EP3571154A2

EP3571154A2 - Container for storing a corrosive liquid, applications and method for filling

Info

Publication number: EP3571154A2
Application number: EP18706857.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter HORZ
Original assignee: Ardagh MP Group Netherlands BV
Current assignee: Envases Oehringen GmbH
Priority date: 2017-01-20
Filing date: 2018-01-22
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Also published as: BR112019014800A2; KR20190111024A; CN110337418A; WO2018134797A3; WO2018134797A2; CN110337418B; JP2020505277A; MX2019008631A; AU2018209460A1

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of specific packaging technology. The invention also relates to a comparatively voluminous container which is suitable to store corrosive, pasteurized or sterilized beverages, wherein the contents of the container can be easily removed by a user. The invention also relates to a container with a filling space (140), a receiving chamber (109) and a pressure chamber (106). The container comprises a container upper side (108), a wall (107), a container base (102) and a pressure chamber base (105). The pressure chamber (106) is formed by the container base (102) and the pressure chamber base (105). The filling chamber (140) is formed by a bag (120a, 120b) that can be filled with a liquid and the bag (120a, 120b) is arranged in the receiving chamber (109). The bag (120a, 120b) can be filled with the liquid such that the liquid is not in direct contact with the container upper side (108), the container wall (107) and also the container base (102).

Description

Container for storing a corrosive effect

Liquid, uses and methods of filling

The invention relates to the technical field of special packaging technology. The invention relates to a container for receiving and permanent

Storage of a pasteurized, sterilized or corrosive drink that can be conveniently removed by a consumer from the container, the container is relatively bulky.

Corrosive drinks, for example soft drinks with a low pH (pH <7), are difficult to store in large containers and have thus far not been satisfactorily stored. Due to its low pH, this will

typically metallic wall material of the container, despite any

Coatings attacked (so-called corrosion).

The containers affected by the invention are thus significantly larger than current beverage cans (usually 500 ml or 330 ml) and the contents of the drink should be tapped, in particular, the container concerned here takes more than 1.5 L, in particular more than 2.5 L, one of the mentioned problematic drinks on and / or specifically less than 51 L or less than 21 L (for containers with 20,000 ml or 50,000 ml content).

For a consumer, it is particularly convenient to take a beverage from a container via a tap.

For the tapping of beer portable beer kegs are known, and these are particularly important in two variants.

A variant of such, provided with metallic mantle, portable beer kegs can be emptied by the action of gravitational force. A tap is arranged in the lower region of the outside of the container. By opening the tap, the beer can flow out. So that no negative pressure arises in the container, such containers comprise a device which allows air from the environment to reach the interior of the container. Such containers are not very user-friendly, since to fill a glass with beer, the keg must be placed, for example, on the edge of a table or the keg must be supported in order to be able to fill the glass below the tap. In addition, the durability of the drum contents after the start of the barrel is significantly reduced by flowing in the outflow of the beer atmospheric oxygen. Another variant is containers comprising an internal pressure system. Through these systems, the pressure inside is kept above the ambient pressure. This allows the arrangement of the tap in the upper region of the container. As a result, a consumer typically has sufficient space between the lower outlet end of the tap and the level of the container to hold a glass to be filled under the tap, without having to specially position the keg. By the

Using internal pressure systems, the shelf life of the beer can be up to more than 30 days after the start of the barrel, as no atmospheric oxygen flows into the drum during the beer extraction process.

A beer keg system of the second variant is known to those skilled in the art from WO 1999/47451

(Heineken Technical Services). There, a beer keg system is described, which comprises a print cartridge, which is arranged in the interior of the beer-filled container space and generates an overpressure in this space. The print cartridge comprises activated carbon, whereby a larger amount of pressurized or propellant gas can be introduced into the cartridge with respect to a not provided with activated carbon cartridge without raising the pressure in the cartridge too much.

Such containers (beer kegs) are particularly unsuitable for corrosive, pasteurized or sterilized drinks.

The pasteurization or sterilization conditions within the container can not be ensured sufficiently for a longer period of time, or the pasteurization or sterilization conditions are lost during the tapping of the beverage. An example of pasteurized or sterilized drinks to be stored are fruit juices.

Also, corrosive drinks, such as soft drinks (soft drinks) with a low pH (pH <7), can not in the known containers

be stored satisfactorily. Due to the low pH, this can be

typically metallic wall material due to small damage of the

Wall material of the container are attacked (corrosion). The wall material of the container can also be attacked when the pH of the contents is high (pH> 7). Normal anti-corrosion coatings of the liquid contacting inner surfaces of the container, e.g. to avoid

Rust formation or other types of corrosion are often unsuitable for the purpose of avoiding corrosion by acidic liquids (pH less than 7) or basic liquids (pH greater than 7). The invention has for its object to provide a comparatively bulky container which is suitable to receive corrosive, pasteurized or sterilized drinks and the contents of the container can be conveniently removed by a consumer.

This object is achieved by a container according to claim 1 or

Claim 18, which are usable according to claim 20 and claim 21, and by a method for filling a container with a liquid after

Claim 22.

A container for storing a liquid comprises a filling space, a receiving space and a pressure space. The container comprises a container top, a container wall, a container bottom and a pressure room floor. The pressure chamber is formed by the container bottom and the pressure chamber floor. The filling space is formed by a bag which can be filled with the liquid. The bag is arranged in the receiving space. The bag can be filled with the liquid so that the liquid neither the container top, nor the container wall, nor the

Container bottom contacted directly (claim 1).

The fact that the liquid does not contact either the upper side of the container or the container wall or the container bottom directly ensures that even a corrosive or aggressive liquid does not corrode or attack the described container parts. Also, sensitive fluids such. As pasteurized or sterilized drinks are kept safely in the container, since the liquid is not in contact with the described container parts or by the atmosphere in the receiving space (eg., Air oxygen) is affected.

The pressure chamber provides overpressure. By a connection, for example by a valve, the pressure chamber with the receiving space, the pressure in the receiving space can be regulated, wherein the pressure in the receiving space can be passed to the Befüllraum.

