EP0662431B1 - Refillable dispensing container, filling device and method of filling the dispensing containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The second (8) of the two valves (5,8) for filling the container (1) takes fluid and pressurised gas. The filler valve (8) is situated on the bottom (7) of the container. The container, such as can, is placed on a filler pipe (9) which is pref. in the form of a valve opened by the filler valve. The top dispenser valve is immovably fixed to the container. A surface part of the container acts as control for an on-off valve (15) for a filler appliance (2). A metering container (11) has a filler pipe (10) leading from the outlet or bottom to the filler pipe. A pressurised gas appliance (14-16) is connected to the dispenser container.

Description

The invention relates to a refillable dispensing container according to the preamble of claim 37 for liquid media, especially an aerosol can an upper output valve exclusively for the output of the Content is formed, as well as a filling device according to the Preamble of claim 10 and a Method according to the preamble of claim 1 for filling the dispensing container.

Numerous liquid containers for liquids, in particular Spray cans and aerosol cans are for single use determined and will be discarded after the content is issued. To avoid waste, people have therefore started to do so Form containers for multiple use, i.e. again fillable design. So there are aerosol cans that go through your dispensing valve can be refilled, especially if if it is liquid gas containing propellant gas, in which the propellant gas is dissolved in the liquid. However, such propellants should also be used for environmental reasons be avoided. It is also known to use aerosol cans To be provided with a screw cap into the top of the atomizer valve is incorporated. After removing the screw cap the liquid can be easily refilled so that after closing the can, pressurized gas is applied is possible. For this purpose, cans are known in the Screw cap another valve for the compressed gas supply exhibit. Cans are also known which are in the can bottom Valve for injecting compressed gas, especially compressed air or nitrogen.

The filling process is particularly important in the commercial economy as a time-consuming process and thus as a cost factor to watch. In addition, if the Screw cap leaks occur, at least then result in a loss of pressure, so that the contents of the can can no longer be expressed.

It has also been suggested using aerosol cans on the floor to provide two valves, one for filling with liquid Medium and a second one designed for filling with compressed gas is.

The document EP 0 564 421 shows a generic filling device and an associated, generic Output container. According to the procedure there, the output container on a quick connection valve of the filling device attached, which this with a quick connect valve of the output container is connected. Then it will be by manually opening a first tap compressed air in inserted a refill tank, whereby the existing there Volume of liquid through a filling line into the dispensing container is pressed. Then the first tap is closed, so that the refill tank can fill up again. After filling with liquid when the first tap is closed a second tap is opened manually, causing compressed air in the Output container can flow. A flow of pressurized gas in the refill tank is replaced by a check valve in the Filling pipe prevented. After closing the second tap the dispenser is operated manually Quick release lever from the valve of the filling device away. The filling process requires a successive, manual operation of several taps after the dispensing container put on and by a locking device is attached to the dispensing valve.

The invention has for its object a dispenser for liquid media to create a fast and reliable refilling, and in particular also a filling device and method for filling this is a quick and easy refilling of the Dispensing container on site enables.

The dispensing container according to the invention has two valves, whereby the second valve for filling the container with both liquid medium, as well as with compressed gas. The filling valve independent of the dispensing valve of the container be adapted to the requirements of the filling. The

Filling with just one valve enables fast Fill and uncomplicated connection with the corresponding Filling organs. The dispenser has in the bottom area, especially on the filling valve, a mechanical one Coding on the type of medium to be filled and / or the volume of the dispensing container. The mechanical coding can be used with appropriate coding on the filling device, in particular on its filler neck and / or Switching valve, correspond. This can be achieved that only the correct output containers are filled, i.e. those output containers that are to be filled with a certain Medium that is emitted by the filling device is filled should be. Furthermore, the coding achieved that only containers with the correct volume be filled. After all, it's through coding too achievable that the filling of not on the filling system aligned containers, especially those that the Cannot withstand operating pressure, is excluded. The Mechanical coding can be of protrusions and / or recesses on the principle of matrix and patrix or Key and lock must be formed.

The dispenser can vary depending on the type of liquid to be dispensed Medium has a volume of a few milliliters have up to a few liters. As a rule, the volume lies between approx. 0.2 liters and one liter. The to be issued liquid media are advantageously those used in commercial Companies are constantly needed. It is about especially media that are used for longer periods Interrupting the dispensing process does not result in constipation of the dispensing valve or dispensing nozzle. This includes especially lubricants, cleaning agents, care products and the same.

The filling valve is advantageously provided on the bottom of the container. It is expediently designed as a pressure valve that by placing the container on a filler neck Filling device for dispensing liquid medium and compressed gas is trained. The upper dispensing valve is convenient permanently connected to the dispenser. Special Screw caps and the like are unnecessary. Preferably are none other than the dispensing valve and the filling valve additional valves or other openings are provided on the container, so that the container is easy and inexpensive to manufacture is. The filling valve is expediently centric arranged on the bottom of the container, which is advantageously concave is so that the valve on the base of the container does not survive. The filling valve can not be detached from the Output container connected. But it can also be beneficial interchangeably connected to the container to, if necessary to enable a replacement of the valve.

A particular advantage is a surface section of the can, especially the filling valve, as an actuator for a Switch valve of a filling device is formed. Such a thing Switching valve for starting the filling process and / or be designed to reload the filling device can then essentially simultaneously with the connection the filling valve of the dispenser with the filler neck the filling device can be actuated. This supports one further automation and acceleration of the filling process.

