Sealing unit for sealing and opening a container liquid opening

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a sealing unit (3) for selectively opening or closing a container liquid opening (8) of a liquid container (2) for holding a liquid, for instance a beverage, foodstuff, detergent or similar viscous or non-viscous liquid, the sealing unit (3) comprising a connection unit (10) and a valve unit (20), wherein the connection unit (10). Connection unit comprises a tubular element with one or more lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) extend in axial direction to the second end (342) of the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) so as to provide both a lateral liquid flow and an axial liquid flow

Description

[0001] SEALING UNIT FOR SEALING AND OPENING A CONTAINER LIQUID OPENING

[0002] The present disclosure relates to sealing unit for selectively sealing and opening a container liquid opening in a liquid container for holding a liquid, for instance a beverage, foodstuff, detergent or similar viscous or non-viscous liquid.

[0003] Liquid containers, like bottles, flexible pouches, cans, etc., are in common use in various lines of work, such as food service and medical care, as well in the home. Liquid containers may be embodied in a wide variety, ranging - for instance - from soft-walled / flexible containers such as (spouted) pouches to hard-walled container such as cans, canisters, etc. Liquid containers may be designed for single use and can be disposed of when the users have emptied their content. Reusable liquid containers are known to exist as well. This type of liquid container can be used multiple times and can be refilled one or more times. These reusable liquid containers preferably are made to provide a long lifespan. For providing reusable liquid containers it is preferable that the sealing unit that selectively seals or opens the liquid container is able to allow filling and / or refilling via the same liquid container opening which is used to dispense liquid.

[0004] Sealing units typically comprise a connection unit and a valve unit. The connection unit comprises a container attachment member configured to attach the sealing unit to the liquid container, an activation device attachment member configured to removably attach the sealing unit to an external sealing unit activation device (such as a filling device or a dispensing device).

[0005] When the sealing unit is connected to the liquid container it may selectively close and open a dispensing / filling opening in the liquid container. In EP 4 186 813 A1 a sealing unit is disclosed wherein the opening of the sealing device is accomplished by a suitable rotation of a cylindrical closing element in a recess of a housing. Rotating the cylindrical closing element by arranging one or more through openings in a wall of the closing element to at least partially overlap one or more corresponding through openings in a wall of the housing, causes the sealing unit to open a flow passage.

[0006] In examples of the known sealing unit comprising a housing attached to the liquid container a so-called flexible dip tube (herein also referred to as a dip pipe) is arranged around the outer surface of a part of the housing, i.e. a cylindrical part of the housing that in use extends into the liquid container. Under certain circumstance the dip tube may be caused to stick against the outer surface, for instance in case of a relatively low pressure inside the liquid container, and this may impede or even completely block the flow passage via the through openings in the wall of the closing element and in the wall of the housing, so that the filling or dispensing action of the sealing unit is reduced or even made impossible.

[0007] A further drawback a known unit is that it is practically restricted to the use in sealing flexible containers, i.e. containers having a flexible wall. The known system appears to beunsuitable or less so for sealing (and opening) more rigid containers, like cans, bottles, etc.. In general, when filling a container with liquid, air residing in the container is displaced and needs to be able to escape from the container in order to prevent a build-up of excess pressure. Similarly, when liquid is dispensed from the container air needs to able to enter in order to prevent the occurrence of an underpressure or negative pressure (relative to the ambient pressure). The known system may fail to provide an adequate manner for air to escape from the container when the container is filled and to allow air to enter the container when its content is discharged from the container. In the case of sufficiently flexible containers, such as bags, pouches, etc. this venting issue may not arise or play an important role as such flexible containers may collapse or expand more or less freely when the container is filled or emptied, and the amount of air involved may be negligible. However, in case of a rigid container, i.e. a container having a rigid wall essentially preventing air to escape or enter the container when the container is filled at a filling station or emptied by a user, the venting of air is an issue and may influence the overall filling and dispensing and be detrimental to the performance and speed of these operations.

[0008] It is an aim of the present disclosure to address at least one of the above-described disadvantages of known sealing devices to at least some degree.

[0009] It is a further aim to provide a sealing unit and / or a sealing unit activation device that can be used for selectively sealing and opening a rigid-walled container.

[0010] It is a further aim to provide a sealing unit which creates a reliable liquid- and air-tight sealing of a liquid container.

[0011] According to a first aspect a sealing unit a sealing unit for selectively opening or closing a container liquid opening of a liquid container for holding a liquid, for instance a beverage, foodstuff, detergent or similar viscous or non-viscous liquid, the sealing unit comprising a connection unit and a valve unit, wherein the connection unit comprises:

[0012] - a container attachment member configured to attach a liquid container to the sealing unit; - an outer tubular element connected to or integrally formed with the container attachment member, the outer tubular element comprising a tubular wall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the tubular wall at its first end has an axial outer opening and at its second end one or more lateral slits;

[0013] and wherein the valve unit comprises:

[0014] - an inner tube having a closed end formed by an end wall and an open end, wherein a liquid passage is defined in the inner tube extending in axial direction between one or more lateral openings in a wall of the inner tube and the open end of the inner tube;

[0015] - an activation device attachment member configured to removably attach the sealing unit to an external sealing unit activation device, for instance a filling device or a dispensing device;wherein the inner tube of the valve unit is configured to be received via the axial outer opening in the outer tubular element of the connection unit, so as to be rotatable between a closed rotational position wherein the one or more lateral openings in the inner tube of the valve unit do not overlap with corresponding one or more lateral slits in the tubular wall of the outer tubular element so as to close the liquid passage and an open rotational position wherein one or more of the lateral openings in the inner tube at least partially overlap with the corresponding lateral slits in the tubular wall of the outer tubular element so as to at least partially open the liquid passage between the container liquid opening and the open end of the valve unit;

[0016] wherein the one or more lateral slits in the tubular wall of the outer tubular element extend in axial direction to the second end of the tubular wall of the outer tubular element.

[0017] The result of the one or lateral slits extending to the associated end of the outer tubular element is that respective flow spaces (herein also referred to as flow channels, for instance (partially) annular flow spaces are formed. The flow spaces allow liquid to pass the lateral slits as an axial liquid flow (flowing an axial direction) as well as liquid to pass the lateral slits as a lateral liquid flow. In other words, the flow spaces / channels provide additional opportunities for liquid to fill the liquid container or liquid to be discharged from the liquid container. This is beneficial since even if the lateral flow through the one or more lateral slits would be impeded, for instance due to the presence of a dip tube sticking to the outer surface of the tubular wall of the outer tubular element or at least extending at a very close range from this outer surface (especially in low-viscosity type of liquids), there is still the axial liquid flow allowing the liquid container to be filled or discharged. In other words, the lateral slits not only may constitute slits for a lateral liquid flow in a generally lateral direction between the interior of the container and the passage in the sealing unit (3) (i.e. towards or from the liquid passage inside the inner tube) but also constitute respective (partially) annular flow channels for an axial liquid flow in a generally axial direction. This has the advantage that even in case the flow through the slits is blocked or impeded from a lateral direction due to the presence of a dip tube or similar external element, there is still a liquid flow possible in axial direction. In other words, flow channels remain available for the throughput of liquid (i.e. a flow in axial direction) even if the tubular wall is (partially) enclosed by a dip tube, for instance a dip tube sticking to the outer surface of the connection unit.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the sealing unit comprises a dip tube, preferably made of flexible and / or elastic material. The dip tube is attached at the second end of the outer tubular element of the connection unit. The dip tube may be attached at the outer tubular element at an attachment position between the one or more lateral slits and the container attachment member. In this manner, the flow of liquid is always through the dip tube. In case the lateral flow space of the sealing unit is blocked by the presence of the flexible dip tube, the axial flow space is still available for liquid to enter or leave the sealing unit.The inner tube of the valve unit may be arranged in the sealing unit without attachment, for instance by simply moving (for instance, sliding) the inner tube in the outer tubular element and allowing the inner tube to be loosely rotatable in the outer tube. However, in other embodiments they inner tube is connected to the outer tube so as to prevent the inner tube to be inadvertently removed from the outer tube (for instance due to gravity). In embodiments of the present application the inner tube of the valve unit comprises a first connection unit and the outer tubular element of the connection element comprises a second connection unit, the first connection and second connection units being configured to keep the inner tube in the outer tubular element when connected while still allowing the outer tubular element and the inner tube to be mutually rotatable between the closed rotational position and the open rotational position. Furthermore, in embodiments of the present application, the first connection unit and the second connection unit are configured to displace the inner tube in axial direction when the inner tube and outer tube are rotated relative to each other between the closed rotational position and the open rotational position. In this manner the axial movement (which may cause an air passage to be opened or closed, which may be beneficial in case the liquid container is a stiff-walled container, as will be explained later) is related to the position of the valve unit, i.e. related to the closed rotational position and open rotational position.

