EP1204555B1 - Method for the preservation of an opened drink bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

A device of the present invention includes a closure plug for a drink bottle. The plug is provided with an inlet and an inlet valve which is arranged therein and is embodied as a reflux valve that is closed in a rest position. The device also comprises a filling device which is provided with or can be connected to a filling head. The closure plug can be coupled to the filling head in a communicating manner. Gas can be inserted into the drink bottle by the filling device via the filling head and through the inlet valve of the closure plug. The filling head opens the inlet valve when the closure plug is coupled. The closure plug is provided with an outlet and an outlet valve that is arranged therein and is embodied as a reflux valve in the rest position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for preserving the content of an opened Beverage bottle according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a closure pin for a beverage bottle for use in the device according to the preamble of independent claim 11.

Wine and champagne in opened bottles oxidize under the oxygen in the normal circulating air, which leads to a rapid loss of quality. In addition, the natural CO ₂ bound in the liquid escapes into the environment in champagne, which leads to so-called bubbling and is also highly undesirable.

For example, from US-A-5 215 129 a system for the preservation of the contents of opened beverage bottles is known, in which opened wine and champagne or sparkling wine bottles are provided with a special closure pin, which either has an integrated outlet valve designed as a check valve ( for wine bottles or generally bottles with so-called "still" content) or an integrated inlet valve designed as a check valve (for champagne and sparkling wine). The system has an application head to which the bottle cap can be coupled in a communicating manner by being brought up to it. The application head is designed as an evacuation head for wine bottles and connected to a suction pump. For champagne and sparkling wine bottles, the application head is designed as a filling head and connected to a pressure pump. In a special embodiment, the application head is designed both as an evacuation head and as a filling head and is accordingly connected to a suction pump and to a pressure pump. If a bottle with the special sealing pin attached to it is coupled to the application head, a controller starts either the suction pump or the pressure pump, depending on whether it is a wine bottle or a champagne or sparkling wine bottle, and sucks in the case of Wine extracts air from the bottle via the outlet valve integrated in the plug or, in the case of champagne or sparkling wine, presses air or CO ₂ into the bottle through the inlet valve integrated in the plug. In the case of wine or beverages, a negative pressure is created in the bottle, in the case of champagne or sparkling wine.

From EP-A-0 234 607 a similar but simpler system is only for wine or other still drinks known, also using a special locking pin will, the evacuation of the opened and through the special spigot sealed bottle but by means of a hand pump.

The known systems maintain the quality of the opened bottles beverages over a relatively short period of time, but can in particular high quality standards are not enough.

Based on this prior art, it is therefore the task of the present Invention, the preservation of the quality of the contents of opened beverage bottles to improve, in particular not just an extension of quality maintenance compared to conventional methods, but also already achieved by opening the bottle, inevitable loss of quality as low as should be kept possible.

The solution to this problem on which the invention is based results from the characteristic features of the independent claims. Particularly advantageous Refinements and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the basic idea of the present invention, the gas space located in the beverage bottle above the liquid level Nitrogen or another food compatible gas flushed and filled and then the bottle tightly closed and preferably under a slight positive pressure held. This will remove the residual oxygen above the liquid level in the Bottle brought to the greatest possible minimum and thus the loss of quality after opening the bottle for the first time even for a longer period of time completely prevented.

Food-grade nitrogen N _{2 is} best suited to displace the circulating air or residual oxygen from the bottle above the liquid level. Nitrogen does not diffuse in liquids and therefore does not affect the taste of the liquid, wine or champagne. Nitrogen is available in sufficient quantities at favorable conditions and can be transported and stored safely.

In FR-A-2 526 762 a bottle stopper is described, which instead of usual Cork in the neck of e.g. Wine bottles can be used to add content to preserve the same. This bottle stopper contains a replaceable cartridge with pressurized nitrogen. By pressing an operating button An inlet valve provided in the bottle cap is opened, causing nitrogen to escape the cartridge flows into the bottle. This will cause the above the liquid level in the Air from the bottle is displaced from the bottle and by air provided in the closure Vent channels are discharged to the outside. There are pressure relief valves in the ventilation channels available that are closed at normal atmospheric pressure. By replacement The contents of the bottle are preserved in the air by nitrogen.

