EP1426326B1 - Valve arrangement and container with a valve arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve unit has a valve support plate (2) with a sealing element (4), and a shut-off plate (6) interacting with the sealing element. To create a restoring force, a spring element (7) is installed on the shut-off plate and penetrates the sealing element and is supported on the opposite side. The spring element comprises at least one leaf spring installed preferably in the middle of the shut-off plate. A sieve fabric (12) spans the supporting ends of the leaf springs. An Independent claim is included for a container, and especially a beer keg, which has a valve unit installed in a dividing wall separating two chambers.

Description

The invention relates to a valve device, arranged or for arranging in a two-chamber separating partition, for opening and closing a passage for a medium passing through it, comprising a valve carrier plate with a sealing element arranged in a plate-side recess, which is received pressure-tight in the recess, and a plate-like movable to open and close against a restoring force plate-like and cooperating with the sealing element closing plate, as well as a the sealing element on the opposite side of the closing plate screen fabric.

Such a valve device is known, for example, from EP 1 241 420 A2. It comes, for example, in a self-cooling beer keg, as z. As described in EP 1 054 222 is used. In such a beer keg several chambers are present, namely on the one hand a bubble for receiving the drink, a chamber which encloses the bubble and forms an evaporator chamber and a two chambers enclosing this third chamber, which forms an absorber space in which an absorber material, in particular Zeolithgranulat is arranged. The evaporator space and the absorber space are separated from one another via a partition in which the valve device is arranged. Water is used as evaporator material. In order to be able to cool the drink, the absorber space is first evacuated with the aid of a heating step and dried. The zeolite granules contained in the absorber space are brought back to ambient temperature before the beverage is filled into the bladder or while it is already in the bladder. Now, if the valve device is opened before tapping and thus the evacuated absorber space connected to the evaporator chamber, water vapor flows from the evaporator chamber into the absorber space. So there is an evaporation process, which requires heat, which in turn is withdrawn from the drink, which cools it. This evaporation and absorption continues until the crystalline zeolite is saturated with water or the valve is closed and the Wasserdampfübertritt is interrupted. To start the cooling process can be arranged in the partition wall Valve be actuated from the outside via a suitable movement mechanism with an opening lever or the like.

It is obvious that the valve device is of central importance for the correct functioning of the self-cooling device. If the valve device does not completely seal off, water vapor can evaporate more or less strongly into the absorber chamber, depending on the degree of opening of the leaking valve, and saturate the zeolite granules before the actual cooling of the beverage is intentionally brought about. In order to avoid such leaks, EP 1 241 420 A2 discloses a valve device of the type mentioned in the introduction which, on the one hand, has a valve carrier plate in which an annular sealing element is arranged pressure-tight. For opening and closing the sealing element having a central passage opening, a closing plate is provided, which is arranged on the valve carrier plate and is mounted via an angled spring portion such that it rests on the sealing element with a certain prestress. The spring bias is generated via the angled mounting portion, via which the closing plate is attached to the valve carrier plate. To open a toggle is to be operated, which engages in the region of the spring bias generating angled mounting portion and over which the closing plate is pivoted about the attachment point on the valve support plate and thus. Pivoted away from the sealing element. On the opposite side of a mesh is arranged, which engages over the sealing element and its passage opening and prevents crystalline zeolite granules can get into the region of the sealing element and this can pollute, so that the closing or sealing effect is reduced, which is unacceptable.

In addition to the fact that the valve design described there is complicated and expensive, it is also disadvantageous insofar as by frequent opening and closing the attachment or the spring bearing of the closing plate can be affected, that is, it may happen that after repeated opening and closing of the mounting portion is slightly deformed or the provision of the closing plate is not quite or insufficient takes vigorously, so that the closing plate is no longer over the entire surface or in any area rests on the sealing element. That is, there is a risk that when frequently pressing the closing plate the same is no longer completely returns to its closed position or occupies this and the valve assembly is no longer completely closes.

The invention is therefore based on the problem to provide a valve device which is improved compared to the.

To solve this problem is inventively provided in a valve device of the type mentioned that for generating the restoring force, a spring element is provided, which is arranged on the closing plate, the sealing element engages and is counter-supported on the opposite side of the Dichtuhgselements or the valve plate.

The valve device according to the invention provides - unlike the known valve device - a central arrangement of the restoring force generating spring element within the sealing element, ie in the actual passage of the valve device, which causes a secure closing of the closing plate or a dense resting of the closing plate on the entire sealing element is ensured even with frequent use. The restoring force is thus generated within the sealing element, it acts directly and centrally on the closing plate and ensures that it applies correctly and tightly against the sealing element.

