DK3153460T3

DK3153460T3 - Container with pressure relief valve

Info

Publication number: DK3153460T3
Application number: DK16199254.0T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Albert Marie Wauters
Original assignee: Dispack Projects Nv
Priority date: 2012-04-27
Filing date: 2013-04-25
Publication date: 2018-09-24
Also published as: EP2841375A2; WO2013159159A2; JP6279548B2; RU2014147691A; EP3153460A1; CN104428239B; EP2841375B1; DK2841375T3; AU2013252499B2; CN104428239A; CN107720675B; HK1246263A1; JP2015520080A; RU2631174C2; AU2013252499A1; EP3153460B1; WO2013159159A3; CN107720675A; BE1020726A5

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a container or keg for a fluid under pressure, such as carbonated beverages, particularly beer, having the features of the preamble of claim 1 or 2.

[0002] Existing pressure relief valves have the drawback of usually not being very compact and comprising several components which are difficult to recycle.

[0003] US 6,286,730 discloses a valve assembly having a riser pipe including a valve cup housing and portals blockable, and a central tower which communicates with blockable pathways that pass both liquid and gas, and a bi-directional valve member which controls separation of gas and liquid and directional flow in the chamber.

[0004] US 6, 311,875 discloses a pressurized tank dispenser assembly generally including an extractor valve and a relief valve component mounted on a common fitting which may be held to a tank by a securement ring. The extractor valve permits pressurizing the tank and dispensing liquid by the attachment of a coupler thereon without the need for tools, while the relief valve component includes both vacuum relief and overpressure relief valves. The fitting is attached to the tank by the annular securement ring, whereby only a single opening through the tank is necessary to perform all operating functions of the tank.

[0005] The invention has for its object to provide a container with a pressure relief valve which is compact and reliable.

[0006] The invention provides for this purpose a container for a fluid under pressure, preferably for carbonated beverages, having the features of claim 1 or 2. The container comprises a fitting with a suction tube for drawing the fluid in the container, wherein a pressure relief valve is mounted in a neck of the container. The pressure relief valve comprises a closing body which is mounted resiliently and movable from a closing position to an open position by a spring being compressed.

[0007] An embodiment mounted in the neck can result in a very compact embodiment, wherein the pressure relief valve can for instance be incorporated or built into a fitting body provided in the container.

[0008] The closing body is mounted resiliently via a spring means such that, as a result of a pressure above a determined critical pressure, the spring means is compressed in order to move the closing body from a closing position to an open position.

[0009] The closing body comprises a clamping part and a spring support for a spring means, wherein the clamping part is connected to the spring support and the spring means acts between the spring support and the neck of the container such that, when the pressure in the container exceeds a critical value, the spring support compresses the spring means due to this pressure and so presses the clamping part outward.

[0010] The closing body preferably comprises a central part with a first end on which the clamping part is provided and a second end on which the spring support is provided, wherein the spring means is a spring arranged around the central part. The central part is preferably substantially cylindrical. The clamping part is preferably formed integrally on the central part, although it can also be connected via a clamping connection to the central part. The spring support preferably extends annularly around the central part and is preferably provided with an upright peripheral wall such that an outer end of a spring can be received between the central part and the upright peripheral wall. According to an advantageous embodiment, the closing body comprises a clamping part which can be received in sealing manner in an opening, wherein the opening and the clamping part have a shape such that the clamping part can be pressed out of the opening in a direction moving from inside the keg to the outside. The opening is for instance provided in the neck of the container. Seen in the press-out direction, the clamping part preferably has a diverging form such that the clamping part is movable outward but not inward. The clamping part can for instance substantially take the form of a truncated cone or pyramid.

[0011] The clamping part is preferably mounted rotatably between the closing position and an open position, this such that the clamping part moves outward out of the opening by being rotated. Here the clamping part and the opening are preferably non-rotation-symmetrical such that a rotation of the clamping part brings about an outward movement of the clamping part. If the clamping part is for instance provided with a recess for coupling to the head of a screwdriver, or with another coupling option, the coupling part can be rotated manually so as to release the pressure from the keg. In addition to the automatic opening of the valve as a result of too high a pressure in the container, the valve can also be opened manually in this way. This is particularly useful when the keg is empty and the user can release the pressure for safety reasons where and when this is required. Viewed perpendicularly of the opening, the clamping part can for instance have a width dimension and a length dimension which differ from each other, while the clamping part, as seen in the press-out direction, has a diverging form. In this way the clamping part can be placed in an open position by rotating the clamping part through 90 degrees.

