Transport container having a clamping disc

Abstract

A container for the transport and storage of liquids comprises at least one upwardly open socket (28) at the top of an inner container. A clamping disc (36) has an internal thread (38) that can be screwed to an external thread (30) of the socket (28), thereby clamping a container top (20) at the edge of its opening (34). A screw lock interacts with the external thread (30) of the socket (28) and the internal thread (38) of the clamping disc (36) and prevents unintentional loosening of the clamping disc (36) and socket (28).

Description

[0001] Transport container with clamping disc

[0002] The invention relates to a container for the transport and storage of liquids, with an inner container made of plastic for holding liquid and with an outer container made of plastic with a rigid bottom, a rigid shell and a rigid top.

[0003] Such containers are known as IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) and are palletized, making them easy to move with forklifts. The liquid can be filled into and removed from the inner container via a nozzle on the inner container and a dip tube. Such containers are often used for flammable, highly toxic, high-purity, and highly acidic liquids, for example, in the semiconductor industry.

[0004] DE 195 35 707 A1 discloses a disposable and reusable container in which a filler neck is molded onto the top of an inner container, the end of which protrudes outward from the top of the outer container. The filler neck is held in an opening in the rigid top by a slotted clamping ring, with the opening edge of the top resting against the top of the inner container. The filler neck is closed with a screw cap.

[0005] During use of the container, changes in the shape of the inner container can occur. For example, increased filling temperatures and the subsequent cooling phase can create a vacuum in the inner container, causing it to deform. Varying fill levels in the inner container can also lead to deformation. Such deformation also changes the exact position of the spout opening to a certain extent, which can be critical during filling and emptying. Because of the hazardous contents, operators often wear protective clothing and gloves that make fine motor handling difficult. The precise position of the spout relative to the top is a further problem. Vibration during transport can cause the connection between the spout and top to come loose, causing the spout to rattle and wobble in the opening, making it difficult to fill and empty liquid.

[0006] A German utility model application with file number 20 2022 101 418.3 exists for this patent application. The German Patent and Trademark Office conducted a prior art search on this utility model application. The search report cites two documents, DE 10 2009 016 451 B3 and US 4 164 304 A, which are assigned to Category A (documents defining the technological background).

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a container for the transport and storage of liquids which is of simple construction and improves handling when filling and emptying the inner container.

[0008] This problem is solved by the combination of features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] In the invention, the nozzle, which is formed integrally with the inner container, has an external thread and an internal thread. A clamping disc with an internal thread can be screwed onto the external thread of the nozzle, clamping the top plate at the edge of its opening. In this way, the nozzle is fixed to the rigid top plate and cannot change its position relative to the outer container, even if the inner container deforms due to pressure differences or a changing fill level. This simplifies handling during filling and emptying and avoids the risk of spilling problematic liquids. Furthermore, the invention comprises a screw lock that interacts with the external thread of the nozzle and the internal thread of the clamping disc and is suitable for preventing accidental loosening of the clamping disc and nozzle.This measure also increases the safety of the container, as it prevents the screw connection from becoming loose or coming off due to vibration during transport or when unscrewing the sealing plug.

[0010] According to a further development of the invention, at least the rigid top plate is made of electrically conductive plastic. Conductivity is achieved, for example, by admixing electrically conductive soot particles or aluminum particles with the plastic. The electrical conductivity is adjusted to dissipate electrical charges that may arise due to frictional electricity during filling and emptying of the inner container. The screw connection between the top plate and the inner container advantageously provides a triple function: on the one hand, precisely and permanently fixes the pipe holder relative to the outer container, on the other, it prevents the top plate from accidentally detaching from the nozzle, and, furthermore, it prevents hazards from electrical discharges.

[0011] Another embodiment provides for an electrically insulating sealing ring to be arranged between the pipe receptacle and the nozzle, and for the pipe receptacle, made of electrically conductive plastic, to include an electrically conductive contact element that is electrically connected to the clamping disc. Such a sealing ring, for example made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), creates a fluid-tight seal between the inner container and the outside. The electrically conductive contact element bridges the electrically insulating seal, ensuring continuous electrical conductivity between the pipe receptacle, clamping disc, and top plate, further reducing the risk of spontaneous electrical discharge.

