DE102007054431A1 - Device for removing liquids from a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for removing liquids from a deformable container (10), having a connection (4) which can be connected to an opening (12) of the container (10) in order to remove the liquid from the container (10 ), with a arranged after the terminal transport line (5) to transport the liquid discharged from the container (10), and with a deforming means (20) for deforming the container (10), which is designed such that by a Impact of the deformation device (20) on the container (10), the internal volume of the container (10) is reduced. According to the invention, the deformation device (20) has a deformation element (22) that is movable relative to the container and can be brought into contact with the container (10), the inner volume of the container (10) being reduced by the movement of this deformation element (22).

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for removal of liquids from a deformable container.

Both in commercial applications and in private applications, dispensing devices have been known recently for dispensing, in particular, beverages such as beer. It is known that such dispensing devices have holders for a beer keg made of metal. To completely empty the keg, it is known that these kegs are supplied with a gas, more specifically, that a gas is passed into the interior of this keg to increase the internal pressure on the liquid and thus this liquid from the container pushing. However, care should be taken that a gas is used which does not affect the liquid, such as the beer. Such a device is known from WO 2007/019853 A2 known. With these improvement potentials the so-called carboning is an important point. Carbonation means that when a beverage is held in a container with carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) under pressure, the carbon dioxide goes into solution depending on pressure and temperature, ie this beverage has more CO ₂ content than originally.

In order to avoid the contact of the drink to be taken with other substances, was in the EP 1 626 925 B1 proposed to provide a deformable beverage container which is disposed within a pressure chamber. This pressure chamber is pressurized, so that the deformable container is squeezed together by this pressure and in this way the liquid can be removed.

These Approach works satisfactorily. To maintain However, the pressure in this pressure chamber consuming measures are required.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the objects, a device for removing liquids from deformable containers to provide, on the one hand, a contact avoids the liquid with other gases and on the other hand can do without expensive pressure chambers. This is inventively by a Apparatus according to claim 1, an arrangement according to claim 13 and a method according to claim 15 achieved. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A Inventive device for removing Liquids from a deformable container has a connection with an opening of the container is connectable to the liquid from the container dissipate. Furthermore, after connection (i.e. in the flow direction of the liquid to be removed downstream direction) arranged transport line provided around the liquid discharged from the container to transport and a deformation device for deforming of the container. Here is this deformation device carried out such that by an action of the deformation device on the container, the internal volume of the container is reduced.

According to the invention the deformation device a with respect to the container movable and can be brought into contact with the container Deformation element, wherein by the movement of this deformation element the inner volume of the container is reduced.

in the Contrary to the above-cited prior art, in which the compression the container is carried out by compressed air is So in the case of the invention to a direct mechanical action the container made. The invention is the surprising Understanding that the container or its wall even under mechanical action does not tear and thus also no further openings of the container arise. By the movement of the deformation element becomes so an increase in the internal pressure of the container achieved and in this way can the drink in which it is preferably beer, be taken more easily.

at the deformation device is thus a mechanical one Element which acts mechanically on the container, to deform this.

Advantageous the device has a holder which shows the position of the opening of the container stabilized against the terminal. This holder may be a holder, which surrounds the connection itself, but it would be too possible that more retaining elements above the connector are provided. It should be noted that the Container not only has a considerable weight, but by the deformation device further forces be exercised on the container, allowing a stabilization of the container against the connection helpful is.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a drive device, which causes the movement of the deformation element. This is understood in particular to mean an automatic drive device. Preferably, this Antriebseinrich tion around a motor with a spindle drive. However, pneumatic or hydraulic drives would also be conceivable in order to move the deformation device.

at A further advantageous embodiment is the deformation element movable in a longitudinal direction of the container. So here is the container in its longitudinal direction compressed, creating a particularly efficient emptying of the container is possible. But it would also be possible that the deformation element in the circumferential direction around the container is arranged, it has, for example, a plurality of strips, which move in a radial direction of the container and in this way a compression of the container to reach. Preferably, the container is to a disposable container.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the deformation element an outer cross-section, to an inner cross-section of the container is adjusted. This outer cross section is preferred the deformation element is slightly smaller than said Inner cross-section of the container. Adapted by this Shaping can cause the appearance of wrinkles and dislocations of the compression process are prevented.