[0012] According to a possible embodiment, the suction tube is provided with one or more openings for passage of fluid out of the keg.

[0013] According to the invention, the pressure relief valve comprises a clamping part, a spring support and a spring means. The clamping part is connected to the spring support and the spring means acts between the spring support and the neck such that, when the pressure in the container exceeds a critical value (for instance a value between 5 and 7 bar), the spring support presses the clamping part outward counter to the action of the spring means. The spring support is preferably an integral piece, for instance manufactured by injection moulding, comprising a base and a connecting shaft directed upward from the base, which connecting shaft is mounted on or in the clamping part.

The clamping part can for instance be provided for this purpose with a recess into which the outer end of the connecting shaft can be pressed, wherein the shape of the recess and of the outer end are such that the connecting shaft is secured in the clamping part. The connection between the clamping part and the connecting shaft can for instance be a dovetail connection. According to an advantageous embodiment, the clamping part is manufactured from a plastic material which is more compressible than the plastic material from which the spring support is manufactured. The clamping part can for instance be manufactured from an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) material or an NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) material, preferably with good sealing properties, while the spring support can for instance be manufactured from a harder plastic material such as PET.

According to an alternative embodiment, the clamping part and the spring support are manufactured from the same material. A separate seal can in this case be arranged around the clamping part, for instance a separate O-ring or an overmoulded elastic rubber, this guaranteeing the seal. The clamping part and the spring support can then be manufactured from for instance a PET material.

[0014] According to yet another possible invention the pressure relief valve comprises a housing mounted in sealed manner in the neck. The housing is provided at the bottom with a lower opening and at the top with an upper opening. A closing part is resiliently mounted in the housing via a spring means, for instance in order to close the lower opening. The mounting is then such that this closing part can be pressed out of the lower opening into the housing while the spring means is compressed, when the pressure in the container exceeds a determined critical value. Such a critical pressure lies for instance between 5 and 7 bar.

[0015] The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a number of by no means limitative exemplary embodiments of the assembly according to the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1A is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a fitting of the S-type; figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 A; figure 2A is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a fitting of the A-type; figure 2B is a schematic perspective view of the fitting body of the embodiment of figure 2A as seen from the top; figure 2C is a schematic perspective view of the suction tube mounting piece of the embodiment of figure 2A; figure 2D is a schematic perspective view of a part of the suction tube of the embodiment of figure 2 A; figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a pressure relief valve mounted in a suction tube; figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a pressure relief valve mounted in a suction tube; figures 5Aand 5B show respectively a cross-section and a perspective view of an embodiment of a pressure relief valve mounted in a suction tube; figures 6A, 6B and 6C show respectively a perspective top view of a pressure relief valve, a perspective bottom view thereof and a perspective top view of the pressure relief valve without the closing body; figure 6D illustrates a perspective view of a part of the closing body of the embodiment of figure 6A; figure 6E illustrates a perspective view of the spring support of the embodiment of figure 6A; figure 7 shows a cross-section through the embodiment of figure 6A; figures 8A-8C show the embodiment of figure 6A in three successive positions of the closing body; figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate a first alternative embodiment in which the pressure relief valve is provided in the neck; and figures 10A and 10B illustrate a second alternative embodiment in which the pressure relief valve is provided in the neck.

[0016] Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of a fitting of the S-type, while figure 2A shows an embodiment of a fitting of the A-type mounted on a plastic keg 100, of which only the upper part with a neck 101 is shown in figure 2A. Figure 1A shows only the fitting and not the container. Neck 101 is provided with two thickened neck portions, here in the form of neck rings 102, 103 formed integrally with neck 101 of keg 100, extending along the periphery of the neck. Keg 100 is typically manufactured by blow moulding, particularly by stretch blow moulding, preferably from one of the following materials: a PET material, in particular bottle grade PET, a PP material, a PE material or a PEN material. This latter is typically used for reusable kegs. The skilled person will appreciate that the invention is equally applicable to so-called one-way kegs as to reusable kegs. Keg 100 is typically configured to store a liquid under a pressure lying between 0.25 bar and 10.00 bar, preferably between 0.50 bar and 3.50 bar.