[0012] A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that an anti-rotation device is provided which interacts with the contact element, the pipe holder, and the clamping disk, and is suitable for preventing relative rotation of the pipe holder and the clamping disk. This anti-rotation device fixes the pipe holder to the clamping disk. This clamping disk, in turn, is secured against accidental loosening by the screw lock mentioned above. This means that even if the sealing plug is firmly seated in the pipe holder, for example because it is screwed in very tightly or the threaded connection has become rigid due to deformation, the pipe holder does not move when this sealing plug is unscrewed, thereby improving the safety of the entire container. This prevents liquid from spilling out, for example.The interaction of the screw lock and the rotation lock ensures that even if the sealing plug is relatively tight, the pipe holder and the clamping disc cannot come loose from the screw connection, thus resulting in increased safety for the entire container.

[0013] According to a preferred development, the inner container with the integral nozzle is made of HDPE in a blow molding process or a plastic rotational molding process.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures.

[0015] Fig.l a transport container for the transport and storage of liquids in a perspective exploded view,

[0016] Fig.2 a schematic cross-section through the container,

[0017] Fig.3 is an exploded view showing parts of the device for filling and / or emptying the inner container as well as a section of the top and the nozzle of the inner container,

[0018] Fig.4 the contact ring with contact arms in different partial views,

[0019] Fig.5 a partial cross-section in the assembled state of the device for filling and / or emptying the inner container,

[0020] Fig.6 a schematic detailed view of locking cams and locking cams,

[0021] Fig.7 another embodiment with contact tabs on the contact ring,

[0022] Fig.8 another example with contact tabs on the pipe holder, and

[0023] Fig. 9 shows the grid toothing on the contact ring and pipe holder. Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective exploded view, parts of a transport container 10 according to the invention for the transport and storage of liquids. Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through the transport container 10. This transport container 10 comprises an outer container 12 made of electrically conductive plastic, preferably PE, with a rigid bottom 14, which rests on a pallet 16 having the dimensions of a Euro pallet. The outer container 12 further comprises a rigid shell 18 and a rigid top 20 or lid. Within the outer container 12, an inner container 22 made of plastic, preferably high-purity HDPE, for holding liquid is accommodated. Connected to the rigid top 20 and the inner container 22 is at least one device 24 for filling and / or emptying the inner container 22.A dip tube 25 belonging to this device 24 extends into the interior of the inner container 22. The inner container 22 is filled and emptied via this dip tube 25. An electrical ground connection 13 is provided to discharge electrical charges from the outer container 12.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of further details of the aforementioned device 24 and its attachment to the top plate 20 and the inner container 22. An upwardly open nozzle 28 is formed integrally on the inner container 22. This nozzle 28 has an external thread 30 and an internal thread 32. The inner container 22 is manufactured using a blow molding or rotational molding process, with the nozzle 28, its threads 30, 32, and at least one grid element 40 being formed. The rigid top plate 20 contains an opening 34 that surrounds the nozzle 28 with clearance.

[0025] The device 24 comprises a clamping disc 36 with an internal thread 38, which can be screwed to the external thread 30 of the nozzle 28 during assembly and thereby clamps the top plate 20 at the edge of its opening 34.

[0026] At least one first grid element 40 is formed at the base of the external thread 30. On the side of the clamping disk 36 facing the socket 28, at least one second grid element 42 is formed in the lower region of the internal thread 38. These two grid elements 40, 42 form a screw lock, whereby the grid elements 40, 42 lock together when screwed clockwise with a right-hand thread from the clamping disk 36 to the socket 28. This locking action creates a positive connection that prevents the clamping disk 36 from becoming detached from the socket 28 after screwing. The clamping disk 36 contains recesses 44 on its circumference into which a tool (not shown) can engage in order to carry out the screwing with sufficient torque.Preferably, the first locking element is designed as a protruding locking cam 40 on the lower circumference of the external thread 30 of the nozzle 28, and the second locking element on the clamping disk 36 is designed as a locking cam 42 on the lower circumference of the internal thread 38. The design of the locking cam 40 on the core cylinder of the external thread 30 has the advantage that reliable locking is achieved even with thickness fluctuations of the top plate 20. However, it is also possible to form the first locking element 40 on the end face of the inner container 22, which then faces a second locking element 42 formed on the end face of the clamping disk 36.