Preferably the deformation element has a circular outer cross-section on. This rotationally symmetrical design also causes counteracting the development of wrinkles or distortions. In an advantageous embodiment, the deformation element is such arranged or formed such that the distance between the Outer circumference of the deformation element and the circumference of the Container smaller than 10 mm, preferably smaller than 6 mm, preferably less than 4 mm, and more preferably less than 2 mm.

Also through this very small distance between the outer circumference the deformation element and the inner circumference of the container is achieved that the container or its wall during the compression process is very tight and therefore the formation of kinks and cracks is prevented. Also will the corresponding edge of the container evenly bent.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Deforming element on a curved surface, this curvature being at a curvature of an end region of the container in which the opening is arranged is, is adjusted. This way, too, becomes a special one achieved effective expression of the container, because the inner volume of the container is very largely reduced can be.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device on a control device, which one of the Deformation element applied to the container Pressure regulates.

On This way, the container can be prevented is subjected to an excessive pressure and, for example, due this pressure is bursting. Also in this way the pressure, with which the drink, such as a beer, tapped will be regulated.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Deforming device on a support on which the deformation element is movably arranged opposite the carrier. Preferably, between this carrier and the deformation element provided a spring element. This can be done via a setting this spring element, the force which the deformation element on the Container is to be discontinued. At another advantageous embodiment, the device has a Sensor device, which one for a distance between the carrier and the deformation element characteristic Size recorded. This distance is simultaneous a measure of the spring force acting on the deformation element is applied. This can be done with the help of this sensor device also this spring force can be regulated.

The The present invention is further directed to an assembly for dispensing or for removing liquids directed with a deformable container, this container can be filled with a liquid and an opening has to remove the liquid. Further points the arrangement has a connection with the opening the container is connectable to the liquid remove from the container and a deformation device, to deform the container. In this case, this deformation device acts so on the container, that by this action the inner volume of the container is reduced.

According to the invention the deformation device a with respect to the container movable and can be brought into contact with the container Deformation element, wherein by the movement of this deformation element the inner volume of the container is reduced. In order to also takes place in the inventive arrangement the reduction of this internal volume not by an air pressure but by a mechanical deformation element.

In an advantageous embodiment, a cross section of the container in the longitudinal direction of the container initially extends up to ei nem maximum value and then decreases again. Preferably, this extension and the reduction are each uniform. Thus, a biconical shape of the container is particularly preferably proposed, which has approximately in the longitudinal direction in the middle of the maximum cross-section. Preferably, the cross section of this container is circular. The end portions of the container are preferably curved and preferably hemispherical curved.

The The present invention is further directed to a method of removal of liquids from containers, wherein the container is connected to a port and over this connection the liquid removed from the container. Furthermore, with a Deforming device deforms the container such that the inner volume of the container decreases. According to the invention a deformable with the container in contact deformation element the deformation device relative to the container moves and by the movement of this deformation element is the Reduced internal volume of the container.

Preferably the deformation element is in the longitudinal direction of the container emotional.

Further Advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached Drawings:

In this demonstrate:

1 A schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

2 A detailed representation of the device 1 ;

3 A detailed view in a half-filled state of the container;

4 A detailed view in an empty state of the container; and

5 An illustration of a preferred container.

1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention for removing a liquid from a deformable container 10 , This device has a deformation element 22 on, which along the longitudinal direction L of the container 10 is movable. By lowering this deformation element 22 becomes the container 10 compressed and thus the inner volume of this container 10 reduced.

During this movement, the container becomes 10 or its wall 10e bent and there is an edge 13 that with the movement of the deformation element 22 also moves down. The deformation element 22 is here on a carrier 24 arranged. This entire carrier also moves in the longitudinal direction L. For this purpose, a motor 30 provided that a spindle 42 sets in motion and in this way via a corresponding mating thread in a piston 44 the movement is generated. The reference number 20 refers to the deformation unit in its entirety.

