EP3216532B1 - Safety closure on a container having a media supply conduit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a safety closure on a container with a media supply line, in particular a cleaning line, and a correspondingly secured dosing container.

Current safety requirements in accordance with the Machinery Directive require suitable technical measures for avoiding personal injury due to incorrect operation for containers integrated in production plants with lids that can be opened manually and with a media supply line for cleaning, in particular spraying out the container, for a hot water supply or the like. In principle, this threatens if containers are opened while hot water, aggressive cleaning agents or similar media are being supplied. Spray heads that, for example, distribute hot water or cleaning agents under pressure over a large area pose a particular risk.

In the food industry, especially in the beverage industry, this problem occurs primarily in containers for dosing small quantities, such as in a brewery with hop dispensing containers, additive containers or generally in containers for dosing additives during brewing. In principle, however, this applies to all containers in which the lids can be handled manually.

Safety devices known from the prior art are mostly designed electrically. By means of sensors that record the opening state of the lid, for example from the WO 2012/079746 A1 known, and electrical signal transmission, a faulty opening of controllable shut-off valves in supply lines can be detected. In addition, signals from the door switch can be transmitted to the programmable logic controller in order to prevent unintentional opening of the supplying shut-off devices by means of suitable signal processing. The unintentional opening of supplying shut-off devices can also be prevented by means of electrical hardware wiring.

However, an electrically controlled cover safety device is complex because of the necessary hardware, software programming and comparatively complex commissioning. In addition, such an electrical cover safety device requires the entire control path to function properly, including door switches, various signal lines, the central control unit and, if applicable, electrically controlled pilot control devices for pneumatically controlled shut-off devices. The probability of failure individual components add up. Interfaces between system parts from different suppliers can also be problematic in terms of safety.

As an alternative to the electrical cover protection, padlocks are also used for purely mechanical protection. However, these only ensure the authenticity of the key in the hand of the operator, but do not offer any protection against incorrect operation.

Alternatively, a safety lock according to WO 2012/079746 A1 be designed essentially in two stages in order to first enable pressure relief or the like through limited opening and thus prevent uncontrolled opening of the cover. However, an electric door switch is also used in this context.

the end GB 1 416 707.A a steam vessel is known, the lid of which is closed and attached to a frame by means of fold-out knurled nuts. Above that there is an additional wire mesh cage, which is also attached to the frame by means of hinges. Furthermore, there is an outlet line for steam on the steam vessel, which is coupled to a quadrant disc operated by means of a lever by means of a valve and a connecting rod. This serves on the one hand to establish an electrical contact for opening and closing the steam supply by means of a switch and on the other hand to mechanically lock the position of the valve of the output line with the position of the wire mesh cage. The steam supply can then only be opened when the wire mesh cage is closed. However, the steam supply is only locked electrically.

U.S. 2,706,999 A discloses the closure of a pressure vessel, for example at its end face, by means of a door which is closed and locked by rotating an actuating ring that encompasses the door. Only when the actuating ring is fully opened can a locking pin be pushed through an then aligned opening in a tab attached to the locking ring. In terms of drive technology, the locking pin is also connected to a shut-off element of a media supply valve.

There is thus a need for a reliable and simple safety lock that prevents uncontrolled and / or accidental and / or incorrect opening of a mechanically operated lid on a container with a media supply line for media relevant to safety, such as cleaning solutions.

The object set is achieved with a safety lock on a container according to claim 1. Accordingly, the safety closure is formed on a container with a media supply line. The container is in particular a dosing container. The media supply line is used for rinsing and / or cleaning the container, preferably for spraying out the container, in particular for cleaning in the CIP (cleaning-in-place) process.

The safety closure comprises: a mechanically operated lid for closing the container; a shut-off device for closing the media supply line; a pivot lever with an actuating arm for placing the lid on the container and with a first locking element, wherein the pivot lever is rotatably mounted between the actuating arm and the first locking element; and a second locking element which is drive-coupled to the shut-off element and which is designed as a stop for the first locking element that is selectively effective when the shut-off element is open, such that the cover cannot be opened.

This means that the unopened lid acts as a splash guard from the inside of the container to the outside. As a result, operators are protected from scalds and / or chemical burns when spraying the container with liquid medium and / or disinfectants, which could otherwise escape with the lid and shut-off device open.

