EP3738921A1 - Beverage container and dispensing device for a beverage container - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage container (1) for providing and dispensing a liquid. The container (1) comprises a base (13), a lid (15) and a dispensing device (3) for pressure-assisted discharge of the liquid in the container (1), the dispensing device (3) sealing one from outside the container (1) in the container (1) protruding tap (3a) and a riser pipe (4) leading inside the container (1) to the tap, which extends from an area near the bottom (13) to a coupling area of the tap (3a), so that when the tap (3a) is opened or operated, the drink can be conveyed via the riser pipe (4) through the tap (3a) to the outside of the container (1), the tap (3a) preferably having a cylindrical housing with at least one inlet (25) in preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing and an adjoining discharge channel (26) essentially in the longitudinal direction within the housing, and wherein the coupling area (24) for the riser pipe (4) by a sealing over there s housing of the tap (3a) pushed sleeve (22) is formed.

Description

The invention relates to a beverage container, in particular a beer keg, preferably a 5L party beer keg, for providing and dispensing a liquid, preferably a drink, in particular a beer or beer drink, with a base, a lid and a dispensing device for pressure-assisted discharge of the liquid in the container , wherein the tap device has a tap protruding from outside the container in a sealing manner into the container and a riser pipe leading inside the container to the tap, which extends from an area near the bottom to a coupling area of the tap, so that the drink when opened or actuated of the tap can be conveyed to the outside of the container via the riser pipe through the tap.

Such beverage containers, in particular with a dispensing device arranged in the upper region of the container, are known from practice. The following is only an example WO 2006/000437 A1 referenced.

Figure 3 the WO 2006/000437 A1 shows the use of a conventional tap which has an inflow opening at the free end. This tap basically only works if it is located in the lower area of the container.

The known tap is equipped with an adapter at the end, which is designed as an elbow and comprises a downwardly directed connection piece for attaching a riser pipe. The adapter is plugged onto the relatively filigree free end of the tap, the connection between the adapter and the tap appearing only slightly stable. There is a risk that the adapter will become detached from the free end of the tap, especially in the event of pressure fluctuations and movements of the liquid during transport. A secure connection between the riser pipe and the tap is in any case not guaranteed.

The present invention is based on the object of designing and developing a beverage container of the generic type in such a way that reliable operation is ensured with a fixed connection between the riser pipe and the conventional tap. A corresponding tapping device should be specified, which above all also differs from competitive products.

The above object is achieved in relation to the beverage container by the features of claim 1. According to this, the tap has a preferably cylindrical housing with at least one inlet, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing. This is followed by a discharge channel which runs essentially in the longitudinal direction within the housing of the tap. The coupling area for the riser pipe is formed by a sleeve pushed sealingly over the housing of the tap. This sleeve sits securely on the tap and cannot tip over there. Unintentional loosening of the sleeve, which is to be understood as an adapter, is excluded.

Since the sleeve comprises the coupling area for the riser pipe, this implies a flow connection between the riser pipe, the coupling area and the flow path within the tap.

As already stated above, the sleeve is to be understood as an adapter, namely to use a conventional tap, which is always to be arranged in the lower area of a conventional beverage container, for the pressure-assisted discharge of a drink, in which case the tap in the upper area of the container is arranged, certainly above the liquid level. The liquid reaches the tap via the riser pipe, namely due to the pressure in the container.

Regarding the riser pipe, it should be stated that it can be a solid pipe or a hose.

The sleeve serving as an adapter is pushed onto the housing of the tap in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The term "housing" is to be understood in the broadest sense. Correspondingly, the housing could also be referred to as the "body" of the tap.

The coupling area for connecting the riser pipe is formed by a connection piece, which preferably protrudes orthogonally from the sleeve and thus from the housing of the tap, into or onto which the riser pipe is inserted. The connecting piece is preferably designed as an integral part of the sleeve.

