EP3044157A1

EP3044157A1 - One-way drainage system for liquid containers

Info

Publication number: EP3044157A1
Application number: EP14765943.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rupert Meinzinger; Ute John-Unterburger
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2014-09-12
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Also published as: ZA201601689B; CN203845801U; US10087061B2; CN104445028A; WO2015036573A1; RU2016108842A; RU2016108842A3; DE102013110121A1; US20160229674A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for removing liquids from containers (10) having a first holder apparatus (20, which is suitable for holding a first region of the container (10), having a second holding apparatus (4), which is suitable for holding a second region of the container (10), and having a movement apparatus, which generates a relative movement of one holding apparatus (2, 4) relative to the other holding apparatus (2, 4) in order to empty the container (10) arranged, at least in sections, between said holding apparatuses via compression thereof. According to the invention, at least one holding apparatus (2) is designed in multiple parts having at least two components (22, 24), which are movable relative to each other.

Description

DRAINING SYSTEM FOR LIQUID RESIDUES

description

The present invention relates to an emptying system or a removal system for containers. Different sampling systems are known from the prior art. For example, it has long been known that pressure is applied to the containers to be emptied, and in this way the contents can be removed from the containers. However, devices are known from the prior art, which cause the removal of the liquid from the container in that this container is squeezed together. In this case, two holding devices are provided in a device known from the prior art, which support two different components of the containers and which can be delivered to each other.

Also known from the prior art are various removal systems which, for example, have taps and the like. In particular, the reusable systems known in the state of the art partly do not ensure a clean drink during tapping, for example clean beer, if the corresponding constituents are not cleaned regularly.

Thus, it would be desirable in these cases, at least partially on disposable systems, such as disposable tap lines and the like to be able to fall back. The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide such a removal device for containers available, which the use of at least allows some disposable parts. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. An inventive device for removing liquids from containers has a first holding device which is suitable for holding a first region of the container. Furthermore, the device has a second holding device, which is suitable for holding a second region of the container (which is in particular spaced from the first region of the container) and a movement device, which generates a relative movement of a holding device relative to the other holding device, so as to at least partially disposed between these holding devices arranged container to empty by its compression.

According to the invention, at least one holding device is designed in several parts with at least two mutually movable components.

While in the prior art such holding devices are usually formed in one piece, it is proposed in the invention to provide a multi-part design to allow for this multi-part design easier integration of disposable parts. These can then, for example, when replacing a beverage container also relatively easy to be replaced with.

The holding device can be, for example, a stamp that can be delivered to a second holding device in order to completely empty the container lying therebetween. In the context of the invention, therefore, the use of a two-part or multi-part such stamp is proposed. Advantageously, the holding devices are arranged such that the container lying between them is compressed in a longitudinal direction of this container. Furthermore, a drive device is advantageously provided, which causes the relative movements of the two holding devices relative to each other. This may be, for example, a spindle drive, by the adjustment of the holding devices are moved relative to each other. Furthermore, it is possible that one of the two holding devices is arranged stationarily and the other holding device moves against it. Advantageously, the multi-part holding device is arranged stationary in a working operation, ie for a discharge operation, the other holding device is delivered to this holding device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding device has a receiving region, which serves for receiving a removal means for removing the liquid, wherein this receiving region is accessible by the relative movement of the mutually movable components accessible. This receiving area can have support means to arrange the removal means in a (precisely) defined position relative to the holding device. For example, a tap can be used in this receiving area. For the insertion of such a dispensing means, the holding device is preferably opened by moving the components relative to one another, for example, moving them into an open position, so that subsequently the removal means can be used.

