EP1737759B2 - Device for dispensing a fluid from the hollow space of a receptacle - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for dispensing a fluid, in particular a carbonated beverage, from a storage chamber of a container towards the outside via at least one closeable discharge port, comprising a pressure reservoir which is separated from the storage chamber and in which a pressurized propellant is accommodated, and which can be connected to the storage chamber via a pressure regulation mechanism. The pressure regulation mechanism includes an axially moveable regulating element that is impinged upon by means of a spring in the direction of an open position in which propellant is discharged from the pressure reservoir into the storage chamber. The ambient pressure to which the container is exposed acts upon the regulating element in the direction of the open position, and the internal pressure inside the storage chamber of the container acts upon the regulating element in the direction of the closed position.

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a device is known from US 3,134,520 known.

The known device can be inserted into an opening in an underside of a container and snapped undercut by means of a securing ring. There is provided a valve housing made of sheet material, which is connected by a forming process with a sleeve, which also serves to receive a cartridge for a propellant. By means of this connection, a membrane is also secured, which defines a control side together with the valve housing and a pressure side together with the sleeve.

In the valve housing, a compression spring is received on a control side, which acts on the membrane in the direction of the cartridge. At the opposite side, the pressure side, the pressure prevailing in the container acts on the membrane. The membrane has at its center a breakthrough, which is penetrated by a rivet. The rivet serves to secure a cup, which is attached to the control side of the membrane and the pressure spring is to lead, and a plate which is arranged on the pressure side of the membrane and can actuate a cartridge valve depending on the deflection of the membrane.

Alternatively, the beats US 3,134,520 before, the sleeve, parts of the valve housing, the membrane and other parts in one piece made of plastic perform. In this case, massive areas of large wall thicknesses are provided to exert a supporting function, on the other hand, the area that is to embody the membrane, particularly thin-walled, in order to provide sufficient flexibility for the pressure control can.

Although it seems possible in principle to inject such complex plastic components in one piece, but this can lead to a significantly increased tool and manufacturing costs, also can not be guaranteed a desired process reliability to a sufficient extent.

From the US 4,011,971 Another device of the aforementioned type is known.

Another device is from the US 2004/0050880 A1 known.

The known device has a print cartridge which is connected via a valve with an intermediate chamber in communication, which communicates via openings with the storage space of a container. The valve of the print cartridge is biased by a spring in the closing direction, wherein the internal pressure of the storage space also acts in the direction of the closed position. On the valve also acts a control device via a membrane with an adjacent thereto enclosed by a lid space, which communicates via a check valve with the storage space of the container.

If the pressure in the storage space of the container due to the output of fluid to the outside, the valve of the print cartridge is opened on the then resulting pressure difference between the intermediate chamber and the space enclosed by the lid of the control element, so that the pressure within the storage space of the container accordingly is readjusted.

Although such a pressure control is basically suitable for generating an approximately constant pressure within a container, such as within a spray can, the pressure control concept used is nevertheless associated with considerable disadvantages.

If such a container for dispensing about carbonated drinks, such as beer, may be used, such as from the DE 298 22 430 U1 known, so regardless of the ambient pressure of the container, the maintenance of a constant pressure is desired, which preferably corresponds to the equilibrium pressure between the liquid and the gas. If one considers, for example, the application of so-called party kegs, which, for example, have a volume of 3, 5 or 10 liters and in which beer is to be stored under CO ₂ pressure, wherein this pressure is to be maintained even during tapping, the equilibrium pressure results between beer and CO ₂ as a physical function of the solubility of CO ₂ in beer. Depending on the temperature results in an absolute pressure in the order of about 0.5 to 2 bar between about 5 ° C and 10 ° C. Thus, in the container, an overpressure of about 0.5 to 1 bar compared to the ambient pressure should be maintained. However, maintaining the reference pressure within the third space is difficult over a longer period of time. In particular, if one takes into account manufacturing tolerances, it is often to be expected for a storage period of several months with a certain pressure loss from the reference space, which naturally leads to a corresponding drop in the pressure set by the pressure regulator above the liquid. Even with the use of high-quality, precise parts with low tolerances, diffusion losses and migration losses can be expected over time, since a complete sealing of a gas volume over a long period of time is difficult to achieve. In that regard, there is the danger that, especially after a long storage period, the reference pressure drops over time, so that the pressure regulator can no longer set the desired pressure on the liquid.

