CONTAINER WITH VARIABLE FILLING SPACE DIVISION FOR HOLDERS OF VARIOUS MEDIA

Description

Hintergrund der Erfindung

[0001] The invention relates to a container for accommodating at least one medium, preferably a fluid. For this purpose, the container comprises a container wall defining a first receiving space with a first receiving volume, and a first device arranged within the first receiving space and defining a second receiving volume. Furthermore, the container has at least one opening configured to supply a medium to or discharge a medium from the receiving volumes.

[0002] Containers are used for the transport, storage and control of various media, for example for the water supply in caravans, mobile homes, boats, for cleaning machines, in physical, chemical or biological processes or for the transport of fuels and operating materials.

[0003] Containers have at least one opening for filling and removing the medium. However, containers often have multiple openings, with the openings being used either exclusively for the supply or exclusively for the removal of a medium. The container is generally dimensionally stable, so that the container wall does not deform, or at least not noticeably, depending on the filling quantity, i.e., the filling volume. The storage space occupied by such a container is therefore constant regardless of its filling quantity.

[0004] If a user, such as a cleaning machine operator, requires multiple media, such as a cleaning agent and water, and mixing of the media during transport or storage is undesirable, the user requires multiple separate containers. A disadvantage of using multiple separate containers arises, particularly during handling, such as transport, where the separate handling of each container is cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0005] Multiple separate containers are also required if a system or recycling process draws a medium from a first container, such as fresh water in a mobile home, and then, after use, such as after rinsing, showering, or cleaning, is contaminated and collected in a second container, e.g., as gray water. At the start of such a process, the first container is completely filled with fresh water, and the second container is empty. At the end of the process, the first container is emptied and the fresh water is used up, leaving the second container filled with gray water.

[0006] The same problem arises when a cleaning machine has a separate container for dispensing clean water and subsequently collecting contaminated water, or when a first container serves as a depot for a ground material, which is then transferred to a second container after processing. It is easy to see that only 50% of the total available volume of the two containers is used, with the remaining 50% of the total volume being unused. Consequently, in such applications, 50% of the storage space is consistently empty or unused, yet still occupied, as the empty container also takes up storage space.

[0007] In other applications, too, inflexible, rigid tank arrangements are often used, which leave a large part of the storage volume required for the tank unused. For example, diesel vehicles often have two tanks, one for filling with fuel and another with a urea solution for exhaust gas aftertreatment. As a rule, the fuel tank empties much faster during vehicle use than the tank containing the urea solution, so that fuel must be refilled before the urea solution is completely used up. The fuel tank can be completely refilled during refueling. However, since the tank containing the urea solution does not necessarily have to be refilled and refilling only a few liters is time-consuming, the volume freed up by the used urea solution often remains unused.

[0008] From EP 0 863 045 A1, a fluid container with a partition wall is therefore known, wherein the partition wall divides the fluid container into sub-containers and allows a variable utilization of the total volume of the fluid container, wherein the partition wall shifts flexibly in its position depending on the filling volume.

[0009] Furthermore, EP 0 709 055 A1 discloses a container with two receiving volumes, wherein a second receiving volume receives the water contaminated after consumption from a first receiving volume initially filled with clean water, and wherein the second receiving volume gradually increases in size during use while the first receiving volume decreases.

[0010] US 2,758,747 A discloses a tank with two inlets and two outlets. A flexible bag is arranged within the tank and is connected to the inlet and outlet in a watertight manner. Liquid can be admitted into the bag via the inlet, causing the bag to expand within the tank and at least partially line it. Furthermore, a second bag can be arranged within the tank, each of which has its own inlet.

[0011] EP 0 303 417 A1 discloses a tank with three inlets and three outlets. The interior of the tank is divided into three compartments by two independent flexible walls. The compartments are adjacent chambers, each with its own inlet and outlet. The interior of the tank may have a coating.

[0012] A disadvantage of the known containers to date has been that, when the initial receiving volume expands significantly due to filling, small volumes form, particularly in the corner areas of the container, and these small volumes are difficult to access for the supply and / or removal of media. This is primarily due to the fact that the small volumes are encapsulated by the container wall and the flexible separating layer, for example, the separating wall in EP 0 863 045 A1 or the outer wall of the bag in EP 0 709 055 A1.

[0013] A further disadvantage of the known containers is that damage to the separating layer leads to a direct connection between the receiving volumes, allowing the media in the receiving volumes to mix. Such mixing, for example, of fresh water and grey water, or of reactive media, can have serious consequences and should therefore be avoided.

[0014] Furthermore, the known containers are unsuitable, especially for applications with increased hygiene requirements, since reliable cleaning or replacement of separating layers is not possible. Zusammenfassung der Erfindung

[0015] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide containers and a method for producing such containers which avoid the above disadvantages and at the same time meet economic requirements.

[0016] The object is achieved by a container according to claim 1 and by a method for producing such a container according to claim 13.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0018] A container according to claim 1 of the present invention has at least one second device, wherein the at least one second device is arranged within the first receiving space and defines at least one third receiving volume. Furthermore, the first device and the at least one second device are at least partially flexible, so that the size of the second receiving volume and the size of the at least one third receiving volume are variable. The flexible design can be achieved through the structural design (for example, with a bellows-like structure) and / or through the choice of material (for example, by providing plastic films and / or using elastic plastics).In addition, the container has at least two openings which are designed to supply a medium to or remove it from the first receiving volume and / or the second receiving volume and / or the at least one third receiving volume.

[0019] The first receiving volume is considered below to be the total volume of the container defined by the container wall. The second receiving volume, which is arranged within the container wall and thus within the first receiving space, consequently reduces the available first receiving volume by the amount of the second receiving volume, wherein the available first receiving volume is formed from the difference between the total volume of the container and the second receiving volume. Preferably, the container wall of the container is dimensionally stable, so that the total volume of the container remains constant or at least almost constant regardless of the fill quantities of the first and second receiving volumes, whereas the available first receiving volume decreases depending on the second receiving volume.

[0020] It should be noted that when defining the receiving volumes, the first and second devices, which are arranged within the total volume of the first receiving space, are not taken into account in terms of volume. This seems appropriate because, due to their relatively thin walls, the first and second devices preferably only occupy a very small percentage of the total volume of the container.

[0021] With the help of the at least two openings in the container, the first receiving volume and / or the second receiving volume and / or the third receiving volume can be filled and / or emptied with a medium, wherein the corresponding medium is supplied to and / or discharged from the receiving volumes via the opening. The receiving volumes can either be connected directly to the openings or can be medially connected to the openings via additional components, such as hoses. All transportable media can be considered as media that can be received in the receiving volumes, such as fluids (gases, liquids) or solids, for example in granulate or powder form. The different receiving volumes can be filled with identical media or different media.It can also be advantageous if initially only one receiving volume is filled with a medium and the remaining receiving volumes are completely emptied.

[0022] According to the invention, the at least one second device is arranged within the second receiving volume. This allows for variants such as "bag in bag in tank," "bag in hose in tank," "hose in hose in tank," or "bag / hose next to partition in tank" to be realized.