Preferably, a valve which connects the receiving space and the pressure chamber in the open state of the valve fluidkommunizierend, both connected to the container bottom and to the pressure chamber floor. Through the connection of the valve with the container bottom and the pressure chamber bottom, at least a part of the force can be absorbed, resulting from the pressure difference between the pressure chamber and the Reception room and the pressure chamber and the environment of the container on the

Tank bottom and the pressure chamber floor acts.

Such a valve (pressure valve or pressure control valve) is functionally understood as a valve assembly and includes next to a shut-off further, the function "pressure valve" closely associated components.

The shut-off unit is the component of the valve (valve assembly) which sealingly seals spaces with different pressure levels when it is closed. An example of a shut-off unit in such a valve is a plate shut-off unit typically comprising a sealing plate and a plate seat. If the sealing plate is pressed onto the plate seat, two spaces (eg above the sealing plate and below the sealing plate) with different pressure levels are shut off from each other, so that the different pressure levels of the rooms are kept for at least a longer period of time, if no other influences on the rooms with the act at different pressure levels. If the sealing plate is moved away from the plate seat, the spaces communicate with different pressure levels in a fluid-communicating manner and a pressure equalization between the spaces can take place. The pressure equalization is typically accomplished by flowing a fluid in the higher pressure space into the lower pressure space. The flow takes place until a condition, e.g. Reaching one

Pressure threshold is reached in one of the two connected spaces, and the sealing plate is pressed again on the plate seat, so that the spaces are separated from each other fluid-tight.

A valve according to the invention comprises, in addition to the shut-off unit described, for example, a valve body, a valve housing, one or more channels, fluid guide elements and / or fluid connection elements.

Components that functionally serve the valve function between the two chambers are associated with the valve (pressure valve or pressure control valve).

The function of the valve is u.a. It is to guide and direct a fluid from a room with increased pressure into another room with lower pressure when the valve is open. If the valve is closed, the addressed rooms are not connected in a fluid-communicating or pressure-communicating manner. The spaces are the spaces in which a fluid with increased pressure is stored primarily (e.g.

Pressure space) and a fluid with lower pressure acts (eg, it acts in the filling space), and typically also the lower pressure is above the ambient pressure. For example, the lower pressure fluid acts to cause increased pressure in the inflation space (and also in the containment space), thereby opening a container-mounted valve (eg, at the top of the reservoir) to a consumer from the fill space can be seen, as caused by the -gegenüber the environment increased pressure in the filling space, a discharge of the contents by opening the valve attached to the container.

The pressure chamber is preferably filled with a propellant, being used as propellant gas

Carbon dioxide (C0 ₂ ), nitrogen (N ₂ ), nitrous oxide (N ₂ 0) or mixtures of gases is used. The propellant gas may also comprise an inert gas, the proportion of the inert gas being above the proportion in the environment of the container. In this case, a gas is inert when under normal storage and dispensing conditions (typically in a range of absolute pressure between 0.5 bar and 10 bar and a

Temperature range between 0 ° C and 50 ° C) a liquid to be stored in a container disclosed to not or only slightly reacts with the inert gas and the gas is stable. Specifically, the inert gas may be nitrogen, a noble gas (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon) or mixtures thereof. Argon is particularly preferred.

The pressure in the pressure space can be between 5 bar (0.5 MPa) and 35 bar (3.5 MPa), preferably between 5 bar and 30 bar, particularly preferably between 8 bar and 25 bar.

In general, values of pressure disclosed, unless otherwise indicated, refer to relative pressure, with ambient pressure being the reference.

The pressure space preferably has a volume between 0.1 L and 5 L, more preferably between 0.1 L and 3 L, even more preferably between 0.5 L and 2.5 L, most preferably between 0.5 L and 1.5 L. The pressure chamber can also have volumes between 0.4 L and 0.7 L.

Preferably, the pressure chamber has no filament.

A sizing agent is a component that is typically in solid state at ambient conditions and allows for the uptake of a substance amount of a substance. In this case, the pressure increase, in the space in which the filament is introduced, falls lower by the introduction of the substance, compared with the introduction of the same amount of substance in the same space without filament. Examples of a filament are activated carbon or zeolites. The vapor pressure of the propellant gas or the propellant gas mixture may be above the pressure of the pressure chamber, preferably down to a temperature of -5 ° C down.

The receiving space may be formed by the container top, the container wall and the container bottom (claim 2).

The container may comprise an opening on the container top, wherein the opening is closed by a closure (claim 3).

The bag may be attached to the closure. Specifically, an upper end of the bag is glued to the closure, welded or attached via an airtight clamp (claim 4).

By attaching the bag to the closure, which is located in an opening or at an opening of the container top, it can be ensured that a stored liquid in the bag comes into contact with as few container components.

As described above, the container may include a pressure valve.

The pressure valve may be connected to the container bottom and the pressure chamber floor (claim 6).

The functionally understood pressure valve comprises a shut-off unit. The shut-off unit may be arranged in the pressure valve such that the shut-off unit is arranged at least in sections in the pressure chamber. Preferably, the shut-off is completely arranged in the pressure chamber (claim 6), but is surrounded by a valve body which is also arranged in the volume of the pressure chamber.

The shut-off unit can also be arranged in the pressure valve such that the shut-off unit is arranged at least in sections outside the pressure chamber. Preferably, the shut-off is arranged completely outside the pressure chamber (claim 7).

The pressure chamber bottom can have an opening which allows a pressurized fluid in the pressure chamber to flow into the pressure valve via the at least one opening in the pressure chamber bottom (passing the opening) and can flow through the pressure valve (claim 8).

The bag in the container can be flexible. Flexible means that the bag is flexible and malleable by the action of an average strong human being.

The bag may be stretchable and preferably comprise an elastomer.

Stretchable means that the surface of the bag can be increased by a force, without the bag suffers damage or cracks, which endangers the storage possibility of a liquid therein. When the bag comprises an elastomer, the bag may have elastic properties such that it is deformable under a force, but returns to the shape prior to the application of force upon termination of the force.

The bag may comprise at least one plastic layer, in particular

Polypropylene (PP). Specifically, the bag comprises at least one plastic layer and at least one aluminum layer. Preferably, the bag comprises a

Plasma-coated plastic layer, especially the plastic layer with aluminum plasma-coated (claim 9).

