EP3360823B1 - Flexible container, use of a flexible container, handling frame comprising a flexible container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a flexible container for chemically pharmaceutical solids, preferably with integrated containment interface, cf. The preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the flexible container and a handling frame comprising a flexible container. It is about in-house and external transport, especially in public areas. For this purpose, such containers usually, in conjunction with an associated packaging, a UN transport authorization for hazardous substances. A generic storage is a temporary storage in the production process as well as a long-term storage as primary packaging. In addition to the comparatively simple filling and emptying processes, the generic handling also involves considerably more complex mixing methods.

Known containers and mixing or refilling processes in these areas are often expensive and inflexible. Here is a need for improvement. Such containers are in the DE 603 13 536 T2 and the DE 602 01 032 T2 disclosed. Other containers are in the EP 1 304 301 A1 , the US 2016/185521 A1 , the EP 0 083 505 A1 and the DE 692 00 920 T2 disclosed.

This problem is solved by a container according to claim 1 and by the use according to claim 9. Furthermore, this problem is solved with a handling frame according to claim 10 comprising a container.

Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Flexible containers according to the invention are suitable for use as hazardous substance containers in the specified underpressure and overpressure. With or without or with several containment interfaces the variants of the invention are characterized by a particularly simple handling. The flexible container is very easy to unfold in an open state for filling and just as easy to fold. Serve according to the invention fasteners at certain positions.

Particular wall structures of preferred embodiments support easy handling.

A special embodiment of containers according to the invention is optimized for use with a support and handling frame, optimized in a particular application for mixing processes. In this case, outer pockets for flat baffles of support and handling frame and / or straps for positioning and fixation are integrated into the flexible container, in order to then allow the mixing process fixed boundary conditions.

• stabiles Rahmengestell mit universeller Aufnahme,
• bewegliche und/oder bewegbare Eingriffselemente zur Aufnahme des Gebindes,
• Fixierungseinrichtung für eine das Gebinde an eine Anlage oder ein anderes Gebinde anbindende Containment-Schnittstelle,
• Spannelemente zur Fixierung des flexiblen Gebindes im Handlingsrahmen.

The handling frame according to the invention for the flexible container is characterized by the following features:

• stable frame with universal mount,
• movable and / or movable engagement elements for receiving the container,
• Fixation device for a containment interface connecting the container to a system or another container,
• Clamping elements for fixing the flexible container in the handling frame.

The invention will be explained in more detail in four embodiments with reference to a total of six figures.

• Fig. 1 eine Übersicht zu diversen nebeneinander aufgestellten, erfindungsgemäßen Gebinden in unterschiedlichen Anwendungsfällen, alle für ein Befüllen bereitstehend in einem geöffneten Zustand, davon links mit und ohne Fahrgestell ein erfindungsgemäßes Gebinde nach einem prinzipiellen ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,
• Fig. 2 eine Verwendung des prinzipiell schon in Figur 1 links dargestellten Gebindes nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel beim Entleeren über einem Anlagenanschluss,
• Fig. 3 ein erfindungsgemäßes Gebinde nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel in einem zusammengelegten Zustand mit unten abgewinkelt liegendem Tri-Clamp-Anschluss,
• Fig. 4 ein erfindungsgemäßes Gebinde in perspektivischer Darstellung von unten nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in einem geöffneten Zustand mit unten an einen Füllraum umschließenden Seitenflächen angebundender Bodenfläche und an der Bodenfläche angeordneten Befestigungselementen,
• Fig. 5 das Gebinde aus Fig. 4 in perspektivischer Ansicht von einer Seite schräg auf zwei Seitenflächen gerichtet,
• Fig. 6 ein erfindungsgemäßes Gebinde nach einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel aus seitlicher Perspektive in einem geöffneten Zustand mit unten seitlich abgewinkelt liegenden Verbindungselementen und Seitenflächen mit Spanntaschen, und
• Fig. 7 ein Ausschnitt des oberen Gewebes einer Seitenfläche eines erfindungsgemäßen Gebindes.

Show it

• Fig. 1 an overview of various juxtaposed, inventive containers in different applications, all ready for filling in an open state, of which left with and without chassis an inventive container according to a principal first embodiment,
• Fig. 2 a use of the principle already in FIG. 1 on the left side of the container according to the first embodiment when emptying over a system connection,
• Fig. 3 a container according to the invention according to a third embodiment in a folded state with downwardly trimmed Tri-clamp connection,
• Fig. 4 a container according to the invention in a perspective view from below according to a second embodiment in an open state with bottom surface connecting to side faces at the bottom of a filling space and fastening elements arranged on the bottom surface,
• Fig. 5 the container Fig. 4 directed in a perspective view from one side obliquely on two side surfaces,
• Fig. 6 an inventive container according to a fourth embodiment from a lateral perspective in an open state with the bottom side bent angled connecting elements and side surfaces with tension pockets, and
• Fig. 7 a section of the upper fabric of a side surface of a container according to the invention.

