DEVICE FOR FILLING TANKS WITH INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for filling tanks from a canister with a first adapter device which is suitable for at least intermittent fastening to the canister and which has a delivery device by which a flowable medium can be conveyed out of the canister into the tank, wherein the device has a flushing agent connection in order to deliver a cleaning liquid to at least one component of the device. The device has a further receiving container to temporarily receive the flowable medium to be introduced into the tank, and the device has a measuring device which is suitable and intended to determine the amount of liquid to be introduced into the tank.

Claims

1. A device for filling tanks from a canister with a first adapter device which is configured for intermittent fastening to the canister and which has a delivery device by which a flowable medium can be conveyed out of the canister into the tank, wherein the device has a flushing agent connection configured to deliver a cleaning liquid to at least one component of the device, wherein the device has a further receiving container configured to temporarily receive the flowable medium to be introduced into the tank.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a cleaning device for cleaning this receiving container.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device has at least one flushing agent channel configured to enable which enables cleaning liquid to be conveyed from the flushing agent connection to the receiving container.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device has at least one outlet element which is oriented in such a way that cleaning liquid exiting from the at least one outlet element reaches an inner wall of the receiving container, wherein the at least one outlet element is arranged such that cleaning liquid exiting therefrom produces a vortex inside the receiving container.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning device has at least one second outlet element which is oriented such that cleaning liquid exiting from the second outlet element reaches the inner wall of the receiving container, wherein preferably at least one outlet element protrudes into the receiving container.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flushing agent channel is constructed at least in part as an annular channel.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet element is connected to the flushing agent connection by a connecting conduit, wherein the connecting conduit is branched off from a flushing conduit.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet element has a predetermined flow cross-section which is chosen such that at least during a cleaning operation more liquid flows into the receiving container than cleaning liquid flowing off.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting conduit extends at least in part through a fastening flange which serves for fastening the delivery device to the receiving container, wherein the connecting conduit extends in a straight line and in a vertical direction through the fastening flange.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a measuring device for determining the amount of liquid to be introduced into the tank, wherein the further receiving container is constructed as a measuring device for determining the amount of liquid to be introduced into the tank, or has such a measuring device.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the device has a display device by which at least one spatial position of at least one component of the device can be detected and read off.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the display device is configured to enable detection of a spatial position of the further receiving container, wherein the display device enables the detection of the spatial position with respect to at least two axes which are perpendicular with respect to one another.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the display device has a cavity filled with a liquid.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has an air supply and/or venting arrangement configured for delivering air to and/or venting air from the receiving container.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the air supply and/or venting arrangement has a valve device configured to control an air flow between the receiving container and the environment, wherein this valve device is constructed as a non-return valve.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation device and/or a valve device of the air supply and/or venting arrangement is arranged laterally on a support of the device.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the air supply and/or venting arrangement has an air channel which extends at least in part in a straight line.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a discharge device configured to discharge excess medium.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge device has a first valve device which is configured to effect discharge of a liquid medium from the device by opening, wherein the first valve device is constructed as a non-return valve, and wherein a valve position of the first valve device can be changed by a positive pressure produced in the receiving container and/or the canister.

20. The device according to claim 18, wherein the discharge device has a second valve device.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving container is arranged downstream with respect to the delivery device in a flow direction of the liquid to be introduced into the tank.

22. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a valve device which adjoins the receiving container.

Description

[0099] In the drawings:

[0100] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a device according to the prior art;

[0101] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a device according to the invention,

[0102] FIG. 3 shows a further representation of a device according to the invention;

[0103] FIGS. 4a, 4b show two perspective representations of a device according to the invention;

[0104] FIG. 5 shows a sectional representation of a device according to the invention;

[0105] FIG. 5a shows a representation of the device with receiving container and subsequent valve;

[0106] FIG. 6a shows a detail of the device shown in FIG. 5 without the further receiving container;

[0107] FIG. 6b shows a representation from below of the device shown in FIG. 6;

[0108] FIG. 7a shows the device shown in FIG. 6 from a further perspective;

[0109] FIG. 7b shows a representation obliquely from below of the device shown in FIG. 6;

[0110] FIGS. 8a, 8b show two representations of the device illustrated in FIG. 6a from a further perspective;

[0111] FIGS. 9a, 9b show two perspective representations of the device shown in FIG. 6 without the receiving container;

[0112] FIG. 10 shows a plan view from below of the device without the receiving container;