[0023] The total volume of the container remains unaffected by the formation of the third receiving volume. If the second device (and thus the third receiving volume) is arranged within the second receiving volume, preferably only the third or only the second receiving volume is in medial connection with an opening, i.e. a medium can be fed to and / or discharged from either the third or only the second receiving volume via the opening. Accordingly, the second device (and thus the third receiving volume), when arranged within the second receiving volume of the first device, is preferably enclosed by the first device. As a result, in the event of damage to the second device, the first device can continue to delimit the second receiving volume enclosed therein from the first receiving volume.Alternatively, if the second device (and thus the third receiving volume) is arranged within the first receiving volume, preferably only the third receiving volume is connected to an opening. If the second device is damaged, the first receiving volume then serves to receive the medium from the third receiving volume, with the first device continuing to separate the available first receiving volume from the second receiving volume.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be preferred if the receiving volume formed between the first and the second device is also filled with a medium. If, for example, the third receiving volume is arranged within the second receiving volume, if the second device is damaged, a medium located in the third receiving volume can be neutralized by the medium of the second receiving volume before there is a risk that the first device will also be damaged. If, on the other hand, the second device is arranged within the first receiving space, the total volume is formed from the second receiving volume, the third receiving volume and the available first receiving volume. The available first receiving volume is formed from the difference between the total volume of the container and the second and third receiving volumes.

[0025] The arrangement of a device within the container, which leads to the formation of a (further) receiving volume within another receiving volume, does not require that the (further) receiving volume formed in this way be independent and fully enclosed by the wall of the device. Rather, the receiving volume can also be dependent on the container wall, so that the (further) receiving volume is formed or delimited by the device together with the container wall. For example, a device can also separate or delimit only part of a receiving volume, so that the (further) receiving volume arranged within a receiving volume must be understood in such a way that removal of the device from the container connects the receiving volumes previously separated from one another by the device, i.e. the one receiving volume and the (further) receiving volume arranged within this receiving volume.

[0026] The container preferably has at least three openings, with at least one opening being assigned to at least one receiving volume. It is obvious that two openings per receiving volume can be particularly advantageous, with one opening being provided for the supply and one opening for the removal of a medium. In an embodiment with three receiving volumes and one opening per receiving volume, for example, one receiving volume could be filled with a cleaning agent and another with fresh water, the cleaning agent and the fresh water being mixed in a cleaning machine during a cleaning process. The other receiving volume could hold the contaminated water. Consequently, at the beginning the receiving volume for holding the contaminated water is very small, ideally non-existent, and the other two receiving volumes are filled to their maximum.Ideally, the capacity for the contaminated water only fills during the purification process. The total volume of the container, which includes the three capacity levels (available first capacity, second capacity, and third capacity), is ideally always fully utilized, i.e., filled.

[0027] Preferably, the first device and / or the second device arranged in the container is / are at least partially flexible. As a result, for example, the second receiving volume and / or the third receiving volume is variable with respect to the first receiving volume. As already mentioned, the available first receiving volume is calculated as the difference between the total volume of the container and the second and third receiving volumes. The available first receiving volume is therefore defined as a function of the remaining receiving volumes, with the number of devices introduced into the container determining the number of receiving volumes. For example, one first device and two second devices can be introduced into the container, creating four receiving volumes.Preferably, the inserted devices and thus the volumes defined by them are variable, so that they can expand upon filling and contract upon removal. For this purpose, the devices could, for example, be designed to be flexible, elastic, and / or movable.

[0028] The container preferably has at least one channel, wherein the channel is preferably arranged in the container wall, wherein the at least one channel connects the first receiving volume to the at least one first opening and / or the second receiving volume to the at least one second opening. The openings are configured to supply a medium to and / or discharge a medium from the receiving volumes, i.e., the receiving volume to which the openings are respectively connected.

[0029] When a receiving volume is heavily filled, the corresponding device or the wall of the device is pressed against the container wall. This creates encapsulated volumes, particularly in the corner areas, which are difficult to access, i.e. which are difficult to empty or fill. A groove in the container wall therefore ensures that these volumes are connected to at least one opening. This can guarantee a reliable connection between the encapsulated volumes and the opening. A groove can therefore be understood as any design of a media-carrying channel which ensures a connection of the first receiving volume to at least one opening without one of the devices or a wall of the device being able to block the groove. The groove preferably has a greater extension in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction.Furthermore, a pump can be arranged within the channel or within the receiving volume, so that the supply and / or discharge can be further improved. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a channel is arranged in each receiving volume of the container. The channel can improve the supply and / or discharge of the medium into and / or out of the receiving volume.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, in which the container has at least one third opening and at least one second device, wherein the at least one second device defines at least one third receiving volume, and wherein the at least one channel connects the third receiving volume to at least one third opening, wherein the at least one third opening is configured to supply a medium to and / or discharge a medium from the third receiving volume.

[0031] It is also within the scope of the invention to connect only the second device, for example a (hygienic) inner bag, to an opening, but not the outer bag, as is possible, for example, in a "bag in bag in tank with gutter" solution.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the channel additionally has a casing with a plurality of channel openings, wherein the channel openings are configured to connect the channel to the receiving volumes. The channel openings preferably have projections directed into the channel, wherein the projections are preferably inclined in the flow direction of the medium. In the event that the channel is integrated into the container wall, for example in the form of a molded-in bead, at least part of the casing is formed by the container wall. The casing preferably has channel openings so that a medium from the receiving volume in which the channel is arranged, and thus in particular also from the encapsulated volumes, can penetrate into the channel.When the channel is used to drain a medium, the channel directs the medium to an opening in the container wall. The channel openings preferably have projections directed in the direction of flow of the medium. Alternatively or additionally, the channel openings can also be inclined in the direction of flow. These measures can prevent or at least reduce unwanted leakage of the medium after it has entered the channel.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the first device and / or the second device comprises a partition, a bag, or a tube. The difference between a bag and a tube is, in particular, that the tube has two openings, so that an opening separate from the supply can be provided for the removal of the medium. Assuming that the container comprises a first device and only a second device, the following design variants of the receiving volumes of the container exist according to the invention: a first bag in a second bag in the total volume of the container; a partition in the total volume of the container and a bag in one of the resulting receiving volumes; a first bag and a second bag in the total volume of the container,wherein the bags are arranged next to each other and not inside each other; two partition walls in the total volume of the container; a first tube in a second tube in the total volume of the container; a first tube and a second tube in the total volume of the container, wherein the tubes are arranged next to each other and not inside each other; a partition wall in the total volume of the container and a tube in one of the receiving volumes created thereby; a bag and a tube in the total volume of the container; and a bag in a tube in the total volume of the container. If the first device comprises a bag or a tube,The second receiving volume is formed within the bag or tube. The same applies to the second device and the third receiving volume. The available first receiving volume is calculated as the difference between the total volume of the container and the second and third receiving volumes. If the first device has a partition, the total volume is divided into two receiving volumes: an available first and a second receiving volume. The third receiving volume is then formed by inserting a bag or tube through the bag or tube. Alternatively, the available first or second receiving volume is further divided by inserting another partition, creating a third receiving volume. As already mentioned, more than two devices can be inserted into the container. Consequently, more than three receiving volumes can be formed within the container.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, each receiving volume is hermetically sealed from the other receiving volumes. Hermetic sealing can be ensured, in particular, by appropriately selecting the material for the devices or the container wall, as well as by connecting or fastening the devices to the container. Alternatively, a device could also be designed in the form of a membrane, so that targeted mass transport between the receiving volumes, and thus among the media, can be achieved and influenced by the membrane.