• dreidimensionale Kontur im gefüllten oder befüllbaren Zustand (Würfel/Quader mit Pyramidenstumpf),
• innenliegendes Foliengebinde 3 (Innenliner),
• außenliegendes Stützgewebe 2 (Außenliner),
• Innen- und Außenliner an den Kanten 5 miteinander vernäht sowie flächig miteinander verklebt,
• Innen- und Außenliner sowie Verbindung zueinander (Naht, Kleber) statisch ableitfähig,
• integrierte Aufhängelaschen 7 für unterschiedliche Handlingsaufgaben,
• integrierte Containment-Schnittstelle 10, insbesondere zum Andocken beispielsweise mittels einer Klappentechnologie 20.

An inventive container 1, 1 ', 1 ", 1"', see. four different from each other by apostrophes embodiments of the FIGS. 1 to 6 , includes combinations of features of the following list:

• three-dimensional contour in the filled or fillable state (cube / cuboid with truncated pyramid),
• inner foil package 3 (inner liner),
• outboard support fabric 2 (outer liner),
• Inner and outer liner sewn together at the edges 5 and glued together flat,
• Inner and outer liner as well as connection to each other (seam, adhesive) static dissipative,
• integrated suspension lugs 7 for different handling tasks,
• integrated containment interface 10, in particular for docking, for example by means of a flap technology 20.

An inventive flexible container 1 according to the first embodiment is in an application in FIG. 2 shown, but already basically in slightly different dimensions of the overview FIG. 1 to remove on the left. In FIG. 1 it is shown ready for filling in an open condition. In FIG. 2 it is emptied after it has been connected by means of a containment interface 10 to a system and its flap technology 20.

Conventional forms of such containers are well known from the prior art and suitable in large parts to the inventive design. A main purpose of the invention is to improve handling over the prior art. So achieved the first embodiment is a very safe and simple recording in a straightforward frame 15. The flexible container 1 is almost completely or completely emptied during emptying already because of its structure but also because of its fastening means for holding clamped, because dead spaces are avoided.

The container 1 has four side surfaces 11 around a filling axis or emptying direction F. Around the filling axis F, they together enclose a filling space, which filling space is closed or closable at the top with a bottom surface 12 and at the bottom with the containment interface 10. If, in other forms, a floor surface were missing at the top, a point collision of the side surfaces (not shown) in the context of the invention above could close off the filling space.

In the case of the first embodiment extends along a surface longitudinal line 6.2 a in FIG. 2 visible side surface 11 in the horizontal direction and transverse to the emptying direction F a draw-compound as a suspension. On a in FIG. 2 invisible opposite, namely hidden back extends over the local side surface of the container 1 as well almost completely over the entire width of another stretch connecting means as a suspension. The two oppositely oriented, elongated connecting means for receiving transverse mandrels of the frame 15 are presently designed as loops or tabs.

The connecting means are suitable according to the invention to be able to attach the container 1 in the open or initially closed and filled state on the frame 15. On the other hand serve the two connecting means before filling it, the empty, still flattened container 1 with a Handle, namely a pulling apart of two inserted into the connecting means mandrels to bring in the open state. Thirdly, the connecting means serve to bring the empty container 1, which is still in the opened state, back into a flattened state with a handle, namely by moving the mandrels together.

This succeeds particularly well in the illustrated embodiment, because the container consists of an inner film layer and an outer fabric layer. These layers are partially glued together. The fabric of the outer fabric layer has in the case of the two equipped with the horizontal fasteners side surfaces a dominant cross structure, which hold the equipped with fasteners side surfaces 11 strack. In further such variants, the special fabric was dispensed with and sufficient stiffening was achieved even with sewn on straight straps connecting means. The in between in the direction of the FIG. 1 extending side surfaces (not visible), however, are preferably reinforced longitudinally oriented, so that tend to buckle along the filling direction F, as soon as at FIG. 1 Bottom mounted interface 10 is pulled.

According to the second embodiment FIG. 4 Tabs 8 ', 9' attached as a connecting means to the container. At its bottom surface 12 'is per side edge 6.1' an edge tab 8 'attached, which serve for hanging and clamping. In the inner area 4 'of the bottom surface 12' is an internal flap 9 'is arranged, which helps as a pull tab to bring the emptied, still in the open state container 1' in a flattened state with a handle again.

The interface 10 is according to the first embodiment ( FIG. 2 ) is formed as a containment interface 10. After a third in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment, a tri-clamp flange 13 "is integrated as a lower terminal end, namely for docking to an inlet port.

This in FIG. 6 illustrated fourth embodiment of a flexible container has incorporated a Einknickstruktur 26 in two opposite side surfaces without fastening means, which extends at least roughly along the filling direction F. It is a targeted thinning parallel warp threads 22 of the outer fabric, which dictates a preferred Einknicklinie 28. A stiffening structure is incorporated in the other two opposite side surfaces 11 '' with a lower tab for extended pulling, in which stretched threads or weft threads 24 of the fabric counteract buckling.