[0113] FIG. 11 shows a plan view from above of the device without a receiving container;

[0114] FIG. 12 shows a further overall representation of the device according to the invention;

[0115] FIG. 13 shows a further representation of the device according to the invention;

[0116] FIG. 14 shows a plan view from above of the device according to the invention;

[0117] FIG. 15 shows a view from below of an upper flange of the device;

[0118] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the device according to the invention;

[0119] FIG. 17 shows a sectional representation of the device according to the invention;

[0120] FIG. 18 shows a representation of the device with a holding device;

[0121] FIG. 19 shows a view from below of the region above the receiving container;

[0122] FIG. 20 shows a further side view of the device according to the invention;

[0123] FIG. 21 shows a sectional representation of the device according to the invention;

[0124] FIG. 1 shows a device 100 for contamination-free filling of a tank 1 from a canister 10 before the coupling of the canister to the tank. The device has a tank adapter 6 with a tank fastening flange 36 for fastening to the tank 1 and a first coupling part 62 as well as a canister adapter 2 with a canister fastening flange 23 for fastening to the canister 10 and a second coupling part 4. The canister fastening flange 23 is configured here as a union nut which interacts with an external thread of an opening of the canister 10. Two V pulleys which are rotatable counter to one another are preferably provided for fastening of the tank adapter 6 to the tank 1.

[0125] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a device according to the invention without the tank. In this case in particular a flushing agent connection 21 can also be seen. This has an external thread 26 in order for example to connect a flushing agent hose. The reference numeral 50 designates a ventilation apparatus as a whole in particular for ventilating the receiving container 8. The reference numeral 82 designates a fastening flange, by which the receiving container 8 can be screwed onto the device by means of fastening screws 84. The reference numeral 32 designates a grip element, by which the connection between the coupling parts 4 and 6 can be produced or interrupted. The reference 20 designates the cleaning device as a whole.

[0126] FIG. 3 shows a further representation of the device 1 according to the invention. It will be recognised that the receiving container 8 here has a scale 86. This can serve for determining the liquid located in the receiving container 8.

[0127] The reference numeral 88 designates a thread by which for example a further valve element can be connected below the receiving container. The quantity of liquid located in the receiving container 8 can be determined by means of this valve element.

[0128] FIGS. 4a and 4b show two perspective representations of a device according to the invention. It will be recognised that the receiving container 8 here has a funnel-shaped or conical lower portion 8a.

[0129] FIG. 5 shows a sectional representation of the device according to the invention. It will be recognised here that the canister fastening flange 23 itself is fastened to a pipe 25 and engages behind this. In addition, a circumferential sealing means such as an O ring can be provided, which produces a fluid-tight seal. The reference numerals 64 and 66 relate to a valve device which serves in particular for the flushing operation. The valve or the valve ball is pushed upwards by a flowing and flushing liquid upwards from the bottom and thus the flushing valve is opened. For this purpose for example a pressurised water conduit can be connected to the flushing agent connection 21 (cf. FIG. 4b) which serves for flushing the device.

[0130] The second coupling part 4 here has an octagonal external cross-section which is designed to be complementary to the first coupling part 41. When the two adapters are fitted together, the second coupling part 4 is inserted into the first coupling part 41. The actuating element 32 constructed here as a securing clip serves, by pulling in the direction of the arrow P towards the right, for fixing and securing the second coupling part in the first coupling part 41. In this case the actuating element 32 is approximately U-shaped, wherein the two arms are preferably bent inwards at right angles in front arm regions relative to the remaining arm regions.

[0131] For introduction of the canister adapter into the tank adapter, is located with its branch regions in the region of the first coupling part 41, so that the canister adapter can be introduced. Through pulling of the actuating element 32 in the direction of the arrow P, the branch regions of the actuating element are displaced into the region of the first coupling part and there they come into engagement there with grooves formed with a canister adapter. For release of the two adapters the actuating element is pushed into the tank adapter in the direction of the arrow P1, so that the arm regions release the canister adapter again. The reference numeral 403 designates a sealing element which is arranged above the said arm regions and in a coupled state enables sealing of the two coupling parts.