[0027] A pipe receptacle 26 has an external thread 46 in its upper region, which can be screwed to the internal thread 32 of the nozzle 28. The pipe receptacle 26 supports the immersion pipe 25, which is shown in a greatly foreshortened form. A contact ring 50 made of electrically conductive plastic rests on an end face 49 of the pipe receptacle 26. On its underside facing the pipe receptacle 26, the contact ring 50 has a first locking means 52, for example a ratchet toothing. This locking means 52 interacts with a second locking means 54, also e.g. a ratchet toothing, provided on the end face 49. A sealing plug 56 with an external thread 58 serves to close the inner container 22 in a liquid-tight manner. The external thread 58 is screwed to the internal thread 48 of the pipe receptacle 26.During this screw connection, the contact ring 50 is fixedly locked in place by the first locking means 52 and the second locking means 54, so that the rotational position of the contact ring 50 and the pipe holder 26 is clearly defined. The pitch of the locking means 52, 54 defines the angular resolution for the rotational position of the contact ring 50. For example, the angular resolution is increased by a small tooth pitch of the ratchet toothing. In the example according to Fig. 3, the contact ring 50 has contact arms 60 bent radially outwards and downwards on its circumference, which contain third locking means (not visible in Fig. 3). These third locking means interact with fourth locking means 64 along the circumference on the clamping disk 36 and engage with them during screwing. In this way, relative rotation of the pipe holder 26 against the clamping disk 36 and thus against the nozzle 28 is prevented.

[0028] Fig. 4 shows further details in several partial views, in particular how the contact ring 50 locks with the clamping disk 36. The lower part of the image shows the device 24 in its assembled state. The middle part shows section C on an enlarged scale. The upper part of the image shows the contact ring 50 with the contact arms 60 and, below that, an enlarged view E of a contact arm 60. Each contact arm 60 contains a locking web 66. This locking web 66 engages in gaps 68 between adjacent locking cams 64, which form the fourth locking means along the circumference of the clamping disk 36. The contact ring 50 is made of flexible plastic material and is clicked onto the ring comprising the locking cams 64, with the contact arms 60 engaging beneath the locking cams 64.

[0029] When assembling the parts according to Figures 3 and 4, the clamping disk 36 with its internal thread 38 is first screwed to the external thread 30 using a tool engaging in the recesses 44, whereby on the one hand the top plate 20 is clamped and on the other hand the first locking element 40 and the second locking element 42 slide elastically over one another and lock together to form a screw lock. The pipe holder 26 is then inserted into the socket 28 and its external thread 46 is screwed to the internal thread 32. The contact ring 50 is then placed on the end face 49 of the pipe holder 26, whereby the first locking element 52 comes into contact with the second locking element 54 of the pipe holder 26. The contact arms 60 overlap the ring of locking cams 64 and the contact webs 66 engage in gaps 68 between the locking cams 64, whereby the rotational position of the contact ring 50 is fixed.Finally, the external thread 58 of the closure plug 56 is screwed to the internal thread 48 of the pipe receptacle 26. With the help of the rotation lock, formed by the first locking means 52 on the contact ring 50 and the second locking means 54 on the pipe receptacle 26, as well as the third locking means 66 and the fourth locking means 64, on the one hand, and the screw lock comprising the first grid element 40 and the second grid element 42, on the other hand, an unintentional loosening or detachment of the connection between the clamping disk 36 and the pipe receptacle 26 from the nozzle 28 is not possible when screwing counterclockwise to release the closure plug 56, for example to fill or empty the inner container 22. In this way, on the one hand, the position of the pipe receptacle 26 is clearly and precisely defined, and on the other hand, the rotational position relative to the pipe receptacle 26 cannot change, thereby improving the handling and safety of the entire container.

