EP3030515B1 - Closure for the charging hole of a liquid container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a closure for the filling opening of a liquid container with a matching under sealing in the filling opening bung made of elastic material. The bung has an axial piercing, on which the container can pierce with the lancing tube of a tap fitting. The bung bush seals at the lancing tube. The bung liner is provided with a manually operable pressure balance valve which shuts off and clears a pressure equalization channel between the headspace of the container above the liquid level therein and the atmosphere.

Such a closure is from the WO 2001/014242 A1 known. It serves to tightly close the filling opening of a liquid container. Examples of such containers are barrels, small barrels (party kegs) or cans in which liquids, in particular drinks, are filled without pressure or under pressure. It's all about party kegs for beer. The closure is a unit completely supplied to the bottler. He is pressed at the end of the filling process under elastic deformation of the bung in the filling of the container.

The bung closure of the WO 2001/014242 A1 is designed to be pierced with the lancing tube of a tap fitting. The bung of the closure has an axial piercing, which is closed with a bung plug sitting therein. For piercing, the lancing tube of the tap fitting is inserted into the piercing channel and the bung stopper is ejected into the container. The bung seal on the lancing tube.

For the removal of liquid from the container, however, it does not necessarily require a puncture at the filling. Often, pertinent containers have a separate from the filling lower discharge opening. This can be a bunghole, or similar with a tap fitting. is tapped, or trade a tap integrated into the container.

In the WO 2001/014242 A1 the closure for the filling opening at the top bottom of the container is provided with a pressure compensation valve. Through the bung of the closure performs a pressure equalization channel between the headspace of the container above the liquid level in it and the atmosphere. Before use, the pressure equalization channel is shut off. It can be released by manual rotary actuation of the pressure compensation valve, shut off again, released again, etc

Shocks during transport and / or warming can build up a considerable overpressure in beer kegs, which leads to the fact that one initially almost only foam taps. It is advisable to carefully remove this overpressure before first tapping via the pressure compensation valve.

When unpressurized removal of liquid from the lower discharge opening creates a negative pressure above the liquid level in the container. The container can be aerated by means of the pressure compensation valve to reduce this negative pressure.

At the bung closure of the WO 2001/014242 A2 is sitting in the piercing bung stopper at the same time the valve member of the rotationally actuated pressure compensation valve. The pressure equalization channel is a radial bore, which passes through the bung box laterally and leads to the inner shell of the piercing channel. Depending on the rotational position of the bung stopper the mouth of the pressure compensation channel is shut off in the piercing or more or less released. The pressure equalization then takes place via the piercing channel.

The bung closure of the WO 2001/014242 A2 is of at least two-part construction. The rotary operated bung stopper is a separate part from the bung liner.

Multi-part bunghole closures for the filling of a liquid container, which can be pierced and have a pressure compensation valve, are also from DE 10 2006 056 062 A1 . DE 100 00 335 A1 and DE 199 52 473 C2 known.

At the closure of DE 10 2006 056 062 A1 a sleeve is screwed into the central opening of the bung, which forms the piercing channel for the lancing tube of a tap fitting. The inner end of the bung is pressure-tight with a bottom closed. The bottom is tied to the edge of the bung with a predetermined breaking point. He is pierced with the lancing tube. The bottom can also be torn open by pre-screwing the sleeve to bring about pressure equalization. The piercing channel is covered on the outside of the sleeve with a piercing membrane.

The bung closure of the DE 10 2006 056 062 A1 is of at least two-part construction. The screw-operated sleeve is a separate part of the bung.

At the closure of DE 100 00 335 A1 the bung is provided with a seal that serves as protection against contamination, the integrity of the closure visible documented, but can also be used for gas-tight, pressure-tight sealing of the container.

The closure of the DE 199 52 473 C2 is at least three parts.

