extraction system

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing system (1) comprising a dispensing head (4) and at least one container (2). The dispensing head (4) can be connected to a container opening (6) of the container (2) by means of a screw connection, so that a stored item can be removed from or fed into the container (2) by means of the dispensing head (4). An actuating ring (15) is provided on the dispensing head (4), the screw connection being established by turning the actuating ring (15) in a tightening direction. The screw connection is loosened by turning the actuating ring (15) in a loosening direction. The actuating ring (15) has an overload protection feature by means of which the effective tightening torque when establishing the screw connection is limited to a maximum tightening torque.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a removal system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a withdrawal system is known from DE 10 2021 116 140. This withdrawal system is used for filling and emptying containers, in particular drums, filled with liquid chemicals. The withdrawal system comprises a withdrawal head that can be attached to a dip tube of a container. Using the withdrawal head, liquid can be withdrawn from the container via the dip tube or liquid can be added to the container.

[0003] The extraction head can be attached to the immersion tube using a screw connection. The immersion tube has a thread to create this screw connection. The extraction head has a corresponding mating thread.

[0004] One problem with such screw connections is that if the thread is screwed into the mating thread with too high a tightening torque, the screw connection is tightened so tightly that loosening the screw connection is only possible with increased effort, since the thread is then tilted or clamped on the mating thread.

[0005] Especially if the thread and the counter thread are made of plastic, excessive tightening torque can lead to damage to the thread and the counter thread.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing removal systems of the type mentioned above with high functionality and functional reliability.

[0007] To achieve this object, the features of the independent claims are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a removal system comprising a removal head and at least one container. The removal head can be connected to a container opening of the container by means of a screw connection, so that a stored item can be removed from the container or added to it by means of the removal head. An actuating ring is provided on the removal head, whereby the screw connection is established by turning the actuating ring in a tightening direction. The screw connection is released by turning the actuating ring in a loosening direction. The actuating ring has an overload protection device, by means of which an effective tightening torque is limited to a limit tightening torque when establishing the screw connection.

[0009] The overload protection of the actuating ring according to the invention prevents excessive tightening torques when establishing the screw connection between the removal head and the container opening of the container, since the overload protection automatically limits the acting tightening torque to a limit tightening torque.

[0010] This prevents overloading of the components of the screw connection, which could lead to impairment or damage to the screw connection.

[0011] This is particularly advantageous when the components of the screw connection are made of plastic. Plastic components of the screw connection can be deformed and thus damaged relatively easily.

[0012] Such impairments are reliably avoided with the overload protection device according to the invention.

[0013] The actuating ring is advantageously connected to a thread. By turning the actuating ring, the thread can be screwed onto or off a counter-thread in the area of ​​the container opening.

[0014] The thread and the counter thread, like the actuating ring itself, are advantageously made of plastic and can therefore be efficiently manufactured as plastic injection-molded parts.

[0015] The thread is preferably an external thread and the counter thread is an internal thread.

[0016] Depending on the design, the counter thread is located in the container opening or in a dip tube mounted in the container opening.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating ring comprises an outer ring and an inner ring firmly connected to the thread. Overload elements forming the overload protection ensure a releasable coupling of the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0018] The outer surface of the inner ring lies close to the inner surface, with the outer ring and the inner ring being rotatable about a common axis of rotation.

[0019] The surface of the inner ring and outer ring thus lie tightly against each other with little play and can be rotated against each other.

[0020] Due to the rigid connection between the inner ring and the thread, the thread rotates with the inner ring when it rotates. The inner ring and thread are advantageously made of a single injection-molded plastic part.

[0021] The overload protection device designed in this way functions in such a way that overload elements in a locked position couple the outer ring and the inner ring, so that when the outer ring is rotated, the inner ring also rotates. When a limit tightening torque is reached during the screw connection, the overload elements are automatically transferred to a release position, so that when the outer ring is rotated in the tightening direction, the inner ring does not rotate.