The invention is therefore based on the object to improve a device according to the aforementioned type such that within the storage space of the container from which the fluid can be discharged under pressure to the outside, a preset pressure can be met as precisely as possible. This should be possible in the simplest possible and cost-effective manner. As far as possible a longer storage time should have no adverse effect on the precision of the pressure control.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

The object of the invention is completely solved in this way.

In the 2-component technique, several parts are made of plastic with at least one harder and a softer plastic. In the production can be achieved by using a suitable injection molding, that the softer plastic component with the harder plastic component materially connects.

According to the invention, a cost-effective production of the membrane part can thus be achieved with the integrated membrane, with a permanent seal between membrane part and membrane can be achieved in a cost effective and safe manner.

According to the invention, an operating part operable from the outside of the container for transferring the pressure regulating device from an inactive position in which no pressure regulation takes place is provided in an activated position.

In this way, the activation of the pressure control device can be completely independent of the filling of the container. Thus, the container by the manufacturer together with pressure reservoir and pressure control device can be made completely ready-made and only be provided at the bottler about with a beverage bottling. The function of the pressure control device can be activated at any time during or after filling. This makes it possible, in particular, for the pressure regulating device to be activated only immediately by the end user if he wishes to start with a tapping process, for example.

Furthermore, a simple assembly and activation of the control element is possible.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control element is axially movably received on a membrane part, which is sealingly connectable to the valve housing.

In this way, a simplified assembly is possible.

According to the invention, the internal pressure in the storage space is now set on the basis of the differential pressure between the storage space and the external pressure of the container plus a constant force, which is generated by the biasing means. This has the advantage that the desired pressure control range can be adjusted by selecting the biasing means. Thus, for the respective contents optimal tapping behavior can be achieved, so that e.g. Wheat beer with a higher pressure than Pils or another carbonated beverage, such as Mineral water, can be dispensed. The pressure set within the storage space is no longer dependent on the maintenance of a reference pressure, for example in a closed gas reservoir, and may be effected in a mechanical manner, e.g. be generated by a mechanical spring. In this way it is ensured that regardless of the storage life of the container, a preset pressure in the storage space of the container can be adjusted even after prolonged storage.

Another advantage of the invention is that an empty container initially with the manufacturer the pressure reservoir and the pressure control device can be provided, and that the container can be independently filled at a later time at the bottler and the pressure control device can be activated at any time. Thus, the activation of the pressure regulating device can take place directly in connection with the filling of the container or only at a later time, for example by the end user, when a dispensing operation is to be initiated. Since no enclosed gas reservoir to provide a comparison pressure is necessary, construction and assembly of the device according to the invention are considerably simplified and designed cheaper. The control behavior is not affected even at low cost using plastic injection molded parts even after prolonged storage. The pressure regulating device can be fastened together with the pressure reservoir at any point of the container.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that prefabricated container manufacturer can be provided with the pressure reservoir and the pressure control device and can be filled or closed unchanged via a conventional in such containers central opening in the lid of the container. Thus, conventional filling and sealing devices can be used, such as are common for party cans in the beverage industry, without this changes must be made.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressure reservoir is designed as a print cartridge with an integrated outlet valve.

By this measure, it is possible to use conventional print cartridges, whereby a simple structure and a cost-effective production is achieved.

Expediently, in this case, such print cartridges are used, in which the gaseous propellant to a filler, such. Activated carbon, is bound. In this way, a significantly lower filling pressure can be used in the print cartridge than would be possible without such an absorbent.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressure reservoir on an outlet valve, which is biased towards the closed position with a lower force than the force exerted by the biasing force.

In this way, a pressure vessel with a conventional outlet valve, e.g. the usual type of aerosol cans, without the need for special modifications. Since the force exerted by the biasing means is greater than the force exerted by the outlet valve, there is a resultant differential force towards the open position, which is in equilibrium with the force exerted by the differential pressure between the internal pressure of the storage space and the external pressure of the container on the control member.

The outlet valve is preferably actuated via a valve stem on which the control element acts.

In this way, a simple construction of the pressure control device in conjunction with the use of commercially available print cartridges, which are provided with such an outlet valve with valve tappet.

The biasing means is formed in an advantageous embodiment of the invention as a spring.

Here, every kind of spring is possible. Although in principle the use of a gas spring is not excluded, a mechanical spring is preferably used to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages associated with gas springs. Here, any designs are possible, such as coil springs, disc springs, wave springs or other designs. Such springs are preferably made of metal, however, the use of plastics or other materials is conceivable.