[0030] Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-section in the assembled state of the device 24 for filling and / or emptying the inner container 22. Identical parts have the same designation. The nozzle 28 formed on the inner container 22 receives the pipe receptacle 26 with its external thread 46 with its internal thread 32. The clamping disc 36 clamps the upper body 20, with an annular, liquid-tight seal 68 creating a seal (for example, the seal 68 consists of a flat, injection-molded thermoplastic elastomer). An electrically insulating sealing ring 70 (e.g., also made of thermoplastic elastomer) is arranged between the pipe receptacle 26 and the nozzle 28. The pipe receptacle 26, the clamping disc 36 and also the upper body 20 are made of electrically conductive plastic for dissipating electrical charges. The inner container 22 made of HDPE is electrically non-conductive.Therefore, the important contact element in the form of the contact ring 50 is required, which establishes the necessary electrically conductive connection between the pipe receptacle 26 via the clamping disk 36 and the top plate 20. The sealing plug 56 is screwed with its external thread 58 to the internal thread 48 of the pipe receptacle 26 and is sealed liquid-tight via a further annular seal 72. The pipe receptacle 26 has a further internal thread 74. This internal thread 74 is firmly connected to an external thread of an adapter device (not shown) when filling and / or emptying the inner container 22, via which the liquid to be filled is withdrawn from a tank or the liquid to be withdrawn is supplied to another device.

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation as a cross-section through the connecting piece 28 at the level of the locking cam 40 and the locking cam 42 of the clamping disk 36 in the screwed-on state (cf. Fig. 3). The locking cam 40 has a run-on bevel 40a, a plateau section 40b, and a sloping edge 40c. The locking cam 42 has a run-on bevel 42a, a plateau part 42b, and a locking lug 42c. When screwing in the direction of arrow PI, the run-on bevels 40a and 42a slide over one another, with the locking cam 42 yielding elastically to the material of the connecting piece 28. The locking lug 42c engages resiliently after sliding over the plateau section 40b on the sloping edge 40c and blocks in the opposite direction. The engagement of the locking lug 42c is noticeable to an operator, which further improves handling.

[0032] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment in which the contact element is designed as a contact ring 76 with tabs 78. Screws 80, which serve as fastening means, engage in the tabs 78 provided with threads 79 in gaps 68 between locking cams 64, thus establishing electrical contact. The screws 80 can be made of electrically conductive plastic. As in the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the contact ring 76 can comprise a ratchet toothing, and the tube receptacle 26 can also comprise a ratchet toothing, so that a precise angular position can be set when locking the contact ring 76 and the tube receptacle 26 relative to one another.

[0033] Fig. 8 shows another embodiment, wherein tabs 78 are formed on the edge together with the pipe holder 26 and are electrically conductive. The screws 80 can be brought into electrical and mechanically resilient contact with the surface of the electrically conductive clamping disk 36 with their respective tips. To prevent relative rotation of the pipe holder 26 and clamping disk 36, the tip of the respective screw 80 engages in the gap 68 between adjacent locking cams 64. Several coding holes 82 can be seen in Fig. 8. Corresponding coding pins engage in these when the pipe holder 26 is connected to the adapter device during filling / emptying, thus preventing incorrect operation.

[0034] Fig. 9 shows details of the ratchet toothing of contact ring 50 and tube receptacle 26 (see also Fig. 3). The first locking means, designated 52, on contact ring 50 comprises a ring of protruding locking teeth 52a, and the second locking means, designated 54, on the circumference of tube receptacle 26 comprises another ring of protruding locking teeth 54a. During locking, the opposing locking teeth 52a, 54a engage in the recesses of adjacent teeth and prevent mutual rotation of contact ring 50 and tube receptacle 26.

