provided which receives a second region of the container, in particular a mouth region of the container, which also contains the mouth, through which the liquid can be removed from the container. Furthermore, the device has a drive device (not shown in detail), which moves the first holding device relative to the second holding device in the longitudinal direction L of the container. The reference numeral 12 indicates the removal device, can be removed by means of the liquid from the container.

FIGS. 2a-2c show a first embodiment of a removal device 12 according to the invention. This removal device 12 in this case has a flow connection body 122, which establishes a flow connection between a hose 124 and the interior of the container. The removal device is made of a plastic, which has a greater strength than the closure material. In this embodiment, the removal device is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), which has a greater strength than an exemplary closure of PP (polypropylene).

Here, this flow connection body 122 has a cutting element 126, which is tubular and has an oblique cutting edge 125. This cutting edge 125 serves to pierce a seal closure 106, which is arranged on a recess 108 of a container closure 100. In this case, this recess 108 is such designed to receive the flow connection body 122 and the cutting element 126 accurately.

Fig. 2b FIG. 11 shows a situation where the flow communication body 122 has been inserted into the closure 100. In this case, the cutting edge 125 has pierced the seal 106. In this case, however, the seal 106 is not completely separated by the oblique design of the cutting edge 125, but remains in a region on the closure hang so that it does not fall into the liquid.

Fig. 2c shows a further illustration of the removal device 12. In this case, a disc-shaped cover member 132 is shown, which also applies when inserting the flow connection body 12 to the closure. This lid member 132 also acts as a stop to which the container 10 is brought and on which it rests during removal of the liquid from the container. The reference numeral 128 denotes a connection means with which the hose member 124 is arranged on the flow connection body 122. The cover element 132 can in turn be supported relative to the second holding device 4 (not shown).

The FIGS. 3a-3e show a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, but here also the container 10 with the first region 10a and the second region 10b is shown. At the in Fig. 3a In the situation shown, the flow connection body or the removal device has not yet been introduced into the closure 100 of the container 10. Unlike in the FIGS. 2a-2c In this case, the closure 100 has a tubular body 102 which extends into the interior of the container 10. One recognizes Fig. 3b , which shows an inserted state of the flow connection body that the piercing means or the cutting element 126 is also introduced into this tubular body 102. This tubular body 102 serves to be able to dissipate the liquid as much as possible when the container is squeezed out.

Fig. 3c shows a perspective view of the in the Fig. 3a and 3d shown device. It can be seen that the closure 100 is screwed onto the mouth of the container here.

At the in Fig. 3d 1, the container 10 also has an external thread 10c onto which the closure, in particular with a circumferential wall 42, is screwed. The reference numeral 44 denotes a contact surface to which the cutting element 126, which has the cutting edge 125, applies. The reference numeral 48 denotes a recess, by means of which a circumferential pressure can be exerted radially inwardly on the cutting element 126. This shape of the recess can also be used to increase the flow cross-section between the closure 100 and the cutting element 126 during the extraction process.

Fig. 3e shows a further illustration of a container according to the invention with inserted flow connection body 122 or inserted cutting element 126. It can also be seen here that the cutting element 126 is inserted into the tubular body 102.

The FIGS. 4a-4d show a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it is not absolutely necessary that the container 10 is squeezed or compressed to empty its contents. It would also be possible here for a gas to additionally be introduced in order to discharge the liquid to be extracted via the tubular body 102, which here functions as a riser. For this purpose, a further flow connection between the container 10 and its surroundings could be produced, for example, by introducing a second line into the container, via which the container then a gaseous medium is supplied.

It is possible that the tubular body 102 is made flexible, but it would also be possible that this is rigid and extends into a lower portion of the container. In this case, it would also be possible for the bottom 10a to be designed in a different way than here in order to ensure that as far as possible all liquid can be detected by the tubular body 102.

The design of the closure is again similar to that in the FIGS. 3a-3e shown embodiment. Again, the puncture is introduced into a tubular body 102.