The pressure control range can be influenced by the choice of the spring characteristic.

Preferably, the biasing means has an approximately S-shaped characteristic curve.

In particular, such biasing means are preferred in which in a selected area, the applied clamping force (spring force) is approximately independent of the deflection. In this way, the influence of manufacturing tolerances can be absorbed and regardless of the deflection of the biasing means, the desired internal pressure within the container can be maintained to a large extent exactly.

According to the invention, the activation of the pressure control device will be completely independent of the filling of the container. Thus, the container by the manufacturer together with pressure reservoir and pressure control device can be made completely ready-made and only be provided at the bottler about with a beverage bottling. The function of the pressure control device can be activated at any time during or after filling. This makes it possible, in particular, for the pressure regulating device to be activated only immediately by the end user if he wishes to start with a tapping process, for example.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control element is axially movably received on a membrane part, which is sealingly connectable to the valve housing.

In this way, a simplified assembly is possible.

The membrane part is preferably formed lockable with the valve housing and the pressure reservoir. Alternatively, a connection can be made by a welding process, such as friction welding or ultrasonic welding.

This also supports a simplified and quick installation.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the biasing means between the diaphragm part on the one hand and an intermediate part held on the other hand, wherein the intermediate part is axially displaceable by a rotation of the actuating part in the valve housing to bias the biasing means against the control member in the direction of the open position.

This results in a particularly simple structure and a particularly simple installation.

In an advantageous development of this embodiment, the actuating part and the intermediate part have mutually cooperating cam surfaces, via which a rotational movement of the actuating part can be converted into an axial movement of the intermediate part.

This allows easy and quick transfer from the inactive position to the activated position.

In an expedient development of the invention, means for limiting the angle of rotation between the actuating part and the intermediate part are provided.

Furthermore, the intermediate part is preferably axially displaceable, but secured against rotation in the valve housing.

Furthermore, the actuating part is preferably insertable from the outside into the valve housing and designed to be latchable therewith.

These measures support a simple construction and easy assembly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a cavity sealed off from the storage space is formed within the valve housing on the side remote from the pressure reservoir, which is ventilated in the activated position to the outside.

In an advantageous embodiment of this embodiment, the cavity is sealed in the inactive position by a sealing contact of the actuating part on the valve housing relative to the ambient pressure and is ventilated by a rotation of the actuating member in the activated position to the outside.

In this way, the memory space in the non-activated state is completely isolated from environmental influences. The interior of the pressure control device is protected against accidental ingress of liquid, such as beer or rinse water, during the filling process. At the same time it is ensured in this way that only when activated by the end user of the pressure regulating mechanism is set in motion, so that previously no leakage losses can occur.

In a further embodiment of the invention, means for fixing the intermediate part in the activated position are provided.

This ensures that the activated position is maintained once it has been reached.

For this purpose, the rotational movement of the actuating part is expediently made possible starting from the non-activated position only in the direction of the activated position. For this purpose, a suitable toothing may be provided in the valve housing, for example, in which an associated latching element of the actuating part engages.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the membrane is kept spaced from the pressure reservoir by the membrane part, wherein between the membrane part and the pressure reservoir, a cavity is formed, in which the outlet valve opens and communicates via at least one outlet opening with the storage space of the container.

In this way results in a simple coupling of the membrane with the pressure reservoir to allow actuation of the outlet valve for dispensing propellant through the cavity into the storage space.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure reservoir is accommodated with the pressure control device within the container and sealingly received by means of the valve housing in an opening in the wall, preferably in a top surface of the container.

In this way, the container can be combined with the pressure regulating device and the pressure reservoir, without the s being recognizable to a user to the outside. By attachment to a top surface of the container is during the removal of fluid from the storage space, that is about during a dispensing operation, allows the propellant from the pressure reservoir directly into the headspace of the container passes without a passage through a recorded in the storage space Liquid is necessary. As a result, corresponding disadvantages are avoided.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating part has a secured in the inactive position by a Orginalitätsindikator handle, which allows gripping and twisting of the actuating part in the activated position.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a backup against a return of the pressure control device from a once activated position is provided in a non-activated position.

In this way, a simple manual operation is ensured and a display is provided indicating that the device is still in its original state.

Also, a return movement from a once activated position is prevented in a non-activated position.