The invention also relates to a filling device for refilling the dispensing container, in particular spray cans, with liquid Medium and compressed gas. This filling device has an as Pressure container designed to hold liquid medium, a liquid line running from the bottom or outlet of the metering container to a valve Filling nozzle leads with a filling valve of the Output container is connectable, optionally a metering device for discontinuous replenishment in particular (predetermined) amounts of liquid in the dosing container, and a pressurized gas device that can be connected to the metering container for squeezing liquid quantities out of the dosing container and pressing into the dispensing container and for Structure of a compressed gas cushion in the dispensing container. The filling device is designed such that the actuation of for Filling the intended valves only by pressing, in particular placing the dispenser on the Filler neck is initiated.

To avoid unintentionally filling a dispenser, which is intended to hold another liquid medium is, and / or has a size to accommodate a volume of liquid other than that is determined that the dosing chamber is set, the dispenser can and the filling device in particular mechanical sockets have that are coordinated and a connection of dispensing container and filling device, in particular filler neck and filling valve of the dispensing container, only allow if the type and amount of liquid medium match with filling device and dispensing container. So can Fits to determine the container size or can size feel the diameter of the container to be filled. Fits To identify the correct can contents, in particular through appropriate shape and size design of Dispensing nozzle and filling valve may be provided.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling device has a dosing tank or a dosing chamber for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid medium is. This predetermined amount is, if necessary, i.e. when the filling process is initiated in the dispensing container promoted.

The dosing device of the filling device is in one embodiment of the invention preferably as a volume metering device trained which a predetermined volume of liquid dispenses into the dosing container or holds it there. At this embodiment corresponds to the volume of liquid in the Dosing container usually the one to be filled into the dispensing container Volume in the liquid medium. The dosing device can be used to change the desired amount of liquid be adjustable or changeable.

The valve of the filler neck of the filling device and the filling valve of the dispensing container are advantageously designed that if the dispenser and filling medium are correctly assigned and filling volume fit into each other and each other actuate.

The valve of the filler neck is preferably a self-closing one Valve that by pressing or putting the Filling valve of the dispenser can be opened. The filling valve of the output container can be designed in a corresponding manner be. But it is also possible to use the filling valve Train pressure-dependent valve that can be opened by fluid pressure is when the two valves are engaged brought and automatically closes again when the pressure decreases on the filling side of the valve. The two valves are advantageous by simply pressing together engaged. However, it is also a clutch after Type of quick release or bayonet lock possible, for example with a lock by a partial Revolution.

The dosing tank is designed as a pressure tank and on the gas pressure designed when filling the dispenser is used. This pressure is usually below 10 bar and usually around 6 bar. The compressed gas device expediently has one in the dosing container, in particular in the upper area, opening compressed gas supply line on that via a switching valve with a compressed gas source, for example a pump or a compressor or pressure vessel, is connectable. The volume of the interior the dosing container is advantageously kept larger than the maximum volume of the amount of liquid to be added. This creates an additional volume in the dosing tank available to form a gas pressure cushion above the liquid level the amount of liquid is used. The Gas pressure cushion above the liquid level is used to Liquid from the dosing container into the dispensing container drive without being substantial or sudden in the system Pressure drop takes place. The one flowing in from the compressed gas supply line The amount of gas is sufficient to maintain the pressure in the system.

It is possible to maintain the operating pressure in the dosing tank and that intended for the next filling process Liquid volume under pressure in the dosing tank introduce. However, the gas-bearing area is advantageous the system or the dosing tank via a pressure compensation valve connectable to the environment, the valve is arranged in particular in the gas feed line. By opening of the pressure compensation valve after the filling process the system can be brought to ambient pressure so that an essentially pressure-free refilling of the dosing container is possible. The actuation of the switching valve and preferably the pressure compensation valve is also preferably carried out through the container to be filled when it is placed and losing weight. Because the circuit of the switching valve and also the Alternatively, the pressure compensation valve can be actuated , both valves can be used as a reusable valve, in particular three-way valve, summarized, the has a common actuator.

The metering device is expediently volume-dependent Volume metering device formed when reached of a certain volume or level closes, the closure preferably also under pressure reacts and remains closed until both the The fill level fell below as well as the pressure in the dosing tank is dismantled. From a liquid storage container, the Content is preferably at ambient pressure then the appropriate amount of liquid for the next one Refill the filling process essentially without applying pressure.

The special feature of the filling according to the invention according to claim 1 is that liquid medium and compressed gas in succession through the same valve be filled in. Filling takes place with advantage without interruption. This can be achieved with advantage be that a desired volume of liquid through the Pressurized gas is injected and pressurized gas the required Pressure pad builds up in the output container.

The filling process according to the invention can be done within a few Seconds to complete and complete. The use the dispensing container, in particular aerosol cans, is through the shortness of the filling time is not affected. For this Basically, no other output containers need to be the same Contents are kept in stock.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling device designed so that first a predetermined volume of liquid, preferably in a predetermined amount in the dosing container is held by the compressed gas from the dosing tank is pressed out and metered into the dispensing container. The liquid volume is calculated so that after Filling the predetermined volume of liquid in the dispensing container there is still enough space to flow through Pressurized gas to build up a sufficient gas cushion. If the dispenser is emptied incorrectly, i.e. with its incorrect posture, essentially only pressurized gas spent so that still or substantial amounts of liquid contained in the dispenser essentially without pressure then the gas cushion can be replaced by Filling can only be rebuilt with compressed gas. For this purpose, a separate compressed gas discharge valve can be installed on the filling device be provided. It is also possible to use the dispensing nozzle the filling device via a compressed gas line and a to apply additional changeover valve directly with compressed gas.

