LIFTING SYSTEM FOR METERING A FLUID FROM A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER FOR A FLUID

Abstract

Presented and described herein is a stroke system (1) for dosing a fluid from a container (3), comprising a piston pump (5) with a piston (7), so that a fluid can be dosed from a container (3) by displacement of the piston (7), and a temperature control device (29) for controlling the temperature of the fluid to be dosed by means of the stroke system (1).

Claims

1. Stroke system (1) for dosing a fluid from a container (3), comprising a piston pump (5) with a piston (7), so that a fluid can be dosed from a container (3) by displacement of the piston (7), and a temperature control device (29) for controlling the temperature of the fluid dosed by means of the stroke system (1).

2. Stroke system (1) according to claim 1, comprising a container (3) for a fluid comprising a housing (31), wherein the stroke system (1) is connected or can be connected to the container (3), wherein, preferably, the stroke system (1) is connected or can be connected to a first opening (17) on the container (3).

3. Stroke system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the temperature control device (29) comprises a heating device (51), in particular a heating plate (51), wherein the heating device (51) is arranged at least partially in contact with the container (3), wherein, preferably, the heating device (51) at least partially adjoins or rests against the housing (31) of the container (3).

4. Stroke system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the housing (31) of the container (3) comprises a flexible material or is formed from a flexible material, wherein, preferably, the housing (31) of the container (3) comprises an aluminium composite foil or is formed from an aluminium composite foil.

5. Stroke system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the housing (31) of the container (3) comprises a dimensionally stable material or is formed from a dimensionally stable material.

6. Stroke system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the temperature control device (29) comprises a fixing element, wherein the temperature control device (29) can be fixed or connected to the container by means of the fixing element, wherein, preferably, the fixing element comprises at least one magnet.

7. Stroke system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device (29) can be controlled or regulated, wherein the temperature control device (29) is arranged in a plane that extends essentially transverse to the direction of gravity (15), wherein the stroke system (1) comprises at least one sensor (13).

8-9. (canceled)

10. Stroke system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the piston pump (5) comprises a turntable (9), and wherein, preferably, the turntable (9) is designed as an eccentric or is mounted eccentrically, and/or wherein, preferably, the turntable (9) is connected or can be connected to the motor (11), wherein the turntable (9) is arranged above the piston (7) in the direction of gravity (15).

11-12. (canceled)

13. Container (3) for a fluid comprising: a housing (31) with an interior space for holding fluid, and an first opening (17) with fluid connection to the interior space, wherein the container (3) is connected or can be connected to a stroke system (1), the stroke system (1) comprising a piston pump (5) with a piston (7) so that a fluid can be dosed from the container (3) by displacement of the piston (7), and a temperature control device (29) for controlling the temperature of the fluid dosed by the stroke system (1), and wherein the container (3) is designed so that the container (3) can be coupled to the temperature control (29) of the stroke system (1).

14. Container (3) according to claim 13, wherein the stroke system (1) is connected or can be connected to the first opening (17) of the container (3).

15. Container (3) according to claim 13, wherein the housing (31) of the container (3) has a contact surface (55) which is designed such that the container (3) is at least partially in contact with the temperature control device (29) of the stroke system (1), wherein, preferably, the temperature control device (29) at least partially adjoins or rests against the contact surface (55), wherein, preferably, the temperature control device (29) comprises a heating device (51), in particular a heating plate (51).

16. Container (3) according to claim 13, wherein the container (3) is configured such that the temperature control device (29) can be fixed or connected to the container (3) by means of a fixing element, wherein, preferably, the fixing element is a magnet.

17. Container (3) according to claim 13, wherein the housing (31) of the container (3) comprises a flexible material or is formed from a flexible material, wherein, preferably, the housing (31) of the container (3) comprises an aluminium composite foil or is formed from an aluminium composite foil.

18. Container (3) according to claim 13, wherein the housing (31) of the container (3) comprises a dimensionally stable material or is formed from a dimensionally stable material, and/or wherein the container (3) comprises a second opening, wherein, preferably, the container (3) comprises a lid for covering the second opening.

