JP2013530892A - Method and apparatus for dispensing beverages, in particular carbonated beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage container comprising a body portion and a neck portion, wherein at least the body portion forms a first compartment for the beverage and preferably at least partially in order to pressurize the beverage in the beverage container. Inside, a pressure control device is provided, the pressure control device comprising a gas container forming a second compartment for accommodating a propellant under pressure, and a dispensing unit provided in and / or on the neck portion The beverage container unit, wherein the gas container is suspended by a neck portion and / or a dispensing unit, and pressure regulating means are provided in the dispensing unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing unit and a method for dispensing a liquid under pressure.

  Document EP 10642221 discloses a device for dispensing a liquid, the device comprising a container having a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being arranged to contain the liquid to be dispensed. The second compartment is arranged to contain a propellant gas, and at least in use, an opening is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment. The apparatus further includes pressure control means arranged to control the pressure of the propellant gas flowing from the second compartment into the first compartment during use. The pressure control means is provided in the first compartment.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a container unit in an alternative way. Another object of the present invention is to provide a container unit in which a pressure control device can be easily provided, specifically, can be easily attached.

  A still further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing unit that can be easily attached to a beverage container.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming and / or filling beverage containers, in particular self-pre-loading beverage containers.

  In a first aspect, a container unit according to the present disclosure includes a beverage container comprising a body portion and a neck portion, at least the body portion forming a first compartment for a beverage. In order to pressurize the beverage in the beverage container, a pressure control device is provided, the pressure control device comprising a gas container forming a second compartment for accommodating the propellant under pressure. A dispensing unit is provided in or on the neck portion, the gas container is supported by the neck portion and / or the dispensing unit, and a pressure regulating means is provided in the dispensing unit. The gas container preferably extends at least partially into the beverage container and is preferably suspended within the neck portion of the container.

  In a second aspect, a dispensing unit for a beverage container according to the present disclosure includes pressure regulating means and dispensing means. A first coupling means and a second coupling means are provided on the first side of the dispensing unit, the first coupling means surrounding the second coupling means. At least one first gas passage opens into the first coupling means, the first passage extends into the chamber of the pressure regulating means, and at least one second passage extends between the first coupling means and the second coupling means. And the second passage extends into the chamber.

  For elucidation of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way or form.

1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a dispensing unit according to the present invention in its initial state. 1b is a top view of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 1b is a side view of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1b is a bottom view of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1 in its initial state. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1 in a cross section along line AA. It is sectional drawing which shows the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1 in the cross section along line BB. It is sectional drawing which shows the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1 in the cross section along line CC. It is sectional drawing which shows the distribution unit shown in FIG. 1 in the cross section which follows line DD. It is a perspective view which shows the dispensing apparatus containing the dispensing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 in a cross-section along line AA in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 in a cross section along line DD in FIG. 2, and the operation lever is in an initial position. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 in a cross-section along line AA in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 in a cross section along line DD in FIG. 2, and the operation lever is in the first operation position. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 in a cross section along line BB in FIG. 2, and the operation lever is in the first operation position. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 in a cross section taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7, showing a second embodiment of the dispensing unit, with a section taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7, showing a second embodiment of the dispensing unit, with a section taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7, showing a second embodiment of the dispensing unit, with a section taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a dispensing unit according to the present description from the side facing the beverage container. It is the schematic which shows the 3rd embodiment of a container unit. It is the schematic which shows the 4th embodiment of a container unit. It is the schematic which shows the 5th embodiment of a container unit.

  In this description, as an example, a container unit and a pressure unit and method will be described with reference to a carbonated beverage, in particular beer.

  In this description, the pressure regulating means or pressure control device is based on the pressure prevailing in the first compartment containing the beverage to be dispensed by sending gas from the high pressure propellant gas container or the second compartment. It should be understood as including at least a device or assembly for controlling the inner pressure. This description describes an embodiment in which a beverage container is made of plastic, for example, blow molded, in particular stretch blow molded from a preform in any suitable manner as is known in the art. However, beverage containers made partially or completely of metal can be used as well. The embodiments specifically described and illustrated describe containers made of plastic, for example PET, PEN, or mixtures thereof, or other thermoplastic materials. For example, the gas container can be produced by injection molding and / or blow molding, similar to the blow molding of beverage containers. The gas container may have the basic shape of a blow molded preform for forming a bottle. The gas container can also be made of PET, PEN, or mixtures thereof, or other thermoplastic materials. However, such gas containers can be made differently and / or made of different materials, eg metals.

  The embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a dispensing unit including a dispensing unit and a pressure regulating unit is used, and the gas container containing the high-pressure propellant gas and the beverage container are closed using the dispensing unit. Can do.