In the unfilled state, the bag may be folded or rolled (claim 10).

By folding or rolling the bag, the bag may be inserted into the container by having a smaller opening in the container compared to an unfolded or unrolled bag. By filling the bag, the bag can unfold or unroll.

The receiving space may have a volume of more than 1.5 L, in particular more than 2 L, preferably at least 5 L, more preferably between 2 L and 30 L, even more preferably between 5 L and 20 L (claim 11) ,

Since the pouch is in the receiving space, the volume of the pouch can only be less than or equal to the volume of the receiving space, which also limits the volume of ingestible liquid.

The bag may have a volume of more than 1.5 L, in particular 2 L, preferably at least 5 L, more preferably between 2 L and 30 L, even more preferably between 5 L and 20 L (claim 12).

Through an outlet conduit with a valve, the bag and a space surrounding the outlet of the outlet conduit can be fluidly communicated when the valve is open (claim 13). Via the outlet line, a consumer can discharge the liquid in the container by operating the valve.

An outlet duct may be connected to the closure, so that the

Outlet line is connected fluidkommunizierbar with a Befüllraum line, wherein the Befüllraum line preferably to the bottom of the bag ranges (claim 14).

A filling space line which extends into the bag with the liquid can improve the removal of the liquid or keep the amount of liquid remaining in the bag despite the open valve of the outlet line small.

The Befüllraum line may be arranged at the lower end (bottom of the bag) of the Befüllraum- line, in particular, when the Befüllraum line reaches to the bottom of the bag, which prevents the bag sucked to the opening of the Befüllraum line or is pressed and this closes. Such a device may for example be a head comprising a grid structure or ribs.

The closure, which is arranged in or at the opening of the container, may comprise a first valve and a second valve (claim 15).

Preferably, the first valve comprises a first channel, the first channel fluidly communicating the bag and a space surrounding the container when the first valve is opened (claim 16).

The second valve may include a second channel, the second channel fluidly communicating the receiving space and a space surrounding the container when the second valve is opened (claim 17).

Another container for storing a liquid comprises a Befüllraum, a receiving space and a pressure chamber. The container comprises a

Tank top, a tank wall, a tank bottom and a

Pressure chamber floor. The pressure chamber is through the container bottom and the

Pressure chamber floor formed. The filling space is through a bag that with the

Liquid is filled, formed and the bag is arranged in the receiving space. An upper end of the bag is associated with an opening in the container top to fill the bag with the liquid (claim 18).

Such a container may have the features described above (claim 19). The disclosed containers can be used to store a beverage having a pH of less than 7, in particular less than 5, especially less than 4 (claim 20).

Low pH beverages can attack and corrode the, typically metallic, surface of a container of the type described herein. As a result, the container may fail in its capacity as a storage means.

The containers described can also be used to store a pasteurized or sterilized beverage (claim 21).

Sterilized or pasteurized drinks are particularly sensitive to external influences such. As the contacting of a metallic surface or contact with oxygen, whereby the pasteurization or sterilization condition can be lost in storage.

A container can be filled with a liquid in one process. The container comprises a filling space and a receiving space. The filling space is formed by a bag and the bag is arranged in the receiving space. The method comprises the steps of providing the container and filling the bag with the liquid, wherein the filling is carried out so that a

Volume increase of the bag during filling is compensated or compensated by a flow of content from the receiving space into the environment of the container, and without substantially increase in pressure

Recording room (claim 23).

Within the process, any container disclosed can be used.

The substantially no pressure increase in the receiving space refers to the fact that the pressure in the receiving space after the filling of the bag (volume increase of the bag) is substantially not greater than the pressure in the receiving space before filling the bag with the liquid. The "substantially" corresponds to a pressure difference of not more than 30%, preferably not more than 20%, more preferably not more than 10%.

In the method, the container may include an opening through a

Closure is closed (claim 24).

The closure may comprise a first valve having a first channel over which the bag is filled with the liquid (claim 25). In such an embodiment, the closure, the opening of the container is not yet tightly closed, so that a content in the receiving space, eg. As air, on the

Closure in a space surrounding the container flows as the bag is filled and its volume increases or the volume increases.

After filling the bag, the opening of the container can be closed by the closure (claim 26).

After closing the opening of the container, no further contents of the receiving space can escape from the container, but this is also not necessary, since in the filled state of the bag the maximum volume of the bag is present.

The closure may comprise a first valve having a first channel, wherein via the first channel of the bag is filled with the liquid. The closure may comprise a second valve having a second channel, wherein via the second channel at least a portion of the contents of the receiving space flows into the environment of the container while the bag is being filled (claim 27).

In such an embodiment of the closure, a pressure increase in

Receiving space is avoided by the expansion of the bag during the filling by an outflow of, for example, air from the receiving space via the second channel of the second valve.

The opening of the container through the closure can be closed before filling the bag (claim 28).

This is made possible by the design of the closure with two valves and two channels.

A container can also be filled with a liquid according to the following procedure. Therein, the container comprises a filling space and a receiving space. The filling space is formed by a bag and the bag is arranged in the receiving space. The container includes an opening through a closure

is closed. The closure comprises a first valve and a second valve. The second valve connects the receiving space and a pressure regulator. The method comprises the steps of providing the container and filling the bag with the liquid via the first valve of the closure, wherein a

Volume increase of the bag takes place during filling. By connected to the receiving space via the second valve pressure regulator is a Pressure increase by the expansion of the bag during filling to a threshold allowed (claim 29).

If the pressure in the receiving space exceeds the threshold value, the pressure regulator opens and connects the receiving space with the environment of the container until the pressure in the receiving space again reaches or falls below the threshold value.

Within the process, any container disclosed can be used.

Such a method, within which an increased pressure on the bag in the receiving space built up by an expansion of the bag, is particularly suitable for foaming liquids, for example, for carbonated drinks.

Foaming liquids are liquids that can foam. The foaming can be caused for example by a pressure or temperature change or by a pulse, whereby a dissolved gas in the liquid dissolves and causes foaming.

By the back pressure, excessive foaming of a foaming liquid can be prevented or reduced, thereby facilitating the process of filling a container with a foaming liquid.