Between the deformation element 22 and the carrier 24 is a spring 26 provided, which is the deformation element 22 opposite the carrier 24 biased downwards. Here is this spring 26 in a recess 25 of the deformation element 22 arranged. Furthermore, the deformation element 22 a pole 28 on that in a lead 27 of the carrier 24 to be led.

Furthermore, on the carrier 24 two sensors 32 . 34 arranged, which is a position of one on the pole 28 arranged projection 36 detect. Depending on these sensors 32 . 34 , which may be, for example, light barriers or magnetically operating sensors output signals may be a movement of the carrier 24 to be controlled. It is possible to control the movement such that the projection 36 always between the two sensors 32 and 34 located. In this way, a predetermined force of the spring 26 on the deformation element 22 be set and thus a predetermined pressure on the in the container 10 located liquid.

Furthermore, the device has a transport line 5 on, over which the withdrawn liquid can be removed. The reference number 14 refers to a pressure gauge, the reference numeral 16 on a valve and the reference numeral 18 on an outlet. Furthermore, a cooling device (not shown) may also be provided which, for example, covers the entire container 10 cools.

Furthermore, a (not shown) housing may be provided, which the container 10 surrounds and, for example, in the event of tearing of the container prevents leakage of liquid to the outside or injury to a user. Such a housing could also be directly adjacent to the container or serve as a rigid sleeve to prevent the container expands during loading by the deformation element in the radial direction.

2 shows a detailed representation of the bottom portion of the area of the mouth or opening more precisely 12 of the container 10 , It is too note that the container 10 while standing on its head during operation.

The reference number 10b refers to a support ring, which is arranged on the container. The reference number 19 indicates a lid on the container 10 is attached. The container itself is, as mentioned above, made of a plastic, and preferably of polyethylene tereftalate (PET for short). By using this disposable container, as mentioned above, some problems of multi-purpose steel drums (also referred to as keg casks) can be solved. On the one hand, the container 10 together with a withdrawal hose 5 that is the transport line 5 and also the hygiene for the entire system can be improved as well as the durability of the drink after tapping.

As mentioned above, the fluctuation of the internal pressure in the container 10 over the above-mentioned spring 26 , which acts as a compensation spring to be biased manually or controlled again with appropriate relaxation. Thus, with the control technique described above, the pressure fluctuation within the container 10 be kept very low. By the deformation element shown above 22 becomes the container 10 mechanically deformed from the outside so that the desired internal pressure in the container 10 is maintained.

The reference number 7 refers to a block in which also the transport line 5 is arranged. It is noted, however, that the transportation line 5 may also be provided in the form of a tube already on the container 10 is arranged. The reference number 15 refers to a thorn that has a protective body 17 of the container 10 opens, then the liquid can escape. The reference number 4 refers to the connector in the opening 12 of the container is introduced and the reference numeral 9 on sealing devices, which cover the area between the container 10 or the lid 19 of the container 10 and the connection 4 caulk. The reference number 10c indicates a thread of the container.

3 shows a representation of a container 10 in a half-empty state. It can be seen that the container 10 while the deformation element 22 moved down, is deformed in the form of a roller diaphragm. An end section 22a or an outer surface of the deformation body 22 is on an inner circumference of the container 10 in the area of the opening 12 customized.

In 4 the situation is shown in the container 10 is completely emptied. It can be seen that here is the end section 22a exactly to the area 10d the opening 12 of the container, so that a maximum amount of liquid from the container 10 can be removed. Also here is the lid 19 shown on the opening 12 of the container is placed.

5 shows a representation of a full container 10 , where the level of liquid inside the container 10 is denoted by the reference N. In this preferred embodiment, the container 10 a biconical cross section with each curved end sides 10a on. In this way it is achieved that the in 3 shown deformation body in such a way on the container 10 acts so that the inner volume of the container can be reduced to almost zero.