19. (canceled)

20. Container according to claim 13, wherein the temperature control means (29) is arranged in a plane extending essentially transverse to the direction of gravity (15), and wherein the container (3) at least partially rests against the temperature control device (29), and/or the stroke system (1) comprising furthermore at least one sensor (13) for determining or detecting the level of the fluid on the interior of the container (3).

21. (canceled)

22. Container (3′) according to claim 13, wherein the container (3′) is connected or can be connected to at least one further stroke system (1′), wherein, preferably, the at least one further stroke system (1′) comprises at least one sensor for determining or detecting the filling level of the fluid on the interior of the container (3′).

23. (canceled)

24. Container (3′) according to claim 22, wherein each of the stroke systems (1, 1′) comprises an outlet (59) having an outlet opening (61) through which the fluid can exit from the interior of the container (3′), wherein the outlet (59) of at least one of the stroke systems (1, 1′) has a cross-section transverse to its longitudinal outlet axis (63) which tapers towards the outlet opening (61).

25. Container (3, 3′) according to claim 13, wherein the container (3, 3′) is deliverable pre-filled with a fluid and/or wherein the container (3, 3′) is designed as a disposable article.

26. Stroke system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stroke system (1) is connected or can be connected to an analysis system, whereby the dosing of the fluid from the container (3) takes place in dependence on data determined or transmitted by the analysis system.

27. Stroke system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the piston pump (5) and the piston (7) are designed to dose a predefined amount of the fluid from the container (3) by the displacement of the piston (7).

Description

[0103] The present invention is explained below with reference only to preferred embodiment drawings, wherein

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a stroke system for dosing a fluid,

[0105] FIG. 2 shows a schematic drawing of a stroke system connected to a container,

[0106] FIG. 3A shows a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a container with a stroke system,

[0107] FIG. 3A view of the container with a stroke system shown in FIG. 3A from below,

[0108] FIG. 3C shows a perspective side view of the stroke system connected to the container of FIG. 3A,

[0109] FIG. 4A shows a perspective side view of a container with a stroke system and a temperature control,

[0110] FIG. 4A top view of the container shown in FIG. 4A with a stroke system and a temperature control,

[0111] FIG. 4C shows a side view of the container shown in FIG. 4A with a stroke system and a temperature control, and

[0112] FIG. 5 shows a sectional drawing of a second embodiment of a container with a first stroke system and a second stroke system.

[0113] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a stroke system 1 for dosing a fluid from a container 3 is explained.

[0114] FIG. 1 shows a stroke system for 1 dosing a fluid from a container 3 (not shown in FIG. 1). The stroke system comprises 1 a piston pump 5 with a piston 7 and a turntable 9, wherein the piston 7 can be deflected by means of the turntable 9 so that a fluid can be dosed from the container 3 (not shown in FIG. 1) by this deflection of the piston 7.

[0115] The stroke system 1 further comprises a motor 11, wherein the turntable 9 is connected or can be connected to the motor 11. The motor 11 is used to drive the turntable 9, so that pressure can be exerted on the piston 7 by means of the turntable 9. The turntable 9 is connected or can be connected to the piston pump 5 by means of a fastening element 12, for example a lever or a lever arm. The piston 7 can thus be deflected or moved by the turntable 9, and through this deflection or movement the fluid can be pumped from the container 3 and dosed correctly. The piston pump 5 and the turntable 9 can be replaceable or disposable.

[0116] The stroke system 1 further comprises a sensor 13, by means of which the level of the fluid in the container can be determined. 3

[0117] FIG. 2 shows a schematic drawing of the stroke system 1 connected to the container 3. The stroke system 1 is arranged below the container 3 in the direction of gravity 15. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the stroke system 1 is connected to an first opening 17 on the container 3. The first opening 17 corresponds to the outlet opening of the container 3 to which the stroke system 1 is connected, for example glued or welded. For this purpose, the stroke system may comprise a pipeline or hose 19 which projects into the first opening 17 and through which the fluid inside the container 3 may be pumped out. The tubing or hose 19 may be replaceable or disposable.