The spring element itself comprises according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention at least one leaf spring, which is preferably arranged centrally on the closing plate, with its free ends engages through the sealing element and is counteracted at opposite points on the opposite side. The embodiment of the spring element as a centrally located leaf spring is for a very simple, on the other hand, it also allows easy mounting of the closing plate or the spring element whose free ends are performed only by simply bending through the sealing element need and then engage behind on the opposite side. It is particularly expedient in particular for generating a sufficient restoring force when two or more, in particular three leaf springs form the spring element, wherein the leaf springs are rotated against each other or offset. It is thus realized a quasi star-shaped configuration, wherein the entire leaf spring package is counteracted at several points around the circumference of the central aperture around. The leaf spring or the leaf spring package can be screwed or riveted or welded or otherwise attached to the closing plate.

As described, in the valve device according to the invention, a screen mesh is also provided, specifically on the side facing the absorber space. It is expedient if the screen fabric also spans the opposing ends of the leaf springs, that is, the spring ends extend between the sealing element and the screen fabric, in which no holes or other openings, which would be enforced by the leaf spring ends, are provided.

In a specific embodiment, the sealing element may have an annular flange, which engages over the valve plate on the opposite side of the closure plate, and inwardly towards the central opening has a sloping circumferential inclined surface which is overlapped by the ends of the leaf springs engaging behind the edge of the annular flange. The free ends of the leaf springs can be designed such that they create when reaching a sufficient opening degree of the inclined surface and so the opening path is largely limited.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, a second, the closing plate spanning screen fabric may be provided. Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the side of the valve device, to which the closing plate is provided, is also used on the evaporator chamber or the second chamber. A sieve cloth is used which surrounds the closing plate and is fastened at suitable locations on the valve device, in particular the valve carrier plate. This will be a complete one Ensures encapsulation of the "inner life" of the valve device, so that no zeolite or other contaminant particles could come into the region of the sealing element and the closing plate, which could affect the actual seal. That is, both meshes serve the particle-free encapsulation of the spring valve.

In this case, the screen mesh can be fastened centrally to a pin provided centrally on the closing plate, which is arranged pointing away from the outside, that is to say from the sealing element, in particular by means of a snap ring. In this embodiment of the invention, therefore, the screen fabric is taken during the closing plate movement. Conveniently, the second screen fabric is hood-like and has a retaining edge-side fixing ring over which it is arranged on the edge side of the valve carrier plate. For a complete encapsulation, it has proven to be expedient if the first and the second mesh fabric are attached to the edge of the valve carrier plate on opposite sides. Depending on the configuration of the valve device, it would alternatively also be conceivable to arrange only the second screen mesh on the valve carrier plate and to attach the first screen mesh directly to the partition wall - namely the partition wall side opposite the side to which the valve carrier plate is fastened. However, it is expedient for manufacturing reasons, to arrange both screen mesh on the valve carrier plate. This is done for example via a weld, in particular a Ringbuckelverschweißung, wherein the one weld connects both the mesh with the valve support plate and the valve support plate with the partition. According to this embodiment of the invention, therefore, the "assembly or assembly" of the valve element is almost directly to the partition, that is, the items are positioned accordingly, after which the welding takes place, which serves for a fastening of the valve parts, on the other hand, but also for securing the entire Valve device on the partition. In addition, of course, there is the possibility of prefabricating the valve device and connect the two mesh with the valve support plate conveniently via a common weld and then attach the prefabricated valve means only on the partition. For this purpose, the valve carrier plate a peripheral protruding circumferential Mounting flange or the like, in which area it is attached to the partition or fastened. Thus, different embodiments are conceivable.

For opening and closing the closing plate is further provided on the closing plate expediently a driver, which can be operated with a movement mechanism, which is used or inserted from outside the container or the device to or in the valve device.