The object of the invention is to provide a closure for the filling of a liquid container, which can be pierced like the previously known closures and is provided with a pressure compensation valve, the structure but less complicated and intuitively simpler in operation and meets the highest hygiene standards.

In the closure that solves this problem, the piercing channel and the pressure equalization channel of the bung are spatially and functionally separated. The pressure equalization channel passes through the bung box at a distance next to the piercing channel axially, and it opens at a distance next to the piercing at an end face of the bung box. The bung is provided with an integrally hinged thereto flap which covers the end face in a downwardly pivoted closed position, the mouths of piercing and pressure equalization channel closes splash-proof and the pressure equalization pressure-tight channel, d. H. gas-tight and flameproof shut off. The flap can be manually swiveled up and down to release the pressure equalization channel more or less, thus actuating the pressure balance valve.

The closure according to the invention can be produced in one piece in one pass by two- or three-component plastic injection molding, so-called assembly injection molding. It requires no special assembly step for initially separately manufactured plastic parts. This results in a cost and hygiene advantage. The one-piece construction of the closure is made possible by the embodiment of the pressure compensation valve on the flap. The overlapping of the mouths of piercing and pressure equalization channel with the flap is used for hygiene. Penetration of the spray water and impurities is counteracted. The operation of the pressure compensation valve by pivoting the flap intuitively opposes the user, as well as the dispensing lever of a conventional tap is actuated. The flap provides a long lever arm for energy-saving, sensitive operation of the pressure compensation valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the bung is substantially axially symmetrical. It has a taper body and an outwardly projecting flange, with which it is supported on the bottom of the container in which the filling opening is located. The piercing channel is a central channel through the bung box. The pressure equalization channel passes through the flange of the bung. The pressure equalization channel terminates close to the flange at the periphery of the taper body of the bung.

In a preferred embodiment, a plug-like valve web is integrally formed on the flap, which engages fitting with down-pivoted flap in the pressure equalization channel and this shuts off pressure-tight. The valve land can be pulled out of the pressure equalization channel by swiveling the flap up to open a flow path for pressure equalization.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve land is conical. The taper of the valve land is used to regulate the pressure during actuation of the pressure compensation valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization channel and the valve land therein have an elongate oval cross-section with a circumferential extent.

In a preferred embodiment, the flap is articulated laterally with a film hinge on the bung, namely next to the pressure equalization channel, so that it is located between the film hinge and the piercing. As a result, the flap for actuating the pressure compensation valve forms a one-armed lever with a long lever arm.

In a preferred embodiment, the flap is provided with a seal, which is destroyed visibly on first swiveling the flap. Specifically, think of a cohesive seal, which not only the integrity of the closure in the sense of a seal of authenticity documented, but also secures the closure against violence and accidental misoperation.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure is made in multi-component plastic injection molding, in particular in two-component plastic injection molding of a hard component and a soft sealing component, or in three-component plastic injection molding of a hard component, a soft sealing component and one of the aforementioned components color-contrasting color component. The seal consists of the color component.

In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the bung-bushing is pressure-tightly sealed with a bottom integrally formed thereon, which can be pierced with the lancing pipe of a tap fitting.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom at the edge has a predetermined breaking point with webs of the hard component and parts of the sealing component in between. Due to the two plastic components at the predetermined breaking point a small force when piercing the soil and a safe gas-tight and pressure tightness of the predetermined breaking point is guaranteed.

In a preferred embodiment, the flap is provided with a membrane which lies in the downwardly pivoted closed position of the flap in front of the mouth of the piercing channel and can be pierced with the piercing tube of a tap fitting. The membrane seals the piercing channel against splash water and contamination. It signals to the user where the container can be pierced, regardless of the possible pressure equalization by actuation of the flap.

In a preferred embodiment, the piercing channel is substantially cylindrical, regardless of an annular bead or a plurality of axially offset annular beads, which may have the bung on the jacket wall of the piercing. The membrane on the flap is preferably circular and of a diameter corresponding to the clear width of the piercing channel.

