CLOSURE DEVICE AND LIQUID CONTAINER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure device (10) for closing a liquid pouch, comprising: a base body (12) formed as a one-piece element, comprising a flat flange edge (14) for connecting the base body to the liquid pouch, and a portal structure (16) with a main section (18), a first valve section (20) and a second valve section (22), wherein the first valve section comprises a first opening (24) that is accessible from the outside and that is designed for inserting and withdrawing a fluid, and the second valve section comprises a second opening (26) that is accessible from the outside and that is designed for inserting and withdrawing a fluid; a first valve element (28) that is arranged within the first valve section for reversibly closing the first opening, and a second valve element (44) that is arranged within the second valve section for reversibly closing the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged parallel to the flange edge. The invention further relates to a liquid container comprising a liquid pouch and a closure device (10).

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A closure device for closing a liquid pouch, comprising: a base body formed as a one-piece element, comprising a flat flange edge for connecting the base body to the liquid pouch, and a portal structure with a main section, a first valve section and a second valve section, wherein the first valve section comprises a first opening that is accessible from the outside and that is designed for inserting and withdrawing a fluid, and the second valve section comprises a second opening that is accessible from the outside and that is designed for inserting and withdrawing a fluid; a first valve element that is arranged within the first valve section for reversibly closing the first opening, and a second valve element that is arranged within the second valve section for reversibly closing the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged parallel to the flange edge.

17. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein the first valve element comprises a tappet, which is mounted movably perpendicular to the flange edge, and a spring; the spring exerts a closing force on the tappet, by which a closing section of the tappet is pushed against a first closing edge within the first valve section for closing the first opening; the spring is compressible by an external application of force on the tappet, by which the tappet can be released from the first closing edge for opening the first opening; and preferably the spring is designed as a coil spring and/or the closing edge is arranged parallel to the flange edge.

18. The closure device according to claim 17, wherein the tappet comprises a guide pin in its closing section for guiding the tappet when the external force is applied, which guide pin is accessible from the outside of the first valve section through the first opening; and the guide pin preferably has a cylindrical form and/or does not project above a side of the first valve section facing away from the flange edge.

19. The closure device according to claim 17, comprising a guide element that is arranged within the first valve section and that is designed for guiding a movement of the tappet, wherein the guide element is preferably designed to support the spring during exertion of the closing force and/or abuts on three points on an inner side of the first valve section.

20. The closure device according to claim 17, comprising a sealing element that is arranged within the first valve section between the closing section of the tappet and the first closing edge and that is designed for closing the first opening, wherein the sealing element is preferably designed as a sealing washer.

21. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein the second valve element is formed in one piece from elastic plastic material and comprises a spring section, which exerts a closing force on a plane end section of the second valve element, by which force the end section is pressed against a second closing edge within the second valve section for closing the second opening; the spring section is compressible by an external application of force on the second valve element, by which force the end section can be released from the second closing edge for opening the second opening; and the spring section preferably comprises a plurality of elastic struts which are inclined against a direction perpendicular to the flange edge.

22. The closure device according to claim 21, comprising a mounting strap that is designed for removable coupling to protrusions in an area of the second valve section facing the flange edge to secure the second valve element within the second valve section.

23. The closure device according to any claim 16, wherein the main section is designed cylindrically; in its circumference comprises a gripping element for retaining the closure device in a desired orientation; comprises a circumferential protrusion that is oriented parallel to the flange edge on a side facing away from the flange edge; and/or comprises a circumferential web at the connection to the flange edge.

24. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein the first valve section is designed cylindrically; projects above the main section perpendicular to the flange edge; and/or at an outer side, comprises a circumferential recess and an adjacent circumferential protrusion for coupling the first valve section with a filling and/or withdrawal device, wherein the circumferential recess and the circumferential protrusion preferably have a frustoconical cross-section.

25. The closure device according to claim 16, comprising a circumferential receptacle at an outer side of the first valve section for receiving a sealing washer.

26. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein the second valve section is arranged within the main section.

27. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein the flange edge is designed annularly.

28. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein the base body is designed as an injection-molded piece.