In addition to the valve device according to the invention, the invention further relates to a container, in particular a beer keg comprising a arranged in a two-chamber partition wall valve device of the type described. This container may be as stated to be a beer keg, but it may also be any other container in which z. B. a cooling device using the known from EP 1 054 222 or EP 1 241 420 A2 known evaporator principle zeolite based is used. It is conceivable z. As the use of such a system in refrigerators or other refrigerators.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Ventileinrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung der zusammengebauten und montierten erfindungsgemäßen Ventileinrichtung aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung der Ventileinrichtung aus Fig. 2 nach Kopplung mit der Bewegungsmechanik, und

Fig. 4

ein Behältnis in Form eines Fasses mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Ventileinrichtung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and with reference to the drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of the valve device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

1 is an illustration of the assembled and assembled valve device according to the invention from FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

an illustration of the valve device of FIG. 2 after coupling with the movement mechanism, and

Fig. 4

a container in the form of a barrel with a valve device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a valve device 1 according to the invention, consisting of a valve carrier plate 2, mainly made of stainless steel, with a central opening 3, in which an annular sealing element 4, in particular a rubber or silicone sealing ring, arranged pressure-resistant and preferably vulcanized. At the upper circumferential end shown in Fig. 1, a sealing lip 5 is provided, on which a closing plate 6 rests in the closed state and the inner passage opening of the. Seal member 4, by the z. B. steam occurs, seals. The closing plate is plate or disc-shaped and is also suitably made of stainless steel. At her a spring element 7 is arranged, on the side facing the sealing element 4 side. The spring element 7 consists of one or more leaf springs 8, which generate the actual restoring force, with which the closing plate 6 is always urged onto the sealing lip 5. The leaf springs 8 - it can also be several, preferably three leaf springs are used, which are arranged offset to each other to form a star-shaped configuration on the closing plate 6 - have an angled structure with both ends free ends. The angular structure makes it possible to deform the spring accordingly increasing the restoring force.

Further, an upper pin 9 is provided on the closing plate 6, to which on the one hand a hood-like mesh fabric 10, preferably a Metallallsiebgewebe, preferably made of stainless steel, is attached. This screen fabric 10 has a circumferential fixing ring 11; over which it - see the following Fig. 2 - is attached to the valve support plate 2. Finally, another screen fabric 12 is provided, which is arranged on the opposite side of the valve carrier plate 2 and takes over the local encapsulation.

For installation in a valve recess 16 of a partition wall 13, are separated by the two chambers (in the example shown, a first chamber 14 above and a second chamber 15 below the partition wall 13 provided), first the mesh fabric 12, the mesh size is as fine as possible In order to prevent, for example, when using a zeolite absorber that fine-crystalline zeolite can pass through the valve recess 16th placed, after which the valve support plate 2 is inserted into the valve recess 16 with the sealing element already fastened there. Here, via the lower annular flange 17 of the sealing element 4, which engages over the valve carrier plate on this side, the mesh fabric 12 is pressed slightly into the valve recess 16. Subsequently - or even before the insertion or placement of the valve support plate 2 - the closing plate 6, to which the spring element 7 is already attached, attached to the valve support plate. For this purpose, the free ends or arms of the leaf spring (s) are bent inwards and passed through the opening or opening of the sealing element 4. The free ends of the leaf spring (s) are made angled at their end portions 18, so that they can engage behind a corresponding angled flange portion 19 of the sealing element, as shown in FIG. 2 can be seen. The angled structure of the leaf springs is designed such that they press the closing plate 6 with sufficient restoring force in each case on the sealing lip 5, so that it is deformed and the closing plate also rests on the further support web 20 of the sealing element. Thus, a double sealing plane is realized. The spring element 7 should be designed such that a weight of at least 300 grams is drawn.

Then - or optionally also before - the hood-like mesh fabric 10 is placed, wherein in this a central opening is provided, through which the pin 9 passes. Subsequently, a snap ring 21 is pushed onto the pin for attachment, so that the screen cloth 10 is securely fixed there.

For the actual attachment of the two mesh fabrics 10 and 12 on the valve support plate 2 and the valve device 1 itself to the partition wall 13 is now a welding operation, preferably a Ringbuckelverschweißung in the region of the welds S, as shown in Fig. 2. This leads to the fact that the entire mimic shown is firmly connected. Obviously, the spring valve is encapsulated completely particle-free, that is to say the two sieve cloths 10 and 12 completely encapsulate the region of the sealing element, the spring element and the closing plate. so that no particles or other impurities can get into this area.