The threshold value of the pressure regulator can be between 0.1 bar and 8 bar. The threshold value is preferably between 0.5 bar and 7 bar, more preferably between 1 bar and 5 bar, even more preferably between 2 bar and 4.5 bar (claim 30).

The pressure regulator can be connected via the second valve during the filling of the bag with the receiving space (claim 31).

The embodiments of the inventions are illustrated by way of example and not disclosed in a manner to convey or read in on the limitations of the figures in the claims. These examples should also be read and understood as examples, if not everywhere and at any place "eg", "in particular" or "for example" stands. The presentation of an execution is also not read so that there is no other or other possibilities are excluded, if only one example is presented. These specifications are to be read throughout the following description.

Figure 1 shows a container 101 without filling with a drink and with

a bag 120a in one embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a container 101 without filling with a drink and with

a bag 120a in another embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a container 101 filled with a beverage.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a

Closure 145 of an unfilled container 101.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a further embodiment of a

Closure 145 of an unfilled container 101.

FIG. 6 shows a filling of a container 101 with a pressure regulator 430.

FIG. 7 shows a pressure valve 110 which can be inserted on the bottom side in a section in the z direction, wherein the first piston 12 and the second piston 13

are coupled. The shut-off unit 550 is formed by the piston 13 and the valve seat 13a.

FIG. 8 shows a pressure valve 110 that can be inserted on the bottom side, in section in FIG.

Direction, wherein the first piston 12 and the second piston 13 are not coupled.

Figure 9 shows a container 601 with pressure valve 610, which with a

Container bottom 602 and a pressure chamber bottom 605 is connected. Container bottom 602 corresponds to container bottom 102 and

Pressure chamber bottom 605 corresponds to pressure chamber bottom 105.

Figure 10 shows a container 701 with pressure valve 710, which with a

Container bottom 702 and a pressure chamber floor 705 is connected. Container bottom 702 corresponds to container bottom 102 and

Pressure chamber floor 705 corresponds to pressure chamber bottom 105.

Figure 11 shows a container 801 with pressure valve 810, which with a

Container bottom 802 and a pressure chamber floor 805 is connected. Container bottom 802 corresponds to container bottom 102 and

Pressure chamber floor 805 corresponds to pressure chamber floor 105.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a container 101. The container comprises a receiving space 109, a filling space 140 and a pressure space 106. The container comprises a container upper side 108, a container wall 107, a container bottom 102 and a pressure space bottom 105.

The pressure chamber 106 is formed from the container bottom 102 and the pressure chamber bottom 105 in the pressure chamber 106 there is a pressure p _D2 , in the receiving space 109 there is a pressure p _B2 .

The pressure p _D2 in the pressure chamber 106 is typically greater than the pressure p _B2 im

Recording room 109.

The filling space 140 is formed by a stretchable bag 120a and is shown in Figure 1 in the unfilled state. The bag 120a is attached to a closure 145, the closure 145 closing an opening 146 in the container top 108 of the container 101.

A line 130a to the filling space protrudes from the closure 145 into the filling space 140 (which is formed by the expandable bag 120a).

When filling the bag 120a, for example via the closure 145, the bag 120a expands until the bag 120a fills a large part of the receiving space 109. As a result, a large part of the volume of the receiving space 109 is filled by a liquid in the filling space 140, but the liquid does not contact either the container upper side 108, the container wall 107, or the container bottom 102.

The pressure space 106 is disposed in the tank bottom area 101a.

Another embodiment of a container 101 is shown in FIG. Of the

Container 101 comprises a receiving space 109, a pressure space 106 and a

Filling space 140. The container 101 comprises a container top 108, a

Container wall 107, a container bottom 102 and a container bottom 105th In the pressure chamber 106 there is a pressure p _D2 and in the receiving space 109 there is a pressure p _B2 . The pressure chamber 106 is connected to the receiving space 109 via a pressure valve 110. In the open state of the pressure valve 110, there is a fluid communication between the pressure chamber 106 and the receiving space 109. In the closed state of the pressure valve 110, the pressure chamber 106 and the receiving space 109 are fluid-tightly separated from each other. The pressure space 106 is disposed in the tank bottom area 101a. This also applies to the container in FIG. 1.

A closure 145 closes an opening 146 in the container top 108 of the

Container 101. On the closure 145, a filling space line 130a and a folded plastic layer bag 120b are arranged.

In the embodiment of the container 101 shown in Figure 2, the bag 120b is much less extensible than the bag 120a of Figure 1. When the bag 120b is filled with liquid, the bag 120b deploys, so that much of the receiving space 109 passes through the bag 120b is taken, wherein the liquid again contacted neither the container top 108 nor the container wall 107 nor the container bottom 102 directly.

Figure 3 shows a container 101 which is filled with a liquid. In this case, the liquid is in the filling space 140, which is formed by a bag 120a, 120b.

In addition to the illustrations in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows an outlet line 130b which is connected at the closure 145 to the filling space line 130a.

The pressure p _D2 in the pressure chamber 106 is above the pressure p _B2 in the receiving space 109, which in turn is above the ambient pressure. In the filling chamber 140, pressure communication between the filling chamber 140 and the receiving space 109 substantially (deviation less than 20%) results in the same pressure as in the receiving space 109 (pressure p _B2 ). When a consumer opens a valve 132 on the outlet line 130b, a portion of the liquid in the filling chamber 140 flows out of the outlet line 130b. In accordance with the volume removed, the pressure p _B2 in the receiving space 109 is stagnant. Becomes a

Threshold below, opens the pressure valve 110 and a gas flows from the pressure chamber 106 (wherein the pressure p _D2 in the pressure chamber 106 decreases) in the receiving space 109, whereby the pressure p _B2 in the receiving space 109 again increases. When a further threshold value is exceeded, the pressure valve 110 closes, so that no further

Fluid communication between the pressure chamber 106 and the receiving space 109th

takes place. In detail, a closure 145 is shown in FIG. To fill the filling space 140 formed by a bag 120a, 120b, a pre-assembled closure bag unit can be inserted through the opening 146 in the container top 108 of the container 101. In this case, the closure 145 is introduced with the bag 120a, 120b in the opening 146 so that the opening 146 is not closed. In this condition, the filling space 140 may be filled, thereby increasing the volume of the bag 120a, 120b and displacing part of the contents (eg, air) of the receiving space 109 which may exit via the incompletely closed opening 146. If the filling chamber 140 is completely filled, the closure is pressed into the opening 146, that the opening 146th

is closed. In this case, a sealing element 150 of the closure 145 sealingly abut the opening 146.