The dosing container is in a preferred embodiment designed as a pneumatic metering pump. The fluid space and the gas space of the dosing container are preferred through a movable, at least temporarily sealing Partition, in particular a piston, separated from one another, which are relative to the size of airspace and fluid space changed to each other. The partition is advantageous by the gas pressure towards the outlet or bottom of the Dosing container while reducing the liquid space movable and preferably resettable by spring force. In particular, by adjusting the spring force Dosing container can also be designed as a suction pump to the Aspirate the amount of liquid from the reservoir. At this embodiment one is in the arrangement of the storage container free. It can then also below the dosing tank to be ordered.

The partition, especially the piston, can be a mechanical one Be assigned switching element that when reaching an end position a switching valve after squeezing the liquid volume for the gas supply for the supply of compressed air in opens the dispenser. The switching valve can be outside of the dosing container. With one particularly preferred embodiment is the switching valve in the metering container arranged.

In the pressure line or filling line between the dosing tank and the dispensing valve is preferably a check valve arranged that a backflow of liquid or gas from the pipe system is prevented if in Dosing tank there is a relative negative pressure. More like that Way is advantageous between the switching valve for that A check valve is provided for the compressed gas and the discharge valve, that prevents backflow of liquid or gas, when the gas pressure line is depressurized.

In one embodiment of the invention, the backflow will occur of liquid or gas in the dosing container and in the Gas line prevented by a check valve that is functional at the bottom or outlet of the dosing container or one outgoing line piece is arranged before this branches if necessary. In this embodiment the dosing container can be flowed through with compressed gas. The partition or the piston can expediently here also flowable and with a flow direction acting check valve provided as a switching valve works for the compressed gas and when a final position is reached after dispensing the volume of liquid through the mechanical actuator is opened so that the compressed gas through the pressure line between the dosing tank and the dispensing valve can flow into the output container.

In one embodiment of the invention is a gas vent line provided that the gas pressure relief released gas from the system into the reservoir initiates to possibly entrained liquid droplets and to chop off fog and condense vapors. As a result, the environmental impact can be kept low.

According to advantageous embodiments of the invention, all are Switching and control devices and valves not electric educated. The corresponding devices and valves can be operated pneumatically, hydraulically and / or mechanically. This eliminates the explosion protection that is otherwise required Execution of the filling system.

The refill line between the liquid reservoir and dosing container is preferred in one embodiment through a removable lid into the storage container, so that the storage container can be easily replaced, which can be a plastic canister, for example, is possible without changing the line connections. A Gas return line and possibly further lines can also through this lid in the reservoir be led through.

To prevent unwanted air from entering the system prevent when the reservoir is empty is at one A level-dependent shut-off valve is provided, that from the liquid level in the reservoir responds. For this purpose, a level-dependent, arranged as a shut-off valve float valve be the outgoing liquid line from the reservoir when the liquid level drops below one closes predetermined level. To the entire system decommissioning when the storage container is empty can in the Compressed air supply line a main switch can be arranged depending on the filling level of the liquid storage container can be actuated and the compressed air that can be supplied to the system shuts off when a predetermined liquid level is below. In the storage container can be used as a circuit diagram trained float valve can be provided, which over Pressure lines connected to the main switch and at The liquid level drops below a predetermined level Level opens, so that a pressure pulse is given, which the Main switch closes. The shut-off valve for the liquid line and the switching valve for actuating the Main switches can be used together in a float valve be integrated, which performs both functions. This float valve can be removable with the lid so that the Liquid line and the main switch are each closed when the cover is removed.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover has a coding or fit interacting with the container, which vary depending on the container volume and container content is. This will prevent accidental mistakes Storage container connected in terms of size and / or content become.

In another embodiment of the invention, the filling device designed so that first a filling of the output container with compressed gas up to a partial pressure, after which liquid is pressed into the dispensing container, until the predetermined maximum pressure is reached. In this In this case, volume is not dosed, but a pressure-dependent liquid dosage. Through this embodiment filling device and filling process is guaranteed that there is always a sufficient gas cushion in the dispensing container is present, which is for dispensing in the dispenser the amount of liquid present is sufficient if handled correctly.

The filling device can be used for pressure-dependent liquid dosing be equipped with a second switching valve that preferably works depending on pressure. The switching valve has preferably two supply lines, namely a liquid supply line, coming from the dosing tank, a gas filling line, which is branched off from the gas-carrying area of the system, and a discharge line, namely a filling line, the the respective medium leads to the filler neck. To the gas fill line during the filling process at a lower pressure level to keep than the other gas routing systems is in the branch or preferably in the gas filling line a pressure regulator or Pressure reducer provided that the desired lower Pressure level guaranteed. The pressure-dependent control of the second switching valve can with the help of the pressure difference between Gas pressure in the gas filling line and the liquid or Gas pressure in the leading from the switching valve to the filler neck Filling line can be made, with relative Overpressure in the gas filling line is preferably the way for the filling with compressed gas is open and with pressure equalization preferably the way for filling with liquid is open. The switch position for the liquid filling with pressure equalization, mechanical pre-tensioning, which acts on the switching element can be achieved.

Fig. 1

eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung für eine volumendosierte Befüllung von Ausgabebehältern,

Fig. 2

eine Ausführunsgform der Erfindung für eine druckabhängige Flüssigkeitsbefüllung eines Ausgabebehälters,

Fig. 3

eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit mechanischer Codierung zwischen Ausgabebehälter und Befüllgerät,

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung für eine volumendosierte Befüllung von Ausgabebehältern mit einer Trennwand zwischen Flüssigkeitsraum und Gasraum im als Pumpe ausgebildeten Dosierbehälter, und

Fig. 5

eine Abwandlung und Erweiterung der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 4.

