Hose for an extraction system and method for extracting liquid from a container by means of an extraction system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hose for an extraction system (1) having an interface (5a) for detachably connecting to an extraction head (2) of the extraction system (1), such that the hose (5) can be used as a disposable item for extracting liquid from a container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose for an extraction system and a method for extracting liquid from a container by means of an extraction system. Background Technology

[0002] This type of extraction system includes a bottle and an extraction head. A liquid, such as a chemical reagent, is stored in the bottle, and the extraction head is secured to the opening of the bottle, having a suitable locking device. Such bottles are used, for example, in laboratories.

[0003] In this type of known extraction system, the extraction head is constructed as a simple cap, and a tubing is inserted into the cap and guided into the internal space of the associated bottle. The tubing is then connected to a pump to pump the liquid out of the container.

[0004] Once the bottle is emptied, pull the tubing out of the cap and use it to extract liquid from another bottle if necessary.

[0005] Alternatively, the tubing can also remain guided through the cap during replacement. The cap is then secured to the new bottle.

[0006] The first drawback of this type of extraction system is that the hole drilled in the cap (through which the hose is guided) does not constitute a sealed end. Therefore, vapors of the liquid stored in the bottle can escape there, which is particularly problematic when toxic chemicals are stored in the bottle.

[0007] Another drawback is that the tubing pulled from the empty bottle contaminates the liquid in the next bottle (in which the tubing is introduced) because liquid residue from the first bottle still adheres to the tubing.

[0008] Furthermore, when pulling out the hose, leakage of liquid residue from the hose can leave liquid residue on the operator.

[0009] An extraction system is known from EP 2 848 583 B1, in which an extraction head having an immersion tube can be secured in the container opening of a container. Liquid can be extracted from the container through the immersion tube.

[0010] These extraction systems that operate through immersion tubes can only be used in larger containers such as buckets, and are not used to extract liquids from bottles.

[0011] When using an extraction system for bottles, structural modifications may be made that would impede transport permits, which are required for the extraction of liquid from the bottle. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The objective of this invention is to construct an extraction system of the type mentioned at the beginning such that the extraction system has high functionality with a simple structural construction.

[0013] To address this task, the features of the independent claims are defined. Advantageous embodiments and practical extensions of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention relates to a hose for an extraction system having an interface for detachable connection to an extraction head of the extraction system, such that the hose can be used as a disposable component for extracting liquid from a container.

[0015] Therefore, the basic concept of the present invention is that the hose used for extracting liquid from a container or for filling a container is designed as a disposable component, that is, designed to be discarded after use.

[0016] Therefore, the hose has a suitable interface by means of which the hose can be detachably connected to the extraction head of the extraction system.

[0017] To extract the liquid, a tubing is connected to an extraction head, and the extraction head is secured to the container by means of a locking device that is part of the extraction head. After the liquid is extracted, the tubing is detached from the extraction head and can be processed together with the bottle. In principle, the extraction system according to the invention is also applicable to filling containers.

[0018] The tubing and extraction system according to the invention can be used with different containers. Particularly advantageously, the container can be made of a bottle or can, which will be referred to below without limiting its generality.

[0019] The hose with interface constitutes an inexpensive and reasonably manufacturable unit that can be incorporated into the extraction system as a modular unit.

[0020] Advantageously, the interface is configured to connect to different extraction heads.

[0021] Therefore, the hose and its interface constitute a modular unit that can be flexibly connected to different extraction systems and used in a wide range of applications.

[0022] Furthermore, the interface is made of a plastic component fastened to the hose.

[0023] Therefore, interfaces can be manufactured cost-effectively and reasonably in the form of plastic injection molded parts.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for extracting liquid from a container by means of an extraction system.

[0025] Therefore, a key advantage of this invention is that by using a flexible tube as a disposable component that can be releasably secured to the extraction head, contamination can be easily avoided in the event of multiple uses of the extraction head. The tube secured to the extraction head is used only once to empty the bottle and is retained in the bottle by operating the actuation mechanism on the extraction head. This prevents contamination of the liquid in the next bottle to be emptied with the tube, as a new tube is secured to the extraction head for the next bottle. This provides a contamination-free method for emptying bottles. The replaceable tube is extremely inexpensive, particularly since it is made of plastic. Generally, the tube can also be made of other materials, such as VA. Therefore, the use of a separate tube for emptying the bottle does not result in a significant increase in the manufacturing cost of the extraction system.

[0026] According to an advantageous configuration of the invention, the extraction head has a locking device that secures the tubing within the extraction head in a locked position. The locking device can be switched to a released position by means of an actuating mechanism, in which the locking device releases the tubing.