The filling of the filling space 140 is effected via a line 160 of the closure 145. Without additional force, a valve plate 162 seals against a counter contour 162a of the closure 145 and is biased by a tensioning element 161. If a force, e.g. via the line 160, exerted in the negative z-direction on the valve plate 162, this moves in the negative z-direction, so that a liquid can pass through the conduit 160 via recesses 163 in the conduit 160 into the interior of the Befüllraums 140.

A detailed illustration of a closure 145 in another embodiment is shown in FIG. Therein, the closure 145 comprises a first valve 301 with a first channel 302 and a second valve 304 with a second channel 305. Unlike in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the closure 145 is here already before filling the container

Befüllraums 140 sealingly arranged in the opening 146. The first valve 301 is closed without further application of force by abutment of a valve disk 362 on a mating contour 362a of the closure 145, wherein the valve disk 362 by a

Clamping element 361 is biased.

For filling the filling chamber 140, a force is exerted on the first valve 301, so that this moves in the negative z-direction and through the first channel 302 via

Recesses 363 can enter a liquid in the filling 140. When the liquid in the filling space 140 arrives, the bag 120a, 120b expands in the receiving space 109. An increase in the pressure in the receiving space 109 is avoided by the second valve 304. The second valve 304 is closed without further force, by abutment of a valve plate 372 on a mating contour 372a, wherein the valve plate 372 is biased by a clamping element 371. If a force is exerted in the negative z-direction on the second valve 304, this moves in the negative z-direction, so that the second channel 305 of the second valve 304 via recesses 373 fluidly communicating with the receiving space 109. By opening the second valve 304 during the filling operation of the space 140, accordingly, an increase in the pressure in the accommodating space 109 can be avoided.

Preferably, the second valve 304 is processed after completion of the filling of the container 101 so that it is no longer operational. Alternatively, the second valve 304 may be configured so that the second valve 304 can not be operated without tools or a tool. These measures serve to avoid or hinder the possibility of manipulation of the container 101 in the filled state.

Figure 6 shows a container 101 which is filled with a liquid. The container 101 comprises a pressure chamber 106, which is formed between a container bottom 102 and a pressure chamber bottom 105. In the pressure chamber 106 is a pressure valve or a

Valve assembly 110 is arranged. In this case, the pressure valve 110 contacts the upper side of the container bottom 102 and the underside of the pressure chamber bottom 105. The container bottom 102 is designed dome-shaped.

A receiving space 109 is formed by a container top 108, a container wall 107 and the container bottom 102. An opening in the container top 108 is closed by a closure 145.

In the receiving space 109, a bag 120a, 120b is arranged, through which or in which a filling chamber 140 is formed.

The closure 145 comprises a first valve 401 and a second valve 402. Via the first valve 401, a liquid, typically under overpressure, can be introduced into the filling space 140 in the bag 120a, 120b. To control the pressure of the filling, a filling valve 450 is arranged upstream of the closure 145, which regulates the filling pressure P _Fue ii of the liquid to be filled.

With increasing filling volume of the liquid in the filling chamber 140 via the first valve 401, the volume of the filling chamber 140 increases by a corresponding expansion of the bag 120a, 120b. As a result of the increase in volume of the filling chamber 140, the volume of the receiving space 109 is reduced, as a result of which (without substance exchange of the contents of the receiving space 109) the pressure Pi ₀ g in the receiving space 109 increases.

The second valve 402 of the shutter 145 connects the receiving space 109 with a pressure regulator or control valve 430. If the pressure increases due to the progressive expansion of the bag 120a, 120b over a threshold, which is adjustable on the pressure regulator 430, opens the pressure regulator 430, so that the receiving space 109 is opened to the environment of the container 101. By opening the pressure regulator 430, the pressure Pi falls ₀ g in the receiving space 109. reaches or falls below the pressure Pi ₀ g in the receiving space 109 to set the pressure regulator 430 threshold, includes the pressure regulator 430 so that no further content of the receiving space 109 in the vicinity of the Container 101 is drained. The second valve 402 may also be disposed outside of the closure 145, for example in or on the container top 108 or container wall 107, with the same function.

As a result, after an initial phase of the filling, within which a pressure above the ambient pressure builds up in the receiving space 109, there is an increased pressure in the receiving space 109, which acts on the bag 120a, 120b and thus on the filling space 140. In particular, this can cause foaming during a filling process

Foaming liquid can be prevented or reduced.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show pressure valves 110 in different states which can be used in all disclosed containers.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a pressure valve 110 in a section in the z-direction, which can be used on the bottom side in a container 101, as described above. The pressure valve 110 comprises a first pressure valve chamber 15 in which a pressure p _v prevails. The first pressure valve chamber 15 is limited by a pressure valve body 11 and a first piston 12. In the pressure valve body 11, a pressure valve inlet 24 is arranged, via which the first pressure valve chamber 15 can be filled with a gas. The pressure valve inlet 24 is fluid-tight by a cover 25 lockable. Furthermore, the pressure valve comprises a second pressure valve chamber 16, which is limited by the pressure valve body 11, the first piston 12 and a second piston 13. The second pressure valve chamber 16 is via a receiving space channel 22 with a space

fluid communicating connected, which is outside the pressure valve 10. This space is the receiving space 109 when the pressure valve 110 is inserted into a container. The pressure valve 110 also includes a third pressure valve chamber 17, which is limited by the second piston 13 and the pressure valve body 11. Via a first pressure chamber passage 20, the third pressure valve chamber 17 is fluid communicating with a space outside the pressure valve 10 is connected. This space is the pressure space 106 when the pressure valve 110 is inserted into a tank bottom.