In US-A-4 702 396 there is a similar bottle stopper which is additionally designed as a dispenser described. Here is the also replaceable nitrogen pressure cartridge constantly communicating via a pressure regulator and a feed pipe Connection with the inside of the bottle, in the neck of which the bottle cap is inserted is, and creates an overpressure in it, which on the one hand to displace the over the air level and on the other hand to remove the bottle contents is exploited. The air escapes through an outlet valve that can be opened manually provided ventilation pipe. The liquid in the bottle passes through a riser reaching to the bottom of the bottle, in which there is a manually operated Dispensing valve is located.

The bottle caps described in FR-A-2 526 762 and US-A-4 702 396 are able to preserve the contents of opened bottles, but are considered Closure is relatively complex and therefore uneconomical for mass use.

Fig. 1

eine Schnittdarstellung der wesentlichsten Komponenten eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in inaktivem Zustand,

Fig. 2

eine Schnittdarstellung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels in aktiviertem Zustand,

Fig. 3

eine Schnittdarstellung der wesentlichsten Komponenten eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in inaktivem Zustand,

Fig. 4

eine Schnittdarstellung des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels in aktiviertem Zustand und

Fig. 5

eine Schrägansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemässen Flaschenverschlusses.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a sectional illustration of the most important components of a first exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in an inactive state,

Fig. 2

2 shows a sectional illustration of the first exemplary embodiment in the activated state,

Fig. 3

2 shows a sectional illustration of the most important components of a second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in an inactive state,

Fig. 4

a sectional view of the second embodiment in the activated state and

Fig. 5

an oblique view of an embodiment of the bottle stopper according to the invention.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the device essentially comprises at least one specially designed locking pin, designated as a whole by S. and a filling device designated as a whole by E. This in turn includes one designated as a whole by H, adapted to the locking pin S. Filling head, a feed valve 1, a vent valve 2, a gas source 3 and one electrical control 4 for controlling the two valves 1 and 2 and one with the control cooperating pressure sensor 4a. Instead of the gas source 3 could only a corresponding connection for the gas source 3 can also be provided. The The gas source is typically a commercially available nitrogen bottle with a pressure reducing valve 3a, which has a working pressure of typically about 140 kPa (1.4 bar) is set. In practice, there are of course any number of locking pins S provided, which work together with one and the same filling device E. can.

The filling head H comprises a fixed or mountable mounting block 20, in which a filling tube 10 is inserted so that it is in the position of use shown of the mounting block 20 is substantially vertical. The fill tube 10 is on its upper end via the supply valve 1 with the gas source 3 or the corresponding one Connection communicatively connected (Fig. 2). At his in the shown Posture of use lower end, the filling tube 10 has a tapered axial extension 11 on. A sealing ring 12 is arranged in the extension 11.

The mounting block 20 is on its lower end face with a coaxial to the filling tube 10 tubular collar 23 provided which at its lower edge one or has a plurality of openings or wall cutouts 24. On the outer circumference of the Collar 23, a sealing ring 25 is arranged.

In the lower part of the assembly block 20 there is a coaxial to the filling tube 10 Bore 26, the clear diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the Filling tube 10. At the top of the mounting block there is a connection 27 for the vent valve 2. This connection 27 communicates via an oblique bore 28 connected to the bore 26. The connection 27, the oblique bore 28 and the space between the inner wall of bore 26 and the outer wall of the filler tube 10 together form a ventilation channel passing through the assembly block 20. The vent valve 2 is connected to the connection 27 (Fig. 2) or arranged directly in this and closes the ventilation duct in a closed position Condition to the outside.

An electrical switch (microswitch) 29 is also arranged on the mounting block 20, which is actuated via a plunger 29a which is mounted in a sliding manner in the assembly block can be. The plunger 29a passes through the mounting block 20 and projects in the idle state slightly out of the assembly block on the underside. Through a- or upward movement of the plunger 29a, the switch 29 is actuated, the reset of the plunger 29a downwards by the return spring provided in the switch supported by the action of gravity.

The locking pin S comprises an essentially cup-shaped base body 30, in the perforated bottom of a tubular plug 31 from a elastic material. The tubular plug 31 is on its outer Provided circumference with elastic annular sealing ribs 32 which are attached to the Fit the inner wall of the neck of a beverage bottle F tightly. The dimensions of the elastic tubular plug 31 are of course the dimensions adapted to the common wine and champagne bottles.