[0019] The first and second connection units may form a bayonet type of connection. In other embodiments, the first and second connection units comprise threading. This may have the advantage that the inner tube automatically moves in axial direction when it is rotated in the outer tubular element. The first connection unit of the connection unit comprises first threading and the second connection unit of the valve unit comprises second threading.

[0020] In preferred embodiments of the sealing unit comprises one or more stops configured to restrict the maximum rotation angle of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. This makes it easier to rotate the inner tube between a fully opened rotational position and a fully closed rotational position and reduces the risk of the inner tube being stopped at any of the intermediate positions between the fully opened rotational position and the fully closed rotational position.

[0021] In embodiments of the present disclosure the sealing unit comprises one or more air passages extending in the connection unit and valve unit, wherein the one or more air passages are sealable by moving the inner tube of the valve element in axial direction between a first position wherein the air passages are closed and a second position wherein the air passages are open. The axial movement can be accomplished in the embodiment described earlier wherein the first connection unit and the second connection unit are configured to displace the inner tube in axial direction when the inner tube and outer tube are rotated relative to each other between the closed rotational position and the open rotational position. In other words, when the sealing unit is closed or opened the air passages are automatically closed and opened as well. Sealing unitIn embodiments of the present disclosure the rotatable inner tube of the valve unit comprises a lateral flange, preferably a lateral flange extending from the wall of the inner tube and extending around the entire circumference of the inner tube. The rotatable inner tube may be configured to cause to move in axial direction when rotated inside the outer tubular element of the connection unit. The flange may be con figured to selectively be in contact with one or more seal elements in order to seal at least one of the air passages or to be free from the one or more seal elements in order to keep the one or more air passages open. In this manner the air passages may provide for proper pressure equalization so to as assist the liquid flow into or out of the liquid container.

[0022] In embodiments of the present disclosure the inner tube of the sealing device comprises a first widened tube part provided with a sealing part, for instance an O-ring, arranged between an outer surface of the inner tube and inner surface of the outer tubular element. This may help prevent liquid / air to escape via the interspace between the inner tube and outer tubular element (so that the outer side of the inner tube and the inner side of the tubular wall of the outer tubular element are arranged relative to each other in a liquid-tight manner.

[0023] In embodiments of the present disclosure the sealing unit comprises a second widened tube part, the second widened tube part preferably having a larger diameter than the first widened tube part. In embodiments of the present disclosure the second widened tube part is provided with a second connection unit, for instance comprising external threading.

[0024] In embodiments of the present disclosure the container attachment member comprises a tubular attachment sleeve; an activation device attachment member comprises a tubular connector; and / or an external sealing unit activation device comprises a filling device or a dispensing device.

[0025] In embodiments of the present disclosure the lateral slits are through openings or blind openings.

[0026] In an embodiment the sealing unit comprises a sealing element attached to or formed with inner tube and arranged along a circumferential edge around the one or more lateral openings in the inner tube, for instance O rings arranged around each of the lateral openings.

[0027] In embodiments of the present disclosure the sealing unit comprises a sealing part attached to or formed with a first widened tube part of the inner tube and arranged around the circumference of the first widened tube part.

[0028] In embodiments of the present disclosure the sealing unit comprises an electronic transponder arranged in the connection unit, for instance in a hinge cap of the connection unit, the electronic transponder being configured to wirelessly send at least an identification information signal representative of the identity of at least one of the sealing unit and the liquid container to an electronic reader that is configured to wirelessly receive the identification information signal, wherein the electronic transponder may be embedded in the cap.The present disclosure relates to a sealing unit for facilitating reliable, selective opening and closing of a liquid passage through the sealing unit, between the container and the outside of the container, in the presence of a dip tube or similar external element. The present disclosure further relates to a sealing unit for selective inlet and outlet of a liquid between a rigid liquid container and the exterior of the container.

[0029] In embodiments of the present disclosure the sealing unit an inner surface of the inner tube of the valve unit comprises a plurality of ribs extending in a generally axial direction, the ribs being configured to form one or more air release channels between the sealing unit activation device and the inner tube. This avoids the risk of air trapped between the bottom of the activation device and the bottom of the valve unit to hinder to insertion of the activation device in the valve unit since any air trapped in the space between the bottom of the (tubular element) of the activation device and the bottom of the valve unit will be able the escape via these air release channels.

[0030] According to a further aspect a sealing unit activation device for selectively operating a sealing unit is provided, the sealing unit activation device comprising a rigid operating tube configured to be inserted into the liquid passage of the inner tube of the valve unit, wherein the rigid operating tube comprises an operating tube liquid passage extending in axial direction between an inner opening and an outer opening, wherein the rigid operating tube comprises a sealing unit activation attachment member for removably attaching the sealing unit activation device to the inner tube of the valve unit.

[0031] According to a further aspect an assembly is provided, comprising:

[0032] - a liquid container for holding a liquid, the liquid container comprising a container opening;

[0033] - at least one of a sealing unit as defined herein.

[0034] A still further aspect relates to the use of at least one of a sealing unit, a sealing unit activation device and / or an assembly.

[0035] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be elucidated with reference to the following description of some embodiments thereof. Reference is made in the description to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a system comprising a liquid container, sealing unit and filling unit.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a sealing unit.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a sealing unit connection unit in perspective.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a sealing unit valve unit in perspective.

[0040] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic drawings of axial cross sections of a sealing unit.

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of side view of a sealing unit valve unit.

[0042] Figures 7A to 7G are schematic drawings of a cross section of details of a sealing unit in.Figures 8A to 8F are schematic drawings of the sealing unit in a closed position from a front view, a side view, an axial cross section from a front view, an axial cross section from a side view, a top view and a horizontal cross section from a bottom view.

[0043] Figures 9A to 9F are schematic drawings of the sealing unit in an opened position from a front view, a side view, an axial cross section from a front view, an axial cross section from a side view, a top view and a horizontal cross section from a bottom view.

[0044] Figures 10A to 10C show the sealing unit in perspective at a fully closed position, half-turned position and a fully opened position.

[0045] Figure 11 shows a cross section from a front view of the sealing unit in an opened position arranged in a container with a dip tube.

[0046] Figure 12 shows a cross section from a front view of the sealing unit in a opened position arranged in a container.

[0047] Figures 13A to 13C show a schematic perspective of the sealing unit valve unit and sealing unit activation device in a process of opening or closing the sealing unit.

[0048] Figure 14 is a side view of a further embodiment of the valve unit in perspective.

[0049] Figure 15 is top view of the embodiment of figure 14.

[0050] Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a system comprising a sealing unit and filling unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure, further including an enlarged view of the engagement of the filling unit on the sealing unit.

[0051] Figure 17 schematically shows a top view of the embodiment of the valve unit of figures 15 and 16.

[0052] Figure 18 schematically shows a side view of the embodiment of the valve unit of figures 15, 16 and 17.

[0053] Figure 19 schematically shows a detailed side view in perspective of the valve unit of figures 15-18.

[0054] Figure 20 schematically shows a detailed top view of the valve unit of figures 15-19. Figure 21 shows a longitudinal cross section of a system comprising a sealing unit and filling unit according to another embodiment 19. while the enlargement of figure 21 schematically shows an axial cross section of a portion of the sealing unit with a flow passage, in a closed position.