[0022] In an initial state, the overload elements are in their locking positions so that a firm coupling exists between the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0023] If a user turns the outer ring in the tightening direction, the inner ring rotates with it, causing the thread on the actuating ring to screw into the mating thread of the container opening or dip tube. This only occurs until the limit tightening torque is reached. As soon as the limit tightening torque is reached, the overload elements are automatically moved into their release position, particularly by a mechanically positive guide, and the outer ring is decoupled from the inner ring, so that when the outer ring is turned, the inner ring does not rotate.

[0024] If the screw connection is to be loosened, the overload elements are automatically moved from the release position to the locking position when the actuating ring is turned in the release direction.

[0025] The transfer of the overload elements from the release position to the locking position is also carried out by means of a mechanical forced guide.

[0026] The inner ring then rotates again with the outer ring, so that the screw connection can be loosened.

[0027] According to a structurally advantageous embodiment, each overload element has a locking segment that is spring-mounted in a cavity that runs in the radial direction and opens out at the inner surface of the outer ring.

[0028] Accordingly, the inner ring has a plurality of recesses arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and opening out on its outer surface, wherein in the locking position of an overload element, its locking segment projects into one of the recesses.

[0029] If a locking segment is located opposite a recess, the locking segment is guided into the recess by means of the spring force of a spring element, which creates a firm coupling between the outer ring and inner ring, ie when the outer ring is rotated, the inner ring is also rotated.

[0030] In contrast, in the release position of an overload element, its locking segment rests against the outer surface of the inner ring, whereby the locking segment is completely retracted into the cavity.

[0031] By pressing the locking segment against the outer surface of the inner ring, which lies between two recesses, the locking segment is pushed into the cavity against the spring force of the spring element. The outer ring is then decoupled from the inner ring, so that rotation of the outer ring is not transmitted to the inner ring.

[0032] This design provides a simple mechanical guide for coupling and decoupling the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0033] According to a geometrically advantageous design, the recesses are identical and arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the inner ring.

[0034] The number of recesses is greater than the number of overload elements, whereby the arrangement of the overload elements on the outer ring is adapted to the arrangement of the recesses on the inner ring in such a way that when the outer ring and the inner ring are coupled, the locking segments of all overload elements each engage in one of the recesses.

[0035] This means that the arrangement of the recesses in the inner ring is optimally adapted to the number and arrangement of the overload elements on the outer ring.

[0036] An essential aspect of the design of the overload protection device is that each recess is delimited by a wall, with a segment of the wall lying in the tightening direction having a flatter slope than the segment of the wall lying in the loosening direction.

[0037] The pitch of the wall segment lying in the tightening direction is dimensioned such that when the limit tightening torque is reached, the locking segment is guided out of the recess via this wall segment.

[0038] In contrast, the increase in the segment of the recess lying in the release direction is dimensioned in such a way that the locking segment is held in the recess when the actuating ring is rotated in the release direction.

[0039] This asymmetrical design of the wall of each recess ensures that the locking segment automatically releases from the recess when the actuating ring is turned in the tightening direction when the limit tightening torque is reached, since the acting tightening torque causes the locking segment to slide out of the recess along the segment of the wall with the flatter slope.

[0040] If the screw connection is to be loosened, the outer ring first rotates relative to the inner ring until each locking segment engages a recess. As the outer ring continues to rotate in the loosening direction, each locking segment rests against the wall segment with a large pitch, thus preventing it from coming loose from the recess. The inner ring then rotates with the outer ring, and the screw connection is loosened.

[0041] An advantageous effect of the overload protection device according to the invention is provided by the fact that the or each overload element, in particular each locking segment, generates a clicking noise when it is led out of the recess.

[0042] If the operating ring is manually turned by a user to create the screw connection, the clicking sound signals when the limit tightening torque has been reached, which further increases functional reliability.

[0043] Alternatively, the actuating ring can be operated by a robot, especially if the entire handling of the removal system is automated and robot-controlled.