To securely lock the closure pin S on the neck of the beverage bottle F. and thus an expulsion of the closure pin caused by overpressure in the bottle To prevent the locking pin with special locking agents Mistake. These consist of two, relatively elastic attached to the base body 30 Brackets 50 and two connecting the two brackets 50 and clamped in them Leaf springs 51. By moving the lower ends radially towards one another of the two brackets 50 the two leaf springs 51 bulge as such e.g. at coin wallets known radially apart so that the bottle neck passed between them can be. When the two brackets 50 are released, they relax Leaf springs partially again and lie flat on the bottle neck below of the ring beads usually located on this, so that they these ring beads reach behind and thereby hold the locking pin securely. To the intended Remove the locking pin by pressing the two leaf springs Bow 50 bulged apart again. The upper edges of the As shown in FIG. 5, the two leaf springs 51 are jagged, which makes them cling to the ring bulge of the bottle neck and ensure a secure hold.

In the base body 30 of the locking pin S there is an essentially tubular one Valve housing 33 is arranged with an inwardly projecting flange 34. At the bottom At the end of the valve housing 33, a flood pipe 42 is sealed, which is connected to the Valve housing 33 communicates and through the elastic plug 31 through protrudes slightly below the level of the leaf springs 51 into the bottle neck. The flood pipe 42 is slightly smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the elastic Plug 31, so that between the flood pipe 41 and the elastic plug 31 an annular channel 45 remains free. Alternatively, in the elastic stopper 31 corresponding axially parallel through-channels can be provided.

Inside the valve housing 33 there is a valve body 43, which is one helical spring 44 which is supported on the flood pipe 42 is still pressed at the top. The inwardly projecting flange 34 of the valve housing 33 forms one to the valve body 43 opposite valve seat. The valve body 43 engages with a diameter somewhat smaller cylindrical extension 43a through the flange 34 and protrudes (in the rest position) from its end face (Fig. 1). Below the cylindrical Extension 43a, the valve body 43 has a conical section, which cooperate with the region of the flange 34 designed as a valve seat. Under the conical section, the valve body 43 is prismatic with, for example square or hexagonal cross-section, so that in this Area between the valve body and the inner wall of the valve housing 33 free flow cross sections remain open.

The flange 34 of the valve housing 33 and the valve body 43 together form one inlet valve working as a check valve, through which in the open state (Fig. 2) gas can be introduced into the beverage bottle F, the valve housing 33 and the flood pipe 42 attached to it through the locking pin S form an inlet channel leading through, in which the inlet valve lies and through which the supplied gas flows.

In the upper area of the valve housing 33 are located between the latter and the inner wall of the base body 30 an outwardly open (above) ring channel 41 and immediately underneath this a ring channel 39, slightly larger in diameter Valve housing 33 is an elastic valve disc 40 clamped with the through the different diameters of the two ring channels 39 and 41 formed ring shoulder works together as a valve seat and together with this as a check valve working exhaust valve, which is in normally closed State (Fig. 1) separates the ring channel 39 from the overlying ring channel 41 and in the open state (FIG. 2) connects the ring channel 39 to the ring channel 41.

In the base body 30 axially parallel channels 36 and radial channels 37 are provided, and radial channels 38 are also provided in the flood pipe 42. This radial Channels 38 and 37 and the axially parallel channels 36 connect the ring channel 45 in elastic plug 31 communicating with the ring channel 39 below the elastic Valve disc 40.

The between the flood pipe 42 and the inner wall of the elastic plug 31st located ring channel 45, the radial channels 38 in the flood tube 42, the radial Channels 37 in the base body 30, the axially parallel channels 36 in the base body 30, the Ring channel 39 and ring channel 41 together form one through the locking pin through outlet duct. That formed by the elastic valve disk 40 Exhaust valve normally blocks the exhaust duct (rest position, Fig. 1) If the outlet valve is opened from the outside (Fig. 2), it can pass through the outlet channel Air or gas escape from the inside of the beverage bottle F or are removed become. Since the ring shoulder between the two ring channels 39 and 41 something is lower than the elastic valve disk 40, this is slightly elastically biased and seals securely. As soon as there is overpressure in the bottle, the valve disc 40 pressed even more against the ring shoulder by this, whereby the sealing effect is increased.

The parts of the locking pin S forming the inlet channel and the outlet channel are dimensioned so that the free flow cross-section of the outlet duct at each Place larger, preferably at least a factor> 2 larger than the smallest is the free flow cross section of the inlet duct.