Further features of the invention result from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the subclaims and the drawing. Here, the individual features can be implemented individually or in groups in one embodiment of the invention. Here show:

Fig. 1

one embodiment of the invention for a volume-metered filling of dispensing containers,

Fig. 2

an embodiment of the invention for a pressure-dependent liquid filling of a dispensing container,

Fig. 3

one embodiment of the invention with mechanical coding between the dispensing container and the filling device,

Fig. 4

an embodiment of the invention for a volume-metered filling of dispensing containers with a partition between the liquid space and gas space in the metering container designed as a pump, and

Fig. 5

a modification and extension of the embodiment of FIG. 4th

Fig. 1 shows a refillable can 1 in connection with a filling device 2. The can 1 consists essentially of Metal, especially aluminum, and is used as a pressure cell Dispensing liquid content, especially by spraying, educated. It has a cylindrical jacket 3 and is on its top 4 with a dispensed valve 5 non-detachably connected by pressing down one Spray head 6 is actuated. The can base 7 is in one piece formed with the jacket 3 and drawn in concave. Downtown of the can bottom is spring loaded into the bottom wall Filling valve 8 screwed in sealingly, mechanically and / or can be opened from below by fluid pressure. Of the on the can bottom 7 protruding part of the filling valve 8 is sufficient not to the bottom of the can bottom, so that the footprint the can 1 is not affected by the valve 8 is.

The filling device 2 has a design as a dispensing valve Filler neck 9, which works as a check valve and the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the valve 8 of the can 1, so that when the can is placed on the filler neck 9 the bilateral valves are opened under mutual Sealing the connection to the outside. The filler neck 9 is connected to a liquid pressure line 10 which to the bottom of a metering pressure container 11 for the refillable liquid medium leads. This dosing 11 is with a preferably adjustable, as a volume metering device working refill 12 provided, via the the container 11 with the volume intended for refilling of liquid medium from a storage container above 13 or canister can be filled. The refill dosing device 12 is designed as a level-dependent switch and closes after the filling process of the Dosing container with the predetermined volume of liquid by itself, especially after loading the dosing container with compressed gas, tightly sealed.

The dosing container 11 is closed on all sides and in the upper one Area connected to a gas supply line 14 through which the compressed gas over the free surface of the liquid medium, only about a third of the volume of the dosing container occupies, is insertable. The line 14 is via a three-way valve 15 connected to a compressed gas supply line 16, which can be connected to a pressure pump, with either the Pressure pump and / or the compressed gas supply line 16 with a not shown pressure regulator and / or with a pressure relief valve is provided to the gas pressure in line 16 substantially to keep it expensive or to limit it. A usable maximum pressure in the entire system is, for example at approx. 6 bar, to which can 1 also acts as the operating pressure is designed.

The multi-way valve 15 is designed as a mechanical switching valve and actuated by a key 17, which by Placing the can 1 on the filler neck 9 can be pressed down and thereby the compressed gas line 14 with the compressed gas supply line 16 connects. When the can is lifted off, this connection becomes separated again and at the same time by changing the Three-way valve 15, the gas supply line 14 with a vent outlet 18 connected, i.e. open to the outside.

With free passage from the compressed gas supply line 16 to Gas supply line 14 through the open valve 15 is in the metering container above the predetermined volume of liquid Gas cushion built up, for example with a pressure of 6 bar. With valves 8 and 9 open at the same time, press the pressure gas cushion in the metering container 11 the predetermined Volume of liquid from this and through line 10 from below through the valves 9 and 8 into the can 1, and gas then flows itself until the same pressure in the can as in the compressed gas supply line 16, i.e. so for Example 6 bar. The can 1 is then up to a predetermined one Height 19 filled with the liquid medium and located above is used to expel the liquid medium Compressed gas cushion.

By removing the can 1 from the filler neck 9, the filling valves 8 and 9 closed. At the same time the three-way valve 15 changed over by relieving the pressure element 17, so that the gas supply line 14 is separated from the gas supply line 16 and is connected to the vent 18. Thereby the gas pressure builds up in the gas supply line 14 and Dosing container 11 to ambient pressure, so that the hydrostatic Pressure of the liquid column 20 of the liquid supply in the canister 13 arranged above the dosing container 11 comes into effect, a float valve 21 of the volume metering device 12 opens and again the predetermined volume of liquid can flow into the dosing container 11. A new refill process can then be done by placing another one Box 1 on the filler neck 9 by pressing the pushbutton 17 can be initiated.

The push button 17, the direction of actuation parallel to the the valves 8 and 9 run, is designed or adjusted so that it responds earlier when the can is put on than the valves 8 and 9 and when removing the can later than this. This has the consequence that the gas pressure in the dosing tank 11 is constructed before the valves 8 and 9 open and that it is only dismantled again when the valves 8 and 9 after Removing the can are closed again.

The refill 12 can be done in a simple manner be formed that one of the canister 13 in the metering container 11 leading refill line 22 into the dosing container protrudes and at least the lower end 23 of the Refill line 22 is adjustable in height. The valve 21 is at the lower end 23 of the refill line 22 trained so that it is on the rising liquid level in the dosing tank responds and closes when the liquid level reaches the lower end 23 of the refill line 22.

The refill line 22 is still with a mechanical shut-off valve 24 provided for the permanent closure of the Refill line 22 is provided, for example when dismantling the filling device 2 or for cleaning purposes.