29. A liquid container comprising a liquid pouch and a closure device according to claim 16.

30. The liquid container according to claim 29, wherein the flange edge of the closure device is welded to the liquid pouch.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is described and explained in more detail by means of a number of selected exemplary embodiments in connection with the enclosed Figures hereinafter. In the Figures:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a closure device according to the invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the closure device according to the invention;

[0030] FIG. 3a shows a side view of the closure device;

[0031] FIG. 3b shows a sectional view from the side of the closure device;

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view in a plane parallel to the flange edge;

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view; and

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the first valve element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a closure device 10 according to the invention in a perspective view. The closure device 10 serves to close a liquid pouch and forms a liquid container together with the liquid pouch. Such liquid containers are for example used in bag-in-box systems or for storing and/or transporting syrup formulations for beverage machines. The closure device 10 according to the invention is particularly suitable for liquid pouches which are to be filled with carbonated fluids. Carbonated liquids such as beer etc. exert a comparatively high force on the liquid pouch as well as on the closure device, as a pressure of 10 bar or more can arise within the liquid pouch. This is particularly true if the liquid pouch is exposed to direct sunshine or its contents start foaming because of vibrations. Moreover, counterpressure filling has to be possible.

[0036] The closure device 10 according to the invention is welded to the liquid pouch. For that purpose, a base body 12 of the closure device 10 comprises a flange edge 14. The flange edge 14 is plane and flat and is attached (welded) to the liquid pouch. Welding to the liquid pouch is carried out before the pouch is filled.

[0037] The base body 12 is designed as a one-piece injection-molded element. The base body 12 further comprises a portal structure 16, which in turn is formed by a main section 18, a first valve section 20 as well as a second valve section 22. The first valve section 20 comprises a first opening 24 that is accessible from the outside, the second valve section 22 comprises a second opening 26 that is accessible from the outside. The first opening 24 and the second opening 26 are positioned parallel to the flat flange edge 14. The orientation of the first opening 24 and the second opening 26 parallel to the flange edge 14 ensures accessibility in a filling and/or withdrawal device.

[0038] When counterpressure filling the liquid pouch, the pouch is first filled with a gas that is usually brought in through the first opening 24. The liquid pouch that is now under pressure is then filled with liquid, while at the same time the gas is released. Due to the larger cross-section, the liquid is in most cases filled in through the second opening 26. Since the pressure inside the liquid pouch is kept constant, carbonated liquid can be filled in.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top view of the closure device 10. The flange edge 14 is essentially designed annularly. The first opening 24 and the second opening 26 are located on a middle axis M of the closure device 10 on both sides of a width axis B. The portal structure 16 is also essentially cylindrical in shape and in the illustrated view is arranged concentrically with respect to the flange edge 14.

[0040] FIG. 3a illustrates a schematic side view, wherein a sectional plane A is drawn in that runs through a height axis H. FIG. 3b shows the corresponding sectional view.

[0041] The first valve section 20 is essentially designed cylindrically and projects above the main section 18 perpendicular to the flange edge 14. The second valve section 22 is arranged within the main section 18.

[0042] A first valve element 28 is arranged within the first valve section 20, which valve element, in the exemplary embodiment shown, comprises a movably mounted tappet 30 as well as a spring 32. The spring 32 exerts a closing force on the tappet 30. In the illustrated view, the tappet 30 is pushed up by the spring 32, wherein a closing section 34 of the tappet 30 is pushed against a first closing edge 36 within the first valve section 20. The first closing edge 36 corresponds to an annular protrusion in a radial direction. The closing section 34 is essentially designed circularly, wherein the circle has a larger cross-section than the inner circle of the first closing edge 36. For opening the first opening 24, a pressure can be exerted on the tappet 30 from outside (above) so that the closing section 34 is released from the closing edge. This allows for a fluid flow through the first valve section 20. Since an inner cross-section of the first valve section 20 is larger than a cross-section of the tappet 30 in the area of its closing section 34, a fluid can flow past the tappet into or out of the liquid pouch. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the tappet 30 further comprises a guide pin 38 that is accessible from the outside and serves to guide the tappet 30 when the external force is applied. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the guide pin 38 of the tappet 30 has a cylindrical form and does not project above the first valve section 20 on a side facing away from the flange edge 14. The guide pin 38 can be gripped, as it were, in a filling and/or withdrawal device to open and close the first valve element 28. The cylindrical form of the guide pin 38 allows for an easy alignment. The guiding done by the guide pin 38 prevents the tappet from getting caught within the first valve section 20 when the first opening 24 is closed, which would make it impossible to close the first opening 24.

[0043] The counterpressure on the spring 32, which is preferably designed as a coil spring, is exerted by a guide element 40 on which the spring 32 is mounted. The tappet 30 is guided by the guide element 40.

[0044] For a better closing of the first opening, a sealing element 42 can be provided between the first closing edge 36 and the closing section 34 of the tappet 30, which is designed as a sealing washer in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The sealing washer serves to prevent fluid from ingressing or leaking when the first valve element 28 is in a closed position. Use of the sealing washer results in an improved long-term leak tightness.