The operation of the device is as follows:

On a opened wine or champagne bottle F to preserve its contents is, while the two leaf springs 51 are temporarily bulging apart Locking pin S according to the invention placed, the elastic stopper 31 in the bottle neck is inserted and seals there by means of its sealing ribs 32 wedged (Fig. 1).

Now the bottle F is together with the closure pin fastened on or in it S as far as the filling head H, which is fixed at a suitable point, that the upper end face of the locking pin S is in contact with the assembly block 20 is coming. On the one hand, the collar 23 of the assembly block 20 penetrates the annular channel 41 and on the other hand the extension 11 of the filling tube 10 into the flange 34 of the valve housing 33 a. Furthermore, the plunger 29a is pushed up and thereby the switch 29 is actuated (FIG. 2).

The sealing ring 12 seals with the flange 34 of the valve housing 33, and the Circumferential sealing ring 25 seals with the outer wall of the ring channel 41 in the locking pin S from.

The collar 23 of the mounting block 20 which has penetrated into the annular channel 41 presses the elastic valve disc 40 downward and thereby opens the outlet valve of the locking pin S.

The extension 11 of the filling tube 10 which has penetrated into the flange 34 presses the valve body 43 downwards or inwards, which causes the inlet valve of the locking pin S is opened.

The outlet channel in the plug S and the ventilation channel in the filling head H are now in a communicating connection and are closed off from the environment. In an analogous manner, the filling tube 10 and the inlet channel are in the locking pin S communicatively connected and closed off from the environment.

Triggered by the upward movement of the plunger 29a and the thereby caused When the switch 29 is actuated, the controller 4 simultaneously opens the supply valve 1 and the vent valve 2. From the gas source 3 or the corresponding connection Coming from here now flows nitrogen or another food-compatible Gas that is under a relatively low excess pressure of the order of about 100 kPa (1 bar), preferably about 140 kPa (1.4 bar), through the fill pipe 10 and the inlet channel of the closure pin S into the bottle F. At the same time, through the inflowing gas is the gas in the bottle, usually normal, oxygen-containing Ambient air, displaced from the bottle and through the outlet channel in the sealing plug S and into the environment via the ventilation channel in the filling head pushed out. After a first period of e.g. The control closes for approx. 5 s 4 the vent valve 2. Since the supply valve 1 is still open, the flow continues Gas into the bottle, which creates a slight overpressure in the bottle, which is detected by the pressure sensor 4a and transmitted to the controller 4. If a preset Target pressure of e.g. about 80 kPa (0.8 bar) is reached, which is normal after approximately another second, the supply valve 1 is removed from the control 4 closed again. Alternatively, the supply valve 1 can be closed by the control 4 is also time-controlled.

Now the bottle F with its sealing pin S is moved downwards again separated from the filling head H. The outlet valve and the Inlet valve in the plug S automatically. Since this depends on The speed of the manual movement takes a while, albeit a short period of time takes part of the gas escapes from the bottle and it turns finally a slightly lower overpressure above the liquid level in the bottle from approx. 20 to 50 kPa (0.2 to 0.5 bar). In combination with the distance of the residual oxygen from the bottle, however, experience shows that this overpressure is sufficient in order to maintain the preservation of at least wine and champagne or sparkling wine To ensure the quality of the bottle content.

Of course, a higher overpressure can also be generated in the bottle. In practice, however, more than 300 kPa (3 bar) are not required.

The overpressure in the bottle can later be removed before the plug is removed S can be drained by opening the inlet valve. To do this only the button-shaped protruding from the front of the locking pin Extension 43a of the valve body 43 to be pushed in by hand, thereby the inlet valve opens and the overpressure opens safely and without annoying noise can degrade through the inlet duct.

A commercially available, with a corresponding pressure reducing valve can be used as the gas source 3 provided gas, especially nitrogen bottle are used. The for the Functional sequences required electrical control 4 can be done with very simple means can be realized and requires no further explanation for the person skilled in the art. Of course, the controller 4 could also be pneumatic, whereby the gas source also the drive energy for the pneumatic control could deliver. Triggering the functional sequences of the control (opening and pressure- or time-controlled closing of the supply and vent valve) can in the case of pneumatic control in a manner known per se by mechanical Coupling of a control valve with the plunger 29 take place.

The device according to the invention is capable of an overpressure of 20 to 300 kPa (0.2 to 3 bar) over a period of at least 120 hours in the bottle constant maintenance and thus the quality preservation of the contents of the bottle to guarantee for at least this period.