[0035] List of reference symbols

[0036] 10 transport containers

[0037] 12 outer containers

[0038] 13 electrical ground connection

[0039] 14 Underbody

[0040] 16 pallets

[0041] 18 coat

[0042] 20 Topsoil

[0043] 22 inner containers

[0044] 24 Device for filling and / or emptying

[0045] 25 dip tube

[0046] 26 Pipe holder

[0047] 28 nozzles

[0048] 30 external threads

[0049] 32 internal thread

[0050] 34 Opening

[0051] 36 clamping disc

[0052] 38 internal thread

[0053] 40 first grid element, locking cam

[0054] 40a Starting slope

[0055] 40b Plateau section

[0056] 40c edge

[0057] 42 second grid element, locking cam

[0058] 42a Starting slope

[0059] 42b Plateau section

[0060] 42c locking lug

[0061] 44 recess

[0062] 46 external threads

[0063] 48 internal threads

[0064] 49 Frontal area

[0065] 50 Contact element, contact ring 52 First locking element, locking teeth

[0066] 52a locking tooth

[0067] 54 second locking means, ratchet teeth

[0068] 54a locking tooth 56 sealing plug

[0069] 58 external thread

[0070] 60 contact arm

[0071] 64 fourth locking device, locking cam

[0072] 66 third locking device, locking bar 68 gaps

[0073] 70 electrically insulating sealing ring

[0074] 72 Sealing ring

[0075] 74 additional internal thread

[0076] 76 Contact ring 78 Tabs

[0077] 79 threads

[0078] 80 screw

[0079] 82 Coding hole

Claims

Claims 1. Container (10) for the transport and storage of liquids, comprising an inner container (22) made of plastic for holding liquid, an outer container (12) made of plastic with a rigid bottom (14), a rigid shell (18) and a rigid top (20), at least one upwardly open nozzle (28) on the top of the inner container (22) for filling and / or emptying the inner container (22), wherein the nozzle (28) is formed integrally with the inner container (22) and has an external thread (30) and an internal thread (32), and wherein the top (20) includes an opening (34) that surrounds the nozzle (28) with clearance, a clamping washer (36) with an internal thread (38) that can be screwed onto the external thread (30) of the nozzle (28) and thereby clamps the top (20) at the edge of its opening (34), and a screw lock that engages with the external thread (30) of the nozzle (28). (30) of the nozzle (28) and the internal thread (38) of the clamping washer (36) interacts and is suitable,to prevent unintentional loosening of the clamping disc (36) and the nozzle (28), a pipe receptacle (26) supporting a dip tube (25) with an internal thread (48) and with an external thread (46) that can be screwed onto the internal thread (32) of the nozzle (28), and with a sealing plug (56) with an external thread (58) that can be screwed onto the internal thread (48) of the pipe receptacle (26) and seals it liquid-tight.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the screw locking mechanism comprises: at least one first locking element (40) on the nozzle (28) and at least one second locking element (42) on the side of the clamping disc (36) facing the nozzle (28), wherein when the internal thread (38) of the clamping disc (36) is screwed to the external thread (30) of the nozzle (28), the first locking element (40) and the second locking element (42) lock together to prevent the screw connection from loosening.

3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the first grid element (40) is formed integrally with the inner container (22).

4. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that the first locking element is designed as a locking cam (40) on the cylindrical shaft at the base of the external thread (30) of the nozzle (28) and the second locking element is designed as a locking cam (42) on the clamping disc (36) on the lower circumference of the internal thread (38) of the clamping disc (36).

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the rigid top surface (20) consists of electrically conductive plastic.

6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrically insulating sealing ring (70) is arranged between the pipe receptacle (26) and the nozzle (28) and that the pipe receptacle (26), which consists of electrically conductive plastic, comprises an electrically conductive contact element (50, 76, 78) which is electrically conductively connected to the clamping disc (36).

7. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that a rotation lock is provided which interacts with the contact element (50, 76, 78), the pipe receptacle (26) and the clamping disc (36) and is suitable to prevent a relative rotation of the pipe receptacle (26) and the clamping disc (36).

8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the contact element is designed as a contact tab (76, 78) which can be fixed on the top of the clamping disc (36) by means of an electrically conductive fastening element (80).

9. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the anti-rotation device comprises: first locking means (52) on the contact element designed as a contact ring (50) and second locking means (54) on the tube receptacle (26), wherein when the contact ring (50) is jammed between the sealing plug (56) and the tube receptacle (26), the first locking means (52) and the second locking means (54) lock together to prevent the contact ring (50) from rotating relative to the tube receptacle (26).

10. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that the anti-rotation device has a locking tab (78) projecting radially on the contact ring (76), which can be fixed in the edge region of the clamping disc (36) after the pipe receptacle (26) has been screwed to the nozzle (28) in order to prevent a relative rotation of the pipe receptacle (26) against the clamping disc (36).

11. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that the contact ring (50) comprises radially outwardly extending contact arms (60) on its circumference, which have third locking means (66) that cooperate with fourth locking means (64) on the clamping disk (36) to prevent a relative rotation of the pipe receptacle (26) against the clamping disk (36).

12. Container according to claim 11, characterized in that the third locking means on the contact arm (60) have a locking rib (66) which engages in gaps between outer locking cams (64) of the fourth locking means on the clamping disk (36).

13. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing plug (56) is made of electrically conductive plastic.

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