Patent Grant
10071897
The present invention relates to a device and a method for discharging liquids from deformable containers, for example plastics material containers. The present invention is disclosed with reference to what is known as a tap system, which may be made use of in particular in taprooms. However, private use may also be made of tap systems of this type. Aside from plastics material containers, containers made of other materials (for example of aluminum) may also be used, but in particular those containers of which the material can be deformed/reshaped without tearing. In the following, however, the term “plastics material container” is used as representative of other containers too.
It is further noted that the present invention is suitable in particular for low-viscosity liquids, such as waters, beers, soft drinks and the like. However, the invention could equally well be applied to media having a higher viscosity, such as oils, ketchup, soaps or the like.
A wide range of devices for discharging liquids from containers are known from the prior art.
Thus for example DE 10 2007 054 431 A1 discloses a device for discharging liquids from a container. In this context, a deformation element is used which deforms the container, this deformation element in this case folding the container to be emptied and in this way making it possible to discharge the liquid virtually completely from the container. The disclosure of DE 10 2007 054 431 A1 is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the disclosure of the present invention.
The object of the present invention is to improve output devices of this type for liquids and in particular for drinks in terms of the handling thereof. Thus, the use of systems of this type can be simplified, in particular for use in dispensing systems or in pubs or taprooms.
Further, the safety of handling systems of this type is to be improved, and in particular tearing or cracking of the container during discharging is to be prevented.
A device according to the invention for discharging liquids from deformable containers (in particular deformable without destruction or tearing) comprises a first holding means, which is suitable for holding a first portion of the container. The device further comprises a second holding means which is suitable for holding a second portion of the container. In this context, in an initial state of the container—in other words in particular a completely filled state of the container—said second portion of the container is spaced from the first portion of the container.
Further, the holding means are arranged in such a way that the container can be arranged at least in sections between these holding means, and thus is deformable by a relative movement of one holding means with respect to the other holding means. Further, a drive means is provided for producing a relative movement between the first holding means and the second holding means, so as to deform the container arranged between these holding means in such a way that the internal volume thereof is reduced.
The device further comprises a discharging means, which comprises a flow connection to the interior of the container and in particular to the liquid located therein, and through which the liquid can be discharged by compressing the container.
According to the invention, the device comprises a control means which controls the relative movement of one holding means with respect to the other holding means or the discharging of the liquid through the discharging means as a function (at least indirectly) of an internal pressure within the container. The method according to the invention extends in particular the subject matter of the aforementioned application DE 10 2007 054431 as regards the manner and direction in which the container is deformed, and in particular as regards the manner in which the emptying of the container is controlled. The twit “as a function, at least indirectly” means that control is possible as a direct function of the internal pressure, but also as an indirect function (for example as a function of a drive torque of the drive means, which depends on the internal pressure in the container, or as a function of the pressure of the liquid in the discharging means).
The drive means may in particular be an electric motor which controls the relative movement of the holding means with respect to one another for example via a spindle drive. Advantageously, the drive means therefore also comprises a transmission means which converts a drive speed of the drive motor into a lower movement speed.
Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable to use hydraulic or pneumatic drives to move the holding means with respect to one another. It is advantageous for the holding means to move in a straight line with respect to one another, and in particular in a longitudinal direction of the container. In this context, it would be possible for one holding means to be arranged stationary and for the other one to move with respect thereto. However, it would also be possible for both holding means to be moved.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a carrier is provided on which at least one holding means is arranged. It is advantageous for the other holding means also to be arranged on a corresponding carrier.
In a further advantageous embodiment, one holding means extends in the longitudinal direction of the container and is preferably of a length corresponding to at least a third of the total length of the container. This embodiment has the advantage of being particularly compact.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the first holding means serves to hold a base area of the container. For this purpose, the first holding means may for example comprise a recess into which a base area of the container can be introduced. In this context, it would be possible for the holding means to be adapted to the shape of the base of the container. However, it would also be possible for this holding means for example to be hemispherical or to be formed in some other manner. It is advantageous for the device according to the invention to be formed in such a way that it is suitable for discharging liquid from conventional commercial containers. In particular, in this context the device is also formed in such a way that it is suitable for discharging liquids from containers which comprise standard closures, such as plastics material screw closures.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the second holding means is used for holding an opening region of the container. In this context, it would be possible for the geometrical shape of the inner surface of the first holding means to be adapted to an outer surface of the container. In this case, for sufficiently strong drives, the container can be compressed so hard that virtually the entirety of the liquid can be discharged from the container. Unlike in the device disclosed in DE 10 2007 054431 A1, in which a special container is used, this is also possible for containers which have bases of different shapes, such as bases conventional in PET bottles, for example petaloid bases. It is advantageous for the second holding means to comprise a recess for receiving a closure of the container.