In the third pressure valve chamber 17, a clamping element 19 is clamped between the pressure valve body 11 and the second piston 13. In this embodiment, the tensioning element 19 a spring. By the clamping element 19, a conical portion of the second piston 13 is held in a formed in the pressure valve body 11 counter-structure 13a as a seat, so that the conical portion of the second piston 13 acts as a conical seat valve. In this state, with on the counter-structure 13a of the pressure valve body 11 sealingly adjacent conical portion of the second piston 13, the pressure valve 110 is closed. In the closed state of the pressure valve 110, the space that is outside of the receiving space channel 22 is from the space outside of the first

Pressure chamber channel 20 is fluid-tight separated. The conical portion of the piston 13 and its counter-structure 13a are the shut-off unit 550, to which the entire second piston 13 may be counted.

At the lower and at the upper end of the pressure valve 110, a projection 28a, 28b is arranged in each case. The protrusions 28a, 28b protrude radially (r-direction) beyond the radial extent of the pressure valve body 11. These projections 28a, 28b improve the fit of the pressure valve 110 when the pressure valve 110 in the recesses 2a, 5a of the

Container bottom 2 and the pressure chamber floor 5 (see Figures 2 and 3) are introduced. At the respective sides of the projections 28a, 28b pointing to the pressure valve center and at a respective axial section of the pressure valve body 11, sealing elements 27a, 27b are arranged. When the pressure valve 110 is introduced into recesses of the container bottom 102 and the pressure chamber bottom 105, the sealing elements 27a, 27b abut respectively on the upper side of the container bottom 102 and on the underside of the pressure chamber bottom 105. This ensures better tightness.

On the first piston 12, two seals 14a, 14b are arranged. In this embodiment, the seals 14a, 14b are designed as O-rings, as well as the seals 14a, 14b can be realized as molded seals. By the seals 14a, 14b, the first pressure valve chamber 15 and the second pressure valve chamber 16 are improved fluid-tightly separated from each other and cause a large part of the frictional force at a

Movement of the first piston 12.

In the state of a pressure valve 110 shown in FIG. 7, a gas has been introduced into the first pressure valve chamber 15 so that a sufficiently large pressure p _v prevails in the first pressure valve chamber 15 in order to reduce the frictional force between the first piston 12 or the seals 14 a, 15 _b and to overcome the pressure valve body 11 and the gravitational force. As a result, the first piston 12 has moved so far in the positive z-direction until the receiving element 18 contacts the end face of the second piston 13.

In the pressure valve 110 there is an equilibrium of forces. On the first piston 12 acts in the positive z-direction, a force resulting from the pressure p _v in the first pressure valve chamber 15 in conjunction with the surface of the first piston 12, at which the pressure p _v is applied.

In addition, a force acts in the positive z-direction, resulting from the pressure in the space outside of the receiving space channel 22, which rests axially on the conical portion of the second piston 13. In the negative z-direction, a force acts on the first piston 12, resulting from the pressure outside of the receiving space channel 22, the front side of the first piston 12 is applied. Furthermore, in the negative z-direction, a force which is exerted by the tensioning element 19 on the second piston 13 and the gravitational forces of the first and second pistons 12, 13 acts in the negative z-direction also a force which results from the pressure outside the first pressure space channel 20 results, as far as the pressure on the upper end side of the second piston 13 is applied.

When the pressure valve 110 is inserted into the container bottom of a container 101, as shown for example in Figures 1 to 3, the pressure corresponds to the outside

Reception chamber channel 22 the pressure of the receiving space 109 and the pressure outside the first pressure chamber channel 20 the pressure of the pressure chamber 106. The pressure in the

Receiving space 109 by removing a liquid volume from the bag 120a, 120b, the balance of power can be changed. If the decrease in pressure sufficiently large, the first and the second piston (coupling) move in the positive z-direction and the pressure valve 110 is open. In the open state of the pressure valve 110, a fluid exchange takes place via the second pressure chamber channel 21 until the force acting in the negative z direction on the first piston 12 is sufficiently large to move the first and second pistons 12, 13 in the negative z direction to move until the pressure valve 110 is in the closed state. In this case, the frictional force between the first piston or the seals 14a, 14b and the pressure valve body 11 acts both in the positive and in the negative z-direction as a function of the direction of movement of the first piston 12.

This balance of forces determines thresholds Si and S ₂ . The threshold values Si and S ₂ result from the geometric configuration of the pressure valve 110, specifically from the surfaces on which the pressures shown act, and from the height of the pressures and the clamping force of the tension element 19.

Falls below the first threshold value Si of the pressure outside of the receiving space channel 22, the pressure valve 110 opens by a movement of the first and second pistons 12, 13 in the positive z-direction. When the second threshold S _{2 of} the pressure outside of the first pressure chamber channel 20 is exceeded, the pressure valve 110 closes by a

Movement of the first and second pistons 12, 13 in the negative z-direction. If the pressure valve 110 is arranged in a container 101, the pressure outside the receiving chamber channel 22 may correspond to the pressure in the receiving space 109 and the pressure outside of the first pressure chamber channel 20 may correspond to the pressure in the pressure chamber 106.

FIG. 7 also shows an insert 23 which can be inserted into the pressure valve body 11. Through the opening in the pressure valve body 11 into which the insert 23 can be introduced, during the production of a pressure valve 110, the clamping element 23 and the second piston 13 can be introduced into the interior of the pressure valve 110. After installation of the insert 23 in the designated opening of the pressure valve body 11 of the insert 23 is a part of the pressure valve body 11th

The pressure valve body 11 may be divided into two parts (not shown in FIG. 4), specifically so that one of the two protrusions 28a, 28b is disposed on one part of the two-part pressure valve body 11 and the other of the two protrusions 28a, 28b on the other part of the two-part pressure valve body 11 is arranged. The two parts of the pressure valve body 11 may be connectable for example by a screw. In the connected state of the two parts results in a two-part pressure valve body 11th

FIG. 8 shows a pressure valve 110 which can be inserted in a container 1 on the bottom side. The difference with the pressure valve 110 of FIG. 7 is that no gas has been introduced into the pressure valve 110 through the pressure valve inlet 24, so that the first piston 12 is not coupled to the second piston 13.