[0132] For the purpose of cleaning, a first shut-off element 312 constructed as a ball valve and the above-mentioned second shut-off element in the form of the ball valve 64 and 66 are formed in the flow path of the cleaning liquid in the region of the connecting channel 311. The first shut-off element is opened by means of an actuating pin 313 connected to the sliding sleeve 306 when the sliding sleeves 306 are shifted in their position. Due to the closed position of the first shut-off element 312 according to FIG. 5 exit of cleaning liquid is reliably avoided even if the cleaning liquid is present under pressure, since the pressure of the cleaning liquid presses the shut-off element 312 into its closed position. Moreover, the shut-off element is pressed by a spring element 314 into the closed position. In order that in one position of the shut-off element the flushing conduit in the closed position according to FIG. 5 remains pressureless, a small hole 316 is provided, through which any cleaning liquid 6 present can flow off into the tank.

[0133] With regard to the details of the cleaning operation and also the filling operation of tanks, reference is made to the above-mentioned WO 2014/005951 and in this case in particular to the description on page 5, 3rd paragraph, to page 7, 1st paragraph. In this respect the subject matter of this document is also incorporated into the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0134] The reference numerals 22 and 24 designate two cleaning elements in the form of cleaning nozzles which protrude into the receiving container 8 and which serve for cleaning of the receiving container 8. The cleaning liquid exiting from these cleaning elements 22 and 24 runs down, as illustrated by the solid line L, spirally on the inner wall of the receiving container.

[0135] FIG. 5a shows a further representation of the device illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein here too the valve device provided below the receiving container 8. The container can first of all be filled with a liquid to be measured by means of the valve device. After opening of the valve device the liquid thus measured can enter the tank (not shown) via the channel and along the arrow P3.

[0136] FIG. 6a shows a representation of a detail of the device shown in FIG. 5, wherein the flow pattern of a flushing agent is indicated by the two arrows P4. In this case in particular an annular channel portion 94 can be seen here which distributes the flushing liquid to the two cleaning elements 22 and 24.

[0137] FIG. 6b shows a view from below of the device shown in FIG. 6. In particular here the orientation of the two cleaning elements 22 and 24 can be seen, which are designed so that the flushing agent exits along the arrow P5 in a direction which is slightly oblique relative to the tangential direction of the receiving container 8.

[0138] FIG. 7a shows the complete flushing agent flow route when liquid is delivered by means of the flushing agent connection 26 and the channel 28.

[0139] In this case the liquid passes upwards along the arrow P6 and the valve 312, and on the other hand it is distributed to the two cleaning nozzles via an annular channel (along the dotted line). FIG. 7b shows in this view from below the flow of flushing agent exiting from the cleaning elements 22 and 24. The reference numeral 29 designates the branch channel which branches off from the channel 28. Thus the flushing agent connection 26 first of all opens into the channel 28 and the branch channel 29 branches off from this.

[0140] FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate ventilation of the receiving container (not shown). In this case the reference numeral 50 relates to the ventilation apparatus. This has a plurality of openings 56, through which air can be drawn in. The reference numeral 52 designates a valve body which is biased upwards by a spring 54, i.e. into a closed position of the valve. This means that, on the one hand, air cannot exit through the openings 56, since this is prevented by the valve body 52. On the other hand, the valve is also only opened at a specific negative pressure of the receiving container (not shown). As shown by the solid line P7, the air flow passes through the valve and ultimately reaches the receiving container (not shown). For this purpose the device can have a channel which extends horizontally here and through which air can flow.

[0141] FIG. 8b shows a further representation of the air flow direction. It will be recognised that a plurality of flows can occur here, so that the air flow can also enter a circumferential channel 94 (upper line) and from there can enter the receiving container (not shown) at a plurality of locations. A comparatively quick ventilation of the receiving container is possible due to this procedure.

[0142] FIGS. 9a, 9b show a further representation of the device, wherein here too in particular the flow path of the air for ventilation of the receiving container is again illustrated. It will be recognised that this flow path extends through a channel which is located in the circumferential flange on which the cleaning elements are also arranged. In this case it would also be possible that for ventilation the same to channel is used which is also used for ventilation of the cleaning elements 22 and 24.

[0143] FIG. 10 shows a plan view from below of the device according to the invention. Here too is again the flow path of the ventilation air illustrated here is again guided in the annular channel. The ventilation apparatus 50 can also be seen in this illustration.

[0144] FIG. 11 shows a plan view from below of the device according to the invention. Here too both the flushing agent connection and also the ventilation apparatus 50 can again be seen. It will be recognised that the ventilation apparatus 50 is offset by 90? with respect to the flushing agent channel. The grip element 32 is arranged opposite an angle bisector between the ventilation apparatus 50 and the flushing agent channel. In this way it can be ensured that, on the one hand, the actuation of the grip element is restricted as little as possible by the flushing agent channel and the ventilation apparatus, and also this apparatus cannot be inadvertently damaged. The reference numeral 122 designates a support and the reference numeral 124 designates a circumferential wall which simultaneously also forms the flow channel for the liquid to be introduced into the canister.