The control means according to the invention causes the compression of the container to be maintained at a particular maximum pressure for example. In this way, on the one hand the risk of cracking the container can be eliminated, and on the other hand liquid can be prevented from being withdrawn or discharged at an excessively high pressure. Various possibilities are conceivable for these control means and are described in detail below.
As stated above, in this context the device for discharging liquid can be implemented using relatively simple means. For example, the PET container can be compressed using threaded spindles and an electric drive, in such a way that the container can be reduced to a very small volume, so as to empty the container to a very small residual volume. It is advantageous for the container to be of a size of between 2 and 10 litres, or between 10 and 30 litres in a commercial application.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the first holding means and the second holding means are arranged in such a way that the container can be arranged standing with the opening thereof pointing upwards between them. In this way, liquid can be prevented from flowing out when this is not intended, for example if there is a fault in the discharging system.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the first holding means comprises a stamp element which is of a smaller cross-section than a base body of the container. In this way, the container can be folded in such a way that the internal volume thereof is reduced as much as possible. This is explained in the aforementioned DE 10 2007 054431 A1.
In a further advantageous embodiment, in an initial state a distance space between the first holding means and the second holding means can be changed so as to make adaptation to different containers possible. It would also be possible for the holding means to be exchangeable or for adapter elements to be provided which make adaptation to different containers possible.
It is advantageous for at least a portion between the two holding means to be formed without a housing. This means that at least a portion of the container to be compressed is not enclosed by a directly touching housing during the compression process. A directly enclosing housing of this type would disturb the movements of the holding means. Whilst in the prior art housings which support the containers during emptying are provided in many discharging devices, the Applicant has found that housings of this type, which are touched directly by the container, are not absolutely necessary.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the control means comprises a switching means, which switches the drive means on or off as a reaction to an internal pressure within the container. This may for example be a mechanical switch. It is thus possible to correct the container pressure when discharging liquid. It would thus for example be possible to apply the compressive force via compression springs and/or readjust it using a two-point control system. This is explained more precisely with reference to the drawings. It would also be possible to remove the pressure largely or even completely for the remaining emptying.
The switching means may be a mechanical switching element. However, an electronic switch, which for example reacts to a measured pressure, would also be possible. It is advantageous for at least one holding means to be spring-mounted, and particularly preferably connected to the switching means.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the discharging means comprises at least one flexible line portion. It is advantageous to arrange a flow-altering element, such as a compression element which can reduce the line cross-section, on this flexible line portion.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a pressure sensor element is provided and establishes an internal pressure in the container, and the control means controls the drive means as a function of values outputted by this pressure sensor element. Alternatively, the control may also be provided using a temperature sensor element.
In a further advantageous embodiment, it would also be possible for the pressure to be determined indirectly via a drive torque of the drive means and for the drive means to be switched off if a particular boundary drive torque is exceeded.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises an actuable valve for discharging the liquid. Thus for example the device may comprise an outlet which is for example manually actuable so as to discharge the liquid from the container. Discharging in this manner also changes the internal pressure in the container, and the drive means may in particular continue with the compression of the container.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a stamp movement or a relative movement of the two holding means towards one another increases the pressure in the container, and the amount discharged/withdrawn can be specified by way of the increase in pressure. In a further advantageous embodiment, a pressure regulation valve may also be provided for this purpose. This pressure regulation valve may advantageously be a combination of a cut-off valve, a pressure controller and a diffuser. In a further embodiment, the emission of the liquid is advantageously controlled by switching the drive means on and off. Switching on the drive means increases the internal pressure in the container, and thus also the pressure of the liquid in the discharging means. As a result of this increasing pressure, a discharging valve can open and liquid can thus be discharged. In this context, this discharging valve may be controlled in such a way in all cases the container is prevented from cracking as a result of overpressure.