In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is provided with radially extending, uniformly distributed over the circumference predetermined breaking points.

In a preferred embodiment, the membrane has at the edge a predetermined breaking point with webs of the hard component and parts of the sealing component in between. Due to the two plastic components at the predetermined breaking point a small force is ensured when piercing the membrane and a good tightness of the predetermined breaking point.

The bottom at the inner end of the bung and the membrane at the flap are preferably designed to rupture but not tear when pierced. Their fragments remain hanging so that they guide the lancing tube and do not interfere with its sealing. Nothing is ejected into the liquid container, but nothing at all. This is preferred for reasons of hygiene.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure is made in one piece in a single pass by three-component assembly injection molding. The closure is sprayed in the open position of the flap of the hard component and the sealing component, the flap of the closure still located in the injection molding tool closed and over-injected with the color component. The injection molding tool for this is quite complex, the production of the closure in a large series but cost-effective and always very hygienic.

• Fig. 1 bis Fig. 5 bei geschlossener, in Dichtstellung befindlicher Klappe; und gemäß
• Fig. 6 bis Fig. 10 bei offener, in Druckausgleichsstellung befindlicher Klappe; dabei ist
  • Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht;
  • Fig. 2 eine Seitenansicht;
  • Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht von oben;
  • Fig. 4 eine Draufsicht von unten;
  • Fig. 5 eine diametrale Schnittansicht;
  • Fig. 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht;
  • Fig. 7 eine Seitenansicht;
  • Fig. 8 eine Draufsicht von oben;
  • Fig. 9 eine Draufsicht von unten; und
  • Fig. 10 eine diametrale Schnittansicht.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. Shown is a closure for the filling opening of a liquid container, in which a pressure equalization is effected by actuation of a flap, in accordance with

• Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 with closed, in sealing position befindlicher flap; and according to
• FIG. 6 to FIG. 10 with open, in pressure equalization position flap; is there
  • Fig. 1 a perspective view;
  • Fig. 2 a side view;
  • Fig. 3 a top view from above;
  • Fig. 4 a top view from below;
  • Fig. 5 a diametrical sectional view;
  • Fig. 6 a perspective view;
  • Fig. 7 a side view;
  • Fig. 8 a top view from above;
  • Fig. 9 a top view from below; and
  • Fig. 10 a diametrical sectional view.

The closure according to the invention serves to tightly close the filling opening of a container filled with liquid. Examples of such containers are barrels, small barrels (party kegs) or cans in which drinks are filled without pressure or under pressure. Specifically, it is about party kegs for beer, which are traditionally made of sheet metal and have a filling opening on the topsoil.

Part of the closure according to the invention is a bung of elastic material, which can be described as a whole axially symmetrical overall. The bung has a taper body 10 and a radially outwardly projecting, circumferential flange 12th

After filling a party keg, the bung with the taper body 10 is pressed ahead under elastic deformation in the filling opening on the top of the party keg until the flange 12 comes to rest on the topsoil. The taper body has on the outer shell evenly distributed over the circumference ramps 14 , which widen in Eindrückrichtung the bung. Between the ramps 14 and the flange 12 of the bung the diameter of which returns, so that an annular groove 16 is formed, in which engages the edge of the filling opening.

The bung is centrally and axially penetrated by an approximately circular cylindrical piercing channel 18 , in which the lancing tube of a tap fitting can be inserted to pierce the container and remove liquid therefrom.

The bung has on the cylinder jacket wall of the piercing channel 18 in an axially staggered arrangement two circumferential annular beads 20 which project inwardly into the cylinder opening of the tapping channel 18 . The annular beads 20 serve to guide and seal the piercing tube.

The inner end of the piercing channel 18 is closed with a bottom 22 , which is integrally formed on the taper body 10 of the bung and its inner end face forms. The bottom 22 withstands the internal pressure of the container.