Thus, it would be conceivable, for example, for the holding device to have two half-shells which can be unfolded so as to insert the removal means into the receiving area which opens. However, it would also be conceivable that the receiving area can be made accessible via a door or the like. Advantageously, the receiving area is completely surrounded by other sections of the holding device in a working operation in a circumferential direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the multipart holding means is suitable for receiving a mouth region of the container. For example, it is possible that the holding means is adapted to a in the form of a shoulder region of the container to be emptied. Also, a receiving area or a receiving recess may be provided which serves to receive a mouth of the container. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a removal means for removing the liquid from the container. This removal means is preferably a removable element of the holding device. Advantageously, the removal means is a disposable withdrawal means. This can be designed such that it can no longer be used after a use and in particular can not be used with other containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the removal means and / or the holding device on a latching mechanism and / or a snap mechanism, which merges at a predetermined force load in a state in which the removal means is not suitable for other containers or for their emptying. Advantageously, the force load is a force that is exerted by a movement of the container relative to the holding device. Advantageously, this latching mechanism is configured irreversible, that is, the removal means can not be converted into a state in which it can be used again. Advantageously, this latching mechanism is a mechanism in which at least a portion of the extraction means cooperates with at least a portion of the support means. Particularly preferably, the removal means locks with a part of the container from which liquid is to be removed, for example with a closure of the container. In a further advantageous embodiment, the relatively movable components of the holding device with respect to a predetermined pivot axis are mutually pivotable. Thus, it would be possible that, as mentioned above, the holding device has two halves, which can be unfolded. However, it is also possible that a smaller part is pivotable with respect to a larger part. Advantageously, this is an axis which runs parallel to a longitudinal direction of the container which is to be emptied or is perpendicular thereto.

In other words, it is advantageously a pivot axis, which also extends in the direction of movement, in which the holding devices are delivered to each other. However, it would also be possible that an opening by a sliding movement, such as a drawer-like movement takes place. Thus, in the disclosed stamp mentioned here is a device which preferably has a kind of triggering mechanism. This mechanism, which can be, for example, a slide, can be used when inserting a container, which is in particular a plastic container. nis acts, are pushed in a predetermined direction, for example, upwards and in this process, a snap device or locking device can be triggered, which ensures the only one-time use of the removal device. This latching means or this snapper on the one-way connection forces the user to replace an associated one-way, so that in this way a kind of guaranteed exchange and the respective extraction lines results. In this way, the entire system can be regarded as a disposable system, as well as the container with its closure and just the lines, such as disposable lines, must be replaced or disposed of after a completed tapping. On the other hand, on the other hand, it is not absolutely necessary to empty the container completely, but it can be ensured that a container that is only half full or half empty can not be emptied any further after opening the holding device. In this way, a completely hygienic tapping process is possible.

The above-mentioned latching mechanism can be formed by the removal means itself, but it is also possible that the latching mechanism results from a cooperation between the holding device and the removal means. During a dispensing operation, the removal means is advantageously arranged non-positively in the receiving area. Advantageously, the removal means comprises a conduit for conducting the beverage to be removed, in particular a so-called dispensing line.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the removal means has a piercing means, which is suitable for piercing a region of the container. This is advantageously the area of a closure of the container. This piercing means can advantageously be designed as a circulating needle, which can be introduced into the container on the one hand by the container closure, but which on the other hand also acts as a line piece through which the beverage can be transported. In a further advantageous embodiment, this piercing means is arranged displaceable relative to a carrier of the removal means. By this sliding operation, the locking mechanism can be triggered, so that, for example, the first piercing means is moved to a position in which it for further removal of liquid from another container is no longer suitable.

The present invention is further directed to a removal means for removing liquids from containers. This removal means in this case has a support, as well as a piercing means arranged on this support, which is provided for piercing a region of the container, and a conduit device which is suitable for conducting liquids. According to the invention, the removal means is designed as a disposable removal means and has a latching mechanism which has the effect that the removal means in a state inserted in a device for removing liquids can only be used to empty exactly one container.

Advantageously, the piercing means is movable relative to the carrier and in particular displaceable in a straight direction. Particularly preferably, the latching mechanism is triggered and / or actuated by this displacement. Preferably, a displacement of the puncturing means relative to the carrier causes a latching of the piercing means.

Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. Show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for

Removing liquids from containers; Fig. 2 is a view of a first holding device 2;

FIG. 3 shows the holding device from FIG. 2 in an opened state; FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the holding device from FIG. 2 in a closed state; FIG.

5 shows a view from below of the holding device from FIG. 2;

6 shows a further embodiment of a holding device; and 7 is a side view of the holding device of FIG. 6th

1 shows a device 1 for removing liquids from a container 10. This device 1 has a first holding device 2, which receives a first region 10b of the container 10, here an opening region of the container 10, and a second holding device 4, which a second portion 10a of the container, here receives a bottom portion of the container.