[0145] FIG. 12 shows a further representation of the device 1 according to the invention. In addition to the embodiments in the preceding drawings, a display device 70 can be seen, which during serves to ensure that the device is filled in a correctly positioned state and in particular in a vertical state of the receiving container. In this case the measuring device 86 or the scale will form realistic display values. In this case the reference numeral 72 relates to an air bubble which is arranged inside a cavity filled with liquid. In this way the display device 70 is a so-called bubble tube.

[0146] The reference numeral 138 designates a flange on which the tank adapter is ultimately arranged and the reference numeral 136 relates to a second flange which in particular also serves for installation of the receiving container 8. These two flanges 136 and 138 can be screwed to one another.

[0147] The reference numeral 126 designates a projection on which here two actuating elements 150 and 50 are arranged. The actuating element 150 forms a so-called overflow valve which serves for dispensing liquid in the event of overfilling of the receiving container 8. The more precise mode of operation is described below. The reference numeral 50 designates a suction valve or a ventilation valve which ensures the proper ventilation or venting of air from the receiving container 8.

[0148] FIG. 13 shows a further representation of the device according to the invention. Below the receiving container a fastening ring can be seen, by which overall the outlet 90 or also the valve device can be arranged. The reference numeral 122 designates a valve lever, by which an exhaust valve can be opened or closed. This valve can be for example a ball valve.

[0149] The reference numerals 134 designate fastening eyes, which in particular can serve for fastening the lower flange 134.

[0150] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the device according to the invention. This again shows the overflow valve 150 as well as the ventilation valve 50. Here too the bubble tube 70, which is arranged on the upper side of the flange 138, can again be seen.

[0151] FIG. 15 shows the view from below of the flange 138. A circumferential channel 162, which serves for supplying the outlet elements 22 and 24, can be seen here. In addition, the projection 126 can again also be seen, as well as a wide channel 152, through which a flow connection can be made for example between the annular channel 162 and the ventilation apparatus 50, but by means of which a liquid exchange with the overflow valve 150 is also possible. However, the overflow valve can also be actuated by air pressure, wherein here too the air is guided through this channel 152. The reference numeral 154 identifies supporting bars which support the said channel. Both the overflow valve and also the venting arrangement 50 can preferably be actuated by means of air pressure. The reference sign 135 designates a circumferential edge of the flange 138. It will be recognised that this has cavities and support elements and in this way is designed to be both lightweight and also very stable.

[0152] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the device according to the invention, in particular in the region of the flanges 136 and 138 and of the tank adapter. It will be recognised that the overflow device 150 opens into an outlet conduit 164. Excess liquid can be discharged via this outlet conduit.

[0153] This can be in particular liquid which can occur when the receiving container 8 is over-filled.

[0154] FIG. 17 shows a sectional representation of the device shown in FIG. 16. It will be recognised here that the overflow device 50 has a valve device. This valve device has a valve body 174 which is biased downwards by means of a pretensioning device 172 such as a spring and in this way closes the channel 168. If a raised air pressure occurs, this valve can be opened and excess liquid can be discharged via the channel 168. It will be recognised that this channel 164 extends through the two flanges 138 and 136.

[0155] The ventilation apparatus 50 has a valve body 182 which here is configured as a hollow ball, which in a normal state of the system is pressed downwards by the spring 188 and thus holds the valve in an open position. In this case, however, it is also possible that this open position is maintained under the effect of gravity. The reference sign 184 designates a valve seat. In this situation air can flow in and in this way prevents a canister from collapsing due to a negative pressure. In the event of overfilling of the receiving container, the ball floats on the liquid medium flowing in from below and thus closes relative to the seal seat 184. In this situation no more ventilation can take place and in this way also the medium cannot exit further. Additionally, however, it is possible with the aid of the push button 193 to prevent the replenishment of air. In this case negative pressure, which is necessary for suction, can be established. After decreasing this negative pressure in the entire system, for safety reasons the sensor device 193 opens automatically by spring loading, that is to say under the effect of the spring 188.

