BIB Bag Connector Valve Layout to Prevent Liquid Stagnation

The valve device is segmented into two distinct functional parts: an internal valve device for delivering liquid and an external valve device for preventing contamination. The internal valve includes an obturator that opens/closes the spout, while the external valve includes a closure element that seals the chamber opening. This segmentation allows each valve to perform its specific function independently, solving the contradiction by adding contamination prevention without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector.

The closure element of the external valve device acts as an intermediary between the chamber and the external environment. It automatically seals the chamber opening when the obturator is in the closed position, creating a barrier that prevents contaminated liquid from stagnating in the chamber and being exposed to bacteria. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by adding a simple sealing function that prevents contamination without significantly complicating the overall structure.

The external valve device is merged with the internal valve device to form an integrated valve assembly. The closure element of the external valve and the obturator of the internal valve work together in a coordinated manner, with the closure element sealing the chamber opening when the obturator closes the spout. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while still achieving the goal of preventing liquid stagnation and extending BIB package lifetime.

The external valve device operates automatically based on the position of the internal valve's obturator. When the obturator closes the spout, the closure element automatically seals the chamber opening, and when the obturator opens, the closure element automatically unseals. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control systems or additional components, extending BIB package lifetime without significantly increasing device complexity.

The closure element of the external valve device is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It automatically changes its sealing state based on the operational phase: it remains open to allow the emptying line nose to enter the chamber during initial setup, then automatically seals when the obturator closes the spout to prevent contamination. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both access during operation and isolation during storage/transport.

The closure element is positioned and configured in advance to automatically seal the chamber opening when the obturator is in the closed position. This preliminary arrangement ensures that as soon as the spout closes, the chamber opening is already sealed, preventing any liquid stagnation or bacterial contamination. The system is pre-configured to provide both access and isolation at the appropriate times without requiring manual intervention.