2 works according to a similar one Principle like the embodiment according to Fig. 1, i.e. both the Liquid as well as the compressed gas are separated by a single one Valve conveyed into the output container. That is why they are comparable Parts also have corresponding reference numerals. An essential difference is that not as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 first Liquid and then the pressurized gas into the dispensing container 1 be metered in, but that conversely the compressed gas first and then metered the liquid into the dispensing container become. The aerosol can 1 'provided as the dispensing container is the same design as in the embodiment according to FIG. 1. Therefore it is only partially shown. Even the filler neck 9 ', the pressure line 10', the metering container 11 ', the Refill device 12 ', the reservoir 13', the compressed gas line 14 ', the mechanical reusable valve 15', the compressed gas supply line 16 ', the push button 17' of the reusable valve 15 ', the vent line 18', the float valve 21 ', the Refill line 22 'and the mechanical shut-off valve 24' are designed accordingly, but in a schematic representation shown. The dosing container 11 'can be a larger one Have volume, especially volume of liquid, because how already mentioned, the liquid in this embodiment not metered in volume from the metering container, but metered under pressure is issued. Therefore, with the filling device this embodiment in principle also of different sizes Dispenser 1 'are filled.

In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the Pressure line leading from the dosing tank 11 'to the filler neck 9' leads, not continuously trained, but by one Pressure switch 25 interrupted in two sections 26 and 27, the section 26 between the metering container 11 'and Pressure switch 25 is located and the section 27 between the pressure switch 25 and filler neck 9. From that of the reusable valve 15 ' gas supply line leading into the gas space of the metering container 11 ' 14 is a gas metering line 28 branched off to the pressure switch 25 leads as the second entrance and in the one as Pressure regulator working pressure regulator 29 is arranged.

In the pressure switch 25 there is a control slide 30, the the liquid line 26 or the gas metering line 28 with connects the line section 27 serving as the filling line. The control slide 30 is biased by a compression spring 31 in the direction of a slide position, in which the liquid line 26 with the filling line 27 to Control slide 30 is connected. In addition, a control line leads 32 from the filling line 27, which in the case of a prevailing fluid pressure acts in the same direction, like the compression spring 31. On the other side of the control spool 30 attacks a control line 33, which in the case of a there prevailing gas pressure a thrust on the spool 30 towards a connection between the gas metering line 28 and the filling line 27 exercises. The pressure regulator 29 reduces that in the gas metering line 28 and Control line 33 prevailing gas pressure to a maximum of 3 bar, whereas the maximum gas pressure in the rest of the gas-carrying system is 6 bar.

The mechanical switch 15 'is in this embodiment presented in detail. It is also a three-way valve trained and has a feed line, namely the compressed gas supply line 16 'and two derivatives, namely the gas supply 14 'to the dosing tank and the vent line 18 '. The switching valve 15 'has a control slide 34, which is biased on one side with a compression spring 35 namely in the direction of the switch position, in which the gas-carrying system of the filling device with the ventilation line 18 'is connected, i.e. the gas-carrying system is depressurized is posed. By pressing the button 17 'of Reusable valve 15 'using the bottom edge of the pressure cell 1' or by means of other parts of the box, the control slide 34 of the multi-way valve 15 'pressed into the other switching position, so that the pressure gas supply line having a pressure of 6 bar 16 'connected to the gas supply line 14' is.

The filling process is initiated in this switch position. Pressurized gas flows through the pressurized gas supply line 16 'over the Reusable valve 15 'in the gas supply line 14', via the branch to the gas metering line 28 through the pressure regulator 29 and from there into the control line 33 at a reduced pressure of only 3 bar and by the control slide 30 in the switch position, at which connects the gas metering line 28 to the filling line 27 is. Gas can then flow through the opened valves 8 'and 9' get into the box 1 'until there is a gas cushion of essentially 3 bar is built up. Then there is between them Control lines 33 and 32 essentially pressure equalization, see above that the compression spring 31 the spool 30 in the other Switched position in which the liquid line 26 in Communication with the filling line 27 comes. By the Gas pressure of 6 bar, which is above the liquid level in the Dosing chamber 11 'prevails, the liquid medium is then out dosed into the can 1 and in one such a quantity until the maximum pressure of 6 bar in the can is achieved. The volume-related amount of liquid is included depending on the capacity of the can 1. Was the Can 1 empty before filling, then took the gas cushion of 3 bar the entire volume of the can 1 'and was by the inflowing liquid essentially to half compressed so that the can with essentially half Liquid was filled. However, there was still residual liquid in the can is present, then after filling with compressed gas from 3 bar the gas cushion is correspondingly smaller. After this pressure-dependent metering of the liquid to 6 bar, however still big enough to hold the total amount of fluid to be able to spend.

If the can 1 'is lifted after the filling process, then moved the control slide 34 of the mechanical multi-way valve 15 'in the pressure relief position, so that the gas-carrying System in the filling device depressurized or set to ambient pressure becomes. It is at the lower pressure level lying area of the gas-carrying system, namely the gas metering line 28 and the control line 33 with a device to maintain the pressure so that the in residual pressure prevailing in these lines is sufficient, the control spool 30 of the pressure switch valve 25 back to the starting position, which is shown in Fig. 2 to push back.