It is understood that the features of the invention mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines teilweise aufgeschnittenen erfindungsgemäßen Behälters in Form eines Party-Fasses, jedoch ohne Druckregeleinrichtung;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt durch eine Druckregeleinrichtung mit angeflanschtem Druckreservoir, die in den Behälter gemäß Fig. 1 eingesetzt wird, dargestellt in einer inaktiven Position;

Fig. 3

eine Aufsicht auf die Druckregeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 von oben, die sich in der inaktiven Position (im Originalzustand) befindet;

Fig. 4

eine teilweise geschnittene Darstellung der Druckregeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 in der aktivierten Position und

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Federkennlinie des Regelorgans mit S-förmigem Verlauf.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a partially cut-open container according to the invention in the form of a party barrel, but without pressure control device;

Fig. 2

a section through a pressure control device with flanged pressure reservoir, in the container according to Fig. 1 is used, shown in an inactive position;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the pressure control device according to Fig. 2 from above, which is in the inactive position (in original condition);

Fig. 4

a partially sectioned view of the pressure control device according to Fig. 2 in the activated position and

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a spring characteristic of the control element with S-shaped curve.

In Fig. 1 a device according to the invention is shown and designated overall by the numeral 10. The device 10 is a beverage container for holding a gas-pressurized beverage, such as beer. Such containers are available as so-called party kegs in sizes of usually 3, 5 or 10 liters and are provided on their top surface 13 with a central opening 14 in which a stopper is received and for filling and emptying of the container with a suitable dispensing device is formed, such as from the DE 298 22 430 U1 known.

Although in Fig. 1 not shown, such a container 10 may be additionally provided with an integrated in the side wall of the container dispensing valve, which can be pulled out as needed to dispense liquid from the container, such as from US-A-6 053 475 the disclosure of which is fully incorporated into the present disclosure.

Such containers are used in particular for storing and tapping beer. Although dispensing with additional internal pressure for the dispensing operation is in most cases dispensed with, for some applications it is desirable to provide a certain internal pressure within the container volume.

For this purpose, according to the invention, a pressure reservoir 16 together with a pressure regulating device 17 according to FIG Fig. 2 to 4 completely integrated into the container interior. The pressure reservoir 16 is designed as a commercial print cartridge, which is provided with an outlet valve 20 of known type. The outlet valve 20 may, for example, be constructed according to the usual type of spray cans. It may comprise a spring-loaded valve element (not shown) via which, upon depression of a valve plunger protruding upwards from the pressure reservoir in the pressure cartridge, blowing agent is introduced via a radial outlet opening 40 (FIG. Fig. 2 or 4) can escape. Preferably, such a pressure reservoir is in addition to a Sorbent for the recorded pressurized propellant, such as CO ₂ , provided. As a sorbent this is, for example, activated carbon in question. This makes it possible to provide even after prolonged removal of propellant from the print cartridge still sufficient pressure in the print cartridge without requiring a very high output pressure is necessary. From the print cartridge 17 propellant gas can be dispensed into a storage space 15 of the container 12 via the pressure control device, which is acted upon in this way with a predetermined internal pressure. For the conditions customary for beer, it is desirable to maintain an overpressure of approximately 0.2 to 1 bar with respect to the ambient pressure within the storage space 15, which corresponds to an absolute pressure of approximately 1.2 to 2 bar within the storage space 15. Preferably, this overpressure within the storage space 15 of the container 12 corresponds approximately to the equilibrium pressure of CO ₂ and beer, which is set in the usual temperature range, in which beer is normally drawn in a cooled manner. In a temperature range between 5 and 10 ° C thus results in a preferred overpressure within the storage space 15 in the order of, for example, 0.7 bar.

The pressure control device 17 according to the invention is now designed to maintain a certain desired overpressure within the storage space 15 by dispensing propellant from the print cartridge into the storage space 15. In this case, the tapping can be maintained as long as desired or interrupted. The particular advantage of such a device is also that even after a few days of a first-time removal of beer from the container another pin is made possible without the taste is significantly adversely affected, as is the case with containers without working extra pressure.

The pressure control device 17 according to the invention has a membrane 30 which acts on the valve stem of the outlet valve 20 in the direction of an open position, and which is additionally acted upon by a spring 38 in the direction of the open position. The ambient pressure of the container 10 acts on the side facing away from the valve tappet of the membrane 30, while the internal pressure in the storage chamber 15 of the container 12 acts on the other side of the membrane 30. Here, the spring 38 is held in a valve housing 26 which is secured via a membrane member 28 in a suitable manner at the upper edge 19 of the print cartridge. In this case, the diaphragm 30 is acted upon by the spring 38 against the valve stem in the direction of the open position.