The bottom 22 is provided at the outer periphery with a predetermined breaking point 24 which extends over approximately three quarters of the bottom circumference. When piercing the bottom 22 is pierced with the lancing tube of the tap fitting and torn open.

The piercing channel 18 opens outwardly on a flat end face 26 of the flange 12 . Laterally next to the mouth of the piercing channel 18 , at a distance radially outward, can be seen in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 the mouth of a separate pressure equalization channel 28 which passes through the flange 12 and terminates immediately below the annular groove 16 for the edge of the container at the outer periphery of the taper body 10 . The pressure equalization channel 28 extends over the entire length axially and laterally adjacent to the axial piercing channel 18th It connects the head space of the container above the liquid level therein with the atmosphere.

The pressure equalization channel 28 is axially symmetrical and of oblong-oval cross-section with extension in the circumferential direction.

To the bung, a flap 30 is integrally hinged, which is adapted to cover the end face 26 of the flange 12 and the mouths of piercing channel 18 and pressure equalization channel 28 to close splash-proof.

The flap 30 is a flat round plate. In the closed position, the flap 30 snaps into place between holding webs 32 which protrude outward from the end face 26 at the periphery of the flange 12 .

The flap 30 is connected at the level of the flange 12 with a film hinge 34 laterally to the bung.

On the opposite side of the film hinge 34 , the flange 12 and the flap 30 are chamfered 36, 38 , so that when the flap 30 is closed, a circumferentially extending notch of triangular cross-section is formed. For pivoting the user engages under the flap 30 at the notch.

The film hinge 34 of the flap 30 is aligned with the pressure equalization channel 28 in the circumferential direction. The pressure equalization channel 28 is located next to the film hinge 34 , more precisely between the film hinge 34 and the piercing channel 18th

The pressure equalization channel 28 opposite, on the other side of the film hinge 34 , a plug-like valve web 40 is integrally formed on the inside flap. The valve land 40 is essentially a complementary mirror image to the mouth of the pressure equalization channel 28 . However, he intervenes with a tapering the mouth in it. The valve web 40 is axially symmetrical and of oblong-oval cross-section with extension in the circumferential direction. When the flap 30 is closed, the valve web 40 closes off the pressure equalization channel 28 in a pressure-tight manner.

In the center of the flap 30 , a circular membrane 42 is formed whose diameter corresponds to the clear width of the piercing channel 18 . The membrane 42 is provided with radially extending, uniformly distributed over the circumference predetermined breaking points 44 provided. When piercing the membrane 42 is pierced with the lancing tube of the tap fitting and torn open.

Prior to initial use, the flap 30 has a downwardly pivoted closed position in which it is latched to the flange 12 of the bung, covers the mouths of piercing channel 18 and pressure equalization channel 28 and shuts off the pressure equalization channel 28 with the valve web 40 engaging therein. The flap 30 is fixed in this position with a seal 46 , which is easily visible destroyed when first swiveling the flap 30 .

The seal 46 is formed by a straight, narrow strip of material, which engages over the flap 30 on the side facing away from the film hinge 34 along a secant, which extends parallel to the axis of the film hinge 34 .

With careful pivoting of the flap 30 , the valve web 40 is more and more pulled out of the mouth of the pressure compensation channel 28 and the flow path for pressure equalization gradually released. By pivoting down the flap 30 , the flow path is increasingly throttled and finally shut off. Thanks to the long lever arm of the flap 30 is the

Swivel actuator for pressure compensation sensitive and less power consuming. The membrane 42 on the flap 30 allows the user to easily see where the container can be pierced with a tap fitting, regardless of the possible pressure equalization by means of the flap 30th

List of reference numbers

10

rejuvenating body

12

flange

14

ramp

16

ring groove

18

Anstechkanal

20

torus

22

ground

24

Breaking point

26

face

28

Pressure compensation channel

30

flap

32

holding web

34

film hinge

36

Bevel of the flange

38

Bevel the flap

40

valve land

42

membrane

44

Breaking point

46

sealing

Claims (15)