The drink is preferably beer. So that the beer does not foam too much when you tap it, it is advantageous if a type of foam throttle is provided. This can be arranged or designed as a means "calming" the flow in the tap itself. However, it is also conceivable and advantageous to provide the foam throttle in the connection piece and / or in the plug-in / plug-on end of the riser pipe, for example in the form of an expansion space. This measure "calms" the flow of the liquid and counteracts the formation of foam. It is also conceivable that the foam throttle is designed in the form of an inner guide device, for example in the form of a spiral, helix, etc. Corresponding structural measures can be assigned to both the connecting piece or the sleeve and the riser pipe. It is also conceivable to assign a foam throttle that can be plugged in or plugged in or plugged on either to the connecting piece or to the end of the riser pipe on the plug-in / plug-in side. This can also be implemented in the sense of a filter, grid, network, etc.

The sleeve serving as an adapter can have a passage approximately corresponding to the outside diameter of the housing of the tap, which is dimensioned and shaped so that the sleeve in its assembled state, i.e. pushed or plugged onto the tap, sits firmly on the housing of the tap. As a result, a certain seal can be established between the tap and the sleeve in order to create a tight flow path.

To further promote a seal, it is conceivable that the sleeve is glued, preferably sealingly, to the housing of the tap, at least in edge areas.

In a further advantageous manner, the sleeve has an inner annular sealing area within its passage on its inner surface, in the area of an inflow opening connected to the riser pipe, which seals the flow path leading into the tap to the outside. The annular sealing area is thus part of the flow path and prevents liquid and gas from escaping between the outer wall of the tap and the sleeve.

The passage formed in the interior of the sleeve can have means for centering and, if necessary, to prevent rotation, for example axially extending webs, knobs, etc. on its inner surface. If webs are provided, these can cooperate with recesses or grooves in the surface of the housing of the tap . This ensures that the sleeve cannot twist on the tap. This is a constructive contribution to the safe arrangement of the riser pipe and thus to the functional reliability of the dispensing device.

The webs can extend overall over the length of the sleeve. However, it is sufficient that the webs are formed at least in an edge region of the sleeve and correspondingly engage in grooves in the surface of the tap. It is also conceivable that latching means are provided by which the end position of the sleeve is ensured with full flow connection between the riser pipe and the flow path defined in the interior of the tap.

In a further advantageous manner, the sleeve preferably has outwardly projecting wings on the end face, which are dimensioned and positioned such that they come to rest on the inside of the cover at a defined distance. As a result, the tap is positioned so that it cannot rotate in relation to the lid in the container. An unintentional twisting of the tap, which would displace the riser pipe, is excluded.

The tap and the sleeve are preferably made of plastic by injection molding. They can be made of the same material. It is also conceivable to manufacture the sleeve from a somewhat softer material in order to ensure a certain deformability with respect to the housing of the tap.

The dispensing device according to the invention is designed according to the preceding explanations, so that explanations on this are superfluous at this point.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen Ansicht, geschnitten, einen erfindungsgemäßen Getränkebehälter am Beispiel eines 5L-Party-Bierfasses, wobei im Innern des Getränkebehälters ein Drucksystem mit Regelventil und Aktivierungseinrichtung sowie eine Zapfeinrichtung mit Steigrohr angeordnet sind,

Fig. 2a bis 2f

in schematischen Ansichten, vergrößert, ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer als Adapter dienenden Hülse mit Anschlussstützen für ein Steigrohr, und

Fig. 3

in einer schematischen Ansicht, vergrößert, die Vorkehrung einer Schaumdrossel im Anschlussbereich des Steigrohrs.

There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand on the claims subordinate to claim 1 and on the other hand on the following explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention based on Reference drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. Show in the drawing

Fig. 1

In a schematic view, cut, a beverage container according to the invention using the example of a 5L party beer keg, with a pressure system with control valve and activation device and a tap device with riser pipe being arranged inside the beverage container,

Figures 2a to 2f

in schematic views, enlarged, an embodiment of a sleeve serving as an adapter with connection supports for a riser pipe, and

Fig. 3

in a schematic view, enlarged, the provision of a foam throttle in the connection area of the riser pipe.

Figure 1 shows in a schematic view, in section, a beverage container 1 according to the invention, in the interior 2 of which a tap device 3 with tap 3a and riser pipe 4 is arranged. The tap 3a has an actuating member 5 which can be actuated from outside the container 1 when it is pulled out. An outlet 6 is formed below the actuator 2.