[0044] The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1: Schematic representation of the sampling system according to the invention. Fig. 2: Partial representation of the extraction system according to Fig. 1 with a container having a dip tube and a withdrawal head. Fig. 3: Enlarged partial view of the arrangement according to Fig. 2. Fig. 4: Detail of a section of the extraction head of the extraction system according to Fig. 1. Fig. 5: Perspective view of the actuating ring of the dispensing head. Fig. 6: Cross-sectional view of the removal head. Fig. 7: Enlarged partial view of the arrangement according to Fig. 6 with an overload element a) in a locking position. b) in a release position.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the inventive removal system 1 for transportable containers 2, which can be formed in particular by barrels, bottles, or the like. A liquid 3 is stored in the respective container 2 as the stored product. The liquids 3 stored in such containers 2 are, in particular, liquid specialty chemicals.

[0046] The extraction system 1 comprises an extraction head 4, which can be attached to a dip tube 5. The dip tube 5 is mounted in a container opening 6 of the container 2 and is thus firmly connected to the container 2. The longitudinal axis of the dip tube 5, which extends into the interior of the container 2, runs in a vertical direction.

[0047] The extraction head 4 serves to extract liquid 3 from the container 2. It can also be used to fill containers 2. For this purpose, the extraction head 4 has a liquid connection 4a at its upper end. A line 7 leading to a pump 8 is connected to this liquid connection 4a. The line 7 can be designed in the form of a hose. The pump 8 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0048] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows the removal head 4 with the associated container 2. Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of a section of the removal head 4.

[0049] The immersion tube 5 has a hollow cylindrical tube body 9 and a head part 10 on the top side of the tube body 9 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The head part 10 is mounted on the container opening 6 on the top of the container 2 such that the tube body 9 protrudes into the container 2. The immersion tube 5 is made of plastic.

[0050] As can be seen from the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the head part 10 has an opening with a circular cross-section that opens out at the top of the head part 10. An internal thread 11 is provided on the inner wall defining the opening as a connection means. The connection means with the internal thread 11, like the rest of the immersion tube 5, is made of plastic.

[0051] The removal head 4 has, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, a base body 4b, at the upper end of which the fluid connection 4a is provided. A fluid channel (not shown) leads from the fluid connection 4a inside the base body 4b, to which a tubular extension 12 opens at the lower end of the base body 4b is connected. A ventilation connection 13 opens laterally on the base body 4b. The dispensing head 4 is made of plastic.

[0052] Above the tubular extension 12, at the lower edge of the base body 4b, a connection element in the form of an external thread 14 is formed. The external thread 14 is complementary to the internal thread 11 of the immersion tube 5. This connection element with the external thread 14 is also made of plastic.

[0053] To establish and release a screw connection, the external thread 14 of the extraction head 4 is screwed into the internal thread 11 of the immersion tube 5.

[0054] The screwing in and out of the external thread 14 into the internal thread 11 is carried out by means of an actuating ring 15 on the removal head 4, wherein the actuating ring 15 is coupled to the external thread 14.

[0055] To establish the screw connection, the actuating ring 15 is turned in a tightening direction. To loosen the screw connection, the actuating ring 15 is turned in the opposite direction in a loosening direction.

[0056] According to the invention, the actuating ring 15 has an overload protection device which, when the actuating ring 15 and thus the external thread 14 are rotated in the tightening direction to produce the screw connection, limits the tightening torque to a limit tightening torque, thereby avoiding impairments or damage to the components of the screw connection, in particular the external thread 14 and internal thread 11.

[0057] In addition, the overload protection components of the actuating ring 15 produce a clearly audible clicking noise when the limit tightening torque is reached, whereby a user who manually operates the actuating ring 15 receives an audible warning message or general information that the limit tightening torque has been reached.

[0058] Alternatively, the actuating ring 15 can also be actuated by means of a robot.

[0059] The Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows the actuating ring 15 in a separate view. The actuating ring 15 consists of an outer ring 16 and an inner ring 17.

[0060] The outer ring 16 and inner ring 17 are arranged concentrically to a center axis A of the actuating ring 15 and can be rotated about this axis of rotation. The center axis A runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of Fig. 6.