[0055] Figure 22 schematically shows an elevational bottom view in perspective of a further embodiment of a sealing unit with a flow passage.

[0056] Figure 23 schematically shows an elevational bottom view in perspective of a still further embodiment of a sealing unit with a flow passage.

[0057] Figures 24-28B show a further embodiment of a sealing unit wherein an activation unit has been inserted. . Figure 24 is a side view of the embodiment of the sealing unit in assembledposition, figure 25 is an exploded view of the embodiment, figure 26 is an axial cross-section through the embodiment of figures 24 and 25. figure 28 is view at the bottom side of the embodiment while figures 28A and 28B are more detailed views in cross-section elucidating how the activations device may engage the valve unit to open or close the same.

[0058] Figure 29 is a side view of the sealing unt and activation device of figures 24-28B;

[0059] Figures 30A-30H show a further embodiment of a valve unit provided with axial ribs fro releasing air during the insertion of the activation unit into sealing unit;

[0060] Figures 31 A and 3 IB show embodiments of a cap of the sealing unit, wherein in the cap an electronic transponder is arranged; and

[0061] Figure 32 is a side view of a housing of a filling machine wherein a sealing unit, for instance a sealing unit having a cap with transponder as shown in figures 31A en 31B, hs been arranged for filling a container 9not shown).

[0062] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are not described in exhaustive detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

[0063] It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

[0064] In the following description when reference is made to the concept of a "liquid container", one may consider any type of holder for holding content, for instance a bottle for liquid such as soap or oil. However, the dispenser as described herein is not restricted to application to this specific type of container 2 as shown for example in FIG. 1. In fact, the dispenser as defined herein may also be applied to any other type of container 2, such as - but not limited to liquid jars, flasks, kegs, cartons, pouches, etc. A container may also be an object or system which holds liquid while it is not designed for that purpose, for example a naturally occurring source of liquid. Furthermore, the container 2 may have a non-rigid, flexible wall which may for instance change shape when the container is being filled with a liquid medium or when the liquid medium inside the container is dispensed. In other embodiments the container 2 has a rigid wall. The container has a rigid wall in the sense that the shape of the wall essentially would not change during the filling or dispensing operation. When filling the container with liquid medium the gas (air) originally present inside the container therefore is to be at least partly removed or when dispensing the liquid medium from thecontainer, outside gas (air) should flow into the container to avoid the build-up of a low pressure (vacuum) pressure inside the container which low pressure may impede the dispensing operation.

[0065] The figures show embodiments of at least a sealing unit 3 for selectively sealing an opening 8 in a container and an activation device 49 for activating a valve in the sealing unit 3 so as to selectively open or close this opening. Sealing units 3 are configured to selectively seal off (an opening in) a container and open the container to allow for the transfer of liquid medium between a first location inside the container and a second location outside the container. The sealing units may be advantageously operated in a professional food service or medical environment, but application in other environments also benefits from the advantages of the invention, for example in a home kitchen or bathroom or in a workshop.

[0066] The sealing units are configured for the controlled and selective transfer of a liquid medium. This liquid medium comprises one or more liquids as such and / or substances behaving similarly enough to a liquid in flow, which substance may actually be an emulsion, a suspension, or a gel, for example. The sealing units will generally be configured to be suited for use in a generally air-filled environment, wherein the passages and cavities of the sealing units are filled with air in the absence of the liquid to be transferred. The sealing units are further configured to do so reliably, even when the container comprises a dip tube connected to the sealing unit.

[0067] In the figures, sealing units and activation devices are generally shown in an orientation with their respective axial directions extending toward the top of the figures, but sealing units may be operated in various other orientations relative to the direction of gravity. Activating the valve of a sealing unit to allow liquid flow is substantially independent of gravity, although inducing the actual liquid flow in a desired direction may involve gravitation. For example, when opening the liquid passage as shown in figures, the system may be at an angle with gravity.

[0068] A sealing unit 3 and an activation device 49 may advantageously be manufactured entirely out of polymer materials, for example polypropylene(s) (PE), polyurethane(s) (PU / PUR), polyphenyl ether(s) (PPE), or polyphenylene oxide (blends) (PPO). Preferably the components of the sealing units, or at least the elements of each individual sealing unit are all made of the same material or are made of a number of closely related materials which may be treated as belonging to a same class of materials for purposes of manufacturing, recycling, and / or disposal. For example, all elements of a sealing unit 3 may be made of polypropylene. In this case, flexible elements may be made of low-density polypropylene (LDPE) or of polyphenyl ether, while rigid elements may be made of high-density polypropylene (HDPE). In another example, all elements of a sealing unit may be made of polyurethane.

[0069] The elements of a sealing / activation device may be manufactured by any polymers manufacturing or shaping techniques. Advantageously, all components may be manufactured via injection moulding, but alternatively or additionally other techniques like extrusion, 3D-printing, orsubtractive processes like machining under computer numerical control (CNC) may be used. The outer tubular element 13 comprising one or more lateral slits extending all the way to the second end of the tubular wall and that provide annular flow spaces / channels are especially suited for manufacturing via injection moulding.

[0070] The elements or parts of a sealing / activation device may be configured to be assembled by a system or device, by hand, or by a combination of the two. Substantially no glue and no chemical or temperature-based bonding process may be required at the connections of the elements of a sealing unit to attach the various elements to each other during assembly, for example no sets or only one set of connected surfaces of elements of a sealing unit may be required to be attached in such ways. Any other connections between the various elements (where required at all) may be made via fitted shapes (for example flanges or fitted rims), or via mechanical connections (for example screw thread, bayonet type closures, or protrusions and recesses to be fixedly connected after a temporary slight deformation of one of the elements).

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an assembly 1 system comprising a liquid container 2, an embodiment of a sealing unit 3 and an activation device 49 comprised in for example a filling machine / filling unit 50 or dispenser 62. The sealing unit 3 defines a first imaginary axis (A) (denoting the axial direction) indicated in figure 2, The radial (R) and circumferential (C) directions are defined relative to the axial direction A. A sealing unit 3 is configured to be connected to a liquid container 2 for selectively opening or closing a container liquid opening 8 of the liquid container 2 for holding a liquid, for instance a beverage, foodstuff, detergent or similar viscous or non-viscous liquid. The container may be rigid or flexible and may or may not comprise a dip tube (DT, see figures 9F and 11) connected to the sealing unit and extending inside the container. The sealing unit 3 comprises a connection unit 10 and a valve unit 20, see figures 3 and 4 respectively. The connection unit is configured to connect the liquid container 2 to the vale unit 20. As can be seen in figures 1 and 2 for example, the valve unit 20 may be arranged inside the connection unit 10 in operation.

[0072] SEALING UNIT

[0073] Connection unit 10

[0074] With reference to figures 2 and 3; the connection unit 10 (indicated with dotted lines in figure 2) comprises a container attachment member 27 configured to attach the sealing unit 3 to the liquid container 2. The container attachment member 27 may for example comprise a thread / threaded profile or a click-mechanism configured for connection to a container at the container liquid opening 8. Container attachment member 27 may for instance comprise a tubular attachment sleeve 29 with such or other means for connecting to the liquid container 2, see figure 2 and 3. An embodiment of the tubular attachment sleave 29 is shown in detail in figure 7E. In anexample as shown in figure 7E, an inner circumferential snap ridge 41 for connecting to the an outer snap ridge 6 of container 2 is provided. The same embodiment is also shown in figures 5A and 5B, showing a cross section in axial direction of the connection unit.

[0075] The connection unit 10 further comprises an outer tubular element 13 connected to or integrally formed with at least one of the container attachment member 27 and the activation device attachment member 26. With reference to figure 3: The outer tubular element 13 comprises a tubular wall 17 having a first end 341and a second end 342opposite the first end in the axial direction (A, indicated in figure 2). The tubular wall 17 at the first end 341has an axial outer opening 14 and at the second end 342has one or more lateral slits 15. In figure 3, an embodiment is shown wherein the tubular element 13 comprises two lateral slits 15, arranged opposite to each other at both sides of the tubular wall 17. In other embodiments, tubular wall 17 may also comprise only one lateral slit 15 or three or more lateral slits 15. As can be seen in for example figures 3, 8C, 9C, 10A-10C, 11 and 12, the connection unit 10 of the sealing unit 3 comprises one or more lateral slits 15 extending in axial direction to the second end 342of the tubular wall 17 of the outer tubular element 13.