  In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the features of the present invention maintain a regulated constant pressure in the liquid container during dispensing and control the flow area of the dispensing passage or dispensing outlet for liquid. Instead of controlling the flow rate of the liquid by doing so, the flow area of the dispensing passage or outlet is maintained at a rather constant value, preferably at a maximum value, and the pressure in the liquid container is adjusted to the liquid to be dispensed. Is controlled within a predetermined pressure range so as to control the flow rate. This allows a relatively low pressure to be applied during dispensing for any type of liquid, including both gaseous and non-gaseous beverages, while at the same time the desired propellant gas in the liquid container. The possibility of adjusting the flow rate of the liquid is maintained by simply adjusting or even changing the pressure. A further advantage of this solution is that by controlling the prevailing pressure in the liquid container during dispensing, the liquid flow path from the liquid container through the dispensing unit can be formed without any obstruction to the flow. This makes it possible to avoid the development of unwanted turbulence in the liquid during dispensing.

  A container unit according to the present disclosure can provide a beverage container 36 comprising a body 52 and a neck portion 51, at least the body portion 52 forming a first compartment for a beverage. In order to pressurize the beverage in the beverage container 36, a pressure control device 53 is provided. The pressure control device 53 includes a gas container 33 that forms a second compartment for containing a propellant under pressure, or the pressure control device 53 may be connected to such a gas container 33. The dispensing unit 10 can be provided in and / or on the neck portion 51. The gas container 33 may be supported by the neck portion 51 and / or the dispensing unit 10. The pressure regulating means 54 of the pressure control device 53 is provided in the dispensing unit 10. Therefore, in general, the pressure control device includes at least the pressure regulating means 54 and the gas container 33 or connecting means therefor. The gas container 33 preferably extends at least partially into the beverage container 36, preferably suspended within the neck portion 51 of the beverage container 36 and at least partially within an interior space contained within the body portion 52. Extend to. The dispensing unit 10 can block both the beverage container 36 and the gas container 33.

  When the gas container 33 is injection molded, the gas container 33 is expandable (expandable) radially in the first compartment, for example by a propellant gas under an internal gas pressure of between 4 and 20 absolute bar. It may have a gas container body portion 55 with a peripheral wall portion 56. This may be advantageous in that the peripheral wall portion 56 may secure the dispensing unit 10 with the gas container 33 more fully inside the beverage container 36. In an embodiment, the gas container 33 may be inserted into the beverage container 36 at least partially through the neck portion 51 of the beverage container 36. The neck part 51 surrounds the upper part of the gas container 33 and provides a passage 57 for gas between the inner surface of the neck part 51 and the outer part of the gas container 33. A dip tube preferably extends through the passage 57 from the first compartment into the dispensing unit 10.

  The dispensing unit 10 can include a first coupling means 40. The neck portion 51 of the beverage container 36 may comprise at least one coupling means for coupling to the first coupling means 40, preferably for a sealing coupling to the first coupling means 40. Similarly, the dispensing unit 10 can have at least one second coupling means 42. The gas container 33 may have a neck portion containing coupling means for cooperation with the second coupling means 42, preferably for sealing cooperation with the second coupling means 42.

  The beverage container 36 may have a first internal axial length measured between the outer end of the neck portion 51 and the opposite end of the beverage container 36. The gas container may have a second external axial length measured between the dispensing unit 10 to which the gas container 33 is attached and the opposite end of the gas container 33. The first axial length is slightly larger than the second axial length. The first axial length is preferably between 1 and 1.2 times the second axial length, more preferably between 1 and 1.1 times the second axial length. Although this may result in a relatively thin gas container 33 suitable for insertion through the neck portion 51 or fill opening of the beverage container 36, the gas container 33 may have a relatively large internal volume. This makes it possible to store a sufficient amount of propellant gas inside the gas container 33.

  The dispensing unit 10 passes through a pressure regulating means 53 that forms part of the gas passage between the first compartment and the second compartment, ie between the inner space of the beverage container 36 and the inner space of the gas container 33. It may include at least one passage 30, 25a leading to the first compartment. The pressure regulating means 53 may further include at least one valve assembly (valve assembly) for opening and closing the gas passage based on the pressure prevailing in the first compartment.