More precisely, the container expands 10 in the longitudinal direction L to the center line M conical, and then conically taper again. The container 10 is thus preferably substantially (ie, except for the area in which the opening 12 is arranged), axisymmetric with respect to the line M.

Furthermore, one recognizes in the in the 3 - 5 shown representations that the outer circumference of the deformation body is only slightly smaller than a corresponding inner circumference of the container 10 , Also in this way, a very narrow folding of the container is achieved during the compression process and thus effectively emptied the container, on the other hand, the occurrence of buckling and throws is prevented.

All Features disclosed in the application documents are considered to be essential to the invention as far as they are individually or in combination the prior art are new.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - WO 2007/019853 A2 [0002]
• - EP 1626925 B1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for removing liquids from a deformable container ( 10 ), with a connection ( 4 ), which has an opening ( 12 ) of the container ( 10 ) is connectable to the liquid from the container ( 10 ), with one after the connection ( 4 ) arranged transport line ( 5 ) to remove from the container ( 10 ) transported liquid and with a deformation device ( 20 ), for deforming the container ( 10 ), which is designed such that by an action of the deforming device ( 20 ) on the container ( 10 ) the inner volume of the container ( 10 ), characterized in that the deformation device ( 20 ) one opposite the container ( 10 ) movable and with the container ( 10 ) can be brought into contact with a deformation element ( 22 ), wherein by the movement of this deformation element ( 22 ) the inner volume of the container ( 10 ) is reduced. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has a holder which the position of the opening ( 12 ) of the container ( 10 ) opposite the terminal ( 4 ) stabilized. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has a drive device which controls the movement of the deformation element ( 22 ) causes. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element ( 22 ) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container ( 10 ) is movable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element ( 22 ) has an outer cross section, which is connected to an inner cross section of the container ( 10 ) is adjusted. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element ( 22 ) has a circular outer cross-section. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element ( 22 ) is arranged such that between the distance between the outer periphery of the deformation element ( 22 ) and the inner circumference of the container ( 10 ) is less than 10 mm, preferably none than 6 mm, preferably less than 4 mm and particularly preferably less than 2 mm. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element ( 22 ) a curved surface ( 22a ), this curvature being at a curvature of an end region ( 10a ) of the container ( 10 ) is adjusted. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a control device, which one of the deformation element ( 22 ) on the container ( 10 ) regulates applied pressure. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation device ( 20 ) a carrier ( 24 ), on which the deformation element ( 22 ) movable with respect to the carrier ( 24 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that between the carrier ( 24 ) and the deformation element ( 22 ) a spring element ( 26 ) is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims 10-11, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a sensor device ( 32 . 34 ), which one for a distance between the carrier ( 24 ) and the deformation element ( 22 ) characteristic size detected. Arrangement for dispensing liquids with a deformable container ( 10 ), this container ( 10 ) can be filled with a liquid and an opening ( 12 ) for removing the liquid, with a connection ( 4 ), with the opening ( 12 ) of the container ( 10 ) is connectable to the liquid from the container ( 10 ) and with a deformation device ( 20 ), for deforming the container ( 10 ), which in such a way on the container ( 10 ) acts, that by this action the inner volume of the container ( 10 ), characterized in that the deformation device ( 20 ) one opposite the container ( 10 ) movable and with the container ( 10 ) can be brought into contact with a deformation element ( 22 ), wherein by the movement of this deformation element ( 22 ) the inner volume of the container ( 10 ) is reduced. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that a cross-section of the container ( 10 ) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the container initially expanded to a maximum value and then reduced again. Method for removing liquids from containers ( 10 ), the container ( 10 ) with a connection ( 4 ) and about this Connection ( 4 ) the liquid from the container ( 10 ), and wherein with a deformation device ( 20 ), the container ( 10 ) is deformed such that the inner volume of the container ( 10 ), characterized in that one with the container ( 10 ) can be brought into contact with a deformation element ( 22 ) of the deforming device ( 20 ) opposite the container ( 10 ) is moved and by the movement of this deformation element ( 22 ) the inner volume of the container ( 10 ) is reduced.