Tap system having controlled liquid output

Abstract

A apparatus for discharging liquids from deformable containers includes a first holding device for holding a first portion of the container, and a second holding device for holding a second portion of the container, wherein the second portion of the container is spaced from the first portion of the container and wherein the holding devices are arranged such that the container can be arranged at least in sections between the holding devices, and is deformable by a relative movement of one holding device with respect to the other holding device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for discharging liquids from a deformable container having a top portion spaced in a longitudinal direction from a base, wherein a distance between the base and the top portion of the container is significantly greater than the diameter of the base, the apparatus comprising: a first holding device shaped for holding the base of the container, wherein the first holding device is spring loaded on a base plate, and extends on an outside and sideways in the longitudinal direction of the container a length less than half a length of the container; a second holding device spaced from the first holding device for holding the top portion of the container, wherein the first and second holding devices are arranged to accommodate the container at least in part between the first and second holding devices; an electric motor for moving the first holding device towards the second holding device, so as to reduce the space between the first folding device and the second holding device whereby to deform the container arranged between the first and second holding devices whereby to reduce an internal volume thereof; a discharging device, which comprises a flow connection to an interior of the container, and through which liquid located in the container can be discharged by compressing the container; and a control device which controls relative movement of one holding device with respect to the other holding device or the drawing of the liquid through the drawing device as a function of an internal pressure within the container wherein the one and the other holding devices move in a straight line and in the longitudinal direction of the container with respect to one another, and wherein the discharging device comprises a piercing device for penetrating at least one wall of the container or a container closure of the container.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the top portion is an opening region of the container and the second holding device serves to hold the opening region of the container.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first holding device and the second holding device are arranged to accommodate the container upright with the opening pointing upwards.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one holding device comprises a stamp element, which is of a smaller cross-section than a base body of the container.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the holding device which serves to hold the opening region of the container comprises a stamp element which is of a smaller cross-section than a base body of the container.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises an electronic switch which switches the drive device on or off as a function of a pressure within the container.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharging device is integrated into a holding device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a readout device for reading out at least one identification element attached to the container.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the readout device comprises a wireless readout device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge device comprises a flexible line which is acted on by a spring-loaded constriction element.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the spring-loaded constriction element controls discharge of liquid as a function of an internal pressure of the container.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the spring-loaded constriction element is adjustable so as to adjust a threshold pressure at which liquid will be discharged from the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages and embodiments can be taken from the attached drawings.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1 is a first schematic drawing of a device according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 3 is a drawing relating to the use of an upright container;

(6) FIG. 4 is a drawing of a partially emptied container;

(7) FIG. 5 is a drawing of a container for overhead use;

(8) FIG. 6 is a drawing of an embodiment in which the first holding means comprises a receiving element;

(9) FIG. 7 is a drawing of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention;

(10) FIG. 8 is a drawing of a further embodiment which additionally brings about a reduction in the overall height of the device;

(11) FIGS. 9a-9g are drawings of a container comprising identification elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) FIG. 1 is a drawing of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. In this context, reference numeral 10 denotes a container to be emptied, this container comprising a base area 10a and an opening region 10b. Reference numeral 30 denotes a closure of the container, which may in this case be a standard closure. Reference numeral 10e denotes an instantaneous fold region at which the container 10 is kinked for discharging liquid. This fold region 10e is likewise displaced in the event of a relative movement of the first holding means or device 2 with respect to a second holding means or device 4.

(13) 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.

(14) Reference numeral 42 denotes a piercing means which can pierce the container closure 30.

(15) 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.

(16) 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.

(17) 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.

(18) 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.

(19) 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.

(20) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the discharging is pressure-controlled.

(21) 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.

(22) FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the discharging means 40 comprises a flexible line portion 72, which can be squeezed by a cross-section constriction element 74, which is loaded by a spring 76. In this case, the combination of this flexible line cross-section and the spring-loaded cross-sectional constriction element forms the control means 20, which in this embodiment controls the drawing of the liquid from the container as a function of an internal pressure of the container 10.

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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.

(26) 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).

(27) 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.

(28) FIG. 3 is a further schematic drawing of a device according to the invention. As can be seen, the container is used upright in this case. The second holding means 4 comprises a cavity or receiving space 62, within which a line 64 for discharging the liquid (but preferably also an opening of the container 10) is arranged. In this context, this line 64 also extends in the longitudinal direction L of the container 10. It can further be seen that no housing, or no wall against which this base body portion 10c of the container can be positioned, is formed around a base body 10c of the container 10. In the embodiment shown here, the first holding means 2 is adapted to a base structure of the container 10. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

(29) FIG. 4 shows the device in a partially emptied state of the container. In this context, the puncturing body 42 punctures through the container closure 30 and is subsequently introduced until the entire cross-section of the puncturing body is arranged within the product or the liquid F. In this context, it is possible for the entire holding means 4 or the stamp 3 to move downwards together with a movement of the piercing body 42. However, these two bodies are preferably arranged stationary.