[0035] Preferably, the first device and / or the at least one second device are detachably connected to the container, wherein the first device and / or the at least one second device can be removed from the container independently of one another and non-destructively. A detachable connection can be made possible by appropriate fastening elements, for example union nuts, threaded rings, screws, connection plates, etc. The connection plates can have through-openings through which a medium can be fed to or discharged from the associated receiving volume, wherein the through-openings offer connection options for pipe sockets, filler necks, hose nozzles, and the like, or are formed by such elements.

[0036] If a device is provided by a bag or a hose, the opening of the device can be attached to an opening in the container using fastening elements. If the container, for example, has an opening with a contact surface and an internal thread, a threaded ring can be screwed into the opening of the container and clamp the device or the device connection flange of the device opening or the device connection nozzle, through which the supply and / or discharge of a medium into the device is enabled, to the contact surface of the container opening. The threaded ring can, for example, have a hexagon socket and an external thread for assembly. This allows the threaded ring to be screwed into the opening of the container.If another bag or another tube is inserted into the device described above, this too can be secured in the opening using another threaded ring or a union nut or another combination of fastening elements. In this case, the device or the device connection flange of the device opening or the device connection piece is clamped between the already screwed threaded ring and, for example, the additional threaded ring. By fastening the devices using detachable fastening elements, any desired removal and / or insertion of devices into the container is possible, with the detachable fastening elements being loosened or tightened accordingly. Removing a device gives a user of the container easier access to the device and thus improved cleaning or inspection of the removed device.In addition, the removed device can be replaced or repaired at any time. This at least prevents unwanted mixing of the media due to damage to the device, contamination within the device, etc. Preferably, the device is removed without disassembling the container wall and solely by loosening the fastening elements.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferred if, alternatively or additionally, the first device and / or the at least one second device is welded and / or clamped to the container wall. Clamping to the container wall can be achieved by the container having a plurality of wall components, for example two container halves, and the first device and / or the at least one second device being clamped between the wall components. Alternatively or additionally, the openings of the container can be designed, as already described above, such that the devices are clamped to the openings by means of corresponding fastening elements, for example threaded rings, connecting pieces, connecting plates, screws, union nuts, etc. Furthermore, it can also be preferred for the devices orthe device connection flange of the device opening and / or the device connection nozzle are welded to the container wall and / or the openings arranged in the container wall. A particular advantage of a detachable fastening of a device to the opening of the container or between the container wall components is that the correspondingly fastened device can be removed non-destructively after the fastening elements have been loosened. In contrast, components required for clamping can be omitted with welding. In addition, sufficient tightness can be achieved more easily by welding the device or the device connection flange of the device opening and / or the device connection nozzle to the container wall and / or the openings arranged in the container wall. Welding can also be advantageous if removal of the devices is to be prevented.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the first device and / or the at least one second device comprise at least partially a flexible and in particular elastically deformable material. Suitable flexible materials include plastic films, for example polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester films, which can preferably be mono- or in particular biaxially stretched to increase mechanical strength (BO-PE, BO-PP, BO-PET). Suitable elastically deformable materials include, for example, silicone (SI), polyurethane (PUR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or rubber (NBR). If the device is provided in the form of a bag, the base or outer surface of the wall of the device or the surface into which less expansion occurs can preferably be designed to be smaller, i.e. have a low material thickness.By using an elastically deformable material, the device expands during filling and contracts during emptying. A maximum deformation of the elastic material of 20% is preferably achieved.

[0039] The first device and / or the at least one second device can have a multi-layer structure to adapt the properties of the flexible release agent to the respective application. This concerns, for example, mechanical strength, antibacterial, neutralizing properties, inertness to certain materials such as alkalis or solvents, etc.

[0040] It is also within the scope of the invention for the container inner wall, the first device, and / or the at least one second device to be at least partially made of an antibacterial and / or antiviral plastic or to be provided with an antibacterial and / or antiviral coating. For this purpose, additives based on highly branched polymers containing nanoscale metals can be incorporated into a plastic matrix, for example, as in the case of polyamide.

[0041] Furthermore, it may be preferred if the first device and / or the at least one second device comprise a bellows. The use of a bellows ensures permanent recovery, i.e., even after numerous filling and emptying cycles. Particularly if the device is provided in the form of a bag, the bellows can be integrated horizontally and / or vertically or can extend either predominantly in the horizontal or vertical direction.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the first device and / or the at least one second device has an orientation element, wherein the orientation element predetermines the positioning and / or the direction of expansion of the first device and / or the at least one second device. The orientation element is preferably arranged within the device. For example, a total volume of the container wall with a square cross-section could have a device with a square orientation element adapted thereto. If the orientation element is then arranged parallel to the cross-section of the container within the container, this can prevent rotation of the device within the total volume of the container. Thus, with the help of an orientation element, uniform expansion of the device within the total volume of the container can be enabled.Alternatively, the device can have a magnet or the like that positions or orients the device within the container. An orientation element is therefore understood to be any element that interacts with the device and ensures that the device is positioned and / or guided relative to the total volume. Predefined positioning and predefined expansion or contraction of the device during filling or emptying, in particular, simplify fill level measurement within the device's receiving volume. Fill level measurement can be carried out, in particular, using ultrasound, whereby an ultrasound-reflecting material is introduced into the device.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the container has a valve, wherein the valve is designed to close the inlet depending on a fill level and / or to prevent and / or initiate the removal of a medium and / or to suppress odor emissions. For this purpose, a float valve or a limiting valve can be provided which limits and / or blocks the supply of a medium to one of the receiving volumes depending on the fill level. Such a valve can protect the device from damage caused by excessive pressure or excessive filling. The use of a valve can initiate the removal of the medium depending on a condition, for example when the pressure is too high or the temperature is reached, i.e. it can carry out or start the removal of the medium.Alternatively or additionally, a check valve can also be provided, which can prevent or minimize unwanted odor emissions from the filling media. Furthermore, such a valve ensures that the filling media filled into a receiving volume does not accidentally leave the receiving volume again.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be preferred if the container and / or the first device and / or the at least one second device have a temperature control unit and / or insulation and / or sensors for identifying physical properties of a medium. The sensors, which can also be used in particular for level measurement, preferably have a plurality of sensors or at least one sensor per receiving volume. The level measurement can be carried out, for example, using a sensor in the form of a strain gauge, wherein the strain gauge is applied to the device. Alternatively or additionally, the level of the receiving volumes and / or the container can be measured using flow meters in the inlets and / or outlets, in particular in the container openings, and / or by measuring the weight of the container.