1. A closure for the charging hole of a liquid container having a tapping bush of an elastic material sealingly fitting into the charging hole and including an axial puncturing channel (18) at which the container is adapted to be punctured by the puncturing pipe of a tapping device, wherein the tapping bush is sealed at the puncturing pipe and is provided with a manually operable pressure equalising valve for blocking and unblocking a pressure equalising channel (28) between the head space of the container above the liquid level therein and atmosphere, characterised in that the pressure equalising channel (28) extends axially through the tapping bush laterally of the puncturing channel (18) and spaced therefrom and opens at an end face (26) of the tapping bush laterally of, and spaced from, the puncturing channel (18), and that the tapping bush is provided with an integrated hinged flap (30) which, in a downward tilted closing position, covers the end face (26), closes the open ends of the puncturing channel (18) and the pressure equalising channel (28) in a splash water tight manner, and blocks the pressure equalising channel (28) in a pressure tight manner, and which is adapted to be manually tilted up and down to unblock the pressure equalising channel (28) more or less, thus operating the pressure equalising valve.
2. The closure of claim 1, characterised in that the tapping bush is substantially axially symmetric and has a tapered body (10) with an outward projecting flange (12) by which it rests on the container wall in which the charging hole of the container is located, that the puncturing channel (18) is a channel passing centrally though the tapping bush, and that the pressure equalising channel (28) extends through the flange (12) of the tapping bush and terminates short of the flange (12) at the periphery of the tapered body (10).
3. The closure of claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the flap (30) has an integral valve cross-piece (40) which fits into the pressure equalising channel (28) and blocks the same in a pressure tight manner when the flap (30) is tilted downward, and which is adapted to be pulled out of the pressure equalising channel (28) by tilting the flap (30) upward.
4. The closure of claim 3, characterised in that the valve cross-piece (40) is conical.
5. The closure of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the pressure equalising channel (28) and the valve cross-piece (40) fitted therein have an elongate oval cross-section extending in the circumferential direction.
6. The closure of any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the flap (30) is articulated by an integrated hinge (34) to a side of the tapping bush close to the pressure equalising channel (28) in such a way that the latter is located between the integrated hinge (34) and the puncturing channel (18).
7. The closure of any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the flap (30) is provided with a seal (46) which is adapted to be conspicuously destroyed by the first upward rotation of the flap (30).
8. The closure of any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the closure is manufactured by multiple-component plastic injection moulding, specifically two-component plastic injection moulding from a hard component and a soft seal component, or three-component plastic injection moulding from a hard component, a soft seal component, and a colour component having a colour different from the hard component and the sealing component, and that the seal (46) consists of the colour component.
9. The closure of any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the inner end of the tapping bush is closed in a pressure tight manner by an integral bottom (22) which is adapted to be punctured by the puncturing pipe.
10. The closure of claim 9, characterised in that the rim of the bottom (22) has a predetermined breaking location (24) with webs of the hard component and intervening parts of the seal component.
11. The closure of any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the flap (30) is provided with a diaphragm (42) which, in the downward tilted closing position of the flap (30), lies in front of the mouth of the puncturing channel (18) and is adapted to be punctured by the puncturing pipe.
12. The closure of claim 11, characterised in that the puncturing channel (18) is substantially cylindrical, and that the diaphragm (42) is circular with a diameter corresponding to the clear width of the puncturing channel (18).
13. The closure of claim 12, characterised in that the diaphragm (42) is provided with radially extending predetermined breaking locations (44) equally spaced along the circumference.
14. The closure of any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the rim of the diaphragm (42) has a predetermined breaking location with webs of the hard component and intervening parts of the seal component.
15. The closure of any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that it is integrally manufactured in one step by three-component assembling injection moulding.

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