Inside the container 1 there is a pressure source in the form of a pressure cell 7 which is filled with a compressed gas. This can be, for example, compressed CO ₂ . It is essential that the gas in the pressure cell 7 is in the gaseous state of aggregation.

Figure 1 also shows that a housing 10 is connected to the dome area 8 and thus to the outlet valve 9 of the pressure cell 7. A control valve 11 and an activation device 12 of the control valve 11 are arranged in this housing 10.

Figure 1 further shows that a niche 14 is formed in the base 13 of the container 1, which recess has a passage in the base 13 which is connected to the housing 10 at the edge in a flow-tight manner. The housing 10 is preferably welded to the material of the base 13, in particular ultrasonically welded.

An activation member 16 of the activation device 12 extends outside the housing 1 and is covered by a protective cap 17 serving as a safety element.

As shown in Figure 1 If the container 1 is a small beer keg, which is equipped on the edge of the bottom 13 with a fold 21 which forms the base of the beer keg.

The wall 20 of the container 1 or beer barrel is reinforced by embossing.

In the upper region of the container 1, the dispensing device 3 or the tap 3 a is arranged, which protrudes through the wall 20 of the container 1 to the outside of the container 1. There the actuator 5 and the outlet 6 are indicated.

The tap 3a is a tap which is actually to be arranged in the lower region of the container 1. The tap 3a has, however, been converted by an adapter 22 which is pushed or pressed over the housing 23 of the tap 3a. The adapter 22 is designed as a sleeve and has an integral connection piece 24 into which the riser pipe 4 is inserted. The channel formed in the riser pipe 4 communicates with a correspondingly positioned inlet 25 in the tap 3 a, which in turn communicates with a discharge channel 26 extending axially in the housing 23. Details are in Figure 3 shown.

The adapter 22 or the sleeve forming the adapter 22 is furthermore equipped with wings 27 which, in the interior 2 of the housing 10, are used to rest against the inner wall or the cover 15 so that the tap 3a does not rotate when actuated from the outside can. An effective rotation lock is created.

The Figures 2a to 2f show the adapter 22, which is designed essentially as a sleeve. The Figures 2a to 2f show that the wings 27 are formed on an outer flange 28, as it were as an extension. They serve to support in the sense of a rotation lock. The figures also show the integral connection piece 24, which is part of the adapter 22. In the passage 29 of the adapter 22, a sealing ring 30 can be seen which, when pushed onto the housing 23 of the tap 3a, seals against the surface of the tap 3a. In this way, a safe flow connection can be established from the riser pipe 4 into the tap 3a.

The Figures 2a to 2f further show webs 31 formed in the passage 29, which serve to engage in corresponding grooves in the surface of the tap 3a. As a result, the adapter 22 can be pushed onto the tap 3a in a rotationally secure manner.

Figure 3 shows the beverage container without the pressure system with control valve and activation device according to FIG Figure 1 . For the sake of simplicity, only the dispensing device 3 with tap 3 a, riser pipe 4, external actuating member 5 and external outlet 6 is shown there.

In addition to the representation in Figure 1 shows Figure 3 the connection piece 24 on the adapter 22, in which a foam throttle 33 in the form of a helix is arranged in a space and acts on the flowing liquid, in particular on the beer to be tapped. From there, the liquid conveyed by pressure through the riser pipe 4 passes through an opening 34 in the adapter 22 or through the inlet 25 into an axial discharge channel 26. Corresponding to a rotation or actuation of the actuator 5, the liquid passes into the outlet 6 and leaves tap accordingly.

For the in Figure 3 The embodiment shown, the provision of the foam throttle 33 is of particular importance, the presence of which reduces the formation of foam during the tap.

It should also be noted that in Figure 3 the tap 3a is shown in the pulled out and correspondingly activated state. When not in use, the outer area of the tap can be moved inwards so that the actuating element is closer to the container 1, as shown in FIG Figure 1 is shown. Unintentional actuation is in the in Figure 1 shown position almost impossible.