[0045] For example, if a second device is arranged in the second receiving volume, such as in the case of an "(inner) bag in (outer) bag in container" arrangement, and the third receiving volume is connected to an opening and intended to receive a medium, whereby the second receiving volume is not intended to receive a medium, the first device (the outer bag) and the second device (the inner bag) can each be designed to meet the requirements in a division of labor. For example, the first device can be optimized with regard to compatibility with a medium to be received in the first receiving volume, while the second device can be independently optimized with regard to compatibility with a medium to be received in the third receiving volume.Likewise, the first device can be designed, for example, in particular to meet the mechanical requirements with regard to material and structural design and to provide the necessary robustness and stability, while the second device can be optimized in particular with regard to further properties, for example permeation properties, easy exchangeability, low costs, recyclability, etc. The second device can also be used and / or optimized with regard to hygienic requirements, suitability for food contact, antibacterial and / or antiviral properties and the like.Particularly in these cases, such an arrangement also offers the advantage that a second device (such as an inner bag) which no longer meets the requirements after a period of use can be very easily removed from the first device (such as an outer bag) and replaced by a new second device which has the required performance characteristics.

[0046] For example, a water tank, such as one for a mobile home or a boat, can have a container with a first storage volume for gray water. The container contains a robust outer bag (first device), within which an inner bag for drinking water is arranged (second device). The drinking water only comes into contact with the inner bag, which can be easily replaced as needed. Such an arrangement ("bag in bag in tank") thus enables the permanent and reliable fulfillment of the highest hygiene requirements and eliminates the need for regular and time-consuming cleaning of the tank using cleaning or disinfectant agents.

[0047] Furthermore, according to claim 13, the present invention comprises a method for producing a container according to the above description. The method preferably comprises the following steps: Providing a container made of a first plastic material and rotationally molding a first device (10) and / or at least one second device (20) made of a second plastic material using a second plastic material or a second plastic precursor, wherein the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) are molded in a container wall (2) of the provided container (1).

[0048] Preferably, the container wall is manufactured in a tool using a first plastic material or a first plastic precursor.

[0049] In a further development of the inventive concept, the container wall is manufactured by rotational molding, blow molding, injection molding or deep drawing.

[0050] The manufacturing process ensures a high degree of precision fit of the devices to the container.

[0051] The respective starting material can comprise a plastic material that is introduced into the mold in the form of particles, for example, as powder, pellets, granules, or the like, or as plastisol. In this case, heat can preferably be introduced into the mold during rotational molding.

[0052] Plastics within the meaning of the present invention are generally sinterable or thermoplastically processable polymers. This also includes material types that are chemically crosslinked in the mold by a crosslinking agent added to a (initially thermoplastic) starting material, thereby forming a container wall made of thermosetting material, for example, crosslinked polyethylene (XPE) in the case of processing polyethylene (PE) that can be crosslinked using appropriate additives.

[0053] The respective starting material can alternatively comprise a plastic precursor, which can be introduced into the rotary tool, for example, as a low-viscosity liquid. Depending on the plastic precursor, formulation, and temperature, the initial viscosity is preferably in the range of 4 mPa s to 5000 mPa s. In this case, the plastic precursor is introduced into the tool as a liquid melt prior to rotational molding. However, it can also be added in solid form (e.g., as powder, pellets, flakes, or the like) and melted in the tool.

[0054] Plastic precursors within the meaning of the present invention are, quite generally, monomers, oligomers, prepolymers, and the like, including mixtures of two or more substances from these categories. The plastic precursors according to the invention are present in the mold as a liquid melt and react, optionally under the influence of also added catalysts, activators, or other additives, to form a plastic. The reaction can be radical, cationic, or anionic polymerization, polyaddition, polycondensation, metathesis polymerization, or the like. The resulting plastic can be thermoplastics or thermosets.

[0055] Thermoplastics can be used as the first plastic, for example polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide 12 (PA12), polycarbonate (PC), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The first starting material is then the corresponding plastic in powder or granule form. In the case of PVC, an alternative method can be used: a dispersion of PVC powder in one or more liquid plasticizers, also known as plastisol. In the case of the aforementioned polyamides, an alternative starting material can be a plastic precursor in the form of the corresponding lactam, in particular caprolactam (for PA6) and / or laurolactam (for PA12).

[0056] Thermosetting plastics can also be considered as the first plastic, provided they can either be processed thermoplastically or produced from suitable plastic precursors. The first group includes, for example, cross-linked polyethylene (XPE). The second group includes, for example, cross-linked polyurethanes (PUR), which will be discussed below.

[0057] Polydicyclopentadiene (DCPD) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) are also suitable as the first plastic for the container wall. In these cases, the preferred monomeric or oligomeric plastic precursors are dicyclopentadiene (DCPD; e.g., Telene® from Rimtec Corp.) or cyclic oligobutylene terephthalate (e.g., CBT® from Cyclics) with the appropriate catalysts or additives as starting materials. Polyurethanes (PUR) are also suitable; they are manufactured using mixtures of di- and / or polyisocyanates and di- and / or polyols as plastic precursors. One or both of these precursor components can also be oligomers or prepolymers, i.e., polymers with a relatively low molecular weight.

[0058] Within the scope of the process according to the invention, particularly soft and / or flexible and preferably elastically deformable materials are suitable as the second plastic, for example silicone, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic elastomers. The second plastic and the corresponding second starting material are preferably selected such that the processing temperature required for rotational molding of the second starting material is below the melting temperature or decomposition temperature of the first plastic. In this respect, polyurethanes and silicones offer the advantage that they can be processed even at room temperature. In addition, it should be noted that the second plastic, if necessary with the use of a suitable release agent, shows little tendency to adhere to the first plastic, so that after production of a device, its detachment from the container wall is easily possible.

[0059] Alternatively, the devices can also be manufactured in a tool different from the tool used to produce the container wall. The dimensions of a separate tool are preferably adapted to the dimensions of the tool used to produce the container wall. However, if necessary, the dimensions of the separate tool can also be selected such that the respective device manufactured with this tool cannot completely fill the receiving space defined by the container wall, so that the initial receiving volume can never be zero.