As a result, on the one hand affects the diaphragm 30, the differential pressure between the storage space 15 and the ambient pressure of the container 12, whereby the membrane 30 is acted upon in the direction of the closed position, i. in a direction away from the print cartridge. On the other hand acts on the valve stem, the bias of its (not shown) spring element, by which the valve stem is biased in the direction of the closed position. Furthermore, the tension of the spring 38 acts on the valve stem in the opposite direction, ie in the direction of the open position.

As a result, so much blowing agent is always emitted via the outlet opening 40 of the valve tappet and from there via an outlet opening 32 of the membrane part 28 into the storage space 15, that a defined internal pressure within the storage space 15 is established. This internal pressure is predetermined by the clamping force of the spring 38 minus the force that exerts an optionally integrated in the outlet valve 20 spring in the opposite direction. By an appropriate adjustment of the spring characteristic can thus be made an adjustment of the set in the storage space 15 overpressure relative to the ambient pressure.

The structure of the device 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 described in more detail.

The valve housing 26 has an approximately cylindrical shape and is at its upper end with the aid of a molded outer seal in an opening 24 in the top surface 13 of the container 12 according to Fig. 1 used sealingly. The valve housing 26 is open at its upper end, but has at its lower end a bottom 67, which is penetrated in the middle by a central recess 69 which is enclosed by an upwardly extending, sleeve-shaped extension 68. At the lower end of the valve housing 26 there is an outwardly projecting skirt 27 which forms a free space to the inner wall of the valve housing 26, in which the membrane member 28 in which the membrane 30 is held, can be sealingly secured via a latching connection 22. The membrane member 28 has a generally cup-shaped shape and has in its center a flange 31 with a central upwardly projecting projection which serves to receive the lower end of the spring 38 and which is provided at the same time on its underside for actuating the outlet valve 20. The flange 31 is connected via the flexibly formed membrane 30 to the outer wall of the membrane part 28. At the top of the membrane part an annular projection is formed, the inner edge of which is designed as an annular sealing surface for sealing connection with the lower end of the valve housing 26. The membrane part 28 is manufactured with its flexible membrane 30, the sealing material consisting of the same material 35, the central flange 31 and the remaining part in 2-K injection molding. In this case, the hard parts of the membrane part 28 are produced together with the soft membrane 30 and the seal 35 in a combined injection molding process, so that there is an intimate, cohesive connection between the soft and the hard plastic parts.

The membrane part 28 becomes as it is Fig. 2 seen engages on the latching connection 22 on the skirt 27 of the valve housing 26, wherein by the seal It is ensured that the upper side of the diaphragm 30 facing towards the exterior of the container only communicates with the cavity 46 formed in the valve housing 26 via the recess 69 on the underside of the valve housing 26 through the sleeve-shaped extension 68.

The membrane part 28 is preferably fixed by means of a latching connection 48 on the edge 19 of the print cartridge latched.

Between the upper edge 19 of the print cartridge, the membrane part 28 and the membrane 30, a cavity 33 is included, which communicates via the outlet opening 32 of the membrane part 28 with the storage space 15 of the container 12 in connection. Thus, this cavity 33, in which can be output from the print cartridge propellant through the opening 40 of the valve stem 22, via the outlet opening 32 with the storage space 15 in connection.

As a result, this leads, as already explained above, to the fact that as long as blowing agent from the print cartridge 18 via the cavity 33 in the storage chamber 15 exits until a predetermined differential pressure between the storage space 15 and the ambient pressure is adjusted, which is dependent on the force which exerts the spring 38 in the direction of the open position of the valve 22 minus any force which causes a spring element integrated in the outlet valve 20 in the opposite direction. By choosing the spring characteristic thus the desired pressure within the storage space 15 can be influenced in a corresponding manner.

For removal of liquid from the storage space 15, a riser (not shown) may be inserted into the plug 44, which is inserted in the central opening of the top surface 13 of the container 12. It is understood that this riser pipe may be provided with a suitable extraction valve and an outflow pipe to allow the discharge of liquid from the storage space 15 under the effect of the overpressure acting in the storage space 15 to the outside. Alternatively, the dispensing operation can take place via an integrated in the side wall of the container 12 dispensing valve, such as from US-A-6 053 475 known.

The device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to activate the pressure control device 17 only at a predetermined time.