[0061] The outer contour of the inner ring 17, in particular its outer surface, is adapted to the inner contour, in particular the inner surface of the outer ring 16, in such a way that the outer surface of the inner ring 17 rests against the inner surface of the outer ring 16 with little play, so that the inner ring 17 is rotatable relative to the outer ring 16.

[0062] The inner ring 17 is firmly connected to the outer ring 16, with the inner ring 17 and outer ring 16 advantageously consisting of a single injection-molded plastic part. This allows rotational movement of the inner ring 17 to be transmitted directly to the external thread 14.

[0063] The outer ring 16 has six grip segments 18 arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction, which protrude radially outward beyond the outer surface of the annular base body 4b. The grip segments 18 each have identical outer contours. A user can simply grasp the grip segments 18 and thus rotate the actuating ring 15.

[0064] In each of two opposite handle segments 18 there is a hollow space 19 extending in the radial direction and opening out at the inner surface of the outer ring 16.

[0065] A locking segment 21, which is spring-loaded by a spring element 20, is mounted in this cavity. The spring element 20 and the locking segment 21 form an overload element, with which the overload protection is formed.

[0066] Correspondingly, the inner ring 17 has recesses 22 that open out at the outer surface of the inner ring 17. The recesses 22 are identically designed and adapted to the shape of the locking segments 21 of the overload elements.

[0067] In the present case, six recesses 22 are provided, which are arranged equidistantly, i.e. offset by 60° from each other.

[0068] The recesses 22 are asymmetrical, as Fig. 6 and the enlarged partial views of the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show.

[0069] Each recess 22 is defined by a wall formed by the annular body of the inner ring 17. The wall segment 23a located in the tightening direction has a flatter slope than the wall segment 23b located in the loosening direction.

[0070] The pitch of the segment 23a of the wall lying in the tightening direction is dimensioned such that when the limit tightening torque is reached, the locking segment 21 is guided out of the recess 22 via this segment 23a of the wall.

[0071] Furthermore, the increase of the segment 23b of the recess 22 lying in the release direction is dimensioned such that the locking segment 21 is held in the recess 22 when the actuating ring 15 is rotated in the release direction.

[0072] The functioning of the overload protection is explained below using the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b explained.

[0073] In an initial position, the outer ring 16 and the inner ring 17 are coupled by the overload elements, in which, as Fig. 6 shows that the locking segments 21 of the two overload elements are each engaged in a recess 22 of the inner ring 17. The spring forces of the respective spring element 20 ensure that the locking segment 21 is extended beyond the edge of the cavity and protrudes into the respective recess 22.

[0074] If the actuating ring 15 is then rotated in the tightening direction by a user or a robot gripping the outer ring 16 at the grip segments 18, the inner ring 17 is rotated with the outer ring 16 so that the screw connection is formed.

[0075] As soon as a limit tightening torque is reached when forming the screw connection, the external thread 14 screwed onto the internal thread 11 exerts a counterforce against further tightening of the actuating ring 15, which leads to the locking segments 21 being guided out of the respective recess 22. This is shown in Fig. 7a is illustrated by arrow I.

[0076] The elevation of the segment 23a of the wall delimiting the recess 22 is adapted accordingly.

[0077] When the locking segment 21 is released from the recess 22, an audible clicking noise is produced, which signals that the limit tightening torque has been reached.

[0078] After removing each locking segment 21 from the respective recess 22, this is located as Fig. 7b shows, on the outer surface of the inner ring 17. This causes each locking segment 21 to be fully pushed into the respective cavity 19. This decouples the outer ring 16 from the inner ring 17, thereby providing overload protection. Further rotation of the outer ring 16 is not transmitted to the inner ring 17, preventing the screw connection from being subjected to tightening torques greater than the limit tightening torque.