[0027] The locking device constitutes a mechanical unit that can be switched from a locked position to a released position or vice versa by operating the operating mechanism.

[0028] Of particular advantage, the operating mechanism is a purely mechanical unit, by means of which the operating motion is generated, and the operating motion can be directly transferred to the locking device.

[0029] This results in a structurally simple locking and unlocking mechanism for hoses.

[0030] According to a structurally advantageous configuration of the invention, the locking device comprises a ball movably supported in a bore in a guide channel. A flexible hose is guided within the guide channel. In the locked position, the ball is pressed against the hose by a pressing force, thereby fixing the hose in position. In the released position, the ball is released from the hose.

[0031] These locking devices are structurally simple and ensure that the hose can be securely locked and unlocked.

[0032] Particularly advantageously, the guide channel is provided with boreholes arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction and extending in the radial direction, wherein a ball is guided in each borehole. The boreholes and the ball are constructed identically and oriented in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide channel.

[0033] Because the ball moves radially and directly toward the hose in order to lock the hose in the borehole, a good force transfer is generated from the ball to the hose, and thus a secure locking is achieved.

[0034] By using the equivalent construction of the drilled holes and the balls, and their rotationally symmetrical arrangement in the guide channel relative to the hose, a completely identical force transmission to the hose is generated, thereby achieving a particularly efficient and secure locking.

[0035] Furthermore advantageously, each borehole narrows to a diameter smaller than that of the ball being guided in the guide channel where it leads into the guide channel.

[0036] Thus, when the hose comes out of the guide channel and the guide channel is thus empty, the ball is prevented from falling out of the borehole in a simple way.

[0037] According to an advantageous configuration of the invention, the guide channel is movable relative to the locking device.

[0038] Generally, the guide channel can be a component of the head part that is movable relative to the locking device.

[0039] In this embodiment, in the locked position of the locking device relative to the guide channel, the adjusting device on the locking device presses the locking device in the borehole against the hose and secures the hose in the guide channel. In the released position of the locking device relative to the guide channel, the adjusting device disengages from the locking device, thereby releasing the hose from the guide channel.

[0040] The adjusting device is preferably arranged on the locking device. For example, a protrusion, a locking shoulder, or a locking nose can be provided as the adjusting device, and these protrusions, locking shoulders, or locking noses can be integral components of the locking device and can be constructed integrally with it. Such adjusting devices have a particularly simple structure. Furthermore, they enable a particularly simple and direct coupling of the operating mechanism to the locking device.

[0041] Generally, the adjusting device is controlled by an operating mechanism. This is particularly simple as follows: when the operating mechanism is not operated by the user, the adjusting device in the locked position of the locking device secures the hose. Operating the operating mechanism disengages the adjusting device from the locking device.

[0042] Advantageously, the operating mechanism is a spring mechanism. In this case, the spring force keeps the head component in the locked position relative to the locking device. The transition to the released position is achieved by pressing the head component against the locking device against the spring force.

[0043] Therefore, the working principle is as follows: the spring force secures the hose to the extraction head. To release the hose, the user must operate the operating mechanism by pressing the head component against the locking device. New hoses can also be secured to the extraction head in this manner.

[0044] According to another variation of the invention, the locking device has two parts that are movable relative to each other to a locked position in which the hose is fixed to the extraction head, and the two parts are movable relative to each other to a released position in which the hose is released from the extraction head.

[0045] A key advantage of this variation is that no separate operation of the control device is required to release the hose relative to the extraction head. More precisely, when the locking device is opened to release the extraction head from the container, the hose simultaneously detaches from the extraction head, allowing it to fall into the emptied container.

[0046] This constitutes a rational configuration for the extraction system because it eliminates the need for a separate control mechanism. Furthermore, it improves the functionality and operational safety of the extraction system. The operator no longer needs to consider manipulating the control mechanism or releasing the hose from the extraction head. More precisely, this is done automatically and spontaneously when the locking device opens.

[0047] According to a structurally advantageous configuration, the locking device has two parts that are movable relative to each other into a locked position in which the hose is fixed to the extraction head, and the two parts are movable relative to each other into a released position in which the hose is released from the extraction head.

[0048] Here, when the locking device is opened to separate the extraction head from the container, the portion of the locking device spontaneously transitions to the released position.

[0049] Thus, the flexible tube is detachably secured to the extraction head in a structurally simple manner, particularly when the locking device is opened, causing the flexible tube to spontaneously detach from the extraction head.