[0017] The fitting of the S-type or of the A-type comprises respectively a fitting body 4; 104 (see also figures 1B and 2B). Fitting body 4; 104 can be attached with two or more ring sections 106a, 106b which form a ring around neck 101. Fitting body 4; 104 is provided along its periphery with a profiling 24 (the ribs protruding to greater or lesser extent); 124 (the flat surfaces), see figures 1B and 2B, and the two ring sections 106a, 106b are provided with a complementary profiling for a non-rotatable positioning. Fitting body 4; 104 is further provided with a support flange 5; 105 and intended for the purpose of receiving different fitting components which make it possible for instance to supply a gas while liquid is being discharged from the keg. The following fitting components can be distinguished in respectively figures 1Aand 2Aor 2B: a cap 31; 131, a sealing ring 32; 132 for the seal between fitting body 4; 104 and neck 101, a suction tube 33, 34; 133, 134 for drawing the fluid into keg 100, a suction tube mounting piece 35; 135, valve components 37 and 39; 137 and 139, a spring means 36, 36'; 136 for exerting a spring action against valve components 37 and 39; 137 and 139, a pressure relief valve 38, 138. These are only two embodiments, and the skilled person will appreciate that the fitting can also be constructed in other manner. Embodiments of the invention can be applied to a random type of fitting for a keg.

[0018] The embodiment illustrated in figures 2A and 2B is intended for co-action with a keg coupling of the A or G-type. The embodiment illustrated in figures 1A and 1B is intended for coaction with a keg coupling of the S-type. The keg coupling is the component which is mounted on the upper side of the fitting and will allow fluid, typically beer, to flow out of the keg while gas flows in so as to keep the keg pressurized. In addition to the A, G and S-keg couplings, there are also keg couplings of the D, U and M type. The fitting will be embodied somewhat differently for these types, although the skilled person will appreciate that the invention is equally applicable to such fittings.

[0019] Figure 2C illustrates in detail the suction tube mounting piece 135 for the embodiment of the A-type fitting. This piece is provided with a central opening 500 in which the suction tube part 133 illustrated in figure 2D can be fixed. The suction tube mounting piece 135 is further provided at its periphery with receiving parts 502 for tongues 127 of fitting body 104, see figure 2B. The downward directed tongues 127 are provided on the underside of fitting body 104 and are each provided with a hole 128 in which a protruding part 501 provided in receiving part 502 can engage in each case. The suction tube mounting piece 135 can in this way be locked in fitting body 104 on the underside thereof. The suction tube component 133 is provided with openings 504 for passage of fluid from the keg. In the variant of figures 1Aand 1B the suction tube part 33 and mounting piece 35 are manufactured from one piece in which a resiliently mounted upper piece 39 is arranged. This upper piece 39 is provided with openings 54 for passage of fluid from the keg. The attachment of mounting piece 35 to fitting body 4 is similar to the variant of figures 2A and 2B and will therefore not be described in detail.

[0020] Referring to figure 1Aor 2A, it is noted that pressure relief valve 38, 138, which is provided in the shown embodiment at the top of the suction tube, could also be provided at one or more other locations. A number of pressure relief valves could for instance be provided against a wall of fitting body 104, for instance at the lower end thereof, wherein a suitable connection then has to be arranged in neck 101 of keg 100. Such an embodiment is illustrated in figures 9A-9C and 10A-B.

[0021] Figures 9A-C illustrate a pressure relief valve 700 comprising a housing 703 and a closing body 701 received resiliently therein. Closing body 701 is similar to closing body 601 and will be further described in more detail with reference to figures 6A-6E and figure 7. Housing 703 has a vertical tube part 730 which leads to an outlet pipe 731 which can be mounted in a wall of the keg, for instance in the neck of a keg as illustrated in figure 9B. A seal, for instance a conical seal 732, can be provided between the neck wall and outlet pipe 731. Referring to figures 9B and 9C, one or more pressure relief valves 700 can then be arranged in the keg prior to placing of fitting body 104, wherein outlet pipe 731 is for instance mounted in the neck wall via conical seal 732. Fitting body 104 can then be placed. Fitting body 104 is advantageously provided with vertical, downward protruding ribs 129, wherein tube part 730 can be received between vertical ribs 129. These ribs 129 thus provide for a further retention and positioning of pressure relief valve 700.

[0022] Figures 10A-B illustrate a further, second variant of a pressure relief valve 800 connected via the neck of the keg. The pressure relief valve is horizontally mounted here in a housing 803 with an outlet pipe 831 which can be mounted in a wall of the keg, for instance in the neck of a keg. A seal, for instance a conical seal 832, can be provided between the neck wall and outlet pipe 831.