By introducing a gas via the pressure valve inlet 24, a pressure p _v in the first pressure valve chamber 15 can be generated, which is adjustable. At the same time, the choice of the type of gas to be introduced into the pressure valve chamber 15 of the respective application can be adjusted. If the pressure p _v in the pressure valve chamber 15 is sufficiently large, the first piston 12 moves in the positive z-direction until it rests against the second piston 13.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show containers 601, 701 and 801. The containers 601, 701 and 801 may correspond to the container 101 described above, so that not all components of the containers 601, 701 and 801 need to be described in detail. By means of the containers 601, 701 and 801, primarily different positions of shut-off units 650, 750 and 850 in pressure valves 610, 710 and 810 of the containers 601, 701 and 801 are described, the same being valid for the container 101, there being the blocking unit 550 ,

The container 601 of FIG. 9 comprises a receiving space 609, a filling space 640 and a pressure space 606. The filling space 640 is formed by a bag 620a, 620b. Of the Pressure chamber 606 is formed by a container bottom 602 and a pressure chamber bottom 605.

In the receiving space 609 (and in the Befüllraum 640) there is a pressure p _B 6, which is preferably above the ambient pressure. In the pressure chamber 606 there is a pressure p _D 6, which is preferably above the pressure p _B 6 in the receiving space 609.

A pressure valve 610 (e.g., the above-described pressure valve 110) is connected to the tank bottom 602 and the pressure space bottom 605.

A shut-off unit 650 is arranged in the pressure valve 610 so that the shut-off unit 650 is located in the pressure space 606 (in the pressure valve 610). Via a lateral inlet to a first channel in the pressure valve 610, a fluid stored in the pressure chamber 606 under the pressure p _D 6 can penetrate into the pressure valve 610 as far as the shut-off unit 650, so that within the first channel of the pressure valve 610 until the

Blocking unit 650, the pressure p _D 6 in the pressure chamber 606 prevails. On the side of the shut-off unit 650, which faces the receiving space 609, a second channel in the pressure valve 610 extends into the receiving space 609.

If the shut-off unit 650 is closed, a fluid in the pressure chamber 606 can not flow into the receiving space 609. If the shut-off unit 650 is opened, a fluid can flow from the pressure chamber 606 through the first and second channels into the receiving space 609.

The container 701 of FIG. 10 comprises a receiving space 709, a filling space 740 and a pressure space 706. The filling space 740 is formed by a bag 720a, 720b. In the pressure chamber 706 there is a pressure p _D7 and in the receiving space 709, and thereby in

Befüllraum 740, a pressure p _B 7. The pressure p _D7 is preferably greater than the pressure p _B 7, wherein the pressure p _{B7 is} preferably above the ambient pressure.

A pressure valve 710 (e.g., the above-described pressure valve 110) is provided with a

Container bottom 702 and connected to a pressure chamber floor 705 and is thereby partially in the pressure chamber 706, since the pressure chamber 706 is formed by the pressure chamber floor 705 and the container bottom 702.

The pressure valve 710 comprises a shut-off unit 750, which is arranged in a section 751 of the pressure valve, which lies outside the pressure space 706. The portion 751 of the pressure valve 710 is configured to include the shut-off unit 750, FIG.

The section 751 of the pressure valve 710 which is located outside the pressure chamber 706 can be designed and be in contact with the pressure chamber floor 705 such that at least 10% of the area of the pressure chamber floor 705 are covered by the section 751. Preferably, at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, especially at least 30%, of the area of the pressure space bottom 705 is covered by the portion 751 of the pressure valve 710. However, preferably not more than 50%.

The pressure valve 710 includes a first channel connecting the shut-off unit 750 and the pressure space 706, and a second channel connecting the shut-off unit 750 and the receiving space 709. When the shut-off unit 750 (and thus the pressure valve 710) is closed, the first and second channels, and thus the receiving space 709 and the pressure space 706, are fluid-tightly separated from each other.

The second channel is accessible through an opening in the pressure space bottom 705 for a fluid in the pressure chamber 706.

In FIG. 11, a container 801 comprises a receiving space 809, a filling space 840, which is formed by a bag 820a, 820b, and a pressure space 806. The pressure space 806 is formed by a container bottom 802 and a pressure space bottom 805.

In the receiving space 809 (and in the filling chamber 840) there is a pressure p _B s, which may be above the ambient pressure. In the pressure chamber 806 there is a pressure p _D s, which may be above the pressure p _B s in the receiving space 809.

A pressure valve 810 of the container 801 is connected to the container bottom 802 and the

Pressure room floor 805 connected.

The pressure valve 810 comprises a first channel, the pressure chamber 806 and a

Blocking unit 850 of the pressure valve 810 connects, and a second channel connecting the receiving space 809 and the blocking unit 850.

The first channel of the pressure valve 810 is accessible via an opening in the pressure chamber bottom 805 for a fluid in the pressure chamber 806.

The first channel of the pressure valve 810 partially passes through a portion 851 of the

Pressure valve 810, which is located outside of the pressure chamber 806.

The portion 851 of the pressure valve 810 located outside the pressure space 806 may be configured and in contact with the pressure space floor 805 such that at least 10% of the area of the pressure space floor 805 is covered by the portion 851. Preferably, at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, especially at least 30%, of the area of the pressure space bottom 805 is covered by the portion 851 of the pressure valve 810. However, preferably not more than 50%. The shut-off unit 850 of the pressure valve 810 is arranged so that it is located in the pressure chamber 806.

The shut-off unit 650, 750 or 850 can be a plate shut-off unit with a sealing seat.

Claims

1. container for storing a liquid, in particular a beverage, with a filling chamber (140), a receiving space (109) and a pressure chamber (106), wherein

(a) the container has a container top (108), a container wall

(107), a container bottom (102) and a pressure chamber bottom (105);

(B) the pressure chamber (106) through the container bottom (102) and the

Pressure space bottom (105) is formed;

(c) the filling space (140) through one with the liquid

fillable bag (120a, 120b) is formed and the bag

(120a, 120b) is disposed in the receiving space (109);

(d) the bag (120a, 120b) is thus fillable with the liquid,

that the liquid neither the container top (108), nor

the container wall (107) nor the container bottom (102) contacted directly.

2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the receiving space (109) through the

Container top (108), the container wall (107) and the container bottom (102) is formed.