Depending on the process requirement, the container 1 "'is made in layers of electrically dissipative material.

In FIG. 7 is a section of the upper fabric of a side surface 11 shown greatly enlarged by a basic illustration. It can be seen that the fabric has a continuous weft thread 24 and a number of warp threads 22 extending substantially perpendicular thereto and parallel to one another. The warp threads 22 are alternately guided below and above the weft thread 24. Furthermore, in FIG. 7 It can be seen that the number of warp threads 22 decreases towards the center of the side surface 11, so that the distance between two adjacent warp threads 22 increases. The greater the distance of the warp threads 22, the easier it is for the side face to be bent along the warp threads 22. This results in a Einknickstruktur 26, which defines a Einknicklinie 28.

Claims (10)

1. Flexible container (1, 1', 1", 1"') which, in the opened state, is intended to adopt a cubic and/or one-sided or two-sided pyramid-like shape, suitable for receiving, transporting and storing bulk materials, with at least three lateral surfaces (11, 11', 11", 11"'), which jointly enclose a filling space around a filling axis (F), which filling space is or can be closed off at the top and at the bottom by respective base surfaces (12'), an interface (10) or as a junction point of the lateral surfaces (11, 11', 11", 11"'),

   1.1 at least one edge connection means per side edge (6.1') is fastened on at least one lateral and/or base surface (12') of the container (1') and at least one inner connection means (9') is fastened in the inner region (4'), and/or

   1.2 stretch connection means serving as suspension means extend along in each case at least one longitudinal surface line (6.2) of at least two opposing lateral surfaces (11) of the container (1), completely or interruptedly over at least approximately their complete edge lengths, and

   1.3 connection means are provided, which

   1.3.1 on the one hand are configured for fastening the container (1, 1', 1", 1'") in the opened state on a frame (15), and/or

   1.3.2 on the other hand serve as traction means in order to bring the container (1, 1', 1", 1"'), which is still empty and laid flat, into the opened state with one movement, and/or

   1.3.3 in order with one movement to bring the emptied container (1, 1', 1", 1'"), still in the opened state, back into a flat state, characterised in that a crease structure (26) is introduced into at least one of the lateral surfaces (11, 11', 11", 11"'), wherein a targeted thinning of parallel warp threads (22) of a fabric which produces a crease structure (26) is introduced into at least one of the lateral surfaces (11, 11', 11", 11",
2. Flexible container according to claim 1, characterised in that flaps (7, 8', 9) as connection means are incorporated into the container or are fastened to the container, specifically that at least one edge flap (8) per side edge (6.1') is arranged on at least one lateral and/or base surface (12') of the container (1') and at least one inner flap (9') is arranged in the inner region (4'), and/or stretch flaps as suspension flaps (7) extend along at least in each case one longitudinal surface line (6.2) of at least two opposing lateral surfaces (11) of the container (1), completely or interruptedly over their at least approximately complete surface widths, which flaps (7, 8', 9'), on the one hand, are designed for fastening the container (1, 1', 1", 1"') in the opened state to a frame (15) constructed is, and/or on the other hand serve as pulling flaps, in order to bring the container (1, 1', 1", 1"'), which is still empty and laid flat, into the opened state with one movement, and/or in order to bring the emptied container (1, 1', 1", 1"'), still in the opened state, back into a flat state with one movement.
3. Flexible container according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that a containment interface (10) and/or a tri-clamp flange is/are integrated as an upper/lower end, for attachment by means of a technological valve system (20) to at least one inlet connection, and additionally a further tri-clamp flange is attached to on an outlet connection.
4. Flexible container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container consists of two layers of film or fabric which are glued to one another.
5. Flexible container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a stiffening structure which counteracts creasing is incorporated into at least one of the lateral surfaces (11, 11', 11", 11'").
6. Flexible container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container is made of electrically conductive material or includes such material.
7. Flexible container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that all of its components which come in contact with the material being transported are permitted for pharmaceutical primary packaging.
8. Flexible container according to any one of the preceding claims, having a three-dimensional contour, with an inner container made of film and an outer supporting fabric, wherein the inner container made of film and the outer supporting fabric stitched or welded together at the edges or are additionally glued together flush with one another.
9. Use of a flexible container according to any one of the preceding claims for transporting hazardous substances on public transport routes, securing them by means of at least one of the fastening elements.
10. Handling frame having a flexible container (91) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising

    - a stable housing frame (15) with a universal receiving area,

    - moving and/or movable engagement element to receive the container (1),

    - a fixing device for a containment interface connecting the container (1) to a machine or to another container (91), and

    - a clamping element for fixing the flexible container (1) in the handling frame.

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