[go: up one dir, main page]

EP4161864B1 - Apparatus for conveying viscous material - Google Patents

Apparatus for conveying viscous material Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4161864B1
EP4161864B1 EP21745819.9A EP21745819A EP4161864B1 EP 4161864 B1 EP4161864 B1 EP 4161864B1 EP 21745819 A EP21745819 A EP 21745819A EP 4161864 B1 EP4161864 B1 EP 4161864B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
follower plate
aeration
end position
holding rod
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21745819.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4161864A1 (en
Inventor
Gerrit ENDERLE
Thomas Hausner
Marco Knopf
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Atlas Copco IAS GmbH
Original Assignee
Atlas Copco IAS GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atlas Copco IAS GmbH filed Critical Atlas Copco IAS GmbH
Priority to EP24187303.3A priority Critical patent/EP4417571B1/en
Publication of EP4161864A1 publication Critical patent/EP4161864A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4161864B1 publication Critical patent/EP4161864B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • B67D7/62—Arrangements of pumps power operated
    • B67D7/64—Arrangements of pumps power operated of piston type
    • B67D7/645—Barrel pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
    • B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
    • B05C5/0225—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work characterised by flow controlling means, e.g. valves, located proximate the outlet
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
    • F04B15/02—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B23/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04B23/02—Pumping installations or systems having reservoirs
    • F04B23/025—Pumping installations or systems having reservoirs the pump being located directly adjacent the reservoir
    • F04B23/028—Pumping installations or systems having reservoirs the pump being located directly adjacent the reservoir the pump being mounted on top of the reservoir

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for conveying viscous material from a barrel-like container.
  • Such devices are used, for example, for applying adhesives, sealants, insulating materials or thermal pastes to workpieces, in particular to body components in the production of motor vehicles.
  • the viscous material is conveyed out of the container by means of a pump via a material outlet opening, whereby a follower plate having the material outlet opening is always held in contact with a surface of the material in the container by means of a lifting and lowering device and follows the falling material level in the container by lowering using the lifting and lowering device.
  • the follower plate is sealed off from the container casing so that on the one hand no material can escape from the container and on the other hand no air from the environment can penetrate into the container.
  • the container is empty, it is replaced with a new, full container, whereby the follower plate is first moved upwards out of the empty container and then inserted into the full container which is now positioned below it until it rests on the viscous material and the conveying process can begin.
  • the follower plate is sealed with its circumference against the inner surface of the container shell facing the inside of the container, so that a force must be applied when lowering it onto the surface of the viscous material.
  • a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is described, which has a ventilation opening and a ventilation device.
  • a ventilation opening and a ventilation device are in the EN 10 2018 104 763 A1 not described.
  • Another conveying device for conveying a viscous material is known from EP 3 296 075 A1 known, while from the EN 10 2007 003 972 B4 a device with a barrel pump and a follower plate is known, wherein the ventilation openings of the follower plate are covered by foam plates.
  • the invention is based on the idea of switching automatically between a movement mode in which the support rod or rods is or are lowered, in particular by motor drive, and a venting mode in which air is sucked out of the container interior through the vent opening(s) by means of the venting device.
  • the follower plate is mounted in a floating manner with respect to the lifting and lowering device and is vertically movable relative to it to a limited extent.
  • the floating bearing is arranged between the follower plate and the at least one support rod, so that the follower plate can move vertically to a limited extent with respect to the at least one support rod, or for it to be arranged between the at least one support rod and a vertically movable support element of the lifting and lowering device that supports the support rod(s), so that it can move vertically to a limited extent with respect to the support element, so that by generating a negative pressure in the interior of the container, the follower plate is pulled further into the interior of the container and the at least one support rod or the support element remains in its position in order to then be moved when the pumping out of air has finished. These steps are repeated alternately until the follower plate rests on the viscous material.
  • the follower plate is expediently connected to each support rod or the at least one support rod is connected to the support element by means of at least one bolt guided in a vertically extending slot.
  • This is a simple and yet reliable structure for the floating mounting of the follower plate on the at least one support rod in order to fasten it with limited vertical movement relative to the at least one support rod.
  • the sensor device has a distance measuring device for detecting the position of the follower plate relative to the at least one support rod or relative to the support element.
  • the distance measuring device measures the distance covered by the follower plate relative to the at least one support rod or relative to the support element and can thus determine the position of the follower plate relative to the at least one a support rod or with respect to the support element and also the reaching of the upper and lower end positions with high accuracy.
  • the sensor device it is also possible for the sensor device to have at least one first sensor for detecting the bolt or one of the bolts when the upper end position is reached by the follower plate and at least one second sensor for detecting the bolt or one of the bolts when the lower end position is reached by the follower plate.
  • the sensors are preferably proximity switches. They switch when the bolt or one of the bolts reaches either the lower or the upper end position.
  • each support rod is accommodated with its lower end in a sleeve fixed to the top of the follower plate and that at least one bolt protrudes radially from it, which is guided in a slot in the sleeve.
  • the sleeve can be screwed to the follower plate, for example.
  • each support rod is accommodated with its upper end in a sleeve fixed to a vertically movable component of the lifting and lowering device, in particular to the underside of a crossbeam.
  • at least one bolt protrudes radially from the at least one support rod, which is guided in a slot in the sleeve.
  • at least two bolts protrude radially from each support rod at equal angular distances from one another, each of which is guided in a slot in the associated sleeve.
  • two bolts can protrude radially from each support rod in opposite directions.
  • the lifting and lowering device has several support rods, which are preferably arranged concentrically and at equal distances from one another around a center point of the follower plate.
  • the support rods run at equal distances from a central longitudinal axis. the essentially cylindrical follower plate.
  • two support rods can be provided which are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the center point or the central axis.
  • the follower plate can have a sensor to detect when it is resting on the container floor.
  • This has a pin that protrudes from the underside of the follower plate and can be moved into the follower plate against a restoring force. The pin triggers the sensor signal when the follower plate rests on the container floor with its full weight and the pin is pressed into the follower plate.
  • At least one ventilation opening and at least one vent opening arranged at a distance from it can be provided.
  • the ventilation opening(s) and the vent opening(s) coincide, so that at least one opening is present in the follower plate for introducing and extracting air.
  • the venting device can be, for example, a compressor or a Venturi nozzle. It is also possible to design the venting device so that it can be operated in the opposite direction and introduces compressed air into the interior of the container. However, it is also possible to supply the compressed air via a separate compressed air line.
  • a covering layer made of a material that is permeable to air and impermeable to liquid is arranged on the underside of the follower plate, covering the vent opening(s) and/or the ventilation opening(s) and leaving the material outlet opening free.
  • the covering layer can be adapted to the viscous material. It does not have to be impermeable to every liquid, but only to the viscous material in question that is to be conveyed out of the container.
  • the covering layer can consist of a foldable material, for example a thin layer of felt or a commercially available weed control fleece.
  • the cover layer can be connected to a rigid ring at its peripheral edge.
  • the cover layer it is also possible for the cover layer to be connected to a ring made of elastically stretchable material at its peripheral edge.
  • the cover layer preferably consists of polypropylene (PP), in particular of thermally bonded continuous filaments.
  • a polypropylene layer is preferably used with a weight according to DIN EN 29073 T.1 of 60 g/m 2 +/- 10%, which expediently has a maximum tensile force according to DIN EN 29073 T.2 lengthways of 130 N/5 cm and crossways of 90 N/5 cm, each +/- 20% and an elongation according to DIN EN 29073 T.3 lengthways of 88% and crossways of 87%, each +/- 20%.
  • a material is supplied, for example, by the company p. glatzeder gmbh under the name PP spunbond 60g/m 2 - LA.
  • Other basis weights are also possible.
  • the elastically stretchable ring can be stretched and pulled over the peripheral edge of the container shell so that it is arranged all the way around the container shell on an outside facing away from the inside of the container.
  • the follower plate presses against the cover layer so that the ring is pulled from the container shell and wraps around an outer surface of the follower plate.
  • the ring can then form an additional seal between the follower plate and the container shell.
  • the device 10 shown in the drawing is used to convey viscous material from a barrel-like container. It has a follower plate 12 which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting and lowering device 14.
  • the lifting and lowering device 14 has a base plate 16 and hydraulic cylinders 18 mounted on the base plate 16, the piston rods 20 of which extend upwards and are connected to one another by means of a support element 22 in the form of a cross member. Two support rods 24 extend downwards from the cross member 22, on which the follower plate 12 is suspended.
  • the follower plate 12 has a central material outlet opening 26 through which the viscous material can be conveyed out of the container by means of a scoop piston pump 28 when the follower plate 12 rests with its underside on the viscous material. It also has several ventilation openings 30 through which air can be pumped out of the interior of the container and compressed air can be introduced into the interior of the container. A ventilation device (not shown in detail) or a ventilation device can be connected to the ventilation openings 30.
  • the follower plate 12 is not rigidly connected to the support rods 24, but is mounted on them in a floating manner in the sense that it is vertically movable to a limited extent with respect to the support rods 24.
  • two sleeves 34 are screwed onto the upper side 32 of the follower plate 12, each of which accommodates the lower end of one of the two support rods 24.
  • a bolt 36 protrudes radially from each of the support rods, which passes through a slot 38 extending in the vertical direction in the relevant sleeve 34 and is guided in this slot so that it can be moved longitudinally in the vertical direction.
  • the slot 38 is covered on the outside by a cover cap 40.
  • the follower plate 12 can be positioned between a slot 38 in the Fig.3 , 4 shown upper end position, in in which the bolts 36 each rest against the lower end of the respective elongated hole 38, and an upper end position in which they each rest against the upper end of the respective elongated hole 38.
  • a sensor device in the form of a distance measuring device 42 on each sleeve 24 detects the position of the follower plate 12 with respect to the support rods 24 and in particular when the follower plate 12 reaches the upper end position and when the follower plate 12 reaches the lower end position.
  • the distance measuring device 42 sends signals to a control device (not shown in detail) when the respective end position is reached by the follower plate 12.
  • the follower plate 12 is lifted from the base plate 16 by means of the lifting and lowering device 14, and the container, which is open at the top, is placed under the follower plate 12 on the base plate 16.
  • a cover element 50 is then arranged on the container, covering it, which is open at the top.
  • the cover element 50 has a cover layer 52 which is permeable to air, but not to the viscous material.
  • the cover layer 52 is thin and consists of a foldable material such as a commercially available weed fleece or a thin layer of felt.
  • An elastically stretchable ring 54 runs around the cover layer 52 and is pulled over the outer surface of the container so that it rests against the outer surface when stretched.
  • the follower plate 12 is then lowered, presses on the cover layer 52 and thus pulls the elastic ring 54 away from the outer surface of the container until it rests against the outer surface 56 of the follower plate 12, as shown in Fig.4
  • the covering layer 52 covers the ventilation opening 30, but not the material outlet opening 26.
  • the follower plate 12 is lowered by means of the lifting and lowering device 14 until a wiper ring 58 running around its jacket surface 56 comes into contact with the inner surface of the container jacket, so that its frictional force inhibits further insertion of the follower plate 12.
  • a further lowering of the support rods 24 brings the follower plate 12 into its upper end position, so that the position measuring device 42 is triggered and the control device the venting device is activated and the lifting and lowering device 14 stops.
  • the negative pressure created in the container pulls the follower plate 12 downwards until it reaches its lower end position, so that the position measuring device 42 is triggered, the control device deactivates the venting device and controls the lifting and lowering device 14, which lowers the support rods 24.
  • the follower plate 12 follows the material level until it reaches its lower end position, whereupon the control device in turn controls the lifting and lowering device 14 based on a signal from the position measuring device 42, so that the holding rods 24 are lowered until the follower plate 12 reaches its upper end position and the position measuring device 42 transmits a corresponding signal to the control device.
  • at least one hold-down device can be provided that is firmly connected to the base plate 16 and engages a lower and/or an upper edge of the container.
  • the follower plate 12 is removed from the container in the same way as when it was inserted into the container. To do this, compressed air is introduced into the ventilation opening 30 using the ventilation device, whereby the follower plate 12 is lifted off the bottom of the container under pressure. It then reaches its upper end position, the position measuring device 42 switches, the control device interrupts the compressed air supply and activates the lifting and lowering device 14, which raises the support rods 24 until the follower plate 12 has reached its lower end position again.
  • the position measuring device 42 switches again, the lifting and lowering device 14 is stopped and compressed air is again introduced into the interior of the container and so on until the follower plate 12 reaches the upper edge of the container and can be lifted off.
  • the invention relates to a device 10 for conveying viscous material from a barrel-like container having a container bottom and a container shell extending upwards from the container bottom, with a follower plate 12 which is movable in the direction of the container bottom and away from the container bottom while resting on the inner surface of the container shell facing the container interior, and which has a material outlet opening 26 and at least one vent opening 30 and/or at least one ventilation opening 30, with a venting device for sucking air out of the container interior through the vent opening(s) 30 and/or with a ventilation device for introducing compressed air into the container interior through the ventilation opening(s) 30, with a lifting and lowering device 14 for raising and lowering the follower plate 12, with a control device for alternately controlling the lifting and lowering device 14 in a Movement mode and the venting device or the ventilation device in a venting mode or in a ventilation mode, wherein the lifting and lowering device 14 has at least one vertically extending support rod 24 which is connected