[0060] Further advantages, features, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of various embodiments and the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their references. Kurze Beschreibung der Zeichnungen

[0061] They show schematically: Fig. 1A a sectional view of a container not according to the invention with a first device in the form of a hose, Fig. 1B an exploded view of the container according to the Fig. 1A , Fig. 2A a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a container not according to the invention with a first device in the form of a bag designed as a bellows, Fig. 2B a sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a container not according to the invention with a first device in the form of a bag designed as a bellows, Fig. 2C a sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a container not according to the invention with a first device in the form of a bag designed as a bellows, Fig. 3A a sectional view of a further embodiment of a container not according to the invention with a first device and a second device in the form of bags, Fig. 3B an exploded view of the container according to the Fig. 3A , Fig. 4A a sectional view of a further embodiment of a container not according to the invention with a first device in the form of a bag and with a groove, Fig. 4B an exploded view of the container according to the Fig. 4A , Fig. 5A a sectional view of a further embodiment of a container with a first device and a second device in the form of bags and with a groove, Fig. 5B an exploded view of the container according to the Fig. 5A , Fig. 6A a sectional view of a further embodiment of a container not according to the invention with a first device in the form of a partition wall and with two channels, Fig. 6B an exploded view of the container according to the Fig. 6A , Fig. 7A a sectional view of a further embodiment of a container with a first device and a second device in the form of partition walls and two channels, Fig. 7B an exploded view of the container according to the Fig. 7A , Fig. 8A a sectional view of a first embodiment of an opening of a container, Fig. 8B an exploded view of the opening according to the Fig. 8A , Fig. 9A a sectional view of another embodiment of an opening of a container, Fig. 9B an exploded view of the opening according to the Fig. 9A , Fig. 10A a sectional view of another embodiment of an opening of a container, Fig. 10B an exploded view of the opening according to the Fig. 10A , Fig. 11A a sectional view of another embodiment of an opening of a container, Fig. 11B an exploded view of the opening according to the Fig. 11A , Fig. 12A a sectional view of another embodiment of an opening of a container, Fig. 12B an exploded view of the opening according to the Fig. 12A . Beschreibung von Ausführungsformen

[0062] In Fig. 1A A container 1 is shown with a container wall 2, which defines a total volume (receiving space) and thus a first receiving volume 3. The container 1 has a first device 10 in the form of a tube, which forms a second receiving volume 11. A first available receiving volume is formed by the difference between the total volume of the container and the second receiving volume 11.

[0063] The first device 10 has two device connection pieces 32, each with a device connection flange 33, which are Fig.1B are shown. Furthermore, the container 1 or the container wall 2 has four openings, two first openings 4 being assigned to the first receiving volume 3, and two second openings 12 being assigned to the second receiving volume 11. The first device 10 is clamped to the second openings 12 by means of a union nut 30 and a connecting plate 31. The first openings 4 also have union nuts 30, the union nuts 30 of the first openings 4 clamping the connecting plates 31.

[0064] The connecting plates 31 are in Fig. 1A (as in all other figures) is shown only schematically. It is understood that the connecting plates 31 can each have suitable through-openings through which a medium can be supplied to or discharged from the associated receiving volume without having to loosen the union nut 30 and remove the connecting plate 31. Suitable through-openings then offer connection options for pipe sockets, filler necks, hose nozzles, and the like, or are formed by such elements.

[0065] Fig. 1B shows container 1 from Fig. 1A in an exploded view, wherein in particular the device connection pieces 32 and device connection flanges 33 of the first device 10 are shown in more detail. As soon as the first device 10 is inserted into the container 1, the device connection piece 32 protrudes through an opening neck 6 of the container wall 2, wherein the device connection flanges 33 and the connection plates 31 are clamped to contact surfaces 7 of the opening necks 6 of the container 1 by means of union nuts 30. For this purpose, the opening necks 6 preferably have external threads which engage with an internal thread of the union nuts 30, wherein the device connection pieces 32 and the connection plates 31 are clamped by the screwing of the union nuts 30 to the external thread of the opening necks 6.

[0066] Fig. 2A bis Fig. 2C show various embodiments of a container 1 according to the invention with a first device 10 designed in the form of a bag. The first device 10 is shown in the Figuren 2A bis 2C designed as a bellows, whereby the bellows in Fig. 2A is particularly predestined for horizontal extension, and the bellows of the Figuren 2B und 2C are predestined for vertical extension. The first devices 10 are designed in a similar manner as in the Figuren 1A und 1B clamped to the second opening 12 via a union nut 30 and a connecting plate 31. The container 1 also has a first opening 4 at the bottom of the container wall 2. In Fig. 2C The wall of the first device 10 rests against the opening 4 and possibly closes it. As the second receiving volume 11 becomes increasingly full, the first device 10 expands toward the second opening 12, whereby the pressure within the container 1 or within the first receiving volume 3 gradually increases. Pressure equalization could, if necessary, occur via the first opening 4.

[0067] Fig. 3A shows a further embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention with a first device 10 with a second receiving volume 11 and a second device 20 with a third receiving volume 21. The total volume of the container delimited by the container wall 2 of the container 1 is not completely filled by the first device 10 and the second device 20, so that the available first receiving volume is also visible. The first and second devices 10 and 20 are in Fig. 3A provided in the form of bags. The first device 10 is also connected to a second opening 12 and the second device 20 to a third opening 22. As already described in the previous embodiments, the device connection flanges of the respective devices are clamped to the opening neck of the openings via union nuts. A first opening of the first receiving volume 3 can be provided in the container wall 2, for example for pressure equalization or for supplying and / or discharging a medium. This is shown in Figur 3A not shown.

[0068] Fig. 3B shows again in an exploded view particularly clearly the device connection pieces 32, the device connection flanges 33, the opening necks 6 and the contact surfaces 7 of the container 1.

[0069] In Fig. 4A a container 1 with a first device 10 in the form of a bag is shown, wherein a channel 40 provided with a pump 42 is arranged inside the bag. The channel 40 has channel openings 41 on its outer surface. In the container bottom, the container wall 2 has a recess 43 which is designed to accommodate an end region of the channel 40. This can prevent the channel 40 from slipping sideways. Furthermore, it is possible for the channel 40 to be clamped between the recess 43 in the container wall 2 and the connection plate 31 resting on the device connection flange 33. Even if not shown here, the connection plate 31 could also have a suitable recess, groove, projections, etc. for this purpose. The pump 42 arranged in the channel 40 is a submersible pump which is intended to pump a medium out of and / or into the second receiving volume 11.

[0070] In addition, the container 1 in Fig. 4A a second channel 40, which rests against the container wall 2 and is arranged within the first receiving volume 3. This channel 40 does not have a pump and therefore primarily serves to drain the medium from the first receiving volume 3 through the first opening 4 arranged at the container bottom. This channel 40 also has several channel openings (not shown) along its longitudinal extent, through which the filling medium reaches the interior of the channel 40. The channel openings 41 of both channels 40 have projections which project into the cavity or the interior of the channel 40 with an inclination in the direction of the first opening 4 (for the channel 40 arranged in the first receiving volume 3) or in the direction of the pump 42 (for the channel 40 arranged in the second receiving volume 11), ie in the flow direction of the medium within the channel, in order to reduce the probability that the filling medium escapes again through a channel opening.For the channel 40, which is arranged within the second receiving volume 11, a better supply of the medium to the pump 42 can thus be achieved.

[0071] The first openings 4 of the container each have a container connection piece 34. Such a container connection piece 34 can, for example, be screwed, pressed, molded onto, or welded to the container wall. The fastening or clamping of the first device 10 in the container 1 is achieved, as already described, by screwing a union nut 30 to the external thread of an opening neck 6 of the container 1. The union nut 30 clamps the device connection flange 33 of the first device 10 together with a connection plate 31 onto the contact surface 7 of the opening neck 5.