[0118] The stroke system 1 is connected or can be can be connected to a container or beaker 21, for example via a pipe or hose system 23. The container or beaker 21 can be, for example, a baby bottle or a coffee filter funnel or a preparation device in an apparatus for preparing a mixture of substances, in particular a medium or a buffer, into which the fluid dosed by means of the stroke system 1 is filled via the pipe or hose system 23. Thus, the fluid dosed by means of the stroke system 1 can be filled into the container or beaker 21. It should be noted that the pipe or hose system 23 is optional. It is also conceivable that the fluid is filled into the container or beaker 21 gravimetrically. The container or beaker 21 is arranged in the direction of gravity 15 below the stroke system 1 connected to the container or fluid container 3. Thereby, the stroke system 1 is arranged or positioned between the container or beaker 21 and the container or fluid container 3 in the direction of gravity 15. Thus, the fluid can be easily guided from the container 3 in the direction of the stroke system 1 by gravity and pumped from the container 3 into the container or beaker 21. The stroke system 1 has a piston pump 5 with a piston 7 (not shown in FIG. 2) and a turntable 9, which is designed as an eccentric. The eccentric is mounted on a shaft whose center lies outside the shaft axis (not shown in FIG. 2). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the piston 7 is arranged above the eccentric and its shaft axis in the direction of gravity 15. The eccentric is connected to the motor 11. In this way, a rotational movement of the 25 cam can be converted into a translational movement of the 27 piston 7 or into the piston stroke in an advantageous manner.

[0119] FIGS. 3A to 3C show a first embodiment of a container 3 connected 1 to the previously described stroke system. FIGS. 4A to 4C show the container 3 from FIGS. 3A to 3C connected to a temperature control device 29.

[0120] The container 3 comprises a flexible material and is formed from an aluminium composite foil. However, it is also conceivable that the container 3 comprises a dimensionally stable material or is formed from a dimensionally stable material. The container 3 may be made of a bioplastic or bioplastic or a bio-based plastic. The container 3 includes a housing 31 with an interior space for holding fluid, wherein the first opening 17 is in fluid communication with the interior of the container 3. The container 3 may be supplied pre-filled with a fluid by the manufacturer. The container 3 may also be designed such that the consumer cannot open the container 3, or such that the consumer cannot remove the stroke system 1. The container 3 extends along a longitudinal container axis 33 between a first end 35 and a second end 37, wherein as viewed in the direction of gravity 15, the first end 35 corresponds to a lower end 35 and the second end 37 corresponds to an upper end 37. Adjoining or adjacent to the lower end 35, the container 3 has a lower area 39. Adjoining or adjacent to the upper end 37, the container 3 has an upper area 41.

[0121] The first opening 17 is arranged at the lower end 35 of the container 3, with the longitudinal container axis 33 extending through the first opening 17. The lower area 39 of the container, as viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis 33 of the container, has a cross-section whose cross-sectional area decreases towards the lower end 35. That is, the cross-section tapers or tapers towards the lower end. The container 3 has a first side edge 43 and a second side edge 45 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 33 of the container, each connecting a front side 47 and a rear side 49 of the container 3. The first opening 17 is substantially the same distance from the first side edge 43 as it is from the second side edge 45.

[0122] The first opening 17 of the container 3 is connected to the stroke system 1. The container 3 may also comprise a second opening (not shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4C). The second opening may be arranged opposite the first opening 17 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 33 of the container. For example, the second opening may be arranged in the upper area 41 or adjoining or adjacent to the upper end 37 of the container 3. This arrangement of the second opening allows fluid to be refilled into the interior of the container 3 in a particularly simple manner, even when connected to the stroke system 1. The container 3 can further comprise a closure element, for example a lid for covering the second opening, with which the second opening can be closed again after the fluid has been filled in.

[0123] The stroke system 1 connected to the container 3 further comprises the temperature control device 29, which is designed to control the temperature of the fluid to be dosed by means of the stroke system 1. Like the motor 11 and the turntable 9, the temperature control device 29 can be designed as a reusable article. However, it is also conceivable that the motor 11, the turntable 9, and the temperature control device 29, like the container 3 and the piston pump 5, are designed as disposable articles and are thus interchangeable. The temperature control device 29 comprises a heating plate 51, wherein the heating plate 51 is arranged at least partially in contact with the connected container 3, and wherein the heating plate 51 at least partially adjoins or rests against the housing 31 of the container 3. The heating plate 51 comprises at least one substantially planar external surface or contact surface 53 designed to contact the housing 31 of the container 3. In the embodiment example shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4C, the contact surface 53 at least partially rests against the rear surface 49 of the container 3.