By means of a drive device such as a motor 18, this holding device 4 can be moved upward, thereby compressing the container 10 arranged between these two holding devices and so that the liquid can be removed therefrom. In this case, a contour of the holding device 4 facing the container 10 is advantageously adapted at least regionally to a corresponding contour of the first holding device 2 so that the container located between these two holding devices can be compressed to a very narrow space, as much as possible To be able to remove liquid. The reference numeral 29 denotes a carrier, on which a biasing means 28 as a spring, the holding device 4 is mounted.

In a withdrawal line for removing the liquid, a throttle device 56 may be arranged. The reference numeral 52 denotes a valve device which can be opened to remove the liquid via an outlet 54.

Fig. 2 shows a representation of a first holding device 2, which receives the upper portion of the emptied (plastic) container 10 (see Fig .. 1). This holding device 2 is formed in two parts and in this case has a first component 22 and a second component 24. In this case, the component 24 can be pivoted relative to the first component 22 by means of a pivoting device such as a hinge 26 with respect to a geometric axis extending vertically here. The holding device 2 further comprises, as shown, in the closed state in its interior a receiving area 16, in which a designated in its entirety by 6 removal means is arranged. This removal means 6 in this case has a piercing means 62, which is designed here as a tubular body and has a cutting element 62a in its lower region, which, for example, covers the lid of a container. can bump. The reference character L denotes a longitudinal direction, along which the container to be emptied extends. The reference numeral 65 denotes a receiving space, which serves during the emptying process for receiving a container closure (not shown).

The reference numeral 64 refers to a main body of the removal device, on which the puncture means 62 is slidably disposed in the longitudinal direction L.

The reference numeral 66 denotes a removal line, which is arranged here in particular fixed to the removal means 6. The piercing means 62 is here movable relative to the carrier 64 and thus also relative to the components 22 and 24 in the longitudinal direction L.

Reference numerals 82 and 84 designate a latching mechanism which serves to ensure that the removal means 6 can not be used a second time for another container during a puncture or during a further movement of the second holding device into the container. When lifting the container to be emptied, a first locking means 82 is urged upwards and intervened behind a second locking means. This has the consequence that the piercing means is moved upwards and is no longer able to pierce another container.

The main body of the components 22 and 24 is designed so that it can adapt to a shoulder of the container and in this way a nearly complete emptying of the container is possible.

FIG. 3 shows the first holding device in a swung-open state, that is to say in a state in which the second component 24 is folded away relative to the first component 22. It can be seen here that support elements 92 are arranged inside the two components 22 and 24, which increase their stability.

Furthermore, it can be seen that a latching element 82 is arranged here on the component 24 and the second latching element 84 is arranged on the removal means 6. Furthermore, one also recognizes a holder 94 for the removal means. In the opened state shown in FIG. 3, the removal means can be easily inserted into or removed from the device. In this case, engaging means can also be provided on the removal means and / or the holding device, which effect that the removal means can be inserted only at a precisely intended position in the holding device 2 or in the receiving region 16. Preferably, a tool-free insertion of the removal means in the receiving area 16 and / or a tool-free removal of the removal means from the receiving area is possible.

4 shows a further illustration of a now closed holding device 2. It can also be seen here a locking element 25, which here can be pivoted about a (horizontal) axis in order to allow an opening of the holding device. In an installed state, this locking element 25 is easily accessible to the user, even if it can reach the holding device 2 only from one side. Fig. 5 shows a further illustration of a further embodiment of the invention in a view from below. In this case, also recognizable in the other figures fastening means 32 can be seen, by means of which the holding device 2 mounted on a frame of the device, for example, screwed, can be. The reference numeral 34 denotes a groove, or a recess, via which, for example, a dispensing line can be guided.

FIG. 6 shows a further illustration of the device shown in FIG. 5 in a perspective illustration. It can be seen here that the second component 24 is likewise pivoted about an axis in relation to the first component 22, but here by a substantially horizontal axis. This means that in operation, the user can remove the removal means 6 here, after he has opened the component 24 about a horizontal axis. The reference numeral 27 denotes a handle element.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the device shown in FIG. It can be seen that the component 24 can be pivoted in its entirety about a first pivot axis S1. This pivoting action continues to effect via the two linkage body 42 and 44, that the removal means 6 or an insert for this removal means 6 is tilted from the horizontal position shown in Fig. 7 in a vertical position. More specifically, a first linkage body is pivotable with respect to a pivot axis S2 arranged on a portion of the component 24 and further also the second linkage body 44 is arranged with respect to a pivot axis S3 on the first component.