The FIGS. 5a, 5b show a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment, inserting the flow connection body 12 opens a valve, indicated generally at 70, disposed in the closure 100. In this way, a flow connection is made to the interior of the container.

This valve 70 in this case has a valve body 74 which is movable in the longitudinal direction L. In a closed state of the valve connecting channels 76, which may extend, for example, in the radial direction, by a peripheral wall 84 which completely surrounds the valve body here in the circumferential direction, circumferentially covered. At the in Fig. 5b As shown, these flow connections 76 are released.

The reference numeral 82 denotes latching means in which circumferential projections 123 arranged on a flow connection body 122 can be engaged, as in FIG Fig. 5b shown. In this way, upon withdrawal of the flow connection body, the valve 70 can be closed again, or the valve body 74 can be moved upwards. Reference numeral 78 denotes a sealant disposed on the valve body 74, which may be an O-ring. In a closed state of the valve 70, this sealant 78 abuts against the peripheral wall 84, thus preventing leakage of liquid between the valve body 74 and the peripheral wall 84.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the closure with the valve in an open state. Again, it can be seen that the flow connections 76 are released and in this way liquid can be withdrawn through these flow connections upwards. In addition, here also a circumferential recess 77 can be seen, which adjoins these flow connections. By this circumferential recess can be increased in an opened state of the valve 70, the flow cross-section for the liquid to be removed.

Also here, the latching means 82 can be seen, which fixes the valve body 74 to the flow connection body 122 in a closed state.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

first holding device

4

second holding device

10

container

10a

Bottom area of the container

10b

second container area

12

removal device

42

Peripheral wall of the closure 100

44

bearing surface

48

recess

70

Valve

74

valve body

76

connecting channels

77

recess

82

latching

84

peripheral

100

container closure

102

tubular body

106

seal closure

108

recess

122

Flow connection body

123

projections

124

tube

125

cutting edge

126

cutting element

128

connecting device

132

cover element

L

longitudinal direction

Claims (9)

1. An apparatus (1) for the removal of liquids from deformable containers (10), with a first holding device (2) for holding a first region (10a) of a container (10) and with a second holding device (4) for holding a second region (10b) of the container (10), wherein this second region (10b) is arranged at a distance from the first region (10a), with a removal device (12) for removing liquid from the container and with a drive device (8) which moves the second holding device (4) in a pre-set direction of movement (L) with respect to the first holding device (2),
   characterised in that
   the removal device (12) is arranged on the apparatus (1) in a removable manner and at least one element of the removal device (12) is designed in the form of a one-way element wherein the removal device (12) has a flow connection body (122) which projects at least locally into the container (10) in order to remove the liquid..
2. An apparatus (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   only one flow connection is present between the interior of the container (10) and an external space of the container (10) during the removal of the liquid from the container (10).
3. An apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims
   characterised in that
   the removal device (12) has a flexible hose element (124).
4. An apparatus (1) according at least one of the preceding claims
   characterised in that
   the flexible hose element (124) is attached to the flow connection body (122).
5. An apparatus (1)according to claim 4
   characterised in that
   the flow connection body (122) is designed in the form of a piercing device, which in order to produce the flow connection with the interior of the container (10) pierces a closure (100) or at least a wall of the container (10).
6. A removal arrangement for the removal of liquids from containers (10) with an apparatus (1) for the removal of liquids according to claim 1, which has a first holding device (2) for holding a first region (10a) of a container (10), and a second holding device (4) for holding a second region (10b) of the container (10), wherein this second region (10b) is arranged at a distance from the first region (10a), and with a removal device (12) for removing liquid from the container,
   Characterised in that
   the container has a closure (100) to which a tubular body (102) for the removal of liquid is attached in the interior of the container.
7. A removal arrangement according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   the removal device (12) is arranged on the apparatus (1) in a removable manner and at least one element of the removal device (12) is designed in the form of a one-way element.
8. A removal arrangement according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   the removal device (12) has a flow connection body (122) which is capable of being inserted into the tubular body (102).
9. A removal arrangement according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   the closure (100) of the container (10) has a valve device (70).

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