The in the filling device 2 'of FIG. 2 has a pot-like Receptacle 36, which is used to center the attached can 1 ' serves. This receptacle 36 is also suitable for The can diameter. Larger diameter cans do not fit in the receptacle and therefore cannot be filled become. The outer one is sufficient for cans with a smaller diameter lower edge of the can not up to the push button 17 'of the reusable valve 15 ', so that the filling process cannot be initiated can. In this way, incorrect fillings can be made to a limited extent be avoided.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3 shows a coding in the form of mechanical fits between the can and the filling device that incorrect filling can be completely ruled out. The Mechanical coding is preferably on the filling valve 8 ″ and Filler neck 9 '' provided because these two valves in their Form design are largely free and therefore the rest Training of the can and the filling device is not affected are needed. The multi-way valve 15 '' can be used in a preferred Embodiment included in the mechanical coding as shown in FIG. 3. Thereby security can be increased. As shown in Fig. 3, is the pushbutton 17 '' of the mechanical switching valve arranged at such a small distance from the filler neck 9, that it is neither from the outer lower can edge nor from the retracted Can bottom 7 '' is actuated. For actuation of the sensing element 17 ″ has the filling valve 8 ″ of the can 1 ″ mechanical coding element. As shown, provided as a plate-shaped widening of the filling valve 8 ' be and a widened, pot-shaped from the can bottom 7 ' repellent widened edge. The after bottom-facing edge 38 can be used as a pressure member for Depress the pushbutton 17 ''. On the other hand, can the widened edge 38 also has holes or cutouts 39 have pins or projections if they fit correctly 40 engage, which are provided on the receptacle 36 'of the filling device are. By appropriate dimensioning of size, radial Distance and / or angular position of the pins or projections in the area of the filler neck and the corresponding Holes or receptacles in the area of the filling valve any variants for mechanical coding available. In addition, the receptacle 36 '' serving as a centering aid also record the can diameter.

The embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 4 shows a Development of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 corresponding parts are therefore with corresponding reference numerals Mistake. The dispensing container designed as a spray can 1 '' has an inclined position when filling, which the Handling made easier. For the rest is the interaction between filling valve 8 '' and filling nozzle 9 '' and the actuation the feeler 17 '' of the reusable valve 15 '' the same as in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. Also the Coding to avoid incorrect operation is appropriate educated.

Unlike the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the Liquid space 41 from the gas space 42 through a partition trained piston 43 separately. The movement of the piston in However, the direction of discharge is still pneumatic through the gas cushion in the gas space 42, so that in the How the liquid is squeezed out didn't change anything. Regarding the location of the dosing container however, one is free, so that the outlet 44 has Bottom 45 does not coincide with the lowest point needs. The piston 43 is with a mechanical Spring 46 loaded piston rod 47, the Spring force is set so that the piston 43 when pressure is released retrieved and at the same time a new volume of liquid be sucked out of the reservoir 13 '' can. The free end of the piston rod has a mechanical one Stop 48 on the one with an actuator 49 one Switch valve 50 cooperates when the piston 43 hits the bottom 45, i.e. the volume of liquid is squeezed out. The passage for compressed gas is then opened in the switching valve a gas supply line 51 coming from the reusable valve 15 ″ is released and passes through a further compressed gas line 52 via a check valve 53 in the filling line 54, the leads to the filler neck 9 ''.

Takes place after filling the dispensing container 1 '' and after its decrease is a shutdown of the compressed gas supply and a Pressure relief in the gas system by operating the reusable valve 15, then the piston 43 due to the spring force of the Spring 46 moved back, the actuator 49 from the mechanical Stop 48 of the piston rod is released again so that the pressure-loaded switching valve 50 is back in its Starting position decreases, in which the compressed gas supply is interrupted. Due to the mechanical return movement of the Piston 49 is simultaneously via a liquid suction line 55 liquid medium sucked out of the reservoir 13 ''. As a result of the negative pressure, the liquid suction line from above via a lid 56 of the storage container 13 '' are inserted into this. A check valve 57 enables easy suction of liquid from the Storage container and prevents backflow of liquid when squeezing the volume of liquid into the dispenser 1''. Conversely, a check valve prevents 58 in the from the dosing container 11 '' to the filler neck 9 '' leading filling line 54 a suction of gas or Liquid from the filling line as long as in the dosing tank 11 '' there is a relative negative pressure.

The gas outlet 18 '' does not lead to the outside, but opens into the reservoir 13 ''. For this purpose is between reusable valve 15 '' and vent opening 18 '' a vent line 59 provided to the vent of the multi-way valve 15 is connected.

At the bottom of the storage container 13 '' is located on the Intake opening of the liquid suction line 55 a float valve 60, the suction opening of the liquid suction line 55 closes when the liquid level 61 in the reservoir Has fallen 13 '' below a predetermined level, i.e. when the storage container 13 '' is empty. The float valve 60 also remains closed if the intake pipe after removal the lid with this from the reservoir 13 '' will and will only open again when it is among the Liquid level 61 is immersed.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the metering is carried out of the liquid volume and the compressed gas through the dosing tank 11 '' ', although also in this a separation between Liquid space 41 and gas space 42 through a piston 62 is provided. In order for a passage of compressed gas through the To enable the metering container '' ', the piston 62 has a equipped with a check valve 63 passage, the check valve is closed while still There is liquid in the dosing container 11 '' '. On the floor 64 the Dosing chamber 11 '' 'is a stop 65, which with the Check valve 63 cooperates as soon as the piston 62 the Floor 64 has reached. Through the stop, the check valve 63 opened mechanically, so that on the Back of the piston 62 pressurized gas through the piston in the liquid space of the Dosing container 11 '' 'can get. From this it flows via a pressure line 66 from the bottom 64 of the metering container leads to the filler neck 9 '' '. In the bottom 64 of the dosing container 11 '' 'is advantageous at the base of the pressure line 66 another check valve 67 arranged in the The opposite direction locks like the check valve 63 in the piston 62. The stop 65 is advantageously on the check valve 67 and is an extension of the pressure line 66 in the Dosing container 11 '' 'formed. This makes the check valves work 63 of the piston 64 of the bottom in a similar way Way together like a plug coupling, like the filling valve 8 '' 'and the filler neck 9' '' between the filling device and dispenser 1 '' '.