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
  • Degasification And Air Bubble Elimination (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Fördern von viskosem Material aus einem fassartigen Behälter.The invention relates to a device for conveying viscous material from a barrel-like container.

Solche Vorrichtungen werden beispielsweise zum Auftragen von Klebstoffen, Dichtstoffen, Dämmstoffen oder Wärmeleitpasten auf Werkstücke, insbesondere auf Karosseriebauteile bei der Produktion von Kraftfahrzeugen, eingesetzt. Das viskose Material wird dabei mittels einer Pumpe über eine Materialauslassöffnung aus dem Behälter gefördert, wobei eine die Materialauslassöffnung aufweisende Folgeplatte mittels einer Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung stets in Anlage an einer Oberfläche des Materials im Behälter gehalten wird und durch Absenken mittels der Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung dem absinkenden Materialspiegel im Behälter folgt. Gegenüber dem Behältermantel ist die Folgeplatte abgedichtet, so dass einerseits kein Material aus dem Behälter ausdringen und andererseits keine Luft aus der Umgebung in den Behälter eindringen kann. Ist der Behälter entleert, so wird er gegen einen neuen, vollen Behälter ausgetauscht, wobei zunächst die Folgeplatte aus dem entleerten Behälter nach oben herausbewegt wird, um dann in den mittlerweile unter ihr positionierten vollen Behälter eingeführt zu werden, bis sie auf dem viskosen Material aufliegt und der Fördervorgang beginnen kann. Beim Einführen der Folgeplatte in den vollen Behälter ist es aber unvermeidlich, dass Luft zwischen der Folgeplatte und dem viskosen Material eingeschlossen wird, welche vor dem Abpumpen des viskosen Materials aus dem Behälter entfernt werden muss. Zudem liegt die Folgeplatte mit ihrem Umfang abgedichtet an der dem Behälterinneren zugewandten Innenfläche des Behältermantels an, so dass beim Absenken auf die Oberfläche des viskosen Materials eine Kraft aufgewendet werden muss. Beim manuellen Einführen einer Folgeplatte in einen vollen Behälter erfordert das Abpumpen der im Behälterinneren befindlichen Luft und das Absenken der Folgeplatte auf die Materialoberfläche ein großes Geschick der Bedienperson. Es ist zudem bekannt (vgl. DE 10 2017 000 047 A1 ), vor Beginn der Förderung des viskosen Materials so lange Material abzupumpen und als Ausschuss zu verwerfen, bis das geförderte Material keine Lufteinschlüsse mehr aufweist. Diese Praxis ist aber insbesondere dann nachteilig, wenn das viskose Material sehr teuer ist.Such devices are used, for example, for applying adhesives, sealants, insulating materials or thermal pastes to workpieces, in particular to body components in the production of motor vehicles. The viscous material is conveyed out of the container by means of a pump via a material outlet opening, whereby a follower plate having the material outlet opening is always held in contact with a surface of the material in the container by means of a lifting and lowering device and follows the falling material level in the container by lowering using the lifting and lowering device. The follower plate is sealed off from the container casing so that on the one hand no material can escape from the container and on the other hand no air from the environment can penetrate into the container. Once the container is empty, it is replaced with a new, full container, whereby the follower plate is first moved upwards out of the empty container and then inserted into the full container which is now positioned below it until it rests on the viscous material and the conveying process can begin. When inserting the follower plate into the full container, it is inevitable that air will be trapped between the follower plate and the viscous material, which must be removed before the viscous material is pumped out of the container. In addition, the follower plate is sealed with its circumference against the inner surface of the container shell facing the inside of the container, so that a force must be applied when lowering it onto the surface of the viscous material. When manually inserting a follower plate into a full Containers require a great deal of skill on the part of the operator to pump out the air inside the container and to lower the follower plate onto the material surface. It is also known (cf. EN 10 2017 000 047 A1 ), before starting to convey the viscous material, pump out material and discard it as scrap until the conveyed material no longer contains any air pockets. However, this practice is particularly disadvantageous if the viscous material is very expensive.