As already mentioned, the spring 38 is supported on its end facing the diaphragm 30 on the flange 31 connected to the diaphragm 30. At the other end, the spring 38 is held on an intermediate part 44, which is supported on an operable from outside of the container 12 operating part 42. The spring is in this case guided at its lower end in the sleeve-shaped extension 68 of the valve housing 26 and centered by a central projection of the flange 31. Similarly, the spring 38 is held at its upper end in a cylindrical recess of the intermediate part 44 and centered on a protruding toward the membrane part 28 projecting projection.

The pressure control device 17 can from an unactivated position, the in Fig. 2 is converted by turning the operating member 42 by an angle of approximately 90 ° in an activated position, which in Fig. 4 is shown. In the non-activated position, the intermediate part 44 is supported in its starting position axially farthest from the diaphragm part 28 and in contact with the actuating part 42. In this position, the spring 38 does not exert sufficient pressure on the flange 31 and thus on the outlet valve 20, to allow an operation thereof. In the non-activated position thus actuation of the outlet valve 20 is excluded. By axial displacement of the intermediate part 44 in the direction of the membrane part 28, the spring 38 is tensioned, so that in dependence between the differential pressure between the pressure in the storage space 15 corresponding to the pressure in the cavity 33, the pressure within the cavity 46 within the valve housing 26th and the biasing force of the spring 38 is now a control function for actuating the outlet valve 20 takes place. To an axial displacement of the intermediate part 44 from the in Fig. 2 shown inactive position in the activated position according to Fig. 4 to allow, the intermediate part 44 and the actuating part 42 on their cylindrical lateral surfaces in each case four cam surfaces 80 and 82, whose shape is matched to each other, as in Fig. 4 can be seen. As a result of the cam surfaces 80 and 82 running obliquely in the axial direction with respect to a radial plane, a rotation of the actuating part 42 out of the inactive position according to FIG Fig. 2 in that the intermediate part 44 with its cam surfaces 80 slides along the cam surfaces 82 of the actuating part 42 and thus is displaced axially in the direction of the diaphragm part 28, since the intermediate part is guided axially displaceably but secured against rotation in the valve housing 26. For this purpose, the intermediate part 44 has on its outer circumference a total of four guide webs 66, which are guided in axial grooves 64 of the valve housing 26. The actuating member 42 can be from its inactive starting position according to Fig. 2 only in one direction of rotation, namely in the counterclockwise direction according to the arrow 78 in FIG Fig. 3 to turn an angle of slightly less than 90 ° until the activated position according to Fig. 4 is reached. In this case, it is ensured by an upwardly projecting from the valve housing 26 stop 70, which cooperates with an associated edge recess 72 on the outer circumference of the actuating part 42, that the actuating part can only be moved by a predetermined angle between the two extreme positions. How out Fig. 3 recognizable, the stop 70 is in the non-activated starting position according to FIGS. 2 and 3 at a first end 74 of the edge recess 72 at. This position is how out Fig. 3 can be seen by the reference "0" made visually recognizable to the user. When rotated in the direction of arrow 78 according to Fig. 3 that gets Actuator 42 finally with the second end 76 of the edge recess 72 to the stop 70. This position is visually recognizable to the user by the inscription "1". In the activated position, the in Fig. 4 is shown, and which is characterized by abutment of the end 76 on the stop 70, the cam surfaces 80 and 82 of intermediate part 44 and actuating member 42 each with extending in radial planes sections 86 and 84 on each other. Thus, upon reaching the end position according to Fig. 4 reaches a defined end position of the intermediate part 44, in which the intermediate part is kept displaced by a defined amount in the direction of the membrane part 28. In addition, it is ensured by suitable latching means between the actuating part 42 and the valve housing 26 that the actuating part 42 can be rotated only in one direction according to the arrow 78, but not in the opposite direction. For this purpose, for example, on the inner surface of the valve housing 26 a suitable toothing along the inner circumference may be provided, into which a latching means, such as in the form of a barb, engages (in Fig. 4 For this purpose, only one of the mantle surface of the actuating part 42 outwardly projecting barbs with the numeral 88 is indicated).