[0079] If the screw connection is subsequently loosened, the actuating ring 15 is rotated in the opposite direction. This initially guides the locking segments 21 back into the recesses 22. Upon further rotation of the actuating ring 15, the rotational movement of the outer ring 16 is transferred to the inner ring 17, since the locking segments 21 are then securely held in the recesses 22 due to the steeper gradients of the segments 23 of the walls. List of reference symbols 1 withdrawal system 2 containers 3 Liquid 4 removal head 4a Liquid connection 4b Basic body 5 Immersion tube 6 Container opening 7 Line 8 Pump 9 Pipe body 10 headboard 11 internal thread 12 Approach 13 Ventilation connection 14 external threads 15 Actuating ring 16 Outer ring 17 inner ring 18 handle segments 19 Cavity 20 spring element 21 Locking segment 22 recess 23 segments 23a Segment (in extension direction) 23b Segment (in release direction) A center axis QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 116 140

[0002]

Claims

[1] Removal system (1) with a removal head (4) and at least one container (2), wherein the removal head (4) can be connected to a container opening (6) of the container (2) by means of a screw connection, so that a stored item can be removed from the container (2) or fed to it by means of the removal head (4), characterized by that an actuating ring (15) is provided on the removal head (4), wherein the screw connection is established by rotating the actuating ring (15) in a tightening direction, and wherein the screw connection is released by rotating the actuating ring (15) in a loosening direction, and wherein the actuating ring (15) has an overload protection device by means of which an effective tightening torque is limited to a limit tightening torque when establishing the screw connection. [2] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the actuating ring (15) is connected to a thread, and that by rotating the actuating ring (15) the thread can be screwed onto or off a counter thread in the region of the container opening (6). [3] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the counter thread is present in the container opening (6) or in a dip tube (5) mounted in the container opening (6). [4] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the thread is an external thread (14) and the counter thread is an internal thread (11). [5] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the actuating ring (15) has an outer ring (16) and an inner ring (17) which is firmly connected to the thread, wherein overload elements forming the overload protection are present, by means of which a detachable coupling of the outer ring (16) and the inner ring (17) is effected. [6] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (17) lies tightly against the inner circumferential surface, wherein the outer ring (16) and the inner ring (17) are rotatable about a common axis of rotation. [7] Withdrawal system (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the overload elements in a locking position cause a coupling of the outer ring (16) and the inner ring (17) so that when the outer ring (16) is rotated the inner ring (17) is also rotated, and that when a limit tightening torque is reached when the screw connection is established the overload elements are automatically transferred to a release position so that when the outer ring (16) is rotated in the tightening direction the inner ring (17) is not rotated. [8] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that when the actuating ring (15) is turned in the release direction, the overload elements are automatically transferred from the release position to the locking position. [9] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by that each overload element has a locking segment (21) which is resiliently mounted in a cavity (19) extending in the radial direction and opening out at the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring (16). [10] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the inner ring (17) has a plurality of recesses 22 arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and opening out on its outer surface, wherein in the locking position of an overload element its locking segment (21) projects into one of the recesses (22). [11] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that in the release position of an overload element, its locking segment (21) rests against the outer surface of the inner ring (17), whereby the locking segment (21) is completely retracted into the cavity (19). [12] Withdrawal system (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized by that the recesses (22) are identically designed and arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the inner ring (17). [13] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the number of recesses (22) is greater than the number of overload elements, wherein the arrangement of the overload elements on the outer ring (16) is adapted to the arrangement of the recesses (22) on the inner ring (17) such that when the outer ring (16) and the inner ring (17) are coupled, the locking segments (21) of all overload elements each engage in one of the recesses (22). [14] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by that each recess (22) is delimited by a wall, wherein a segment (23a) of the wall lying in the tightening direction has a flatter slope than the segment (23b) of the wall lying in the loosening direction. [15] Withdrawal system (1) according to claim 14, characterized bythat the pitch of the segment (23a) of the wall lying in the tightening direction is dimensioned such that when the limit tightening torque is reached, the locking segment (21) is guided out of the recess (22) via this segment (23a) of the wall, and that the pitch of the segment (23b) of the recess (22) lying in the release direction is dimensioned such that the locking segment (21) is held in the recess (22) when the actuating ring (15) is rotated in the release direction. [16] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that a clicking sound is generated when the overload protection is triggered. [17] Removal system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 16, characterized by that the actuating ring (15), the thread and the counter thread are made of plastic.

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