3. Container according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the container on the

Container top (108) comprises an opening (146) and the opening (146) is closed by a closure (145).

A container according to claim 3, wherein the bag (120a, 120b) is attached to the closure (145), in particular, an upper end of the bag (120a, 120b) is glued, welded or sealed by an airtight clamp to the closure (145) attached.

5. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container comprises a pressure valve (110, 610, 710, 810) and the pressure valve (110) with the container bottom (102) and the pressure chamber bottom (105) is connected.

6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the pressure valve comprises a shut-off unit (550, 650, 750, 850), wherein the shut-off unit is arranged in the pressure valve (110), the shut-off unit (650) is arranged at least in sections, preferably completely, within a volume of the pressure chamber (106, 606, 706, 806).

7. Container according to claim 5, wherein the pressure valve (110) comprises a shut-off unit (650, 750, 850), wherein the shut-off unit (650) is arranged in the pressure valve (110), that the shut-off unit (650) at least in sections, preferably completely, outside the pressure space (106, 606, 706, 806) is arranged, preferably the shut-off unit (650) in a portion (751, 851) of the pressure valve (110) is arranged, wherein the portion (751, 851) outside the pressure valve (110) is arranged.

8. Container according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the pressure valve (110) via an opening in the pressure chamber bottom (105) with the pressure chamber (106).

fluidly connected to flow a pressurized fluid into the pressure valve (110) and to flow through it.

9. Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bag (120b) comprises at least one plastic layer, in particular PP, preferably at least one

Plastic layer and at least one aluminum layer comprises, more preferably comprises a plasma-coated plastic layer.

10. A container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the bag (120a, 120b) in

unfolded state is folded or rolled.

11. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving space (109) has a volume of more than 2 L, preferably at least 5 L, more preferably between 2 L and 30 L, more preferably between 5 L and 20 L. having.

12. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bag (120a, 120b) has a volume of more than 2 L, preferably at least 5 L, more preferably between 2 L and 30 L, more preferably between 5 L and 20 L has.

A container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein an outlet conduit (130b) having a valve (132) separates the bag (120a, 120b) and the outlet of the bag

Outlet line (130b) surrounding space, with open valve (132) connects.

A container according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein an outlet conduit (130b) is connected to the closure (145), whereby the outlet conduit (130b) is connected. fluid communicable with a Befüllraum line (130a) is connected, which preferably extends to the bottom of the bag (120a, 120b).

A container according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the closure (145) comprises a first valve (301) and a second valve (304).

16. A container according to claim 15, wherein the first valve (301) comprises a first channel (302), wherein the first channel (302) the bag (120a, 120b) and a space surrounding the container in the open state of the first valve (301 )

communicating fluidly.

17. A container according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the second valve (304) comprises a second channel (305), wherein the second channel (305) the receiving space (109) and a space surrounding the container in the open state of the second valve (304) connects in a fluid-communicating manner.

18. container for storing a liquid, with a filling chamber (140), a receiving space (109) and a pressure chamber (106), wherein

(a) the container has a container top (108), a container wall

(107), a container bottom (102) and a pressure chamber bottom (105);

(B) the pressure chamber (106) through the container bottom (102) and the

Pressure space bottom (105) is formed;

(c) the filling space (140) through one with the liquid

fillable bag (120a, 120b) is formed and the bag

(120a, 120b) is disposed in the receiving space (109);

(d) an upper end of the bag (120a, 120b) of an opening (146) in

the container top (108) is assigned to the bag

(120a, 120b) with the liquid to fill.

19. A container according to claim 18, having the features of one of claims 2 to 17 without reference to claim 1.

20. Use of a container according to one of claims 1 to 19 for storing a liquid, especially a beverage, with a pH of less than 7, in particular less than 5, especially less than 4, or a liquid, especially a beverage, with a pH greater than 7, especially greater than 9, especially greater than 10, or a liquid, especially a beverage, having a pH of less than 5 or greater than 9.

21. Use of a container according to any one of claims 1 to 19 for the storage of a pasteurized or sterilized beverage.

22. A method for filling a container, in particular a container according to one of claims 1 to 19, with a liquid, the container having a filling chamber (140) and a receiving space (109), wherein the filling space (140) through a bag (120a, 120b) and the bag (120a, 120b) is arranged in the receiving space (109),

the method comprising the steps

(a) providing the container;

(b) filling the bag (120a, 120b) with the liquid so that

an increase in volume of the bag (120a, 120b) occurs during filling.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the filling of the bag (120a, 120b) with the liquid is performed so that the increase in volume of the bag (120a, 120b) during the filling by a flow of content from the receiving space (109) in a Is compensated environment of the container substantially without pressure increase in the receiving space (109).

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the container comprises an opening (146) which is closed by a closure (145).

The method of claim 24, wherein the closure (145) comprises a first valve (301) having a first channel (302) through which the bag (120a, 120b) is filled with the liquid.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the opening (146) of the container after the

Filling the bag (120a, 120b) is closed by the closure (145).

The method of claim 24, wherein the closure (145) comprises a first valve (301) having a first channel (302) through which the bag (120a, 120b) is filled with the liquid and the closure (145) a second Valve (304) having a second channel (305) through which at least a portion of the contents of the receiving space (109) during the filling of the bag (120a, 120b) flows into the environment of the container.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the opening (146) of the container in front of

Filling the bag (120a, 120b) is closed by the closure (145).

The method of claim 22, wherein the container comprises a closure (145) closing an opening (146) of the container, and wherein the closure (145) comprises a first valve (401) and a second valve (404) second valve (404) the receiving space (109) for a limited period with a

Pressure regulator (430) connects and the bag (120a, 120b) is filled via the first valve (401), wherein the pressure regulator (430) allows an increase in pressure in the receiving space (109) during filling up to a threshold value.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the threshold value is between 0.1 bar and 8 bar, preferably between 0.5 bar and 7 bar, more preferably between

1 bar and 5 bar, more preferably between 2 bar and 4.5 bar.

31. The method according to any one of claims 29 or 30, wherein the second valve the

Receiving space (109) during the filling of the bag (120a, 120b) connects to the pressure regulator (430).