[0050] Due to its particularly simple and robust structural configuration, the first part of the locking device has a mating section protruding beyond one of its end faces, with a corresponding first guide surface. The second part of the locking device has an exiting (ausmündende) opening with a second guide surface on one of its end faces. When switching between the released and locked positions, the first part moves towards the second part, in which the first guide surface moves on the second guide surface.

[0051] In the locked position, the end faces of the portions are sealed against each other. In the released position, the portions are lifted apart.

[0052] The mating section and the open guide surface enable the controlled movement of the locking device with low friction relative to each other.

[0053] Particularly advantageously, the locking device is a screw-type locking element.

[0054] In this case, when the screw-type locking element is unscrewed, the portion of the locking device is switched to the released position.

[0055] The characteristic of screw-type locking mechanisms is their exceptionally simple manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Next, the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show:

[0057] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the extraction system.

[0058] Figure 1a Used according to Figure 1 A single diagram of the extraction system according to the invention, using a flexible tube.

[0059] Figure 2 :according to Figure 1 A first embodiment of the extraction head (with a flexible tube locked therein) of the extraction system.

[0060] Figure 3 :according to Figure 2 The extraction head of the extraction system (with a detached tubing arranged therein).

[0061] Figure 4 :according to Figure 2 The extraction head of the extraction system (with a flexible tube that extends out from the extraction head).

[0062] Figure 5 :according to Figure 1 The second embodiment of the extraction head of the extraction system.

[0063] Figure 6 :according to Figure 5 A single diagram of the locking device component of the extraction head. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 An embodiment of the extraction system 1 is illustrated schematically.

[0065] The extraction system 1 includes an extraction head 2, which can be placed on the opening of a bottle 3 containing liquid 4. A flexible tube 5 is stored on the extraction head 2 and is guided from the extraction head 2 into the interior space of the bottle 3.

[0066] Furthermore, the extraction head 2 is connected to the pump 7 via a line 6. The pump 7 pumps liquid 4 from the bottle 3. Liquid 4 is then discharged from the bottle 3 via a hose 5 and supplied to the line 6.

[0067] Figure 1a Showing according to Figure 1 The hose 5. At the longitudinal end of the hose 5, a manipulator 11 connects to an interface 5a on the extraction head 2. The interface 5a is constructed of plastic and has a drilled hole 20 extending in the longitudinal direction, through which the interface 5a fits onto the hose 5. The plastic component constituting the interface 5a has a suitable shaped portion 5b on its outer surface, thereby achieving a match with the geometry of the extraction head 2. The interface 5a is configured to connect the connector 11 to different extraction heads (i.e., extraction system 1).

[0068] Figure 2-4 A first embodiment of the extraction head 2 according to the present invention is shown. The extraction head 2 has a locking device 8 in the form of a helical locking member, by means of which the extraction head 2 can be fixed to the opening of the bottle 3. The helical locking member has an internal thread 9, which can be screwed onto the thread 9a on the opening of the bottle 3. The opening of the bottle 3 is sealed by means of the helical locking member of the extraction head 2.

[0069] The extraction head 2 also has a head component 10. A connector 11 is provided at the upper end of the head component 10, to which the pipeline 6 leading to the pump 7 can be connected. The connector 11 is secured by a check valve 12. The check valve 12 prevents liquid 4 from flowing out of the pipeline 6. Furthermore, a ball valve 13 is provided in the head component 10, by means of which air and pressure balance is achieved in the bottle 3.

[0070] The guide channel 14 leads to the lower side of the head component 10, and the guide channel extends into the central recess 27 of the locking device 8, wherein the lower end of the guide channel 14 is fixed by means of the fastening device 15 in the locking device 8. The guide channel 14 is constructed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0071] The head component 10 is movable relative to the screw-type locking member constituting the locking device 8, thereby constituting the operating mechanism.

[0072] A spring 16 is arranged between the head component 10 and the helical locking element. The spring force of the spring 16 maintains a distance between the head component 10 and the upper side of the locking device 8. Figure 2 If a user operates the control mechanism configured as described above, the user presses down on the upper end of the head member 10 and pushes the upper end downward until the lower side of the head member 10 rests flat on the upper side of the locking device 8. Figure 3 and 4 ).

[0073] Figure 2 The extraction head 2 is shown when the operating mechanism is not operated. The hose 5 is stored in the interior space of the guide channel 14 and is positioned there by means of a locking device.

[0074] As from Figure 2-4As can be seen, the upper end of the hose 5, which can be guided into the guide channel 14, is provided with a collar 17 that forms an interface 5a. The collar has a shaped portion 5b in the form of a groove 18 that surrounds in the circumferential direction.