To actuate the valve element is - see Fig. 3 - still a driver 22 attached to the pin 9, which cooperates with a lever 23, which is part of the movement mechanism for opening and closing the valve element. To open the valve element, the lever 23 is moved as shown by the arrow A is moved upwards, whereby on the driver and the closing plate 6 is raised. However, this lifting movement is essentially rectilinear. During this opening, the spring element 7 or the individual leaf springs 8 are deformed, that is, they are stretched more and the restoring force increased. The deformation can go so far, until the straight portions 24 of the leaf springs abut against the inclined surface 25 of the sealing member 4, which falls inwardly to the annular aperture. To close the lever 23 is relieved again or moved down (see arrow B). The spring element 7 can thereby relax, the closing plate 6 is forcibly pulled back down into tight contact with the sealing element. It should be noted that due to the central arrangement of the spring element 7 and the leaf springs 8 ensures that the relief-related retraction of the closing plate 6 quasi centrally and thus evenly and symmetrically, that is, the restoring force engages the center of the closing plate. This ensures that the closing plate rests fully circumferentially on the sealing element and at each point substantially with the same contact pressure and restoring force.

It should be noted in conclusion that instead of the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve device according to the invention can also be prefabricated insofar as the closing plate 6 together with spring element 7 fastened and the two screen cloths 10 and 12 can be fastened to opposite sides of the valve carrier plate 2, before the valve device is inserted into the opening of the partition. To attach the valve device to the partition then z. B. suitable projecting attachment portions, for. B. a circumferential annular flange, via which the welding takes place with the partition provided.

Finally, Fig. 4 shows an inventive container 26 in the form of a barrel. Shown is an example of the central bladder 27, in which the liquid to be cooled, z. As beer or other beverage is included. Furthermore, the partition wall 13 is shown, via which an evaporator chamber 28, in which an evaporator 29, which is saturated with water, is arranged, and an absorber chamber 30, filled with an absorber material 31, for. As zeolite is separated. In this partition wall 13, the valve device 1 according to the invention, which is not shown in detail in Fig. 4, arranged. Shown is also the movement mechanism 32, which is coupled to the known from Fig. 3 lever 23 and this includes. The actuation takes place via an opening and closing lever 33 accessible from outside, via which the valve device can be opened and closed and the self-cooling process can be started or ended.

Claims (13)

1. Valve device disposed or to be disposed in a partition wall separating two chambers, for opening and closing the passage for a medium passing through the same, comprising a valve carrier plate with a sealing element disposed in a recess on the plate, which sealing element is received in a pressure-tight manner in the recess, and comprising a saucer-shaped closing plate for opening and closing by moving against a restoring force, the closing plate cooperating with the sealing element, and comprising a screen mesh spanning the sealing element on the side opposite to the closing plate, characterised in that in order to generate the restoring force, a spring element (7) is provided, which is disposed on the closing plate (6), engages through the sealing element (4) and has a counter-abutment on the opposite side.
2. Valve device according to claim 1, characterised in that the spring element (7) comprises at least one leaf spring (8), which is disposed preferably centrally on the closing plate (6), engages through a sealing element (4) with its free ends, and which has a counter-abutment on the opposite side.
3. Valve device according to claim 2, characterised in that two or more, in particular three leaf springs (8) form the spring element (7), the leaf springs (8) being twisted with respect to one another.
4. Valve device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the screen mesh (12) also spans the counter-abutting ends of the leaf springs (8).
5. Valve device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the sealing element (4) has an annular flange (17), which overlaps the valve carriers (2) on the side opposite to the closing plate (6), and which has a continuous sloping face (25) descending inwards towards the central aperture and being overlapped by the ends of the leaf springs (8) engaging over the edge of the annular flange (17).
6. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a second screen mesh (10) spanning the closing plate (6) is provided.
7. Valve device according to claim 6, characterised in that the screen mesh (10) is fixed centrally to a pin (9) provided centrally on the closing plate (6), in particular by means of a retaining ring (21).
8. Valve device according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that a fixing ring (11) is provided, which holds the hood-like second screen mesh (10) at the edges and via which the screen mesh is disposed at the edge of the valve carrier plate (2).
9. Valve device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the first and second screen meshes (10, 12) are fixed at the edge to the valve carrier plate (2) at opposite sides.
10. Valve device according to claim 9, characterised in that it is fixed to the partition wall (13) via a weld seam (S), in particular an annular projecting weld, this weld seam (S) connecting both the screen mesh (10, 12) to the valve carrier plate (2) and the valve carrier plate (2) to the partition wall (13).
11. Valve device according to claim 9, characterised in that both screen meshes (10, 12) are connected to the valve carrier plate (2) via a common weld seam and in that the valve carrier plate (2) projects at the edge, in which region it is fixed or is to be fixed to the partition wall (13).
12. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on the closing plate (6) a driver (22) is provided, which cooperates with a movement mechanism.
13. Container, in particular beer barrel, comprising a valve device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 which is disposed in a partition wall separating two chambers.

Images