In der DE 10 2018 104 763 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 beschrieben, die eine Belüftungsöffnung und eine Belüftungseinrichtung aufweist. Eine Entlüftungsöffnung und eine Entlüftungseinrichtung ist in der DE 10 2018 104 763 A1 nicht beschrieben. Eine weitere Fördervorrichtung zum Fördern eines viskosen Materials ist aus der EP 3 296 075 A1 bekannt, während aus der DE 10 2007 003 972 B4 eine Vorrichtung mit einer Faßpumpe und einer Folgeplatte bekannt ist, wobei die Entlüftungsöffnungen der Folgeplatte mittels Schaumplatten abgedeckt sind.In the EN 10 2018 104 763 A1 a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is described, which has a ventilation opening and a ventilation device. A ventilation opening and a ventilation device are in the EN 10 2018 104 763 A1 not described. Another conveying device for conveying a viscous material is known from EP 3 296 075 A1 known, while from the EN 10 2007 003 972 B4 a device with a barrel pump and a follower plate is known, wherein the ventilation openings of the follower plate are covered by foam plates.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art zu entwickeln, die ein automatisiertes Einführen der Folgeplatte in den Behälter und/oder ein automatisiertes Entfernen der Folgeplatte aus dem Behälter ermöglicht.It is therefore an object of the invention to develop a device of the type mentioned at the outset which enables an automated insertion of the follower plate into the container and/or an automated removal of the follower plate from the container.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 bzw. einem Verfahren gemäß einem der Ansprüche 13 oder 15 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 or a method according to one of claims 13 or 15. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Der Erfindung liegt der Gedanke zugrunde, durch automatisiertes Umschalten zwischen einem Bewegungsmodus, bei dem die Haltestange bzw. die Haltestangen insbesondere motorisch angetrieben abgesenkt wird bzw. werden, und einem Entlüftungsmodus alternierend umzuschalten, indem mittels der Entlüftungseinrichtung Luft aus dem Behälterinneren durch die Entlüftungsöffnung(en) abgesaugt wird. Zu diesem Zweck ist die Folgeplatte schwimmend bezüglich der Hebeund Absenkeinrichtung gelagert und vertikal begrenzt gegenüber dieser beweglich. Dabei ist es möglich, dass die schwimmende Lagerung zwischen der Folgeplatte und der mindestens einen Haltestange angeordnet ist, so dass die Folgeplatte bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange vertikal begrenzt beweglich ist, oder dass sie zwischen der mindestens einen Haltestange und einem vertikal beweglichen, die Haltestange(n) tragenden Tragelement der Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung angeordnet ist, so dass sie bezüglich des Tragelements vertikal begrenzt beweglich ist, so dass mittels der Erzeugung eines Unterdrucks im Behälterinneren die Folgeplatte weiter in das Behälterinnere gezogen wird und die mindestens eine Haltestange bzw. das Tragelement in ihrer bzw. seiner Position verbleibt, um anschließend, wenn das Abpumpen von Luft beendet ist, nachgeführt zu werden. Diese Schritte werden solange abwechselnd wiederholt, bis die Folgeplatte auf dem viskosen Material aufliegt. Umgekehrt kann bei der Entfernung einer Folgeplatte aus einem entleerten Behälter alternierend zwischen dem Bewegungsmodus, in dem die mindestens eine Haltestange bzw. das Tragelement angehoben wird, und einem Belüftungsmodus umgeschaltet werden, in dem Druckluft in das Behälterinnere eingeleitet wird. Der Überdruck im Behälterinneren drückt die Folgeplatte nach oben, bis sie obere Endposition bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange erreicht hat, worauf die Einleitung von Druckluft gestoppt wird und die mindestens eine Haltestange bzw. das Tragelement der Folgeplatte vorauseilend ein Stück nach oben bewegt wird.The invention is based on the idea of switching automatically between a movement mode in which the support rod or rods is or are lowered, in particular by motor drive, and a venting mode in which air is sucked out of the container interior through the vent opening(s) by means of the venting device. For this purpose, the follower plate is mounted in a floating manner with respect to the lifting and lowering device and is vertically movable relative to it to a limited extent. It is possible for the floating bearing to be arranged between the follower plate and the at least one support rod, so that the follower plate can move vertically to a limited extent with respect to the at least one support rod, or for it to be arranged between the at least one support rod and a vertically movable support element of the lifting and lowering device that supports the support rod(s), so that it can move vertically to a limited extent with respect to the support element, so that by generating a negative pressure in the interior of the container, the follower plate is pulled further into the interior of the container and the at least one support rod or the support element remains in its position in order to then be moved when the pumping out of air has finished. These steps are repeated alternately until the follower plate rests on the viscous material. Conversely, when removing a follower plate from an empty container, it is possible to switch alternately between the movement mode in which the at least one support rod or the support element is raised and a ventilation mode in which compressed air is introduced into the interior of the container. The excess pressure inside the container pushes the follower plate upwards until it has reached the upper end position with respect to the at least one support rod, whereupon the introduction of compressed air is stopped and the at least one support rod or the support element of the follower plate is moved upwards a little in advance.

Zweckmäßig ist die Folgeplatte mit jeder Haltestange oder die mindestens eine Haltestange mit dem Tragelement mittels mindestens eines in einem sich vertikal erstreckenden Langloch geführten Bolzens verbunden. Dies ist ein einfacher und dennoch zuverlässiger Aufbau der schwimmenden Lagerung der Folgeplatte an der mindestens einen Haltestange, um sie bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange vertikal begrenzt beweglich zu befestigen. Dabei wird bevorzugt, dass die Sensoreinrichtung eine Wegmesseinrichtung zur Detektion der Position der Folgeplatte bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange bzw. bezüglich des Tragelements aufweist. Die Wegmesseinrichtung misst den von der Folgeplatte bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange bzw. bezüglich des Tragelements zurückgelegten Weg und kann damit die Position der Folgeplatte bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange bzw. bezüglich des Tragelements und auch das Erreichen der oberen und unteren Endpositionen mit hoher Genauigkeit bestimmen. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, dass die Sensoreinrichtung mindestens einen ersten Sensor zur Detektion des Bolzens oder eines der Bolzen bei Erreichen der oberen Endposition durch die Folgeplatte und mindestens einen zweiten Sensor zur Detektion des Bolzens oder eines der Bolzen bei Erreichen der unteren Endposition durch die Folgeplatte aufweist. Die Sensoren sind vorzugsweise Näherungsschalter. Sie schalten dann, wenn der Bolzen oder einer der Bolzen entweder die untere oder die obere Endposition erreicht.The follower plate is expediently connected to each support rod or the at least one support rod is connected to the support element by means of at least one bolt guided in a vertically extending slot. This is a simple and yet reliable structure for the floating mounting of the follower plate on the at least one support rod in order to fasten it with limited vertical movement relative to the at least one support rod. It is preferred that the sensor device has a distance measuring device for detecting the position of the follower plate relative to the at least one support rod or relative to the support element. The distance measuring device measures the distance covered by the follower plate relative to the at least one support rod or relative to the support element and can thus determine the position of the follower plate relative to the at least one a support rod or with respect to the support element and also the reaching of the upper and lower end positions with high accuracy. However, it is also possible for the sensor device to have at least one first sensor for detecting the bolt or one of the bolts when the upper end position is reached by the follower plate and at least one second sensor for detecting the bolt or one of the bolts when the lower end position is reached by the follower plate. The sensors are preferably proximity switches. They switch when the bolt or one of the bolts reaches either the lower or the upper end position.