Within the dispensing unit 10 for the beverage container 36, pressure regulating means 54 and dispensing means may be included. On the first side of the dispensing unit 10, a first coupling means 40 and a second coupling means 42 are provided. The first coupling means 40 may surround the second coupling means 42. It should be understood as meaning at least, but not limited to, when viewed substantially horizontally with respect to the first side of the dispensing means, for example as particularly shown in FIG. I must. At least one first gas passage 52 a is opened in the second coupling means 42. In all embodiments, the first gas passage 52a may also be referred to as a gas inlet passage. The first gas passage 52 a extends into the chamber 58 of the pressure regulating means 54. In all embodiments, chamber 58 may also be referred to as a pressure sensing chamber (pressure sensing chamber). At least one second passage 25 b is opened between the first coupling means 40 and the second coupling means 42. The second passage 25 b extends into the chamber 58. In all embodiments, the second passage 25b may also be referred to as a gas outlet passage. A gas container 33 may be attached to the second coupling means 42. The gas container 33 has an axial length L _gas and extends into the second coupling means 42 when viewed in the direction of the axial length L _gas . It extends beyond the first coupling means 40 so that the gas container 33 can be seen in FIG. 17 when viewed in an axial direction which can be substantially horizontal to the first side of the dispensing unit 10. It means that there is no part that extends.

  The valve stem 23 can extend through the first passage 25a. The valve stem 23 can be connected to or to a movable and / or flexible wall portion 22 of the chamber 58. The valve stem 23 can open and close the first passage 25 a based on at least the position of the wall portion 22 of the chamber 58, for example, by the enlarged diameter 24 of the stem 23. The embodiment must be further elucidated. The wall portion 22 can be, for example, a flexible membrane 22 as disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 16, or a piston, for example as disclosed in EP 10642221 and mentioned in the embodiment of FIG. All combinations thereof should be considered as disclosed herein.

  FIG. 1 a illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the dispensing unit 10 in a perspective view. Although the dispensing unit 10 of FIG. 1 is shown as a cap for a bottle, the dispensing unit 10 can be designed in any other manner. For example, the dispensing unit 10 can be designed as a tape unit for a beer barrel. An exemplary first preferred embodiment of the dispensing unit 10 includes a lower mounting portion 11 and an upper covering portion 12. The lower mounting portion 11 and the upper covering portion 12 are connected via a flexible hinge (hinge). The upper covering part 12 includes a pivotable operating lever 14, which is used to control the liquid flow rate during dispensing. The operating lever 14 includes several once-breakable joints 15 for securing the operating lever 14 to an adjacent portion of the upper covering portion 12. These joints may also have the function of demonstrating that no foreign matter is mixed in the dispensing unit 10. These joints 15 must be broken before the first use of the dispensing unit 10 so that the operating lever 14 can be moved.

  In FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c, the lower mounting part 11, the upper covering part 12, the operating lever 14 and the once-breakable joint 15 of the dispensing unit 10 can be seen in the differently deployed drawings. it can. Also shown in FIG. 1 d is the pressure regulating membrane 22 and the flexible dispensing tube 16, these elements being arranged inside the dispensing unit 10.

  In FIG. 2, the dispensing unit 10 can be seen in plan view, using the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1a to 1d. This structure also shows lines AA, BB, CC, and DD, cross-sectional views taken along these lines, illustrated at least in the following FIGS. 3-6, There, the dispensing unit 10 is shown in an initial state when the operating lever 14 is in its initial position, ie in a storage state.

  FIG. 3 illustrates the dispensing unit 10 in a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. Inside the dispensing unit 10, a dispensing tube 16 is arranged under the operation lever 14. The dispensing tube 16 is secured to the lower mounting portion 11 and includes an opening 17 that establishes fluid communication with the interior space of a liquid container (not shown), to which the dispensing unit 10 is coupled. The dispensing tube 16 has an outer end portion 19 'with an opening 19 that allows liquid to flow out of the liquid container during dispensing. In FIG. 3, the outer end portion 19 ′ of the dispensing tube 16 is completely compressed by the eccentric forward projection 18 of the operating lever 14, thereby closing the liquid flow path.

  As can be seen in FIG. 4, the upper covering portion 12 of the dispensing unit 10 has, for example, a downward projection 20 in the upper covering portion 12 and a corresponding through hole in the lower mounting portion 11 configured to receive the protrusion 20. It is fixed to the lower mounting portion 11 by snap-fitting with the edge (rim) 21 of the rim.