[0023] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two respective embodiments of pressure relief valves 200, 300 intended for mounting in a suction tube of a container for a fluid under pressure, typically a beer keg. The container and fitting can for instance be embodied as has been described above, but can also take a different form. The pressure relief valve 200, 300 is mounted in an upper end of suction tube 133 for drawing the fluid in the container. Suction tube 133 is provided with openings 504 for passage of fluid from the keg, and pressure relief valve 200, 300 is arranged above openings 504. The upper end of the suction tube is closed by a closing cap 505 with a hole 506 through which fluid can escape when pressure relief valve 200 opens.

[0024] In the variant of figures 3 and 4 the pressure relief valve 200, 300 comprises a closing body 201, 301 and a spring 202, 302. Closing body 201, 301 comprises a clamping part 210, 310 which is received in sealing manner in hole 506 of the closing cap. Hole 506 and clamping part 210, 310 have a shape such that the clamping part can be pressed from the inner side of the suction tube out of closing cap 505. Clamping part 210, 310 can for instance be conical or pyramid-shaped. Closing body 201, 301 further comprises a spring support 212, 312 for spring 202, 302. Clamping part 210, 310 is connected to spring support 212, 312, and spring 202, 302 acts between spring support 212, 312 and closing cap 505 such that, when the pressure in the container exceeds a critical value, the spring support presses clamping part 210, 310 outward counter to the action of the spring. In this variant the spring support 212, 312 is an integrally manufactured piece with a base and a connecting shaft 211, 311 directed upward from the base and attached to or in the clamping part. In the shown variant the clamping part 210, 310 is provided with a recess 213, 313 into which the outer end 214, 314 of connecting shaft 211, 311 can be pressed. The shape of the recess and the outer end are such that the connecting shaft is fixed in the clamping part. In the illustrated embodiment the connection between the clamping part and the connecting shaft is a dovetail connection, although the skilled person will appreciate that other connections are also possible.

[0025] In the variant of figure 3 the clamping part is manufactured from a plastic material which is more compressible than the plastic material from which the spring support is manufactured, and the material of the clamping part itself provides the sealing. The clamping part is then for instance manufactured from an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) material or an NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) material. In the variant of figure 4 the clamping part and the spring support can be manufactured from the same material and a sealing ring 304 is arranged around the clamping part. Both spring support 312 and clamping part 310 can for instance be manufactured in this case from a PET material.

[0026] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate another embodiment of a pressure relief valve 400. In this embodiment the pressure relief valve comprises a closing body 401 and spring 402 which are accommodated in a housing 403 mounted via a sealing ring 404 in an upper end of the suction tube. Housing 403 is provided at the bottom with a lower opening 430 and at the top with upper openings 431. Closing body 401 is mounted resiliently in the housing by means of a spring 402. Closing body 401 has a base part 410 configured to close lower opening 430 and a shaft part 411 which is directed upward from base part 410 and around which spring 402 is provided. Spring 402 acts between base part 410 and an upper wall 432 of housing 403 through which shaft part 411 is guided. It will in this way be possible to press base part 410 into housing 403 counter to the spring action of spring 402 when the pressure in the container exceeds a determined critical value, whereby fluid can escape from the container through lower opening 430 and via upper openings 431 and hole 506.

[0027] Figures 6A-E, 7 and 8A-C illustrate yet another embodiment of a pressure relief valve. In this embodiment the pressure relief valve is mounted in a housing 603, this housing being intended for placing in an upper end of the suction tube, see also figure 1A (the housing is designated in figure 1A with numeral 39). The pressure relief valve comprises a closing body 601 which is mounted resiliently in housing 603, as shown most clearly in figure 7. Closing body 601 comprises a clamping part 610, a connecting piece 611 connecting thereto and a spring support 612. Connecting piece 611 is provided at its outer end with a thickened portion 614, this such that spring support 612 can be clamped fixedly onto connecting piece 611. Spring support 612 is provided for this purpose with a central passage 615. Spring support 612 is shown most clearly in figure 6E and comprises a ring 616 connected by means of a number of connecting arms 618 to the central passage 615. Afirst end of a spring 602 can be received in spring support 612 between inner ring 615 and outer ring 616. The other outer end of spring 602 supports against an upper wall 630 of housing 603. This upper wall 630 is further provided with an opening 606 which in the closing position is closed by clamping part 610. For a good sealing the clamping part 610 can be provided with an O-ring 604. Spring 602 acts between spring support 612 and housing 603. Due to compression of spring 602 closing body 601 will in this way be movable from a closing position (see figure 6A) to an open position (see figure 8A) as a result of a high pressure in the keg. Since housing 603 is mounted in the suction tube, spring 602 thus acts indirectly between spring support 612 and the suction tube such that, when the pressure in the container exceeds a critical value, spring support 12 compresses spring 602 and clamping part 610 is pressed outward.