In order to rotate the operating part 42 from the inactive position according to Fig. 2 in the activated position according to Fig. 4 To facilitate, a handle 50 is provided at the top of the operating part 42. For this purpose, one half of the upper side of the actuating part 42 is pivotably fixed via a film hinge 52. In the inactive position according to the FIGS. 2 and 3 the handle 50 is fixed in alignment with the outer surface of the actuating element 42 and secured in this position by a tear-off element 54, which projects into a viewing window 56. From this position, the handle 50 can now be pulled up by gripping on the outer circumference, whereby the tear-off element 54 breaks and thus the handle can now be embraced in a raised position with two fingers from both sides to prevent rotation of the actuating element 42 in the direction of the arrow 78 to allow clockwise. The tear-off element thus makes a first-time actuation of the handle 50 visually recognizable and thus serves as a seal of quality, which indicates the original state. A hand twisting by gripping on the outer circumference is hardly possible when installed. For this purpose, the aid of a tool such as a pair of pliers would be necessary.

The actuator 42 is connected by means of a peripheral bead 58 which engages in an annular groove 60 of the valve housing 26, by latching with the valve element 26, but herein rotatable.

The valve housing 26 is closed at its outer end by an annular web 90 (see. 3 and 4 ) slotted in four places 92 in the axial direction. By a certain amount offset by a few millimeters relative to the annular web 90 in the direction of the membrane part 28, a further annular web 92 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the valve housing 26, which protrudes even further radially outwardly than the first annular web 90. Between these two annular webs 90, 92nd In 2-K technique, a soft sealant is injected which also covers the outwardly facing surface of the annular ridge 92. These two annular webs 90, 92 serve in conjunction with the sprayed-on seal 94 for sealingly mounting the pressure regulating device 17 or 17 'in the opening 24 on the top surface 13 in accordance with Fig. 1 ,

In the inactive position of the pressure control device 17 according to Fig. 2 Furthermore, the cavity 26 formed within the valve housing 26 is completely sealed from the outside environment. For this purpose, a likewise sprayed in 2-K technique sealing surface 62 between the outer end face of the outer annular ridge 90 of the valve housing 26 and the associated bearing surface of the actuating member 42 is used in the inactive position according to Fig. 2 Thus, the cavity 46 is completely sealed within the valve housing 26 from the ambient air. This protects the cavity 46 of the pressure regulator 17, 17 'against ingress of liquid, such as beer or rinse water, during the filling process. A to the function of the pressure control device 17, 17 'necessary ventilation of the cavity 46 to the outside takes place only with a rotation of the actuating member 42 from the inactive position to the active position 17' according to Fig. 4 , On the front-side seal 62 of the valve housing 26, a small raised segment is formed (not shown) which engages positively and sealingly in a corresponding recess (not shown) on the underside of the cover surface of the actuating member 42. When turning the operating part 42 of this raised segment is moved out of said recess. In the end position of the operating part 42 in the activated position according to Fig. 4 causes the raised segment, that the sealing surfaces between the valve housing 26 and actuator 42 can no longer sealingly rest on one another, so that a ventilation is made to the environment. In addition, in the circumferential bead 58 of the actuating part 42 at an appropriate location an axial slot is provided, over which in the activated position sufficient ventilation of the cavity 46 is ensured to the outside.

Although the spring 38 is shown in the figures as a helical spring, it should be understood that any other spring shapes such as disc springs, wave springs, coil springs and other types of construction can be used. It is preferred that the spring 38 used in its activated state, the predetermined spring force applies as precisely as possible, as this yes the set in the interior of the storage space 15 pressure is specified. In order to reduce the influence of manufacturing tolerances, it is preferred if the spring 38 is formed with an approximately S-shaped spring characteristic, as in Fig. 5 is illustrated in more detail.

In Fig. 5 is that of the spring as a function of Spring travel s exerted spring force F shown. By the dashed line 88, a conventional linear spring characteristic is indicated. This means that with increasing distance s, the spring force increases linearly. By the numeral 90, a preferred S-shaped spring characteristic is indicated, which has a work area 92, within which the force exerted by the spring force F does not change or only insignificantly when changing the spring travel s. Preferably, the spring 38 is designed and installed such that it is operated in the activated state of the pressure regulating device 17 within the working area 92. This has the consequence that even with inaccurate positioning of the spring 38 with respect to the valve stem over a certain range, the clamping force exerted by the spring 38 is approximately constant, so that the desired target pressure within the storage space 15 is independent of such mispositioning of the spring 38 is set.

Suitable spring designs with an S-shaped spring characteristic are commercially available.