  The dispensing unit 10 also includes a pressure regulating means 54 for generating a constant regulated pressure for the propellant gas in the liquid container. The pressure regulating means 54 is also called a pressure control device 54. In an exemplary preferred embodiment of the dispensing unit 10, the pressure regulating means 54 comprises an elastic membrane 22, preferably made of rubber, and a valve stem 23 joined at one end to the central portion of the membrane 22, It includes a valve head (valve head) 24 formed at the other end of the valve stem 23 and a fluid communication path for propulsion gas. An internal gas space (partially called a head space) of the liquid container 36 is connected. In the exemplary embodiment of the dispensing unit 10, the fluid communication path includes a first gas passage 25 a that guides the valve stem 23, a second gas passage 25 b or outlet passage (shown in FIG. 6), and a chamber 58. Including. The operation of the pressure regulating means 54 of the dispensing unit 10 will be described later. They form part of the pressure control device 53.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operation lever 14 has two coaxial turning shafts 26 a and 26 b that function as shafts for the operation lever 14, and can turn the operation lever 14 around the turning shafts 26 a and 26 b. On the lateral surface of the inner pivot 26a, there is a stud 27 arranged to extend into a guide hole 29 (shown in FIG. 6) of the slide 28. The slide 28 is guided so that it can move horizontally between two end positions defined by the two end positions of the operating lever 14. When the operation lever 14 is turned, the stud 27 arranged eccentrically with respect to the rotation shafts of the turning shafts 26 a and 26 b moves along a circular path, and thus the slide 28 is moved to the central portion of the dispensing unit 10. The stud 27 moves up or down in the guide hole 29 while moving toward or in the opposite direction. The slide is one embodiment of the operating device or part thereof.

  As clearly shown in FIG. 6, the slide 28 partially covers the membrane 22, and the range of the coating depends on the position of the operating lever 14. Below the coating region of the membrane 22 is a third gas passage 30 formed to connect the internal space of the gas container with the head space of the liquid container through the chamber 58 through pressure regulating means. The slide 28 is formed so that the region of the upper hole 31 of the third gas passage 30 which is also the outlet passage can be changed, thereby adjusting the amount of propulsion gas flowing from the gas container into the liquid container. By adjusting the flow rate of the gas flowing through the third gas passage 30, the pressure of the propellant gas in the liquid container during dispensing can be changed. Since the pressure regulating means 54 of the pressure control device 53 is configured to generate a predetermined pressure in the beverage container 36, also referred to as the liquid container 36, when integrated into the dispensing unit 10, the variable pressure range is It has an upper limit determined by the preset pressure of the pressure regulating means 53. On the other hand, the lower limit value of the variable pressure range cannot fall below ambient pressure. This is because the blockage of the third gas passage 30 stops the outflow of the liquid and prevents the ambient air from entering the liquid container 36.

  The mechanism including the operation lever 14, the slide, the third passage, and the pressure regulating means constitutes a means for adjusting the flow velocity of the propelling gas flowing from the gas container 33 into the liquid container 36, or at least It may constitute part of it and call it flow regulation means or operating device or part thereof. By changing the flow area of the third gas passage 30 by means of the mechanism, the pressure in the liquid container 36 can be adjusted, so that the liquid flow rate can also be set during dispensing.

  FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an assembled dispensing device or container unit 70. The dispensing device or container unit 70 comprises a liquid container or beverage container 36 (shown in broken lines), for example a bottle for containing a beverage, for example a carbonated beverage such as beer, and a high pressure, for example 2-20 bar. Between, and more preferably between 4 and 14 bar, a gas container 33 containing a propellant gas, for example carbon dioxide or nitrogen carbide, and a dispensing unit such as the dispensing unit 10 according to the invention. Preferably, a dip tube 35 is included. The dispensing unit 10 is connected to the liquid container 36 and the gas container 33 in an airtight manner. In FIG. 7, the gas container 33 is shown inside the liquid container 36, but the gas container 33 may be similarly disposed outside the liquid container 36. The dip tube 35 is arranged inside the liquid container 36 and connected to a corresponding dispensing passage of the dispensing unit 10.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device 70 shown in FIG. 7, and the operation lever 14 of the dispensing unit 10 is in its initial position. A cross section was taken along line AA in FIG. Within the dispensing device 70, the operating lever 14, which can also be called the operating means of the dispensing unit, is in its initial position, which is usually applied during storage of the dispensing device 70. In this case, the front projection 18 of the operating lever 14 closes the outer end portion 19 of the dispensing tube 16, thereby preventing the dispensing of the liquid 32 from the liquid container 36. Due to the overpressure of the propellant gas 34 prevailing in the head space of the liquid container 36, the dispensing tube 16 contains the liquid 32 even under pressure. Liquid 32 may enter the dispensing tube 16 through an opening 17 in a dispensing passage (not shown) formed in the dispensing unit 10.