Es ist möglich, dass der mindestens eine Bolzen fest mit der Folgeplatte verbunden ist und in einem insbesondere vertikal verlaufenden Langloch geführt ist, das sich über die mindestens eine Haltestange oder ein fest mit dieser verbundenes Bauteil erstreckt. Es wird jedoch bevorzugt, dass jede Haltestange mit ihrem unteren Ende in einer an der Oberseite der Folgeplatte fixierten Hülse aufgenommen ist und dass von ihr mindestens ein Bolzen radial absteht, der in einem Langloch der Hülse geführt ist. Die Hülse kann beispielsweise an der Folgeplatte angeschraubt sein. Es ist auch möglich und insbesondere für kleinere Vorrichtungen vorteilhaft, dass jede Haltestange mit ihrem oberen Ende in einer an einem vertikal beweglichen Bauteil der Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung, insbesondere an der Unterseite einer Traverse, fixierten Hülse aufgenommen ist. Auch in diesem Fall steht von der mindestens einen Haltestange mindestens ein Bolzen radial ab, der in einem Langloch der Hülse geführt ist. Desweiteren wird bevorzugt, dass von jeder Haltestange mindestens zwei Bolzen in gleichen Winkelabständen zueinander radial abstehen, die jeweils in einem Langloch der zugehörigen Hülse geführt sind. Insbesondere können zwei Bolzen in einander entgegengesetzten Richtungen radial von jeder Haltestange abstehen. Diese Maßnahme schafft eine Symmetrie, die eine Belastung der Bolzen durch auftretende Drehmomente verringert. Zudem wird bevorzugt, dass die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung mehrere Haltestangen aufweist, die vorzugsweise konzentrisch und in gleichen Abständen zueinander um einen Mittelpunkt der Folgeplatte angeordnet sind. Mit anderen Worten verlaufen die Haltestangen in gleichen Abständen zu einer Mittellängsachse der im Wesentlichen zylindrisch ausgebildeten Folgeplatte. Insbesondere können zwei Haltestangen vorgesehen sein, die einander bezüglich des Mittelpunkts bzw. der Mittelachse diametral gegenüberliegen.It is possible for the at least one bolt to be firmly connected to the follower plate and to be guided in a particularly vertically extending slot that extends over the at least one support rod or a component firmly connected to it. However, it is preferred that each support rod is accommodated with its lower end in a sleeve fixed to the top of the follower plate and that at least one bolt protrudes radially from it, which is guided in a slot in the sleeve. The sleeve can be screwed to the follower plate, for example. It is also possible, and particularly advantageous for smaller devices, for each support rod to be accommodated with its upper end in a sleeve fixed to a vertically movable component of the lifting and lowering device, in particular to the underside of a crossbeam. In this case too, at least one bolt protrudes radially from the at least one support rod, which is guided in a slot in the sleeve. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least two bolts protrude radially from each support rod at equal angular distances from one another, each of which is guided in a slot in the associated sleeve. In particular, two bolts can protrude radially from each support rod in opposite directions. This measure creates a symmetry that reduces the load on the bolts caused by torques that occur. In addition, it is preferred that the lifting and lowering device has several support rods, which are preferably arranged concentrically and at equal distances from one another around a center point of the follower plate. In other words, the support rods run at equal distances from a central longitudinal axis. the essentially cylindrical follower plate. In particular, two support rods can be provided which are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the center point or the central axis.

Um zu erkennen, wenn der Behälter entleert ist, kann die Folgeplatte einen Sensor zur Erkennung des Aufsitzens auf dem Behälterboden aufweisen. Dieser weist einen aus der Unterseite der Folgeplatte ragenden, gegen eine Rückstellkraft in die Folgeplatte beweglichen Stift auf. Der Stift löst das Sensorsignal aus, wenn die Folgeplatte mit ihrem vollen Gewicht auf dem Behälterboden aufsitzt und der Stift in die Folgeplatte hineingedrückt wird.In order to detect when the container is empty, the follower plate can have a sensor to detect when it is resting on the container floor. This has a pin that protrudes from the underside of the follower plate and can be moved into the follower plate against a restoring force. The pin triggers the sensor signal when the follower plate rests on the container floor with its full weight and the pin is pressed into the follower plate.

Es kann mindestens eine Belüftungsöffnung und mindestens eine von ihr im Abstand angeordnete Entlüftungsöffnung vorgesehen sein. Es wird jedoch bevorzugt, dass die Belüftungsöffnung(en) und die Entlüftungsöffnung(en) zusammenfallen, so dass mindestens eine Öffnung in der Folgeplatte für das Einleiten und Absaugen von Luft vorhanden ist. Die Entlüftungseinrichtung kann beispielsweise ein Kompressor oder eine Venturi-Düse sein. Es ist auch möglich, die Entlüftungseinrichtung so auszugestalten, dass sie in umgekehrter Richtung betrieben werden kann und Druckluft in das Behälterinnere einleitet. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, die Druckluft über eine gesonderte Druckluftleitung zuzuführen.At least one ventilation opening and at least one vent opening arranged at a distance from it can be provided. However, it is preferred that the ventilation opening(s) and the vent opening(s) coincide, so that at least one opening is present in the follower plate for introducing and extracting air. The venting device can be, for example, a compressor or a Venturi nozzle. It is also possible to design the venting device so that it can be operated in the opposite direction and introduces compressed air into the interior of the container. However, it is also possible to supply the compressed air via a separate compressed air line.