The first locking element is, for example, a lever arm or a disk. The second locking element is designed in such a way that it mechanically blocks the first locking element when the shut-off element is open and thereby prevents the cover from being lifted off to such an extent that a splash guard is provided.

The pivot lever is rotatably mounted between the actuating arm and the first locking element, in particular about a horizontal tilt axis.

The actuating arm is connected to the cover, for example by a hinge. As a result, the cover can be lifted off while hanging on the actuating arm. However, it is also conceivable to have an actuating arm which can be detached from the cover and which engages, for example, in a groove formed in the cover to close it.

The shut-off element is preferably a disk valve, in particular a manually operated hand flap. Furthermore, other functionally corresponding shut-off devices, such as, for example, a ball valve or the like, can also be used. The second locking element is preferably firmly connected to the shut-off element, for example by a form fit with a handle formed on the shut-off element.

The second locking element is preferably also designed in such a way that the first locking element blocks the shut-off element in a closed position by means of the second locking element when the cover is open. Correspondingly, the second locking element is designed in such a way that it releases the first locking element only when the shut-off element is closed.

This means that the cover can only be opened when the shut-off device is closed. Accordingly, the shut-off device can only be opened when the cover is closed. The container and lid are designed and in particular dimensioned so that the unlocked lid can be opened manually, in particular to fill in a product component and / or a product additive.

The second locking element preferably has a recess which is aligned with the first locking element when the shut-off element is closed, so that the first locking element tilts into the recess when the cover is opened. When the cover is open, the switching lever then engages positively in the recess and prevents the shut-off element from opening.

The second locking element is preferably a locking disc with a recess for the first locking element. The locking disc can be permanently connected or simply coupled to the shut-off device by means of a gear mechanism. The recess enables a simple and reliable form fit with the first locking element.

The first locking element preferably has a recess for the second locking element. The first locking element is then designed in particular as a disk and can be pivoted about a vertical axis of rotation together with the cover.

When the cover is closed and the shut-off element is open, the second locking element engages positively in the recess of the first locking element and thereby acts as a mechanically blocking stop for the first locking element, which prevents the cover from opening. Conversely, to open the cover, the first locking element can only be pivoted / rotated into the recess of the second locking element when the shut-off element is closed.

The second locking element is preferably movable about an axis of rotation which is oriented orthogonally to a pivot axis of the pivot lever. This enables a simple switchover between a stop of the first locking element against the second locking element and a positive engagement of the first locking element in the recess of the second locking element.

The shut-off device can preferably be opened / closed manually by means of an actuating lever. The second locking element is then firmly connected to the actuating lever. This enables particularly reliable and simple securing of the closed cover or shut-off element by means of mechanical locking, in particular without electrical or pneumatic actuators.

Preferably the container is a dosing container. The lid is then designed to close a filling opening for a product component. With the usual capacity, such containers are particularly suitable for manual / mechanical actuation and securing of the lid.

A spray device for the container is preferably connected to the media supply line. The ejection device comprises, for example, a pump and / or a supply line under excess pressure for a liquid medium as well as at least one ejection nozzle in the interior of the container. This enables efficient rinsing and / or cleaning in the sense of a CIP.

Preferably there is also an electrically or pneumatically controlled valve for shutting off / releasing the media supply line. This valve is used for the centrally controlled supply of cleaning agents and / or water, for example, and is then connected in series with the mechanical shut-off element of the safety lock, in particular upstream of it. This enables a central control of cleaning processes without impairing the process flow through the safeguarding by means of the mechanical shut-off device.

The pivot lever is preferably rotatably mounted on the container on the side of the lid. The actuating arm of the pivot lever then engages over the cover. The first locking element can then easily be arranged opposite the actuating arm and extend into the area of the second locking element. The pivot lever is attached to a bearing block such that it can rotate about a horizontal or vertical pivot axis. The bearing block can be formed on the container or, for example, also be attached to the media supply line.

The safety closure preferably further comprises a locking device, which is fastened to the container, for the actuating arm in a position of the lid that seals the container. The lock can for example be designed to be pivotable, in particular about a horizontal axis of rotation, in order to release the actuating arm for a complete opening of the cover. In this way, the actuating arm can be mechanically relieved for a sealing pressing of the lid onto the container.