  In the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, an exemplary method of connecting the dispensing unit 10 to the liquid container 36 and the gas container 33 can be seen in more detail. According to the present invention, the dispensing unit 10 has a first coupling means for coupling to the liquid container 36. As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first coupling means may include a snap-fit portion 40 formed in the lower mounting portion 11 of the dispensing unit 10. The snap-fit portion 40 is configured to be sealingly attached to a corresponding coupling portion of the liquid container 36. To achieve this purpose, the first coupling means may include an elastic sealing ring 38. After mounting the dispensing unit 10 on the liquid container 36, the corresponding part of the liquid container 36 compresses the elastic sealing ring 38. Although only a preferred embodiment of the first coupling means is illustrated in FIG. 9, the dispensing unit 10 can be coupled to the liquid container 36 in other ways, for example by screwing or gluing, in accordance with the present invention. obtain. Implementation of that alternative coupling mode will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  According to the invention, the dispensing unit 10 further comprises a second coupling means for coupling to the gas container 33. As illustrated in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the second coupling means may include a snap-fit portion 42 that is similarly formed in the lower mounting portion 11 of the dispensing unit 10. The snap-fit portion 42 is configured to be sealingly attached to a corresponding coupling portion of the gas container 33. After the second coupling means includes an elastic sealing ring 43 and the gas container 33 is attached to the dispensing unit 10, the corresponding coupling part of the gas container 33 presses on the elastic sealing ring. Although only a preferred embodiment of the second coupling means is illustrated in FIG. 9, the dispensing unit 10 can be coupled to the gas container in other ways as well, for example by screwing or gluing. Implementation of that alternative coupling mode will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

As can be seen in FIG. 17, the first coupling means and the second coupling means are both substantially circular and are provided on the first side 60 of the dispensing device 10. When viewed from the drawing presented in FIG. 17, the first coupling means may be spaced apart from the second coupling means and surround the second coupling means. This figure is substantially perpendicular to the side 60 or is along the axis L _gas of the gas container 33. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the contour 33A of the gas container 33 extends into the first coupling means in the drawing of FIG. This provides the possibility of inserting the gas container 33 into the beverage container 36 via the neck part 51 through coupling means provided on the neck part.

  FIG. 9 shows the dispensing unit 10 in the storage state when the operating lever (not shown) is in its initial position. The slide 28 is now in its inner end position, where the slide 28 presses the entire covered area of the membrane 22 onto the upper surface of the lower mounting portion 11, thereby causing an upper hole in the third gas passage 30. 31 is completely occluded. Under this condition, the membrane 22 takes the form of a dome, and the valve head 24 closes the lower hole of the first gas passage 25a. The pressure of the propellant gas 34 acting on the bottom surface of the valve head 24 is ensured by the counteracting elastic force of the membrane 22 being lifted. Within the gas space 58 defined by the upper surface membrane 22 of the lower mounting part 11 of the dispensing unit 10, the pressure is equal to the pressure of the gas container 33 and the head of the liquid container 36 through the gas container 33 and the second gas passage 25b. Because of the fluid communication path between the spaces, this pressure is equal to the pressure prevailing in the liquid container 36, also called the first pressure.

  After the dispensing of the liquid has ended, the operating lever 14 is again moved to its initial position, resulting in the same arrangement of the parts in the dispensing unit as shown in FIG. If the dispensing pressure is lower than the first pressure when the dispensing is stopped, the propulsion gas reaches the first pressure by the pressure regulating means of the dispensing unit 10 and is fixed in the liquid container 36 until the second gas is fixed. There is a tendency to flow from the gas container 33 into the liquid container 36 through the passage 25b.

  FIG. 10 shows the dispensing unit 10 with its operating lever 14 in the vertical position, where the dispensing tube 16 is open to the maximum extent. That is, the outer end portion 19 of the dispensing tube 16 presents the maximum possible flow area (flow area) for the liquid. In this case, however, the third gas passage (not shown) is still blocked. The liquid flows out of the liquid container 36 through a dispensing passage (not shown), then through the opening 17 and finally through the dispensing tube 16. If dip tube 35 is also used (as shown in FIG. 10), liquid 32 is propelled through dip tube 35 and into the dispensing channel.

  FIG. 11 shows a state of the dispensing unit 10 that is the same as the state shown in FIG. The pressure regulating means are still under the same state as described for the initial state of the dispensing unit 10, i.e. the membrane 22 is lifted and the third gas passage 30 is closed. In the first preferred embodiment of the dispensing unit 10, the vertical operation position (also referred to as the first operation position) of the operation lever 14 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 is the first operation range of the operation lever 14 and its second operation. The first operating range is associated with control of the flow area (flow area) of the dispensing passage or outlet for the liquid (ie the dispensing tube 16 in the first embodiment). . By continuously turning the operation lever 14 counterclockwise in FIG. 11, the upper hole 31 of the third gas passage 30 gradually increases as the slide 28 moves toward the periphery of the lower mounting portion 11. It will be released.