Um zu vermeiden, dass beim Absaugen von Luft aus dem Behälterinneren viskoses Material mit angesaugt wird, ist gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel an der Unterseite der Folgeplatte eine die Entlüftungsöffnung(en) und/oder die Belüftungsöffnung(en) bedeckende und die Materialauslassöffnung freilassende Abdeckschicht aus einem für Luft durchlässigen und für Flüssigkeit undurchlässigen Material angeordnet. Die Abdeckschicht kann an das viskose Material angepasst werden. Sie muss nicht für jede Flüssigkeit undurchlässig sein, sondern nur für das betreffende viskose Material, das aus dem Behälter gefördert werden soll. Insbesondere kann die Abdeckschicht aus einem faltbaren Material bestehen, beispielsweise aus einer dünnen Filzschicht oder einem handelsüblichen Unkrautvlies. Um das Einlegen der Abdeckschicht auf die Materialoberfläche unter der Folgeplatte zu erleichtern, kann die Abdeckschicht an ihrem Umfangsrand mit einem starren Ring verbunden sein. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass die Abdeckschicht an ihrem Umfangsrand mit einem Ring aus elastisch dehnbarem Material verbunden ist. Die Abdeckschicht besteht vorzugsweise aus Polypropylen (PP), insbesondere aus thermisch gebundenen Endlosfilamenten. Dabei wird eine Polypropylenschicht bevorzugt mit einem Gewicht nach DIN EN 29073 T.1 von 60 g/m2 +/- 10%, welche zweckmäßig eine Höchstzugkraft nach DIN EN 29073 T.2 längs von 130 N/5 cm und quer von 90 N/5 cm, jeweils +/- 20% und eine Dehnung nach DIN EN 29073 T.3 längs von 88% und quer von 87%, jeweils +/- 20% aufweist. Ein solches Material wird beispielsweise von der Firma p. glatzeder gmbh unter der Bezeichnung PP-Spinnvlies 60g/m2 - LA vertrieben. Auch andere Flächengewichte sind möglich. Beim Einführen der Folgeplatte wird Luft durch die Abdeckschicht hindurch aus dem Behälterinneren abgesaugt, während das viskose Material im Behälter zurückgehalten wird, so dass der Ausschuss an Material verringert wird. Vor dem Einführen der Folgeplatte in den Behälter kann der elastisch dehnbare Ring gedehnt und über den umlaufenden Rand des Behältermantels gezogen werden, so dass er um den Behältermantel an einer dem Behälterinneren abgewandten Außenseite umlaufend angeordnet ist. Wird die Folgeplatte in den Behälter eingeführt, so beaufschlagt sie die Abdeckschicht, so dass der Ring vom Behältermantel gezogen wird und sich um eine äußere Mantelfläche der Folgeplatte legt. Der Ring kann dann eine zusätzliche Dichtung zwischen der Folgeplatte und dem Behältermantel bilden. Wenn der Behälter entleert ist und die Folgeplatte aus ihm entfernt wurde, kann die Abdeckschicht samt Ring von der Folgeplatte abgezogen und weggeworfen werden. Es wird dann eine neue Abdeckschicht am Behälter befestigt, indem ihr Ring über den umlaufenden Rand des Behältermantels gezogen wird.In order to prevent viscous material from being sucked in when air is sucked out of the container interior, according to a preferred embodiment, a covering layer made of a material that is permeable to air and impermeable to liquid is arranged on the underside of the follower plate, covering the vent opening(s) and/or the ventilation opening(s) and leaving the material outlet opening free. The covering layer can be adapted to the viscous material. It does not have to be impermeable to every liquid, but only to the viscous material in question that is to be conveyed out of the container. In particular, the covering layer can consist of a foldable material, for example a thin layer of felt or a commercially available weed control fleece. In order to facilitate the laying of the covering layer on the material surface under the follower plate, the cover layer can be connected to a rigid ring at its peripheral edge. However, it is also possible for the cover layer to be connected to a ring made of elastically stretchable material at its peripheral edge. The cover layer preferably consists of polypropylene (PP), in particular of thermally bonded continuous filaments. A polypropylene layer is preferably used with a weight according to DIN EN 29073 T.1 of 60 g/m 2 +/- 10%, which expediently has a maximum tensile force according to DIN EN 29073 T.2 lengthways of 130 N/5 cm and crossways of 90 N/5 cm, each +/- 20% and an elongation according to DIN EN 29073 T.3 lengthways of 88% and crossways of 87%, each +/- 20%. Such a material is supplied, for example, by the company p. glatzeder gmbh under the name PP spunbond 60g/m 2 - LA. Other basis weights are also possible. When the follower plate is inserted, air is sucked out of the inside of the container through the cover layer, while the viscous material is retained in the container, so that material waste is reduced. Before the follower plate is inserted into the container, the elastically stretchable ring can be stretched and pulled over the peripheral edge of the container shell so that it is arranged all the way around the container shell on an outside facing away from the inside of the container. When the follower plate is inserted into the container, it presses against the cover layer so that the ring is pulled from the container shell and wraps around an outer surface of the follower plate. The ring can then form an additional seal between the follower plate and the container shell. When the container is emptied and the follower plate has been removed from it, the cover layer and ring can be pulled off the follower plate and thrown away. A new covering layer is then attached to the container by pulling its ring over the surrounding edge of the container shell.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines in der Zeichnung schematisch dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Es zeigen

Fig. 1
eine Vorrichtung zum Fördern von viskosem Material in Seitenansicht;
Fig. 2
die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in Draufsicht;
Fig. 3
den unteren Bereich der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, 2 im Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A und
Fig. 4
einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus Fig. 3.
In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using an embodiment shown schematically in the drawing.
Fig.1
a device for conveying viscous material in side view;
Fig.2
the device according to Fig.1 in top view;
Fig.3
the lower part of the device according to Fig. 1, 2 in section along the line AA and
Fig.4
an enlarged section of Fig.3 .

Die in der Zeichnung dargestellte Vorrichtung 10 dient dem Fördern von viskosem Material aus einem fassartigen Behälter. Sie weist eine Folgeplatte 12 auf, die mittels einer Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 angehoben und abgesenkt werden kann. Die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 weist eine Bodenplatte 16 auf sowie auf der Bodenplatte 16 montierte Hydraulikzylinder 18, deren Kolbenstangen 20 nach oben herausgeführt und mittels eines Tragelements 22 in Form einer Traverse miteinander verbunden sind. Von der Traverse 22 erstrecken sich zwei Haltestangen 24 nach unten, an denen die Folgeplatte 12 aufgehängt ist.The device 10 shown in the drawing is used to convey viscous material from a barrel-like container. It has a follower plate 12 which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting and lowering device 14. The lifting and lowering device 14 has a base plate 16 and hydraulic cylinders 18 mounted on the base plate 16, the piston rods 20 of which extend upwards and are connected to one another by means of a support element 22 in the form of a cross member. Two support rods 24 extend downwards from the cross member 22, on which the follower plate 12 is suspended.

Die Folgeplatte 12 weist zentral eine Materialauslassöffnung 26 auf, durch die das viskose Material mittels einer Schöpfkolbenpumpe 28 aus dem Behälter gefördert werden kann, wenn die Folgeplatte 12 mit ihrer Unterseite auf dem viskosen Material aufliegt. Sie weist zudem mehrere Be- und Entlüftungsöffnungen 30 auf, durch die Luft aus dem Behälterinneren abgepumpt und Druckluft in das Behälterinnere eingeleitet werden kann. An die Be- und Entlüftungsöffnungen 30 kann wahlweise eine nicht näher dargestellte Entlüftungseinrichtung oder eine Belüftungseinrichtung angeschlossen werden.The follower plate 12 has a central material outlet opening 26 through which the viscous material can be conveyed out of the container by means of a scoop piston pump 28 when the follower plate 12 rests with its underside on the viscous material. It also has several ventilation openings 30 through which air can be pumped out of the interior of the container and compressed air can be introduced into the interior of the container. A ventilation device (not shown in detail) or a ventilation device can be connected to the ventilation openings 30.

Die Folgeplatte 12 ist mit den Haltestangen 24 nicht starr verbunden, sondern schwimmend an ihnen gelagert in dem Sinne, dass sie bezüglich der Haltestangen 24 begrenzt vertikal beweglich ist. Zu diesem Zweck sind an der Oberseite 32 der Folgeplatte 12 zwei Hülsen 34 angeschraubt, die jeweils das untere Ende einer der beiden Haltestangen 24 aufnehmen. Von jeder der Haltestangen steht radial ein Bolzen 36 ab, der durch ein sich in vertikaler Richtung erstreckendes Langloch 38 in der betreffenden Hülse 34 durchgreift und in diesem in vertikaler Richtung längs verschieblich geführt ist. Nach außen hin wird das Langloch 38 jeweils durch eine Abdeckkappe 40 bedeckt. Bezüglich der Haltestangen 24 kann die Folgeplatte 12 zwischen einer in Fig. 3, 4 gezeigten oberen Endposition, in der die Bolzen 36 jeweils am unteren Ende des jeweiligen Langlochs 38 anliegen, und einer oberen Endposition, in der sie jeweils am oberen Ende des betreffenden Langlochs 38 anliegen, verschoben werden. Eine Sensoreinrichtung in Gestalt einer Wegmesseinrichtung 42 an jeder Hülse 24 detektiert die Position der Folgeplatte 12 bezüglich der Haltestangen 24 und insbesondere das Erreichen der oberen Endposition und das Erreichen der unteren Endposition durch die Folgeplatte 12. Die Wegmesseinrichtung 42 gibt Signale an eine nicht näher dargestellte Steuereinrichtung, wenn die jeweilige Endposition von der Folgeplatte 12 erreicht wird.The follower plate 12 is not rigidly connected to the support rods 24, but is mounted on them in a floating manner in the sense that it is vertically movable to a limited extent with respect to the support rods 24. For this purpose, two sleeves 34 are screwed onto the upper side 32 of the follower plate 12, each of which accommodates the lower end of one of the two support rods 24. A bolt 36 protrudes radially from each of the support rods, which passes through a slot 38 extending in the vertical direction in the relevant sleeve 34 and is guided in this slot so that it can be moved longitudinally in the vertical direction. The slot 38 is covered on the outside by a cover cap 40. With respect to the support rods 24, the follower plate 12 can be positioned between a slot 38 in the Fig.3 , 4 shown upper end position, in in which the bolts 36 each rest against the lower end of the respective elongated hole 38, and an upper end position in which they each rest against the upper end of the respective elongated hole 38. A sensor device in the form of a distance measuring device 42 on each sleeve 24 detects the position of the follower plate 12 with respect to the support rods 24 and in particular when the follower plate 12 reaches the upper end position and when the follower plate 12 reaches the lower end position. The distance measuring device 42 sends signals to a control device (not shown in detail) when the respective end position is reached by the follower plate 12.