[0156] FIG. 18 shows a further representation of the device according to the invention, wherein here the device has a holding device 190 which serves for holding the device for example on a spraying unit. In this case this holding device 190 has a rear wall or a fastening surface 192, by means of which the holding device can be fastened to a unit. For the flexible arrangement this fastening portion 192 has a plurality of elongate holes, so that in particular fastening is also possible to differently configured securing elements.

[0157] The reference numeral 198 designates a further fastening portion which can be installed in particular in the region of an outlet of the device. The reference sign 196 designates a support plate of the holding device which here can be installed in particular below the flange 138.

[0158] FIG. 19 shows a view from below of the lower flange 136. Here too the two outlet elements 22 and 24 are again provided, from which the cleaning medium can exit along the arrow P5. As mentioned above, in this way a spiral cleaning of the receiving container (not shown) is possible. As mentioned above, the two outlet elements 22 and 24 are supplied starting from an annular channel and ultimately also starting from the cleaning connection 21.

[0159] FIG. 20 shows a further side view of the device according to the invention. In this view it is also illustrated by the arrow P6 how the cleaning liquid, starting from the cleaning connection 21, reaches the outlet element 22 and 24. For this purpose a conduit connection 112 is provided which also extends through the two flanges 134 and 138. In this case this conduit connection 112 in particular rectilinear or extends here in a vertical direction.

[0160] FIG. 21 shows a further more precise representation for illustration of the venting device 50 as well as the overflow device 150. It will be recognised that the overflow device 150 likewise has an actuating element 175 which is constructed as a push button. When this push button is pressed the valve body 174 can be pressed onto the conduit 168 and in this way the valve can be closed. Accordingly an actuation of the push button 168, which forms a constituent of the venting device, is possible. By actuation of this push button the venting device is opened, so that removal of air from/delivery of air to the system is possible.

[0161] The applicant reserves the right to claim all the features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention in so far as they are individually or in combination novel over the prior art. Furthermore it is pointed out that features which may be advantageous per se have also been described in the individual drawings. The person skilled in the art recognises immediately that a specific feature described in a drawing may also be advantageous without the incorporation of further features from this drawing. Furthermore the person skilled in the art recognises that advantages may also result from a combination of several features shown in individual drawings or in different drawings.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0162] L line [0163] P arrow [0164] P1 arrow [0165] P3 arrow [0166] P4 arrow [0167] P5 arrow [0168] P6 arrow [0169] 1 tank/device [0170] 2 canister adapter/second coupling part/adapter device [0171] 4 coupling part/delivery device [0172] 6 tank adapter/coupling part [0173] 8 receiving container [0174] 10 canister [0175] 12 receiving container [0176] 20 cleaning device [0177] 21 flushing agent connection/cleaning connection [0178] 22 cleaning nozzle/cleaning element/outlet element [0179] 23 canister fastening flange [0180] 24 cleaning nozzle/cleaning element/outlet element [0181] 25 pipe [0182] 26 flushing agent channel [0183] 29 branch conduit [0184] 32 gripping element/actuating element [0185] 36 tank fastening flange [0186] 41 first coupling part [0187] 50 ventilation apparatus/suction valve/ventilation valve [0188] 52 valve body [0189] 54 spring [0190] 56 openings [0191] 62 coupling part [0192] 64 valve device/ball valve [0193] 66 valve device/ball valve [0194] 70 display device/bubble tube [0195] 72 air bubble [0196] 82 fastening flange [0197] 84 fastening screw [0198] 86 scale [0199] 88 thread [0200] 90 valve device/outlet [0201] 92 conduit [0202] 100 device [0203] 112 conduit connection [0204] 122 valve lever [0205] 126 projection [0206] 134 fastening eyes [0207] 134 lower flange [0208] 135 circumferential edge of the flange [0209] 136 second flange [0210] 138 first flange [0211] 150 actuating element: overflow valve [0212] 152 wide channel [0213] 154 supporting bars [0214] 162 circumferential channel [0215] 164 outlet conduit [0216] 164 channel [0217] 168 channel, conduit [0218] 168 button [0219] 172 pretensioning device [0220] 174 valve body [0221] 174 seal seat [0222] 175 actuating element [0223] 182 valve body [0224] 184 valve seat [0225] 188 spring [0226] 190 holding device [0227] 192 fastening portion [0228] 193 button [0229] 196 support plate of the holding device [0230] 198 fastening portion [0231] 306 sliding sleeve [0232] 311 connecting channel [0233] 312 shut-off element/valve [0234] 314 spring element [0235] 316 small hole [0236] 403 sealing element