The aforementioned flexible line means can be squeezed tight for cutting off and be opened for discharging the liquid, in particular only opened far enough that the container pressure is reduced to a desired flow speed by way of a small opening. Further, it is also possible for a tube cross-section to be expanded starting from a throttle cross-section in the length and shape of a diffuser.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the flexible line element or the tube may advantageously be squeezed until the escape during the closing process, so as thus also to be able to push out residual liquid. This serves for example as an expulsion aid.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a movement element which moves the container with respect to a holding means. This movement element is in particular a movement element which moves the container with respect to a holding means, in particular a holding means which penetrates into the container (in
In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding means is formed in such a way that it can receive an opening region of the container. For this purpose, the holding means may itself comprise a recess which is formed to receive the opening region of the container.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the discharging means comprises a piercing means for piercing through at least a wall of the container or a container closure of the container. In particular, a piercing means is provided for piercing through the container closure. This can also make it possible to discharge liquids from standard containers. Thus for example this piercing means may be in the form of a tubular body comprising a cutting edge. In this embodiment, on the one hand liquid can be discharged from the container, but on the other hand the piercing means or the discharging means can preferably also be sealed off from the container during the discharging.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the discharging means is integrated into one of the two holding means. In particular, the discharging means is integrated into the holding means which is provided for receiving the opening region of the container. In this context, the discharging means may be arranged on or particularly preferably inside this holding means. In this way, a particularly central cavity, in which said piercing means and in particular also a pipeline are arranged, may be formed in the holding means.
In a further preferred embodiment, the holding means which is used for holding the opening region of the container comprises a stamp element which is of a smaller cross-section than a base body of the container. In this way, when the container is compressed, the opening portion of the container can be inserted into the portion of the container adjacent to the container base area. In this way, when the container is compressed, the opening region is positioned in a volume formed in the interior of a volume formed by a peripheral wall of the container.
The present invention further relates to a system comprising at least two devices of the type disclosed above and a mixing means in which the liquids from the two discharging means of the two devices can be mixed. In this way, different liquid components can be mixed together, in particular in post-mix operation.
In this way, it would be possible for the two discharging means to open into a mixing space, where they would be mixed together to form a liquid mixture. In this context, the respective mixing ratios may be controlled by actuating the two devices. It would also be possible for the two discharging means merely to open into one shared collecting line, which subsequently forms said mixing means. Further, it would also be possible for the liquids from the two discharging means to be metered into a shared collection line or a mixing space with a time offset.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least one readout means for reading out, in particular wirelessly, at least one identification element attached to the container. In particular, this may be a device for reading out an RFID element arranged on the container. In this way, the container to be emptied can be definitively identified. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a control means which also controls a discharging process as a function of a readout result of the readout means. Thus, the user can for example be informed by means of an alarm that he is using an unsuitable container for the discharging process. A discharging process can also be interrupted or prevented from starting as a reaction to a readout result of this type.
It is also conceivable for the control means to interrupt or not introduce a discharging process if it establishes that no marking element is provided on the container.
The present invention further relates to a method for discharging liquids from a container, wherein a container is arranged with a first portion (of the container) on a first holding means and with a second portion (of the container), spaced from the first portion, on a second holding means in such a way that the container is arranged at least in sections between this first holding means and the second holding means. Further, one holding means is moved towards the other holding means so as to deform the container and so as thus to reduce the internal volume of the container. In this context, liquid is discharged from the container using a discharging means (in particular while the container is compressed).
According to the invention, the movement of the first holding means with respect to the second holding means or the discharging of the liquid is controlled by means of the discharging means as a function of an internal pressure of the container.
Advantageously, the container is arranged upright with the opening thereof upwards between the holding means.
In an advantageous method, at least one holding means is substantially stationary. It is advantageous for the upper holding means, which holds the opening region of the container, to be substantially stationary and for the lower holding means to be moved with respect to the upper holding means. It is advantageous for the discharging means to be stationary in the movement direction of the holding means.
However, it would also be possible and preferred for the second holding means to be arranged movably with respect to the discharging means and in particular with respect to a piercing means. In particular, in this context, the second holding means is movable in a longitudinal direction of the container, and particularly preferably the second holding means is movable between two predetermined end positions. It would also be conceivable for the second holding means still to be movable, but also to be able to be locked in a predetermined position with respect to the discharging means or the piercing means in the longitudinal direction of the container or the movement direction of the holding means. This may be particularly advantageous for introducing a new, filled container.