[0076] Lateral slits 15 extend to the second end 342such that, at the second end 342, tubular element 13 comprises an opening that is connected to the opening / lateral slit 15 in the side of the tubular wall 17. For example, as shown in the embodiment of figure 3, outer tubular element 13 may furthermore comprise a bottom wall 19 at its outer second end 342. In that case, tubular element 13 comprises at least one lateral slit 15 in the tubular wall 17 and a recess 25 in the bottom wall 19, wherein slit 15 and recess 25 are configured to form one opening in the outer tubular wall 17, respectively oriented in / normal to the radial direction R and the axial direction A. In another example, outer tubular element 13 does not comprise a bottom wall 19, and lateral slits 15 simply extend all the way to the open second end 342of tubular wall 17. The advantageous effect of this feature, i.e. a lateral slit extending to the second end (forming a recess / opening in the bottom wall 19 if present) is that the slits provide not only a lateral flow channel for the liquid but also an axial flow channel for the liquid. This reduces the change of blockage of the flow channel. Furthermore, in case a dip tube is connected to the flow sealing unit, the slit 15 extending to the second end 342(and comprising a recess 25) according to the present description provides an (axial) flow channel even in the case that the dip tube encloses the tubular outer wall 17 and blocks the radial flow, namely an axial flow channel through / via the (axial) passage at the bottom end 342of the tubular element 13. The features discussed above have more advantageous effects as will be explained below.

[0077] Since the lateral slits extend to the associated end of the outer tubular element 13, respective (partially) annular flow spaces or flow channels 60 are formed, see for example figures 9C, 11 and 12. In this manner, with reference to figures 11 and 12, the lateral slits 15 constitute notonly slits for a lateral liquid flow 58 in a generally lateral direction between the interior of the container and the passage 45 in the sealing unit 3 (i.e. towards or from the liquid passage (45) from or to inside the inner tube of the sealing unit 3) but also constitute respective (partially) annular flow channels for an axial liquid flow 59 in a generally axial direction. This has the advantage that even in case the flow through the slits (15) is blocked or impeded from a lateral direction due to the presence of a DT or similar external element sealing the lateral opening (for instance because of a pressure difference), there is still a liquid flow possible in axial direction between the inside of the liquid container and the inside of the sealing unit (through the DT). In other words, flow channels 60 remain available for the throughput of liquid (i.e. a flow in axial direction) even if the tubular wall 17 is (partially) enclosed by a DT. This will be further explained later.

[0078] Tubular wall 17 of outer element 13 may comprise one or more thin- walled portion 17A and one or more column portion 17B. The thin- walled portion 17 A may be positioned at a smaller radial position that the column portion 17B, as is shown in figure 3. There are multiple advantages resulting from this arrangement, which are discussed here briefly and in more detail with reference to the valve unit and with reference to the system in operation. The difference in radial position between the thin-walled portion 17A and the column portion 17B may be in the range of 0,1 mm and 10 cm.

[0079] Valve unit 20

[0080] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a sealing unit valve unit 20 in perspective. The valve unit 20 comprises an inner tube 21 having a closed end formed by an end wall 35 and an open end. A liquid passage 45 is defined in the inner tube 21 extending in axial direction (A) between one or more lateral openings 22 in a wall of the inner tube 21 and the open end of the inner tube 21. The inner tube 21 of the valve unit 20 is configured to be received via the axial outer opening 14 in the outer tubular element 13 of the connection unit 10, such that the valve unit 20 may be arranged fully inside the connection unit 10 as shown in figure 2. Furthermore, inner tube 21 of the valve unit 20 is configured to be received via the axial outer opening 14 in the outer tubular element 1 so as to be rotatable between a closed rotational position and an open rotational position. In the closed rotational position, the relative rotational position between the connection unit 10 and the valve unit 20 is such that the one or more lateral openings 22 in the inner tube 21 of the valve unit 20 do not overlap with corresponding one or more lateral slits 15 in the tubular wall 17 of the outer tubular element 13 so as to close the liquid passage 45. In the open rotational position, one or more of the lateral openings 22 in the inner tube 21 at least partially overlap with the corresponding lateral slits 15 in the tubular wall 17 of the outer tubular element 13 so as to at least partially open the liquid passage 45 between the container liquid opening 8 and theopen end of the valve unit 20. When the openings 22 fully or maximally overlap with the slits 15, the sealing unit is in a fully opened position. Similarly, when the openings 22 and the slits 15 completely do not overlap, the sealing unit is in a fully closed position. For reference, see figures 8A to 8E showing schematic drawings of the sealing unit in a fully closed position from a front view, a side view, an axial cross section from a front view, an axial cross section from a side view, a top view and a horizontal cross section from a top view. For further reference, see figures 9A to 9E showing schematic drawings of the sealing unit in a fully opened position from a front view, a side view, an axial cross section from a front view, an axial cross section from a side view, a top view and a horizontal cross section from a top view.

[0081] A first advantage of the radial arrangement of the thin walled portion 17A and column portion 17B is that a lateral opening 22 in the inner tube 21 of the valve unit 20 of the sealing unit is completely sealed by the thin walled portion 17A when the lateral opening 22 of the valve unit is positioned facing the thin walled portion (also referred to as the closed rotational position - a corresponding relative position between the connection unit 10 and the valve unit 20, defined later). The sealing between the opening 22 and the thin- walled portion 17A may be improved by a sealing element 23, for instance an O-ring. As will be discussed in detail later.

[0082] A second advantage is that, when the column portion 17B is radially positioned at a distance from the inner tube 21 and the lateral opening 22, an axial space between the lateral opening 22 and the lateral slit 15 is provided, which defines an axial flow channel 60 between the second end 342of the outer tube element 13 and the inner tube 21 / opening 22, see figures 3 and 9C and 11 and 12.

[0083] The valve unit 20 furthermore comprises an activation device attachment member 56, see figure 13 A to 13C for example, configured to removably attach the sealing unit 3 to an external sealing unit activation device 49, for instance (comprised in) a filling device 50 or a dispensing device 62 (cf. figure 1). For instance, the sealing unit activation device can be arranged in the housing 123 of a filling device 50. as shown in figure 32. An embodiment of a sealing unit activation device 49 is shown in figure 1 as part of filling device 50. A dispensing device is not shown in the figures. Activation device attachment member 56 may for instance comprise a recess 55 (also shown in figure 7B and figure 8D). The sealing unit activation device may for example comprise an associated sealing activation attachment member 57, for instance an protrusion corresponding to the recess in the valve unit (the protrusion may be part of a bayonet coupling). In another embodiment, activation device attachment member 56 and associated sealing activation attachment member 57 comprise self-centering axial flanges 555 and associated recesses 556 configured to engage with each other (c.f. see figures 16 -20). In operation, the sealing unit activation device 49 and the sealing unit, specifically the valve unit 20, engage through the activation device attachment member 56 and the sealing activation attachment member 57. Theseare configured such that the rotation of the valve unit 20 with respect to the connection unit 10 may be determined / controlled by the sealing unit activation device 49. Advantageously, the sealing unit activation device 49 may be used to selectively open and close the sealing unit by rotating the valve unit between the open and closed position, as shown by figures 13A to 13C.