[0124] The housing 31 of the container 3 has a contact surface 55, which is designed in such a way that the container 3 is at least partially in contact with the temperature control device 29 of the stroke system 1. The temperature control device 29 at least partially adjoins or lies against the contact surface 55. In particular, the temperature control device 29 is arranged with the container 3 and the stroke system 1 in such a way that the contact surface 53 of the heating plate 51 at least partially rests against the contact surface 55, which is arranged on the rear side 49 of the container 3.

[0125] The contact surface 55 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 33 of the container between the lower area 39 or lower end 35 of the container 3 and the upper area 41 or upper end 37 of the container 3 as viewed in the direction of gravity 15 when the container 3, the stroke system 1 and the temperature control device 29 are connected or coupled to one another.

[0126] The contact surface 55 extends in a area of the rear side 49 of the container 3 adjoining or adjacent to the longitudinal axis 33 of the container and is spaced from the opposing first and second side edges 43 and 45. The container 3 thus lies against the temperature control device 29 or the contact surface 53 of the heating plate 51 in such a way that the first side edge 43 and second side edge 45 are not in contact with the temperature control device 29 or the heating plate 51, but are spaced from the temperature control device 29 or the heating plate 51. contact surface 53 of the heating plate 51 such that the first side edge 43 and second side edge 45 are not in contact with the temperature control device 29 and the heating plate 51, respectively, but are spaced from the temperature control device 29 and the heating plate 51, respectively, when the container 3 is coupled to the temperature control device 29 of the stroke system 1. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for a container 3 welded at the first side edge 43 and second side edge 45. For reasons of thermal engineering, contact of the container 3 at these points is disadvantageous and should be avoided, since due to the lack of fluid as a heat-conducting medium there is a risk that the welded side edges 43, 45 will be melted and thus irreversibly damaged, so that fluid can escape from the interior of the container 3. However, it would also be conceivable for the container 3 to be designed in such a way that the entire rear side 49 of the container 3 is formed as an contact surface 55 and the heating plate 51 contacts the contact surface 55 with the entire contact surface 53, the first side edge 43 and second side edge 45 being in contact with the temperature control device 29 and with the heating plate 51, respectively (not shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C). This would increase the contact of the container 3 with the temperature control device 29, allowing for particularly effective temperature control of the fluid inside the container 3.

[0127] However, it is also conceivable that the temperature control device 29 comprises a cooling plate or a temperature control plate which can both heat and cool (not shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4C). In this case, the heating plate 51 can be replaced by a cooling plate. However, it is also conceivable that the cooling plate is arranged opposite the heating plate 51, so that the cooling plate bears against a further bearing surface which extends on the front side 47 of the container 3 along the longitudinal axis 33 of the container between the lower area 39 or lower end 35 of the container 3 and the upper area 41 or upper end 37 of the container.

[0128] The temperature control device 29 can have a fixing element with which the container 3 can be fixed or connected to the temperature control, the fixing element having at least one magnet (not shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4C). Furthermore, a control and regulating device for controlling or regulating the temperature of the temperature control device 29 or heating plate 51 and/or cooling plate can be provided (not shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4C).

[0129] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment example of a container 3′. The second embodiment example of the container 3′ differs from the first embodiment example of the container 3 in that the container 3′ is designed to be connected or connectable to a further, second stroke system 1′. The container 3′ thus comprises a first stroke system 1 and a second stroke system 1′, which are arranged at the first, lower end 35 of the container 3′. In addition to the first opening 17, the container 3′ comprises a second opening 57 to which the second stroke system 1′ is connected, for example glued or welded. The first opening 17 and the second opening 57 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal container axis 33. Thus, the longitudinal container axis 33 does not extend through any of the openings 17, 57.