[0045] A second valve element 44, which serves to reversibly close the second opening 26, is arranged within the second valve section 22. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second valve element 44 is formed in one piece from elastic plastic material. It comprises a spring section 46, which exerts a closing force on a plane end section 48 of the second valve element 44, by which force the end section 48 is pressed against a second closing edge 50 within the second valve section 22. The end section 48 is essentially plane and circular in its design, wherein the cross-section of the end section 48 is larger than the cross-section of the inner circle of the circular ring formed by the second closing edge 50. For exerting the spring force, the spring section 46 comprises a plurality of elastic struts 52 that can be compressed under pressure. When the end section 48 of the second valve element 44 is released from the second closing edge 50, fluid can flow through the second opening 26. For example, a liquid can be filled in.

[0046] A detachable mounting strap 54 is provided for securing the second valve element 44 within the second valve section 22. The mounting strap can be secured at mounting protrusions 56 in an area of the second valve section 22 that faces the flange edge 14. Thus, the second valve element 44 can be secured within the second valve section 22. When the closure device 10 according to the invention is assembled, the second valve element 44 can therefore be inserted from below into the second valve section 22 in the illustration shown. The mounting strap 54 is then coupled to the mounting protrusions 56 to absorb the counterforce for exerting the closing force between end section 48 and second closing edge 50. The mounting strap 54 is preferably also designed as an injection-molded piece.

[0047] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates another sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the height axis H or parallel to the width axis B and the middle axis M in the area of the guide element 40. The sectional plane E is drawn in in FIG. 3a. As illustrated, the guide element 40 is supported at three points on an inside of the first valve section 20 for guiding the movement of the tappet 30 and for supporting the spring 32.

[0048] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another side view of the closure device 10 according to the invention. On its outer side, the first valve section 20 has a circumferential recess 58 as well as an adjacent circumferential protrusion 60 for coupling with a corresponding nozzle of a filling and/or withdrawal device. Both the circumferential recess 58 and the circumferential protrusion 60 have a frustoconical cross-section. It is possible to grip the closure device 10 in the area of the first valve section 20 at the circumferential recess and/or at the circumferential protrusion 60 in order to carry out a filling and/or withdrawal process, even under pressure. In addition, the closure device 10 comprises a circumferential receptacle 62 that essentially has a rectangular cross-section. The receptacle 62 serves to receive a sealing ring to achieve sealing during the filling and/or withdrawal process.

[0049] To secure the entire closure device 10 during the filling and/or withdrawal process, the main section 18, which is essentially designed cylindrically, in its circumference comprises a gripping element 64 for fixing the closure device 10 in a predefined orientation in respect of a rotation.

[0050] Moreover, the main section 18 is limited on its side facing away from the flange edge 14 by a protrusion 66 that is oriented parallel to the flange edge 14. This protrusion also serves to reliably secure the closure device 10 in a filling and/or withdrawal device. The protrusion 66 makes it possible to grip the closure device 10.

[0051] In the area of the connection to the flange edge 14, the main section 18 further comprises a circumferential web 68 that serves to increase the stability of the connection between main section 18 and flange edge 14. This also results in an easier coupling to the liquid pouch.

[0052] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the first valve element 28 with the tappet 30 and the spring 32 as well as of the guide element 40. The closing section 34 of the tappet 30 is essentially designed circularly. The spring 32 rests on the guide element 40 and the tappet 30 is guided by the guide element 40.

[0053] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained by means of the Figures and the description. The description and explanations are to be regarded as examples and not as limiting the scope. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For the person skilled in the art, other embodiments or variants follow from the use of the present invention as well as from a thorough analysis of the drawings, the description and the following patent claims.

[0054] In the patent claims, the words comprise and having do not exclude the presence of further elements or steps. The indefinite article a or an does not exclude the presence of a plural. A single element or a single unit may execute the functions of several of the units named in the patent claims. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent patent claims is not to be understood to the effect that a combination of these measures cannot also be used advantageously. Reference numerals in the patent claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0055] 10 closure device [0056] 12 base body [0057] 14 flange edge [0058] 16 portal structure [0059] 18 main section [0060] 20 first valve section [0061] 22 second valve section [0062] 24 first opening [0063] 26 second opening [0064] 28 first valve element [0065] 30 tappet [0066] 32 spring [0067] 34 closing section [0068] 36 first closing edge [0069] 38 guide pin [0070] 40 guide element [0071] 42 sealing element [0072] 44 second valve element [0073] 46 spring section [0074] 48 end section [0075] 50 second closing edge [0076] 52 strut [0077] 54 mounting strap [0078] 56 mounting protrusion [0079] 58 circumferential recess [0080] 60 circumferential protrusion [0081] 62 circumferential receptacle [0082] 64 gripping element [0083] 66 protrusion [0084] 68 web