The second embodiment of the inventive shown in Figures 3 and 4 Device differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 only through the construction of the inlet valve of the locking pin S. Instead of the spring-loaded one Valve body 43 is here in the upper end of the flood pipe 142 Pin 143 mounted coaxially movable. The pin 143 is with a sealing washer 143b, which with the inwardly projecting flange 34 of the valve housing 33 works together and forms the inlet valve with it. A through button-shaped extension 143a of pin 143 projecting through flange 34 the same function as the corresponding extension 43a of the valve body 43 in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. All other components of this embodiment the device according to the invention are identical to those of the Embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and therefore with the same reference numerals Mistake.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus for preserving the contents of a part-filled beverage bottle with a stopper (S) for the beverage bottle (F), which is provided with an inlet channel (33,42) and an inlet valve (34,43) which is arranged therein and which is a closed non-return valve when at rest, and with a charging device (E) which is provided with a charge head (H) and a gas source (3) or which can be connected to such a gas source, to which charge head (H) the stopper (S) can be communicatingly coupled and by means of which charging device (E) a gas can be introduced into the beverage bottle (F) via the charge head (H) through the inlet valve (34,43) of the stopper (S), the charge head (H) opening the inlet valve (34,43) when the stopper (S) is coupled, characterised in that the stopper (S) is provided with an outlet channel (45,38,37,36,39,41) and with an outlet valve (40) which is arranged therein and which is a closed non-return valve when at rest, and that the charge head (H) is equipped for opening the outlet valve (40) when the stopper (S) is coupled, and that in the charge head (H) a venting channel (26,27) is provided which can be closed via a vent valve (2) and which is communicatingly connected to the outlet channel (45,38,37,36,39,41) of the stopper (S) when the stopper (S) is coupled to the charge head (H), and that a control (4) is provided which, during or after the coupling of the stopper (S) to the charge head (H), opens the outlet valve (40) for a first time span, the interior of the beverage bottle (F) being connected with the exterior via the outlet channel (45,38,37,36,39,41), the venting channel (26,27) and the vent valve (2).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the charging device (E) is provided with an inlet valve (1) and that during or after the coupling of the stopper (S) to the charge head (H) the control (4) opens the inlet valve (1) for a second time span, the gas to be introduced into the beverage bottle (F) streaming from the gas source (3) via the inlet valve (1), the charge head (H) and the stopper (S) into the beverage bottle (F).
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the control (4) opens the inlet valve (1) and the vent valve (2) essentially at the same time.
4. Apparatus according to either claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the first time span during which the vent valve (2) is opened is shorter than the second time span during which the inlet valve (1) is opened.
5. Apparatus according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that the gas is nitrogen or another food-compatible gas.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the gas is under a slight overpressure in the range of 100 kPa (1 bar), preferably of about 80 kPa (0.8 bar).
7. Apparatus according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that the first time span is about 5 s.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the claims 2 - 7, characterised in that the second time span is about 6 s.
9. Apparatus according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that a pressure sensor (4a) which cooperates with the control (4) is provided for the pressure in the beverage bottle and that the control (4) closes the inlet valve (1) when the pressure in the beverage bottle reaches a predetermined, preferably controllable, required pressure.
10. Apparatus according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that the stopper (S) is provided in particular with elastic devices (50,51) to warrant its fixation to the beverage bottle (F).
11. Stopper for a beverage bottle for use in an apparatus according to claim 1 with an inlet channel (33,42), which permeates the stopper and ends at the front end of said stopper, and an inlet valve (34,43) which is arranged in the inlet channel and which is a non-return valve when at rest and which can be opened from the outside, characterised in that the stopper has an outlet channel (45,38,37,36, 39,41), which permeates the stopper and ends at the front end of said stopper, and an outlet valve (40) which is arranged in the outlet channel and which is a non-return valve when at rest and which can be opened from the outside.
12. Stopper according to claim 11, characterised in that it has a flow pipe (42) which communicates with the inlet channel (33,42) or which is a part thereof and which protrudes into the neck of the beverage bottle (F).
13. Stopper according to either claim 11 or claim 12, characterised in that the valve body of the outlet valve preferably is a prestressed elastic ring disk (40).
14. Stopper according to any one of claims 11 - 13, characterised in that it is provided in particular with elastic devices (50,51) for warranting its fixation to the beverage bottle (F).

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