[0072] Fig. 4B shows an exploded view of container 1 from Fig. 4A .

[0073] The embodiment of the container 1 in Fig. 5A differs from container 1 from Fig. 4A in that a second device 20 in the form of a bag is arranged within the first device 10. The container 1 according to Fig. 5A thus has three receiving volumes, an available first receiving volume, a second receiving volume 11 and a third receiving volume 21, which together form the total volume of the container. As already shown in the embodiment of the container 1 from Fig. 4A , the container 1 also has Fig. 5A two channels 40, one channel 40 being arranged within the third receiving volume 21 together with a pump 42, and the other channel 40, as already shown in Fig. 4A , is arranged along the container wall 2 in the first receiving volume 3.

[0074] The second device 20 is enclosed by the first device 10, so that the second receiving volume 11 is arranged between the wall of the first device 10 and the wall of the second device 20. The device connection pieces 32 or the device connection flanges 33 of the two devices 10 and 20 are clamped together on the opening neck 6 or on the contact surface 7 of the container 1 by the union nut 30 and the connection plate 31. The third opening 22 thus provides exclusively a media connection to the third receiving volume 21. This means that a medium can only be supplied to and / or removed from the third receiving volume 21. The second receiving volume 11 is not intended to receive a medium during normal operation, but can receive a medium received in the third receiving volume 21, for example in the event of damage to the first device 10.It is understood that a suitable second opening 12 (in . Fig. 5A not shown) can be provided for venting the second receiving volume 11. The available first receiving volume changes depending on the filling of the third receiving volume 21. In order to ensure sufficient tightness in the area of ​​the device connection pieces 32 of the two devices 10 and 20, these and / or the device connection flanges can also be welded. Alternatively or additionally, the bag wall of the first device 10 could be formed from a flexible material and the device connection piece 32 of the first device 10 could be formed from a solid material, so that the device connection piece 32 can be provided with an external thread. The opening neck 6 of the third opening 22 could accordingly be provided with an internal thread, so that the device connection piece 32 of the first device 10 could be screwed to the opening neck 6.

[0075] In Fig. 5B an exploded view of the container 1 from Fig. 5A shown. It is clearly visible here that the device connection pieces 32 of the two devices 10 and 20 are of different lengths, so that the device connection flange 33 of the longer device connection piece 32 of the second device 20 comes to rest on the device connection flange 33 of the shorter device connection piece 32 of the first device 10 as soon as the second device 20 is inserted into the first device 10. Just as the previously described screw connection of the opening neck 6 to the device connection piece 32 of the first device 10, the device connection piece 32 of the second device 20 could also be screwed via an external thread to an internal thread of the device connection piece 32 of the first device 10. Alternatively or additionally, the device connection pieces 32 and / or the device connection flanges 33 can be clamped and / or welded.

[0076] In Fig. 6A A further embodiment of a container 1 is shown, wherein the first device 10 comprises a partition wall. Furthermore, the container 1 is divided into two container halves, each of which has a container flange 5, so that the two container halves rest against each other in the region of the container flanges 5. The container halves can be welded, for example, or held together by other means. The partition wall of the first device 10 also has a device connection flange 33, which is preferably clamped between the two container flanges 5 and / or welded in this region. The partition wall divides the total volume of the container into two receiving volumes: an available first receiving volume and a second receiving volume 11. Both receiving volumes 3 and 11 have a groove 40 in the region of the container wall 2. The groove connects the receiving volumes 3 and 11, each with an opening 4 and 12.The channels 40 can have channel openings 41, not shown here. In addition to the openings 4 and 12 connected to the channels 40, each receiving volume 3 and 11 also has an opening on the upper side opposite the openings 4 and 12 on the underside of the container. The first opening 4 on the upper side of the container can thus be used for filling and / or removing a medium from the first receiving volume 3. The second opening 12 can be used for filling and / or removing a medium from the second receiving volume 11. Both openings 4 and 12 each have a connection plate 31, for example for connecting external devices, machines, etc., which are clamped to the contact surfaces 7 of the opening necks 6 via a union nut 30.

[0077] Fig. 6B shows an exploded view of container 1 from Fig. 6A .

[0078] Fig. 7A shows a similar embodiment of the present invention as Fig. 6A , where the container 1 in Fig. 7A additionally has a second device 20 in the form of a partition. The container 1 in Fig. 7A thus comprises three receiving volumes: a first receiving volume 3, a second receiving volume 11, and a third receiving volume 21. The first device 10 is fastened between the container flanges 5 of the container 1 via the device connection flange 33. The second device 20 is arranged within the second receiving volume 11 and has its own wall, which essentially completely encloses a third receiving volume 21. The second device 20 is fastened to the opening neck 6 via a device connection piece 32 and to the contact surface 7 of the third opening 22 via a device connection flange 33. The third opening 22 also has a connection plate 31 and a union nut 30 and is designed to supply a medium to or from the third receiving volume 21. Opposite the third opening 22, in the bottom region of the container, is a second opening 12 for the second receiving volume 11.The second opening 12 is connected to the second receiving volume 11 via a channel 40. The channel 40 preferably has channel openings 41 and projections (not shown here). The channel 40 is arranged along the container wall 2. The first receiving volume 3 has two first openings 4. One of the first openings 4 is arranged on the side of the container on which the third opening 22 is also arranged. This first opening 4 has a connecting plate 31 and a union nut 30. Opposite this first opening 4 there is a second first opening 4 which is connected to a channel 40. The channel 40 is arranged along the container wall 2 and connects the first receiving volume 3 to the first opening 4. The channel 40, which connects the first receiving volume 3 to the first opening 4, also preferably has channel openings 41 and projections (not shown here).

[0079] Fig. 7B shows an exploded view of the container embodiment according to Fig. 7A .

[0080] Fig. 8A shows a container section in the area of ​​a third opening 22 in a sectional view. Accordingly, the container wall 2 and the two device connection pieces 32 of the respective devices 10 and 20 (not visible here) can be seen. The device connection pieces 32 each have a device connection flange 33. The shorter, radially outer device connection piece 32, in the assembled state, comes to rest with its device connection flange 33 on a contact surface 7 of the container wall 2. The device connection flange 33 is fastened to the contact surface 7 with the aid of a threaded ring 35, wherein the threaded ring 35 is screwed into the container wall 2 with its external thread. To fasten the threaded ring 35, the threaded ring 35 has a hexagon socket into which a tool can engage.In the assembled state, the longer, radially inner device connection piece 32 is arranged within the shorter, radially outer device connection piece 32 and rests with the device connection flange 33 on the threaded ring 35. The shorter, outer device connection piece 32 is therefore provided for an outer, second receiving volume 11, whereby the longer, inner device connection piece 32 is provided for an inner, third receiving volume 21. The second receiving volume 11 and the third receiving volume 21 are not shown here. To attach the longer, inner device connection piece 32, which is provided for the supply and / or discharge of a medium into an inner, third receiving volume 21, the device connection piece 32 is fastened in the recess of the container wall 2 via a further threaded ring 35 together with a connection plate 31.In this embodiment of a third opening 22, the device and connection components are flush with the container wall 2. It is obvious that instead of two device connection pieces 32, only one device connection piece 32 or one device connection flange 33 can be attached to an opening via a threaded ring 35 and / or a connection plate 31.