(30) 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.

(31) 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.

(32) Further, it would be possible for the unwound stamp shoulder to be shortened somewhat, making it easier to pull the outer diameter inwards.

(33) 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.

(34) 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.

(35) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the container 10 is used overhead. In this case, it is only necessary for the piercing means 42 to pierce in such a way that a corresponding opening is created so as to empty as much as possible. In this case, the opening of the container is arranged downwards. In this context, a corresponding piercing means may comprise a cutting edge, which does not extend around the entire periphery in the peripheral direction.

(36) 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.

(37) FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the first holding means 2 comprises a receiving element, the shape of which is adapted to a container base, for example to what is known as a petaloid base. This embodiment has the advantage that the container can be held very stably in the holding means 2.

(38) FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the holding means 2 does not comprise a receiving means which is adapted to the shape of the base of the container. Instead, in this case the container is pressed into a different shape. The container is thus deformed between the first holding means 2 and the second holding means 4, or between the stamp 4 and the shell 2. In this case, the floor and the feet of the container 10 are deformed or crumpled in such a way that as small a cavity as possible is left. The plastics material of the container makes this irregular folding possible. In other words, the axial deformation force, the internal pressure of the container, and in particular mechanical compression bring the base and the feet into a suitable shape so as to empty the container in an optimal manner. However, this requires relatively strong compressive forces from the drive means (and/or considerable gear reduction).

(39) 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.

(40) FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment which additionally brings about a reduction in the overall height of the device. In this embodiment, the second holding means 4 is shorter than half the length of the container, for example in the range of a third of the container length. In addition, radially circumferential projections or a flange 48 may be provided, which mean that not only is the container curled by way of the folds 10e shown in the drawings above, but additionally there is also further a constriction in the region 10g of the container. In this way, as stated, the stamp length and thus also the overall height can be reduced. More precisely, it is possible to reduce the length of the second holding means 4 in the longitudinal direction L of the container by almost half.

(41) 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.

(42) 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.

(43) FIGS. 9a-9g are a plurality of drawings of containers comprising identification elements. The drawing of FIG. 9a illustrates in which regions an identification element 80 of this type can be arranged. It may for example be located on or in a closure 82 of the container, on a carrying handle 84 or on a wall region of the container 10 or on a base area of the container 10. It would also be conceivable to provide a plurality of identification elements of this type, which may in particular by RFD chips.

(44) FIG. 9b is a drawing in which the identification element 80 is arranged on a carrying handle. This handle 84 can be snapped open onto the container over an opening of the container by means of a snap-on means 94. The identification element 80 may for example be integrated into or glued onto the carrying handle 84. Because of the snap-on means, the carrying handle 84 is advantageously arranged permanently on the container, again meaning that the identification element 80 is fixed to the container. Alternatively, the carrying handle may be removable or only removable with difficulty.

(45) FIG. 9c is a drawing in which the identification element is arranged on a closure 82 of the container 10. In this case too, the identification element may be integrated into this closure or else for example be glued on.

(46) FIG. 9d is a drawing in which the identification element 80 is arranged on a base or on a peripheral wall of the container. In this case too, the identification element may be introduced or integrated. In particular for an arrangement on the wall, the identification element may also be integrated into a label attached to the container. In this embodiment, the identification element is advantageously arranged in a position on the container which is not in the region of the peripheral fold edge during the discharging process.

(47) 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.

(48) FIG. 9e shows a further possible arrangement of an identification element 80. In this case, the identification element is arranged on a carrying ring which is located in an opening region of the container 10. FIG. 9f is a more detailed drawing of this. In this context, the identification element also comprises an antenna 81 which in this case extends around the opening 10b of the container 10.

(49) FIG. 9g is a discharging illustrating reading out an identification element 80. In this case, this identification element 80 is arranged on a peripheral wall of the container. In this case, this device for discharging liquid comprises an annular readout means 90 for reading out the identification element. This has the advantage that the container does not have to be arranged in the correct rotational position in the discharging means (40). Conversely, however, it may also actually be desired for the identification element only to be readable in a precisely defined rotational position. In this case, the identification element may also be used so as to ensure an arrangement of the container in the correct rotational position in the discharging means (40).

(50) 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.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(51) 1 Device 2 First holding means 4 Second holding means 4a Stamp shoulder 10 Container 10a Base area 10b Opening region 10c Base body 10e Fold region 10g Constricted region 16 Movement element 20 Control means 22 Drive means 24 Receiving means 28 Spring 29 Base plate 30 Container closure 32 Switching element 40 Discharging means 42 Piercing means 48 Flange 52 Valve 54 Outlet 56 Throttle body 62 Receiving space 64 Line 72 Flexible line portion 74 Cross-sectional constriction element 76 Spring 80 Identification element 81 Antenna 82 Closure 84 Handle 90 Readout means 94 Snap-on means P.sub.1 Upward movement of the first holding means L Longitudinal direction of the container F Liquid