Figure 3 shows in detail the connection area 32 into which the riser pipe 4 is inserted into the connection piece 24. In particular shows Figure 3 the flow connection up to the outlet 6.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the teaching according to the invention, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described exemplary embodiment of the teaching according to the invention only serves to explain the claimed teaching, but does not restrict it to the exemplary embodiment.

List of reference symbols

1

Beverage container

2

inner space

3

Dispensing device

3a

Tap

4th

Riser pipe

5

Actuator

6

Outlet

7th

Pressurized can

8th

Dome area

9

outlet valve

10

casing

11

Control valve

12

Activation device / actuation device

13th

ground

14th

niche

15th

cover

16

Activating organ

17th

protective cap

18th

feather

19th

membrane

20th

Outer wall

21st

Fold

22nd

Adapter / sleeve

23

Housing of the tap

24

Connection piece on the adapter

25th

Inlet into the adapter / tap

26th

Discharge channel

27

Wing on the adapter

28

Flange on adapter

29

Passage in the middle of the adapter

30th

sealing ring inside adapter at inlet 25

31

Bar on the inner surface of the adapter

32

Connection area for the riser pipe

33

Foam throttle

Claims (13)

Beverage containers, in particular beer kegs, preferably 5L party beer kegs, for providing and dispensing a liquid, preferably a drink, in particular a beer or beer drink,
with a base, a lid and a dispensing device for pressure-assisted discharge of the liquid in the container,
wherein the tapping device has a tap protruding from outside the container in a sealing manner into the container and a riser pipe leading inside the container to the tap, which extends from an area close to the bottom to a coupling area of the tap, so that the drink when the Tap can be conveyed via the riser pipe through the tap to the outside of the container,
wherein the tap has a preferably cylindrical housing with at least one inlet, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing and an adjoining discharge channel, essentially in the longitudinal direction inside the housing, and
wherein the coupling area for the riser pipe is formed by a sleeve pushed sealingly over the housing of the tap. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve is pushed onto the housing in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling area is formed by a connecting piece projecting preferably orthogonally from the sleeve and thus from the housing of the tap, into or onto which the riser pipe is inserted. Container according to Claim 3, characterized in that a foam throttle in the form of an expansion space and / or an inner guide device, for example a helix, is formed in the connection piece and / or in the plug-in / plug-on end of the riser pipe. Container according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sleeve has a passage approximately corresponding to the outer diameter of the housing of the tap, which passage is dimensioned and shaped so that the sleeve sits firmly on the housing in its assembled state. Container according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sleeve is glued to the housing of the tap, preferably in a sealing manner. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sleeve has an inner annular sealing area within its passage on its inner surface, in the area of an inflow opening connected to the riser pipe, which seals the flow path leading into the tap to the outside. Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the passage formed in the interior of the sleeve, on its inner surface, has axially extending webs serving for centering and possibly as a rotation lock, which are provided with recesses or grooves in the surface of the housing of the tap interact. Container according to Claim 8, characterized in that the webs are formed in an edge region of the sleeve. Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sleeve preferably has wings protruding at the end, which serve to rest against the inside of the lid and thereby position or lock the tap opposite the lid in the container. Container according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the tap and the plastic sleeve are preferably manufactured from the same material by injection molding. Dispensing device for a beverage container, in particular for a beer keg, preferably a 5L party beer keg, for providing and dispensing a liquid, preferably a drink, in particular a beer or beer drink,
wherein the container comprises a bottom and a lid,
wherein the dispensing device is used for pressure-assisted discharge of the liquid in the container and has a tap protruding from outside the container in a sealing manner into the container and a riser pipe leading to the tap inside the container, which extends from an area near the bottom to a coupling area of the tap so that when the tap is opened or operated, the drink can be conveyed via the riser pipe through the tap to the outside of the container,
wherein the tap has a preferably cylindrical housing with at least one inlet, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing and an adjoining discharge channel, essentially in the longitudinal direction inside the housing, and
wherein the coupling area for the riser pipe is formed by a sleeve pushed sealingly over the housing of the tap. Dispensing device according to Claim 12, characterized by the features according to one of Claims 2 to 11.

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