[0081] Fig. 8B shows a corresponding exploded view of the individual components as shown in Fig. 8A .

[0082] In Fig. 9A an alternative container connection of a third opening 22 is shown in a sectional view. Here, a radially inner device connection piece 32 is arranged within a radially outer device connection piece 32, wherein the device connection flanges 33 rest on one another in the assembled state. The inner device connection piece 32 is assigned to the third receiving volume 21. The outer device connection piece 32 is assigned to the second receiving volume 11. In the assembled state, the two device connection flanges 33 rest on the contact surface 7 of the opening necks 6 of the container wall 2 and are fastened here together with a connection plate 31 via a union nut 30. The receiving volume lying outside the devices 10 and 20 forms the available first receiving volume.

[0083] Fig. 9B shows a corresponding exploded view of the Fig. 9A .

[0084] Fig. 10A shows a further alternative embodiment of a container connection of a third opening 22 in a sectional view. In contrast to the alternative from Fig. 9A the opening neck 6 in Fig. 10A two contact surfaces 7. In the assembled state, an inner contact surface 7 rests against the device connection flange 33 of the first device 10 and is fastened there by means of a threaded ring 35. In the assembled state, an outer contact surface 7 rests against the device connection flange 33 of the second device 20 and is fastened here by means of a union nut 30 together with a connection plate 31. The device connection flange 33 of the first device 10 and the device connection flange 33 of the second device 20 are axially spaced from one another.

[0085] In Fig. 10B is an exploded view of the embodiment from Fig. 10A shown.

[0086] Fig. 11A shows a container connection of a third opening 22, wherein the contact surface 7 of the opening neck 6 of the container wall 2 has bores for receiving screws 36. The screws 36 serve to screw the device connection flanges 33 together with a connection plate 31 to the opening neck 6. Accordingly, the connection plate 31 and the device connection flanges 33 also have corresponding bores.

[0087] Fig. 11B shows an exploded view of the device according to Fig. 11A .

[0088] In Fig. 12A An embodiment of a container connection of a third opening 22 is shown, wherein only the second device 20 has a device connection piece 32 and accordingly also a device connection flange 33. The first device 10 is at least partially welded to the container wall 2. The device connection piece 32 of the second device 20 projects in the assembled state through the opening neck 6 of the container wall 2 and rests with the device connection flange 33 on the contact surface 7. A union nut 30 fastens the device connection flange 33 together with a connection plate 31 to the opening neck 6. Even if the container, as before, in the Figs. 8A bis 11B is not fully shown, the recording volumes 3, 11, and 21 are shown.

[0089] Fig. 12B shows an exploded view of the embodiment according to Fig. 12A .

[0090] After a container 1 with a container wall 2 and a first receiving volume 3 has been manufactured according to the requirements resulting from the later use by suitable processes such as blow molding, injection molding or deep drawing, preferably by rotational molding, a first device 10 and optionally one or more second devices 20 are inserted into the container 1 through an opening in the container wall 2 or by the container 1 having several composable components, for example two container halves, depending on the requirements resulting in particular from the type of filling medium. If the devices 10 and 20 comprise a flexible material, the devices 10 and 20 can simply be inserted through an opening.

[0091] Depending on the application, a channel 40 with a pump 42 can then be introduced into the container and / or into one of the devices. Alternatively or additionally, at least one channel 40 can be integrated into the container 1 during its manufacture.

[0092] If the container is required for a cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning machine has a cleaning process that initially involves water extraction, then water heating, mixing of the water with cleaning agent, cleaning, and finally collection of the contaminated water, the container requires three storage volumes: a first storage volume 3 for the contaminated water, a second storage volume 11 for the fresh water, and a third storage volume 21 for the cleaning agent. Preferably, the second storage volume 11 is provided by a first device 10 in the form of a bag, and the third storage volume 21 is provided by a second device 20 in the form of a bag. Since cleaning processes usually require more water than cleaning agent, the second storage volume 11 is filled more heavily before the start of the cleaning process than the third storage volume 21 filled with cleaning agent.The first receiving volume 3 intended for the contaminated water is preferably empty.

[0093] In order to supply the corresponding medium to or remove it from the receiving volumes 3, 11, and 21, each receiving volume is assigned an opening. The first receiving volume 3 preferably has two openings 4, one opening for supply arranged on the top of the container and one opening for removal arranged on the bottom of the container. The first device 10 can be clamped by a device connection flange 33 to a contact surface 7 of an opening neck 6 of a second opening 12 via a connection plate 31 and a union nut 30. The same applies to the second device 20, which can be clamped in a third opening 22. The first openings 4 can each be provided with a container connection piece 34.

[0094] A channel 40 is not necessarily required for use in a cleaning process, since the second and third receiving volumes 11 and 21 are emptied via the openings 12 and 22, and the available first receiving volume only gradually fills during the cleaning process. At the end of the cleaning process, the second and third receiving volumes 11 and 21 are preferably emptied and the available first receiving volume is filled. The available first receiving volume then corresponds to the total volume of the container.

[0095] For removal, a pump 42 can be integrated directly into the receiving volumes, or an external pump connected to the corresponding openings can ensure the removal of the media. A temperature control unit can also be integrated directly into the second receiving volume 11 for water heating. Furthermore, the wall of the first device 10 can be insulated to prevent the heat from affecting the remaining receiving volumes.

[0096] If, during the cleaning process, 1 liter of heated water is taken from the second holding volume 11 and mixed with 50 ml of cleaning agent from the third holding volume 21 in a cleaning machine, the holding volume 3 increases by 1.05 liters. The third holding volume 3 can be filled with the contaminated water, consisting of water, cleaning agent, and dirt particles, through the first opening 4 on the top of the container. After completion, the contaminated water can be emptied into a tanker, a drain, etc., through the first opening 4 on the bottom of the container.

[0097] In order to avoid, as far as possible, a mixing of the third receiving volume 21 filled with cleaning agent with one of the other receiving volumes 3 and 11, for example because the cleaning agent is very valuable and would no longer be usable due to the mixing, the first second device 20 in the form of a bag can also be integrated into an additional second device 20 in the form of a bag and similar to the Figuren 5A und 5B and the Figuren 8A bis 12B be attached to the third opening 22. This creates a fourth receiving volume, although only three of these can still be filled with media. Since the first bag is integrated into a second bag, one of the receiving volumes has a double wall. If the inner device or the wall of the inner device is damaged, the cleaning agent could be trapped by the outer wall.

[0098] In order to clean the devices 10 and 20 and the container interior and, for example, to prevent the formation of mold, the devices 10 and 20 can be removed from the openings 12 and 22 by loosening the union nuts 30 and cleaned.