The cover is preferably designed for manual opening / closing.

The object set is preferably achieved with a container which is designed as a dosing container for a product component or a product additive, in particular for the production of a drink, with a media supply line and a safety lock on the container according to at least one of the embodiments described above. Product components are, for example, hops / hop products, colored beer, flavors and raw materials. Product additives are, for example, enzymes, lactic acid, mineral acid and filter aids.

The container is then preferably designed for stationary operation in a production plant for food, such as beverages and in particular beer, and the media supply line for rinsing and / or cleaning without dismantling the dosing container in the sense of a CIP. As a result, the container can be cleaned automatically when the safety lock is in the correct position, without transporting the container and without assembling / disassembling the media supply line. The production system can be installed, for example, in a brewhouse or in a cold area of a brewery. Likewise, the container can in principle also be designed to be mobile, in particular mobile, and can be connected to a corresponding production system by means of hoses or similar lines. The container is preferably designed as a hop dispensing container. The safety closure can be used particularly advantageously on such a container, as well as on other containers for brewing additives.

Figur 1

eine schematische seitliche Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform bei geöffnetem Ventil und geschlossenem Deckel;

Figur 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Anordnung gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Ansicht gemäß Figur 1 bei geschlossenem Ventil und geöffnetem Deckel; und

Figur 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform bei geschlossenem Ventil und geöffnetem Deckel.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a schematic side view of a first embodiment with the valve open and the lid closed;

Figure 2

a schematic plan view of the arrangement according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3

a view according to Figure 1 with the valve closed and the lid open; and

Figure 4

a schematic plan view of a second embodiment with the valve closed and the lid open.

As the Figures 1 and 2 As can be seen schematically, the safety closure 1 according to the invention is formed on a container 2 with a media supply line 3 for rinsing and / or cleaning the container 2. The safety closure 1 comprises: a vertically tiltable lid 4 for manually closing the container 2; a shut-off device 5 for manually closing the media supply line 3; a pivot lever 6 with an actuating arm 6a for placing the cover 4 and with an opposing first locking element 6b; and a second locking element 7 which is drive-coupled to the shut-off element 5 and which either blocks or releases a movement of the first locking element 6b for unlocking the cover 4. The first locking element 6b is designed, for example, as a lever arm, disk segment or the like.

The pivot lever 6 is rotatably mounted about a preferably horizontal pivot axis 6c. The second locking element 7 is preferably designed as a locking disk 7a with a recess 7b so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation 7c.

The shut-off element 5 is preferably designed as a hand flap, that is to say as a disc valve with a flap 5a and a handle 5b for manual opening / closing. This is indicated schematically in FIG. 2 as a double arrow, the directions of actuation being merely exemplary. To close the shut-off element 5, the flap 5a is mounted in the shut-off element 5 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 5c. The axes of rotation 5c, 7c are preferably identical for a direct coupling of the locking disc 7a and the flap 5a to one another. Other shut-off devices are also conceivable, which can be actuated by a rotary movement about an axis. From the Figure 1 It becomes clear that the second locking element 7, in particular the locking disc 7a, is designed as a stop 8 for the first locking element 6b that is selectively effective when the shut-off element 5 is open, so that the cover 4 cannot be opened when the shut-off element 5 is open.

In particular from the Figure 3 it becomes clear that the first locking element 6b can only be tilted into / through the recess 7b when the shut-off element 5 is closed, namely if the first locking element 6b is seen from above (the Figure 2 ) is aligned with the recess 7b, so the locking disc 7a rests in a corresponding rotational position. This enables the cover 4 to be opened, as a result of which the shut-off element 5 is also blocked in its closed position. The aligned with the first locking element 6b position 9 of the recess 7b and the associated position of the handle 5b are in FIG Figure 2 indicated with dotted lines for better understanding.

A bearing block 10 for the pivot lever 6 projecting laterally beyond the cover 4 towards the second locking element 7 is preferably formed on the container 2. Alternatively, the bearing block 10 can also be attached, for example, to a pipeline, such as the media supply line 3

A locking device 11 for the closed lid 4 is preferably also formed on the container 2. As the Figures 2 and 3 To illustrate, the lock 11 can comprise a locking screw 11a or the like and can be pivoted, for example, about a horizontal axis of rotation 11b in order to release the actuating lever 6a for opening the cover 4 after the locking screw 11a has been loosened.