It is thus advantageously provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 that an insertion device is provided for inserting the removal means 6, this insertion device having a first linkage body 42 pivotable about a first predetermined pivot axis and a second linkage body 44 pivotable about a second pivot axis S2 which are preferably also coupled to each other pivotally with respect to a further pivot axis S4. Advantageously, at least two of said pivot axes S1 - S4 are parallel to one another, advantageously at least three and advantageously four. If only two or only three pivot axes are parallel to one another, arbitrary pivot axes can be parallel to one another, for example S1 and S2 or S2, S3 and S4.

Preferably, a pivoting movement of the removal means 6 and / or the receiving region 6 for the removal means is coupled to a pivoting movement of the component 22 of the holding device 2.

Also in the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, for example, the removal means can be used from above and then folded into its final position. Even in the case of the device shown in FIG. 7, however, preferably only one movement takes place during removal or insertion of the removal means 6 in only one plane, namely a plane which coincides with the plane of the figure in FIG. 7 and which preferably also a longitudinal direction contains the container to be emptied. This is particularly convenient, since replacement of the removal element is possible even with a small space requirement. Preferably, the replacement of the removal means by means of a pivoting movement of the removal means.

A non-illustrated further advantageous embodiment of the removal means is designed such that latching means are provided on the removal means, which can lock on a closure of a container. Advantageously, these latching means are designed as claws, which are arranged symmetrically around the piercing means. During the advancing movement between the holding device and the container, these claws latch onto corresponding latching points arranged on the closure of the container. 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 device

2 holding device

6 sampling devices

10 container

10 a bottom area of the container 10

10b mouth region of the container 10

16 recording area

18 drive device

22 first part

24 second component

25 locking element

26 hinge

27 handle element

28 pretensioner

29 carriers

30 Closure of the container

32 fasteners

34 groove / recess

42, 44 linkage body

52 valve device

54 outlet

56 throttle device Piercing means cutting element

Base / Carrier Receptacle Extraction line, 84 Snap mechanism

Support elements holder longitudinal direction first pivot axis second pivot axis third pivot axis fourth pivot axis

Claims

claims

1 . Device (1) for removing liquids from containers (10) with a first holding device (2), which is suitable for holding a first region of the container (10), with a second holding device (4), which for holding a second region of the Container (10) is suitable, and with a movement device which generates a relative movement of a holding device (2, 4) relative to the other holding means (4, 2) so as to at least partially between these holding devices arranged container (10) to be emptied by its compression .

characterized in that

at least one holding device (2) is designed in several parts with at least two components (22, 24) which are movable relative to one another.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the holding device (2) has a receiving region (16) which serves to receive a removal means (6) for removing the liquid, this receiving region being accessible by a relative movement of the mutually movable components (22, 24).

3. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the multi-part holding means is suitable for receiving a mouth region.

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, with a removal means (6) for removing the liquid from the container.

5. Device (1) according to claim 4,

characterized in that the removal means (6) is a disposable removal means (6).

6. Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5,

characterized in that

the removal means (6) and / or the holding device (2) has a latching mechanism (82, 84) which, for a given force load, changes to a state in which the removal means can not be used for further containers.

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the relatively movable components (22, 24) are pivotable relative to each other with respect to a predetermined pivot axis.

8. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 4-7, characterized in that

the removal means (6) has a piercing means (62) which is suitable for piercing a region of the container.

9. Device (1) according to claim 8,

characterized in that

the piercing means is arranged displaceably with respect to a carrier (64) of the removal means (6).

10. removal means (6) for removing liquids from containers (10) with a carrier (64), with a on the support (64) arranged piercing means (62) which is provided for piercing a portion of the container (10) and with a conduit device (66) which is suitable for conducting liquids, characterized in that

the removal means is designed as a disposable removal means, as well as having a latching mechanism which causes the removal means (6) in a used in a device (1) for removing liquids only for emptying a container is used.