In a further advantageous method, a portion of the container which contains the opening portion of the container is inserted into a portion of the container which contains the base area of the container. In the method disclosed herein, it would be possible either to insert the opening region of the container into the base area of the container or conversely to insert the base area of the container into the opening region. However, the mode of operation in which the opening region is inserted into the base area has the advantage that the opening of the container can be inserted into the base area or into an adjacent wall region. In this way, the volume of the compressed container can be further reduced.
Thus, the holding means which supports the base area of the container is preferably of a larger cross-section than the holding means which receives the opening region of the container.
It is advantageous for an identification element, in particular one which can be read contactlessly, by means of which at least one piece of information characteristic of the container can be read out, to be arranged in a region of the container. This is preferably an RFID element such as in particular but not exclusively an RFID chip.
It is advantageous for the identification element to be inseparably connected to the container. It is advantageous for the information to be selected from a group of pieces of information which includes an expiry date, information about the type of drink or the like.
In this way it could for example be ensured that containers for which the expiry date has passed are no longer emptied. Given knowledge as to the type of drink, relevant parameters for discharging can for example be controlled, such as an appropriate pressure.
In a preferred embodiment, the identification element is arranged on the container in the form of a label. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the identification element to be integrated into a region of the container, for example a wall region.
Alternatively, it is possible for the identification element already to be integrated into the containers during the manufacture thereof. It would thus be conceivable for the identification element already to be held ready in a region of a blow-moulding machine, for example inside a wall of a blow mould, during a production process for the container, in particular during a blow-moulding process, and to be fixed to the container on the wall of the container during the shaping process.
Further advantages and embodiments can be taken from the attached drawings.
In the drawings:
Reference numeral 40 denotes, as a whole, a discharging means for discharging liquid from the container. For this purpose, a valve 52 is provided, optionally along with a throttle body 56, preferably upstream from this valve 52. Reference numeral 54 denotes an outlet for the liquid.
Reference numeral 42 denotes a piercing means which can pierce the container closure 30.
Reference numeral 20 denotes, as a whole, a control means for controlling the discharging of the liquid from the container 10 as a function of the internal pressure thereof. In this context, a drive means or drive device 22 is provided, such as an electric motor in this case, and can move the first holding means 2 upwards, and thus towards the second holding means 4 which is arranged stationary in this case, as indicated by the arrow P1. In this case, the first holding means 2 comprises a receiving means 24 for receiving the base area 10a. Springs 28 are further provided, and push the receiving means and a base plate 29 apart.
Reference numeral 32 denotes a switching element or device which can be switched when the receiving means 24 is moved towards the base plate 29. As a function of this switching element, the drive means 22 can be switched on or off. In this way, a two-point control system can be provided in this context, and provides control as a function of a pressure within the container 10, which in this case is exerted as pressure on the holding means 2.
Alternatively or in addition, the drive means 22 may for example be controlled in such a way that it only makes a maximum torque or drive torque possible and remains stationary if this drive torque is exceeded. Once the pressure in the container falls, the motor 22 or the drive means 22 moves the first holding means upwards and thus compresses the container again (causing the internal pressure in the container to rise again). Thus, the discharging of the liquids depends on the internal pressure in the container in this mode of operation too, but a volume-controlled discharging of the liquid takes place more precisely. In this context, it would be possible to provide both pressure-dependent control mechanisms (redundantly), so as to prevent the container 10 from cracking in all cases.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a movement means which serves to pull off the compressed container 10 from the second holding means 4. This movement means may for example be arranged rigidly on the first movable holding means 2. During a rearward movement of the first holding means 2 downwards, this movement means comes into contact with the container 10 and pulls it off from the second holding means 4 at least in part.
Therefore, this movement means 16 is preferably arranged movably, and is preferably coupled to a movement of the first holding means 2 at least at times. It would also be conceivable for the movement of the movement means only to be coupled to the movement of the first holding means 2 during a rearward movement. Preferably, the movement means 16 is positioned on the second holding means 4 or on the outer periphery thereof. However, it would also be conceivable to provide a separate drive for moving the movement means. It would also be conceivable for the movement means to be movable manually. The movement means could also be in the form of a ring which is displaceable with respect to the second holding means.