Claims (20)

1. A device for dispensing a fluid, in particular a carbonated beverage, from a storage chamber (15) of a container (12) via at least one closeable discharge port (14) to the outside, comprising a pressure reservoir (16) which is separated from the storage chamber (15) and in which a pressurized propellant is accommodated, and which is connected to the storage chamber (15) via a pressure regulation mechanism (17, 17'), wherein the pressure regulation mechanism (17, 17') includes an axially moveable regulating element (30) that is impinged upon by means of a biasing means (38) in the direction of an open position in which propellant is discharged from the pressure reservoir (16) into the storage chamber, and wherein the internal pressure inside the storage chamber (15) of the container (12) acts upon the regulating element (30) in the direction of the closed position, wherein the regulating element (30) is configured as a membrane, and wherein the ambient pressure to which the container (12) is exposed acts upon the regulating element (30) in the direction of the open position, wherein the regulating element (30) is configured as a membrane, wherein an actuator element (42) that can be actuated from outside the container is provided for switching the pressure regulation mechanism from an inactive position (17) in which no pressure regulation occurs to an activated position (17'), wherein the membrane (30), is accommodated such that it is axially moveable on a membrane element (28) that is sealingly connected to the valve housing (26), wherein the membrane element (28) includes a flange (31) that is kept mobile by the membrane (30), by means of which flange the discharge valve (20) can be actuated, characterized in that the actuator element (42) is rotatably accommodated within the valve housing (26) via which the biasing means (38) is axially biased by turning it from the inactive position to the activated position in order to impinge upon the regulating element (30) in the direction of the open position, and in that the membrane element (28) comprising the membrane (30) and the flange (31) is made of plastic, wherein the membrane (30) consisting of a flexible material is produced together with the two other members using the two-component molding technique.
2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the pressure reservoir (16) is configured as a pressure cartridge with an integrated discharge valve (20).
3. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the discharge valve (20) is biased in the direction of the closed position with a force less than the force exerted by the biasing means (38).
4. The device of claim 3, characterized in that the discharge valve (20) can be actuated by a valve plunger upon which the regulating element (30) acts.
5. The device of claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the biasing means (38) is configured as a spring.
6. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing means (38) has an approximately S-shaped characteristic curve.
7. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the membrane element (28) can be snap-locked to the valve housing (26) and to the pressure reservoir (16), or is welded thereto.
8. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure regulation mechanism (17, 17') can be activated by a rotational movement of the actuator element.
9. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing means (38) is held between the membrane element (28), on the one hand, and an intermediate element (44), on the other hand, wherein the intermediate element (44) can be axially displaced inside the valve housing (26) by turning the actuator element (42) in order to impinge the biasing means (38) against the regulating element (30) in the direction of the open position.
10. The device of claim 9, characterized in that the actuator element (42) and the intermediate element (44) include cam surfaces (80, 84) by which a rotational movement of the actuator element (42) can be converted into an axial movement of the intermediate element (44).
11. The device of claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a means (70, 72) is provided for limiting the angle of turn between the actuator element (42) and the intermediate element (44).
12. The device of any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the intermediate element (44) is axially displaceable, but is accommodated inside the valve housing (26) such that it is secured against turning.
13. The device of any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the actuator element (42) is configured such that it can be inserted and snap-locked into the valve housing (26) from the outside.
14. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cavity (46) which is sealed against the storage chamber (15) is formed inside the valve housing (26) on the side facing away from the pressure reservoir (16), the cavity (46) being ventilated to the outside in the activated position.
15. The device of claim 14, characterized in that the cavity (46) is sealed in the inactive position against the ambient pressure by sealing engagement of the actuator element (42) with the valve housing (26) and is ventilated to the outside by turning the actuator element (42) to the activated position.
16. The device of any of the claims 10 to 15, characterized in that a means (82, 86) is provided for fixing the intermediate element (44) in the activated position.
17. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (30) is kept spaced apart from the pressure reservoir (16) by the membrane element (28), wherein a cavity (33) is formed between the membrane element (28) and the pressure reservoir, into which cavity the discharge valve (20) opens and which communicates via at least one discharge opening (32) with the storage chamber (15) of the container (12).
18. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure reservoir (16) is accommodated with the pressure regulation mechanism (17, 17a) inside the container (12) and is sealingly mounted, preferably by means of the valve housing, (26) in an opening in the housing wall, preferably in the lid surface (13) of the container (12).
19. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator element (42) includes a handle (50) that is secured in the inactive position by an originality indicator (54) and which permits the actuator element (42) to be gripped and turned to the activated position.
20. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lock (88) is provided to prevent the pressure regulation mechanism from returning to a non-activated position once it is in an activated position.

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