[0084] In further embodiments, for instance the embodiments shown in figures 24 to 28, the external sealing unit activation device 49 may comprise - in addition to or instead of the sealing activation attachment member 57 configured to engage the associated recesses 55 in the valve unit 20 (for instance shown in figures 1, 13A-13C, 14 and 16), a sealing activation attachment member 157, arranged at the free end face 159 (c. figure 28B), for instance in the form a straight recess 158 configured to engage an associated axial projection 160 (cf. figures 28A-28B) arranged at the bottom of the valve unit 20. Rotation of the sealing unit activation member 158 causes a corresponding rotation of the valve member 20 so as to open or close the sealing unit 3.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment the activation device (49) is a dispensing unit (60) for dispensing liquid from the liquid container or a filling device (50) arranged to fill the liquid container with liquid.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the inner tube 21 comprises two lateral openings 22, and the tubular wall 17 of outer tubular element comprises two slits 15, and the valve unit 20 is furthermore configured to be rotatable with respect to the tubular wall 17 / connection element over 90 degrees. For example, inner tube 21 may comprise an external thread 31 (figure2) that is associated with a threaded pattern in the connection unit 33 (figure 5A for example). For reference, see a detailed drawing in figure 7F, showing the rotatable engagement between connection unit 10 and valve unit 20 via threads 31 and 33 respectively. The rotatable connection may also be provided otherwise.

[0087] Furthermore, one or more rotational stops 30 may be provided to define the relative rotational range / rotational freedom between the connection unit and the valve unit. The stops may for example be provided at a predefined position relative to at least one opening 22 in the valve unit. A preferred embodiment is shown in figures 2, 3 and 4. Rotational stops 30 are provided in the bottom of the valve unit and configured to extend through the recess 25 in the bottom wall 19 of tubular element 13. In this embodiment, the relative rotational freedom is 90 degrees. Rotational stops may also be provided on the connection unit instead of the valve unit or may be provided on both.

[0088] To improve the sealing of the lateral opening 22, the lateral opening 22 may be provided with a sealing element, for instance O-ring, around each lateral opening 22. For example, this may improve the sealing between the lateral opening 22 and the tubular wall, for instance the thinwalled portion of the tubular wall 17A. For reference, see figures 4 and 7DThe valve unit may further comprise a sealing part 24, for instance O-ring, configured to seal the space between the inner tube 21 and the outer tubular element 13 / tubular wall 17 at a position above the slits 15 and openings 22, such that liquid or other food stuff cannot enter further between the connection unit and the valve unit. For reference, see figure 8C and 8D for example, showing an embodiment wherein an O-ring 24 is provided on the valve unit.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment as shown in figure 5B, the connection unit comprises one or more axial stops, configured to prevent the valve unit from rotating further with respect to the connection unit, i.e. to limit the degrees of the range of relative rotational freedom between the valve unit and the connection unit. For example, axial stop 32 may be provided at the top of the thread 33 of the connection unit, so as to stop the valve unit from rotating any further.

[0090] Advantageously, the valve unit is prevented form rotating “out of’ or free from the connection unit. For example, an axial stop may prevent thread 31 and thread 33 to lose connection.

[0091] Furthermore, axial stop 32 may define a relative rotational freedom and a relative axial freedom simultaneously. The same is true for a rotational stop 30 as shown in figures 2 and 4.

[0092] Air passage

[0093] In further advantageous embodiments, the sealing unit may provide an air passage in the open position. For example, when the valve unit 20 and the connection unit 10 are in an opened relative (rotational) position, a parallel air channel is opened simultaneously, and, when the valve unit 20 and the connection unit 10 are in a closed relative (rotational) position, at least one air channel is closed correspondingly. The advantage is that air may flow in and out of the container 2 during a filling or dispensing operation. Especially when the container is a rigid container, this may have a significant advantageous effect and facilitate easy filling and dispensing using the presently disclosed sealing unit.

[0094] An example of such an advantageous embodiment is shown in figures 7F and 7G. The inner tube 21 of the valve unit 20 comprises a lateral flange 53, preferably a lateral flange extending from the wall of the inner tube 21 and extending around the entire circumference of the inner tube. In this embodiment, the inner tube 21 arranged to be movable in axial directions when rotated in order to selectively seal and open the at least one air passage. For example, inner tube 21 may comprise an external thread 31 (figure2) that is associated with a threaded pattern in the connection unit 33. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the valve unit and connection unit are configured such that the valve moves in axial position when it rotates between the open and closed rotational position and thereby opens or closes / seals an air flow passage 61. For reference, see a detailed drawing in figure 7F, showing the rotatable engagement between connection unit 10 and valve unit 20 via threads 31 and 33 respectively. In a preferred embodiment as shown in figures 7F and 7G, threads 31 and 33 are configured such that, in the closed position, the bottom surface 54 ofthe lateral flange 53 seals the O shaped protrusions 36 and 37 on the connection unit, and thereby seals the air passage, see figure 7F. The threads 31 and 33 are further configured such that, when the valve is turned to a (partially) opened position, the valve moves upwards in axial direction. As a result, the lateral flange 53 moves upwards in axial direction, thereby opening the air passage 61, because the flange 53 no longer touches the O shape protrusions 36 and 37. Figure 7G clearly shows the trajectory (see arrow / path 63) of the air flow (i.e. the air flow path 63) from the interior 38 of the container 2, via the air flow passage 61 to outside the sealing unit (i.e. from the first annular space 41 A between the outer surface of the outer tubular wall 17 and the inner surface of the tubular connector 28 and - in connection therewith, the second annular space 41B and third annular space 41C between the outer surface of the inner tube 21 and the inner surface of the tubular connector 28, to space 39 (which may be the the liquid passage 45, cf. figure 5A).

[0095] Figures 8C and 8D show an axial cross section of an example of an embodiment of the sealing unit wherein the air passage 61 can be seen in a closed position. Figures 9C and 9D show the same embodiment in an open position. In figures 9C and 9D, air flow path / trajectory 63 is shown with arrows.

[0096] Flow passage

[0097] In addition to the above-mentioned advantageous features, the sealing unit may comprise one or more additional fluid flow guides 400 (wherein a fluid may be air, liquid or a combination of air and liquid, hence a liquid and / or air flow guide 400) for guiding air into and / or out of the container and countering liquid creeping upward towards the entrance of the sealable air passage(s) 61. In some situations, for instance when the container is (to be) filled with a relatively high-viscosity liquid such as olive oil, liquid may tend to creep upward and unintentionally partially or fully block one or more of the sealable air passages 61 extending in the connection unit and valve unit or at least impede the air flow though the air passage(s) 61 (the air passages being are sealable by moving the inner tube of the valve element in axial direction between a first position wherein the air passages are closed and a second position wherein the air passages are open). In order to reduce the risk of this phenomenon from occurring, i.e. to reduce the risk of liquid from the container clogging the air channel or at least impeding the air flow, especially in case the liquid is a high-viscosity liquid, one or more fluid flow guides 400 in open connection with the sealable air passage(s) 61 may be provided. These fluid flow guides 400 are configured to on the one hand provide for better guiding air to or from the sealable air passage(s) 61 and to on the other hand guide away liquid and / or push liquid further into the container (i.e. downward incase of the container being in an upright position) to increase the distance between the liquid and the sealable air passage(s) 61 and thereby further reducing the risk of liquid being present at the (entrance or exit of) the air passages 61.In preferred embodiments, the fluid flow guide 400 is implemented as a fluid flow tubular guiding element 410 (for instance a tube or tube-like element) extending around the outer tubular element 13, from the position of the air sealable air passages 61 at a first end of the outer tubular element 13 downwards, preferably beyond the second end of the tubular element 13, c.f. figures 16, 21, 22, 23. For example, the flow passage may be between 70% and 300% of the length of tubular element 13 and / or extend beyond the second end or the bottom wall 19 of the tubular element 13 in axial direction by 40% to 300%.

[0098] In some embodiments, for instance in the embodiment of figure 16, the fluid flow tubular guiding element 410 is a single tubular element (single walled guiding element), for instance a single tube. In other embodiments, for instance in the embodiment of figure 21, the fluid flow tubular guiding element 410 comprises of two concentric tubular elements 410A, 410B, defining between them a generally annular flow space, for guiding air and / or liquid to and from the one or more air flow passages 61 (double-walled guiding element). In still other embodiments, for instance in the embodiment of figure 22, the fluid flow tubular guiding element 410 is in a first part a single walled guiding element and in a second part a double-walled guiding element, so that distinctive flow compartments in the second part are created (i.e. in the curved internal spaces between the outer and inner wall part of the guiding element).