  As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of the dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 12, the dispensing passage 44 provides a fluid communication path for the liquid 32 between the interior space of the liquid container 36 and the flexible tube 16. To construct. A dip tube 35 may optionally be connected to the lower end of the dispensing passage 44.

  In FIG. 13, the dispensing device 70 is shown in a partial cross-sectional view, the operating lever 14 is moved to the second operating position and at least partially opens the upper hole 31 of the third gas passage 30. In the exemplary embodiment of the dispensing unit 10, the position of the operating lever 14 belongs to the second operating range of the operating lever 14, and the flow rate of the liquid 32 controls the pressure of the propellant gas 34 in the liquid container 36. Is controlled during dispensing. The more the operating lever 14 is pushed downward in the direction F indicated by the arrow in FIG. 13, the larger the area of the upper hole 31 of the third gas passage 30 is released by the movement of the slide 28, thereby covering the membrane 22. An increasing area of the part is lifted above the hole 31. Therefore, by changing the open area of the hole 31, the amount of gas flowing from the gas container 33 into the liquid container 36 through the third gas passage 30 is changed, and as a result, the propulsive force for the liquid 32 is changed. Can do.

  In order to minimize the gas flow through the second gas passage 25b during the dispensing or even to stop it completely, the second gas passage 25b should be closed or alternatively Thus, the second gas passage 25b should be restricted so that a substantial delay is presented when the first pressure in the liquid container 36 is generated by the pressure regulating means. To achieve this objective, in the first embodiment of the dispensing unit 10, the second gas passage 25b has a restricted section 25c, where under normal operating conditions the gas flow rate is small, Only a negligible amount of propellant gas can flow through the restricted compartment into the liquid container 36 every time unit, and thus compare against the time period normally required to dispense the desired amount of liquid. Within a long time, the regulated first pressure can be generated by the pressure regulating means. For example, if the first regulated pressure is 1.7-2 absolute bar, a diameter of about 100 μm for the restricted section 25c will allow a regulation delay of about 5-15 minutes, which is usually filled with glass It is much longer than the time. However, such a delay is not significant if the next dispensing operation starts after the end of the dispensing of the liquid. Moreover, the regulated first pressure in the liquid container 36 is greater than the equilibrium pressure of the liquid 32 stored in the liquid container 36, preferably only a few tenths of a bar, so that the liquid during storage Provide adequate long-term storage pressure for the liquid in the container.

  On the other hand, the pressure regulating means 54 of the first embodiment of the dispensing unit 10 also restricts the maximum pressure in the pressure range associated with the second operating range of the operating lever 14. When the third gas passage 30 is fully opened, the pressure in the liquid container 36 increases rapidly due to the large flow area of the hole 31, but the pressure can only rise to the first pressure. This is because the pressure regulating means 54 prevents the pressure in the head space of the liquid container 36 from further rising. In practice, as soon as the first pressure is reached in the liquid container 36, the valve head 24 closes the first gas passage 25a, so that more of the propellant gas 34 from the gas container 33 into the liquid container 36. To block the flow.

  FIG. 14 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a dispensing device 70 'along with a second embodiment of the dispensing unit 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the operating lever 114 (shown in broken lines) of the dispensing unit 10 is in its initial position, which is used for storage of the liquid container 136. The second embodiment of the dispensing unit 110 includes a common gas outlet passage 130 that provides the functions of both the first and second gas outlet passages used in the first embodiment of the dispensing unit. In order to properly control the gas flow through this common gas passage 130, the slide 128 as an operating device or part thereof is designed with a recess 129 in its bottom sliding surface, which means that the membrane 122 is a common gas. It is possible to have a local ridge 123 above the upper hole 131 of the passage 130. Under this local ridge 123, a limited flow rate for the propellant gas 134 is allowed, thus causing a substantial delay in the development of the first pressure in the liquid container 36.

  As can be seen in FIG. 15 illustrating a second embodiment of the dispensing unit 110, the operating lever 14 is in its operating position and the slide 128 is in a position where it completely closes the common gas passage 130. Moved. As in the first embodiment of the dispensing unit (but not shown in FIG. 15), in this position, the operating lever 14 completely opens the flexible dispensing tube of the dispensing unit 110.