The cover 4 preferably comprises a holder 4a on which the cover 4 hangs on the actuating lever 6a. The cover 4 is preferably mounted on the actuating lever 6a so that it cannot rotate or can be tilted about a horizontal axis of rotation. The cover 4 can be placed on the container 2 by means of the actuating lever 6a and can be lifted off from it.

The container 2 is preferably designed as a dosing container. When the cover 4 is open, a (in the Figure 1 Pour product component 12, a product additive or the like, schematically indicated by a block arrow, into the container 2. When the cover 4 is closed, the container 2 can be rinsed, cleaned and, in particular, sprayed out through the media supply line 3 with a liquid medium 13, such as hot water. For this purpose, there is preferably at least one injection device 14 on the media supply line 3, for example in the form of a spray nozzle (shown) and / or a pump (not shown) and / or the like device for supplying the liquid medium 13 under a suitable overpressure.

The liquid medium can in principle contain a rinsing agent, cleaning agent, disinfectant, at least one technical auxiliary and / or product. Technical auxiliaries can also be counted among the product additives and include, for example, enzymes, calcium chloride, acids and solvents other than water.

In the Figure 2 an electrically and / or pneumatically operated valve 15 for in particular centrally controlled releasing, shutting off and / or metering of the liquid medium 13 is indicated schematically. As soon as the second locking element 7 acts as a stop 8 for the first locking element 6b and the shut-off element 5 is open, a predetermined process for rinsing, cleaning and / or disinfecting the container 2 can be automatically controlled by the locking device 1 without further restriction.

As the Figure 4 As can be seen, the safety lock 21 according to a second preferred embodiment can alternatively be designed for a pivot lever 26 and cover 4 pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 26c. The pivot lever 26 comprises an actuating arm 26a, which is preferably fixedly connected to the cover 4 by the holder 4a, and a first locking element 26b, which functionally cooperates with the second locking element 7 as in the first embodiment. The first locking element 26b is then preferably designed in the form of a disk with a recess 26d, for example a notch.

With both safety locks 1, 21, the cover 4 can only be opened if the recess 7b of the locking disc 7a is aligned with respect to the first locking element 6b, 26b in such a way that it can be pivoted or screwed into the recess 7b. Otherwise, the locking disk 7a acts as a stop 8 for the first locking element 6b, 26b in order to prevent the cover 4 from opening.

In the second embodiment, the shut-off element 5 can only be opened when the recess 26d of the first locking element 26b is aligned with the second locking element 7, in particular with the locking disc 7a. In both variants, the pivot axes 6c, 26c are preferably aligned orthogonally to the axis of rotation 7c of the locking disc 7a.

Otherwise, all structural elements with corresponding functions described in connection with the first embodiment can also be present in the second embodiment and the associated container 2 and the media supply line 3.

The safety lock 1, 21 has a purely mechanical structure and is therefore particularly fail-safe. Accordingly, the safety lock 1, 21 can serve as an additional safety measure, which is redundant in the trouble-free operation of the optional electrically and / or pneumatically operated valve 15, but due to the serial arrangement of the shut-off element 5 and the valve 15, for example, if the seal in the valve 15 is broken, thus also with its proper control and / or position comes into play.

The second locking element 7 is preferably connected non-rotatably both to the flap 5a and to the handle 5b, for example by means of a form fit. However, it would also be conceivable to couple the second locking element 7 to the shut-off element 5 by means of a gear, a link, a worm drive, a toothed wheel / rack or the like.

The second locking element 7 could accordingly also be designed as a functionally linearly movable locking slide (not shown) with a recess 7b for the first locking element 6b, 26b. For such a locking slide, the rotary movement for actuating the shut-off element 5 would have to be translated into a linear movement of the locking slide, for example by coupling by means of a toothed wheel and rack.