A return spring is in turn for returning the piston 62 68 provided, this time within the liquid space of the metering container 11 '' 'is arranged and on the container bottom 64 supported on the one hand and on the piston 62 on the other and the piston 62 when the pressure in the gas supply line 69 is relieved pushes back into the starting position. From the gas pressure line 16 '' 'is a dispensing valve before the reusable valve 15' '' is reached 70, as in the embodiment according to FIG. 4, provided that for the exclusive output of compressed air serves. Each dispensing container 1 '' 'is independent of it Coding can be connected to the compressed air discharge valve 79. The Dispenser 1 '' 'can be supplied with compressed air via this valve be filled when the gas pressure in the dispensing container 1 '' ', for example as a result of incorrect operation without the liquid being dispensed. Also one only filling an empty dispenser 1 '' ' with compressed air, if desired, is possible via this valve.

The from the reservoir 13 '' 'to the liquid space of the Dosing container 11 '' 'leading liquid suction line 71 again extends from the bottom of the storage container 13 '' ' a lid 72 of the storage container and leads over Check valve 73 in the area of the container bottom 64 in the Liquid space of the metering chamber 11 '' '. The check valve 73 becomes like the check valve 57 of the embodiment Fig. 4 when returning the piston to its initial position due to the relatively reduced pressure due to suction opened so that liquid from the reservoir can flow. Will the piston 62 on its back with Pressurized gas is applied, then the check valve prevents a backflow of liquid to be added.

The suction end of the liquid suction line is also with a float valve 74 which is an intake of air prevented from the emptied reservoir 13 '' '. The Float valve 74 is also designed as a switching valve, that sits in a gas pressure line, the inlet and Outlets 75 and 76 also through the container lid 72 to Bottom of the reservoir 13 '' 'are guided. The access of the Gas pressure line 75 is constantly connected to the pressure gas line 16 '' ' connected. The outlet 76 leads to a main switch 77, the sits in the compressed gas line 16 '' 'and the compressed air supply in the compressed gas line 16 '' 'shuts off when the float valve 74 in the storage container 13 '' 'the passage between access 75 and outlet 76 of the compressed gas line opens. With the help of this Main switch 77 is the further use of the filling device prevented when the reservoir 13 '' 'is empty. After removing the last output container 1 '' 'it will System via the actuator 17 '' 'and the multi-way valve 15' '' depressurized, after which the main switch is not switched off 77 no further compressed gas can get into the system. The float valve 74 can be a piston Have float in a vertical cylindrical Sleeve is guided and in its upper stop position Suction opening for the liquid suction line releases and at the same time the horizontal passage between the access line 75 and outlet line 76 closes. The liquid level comes 61 in the area of the float valve 74, then the float sinks, taking the suction opening of the liquid suction line 71 closed and at the same time the passage between lines 75 and 76 is opened. Of the Lid 72 of the liquid storage container 13 '' 'is again preferably provided with a coding that with the Opening of the container 13 '' interacts so that incorrect operation as a result of incorrect container content and incorrect container size excluded are.

Claims (40)