  FIG. 16 illustrates a further embodiment of the dispensing unit 110 where the operating lever 114 is in the second operating position during dispensing and the inner end portion of the slide 128 is the main portion of the membrane 122. By allowing the common gas passage 130 to rise above the upper hole 131, the common gas passage 130 is at least partially opened. Within the second operating range of the operating lever 14, the common gas passage 130 is used only for controlling the pressure of the propellant gas in the liquid container 136 and thus also the flow rate of the liquid to be dispensed.

  Since the above embodiment of the dispensing unit 110 does not have a separate gas passage with a restricted section that sends the propellant gas 134 from the gas container 133 into the liquid container 136, the relatively large flow area of the common gas passage 130 is After the end of the dispensing of the liquid, a somewhat quicker development of the regulated first pressure in the liquid container 136 is possible.

  FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the beverage container 36, where the pressure regulating device 53 is suspended within the neck portion 51 of the container 36, and a portion of the gas container 33 is attached to the body 52 of the beverage container 36. It extends into the inner space. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating device 53 is integrated with the dispensing device 10. The gas container 33 may be located above the free end 69 of the neck portion 51 by a flange 61. In order for the dispensing device 10 to be pressed against the flange 61 and thus to press the flange 61 against the neck portion 51 and to close the gas container 33 in an airtight manner, the dispensing device 10 can be, for example, a press fit or click means. 40 is mounted on the neck portion 51. If necessary, suitable seals 38, 43 may be provided.

  A valve 62, for example an aerosol valve as described in EP 1064221, is provided at the bottom 71 of the dispensing device 10, and the inner space of the gas container 33 and the space above the bottom 71 and below the wall part 22. 58 is formed, and a pressure regulating chamber 63 is provided on the other side. The bottom 71 can be an integral part of the dispensing unit 10 or it can be a separate part, for example by means of clicking means, gluing, welding, press fitting etc. It can be provided on the flange 61. On the opposite side of the space 58, supported by the valve 62 is a flexible wall portion 22 of the pressure regulating means 54, which forms part of the wall of the pressure regulating chamber 63. If the pressure in the space 58 drops below the regulation pressure, the wall portion 22 is pressed against the valve 62 by the pressure in the pressure regulation chamber 63 above the wall 22 to open the valve 62, The gas is allowed to flow from the gas container 33 into the space 58. At least one passage 25 b is provided in the inner space of the beverage container 36 through the bottom 71 and the flange 61. Therefore, a pressure balance exists substantially between the inner space of the beverage container 36 and the space 58. When the pressure in the beverage container 36 is returned to a desired pressure, such as a balanced pressure, the wall portion 22 is pushed back and the valve 62 is closed. The pressure regulation or control device 53 of all embodiments may comprise a similar arrangement of the chambers 58 and 63 and the intermediate wall portion 22 for opening and / or closing the inlet passage 25a.

  The dip tube 35 extends from the inner space of the beverage container 35 over the gas container 33 and through the flange 61 into the dispensing device 10. A dispensing tube 63 is connected to the dip tube 35 by a valve 64, which in the illustrated embodiment may be a hose-type valve operable by an arm 14 connected to an excenter 66. . In FIG. 18, the valve 64 is shown in the closed position. By moving the arm 14 in the direction of the arrow 67, the valve 64 is opened and the beverage can be discharged from the beverage container 36 through the dip tube 35 and the dispensing tube 63. The pressure in the beverage container 36 is regulated by the pressure regulating device 53, particularly by the pressure regulating means 54. When the arm 14 is returned, the valve 64 is closed again. Obviously, other types of valves 64 may be provided, for example in-line valves (in-line valves). Other means for actuating the valve 64 may also be provided. In other embodiments, the valve 64 may be omitted, in which case the dispensing tube may be a dispensing unit or in order to cooperate with the valve unit of the dispensing unit, for example as described in EP1289874. A valve can be provided, or a dispensing tube can be connected to the dispensing unit or valve.

In FIG. 19, a further embodiment of the beverage container 36 is shown. Only the upper part of the beverage container 36 is shown, and the beverage container 36 includes a neck part 51 on which the dispensing unit 10 is provided. A gas container 33 is provided outside the beverage container 36, for example in a recess in its outer wall, such that the longitudinal axes L _gas and L _bottle extend substantially parallel to each other. The gas container 33 is mounted in the dispensing unit 10 in any suitable manner, for example in the manner previously disclosed in other embodiments. Within the dispensing unit 10, as described above, a gas sensing chamber 58 and a gas regulating chamber 63 are again provided, separated by a deformable and / or displaceable wall or wall portion 22. A gas inlet passage 25 a extends from the gas container 33 into the pressure sensing chamber 58, and a stem 23 that supports the head 24 closing the gas inlet passage 25 a extends through the pressure sensing chamber 58. The stem 23 is connected to the wall portion 22. In the dispensing unit 10 is further provided a dispensing tube 16 extending from the immersion tube 35 to the outlet end 19. As discussed with reference to FIG. 18, the dip tube 16 is at least partially flexible so that the dip tube may be occluded by the paracentric body. Gas outlet passages 25 b, 30 extend from the gas sensing chamber 58 to the interior space of the beverage container 36. The gas outlet passages 25b, 30 are relatively large so that the desired pressure is substantially instantaneously restored inside the beverage container to dispense the beverage during dispensing of the beverage at maximum flow. It has a cross section, preferably a cross section sufficient to allow a certain amount of gas to flow from the gas container and / or gas sensing chamber 58 into the beverage container when fully open. The gas outlet passages 25b, 30 may have a cross section of, for example, half a square mm or more.