Um viskoses Material aus einem Behälter fördern zu können, wird die Folgeplatte 12 mittels der Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 von der Bodenplatte 16 abgehoben, und der nach oben offene Behälter wird unter der Folgeplatte 12 auf der Bodenplatte 16 aufgestellt. Ein Abdeckelement 50 wird dann den nach oben offenen Behälter überdeckend an diesem angeordnet. Das Abdeckelement 50 weist eine Abdeckschicht 52 auf, die für Luft durchlässig ist, nicht aber für das viskose Material. Die Abdeckschicht 52 ist dünn und besteht aus einem faltbaren Material wie beispielsweise einem handelsüblichen Unkrautvlies oder einer dünnen Filzschicht. Rings um die Abdeckschicht 52 läuft ein elastisch dehnbarer Ring 54 um, der über die Mantelfläche des Behälters gezogen wird, so dass er in gedehntem Zustand außen an der Mantelfläche anliegt. Die Folgeplatte 12 wird dann abgesenkt, drückt auf die Abdeckschicht 52 und zieht somit den elastischen Ring 54 von der Mantelfläche des Behälters ab, bis er sich an die Mantelfläche 56 der Folgeplatte 12 anlegt, wie in Fig. 4 dargestellt. Die Abdeckschicht 52 bedeckt die Be- und Entlüftungsöffnung 30, nicht aber die Materialauslassöffnung 26. Die Folgeplatte 12 wird mittels der Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 so weit abgesenkt, bis ein um ihre Mantelfläche 56 umlaufender Wischring 58 an der Innenfläche des Behältermantels zur Anlage kommt, so dass dessen Reibungskraft das weitere Einführen der Folgeplatte 12 hemmt.In order to be able to convey viscous material from a container, the follower plate 12 is lifted from the base plate 16 by means of the lifting and lowering device 14, and the container, which is open at the top, is placed under the follower plate 12 on the base plate 16. A cover element 50 is then arranged on the container, covering it, which is open at the top. The cover element 50 has a cover layer 52 which is permeable to air, but not to the viscous material. The cover layer 52 is thin and consists of a foldable material such as a commercially available weed fleece or a thin layer of felt. An elastically stretchable ring 54 runs around the cover layer 52 and is pulled over the outer surface of the container so that it rests against the outer surface when stretched. The follower plate 12 is then lowered, presses on the cover layer 52 and thus pulls the elastic ring 54 away from the outer surface of the container until it rests against the outer surface 56 of the follower plate 12, as shown in Fig.4 The covering layer 52 covers the ventilation opening 30, but not the material outlet opening 26. The follower plate 12 is lowered by means of the lifting and lowering device 14 until a wiper ring 58 running around its jacket surface 56 comes into contact with the inner surface of the container jacket, so that its frictional force inhibits further insertion of the follower plate 12.

Ein weiteres Absenken der Haltestangen 24 bringt die Folgeplatte 12 in ihre obere Endposition, so dass die Wegmesseinrichtung 42 auslöst und die Steuereinrichtung die Entlüftungseinrichtung aktiviert sowie die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 stoppt. Durch den im Behälter entstehenden Unterdruck wird die Folgeplatte 12 nach unten gezogen, bis sie in ihre untere Endposition gelangt, so dass die Wegmesseinrichtung 42 auslöst, die Steuereinrichtung die Entlüftungseinrichtung deaktiviert und die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 ansteuert, welche die Haltestangen 24 absenkt. Der Wechsel zwischen einem Bewegungsmodus, in dem die Entlüftungseinrichtung deaktiviert ist und die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 die Haltestangen 24 bewegt, und einem Entlüftungsmodus, in dem die Haltestangen 24 ortsfest gehalten werden und Luft aus dem Behälterinneren durch die Be- und Entlüftungsöffnungen 30 mittels der Entlüftungseinrichtung abgepumpt wird, wird so lange fortgeführt, bis die Folgeplatte 12 auf dem viskosen Material aufliegt und die Luft aus dem Behälter abgepumpt ist. Dann beginnt der Fördervorgang, bei dem die Schöpfkolbenpumpe 28 das viskose Material aus dem Behälter abpumpt. Durch den entstehenden Unterdruck im Behälter folgt die Folgeplatte 12 dem Materialspiegel, bis sie in ihre untere Endposition gelangt, worauf wiederum die Steuereinrichtung aufgrund eines Signals der Wegmesseinrichtung 42 die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 ansteuert, so dass die Haltestangen 24 abgesenkt werden, bis die Folgeplatte 12 ihre obere Endposition erreicht und die Wegmesseinrichtung 42 ein entsprechendes Signal an die Steuereinrichtung übermittelt. Um zu verhindern, dass der Behälter von der Bodenplatte 16 abgehoben wird, wenn in ihm ein Unterdruck herrscht, kann mindestens ein fest mit der Bodenplatte 16 verbundener Niederhalter vorgesehen sein, der an einem unteren und/oder an einem oberen Behälterrand angreift.A further lowering of the support rods 24 brings the follower plate 12 into its upper end position, so that the position measuring device 42 is triggered and the control device the venting device is activated and the lifting and lowering device 14 stops. The negative pressure created in the container pulls the follower plate 12 downwards until it reaches its lower end position, so that the position measuring device 42 is triggered, the control device deactivates the venting device and controls the lifting and lowering device 14, which lowers the support rods 24. The change between a movement mode in which the venting device is deactivated and the lifting and lowering device 14 moves the support rods 24, and a venting mode in which the support rods 24 are held stationary and air is pumped out of the interior of the container through the ventilation openings 30 by means of the venting device, continues until the follower plate 12 rests on the viscous material and the air has been pumped out of the container. Then the conveying process begins, during which the scoop piston pump 28 pumps the viscous material out of the container. Due to the negative pressure that is created in the container, the follower plate 12 follows the material level until it reaches its lower end position, whereupon the control device in turn controls the lifting and lowering device 14 based on a signal from the position measuring device 42, so that the holding rods 24 are lowered until the follower plate 12 reaches its upper end position and the position measuring device 42 transmits a corresponding signal to the control device. In order to prevent the container from being lifted off the base plate 16 when there is a negative pressure in it, at least one hold-down device can be provided that is firmly connected to the base plate 16 and engages a lower and/or an upper edge of the container.

Ist der Behälter entleert, so wird entsprechend der Vorgehensweise beim Einführen der Folgeplatte 12 in den Behälter die Folgeplatte 12 aus diesem entfernt. Hierzu wird mittels der Belüftungseinrichtung Druckluft in die Be- und Entlüftungsöffnung 30 eingeleitet, wodurch sich die Folgeplatte 12 druckbeaufschlagt vom Behälterboden abhebt. Sie gelangt dann in ihre obere Endposition, die Wegmesseinrichtung 42 schaltet, die Steuereinrichtung unterbricht die Druckluftzufuhr und aktiviert die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14, welche die Haltestangen 24 anhebt, bis die Folgeplatte 12 wieder in ihrer unteren Endposition angelangt ist.If the container is emptied, the follower plate 12 is removed from the container in the same way as when it was inserted into the container. To do this, compressed air is introduced into the ventilation opening 30 using the ventilation device, whereby the follower plate 12 is lifted off the bottom of the container under pressure. It then reaches its upper end position, the position measuring device 42 switches, the control device interrupts the compressed air supply and activates the lifting and lowering device 14, which raises the support rods 24 until the follower plate 12 has reached its lower end position again.

Dann schaltet wiederum die Wegmesseinrichtung 42, die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 wird angehalten und es wird wieder Druckluft in das Behälterinnere eingeleitet und so fort, bis die Folgeplatte 12 den oberen Behälterrand erreicht und abgehoben werden kann.Then the position measuring device 42 switches again, the lifting and lowering device 14 is stopped and compressed air is again introduced into the interior of the container and so on until the follower plate 12 reaches the upper edge of the container and can be lifted off.