In the embodiment shown in
Reference numeral 90 schematically denotes a readout means for reading out an identification element arranged on the container, which may for example be an RFID chip. However, depending on the position in which this identification element is arranged on the container, the readout means may also be located in a different region of the device 1.
If it is desired to discharged liquid, the user activates the drive means, compressing the container and increasing the internal pressure in the container 10. As a result of this increased internal pressure, the pressure in the flexible line portion 72 also increases, the cross-sectional constriction element can open and liquid escapes. As a result, in turn, the internal pressure in the container 10 falls, and as a result of the reduced internal pressure, the cross-sectional constriction element can close the line portion 72 again.
It is advantageous for the spring force acting on the cross-sectional constriction element to be adjustable, so as to adjust the pressure starting from which liquid is emitted.
In addition, or as a further safety means, the motor 33 may also comprise a torque-dependent cut-out means, so as to prevent the container 10 from cracking even if faults occur in the control means 20.
If desired, this cross-sectional constriction element 74 may also be configured so as to be slightly movable by the user, so as to allow liquid to escape via the outlet 54 (by increasing the cross-section of the line portion 72) (even at a relatively low internal pressure in the container).
In this context, reference numeral 42 in turn denotes the piercing body or the piercing means which can pierce the container closure 30. This piercing body is advantageously in the form of a tube through which a liquid can flow.
In this context, the container is thus pressed out from the shoulder by a movement of the holding means 2, it particularly preferably being ensured that there is no product, but merely air or a gas, located in the region of the fold 10e.
However, as a result of the holding means 4 or the stamp, the opening and also the inner part of the container shoulder remain upright. It can be seen that the holding means 4 receives not only the opening, but also a start region of the shoulder of the container. Accordingly, the holding means is adapted to the region 4a of the shoulder shape of the container 10, and after being pressed in the holding means or the stamp is formed in a mirrored shape in such a way that the unwound part of the container shoulder corresponds to the unwound part of the stamp shoulder 4a. It would also be possible for the stamp shoulder to change the shoulder of the (during the compression thereof) in favour of better emptying, or else in favour of better mounting. In other words, in an embodiment of this type, the shape of the stamp shoulder deforms the shape of the container shoulder rather than being adapted thereto.
Further, it would be possible for the unwound stamp shoulder to be shortened somewhat, making it easier to pull the outer diameter inwards.
As stated above, the stamp (in other words the holding means 4) and the support shell (the first holding means 2) move with respect to one another.
Preferably, as stated above, the first holding means 2 is moved and pressed against the stationary holding means 4. This has the advantage that the discharging means 40 and also potentially the spigot can be arranged stationary.
In this embodiment, the container base 10a is advantageously curled into the container, so as also to have the rim upwards, in such a way that a puddle of product is not produced inside the rim. In this variant, very extensive emptying of the residual product can be achieved. However, there is the drawback that the container can continue to drip after the discharging from the container 10.
Depending on the configuration of the base of the container, the feet thereof can be pressed in to a greater or lesser degree. The limiting factor is the thick-walled portion in the centre of the base. As a result of the deformation, the shoulder of the container is positioned against (or directly in front of) the base which is deformed in this manner, and this results in a type of annular channel in the centre of the base, where the residual liquid flows towards the centre when the container is unloaded. In this case it is advantageous for the piercing means 42 to project as far as the base of the container.
Further, in this way it is possible to reduce the residual volume in the container even further. Further, the liquid can be expelled even further using a casing in the container head space.
When the container 10 is curled in far enough for the deflected container wall to be positioned at the end of the holding means 4 or on the flange 48, one wave or fold after another normally lines up starting from this flange 48. However, it is also unproblematic if the container wall is compressed amorphously.
Aside from the use of RFID chips, other identification elements could also be used, such as in particular bar codes or QR codes. These could for example also be pressed onto a wall of the container.
The Applicant reserves the right to claim all of the features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention wherever they are novel over the prior art individually or in combination.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2012 101 507 | Feb 2012 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2013/053725 | 2/25/2013 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013/124485 | 8/29/2013 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2 323 762 | Nov 1974 | DE |
| 200 01 409 | Apr 2000 | DE |
| 102 34 412 | Feb 2004 | DE |
| 10 2007 054 431 | May 2009 | DE |
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| Entry |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150053716 A1 | Feb 2015 | US |