[0130] The at least one further, second stroke system 1′ is designed substantially like the first stroke system 1 and thus has at least one sensor for determining or detecting the level of the fluid in the interior of the container 3 (not shown in FIG. 5). Furthermore, each of the stroke systems 1, 1′ comprises an outlet 59 with an outlet opening 61 through which the fluid can exit from the interior of the container 3′. The outlet 59 of at least one of the stroke systems 1, 1′ has a cross-section transverse to its longitudinal outlet axis 63, which tapers towards the outlet opening 61. The longitudinal outlet axis 63 of each of the stroke systems 1, 1′ each extends in a plane which is parallel to the plane of the longitudinal container axis 33. The container 3′ or the housing of the container 3′ is connected or can be connected to the stroke systems 1, 1′ by means of a connection element 75. For this purpose, the connection element 75 preferably has two through holes 77 so that the stroke systems 1, 1′ can be guided through the through holes 77 and can be connected to the first and second openings 17, 57 of the container 3′. The connection element 75 enables a particularly secure connection of the container 3′ to the two stroke systems 1, 1′.

[0131] The outlet 59 of the first stroke system 1 extends along the longitudinal outlet axis 63 between an first end 65 and a second end 67. The outlet 59 extends substantially tubularly along the longitudinal outlet axis 63. The outlet opening 61 of the first stroke system 1 is thus arranged at the second end 67 or is adjacent to the second end 67.

[0132] In the second, further stroke system 1′, the outlet 59 has a pipette-like configuration. The outlet 59 has a first outlet portion 69 extending between the first end 65 and the second end 67 as previously described in connection with the first stroke system 1. Adjoining or adjacent to the second end 67, the outlet 59 has a second outlet section 71 that also extends along the longitudinal outlet axis 63 between the second end 67 and a third end 73.

[0133] The outlet 59 of the second stroke system 1′ has a cross-section in the second outlet section 71 that tapers toward the third end 73. The outlet opening 61 is located at the third end 73 and has a cross-sectional area (as viewed transversely to the longitudinal outlet axis) adjoining or adjacent to the third end 73 that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the outlet 59 at any location of the first outlet section 69. Both containers 3, 3′ described above can be supplied pre-filled with a fluid and/or can be disposable.

[0134] The stroke system 1 described above for dosing a fluid can be used in a variety of applications, for example in the preparation of baby food from a baby food concentrate, in the preparation of a coffee, or in the biochemical field in the preparation of a liquid medium or a buffer. The previously described stroke system 1 for dosing a fluid from a container 3 can be coupled to the container 3 in such a way that a fluid can be correctly dosed from the container 3 by means of the stroke system 1. Because the stroke system 1 has a temperature control device 29, the fluid dosed by means of the stroke system 1 can be temperature controlled simultaneously or immediately before or after dosing. The stroke system 1 thus enables simplified and correct dosing of fluid. Due to the additional temperature control option by means of the temperature control device 29, the stroke system 1 enables particularly efficient and time-saving work. Particularly in the field of biochemistry, for example in the preparation of media and buffers, longer downtimes are thus avoided and efficient work is made possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0135] 1, 1′ Stroke system [0136] 3, 3′ Container for a fluid [0137] 5 Piston pump [0138] 7 Piston [0139] 9 Turntable [0140] 11 Motor [0141] 12 Fastening element [0142] 13 Sensor [0143] 15 Direction of gravity [0144] 17 First container opening [0145] 19 Pipeline or hose [0146] 21 Container or beaker [0147] 23 Pipe or hose system [0148] 25 Rotational movement of the eccentric [0149] 27 Translational movement of the piston [0150] 29 Temperature control device [0151] 31 Housing [0152] 33 Longitudinal container axis [0153] 35 First, lower end of the container [0154] 37 Second, upper end of the container [0155] 39 Lower area of the container [0156] 41 Upper area of the container [0157] 43 First side edge of the container [0158] 45 Second side edge of the container [0159] 47 Front of the container [0160] 49 Back of the container [0161] 51 Heating plate [0162] 53 External surface or contact surface [0163] 55 Contact surface [0164] 57 Second container opening [0165] 59 Outlet [0166] 61 Outlet opening [0167] 63 Longitudinal outlet axis [0168] 65 First end of outlet [0169] 67 Second end of the outlet [0170] 69 First outlet section [0171] 71 Second outlet section [0172] 73 Third end of outlet [0173] 75 Connection element [0174] 77 Through holes