[0028] As shown most clearly in figure 6D, clamping part 610 has a diverging form as viewed from inside the keg to the outside. Clamping part 610 further has a width dimension differing from the length dimension, and the clamping part is provided on its upper side with a recess 616, here in the form of a groove, in which the head of a tool can be received. A rotation of clamping part 610 will in this way bring about a simultaneous upward movement of the clamping part. Clamping part 610 preferably further has rounded corners and a rounded diverging peripheral part such that clamping part 610 can be rotated smoothly from a closing position to an open position. It will also be possible in this way to release the pressure manually, as best illustrated in figures 8B and 8C, in which two respective positions of clamping part 610 are shown. Clamping part 610 can for instance be rotated by means of a screwdriver, whereby an opening is created through which the pressure can escape from the keg. Note that other shapes are also possible instead of a slotted recess 616, wherein a tool with a head with a complementary shape is then provided for manual opening of the pressure relief valve.

[0029] The skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the above illustrated exemplary embodiments and that many variants can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US6286730B i00031

Claims

A pressurized fluid container (100), preferably a beer barrel, comprising a neck (10) and an armature portion (4; 104) mounted thereon with a suction tube (33, 34, 39, 133, 134). ) for extracting the fluid into the container, and wherein a pressure valve (700, 800) is mounted in the neck of the container, said pressure valve comprising a closure body (701,801) resiliently mounted by a spring means (702, 802) and movable from a closing position for an open position by compressing the spring means; and wherein the closure body (701, 801) comprises a clamping member and a spring support for the spring member (702, 802) and wherein the clamping member is connected to the spring support, characterized in that the spring means (702, 802) can act between the spring support and the neck (10). the barrel or housing (703, 803) mounted in the neck of the barrel so that when the pressure in the container exceeds a critical value, the spring support will push the clamping portion outwardly against the action of the spring member (702, 802).

A pressurized fluid container (100), preferably a beer barrel, comprising a neck (10) and an armature portion (4; 104) mounted thereon with a suction tube (33, 34, 39; 133, 134) for extracting the fluid in the container, and wherein a pressure valve (700, 800) is mounted in the neck of the container, said pressure valve comprising a closure body (701,801) resiliently mounted by a spring means (702, 802) and movable from a closing position to an opening position by compressing the spring, characterized in that the pressure relief valve comprises a housing which is sealed in a sealed manner in the neck (10).

Container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure body (701, 801) is mounted so that, as a result of a pressure above a certain critical pressure, it will move from a closing position to an open position.

Container (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure body (701,801) comprises a central part with a first end on which the clamping part is provided and a second part on which the spring support is provided and the spring means (702, 802) is a spring which is disposed about said central portion.

Container (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping part is formed integrally with the central part.

Container (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that the spring support extends annularly around the central part and is provided with an upright peripheral wall so that an outer end of a spring can be accommodated between the central part. part and the erect peripheral wall.

Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure body (701,801) comprises a clamping member which can be snugly accommodated in an opening and wherein the opening and the clamping part are such that the clamping part can be pressed from the inside. and out through the opening to the outside.

Container (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping part has a divergent shape in the direction of movement from closed position to open position.

Container (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the clamping part is mounted pivotally between the closing position and the open position, so that the clamping part moves outwards from the opening during the rotation.

Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing member (701, 801) comprises a clamping member and a spring support, and that the spring support is an integral part comprising a base part and a connecting shaft which is directed upwards from the base part, which connecting shaft is mounted on or in the clamping part; and wherein preferably the clamping part is provided with a recess into which the outer end of the connecting shaft may be pressed and the shape of the recess and said outer end is such that the connecting shaft can be securely fastened in the clamping part.

Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure body (701, 801) comprises a clamping member and a spring support, and that the clamping member is made of a glass material which is more compressible than the plastic material of which the spring support is and that preferably the clamping member is made of EPDM material (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or a NBR material (nitrile butadiene rubber), preferably with good sealing properties.

Container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the closure body (701,801) comprises a clamping member and a spring support, and that the clamping part and the spring support are made of the same material and that a sealing means is arranged around the clamping part.

Container (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the spring support is made of PET.

Container (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing is provided at its bottom with a lower opening and at the top is provided with an upper opening and the closure body is resiliently mounted in the housing for the purpose of being able to close the lower opening. and so that this valve member can be pressed into the housing when the pressure in the container exceeds a certain critical value.