Zusammenfassend ist folgendes festzuhalten: Die Erfindung betrifft gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel eine Vorrichtung 10 zum Fördern von viskosem Material aus einem fassartigen, einen Behälterboden und einen sich vom Behälterboden nach oben erstreckenden Behältermantel aufweisenden Behälter, mit einer Folgeplatte 12, die an der dem Behälterinneren zugewandten Innenfläche des Behältermantels anliegend in Richtung zum Behälterboden und vom Behälterboden weg beweglich ist, und die eine Materialauslassöffnung 26 und mindestens eine Entlüftungsöffnung 30 und/oder mindestens eine Belüftungsöffnung 30 aufweist, mit einer Entlüftungseinrichtung zum Absaugen von Luft aus dem Behälterinneren durch die Entlüftungsöffnung(en) 30 und/oder mit einer Belüftungseinrichtung zum Einleiten von Druckluft in das Behälterinnere durch die Belüftungsöffnung(en) 30, mit einer Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 zum Anheben und Absenken der Folgeplatte 12, mit einer Steuereinrichtung zum abwechselnden Ansteuern der Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 in einem Bewegungsmodus und der Entlüftungseinrichtung oder der Belüftungseinrichtung in einem Entlüftungsmodus bzw. in einem Belüftungsmodus, wobei die Hebe- und Absenkeinrichtung 14 mindestens eine vertikal verlaufende Haltestange 24 aufweist, die mit einer Oberseite 32 der Folgeplatte 12 verbunden ist, wobei die Folgeplatte 12 bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange 24 vertikal begrenzt beweglich ist, und mit einer Sensoreinrichtung 42 zur Detektion mindestens einer oberen Endposition und mindestens einer unteren Endposition der Folgeplatte 12 bezüglich der mindestens einen Haltestange 24 und zur Übermittlung der detektierten Positionen an die Steuereinrichtung. In summary, the following can be stated: According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a device 10 for conveying viscous material from a barrel-like container having a container bottom and a container shell extending upwards from the container bottom, with a follower plate 12 which is movable in the direction of the container bottom and away from the container bottom while resting on the inner surface of the container shell facing the container interior, and which has a material outlet opening 26 and at least one vent opening 30 and/or at least one ventilation opening 30, with a venting device for sucking air out of the container interior through the vent opening(s) 30 and/or with a ventilation device for introducing compressed air into the container interior through the ventilation opening(s) 30, with a lifting and lowering device 14 for raising and lowering the follower plate 12, with a control device for alternately controlling the lifting and lowering device 14 in a Movement mode and the venting device or the ventilation device in a venting mode or in a ventilation mode, wherein the lifting and lowering device 14 has at least one vertically extending support rod 24 which is connected to an upper side 32 of the follower plate 12, wherein the follower plate 12 is vertically movable to a limited extent with respect to the at least one support rod 24, and with a sensor device 42 for detecting at least one upper end position and at least one lower end position of the follower plate 12 with respect to the at least one support rod 24 and for transmitting the detected positions to the control device.

Claims (15)

  1. Apparatus for conveying viscous material out of a barrel-like container that has a container bottom and a container mantle that extends upward from the container bottom, having a follower plate (12) that can be moved in the direction toward the container bottom and away from the container bottom, lying against the inner surface of the container mantle, which faces the container interior, and that has a material outlet opening (26) and at least one de-aeration opening (30) and/or at least one aeration opening (30), having a de-aeration device for drawing off air from the container interior through the de-aeration opening(s) (30) and/or having an aeration device for introducing compressed air into the container interior through the aeration opening(s) (30), having a lifting and lowering device (14) for lifting and lowering the follower plate (12), having a control device for alternately controlling the lifting and lowering device (14) in a movement mode and the de-aeration device or the aeration device in a de-aeration mode or in an aeration mode, wherein the lifting and lowering device (14) has at least one holding rod (24) that runs vertically, which is connected with a top side (32) of the follower plate (12) and extends downward from a support element (22) that can move in the vertical direction, characterized in that the follower plate (12) can be moved vertically, within limits, with reference to the at least one holding rod (24) and/or with reference to the support element (22), and in that the apparatus has a sensor device (42) for detecting at least one upper end position and at least one lower end position of the follower plate (12) with reference to the at least one holding rod (24) or with reference to the support element (22) and for transmitting the detected positions to the control device.
  2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the follower plate (12) is connected with each holding rod (24) or each holding rod (24) is connected with the support element (22) by means of at least one bolt (36) that is guided in an oblong hole (38) that extends vertically.
  3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor device (42) has at least one path measurement device for detecting the position of the follower plate (12) with reference to the at least one holding rod (24) or with reference to the support element (22).
  4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor device has at least a first sensor for detecting the bolt (36) or one of the bolts (36) when the follower plate (12) reaches the upper end position and at least a second sensor for detecting the bolt (36) or one of the bolts (36) when the follower plate (12) reaches the lower end position.
  5. Apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each holding rod (24) is held, with its lower end, in a sleeve (34) fixed in place on the top side (32) of the follower plate (12) or, with its upper end, in a sleeve fixed in place on the support element (22), and that at least one bolt (36) projects radially away from it, which bolt is guided in an oblong hole (38) of the sleeve (34).
  6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that at least two bolts (36) project radially away from each holding rod (24), at equal angular distances from one another, which bolts are each guided in an oblong hole (38) of the related sleeve (34).
  7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting and lowering device (14) has multiple holding rods (24), which are preferably arranged concentrically and at equal distances from one another, around a center point of the follower plate (12).
  8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the follower plate (12) has a sensor for recognizing that the plate sits on the container bottom, which sensor has a pin that projects out of the underside of the follower plate (12) and can move into the follower plate (12) counter to a reset force.
  9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover layer (52) composed of a material that is permeable for air and impermeable for liquids, which layer covers the de-aeration opening(s) (30) and/or the aeration opening(s) (30) and leaves the material outlet opening (26) free is arranged on the underside of the follower plate (12).
  10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover layer (52) consists of a foldable material.
  11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover layer (52) is connected with a rigid ring or with a ring (54) composed of elastically stretchable material on its circumferential edge.
  12. Apparatus according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the cover layer (52) consists of polypropylene (PP), in particular of thermally bonded endless filaments.
  13. Method for introducing the follower plate (12) of an apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12 into a barrel-like container that is open toward the top, has a container bottom and a container mantle that extends upward from the container bottom, wherein the follower plate (12) is lowered onto the container by means of the lifting and lowering device (14), until it lies against the inner surface of the container mantle, forming a seal, wherein the follower plate (12) is lowered by means of alternately switching between the movement mode and the de-aeration mode after its upper end position has been reached, by means of de-aeration of the container interior, and the at least one holding rod (24) or the support element (22) is lowered by means of the lifting and lowering device (14) after the lower end position of the follower plate (12) has been reached.
  14. Method according to claim 13, using an apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the cover layer (52) is connected with a ring (54) composed of elastically stretchable material on its circumferential edge, wherein before lowering the follower plate (12) onto the container, the cover layer (52) is affixed to the container, in that the ring (54) is stretched and drawn over the circumferential edge of the container mantle, so that it is arranged circumferentially around the container mantle on an outer side that faces away from the container interior, and wherein the ring (54) is drawn from the container mantle by means of impacting the cover layer (52) by means of the follower plate (12) during its introduction into the container, and lays itself around an outer mantle surface (56) of the follower plate (12).
  15. Method for removing the follower plate (12) of an apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12 from a barrel-like container that is open toward the top, has a container bottom and a container mantle that extends upward from the container bottom, wherein the at least one holding rod (24) or the support element (22) is lifted by means of alternately switching between the movement mode and the aeration mode after the upper end position has been reached by the follower plate (12), and the follower plate (12) is lifted after it has reached its lower end position, by means of introducing compressed air into the container interior.
EP21745819.9A 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Apparatus for conveying viscous material Active EP4161864B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24187303.3A EP4417571B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Device for conveying viscous material