[0099] In the annular space between the inner surface of the fluid flow tubular element and the outer surface of the tubular element defines a flow space (herein also referred to as a flow compartment) for guiding a fluid flow is formed. The flow passage 400 is advantageously configured to provide a passage for guiding fluid though its internal space, between the inside of the sealing unit 3 and the inside of the container 2. The advantageous effect of the flow passage 400 is that it may prevent fluid from entering the passage(s) 61, especially upon filling the contained, by controlling and limiting the fluid flow space to the confined passage it provides, at least around the sealing unit. For example, flow passage 400 may prevent liquid from entering the air flow passages 61 or sticking to the top of the container and blocking the air passages when the container is (re)filled with liquid using a filling device. Advantageously, flow passage 400 limits the flow region of the liquid and / or shields the air passage(s) 61 from splatters. Advantageously, flow passage 400 according to the present application may be configured to improve separation between the liquid flow and the air flow. Flow passage 400 may be combined with a DT for further control of the liquid flow.

[0100] Single wall flow passage

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the flow passage 400 is configured such that air may flow in or out of the container around it. In other words, air passage(s) 61 and flow passage 400 may be arranged such that air may flow between the container and the environment without passing thoughthe flow passage, i.e. by passing around the flow passage. Such an embodiment of flow passage 410 is shown in figure 16 and 23. Advantageously, this embodiment / flow passage 410 separates the liquid flow (internally) and the air flow (externally), see for refence the detail in figure 16. Further advantages embodiments include flanges 444 near the second end of the flow passage 410 to block creeping liquid from entering air passage 61, an example of an embodiment with flanges 444 is shown figure 23. The air may flow around the single walled flow passage 410 shown in figures 16 and 23.

[0102] Double wall flow passage

[0103] In another preferred embodiment, flow passage 400 is configured to provide separate passages for liquid and air. For example, flow passage 400 may comprise separate compartments: a compartment for liquid that provides a passage between the openings in the tubular element 13 and the insides of the container 2, and an air flow compartment 600 for air that provides a passage between air passage(s) 61 and the insides of the container 2, see the detail in figure 21. An embodiment of flow passage 420 according to this advantageous concept is shown in figures 21 and 22. Flow passage 420 comprises compartments 600 between double walls 421 and 422, configured for providing a passage between the interior of the air passage(s) 61. The further interior of the flow passage 420 is configured to provide a passage for liquid between the openings 15 in tubular element 13 and the interior of the container 2. This embodiment is advantageous because the flow passage is configured to guide both air and liquid. For example, this embodiment may be specifically advantageous for pouring products, for instance olive oil, and / or liquids with a high viscosity.

[0104] The sealing unit 3 may furthermore comprise a cap 11 , configured to close the liquid passage 45 inside the inner tube 21 and close off the sealing unit completely from the outside. In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, for example figures 1, 2, 3, 5A, 5B, 7A, 8B, 8E, 8F, 9A, 9B, 9E, 10A-10C, 31 A and 3 IB, the cap is integrally connected to the connection unit 10 of the sealing unit 3. The cap 11 may comprise a ridge 44 that is configured to improve closing, i.e. improve sealing between the sealing unit and the outside environment. For example, the ridge 44 may be configured to snugly fit inside the first end 341of the connection unit 10, as shown in detail in figure 7A.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, for instance in the embodiment shown in figures 31 A and 3 IB, an electronic transponder 120, like an RFID tag or similar device, is attached to the cap 11 (at the outer or inner side). The transponder is configured to store information about the sealing unit and / or the container attached thereto, for instance identity information about the sealing unit or information about the liquid stored in the container. This information may be sent to and / or passively read by an external reader 124 (schematically shown in figures 31 A and 3 IB, arranged inthe housing 123, for instance in the filling device 50, for instance the housing of the filling device of figure 32.

[0106] The sealing unit may further comprise an electronic transponder arranged in the connection unit (10), for instance in a hinge cap of the connection unit, the electronic transponder being configured to wirelessly send at least an identification information signal representative of the identity of at least one of the sealing unit and the liquid container to an electronic reader that is configured to wirelessly receive the identification information signal, wherein the electronic transponder may be embedded in the cap

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the outer tubular element 13 is configured to be fixedly positioned relative to the container liquid opening 8. Advantageously, a liquid connection between the one or more lateral slits 15 of the outer tubular element 13 and an interior of the container via the liquid container opening 8 may be provided accordingly.

[0108] ACTIVATION DEVICE

[0109] A sealing unit activation device 49, 149 is configured - when attached to a sealing unit 3 -to cause the sealing unit 3 to open or close its valve so as to selectively induce or at least allow liquid flow through a liquid passage of the sealing unit 3.

[0110] A sealing unit activation device 49, 149 may be used to selectively allow flow a liquid into a container 2 to which the sealing unit is attached (filling operation). The sealing unit activation device 49, 149 may also be used to selectively allow flow of liquid out of the container (dispensing operation). In embodiments of the present disclosure the same sealing unit activation device 49, 149 may be used for filling a container and dispensing the container. In other embodiments a (first) sealing unit activation device (also referred to as a filling device 50) designed for filling the container and a separate (second) sealing unit activation device (herein also referred to as a dispensing device) designed for dispensing liquid from the container are used. In the latter embodiments the first sealing unit activation device may be configured to be releasably attached to a filling machine, for instance located in a shop or supermarket, while the second sealing unit activation device is configured to allow a user to easily dispense dosed amounts of the liquid from the container, for instance at home.

[0111] The sealing unit activation device 49, 149 may comprise a sealing activation attachment member 57 configured for attaching to the valve unit 20 and causing the valve unit 20 to rotate when the sealing unit activation device 49, 149 is rotated. For instance, the sealing unit activation attachment member 57 may comprise a protrusion corresponding to the recess 55 (c.f. figures 13 to 15) in the valve unit. In other embodiments the sealing unit activation attachment member 157 is provided, in addition to the sealing unit activation attachment member 57 or instead of the sealing unit activation attachment member 57. In another preferred embodiment, the valve u nit comprisesaxial flanges and the sealing unit activation attachment member 57 comprises corresponding selfcentring recesses. Preferably, the axial flanges and recesses are configured such that they have a self-centring effect, meaning that the sealing unit activation attachment member 57 of the activation device 49 is guided in right direction, towards the centre of the valve, at engagement. Examples of a preferred embodiment are shown in in figures 16-20. The valve unit comprises selfcentring flanges 555 and corresponding recesses 556. As shown in detail in figures 17, 18, 19 and 20, the axial edge of the self-centring flanges 5550 preferably curves slightly inwards in the radial direction as it progresses downwards in the axial direction. Furthermore, preferably, on both sides of the flanges 5551 and 5552 are slopes that expand in the circumferential direction. The recesses 556 in the sealing unit activation attachment member 57 have a corresponding shape (figure 16). Advantageously, the sealing unit activation attachment member 57 is guided towards the centre of valve unit 20 when moving downwards in the axial direction; radially by the edge 5550 of the flanges 555 and circumferentially by the sloped sides 5551 , 5552 of the flanges.

[0112] Advantageously, the sealing unit activation device 49, 149 may thus be used to selectively open and close the sealing unit by rotating the valve unit between the open and closed position, as shown for instance in figures 13A to 13C.

[0113] Further features of advantageous embodiment include tactical feedback rotation elements that provide tactile feedback regarding the relative rotation of the valve unit 20 and the sealing unit activation device 49 with respect to the connection unit 10. For example, the valve unit may comprise slots 540 (c.f. figures 14, 15, 17, 18) and / or the sealing unit activation device may comprise slots 541 (c.f. figure 16), and the connection unit 10 may comprise knots 530 (c.f. figure 16). The advantageous effect is that the slots 540,541 and knots 530 may provide tactile feedback, for example when a certain relative rotation position is achieved, and / or provide feedback that there is relative rotation.