1. Process for filling, particularly refilling pressure vessels constructed for the delivery of liquid media and in particular aerosol cans, by filling with a liquid medium through a valve differing from the distributing valve and subjecting to the action of a pressurized gas, which is substantially not soluble in the liquid medium, in which the liquid medium and the pressurized gas can be successively forced in through the same valve, characterized in that the operation of the valves provided for filling purposes is initiated solely by pressing, particularly mounting the pressure vessel on a filling connection.
2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid medium and then the pressurized gas are dosed in through the filling valve.
3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid medium is added in volume-dosed manner and then the pressurized gas serving as a pressure cushion preferably flows in automatically.
4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that firstly the liquid medium is added in volume-dosed manner with the aid of a pneumatic dosing pump having a liquid chamber and a gas chamber and a movable partition separating the liquid chamber and the gas chamber and subsequently the pressurized gas serving as the pressure cushion is dosed in.
5. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressurized gas is dosed in in pressure-dependent manner.
6. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid medium and the pressurized gas are dosed in from the same storage tank.
7. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid medium and the pressurized gas are forced in successively and substantially without interrupting the filling process.
8. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid medium is forced through the pressurized gas into the container.
9. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling process is terminated on reaching a predetermined operating pressure of in particular 6 bar and in particular ends automatically.
10. Filling device for refilling distributing containers, particularly spray cans, with liquid medium and pressurized gas, having a dosing container (11', 11'', 11''') for receiving and delivering liquid medium, a filling line (26, 27, 54, 66), which leads from the outlet or bottom of the dosing container (11' , 11'', 11''') to a filling connection (9' , 9'', 9''') constructed as a valve and which is connectable to a filling valve (8', 8'' 8''') of the delivery container (1', 1'', 1'''), and a pressurized gas device (15, 16) connectable with the dosing container (11', 11'', 11''') for pressing a liquid quantity out of the dosing container and pressing the liquid quantity into the delivery container (1', 1'', 1''') and for building up a pressurized gas cushion in the delivery container (1', 1'', 1'''), characterized in that the filling device is constructed in such a way that the operation of the valves provided for filling is initiated exclusively by pressing, particularly mounting the delivery container on the filling connection (9', 9'', 9''').
11. Filling device according to claim 10, characterized in that the pressurized gas device (15, 16) has a pressurized gas feedline (14', 69), leading into the dosing container (11', 11'', 11'''), preferably into the upper area thereof and which is connectable by means of a preferably mechanical control valve (15' , 15'', 15''') to a pressurized gas source.
12. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it has a pressure compensating valve (18, 15'', 15''') separate from the filling valve (9'', 9''').
13. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a gas-carrying area of the dosing container (11'', 11''') is connectable with the environment by means of a pressure compensating valve (15'', 18''), the pressure compensating valve (15'', 15''' , 18'') more particularly being located in the gas supply line (69).
14. Filling device according to claim 13, characterized in that by opening the pressure compensating valve (15'', 15''', 18'') following the end of the filling process it can be brought to ambient pressure.
15. Filling device according to one of the claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the control valve and preferably also the pressure compensating valve (15'', 15''') is operable through the container (1', 1'', 1''') to be filled and, on operating the valve (15', 15'', 15'''), the dosing container (11', 11'', 11''') can be subject to the action of pressurized gas through the container (1', 1'', 1''').
16. Filling device according to one of the claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the gas supply line (69) is equipped with a preferably mechanical multiway valve (15'', 15'''), particularly a three-way valve, which operates both as a control valve and as a pressure compensating valve.
17. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 16, characterized in that a pressure compensating valve, separate from the filling valve, is provided for filling the delivery container exclusively with pressurized gas.
18. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 17, characterized in that there is a refilling device for a preferably fill level-dependent filling of the dosing container.
19. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 18, characterized in that a liquid storage tank (13, 13') preferably located above the dosing container (11', 11'', 11''') is provided and has a feedline to the dosing container (11', 11'', 11''').
20. Filling device according to one of the claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the mechanical control valve and/or the pressure compensating valve has a mechanical control element (17', 17'', 17'''), which is operable through the bottom area of the delivery container, particularly by additional parts (37, 38) of the filling valve and in particular the mechanical control element (17'') is positioned so close to the filling connection, that it cannot be reached either from the lower container edge or from a drawn-in container bottom (7'').
21. Filling device according to one of the claims 11 to 20, characterized in that the mechanical control valve (15'', 15''') is pretensioned in the direction of a control position with opening of the pressure compensating valve (18'').
22. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 21, characterized in that the filling pressure and/or a predetermined liquid volume to be dosed in is adjustable.
23. Filling device according to one of the claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the refilling device and the dosing chamber form a volume dosing device and the liquid quantity is a predetermined liquid volume.
24. Filling device according to one of the claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the refilling device is adjustable for modifying the liquid quantity to be dosed in.
25. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 24, characterized in that the dosing container (11', 11'', 111''') is constructed as a pneumatic dosing pump with a liquid chamber and a gas chamber and preferably the liquid chamber (41) and the gas chamber (42) are separated from one another by a movable and at least temporarily sealing partition (43, 62) modifying the size of the liquid chamber (41) and gas chamber (42) relative to one another.
26. Filling device according to claim 25, characterized in that the partition (43, 62) is a piston and preferably the dosing container (11'', 111''') is formed by a cylinder serving as a dosing chamber, in which the cylinder is displaceably mounted.
27. Filling device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the partition (43, 62) is movable by gas pressure in the direction of the outlet or bottom (45, 64) of the dosing container (11'', 111''') whilst reducing the size of the liquid chamber (41) of the latter and can preferably be restored by spring tension.
28. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 27, characterized in that the do sing container (11'', 111''') is constructed as a suction pump for sucking the liquid quantity out of the storage tank (13).
29. Filling device according to claim 28, characterized in that the dosing container is constructed in such a way that the piston is mechanically driven back in the case of pressure relief and simultaneously a new liquid volume is sucked out of the storage tank (13).
30. Filling device according to one of the claims 25 to 29, characterized in that with the partition (43, 62) is associated a control element (48, 65) which, on reaching the outlet or bottom (45, 64), opens a control valve (50, 63) for the supply line (54, 66) for supplying pressurized gas to the delivery container (1'', 1''').
31. Filling device according to claim 30, characterized in that the control valve (63) is located in the dosing container (11 ''').
32. Filling device according to claim 30, characterized in that the control valve (50) is located outside the dosing container (11'').
33. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 32, characterized in that a gas line (51, 52) is provided, which connects the pressurized gas device (15) outside the pressure vessel (11'') to the filling line (54), the control valve (50) being located in said gas line (51, 52).
34. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 33, characterized in that a check valve (53, 67) is located in the gas line between the pressurized gas control valve (50, 63) and the delivery valve (9'', 9''') and is preferably identical with a liquid line check valve (67).
35. Filling device according to claim 34, characterized in that the check valve (53) is provided in a gas line (52) connecting the control valve (50) to the filling line (54).
36. Filling device according to one of the claims 10 to 35, characterized in that on the filling device, particularly in the area of its filling connection (9'') and/or a control valve (15'') a coding (17'', 40) is provided, which corresponds to a corresponding coding of a delivery container (1, 1') and reproduces the nature of the medium to be filled into and/or the volume of the delivery container (1', 1'').
37. Refillable delivery container (1', 1'', 1''') for liquid media, particularly a spray can, for filling through a filling device according to claim 36, in which an upper delivery valve is constructed exclusively for the delivery of the container content and in which a second valve is provided, which is constructed as a filling valve (8'', 8''') for filling the container by mounting the can on a filling connection (9'', 9''') for the supply of liquid medium and pressurized gas, in which the filling connection (9'', 9''') is constructed as a valve openable by the filling valve (8'', 8''') of the container (1', 1'', 1'''), characterized in that the delivery container (1', 1'', 1''') has a mechanical coding (37), which corresponds to the corresponding coding of the filling device and which reproduces the nature of the medium to be filled and/or the volume of the delivery container (1', 1'', 1''').
38. Delivery container according to claim 37, characterized in that the mechanical coding (37) is formed on the filling valve (8'').
39. Delivery container according to one of the claims 37 or 38, characterized in that a surface portion of the delivery container (1), particularly the filling valve (8''), is constructed as an operating member for a control valve (15'', 15''') of a filling device (2'').
40. Delivery container according to one of the claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the filling valve (8, 8' , 8'', 8''') is constructed as a pressure-dependent valve openable by fluid pressure.

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