It is crucial that the position of the recess 7b with respect to the first locking element 6b, 26b changes as described above depending on the opening position of the shut-off element 5, i.e. the second locking element 7, possibly also in the form of a control slide, when the shut-off element 5 is open as a stop 8 acts for the first locking element 6b, 26b and the recess 7b of the second locking element 7 is in a position 9 aligned with the first locking element 6b, 26b when the shut-off element 5 is closed, so that the first locking element 6b, 26b can pivot into the recess 7b.

The container 2 and the media supply line 3 are suitable for fixed installation and rinsing and / or cleaning and / or disinfection in a food processing plant, such as, for example, in a brewhouse or similar production plant.

The safety lock 1, 21 ensures, in a simple and reliable manner, protection of operating personnel from hot and / or aggressive liquid media 13 which could otherwise escape due to accidental opening of the cover 4, in particular during rinsing and / or cleaning and / or disinfection. Disinfection also means disinfection. The same applies to disinfectants and disinfectants.

The electrically and / or pneumatically operated valve 15 can be, for example, a ball valve, a shut-off valve, a slide valve or the like. The valve 15 could also be controlled hydraulically.

The ejection device 14 can be understood, for example, as a pipeline which ends in the container 2. The ejection device 14 can also comprise distribution devices, such as a spray head, jet cleaner, baffle plate or similar devices, which distribute or fan out the medium. Ring lines with openings are also conceivable.

Claims (15)

1. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2) with a media supply line (3), in particular for rinsing and/or cleaning said container (2), comprising:

   - a lid (4) for closing said container (2);

   - a shut-off device (5) for closing said media supply line (3);

   - a pivoting lever (6, 26) with an actuating arm (6a, 26a) for placing said lid (4), and with a first locking element (6b, 26b), wherein the pivoting lever (6, 26) is mounted rotatably between the actuating arm (6a, 26a) and the first locking element (6b, 26b); and

   - a second locking element (7) which is drive-coupled to said shut-off device (5) and which as a stop (8) for said first locking element (6b, 26b), being selectively operative when said shut-off device (5) is open, is configured such that said lid (4) can not be opened when said shut-off device (5) is open.
2. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to claim 1, where said second locking element (7) is further configured such that said first locking element (6b, 26b) blocks said second locking element (7) when said lid (4) is open and thereby prevents said shut-off device (5) from opening.
3. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to claim 1 or 2, where said second locking element (7) comprises a recess (7) which, when said shut-off device (5) is closed, is aligned with said first locking element (6b, 26b) such that said first locking element (6b, 26b) engages in said recess (7b) when said lid (4) is opened.
4. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to one of the preceding claims, where said second locking element (7) is a locking disk (7a) with a recess (7c) for said first locking element (6b, 26b).
5. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to one of the preceding claims, where said first locking element (26b) being configured in particular as a disk comprises a recess (26d) for said second locking element (7).
6. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to claim 4 or 5, where said second locking element (7) is movable about an axis of rotation (7c) which is oriented orthogonal to a pivot axis (6c, 26c) of said pivoting lever (6, 26).
7. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to one of the previous claims, where said shut-off device (5) can be opened/closed manually by way of a handle (5b), and said second locking element (7) is fixedly connected to said handle (5b).
8. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to at least one of the preceding claims, where said container (2) is a dosing container and said lid (4) is configured for closing a filling opening for a product component (12) or a product additive.
9. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spray rinsing device (14) for said container (2) and connected to said media supply line (3).
10. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrically or pneumatically actuated shut-off device (15) for shutting off said media supply line (3).
11. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to at least one of the preceding claims, where said pivoting lever (6, 26) is rotatably mounted at the side of said lid (4) and in particular on said container (2).
12. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lock (11) for said actuating arm (6a, 26a) fastened to said container (2) in a position of said lid (4) which seals said container (2).
13. Safety closure (1, 21) at a container (2), according to at least one of the preceding claims, where said lid (4) is configured for manual opening/closing.
14. Container (2), which is configured as a dosing container for a product component (12) or a product additive, in particular for the production of a beverage, with a media supply line (3) and a safety closure (1) at the container, according to at least one of the preceding claims.
15. Container according to claim 14 being configured for stationary operation in a production facility for foodstuffs such as, for example, beverages and in particular beer, and where said media supply line (3) is configured for rinsing and/or cleaning without disassembling said container (2).

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