[0075] The locking device consists of balls 19 guided in boreholes 20 within the guide channel 14. In the present case, three identical boreholes 20 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide channel 14, each borehole being staggered from the other by 120° in the circumferential direction. The boreholes 20 extend radially within the guide channel 14. A ball 19 is guided in each borehole 20, and all balls 19 are constructed identically. The balls 19 are guided with small gaps in their respective boreholes 20.

[0076] The diameter of the borehole 20 is slightly narrowed in the area leading into the guide channel 14, that is, slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball, so as to prevent the ball 19 from falling out into the empty guide channel 14.

[0077] As from Figure 2-4 As can be seen, a protrusion 21 is provided at the uppermost edge of the wall element of the clearance 27 of the locking device 8. This protrusion surrounds the clearance 27 in the circumferential direction and forms a narrow portion of the clearance 27 (in which the guide channel 14 extends). This protrusion 21 constitutes an adjustment device, wherein... Figure 2 The locking device 8 and the adjusting device are shown in the locked position. This locked position is occupied when the operating mechanism is not operated and the spring 16 keeps the head member 10 at a distance relative to the locking device 8. Here, as Figure 2 As shown, the protrusion 21 constituting the adjustment device is located in the region of the bore 20. Therefore, the protrusion presses the ball in the bore toward the interior space of the guide channel 14, so that the ball 19 is pressed with pressure into the groove 18 in the collar 17 of the hose 5 in the locked position, thereby fixing the hose 5 in the guide channel 14.

[0078] If the operating mechanism is as follows Figure 3 When the shown part is manipulated, the head component 10 is pressed against the helical locking member constituting the locking device 8, and the guide channel 14 is further pushed into the recess 27 of the helical locking member. This causes the locking device 8 and, together with it, the protrusion 21 to change from the locked position to the released position. In this released position, the protrusion 21 is positioned above the borehole 20. Therefore, the ball 19 is in the released position and thus no longer presses against the hose 5 by means of the protrusion 21; that is, the hose 5 is no longer fixedly held in the guide channel 14. Therefore, due to gravity, the hose 5 falls out of the guide channel 14. Figure 4 And it fell into bottle 3.

[0079] To empty bottle 3, the extraction head 2 is secured to bottle 3. The operating mechanism is not operated, and the hose 5 is held securely in the guide channel 14. Figure 2 Here, bottle 3 is emptied using pump 7. Once bottle 3 is empty, the operating mechanism is operated and hose 5 in guide channel 14 is released. Figure 3 Thus, the hose 5 falls into the empty bottle 3 and can be removed.

[0080] To extract liquid 4 from another bottle 3 using the extraction head 2, the new tubing 5 is first secured in the guide channel 14 of the extraction head 2. To do this, the user operates the operating mechanism and pushes the tubing 5 into the guide channel 14. Here, the user can release the head component 10, causing it to lift off the locking device 8 due to the spring force of the spring 16. Therefore, the locking device 8, along with its protrusion 21, moves into the locked position, thereby securing the tubing 5 in the guide channel 14.

[0081] Here, the structural unit constructed as described above can be placed on another bottle 3 for extracting liquid 4.

[0082] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the extraction head 2 of the extraction system 1 is shown. In this case, a flexible tube 5 with a collar 17 is also used as a disposable component (i.e., a disposable component) to extract liquid 4.

[0083] In this configuration, the hose 5 is coupled to the helical locking element constituting the locking device 8, thereby enabling the hose 5 to be releasably secured to the extraction head 2 by means of the helical locking element. In particular, when the helical locking element is unscrewed, the hose 5 spontaneously detaches from the extraction head 2.

[0084] like Figure 5 And especially in Figure 6 A single diagram of the locking device 8 is shown, which has two parts 22 and 23 that are movable relative to each other.

[0085] Both components have a base that is substantially rotationally symmetric.

[0086] The first part 22 is constructed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. A plurality of identically constructed mating elements 24 protrude from the edges of the end faces, each of the mating elements having a first guide surface 25 forming a curved shape.

[0087] The second part 23 has a through-protrusion 26 on its outer shell surface for manually operating the screw-type locking element. Inside the base of the first part 22, through-holes 27 are provided on the end faces, wherein each through-hole 27 has a second guide surface 28 constructed in correspondence (i.e., complementary) to the corresponding first guide surface 25 of the mating element 24.