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102020120815 2020-08-06
DE102020120748 2020-08-06
DE102020127440.8A DE102020127440A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2020-10-19 Device for conveying viscous material
PCT/EP2021/070111 WO2022028869A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Apparatus for conveying viscous material

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24187303.3A Division EP4417571B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Device for conveying viscous material
EP24187303.3A Division-Into EP4417571B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Device for conveying viscous material

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4161864A1 EP4161864A1 (en) 2023-04-12
EP4161864B1 true EP4161864B1 (en) 2024-09-04

Family

ID=79686426

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21745819.9A Active EP4161864B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Apparatus for conveying viscous material
EP24187303.3A Active EP4417571B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Device for conveying viscous material

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24187303.3A Active EP4417571B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-07-19 Device for conveying viscous material

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US12403499B2 (en)
EP (2) EP4161864B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20230044397A (en)
CN (1) CN116133977B (en)
DE (1) DE102020127440A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022028869A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022117907A1 (en) * 2022-07-18 2024-01-18 Lcm Gmbh Machine for processing a plate-shaped workpiece with a hold-down device for spray containers
CN119657432B (en) * 2023-09-21 2025-11-11 苏州卓兆点胶股份有限公司 High-flow pneumatic pressure plate glue supply pump
EP4530247A1 (en) * 2023-09-26 2025-04-02 Wagner International Ag Follower plate device for a barrel and conveying apparatus with said follower plate device
DE102023131450B3 (en) 2023-11-13 2025-05-08 Atlas Copco Ias Gmbh follower plate

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007003972B4 (en) * 2007-01-26 2012-01-19 Viscotec Pumpen- Und Dosiertechnik Gmbh Device for air-free removal and improved ventilation with porous dividing plates

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2069060A (en) 1980-02-08 1981-08-19 Shires N N Dispensing viscous substances
DE19636581C1 (en) 1996-09-09 1997-12-11 Intec Bielenberg Gmbh & Co Kg Refillable multi-path container for highly viscous media
DE102004030654A1 (en) 2004-06-24 2006-01-19 Sca Schucker Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for conveying viscous material
US8113390B2 (en) * 2007-04-18 2012-02-14 Microlin, Llc Gas generation dispenser apparatus and method for on-demand fluid delivery
US20160067735A1 (en) * 2009-12-29 2016-03-10 Kimco Pte Inc. Resin distributor, reservoir bag to be used therewith, vehicle provided with such a system, kit for assembling the same, and methods of assembling and of operating associated thereto
DE202011108222U1 (en) 2011-11-24 2012-02-14 Reinhardt-Technik Gmbh & Co. Device for dispensing liquids from containers
US20130256062A1 (en) 2012-03-27 2013-10-03 Lincoln Industrial Corporation Lubricant reservoir refilling system with shut-off
AT512536B1 (en) 2012-10-10 2013-09-15 Waizenauer Dietmar Bsc mixing device
DE102013020932A1 (en) * 2013-12-11 2014-07-24 Daimler Ag Conveying unit for conveying fluid from container, has control unit adapted to receive signals characterizing parameters and provided from sensor and to control actuating unit depending on signal to move away follow-up plate from base
DE102014011395B4 (en) 2014-07-17 2025-09-18 Atlas Copco Ias Gmbh Device for conveying viscous material and method for changing a container
DE202015102509U1 (en) 2015-05-15 2016-08-17 2 Komponenten Maschinenbau Gmbh Follower plate and removal station with follower plate
DE102015009130A1 (en) * 2015-07-20 2017-01-26 Sca Schucker Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for conveying viscous material
EP3296075B1 (en) 2016-09-20 2021-11-10 Wagner International Ag Feeding apparatus for feeding a viscous material from a container and method for operating the feeding apparatus
DE102016125207A1 (en) 2016-12-21 2018-06-21 Atlas Copco Ias Gmbh Device for conveying viscous material
DE102017000047A1 (en) 2017-01-05 2018-07-05 Atlas Copco Ias Gmbh Device for conveying viscous material
KR102350299B1 (en) 2017-02-28 2022-01-11 가부시끼가이샤 쓰리본드 Viscous material feeding device, covering sheet used for viscous material feeding device, viscous material feeding method and mounting method of covering sheet
WO2018192642A1 (en) * 2017-04-18 2018-10-25 Hp Indigo B.V. High-viscosity fluid delivery
DE102017215706B4 (en) 2017-09-06 2021-06-10 TÜNKERS-NICKEL Dosiersysteme GmbH Method for the automated lifting of a drum follower plate and pumping device
DE102018104763A1 (en) 2018-03-02 2019-09-05 Atlas Copco Ias Gmbh Method for removing a follower plate from a container
JP7351760B2 (en) * 2020-02-03 2023-09-27 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Fluid pumping device
US11971022B2 (en) * 2021-03-17 2024-04-30 Graco Minnesota Inc. System for dispensing abrasive material
US20240408639A1 (en) * 2023-06-06 2024-12-12 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Material reconditioning and dispensing system

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007003972B4 (en) * 2007-01-26 2012-01-19 Viscotec Pumpen- Und Dosiertechnik Gmbh Device for air-free removal and improved ventilation with porous dividing plates

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102020127440A1 (en) 2022-02-10
EP4417571A3 (en) 2024-10-16
CN116133977B (en) 2025-10-10
US12403499B2 (en) 2025-09-02
EP4161864A1 (en) 2023-04-12
EP4417571B1 (en) 2025-09-24
EP4417571A2 (en) 2024-08-21
KR20230044397A (en) 2023-04-04
WO2022028869A1 (en) 2022-02-10
US20230249215A1 (en) 2023-08-10
CN116133977A (en) 2023-05-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP4161864B1 (en) Apparatus for conveying viscous material
DE3535369C2 (en) Device for conveying a viscous fluid
DE102004030654A1 (en) Device for conveying viscous material
EP3325174B1 (en) Device for conveying viscous material
EP3452372A1 (en) Device and method for filling large bags
EP3507236B1 (en) Barrel pump having a follower plate with an adjustable sealing ring
WO2018130350A1 (en) Device and method for conveying viscous material
EP3720616B1 (en) Method for removing a follower plate from a container
DE102013111579A1 (en) Process for clarifying a flowable product with a centrifuge, in particular a separator
EP0193147B1 (en) Press for extracting water from textiles
DE102014011395B4 (en) Device for conveying viscous material and method for changing a container
EP0571394B1 (en) Degreasing device for mass-produced items
DE2544788C2 (en) Centrifuge with bottom discharge
EP2524886B1 (en) Removal station
DE202025103842U1 (en) Container clamping system and filter device
EP4530247A1 (en) Follower plate device for a barrel and conveying apparatus with said follower plate device
DE102016010622A1 (en) Apparatus and method for conveying viscous material
CH717868B1 (en) Device for removing and storing small workpieces on a machine tool.
DE202012103481U1 (en) Mehrkomponentendosiereinrichtung
DE1298360C2 (en) Device for making cheese, in particular hard cheese
DE102016005561A1 (en) Packaging container for pourable bulk material, in particular plastic granules, and Bodeneinlegeteil for such a packaging container
DE1995463U (en) GRIPPING HEAD ON BOTTLE LIFTING MACHINES.
DE202005003340U1 (en) Unit on waste lorries for emptying waste containers, used with both normal and damaged containers, has additional vacuum gripping unit near stop
EP2367157A1 (en) Device for discharging objects from a coin feed area of a coin separation system
DD155415A1 (en) DEVICE FOR APPLYING FLAT-LIKE DESIGN ELEMENTS TO FRESH-CONCRETE MIXTURES

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20230109

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20231110

TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B67D 7/64 20100101ALI20240503BHEP

Ipc: F04B 15/02 20060101ALI20240503BHEP

Ipc: F04B 23/02 20060101ALI20240503BHEP

Ipc: B67D 7/46 20100101AFI20240503BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240529

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Free format text: CASE NUMBER: APP_40185/2024

Effective date: 20240705

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502021005062

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241205

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241204

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241204

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241205

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250106

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502021005062

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20250605

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240904

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20250618

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20250724

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20251020

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20250725

Year of fee payment: 5