[0114] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing unit activation device 49 may comprise a rigid operating tube 72 and may optionally comprise a further tube, for instance an inner tube. i.e. an inner tube at least partially arranged inside the rigid operating tube 72, the further tube being rigid as well. The inner tube may be movable in axial direction between a retracted and an extended position.

[0115] Referring to the first embodiment as shown in figure 1, the operating tube 72 comprises an operating tube liquid passage extending in axial direction (A) between one or more (lateral) inner openings 70 arranged in a tubular flow element 145 forming part of the operating tube 72 and an outer opening 71, wherein the rigid operating tube 72 is configured to be inserted in the liquid passage 45 of valve unit 20 of the sealing unit 3. The tube is inserted far enough in the sealing unit 3 that the member 57 comes into contact with the member 56, for instance recess 55 (or 555 in figures 16-20) and / or member 157 comes into contact with axial projection 163 (cf. figure 28A).When the inserted / attached tube is rotated, the tube exerts a rotational axial force on the valve unit 20, thereby rotating the valve unit 20 inside / with respect to the connection unit 10 which is fixed to the container. In this way, sealing unit activation device 49 may thus be used for moving the valve from a closed position to an open position or the other way around. The operating tube may comprise a widened serving to limit the distance over which the tube may be inserted into the liquid passage 45 of the valve unit 20, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the valve. The widened portion may already be comprised in the (combination of the) sealing unit activation attachment member and / or the activation device attachment member. Alternatively or additionally, the filling device may comprise a wider portion that will be blocked by a lateral flange 18 of the sealing unit.

[0116] The inner tube may be closed at one end by end wall but provided with a number of radial openings close to position of the end wall, as shown in figure 1. The inner surface of the second liquid passage of the rigid operating tube may be configured to snugly fit the outer surface of the valve unit 20. This prevents liquid to flow out of the radial openings when the inner tube is in its retracted position. However, when the inner tube is moved from the retracted to the extended position, liquid may freely flow through the radial openings.

[0117] A sealing unit 3 and a sealing unit activation device 49 may be connected to each other, to form an interoperating system. Connection may be accomplished by simply inserting a portion of the activation device 49 into the sealing unit 3. When connected to a liquid container 2, an assembly formed by the system of the sealing unit 3 and the sealing unit activation device 49 and the container 2 may be used by a user or by a device to selectively allow liquid to flow through an opening of the container 2. Examples of this are pouring liquid from the container 2 or, in the case wherein the assembly comprises a sealing unit activation device 49 as well, filling or refilling the container 2.

[0118] As shown in the figures, for instance figures 11, a dip tube (DT) may be attached at the bottom end (i.e. the second end 342) of the outer tubular element (13). A dip tube generally is made of relatively flexible material, although more rigid dip tubes may be used as well. The upper end of a dip tube may be attached to the sealing unit (3) by sliding the upper end over the bottom end of the outer tubular element (13). The situation may occur that the inner surface of the dip tube sticks to the outer surface of the outer tubular element in such a manner, that one or more of the lateral slits (15) will no longer be able to allow a liquid flow in lateral direction. However, due to the presence of the annular space / channel 60 the sealing unit will not become clogged since liquid may still flow in axial direction through the lateral slits and along the outer surface of the wall of the outer tubular element and reach the lateral openings (22) in the inner tube (when the inner tube has been rotated into the open position). This reduces the risk of clogging and / or makes it possibleto keep the diameter of the sealing unit including the dip tube relatively small, which is an important feature in the field of the closing units for liquid containers.

[0119] Figures 24 to 29 show a further embodiment of a sealing unit activation device. The sealing unit activation device 149 shown in these figures comprises an operating tube comprising a first operating tube part 151 and a second operation tube part 152. Inside the second operating tube part 152 a flow channel is present (between outer opening 71 and the inner (lateral openings 154). The second operating tube part 152 is further configured to be received in the first operating tube part 151 (and may thus form an inner operating tube) in such a manner that the second operating tube part 152 is movable in axial direction (A) relative to the first operating tube part 151, more specifically between a partially inserted position and a fully inserted position. In the fully inserted position the lateral opening(s) 154 in the flow channel overlap (fully or to a large extent) the associated opening (s) 22 in the valve unit 20 so that the sealing unit can be safely rotated from the closed to the open position so that the sealing unit now is ready to start filling the container.

[0120] The end of the second operating tube part 152 facing in use the sealing unit comprises a tubular flow element 150. The end face 159 of the tubular flow element 150 may optionally be provided with a sealing unit activation attachment member 157. In the shown embodiment the sealing unit activation attachment member 157 may take the shape of a straight recess 158 but any other shape that would allow the operating tube to engage the valve unit 20 and rotate the valve unit when the operating tube is rotated, is possible as well. Such embodiments all fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0121] In embodiments of the present disclosure the second operating tube part 152 further comprises a widened part 153 configured to accommodate one or more resilient elements like springs 161. These resilient elements 161 are configured to urge the first operating tube part 11 and second operating tube part 152 in axial direction away from each other, thereby ensuring assisting in a smooth and error free insertion of the tubular flow element 150 into and removal of the tubular flow element 150 out of the first operating tube part 151.

[0122] Figures 30A-30H show a further embodiment of a valve unit. When the second operating tube 152 is inserted in the first operating tube 151 and the tubular flow element 150 is moved towards the bottom of the valve unit. Air may become trapped between the bottom of the tubular flow element 150 and the bottom of the valve unit, especially in embodiments wherein sealing rings, like sealing O-rings 153’, are provided to keep the activation unit in principle in a liquid tight manner pressed against the inner surface of the valve unit. This air may hinder the proper movement of the tubular flow element 150 to right position (i.e., the fully inserted position). In order to avoid the entrapment of air or at least reduce the risk of impeding the insertion movement, in the embodiments of figures 30A-30H the inner surface of the inner tube 21 of the valve unit 20 comprises a plurality of ribsl70. These ribs are configured to project radially inwardly and extendin a generally axial direction (A). The number of ribs may vary, preferably at least three ribs are provided. More preferably at least three sets of tibs are provided, each set comprising two or more ribs. The sets are preferably evenly distributed along the inner circumference of the inner tube 21, for instance each set being arranged at a 120 degrees offset angular position. The ribs are configured to form one or more air release channels 173 between the sealing unit activation device (49, 149) and the inner tube (21), allowing air to move out of the above-mentioned space (see arrows, figures 30E an 30F) via the air release channels 173 (cf. figure 30H)..

[0123] In operation

[0124] Referring to figures 11 and 12, a DT may be attached at the bottom end (i.e. the second end 342) of the outer tubular element 13. A DT generally is made of relatively flexible material, although more rigid dip tubes may be used as well. The upper end of a dip tube may be attached to the sealing unit 3 by sliding the upper end over the bottom end of the outer tubular element 13. The situation may occur that the inner surface of the dip tube sticks to the outer surface of the outer tubular element in such a manner, that one or more of the lateral slits 15 will no longer be able to allow a liquid flow in lateral direction. However, due to the presence of the annular space / channel 60 the sealing unit will not become clogged since liquid may still flow in axial direction through the lateral slits and along the outer surface of the wall of the outer tubular element and reach the lateral openings 22 in the inner tube (when the inner tube has been rotated into the open position). This reduces the risk of clogging and / or makes it possible to keep the diameter of the sealing unit including the dip tube

Claims

CLAIMS1. Sealing unit (3) for selectively opening or closing a container liquid opening (8) of a liquid container (2) for holding a liquid, for instance a beverage, foodstuff, detergent or similar viscous or non-viscous liquid, the sealing unit (3) comprising a connection unit (10) and a valve unit (20), wherein the connection unit (10) comprises:- a container attachment member (27) configured to attach the sealing unit (3) to the liquid container (2);- an outer tubular element (13) connected to or integrally formed with the container attachment member (27), the outer tubular element (13) comprising a tubular wall (17) having a first end (341) and a second end (342) opposite the first end, wherein the tubular wall (17) at its first end (341) has an axial outer opening (14) and at its second end (342) has one or more lateral slits (15);and wherein the valve unit (20) comprises:- an inner tube (21) having a closed end formed by an end wall (35) and an open end, wherein a liquid passage (45) is defined in the inner tube (21) extending in axial direction (A) between one or more lateral openings (22) in a wall of the inner tube (21) and the open end of the inner tube (21);- an activation device attachment member (56) configured to removably attach the sealing unit (3) to an external sealing unit activation device (49), for instance a filling device (50) or a dispensing device (62);wherein the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) is configured to be received via the axial outer opening (14) in the outer tubular element (13) of the connection unit (10), so as to be rotatable between a closed rotational position wherein the one or more lateral openings (22) in the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) do not overlap with corresponding one or more lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) so as to close the liquid passage (45) and an open rotational position wherein one or more of the lateral openings (22) in the inner tube (21) at least partially overlap with the corresponding lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) so as to at least partially open the liquid passage (45) between the container liquid opening (8) and the open end of the valve unit (20);wherein the one or more lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) extend in axial direction to the second end (342) of the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13).

2. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of the lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) are shaped to form an axial flow space, for instance a partially annular flowspace, for allowing a liquid flow in axial direction, when the valve unit is in the open rotational position.

3. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) are shaped to form a lateral flow space, for allowing a liquid flow in lateral direction when the valve unit is in the open rotational position.

4. Sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a dip tube (DT) attached at the second end of the outer tubular element (13) of the connection unit (10), the dip tube preferably being attached at the outer tubular element at an attachment position between the one or more lateral slits (15) and the container attachment member (27).

5. Sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) comprises a first connection unit (48) and the outer tubular element (13) of the connection element (10) comprises a second connection unit (47), the first connection and second connection units being configured to keep the inner tube (21) in the outer tubular element (13) when connected while still allowing the outer tubular element (13) and the inner tube (21) to be mutually rotatable between the closed rotational position and the open rotational position.

6. Sealing unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first connection unit (48) and the second connection unit (47) are configured to displace the inner tube in axial direction when the inner tube and outer tube are rotated relative to each other between the closed rotational position and the open rotational position.

7. Sealing unit as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the first connection unit (48) of the connection unit comprises first threading (33) and the second connection unit (47) of the valve unit comprises second threading (31).

8. Sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more stops (30) configured to restrict the maximum rotation angle of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

9. Sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more air passages (61) extending in the connection unit and valve unit, wherein the one or more air passages (61) are sealable by moving the inner tube of the valve element in axial direction between a first position wherein the air passages are closed and a second position wherein the air passages are open.

10. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising one or more seal elements (36, 37) for sealing an air flow passage (61).

11. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more air flow passages (61) are arranged to provide a passage of air between the interior of the liquid container (2) and the external surroundings,12. Sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) comprises a lateral flange (53), preferably a lateral flange extending from the wall of the inner tube (21) and extending around the entire circumference of the inner tube, arranged to be movable in axial directions, preferably arranged to selectively contact corresponding seal elements (36, 37) in order to selectively seal and open at least one air passage (61).

13. Sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner tube (21) comprises a first widened tube part (51) comprising a sealing part (24), for instance O-ring, arranged between an outer surface of the inner tube (21) and inner surface of the outer tubular element (13).

14. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a second widened tube part (52), the second widened tube part preferably having a larger diameter than the first widened tube part (51).

15. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second widened tube part (52) is provided with a second connection unit (48), for instance comprising external threading (31).

16. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein:- the container attachment member (27) comprises a tubular attachment sleeve (29);- an activation device attachment member (56) comprises a tubular connector (28); and / or wherein- an external sealing unit activation device (49) comprises a filling device (50) or a dispensing device) (62).

17. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral slits are through openings or blind opening.

18. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing element (23) attached to or formed with inner tube (21) and arranged along a circumferential edge around the one or more lateral openings (22) in the inner tube (21), for instance O rings arranged around each of the lateral openings (22).

19. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing part (24) attached to or formed with a first widened tube part (51) of the inner tube (21) and arranged around the circumference of the first widened tube part (51).

20. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic transponder arranged in the connection unit (10), for instance in a hinge cap of the connection unit, the electronic transponder being configured to wirelessly send at least an identification information signal representative of the identity of at least one of the sealing unit and the liquid container to an electronic reader that is configured to wirelessly receive the identification information signal, wherein the electronic transponder may be embedded in the cap.

21. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) comprises a plurality of ribs 170, the ribs being configured to form one or more air release channels 173 between the sealing unit activation device (49, 149) and the inner tube (21).

22. Sealing unit activation device (49, 149) for selectively operating a sealing unit (3, preferably a sealing unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, the sealing unit being configured for selectively opening or closing a container liquid opening (8) of a liquid container (2) for holding a liquid, the sealing unit (3) comprising a connection unit (10) and a valve unit (20), wherein the connection unit (10) comprises:- a container attachment member (27) configured to attach the sealing unit (3) to the liquid container (2);- an outer tubular element (13) connected to or integrally formed with the container attachment member (27), the outer tubular element (13) comprising a tubular wall (17) having a first end (341) and a second end (342) opposite the first end, wherein the tubular wall (17) at its first end (341) has an axial outer opening (14) and at its second end (342) has one or more lateral slits (15);and wherein the valve unit (20) comprises:- an inner tube (21) having a closed end formed by an end wall (35) and an open end, wherein a liquid passage (45) is defined in the inner tube (21) extending in axial direction (A)between one or more lateral openings (22) in a wall of the inner tube (21) and the open end of the inner tube (21);wherein the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) is configured to be received via the axial outer opening (14) in the outer tubular element (13) of the connection unit (10), so as to be rotatable between a closed rotational position wherein the one or more lateral openings (22) in the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20) do not overlap with corresponding one or more lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) so as to close the liquid passage (45) and an open rotational position wherein one or more of the lateral openings (22) in the inner tube (21) at least partially overlap with the corresponding lateral slits (15) in the tubular wall (17) of the outer tubular element (13) so as to at least partially open the liquid passage (45) between the container liquid opening (8) and the open end of the valve unit (20);wherein the sealing unit activation device comprises an operating tube comprising a first operating tube part (151) and a second operation tube part (152), wherein the second operating tube part (152) comprises a tubular flow element (150) defining a flow channel and the second operating tube part (152) being at least partially arranged in the first operating tube part (151) so as to be movable relative to the first operating tube part (151) partially inserted position and a fully inserted position, in the fully inserted position the at least one lateral opening 154 in the flow channel overlaps the associated opening or openings 22 in the valve unit 20.

23. Sealing unit activation device (49) as claimed in claim 22, wherein between the first and second operating tube parts 151, 152 one or more resilient elements like springs 161 are arranged, the resilient elements 161 being configured to urge the first operating tube part 151 and second operating tube part 152 in axial direction away from each other .

24. Sealing unit activation device (49) as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23, comprising a rigid operating tube (72) configured to be inserted into the liquid passage (45) of the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20), wherein the rigid operating tube comprises an operating tube liquid passage extending in axial direction (A) between an inner opening (70) and an outer opening (71), wherein the rigid operating tube (72) comprises a sealing unit activation attachment member (57) for removably attaching the sealing unit activation device to the inner tube (21) of the valve unit (20).

25. Sealing unit activation device (49) according to claim 24, wherein the sealing unit activation device (49) is a dispensing device (56) or a filling device (50).

26. Assembly (1) comprising:- a liquid container (2) for holding a liquid, the liquid container (2) comprising a container opening (8);- at least one of a sealing unit (3) according to any of the claims 1-21 and a sealing unit activation device (49) according to any of claims 22-25.

27. Use of at least one of a sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of claims 1-21, a sealing unit activation device (49) according to any of claims 22-25, and / or an assembly (1) as claimed in claim 26.

28. Sealing unit (3) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a flow passage (400) configured for limiting the fluid flow to a confined passage, at least around the sealing unit (3), to prevent fluid from entering the air passage(s) (61).

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