[0088] To construct the locking device 8, the first portion 22 and the second portion 23 rotate toward each other, so that the first guide surface 25 of the mating element 24 contacts the second guide surface 28 of the clearance 27. These portions of the locking device 8 are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0089] In the locked position, the first guide surface 25 of the mating element 24 is fully positioned on the second guide surface 28 of the gap 27, thereby sealingly abutting the end faces of the first part 22 and the second part 23, as shown in... Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0090] In this locked position, the hose 5 with collar 17, which is attached to the inside of the thread 9a, is fixed to the extraction head 2.

[0091] When the screw-lock is unscrewed, portions 22 and 23 are lifted apart, with the first guide surface 25 sliding along the second guide surface 28 in the screw-lock. If the screw-lock is unscrewed to the extent that portions 22 and 23 are in their released positions, the hose 5 is released and falls into the bottle 3.

[0092] List of reference numerals

[0093] (1) Extraction System

[0094] (2) Extraction head

[0095] (3 bottles)

[0096] (4) Liquid

[0097] (5) Hose

[0098] (5a) Interface

[0099] (5b) Forming part

[0100] (6) Pipelines

[0101] (7) Pump

[0102] (8) Locking device

[0103] (9) Internal thread

[0104] (9a) Thread

[0105] (10) Head assembly

[0106] (11) Connector

[0107] (12) Check valve

[0108] (13) Ball valve

[0109] (14) Guiding passage

[0110] (15) Fastening devices

[0111] (16) Spring

[0112] (17) Ring

[0113] (18) slot

[0114] (19) Ball

[0115] (20) Drilling

[0116] (21) Protrusion

[0117] (22) Part 1

[0118] (23) Part Two

[0119] (24) Mating components

[0120] (25) First guide surface

[0121] (26) Protrusion

[0122] (27) Leave blank

[0123] (28) Second guide surface

Claims

1. A flexible tube (5) for an extraction system (1), the flexible tube having an extraction head (2) that can be secured to a container by means of a locking device (8), characterized in that, The hose (5) has an interface (5a) for detachable connection to the extraction head (2), wherein the interface (5a) is configured such that when the locking device (8) is opened to detach the extraction head (2) from the container, the hose (5) detaches from the extraction head (2) and falls into the container, thereby forming a disposable item.

2. The hose (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface (5a) is configured to connect to different extraction heads.

3. The hose (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The interface (5a) is made of a plastic part fastened to the hose (5).

4. An extraction system (1) for extracting liquid (4) from a container, characterized in that, The extraction head (2) is secured to the container by means of a locking device (8), wherein a hose (5) is provided by means of an interface (5a), and the hose (5) is secured to the extraction head (2) in a detachable manner by means of the interface, wherein the interface (5a) is configured such that when the locking device (8) is opened to detach the extraction head (2) from the container, the hose (5) detaches from the extraction head (2) and falls into the container, thereby forming a disposable item.

5. The extraction system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extraction head (2) has a locking device that fixes the hose (5) in the extraction head (2) in the locked position.

6. The extraction system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking device is switched to the released position by means of the operating mechanism, in which the locking device releases the hose (5).

7. The extraction system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking device consists of a ball (19) which is movably supported in a bore (20) of a guide channel (14), wherein the hose (5) is guided in the guide channel (14).

8. The extraction system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the locked position, the ball (19) is pressed against the hose (5) with pressure, thereby fixing the position of the hose (5), and in the released position, the ball (19) is released from the hose (5).

9. The extraction system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hose (5) is secured to the extraction head (2) in a detachable manner by means of the locking device (8), wherein when the locking device (8) is opened, the hose (5) is spontaneously released from the extraction head (2).

10. The extraction system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking device (8) has two parts that can move relative to each other to a locked position in which the hose (5) is fixed to the extraction head (2), and the two parts can move relative to each other to a released position in which the hose (5) is released from the extraction head (2).

11. The extraction system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the locking device (8) is opened to release the extraction head (2) from the container, a portion of the locking device (8) spontaneously shifts to the released position.

12. The extraction system (1) according to any one of claims 4-11, characterized in that, The locking device (8) is a spiral locking device.

13. The extraction system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the helical locking element is unscrewed, a portion of the locking device (8) is switched to the released position.

14. The extraction system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first part (22) of the locking device (8) has a mating section protruding beyond the end face side of the locking device and having a corresponding first guide surface (25), and the second part (23) of the locking device (8) has an open gap (27) with a second guide surface (28) on one end face side of the end face side of the locking device, wherein, when switching between the released position and the locked position, the first part (22) moves toward the second part (23), and in the second part, the first guide surface (25) moves on the second guide surface (28).

15. The extraction system (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, In the locked position, the end faces of the portions are sealed against each other, while in the released position, the portions are lifted apart.

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