[0099] The cleaning process of the cleaning machine has been described here only as an example. Naturally, there are further possible applications for a container 1 according to the invention, for example in caravans, mobile homes, boats, diesel vehicles, etc., wherein a container 1 has several, preferably flexible, receiving volumes. In addition, the container 1 can be designed such that easy removal of the devices is possible using appropriate fastening means at the openings. Furthermore, the container 1 can have a channel 40, which particularly facilitates the removal of a medium. In addition, a device can be arranged, for example, within another device, so that the filled receiving volume is robust against possible damage and / or meets particularly high requirements with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.

[0100] Preferably, the container is manufactured using a rotational molding process using a rotary tool. One known method of production involves placing a weighed amount of plastic material in the form of powder, pellets, micropellets, or the like as starting material into a hollow mold, the inner surface of which defines the outer surface of the plastic container. The mold is then set in rotation about two axes that are generally arranged perpendicular to one another. Heat is introduced into the rotational mold. The rotational speeds of the rotational molds are so low that centrifugal forces have little influence compared to gravity. The plastic material begins to melt and adhere to the inside of the rotational mold, giving the plastic container its final shape.This widely used variant of the rotational molding process uses thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 11 or 12 (PA11, PA12), polycarbonate (PC), and the like. Processing temperatures must be above the melting or softening temperature of the respective plastic material.

[0101] Some plastics, particularly thermoplastics with a very high melting or softening temperature, e.g. PA6, or thermosets, which are naturally not amenable to thermoplastic processing, are preferably processed in the rotational molding process in a manner that is also known per se. A chemical precursor of the material intended for the molded part, the so-called plastic precursor, is introduced as a melt in liquid form into the rotational mold and there, while rotating and simultaneously shaping or molding, chemically reacts, in particular polymerizes, to form the final plastic material. This process is advantageously used, for example, for the production of molded parts made of polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 12 (PA12) or their copolymers, wherein the corresponding lactams, e.g.Caprolactam and / or laurolactam are used, which are solid at room temperature under normal conditions, but are processed in the rotational process as a melt with a very low viscosity (on the order of 10 mPa s, i.e., approximately the same as water). This process variant allows the production of plastic moldings without the high temperatures required for thermoplastic processing, and the process temperature is preferably kept below the melting temperature of the finished plastic.

[0102] Rotational molding with plastics as starting material as well as with plastic precursors as starting material is well known and described, for example, in the monographs [1] Crawford, Roy J., Rotational Molding of Plastics, Second Edition, Research Studies Press Ltd., Taunton / John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York, 1996, [2] Nugent, Paul: Rotational Molding: A Practical Guide, 2001, and [3] Crawford, Roy J., Throne, James L.: Rotational Molding Technology, Plastics Design Library, William Andrew Publishing, Norwich, New York, 2002.

[0103] The first and / or second device 10, 20 are inserted into the container 1 thus produced.

[0104] The devices 10, 20 can, in particular when designed as a bag or tube, be manufactured in a separate tool which has similar dimensions to the tool used to manufacture the container.

[0105] Alternatively, it is also possible to first produce the container 1 and then form the bag by rotational molding directly inside the container 1. For this purpose, the starting material intended for producing the bag is introduced into the previously rotationally molded container wall 2, which preferably remains in the tool used to produce it. The tool is then set in biaxial rotation, and can optionally be heated. The starting material adheres to the container wall and forms the wall of the device. After rotational molding has been completed, before or after the container is removed from the tool, any adhesion of the bag to the container wall is achieved by increasing the pressure in the area between the container wall and the bag (i.e. in the first receiving space) and / or by evacuating the volume enclosed by the bag (i.e. the second receiving space).This allows the bag to be molded into the container to size. Bezugszeichenliste

[0106] 1Container 2Container wall 3First receiving volume 4First opening 5Container flange 6Opening neck 7Contact surface 10first device 11second receiving volume 12second opening 20second device 21third receiving volume 22third opening 30 Union nut 31 Connection plate 32 Device connection piece 33 Device connection flange 34 Tank connection piece 35 Threaded ring 36 Screw 40Gutter 41Gutter openings 42Pump 43Recess

Claims

1. Container (1) for holding at least one medium, preferably a fluid, comprising: a container wall (2) defining a first receiving space with a first receiving volume (3), and a first device (10) which is arranged within the first receiving space and defines a second receiving volume (11), wherein the container (1) comprises at least one second device (20) which defines at least one third receiving volume (21), wherein the at least one second device (20) is arranged within the first receiving space, wherein the first device (10) and the at least one second device (20) are at least partially flexible so that the size of the second receiving volume (11) and of the at least one third receiving volume (21) are variable, and wherein the container (1) has at least two openings (4, 12, 22) which are designed to supply a medium to the first receiving volume (3) and / or the second receiving volume (11) and / or the at least one third receiving volume (21) and / or to remove it therefrom, characterized in that the at least one second device (20) is arranged within the second receiving volume (11).

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two openings (4, 22) are designed to feed a medium to the first receiving volume (3) and / or the at least one third receiving volume (21) and / or to discharge it from these.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container has at least one channel (40), the channel (40) being preferably arranged in the container wall (2), the at least one channel (40) connecting the first receiving volume (3) with a first opening (4) of the at least two openings (4, 12, 22) and / or the second receiving volume (11) with a second opening (12) of the at least two openings (4, 12, 22), and wherein the second opening (12) is designed to supply a medium to the second receiving volume (11) and / or to discharge it therefrom.

4. Container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the container (1) has at least one third opening (22), wherein the at least one channel (40) connects the third receiving volume (21) to the at least one third opening (22), wherein the at least one third opening (22) is designed to supply a medium to the third receiving volume (21) and / or to discharge a medium from it.

5. Container (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the channel (40) has a casing with several channel openings (41), wherein the channel openings (41) are designed to connect the channel (40) to the receiving volumes (3, 11, 21), wherein the channel openings (41) preferably have projections directed into the channel (40), and wherein the projections are preferably inclined in the direction of flow of the medium.

6. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) comprise a partition, a bag, or a tube.

7. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each receiving volume (3, 11, 21) is hermetically sealed off from the other receiving volumes (3, 11, 21).

8. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) are detachably connected to the container (1), wherein the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) can be removed from the container (1) independently of one another.

9. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) are welded and / or clamped to the container wall (2), in particular in the region of an opening (4, 12, 22).

10. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) consist at least partially of a flexible and, in particular, elastically deformable material.

11. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) have a bellows.

12. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) have an orientation element, wherein the orientation element predetermines the positioning and / or the extension of the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20).

13. Method for manufacturing a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing a container made of a first plastic material and rotationally molding a first device (10) and / or at least one second device (20) from a second plastic material using a second plastic material or a second plastic precursor, wherein the first device (10) and / or the at least one second device (20) are molded in a container wall (2) of the provided container (1).

14. Method for manufacturing a container (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the container wall (2) is manufactured in a mold using a first plastic material or a first plastic precursor.

15. Method for manufacturing a container (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the container wall (2) is manufactured by rotational molding, blow molding, injection molding, or deep drawing.