  In the dispensing unit 10, an operating device 28 is provided which is slidable in a passage 80 which extends substantially perpendicular to the gas outlet passages 25b, 30. A spring 81 is provided between the bottom of the passage 80 and the device 28 and biases the operating device 28 in an outward direction from the passage 80. An opening 83 is provided in the operating device 28 substantially perpendicular to the direction of the movement F and has a cross section similar to that of the gas outlet passages 25b, 30. In the first position as shown in FIG. 19, for example, the opening 83 spans a small part so that the remaining path through the passages 25b, 30 and the opening 83 is very small, for example well below 0.5 square meters. Only, preferably open to the passages 25b, 30 over only a very small part, so that in this position a limited flow from the chamber 58 to the beverage container 36 is possible and the beverage is dispensed. Delay pressure balance between and / or after serving. By pushing the operating device 28 towards the closed end of the passage 80, the opening 83 becomes more open with respect to the passages 25b, 30 and a larger flow of gas, thus faster in the beverage container 36. Allows for an increase in pressure.

FIG. 20 further discloses, for example, an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 9, for example, but the gas container 33 has a different shape. In this embodiment, the gas container 33 is provided in the upper part of the beverage container 36, and is substantially ball-shaped, donut-shaped, dome-shaped, etc., and has a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L _gas . D _g and an axial length Z parallel to the longitudinal axis L _gas . In an embodiment, the cross section D _g may be larger than the internal cross section D _neck of the neck portion of the beverage container 36 so that the gas container 33 cannot be withdrawn from the beverage container 36 through the neck portion 51. In an embodiment as disclosed, for example, in the body of the beverage container 36 such that the gas container 33 abuts the inside of the body of the beverage container and / or the wall of the shoulder portion, for example just below the neck portion 51. internal cross-section _{D b} is substantially equal to, for example, at least half of the internal cross-section Db of the body of the beverage container 36, preferably at least 3/4 of the cross-section Db, for example, substantially cross-sectional _{D g} of the same cross-section _{D b} A gas container 33 as shown in FIG. In an embodiment, the length Z of the gas container 33 may be less than half of the axial length L of the beverage container 36, preferably less than 1/4 of the axial length L, for example about 1/5 of the axial length. In an embodiment, the length L is sufficient to hold a sufficient amount of gas to dispense a full volume of beverage from the beverage container 36 at the desired maximum pressure of the gas in the gas container 33. In order to provide sufficient capacity within.

  For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a gas container 33 as shown in FIG. 20, the gas container can be a plastic container that can be injection molded or otherwise formed as a preform. The plastic container is blown to the desired final shape at least partially within the beverage container after at least partial insertion of the gas container into the container in the form of a preform. Prior to insertion into the beverage container, the preform can be blown at least partially, or it can be completely blown inside the beverage container. Blow molding may be achieved at least partially by the pressure introduced into the gas container 33 or formed inside the gas container 33. In particular, this can be advantageous when dry ice is used to provide at least a portion of the desired amount of pressure gas inside the gas container 33, as described below.

  In the described embodiment, the gas container 33 may be provided in the upper half of the beverage container 36 when positioned with the neck portion 51 or at least the dispensing unit 10 at the top thereof. Preferably, the gas container 33 is provided almost directly below the neck portion 51 and / or the dispensing unit 10, for example within the upper quarter or upper fifth of the internal volume of the beverage container 36. This means that the volume of beverage contained in the beverage container 36 is substantially or preferably substantially completely below the gas container 33 and in the lower part of the gas container. This is because the center of gravity G of the entire assembly including the dispensing unit 10, the beverage container 36 with beverage and the gas container 33 has a longer length and a smaller cross section, as shown for example in FIG. Compared to the position of the center of gravity G when the gas container is provided, this means that it is shifted downward. This increases the stability of the assembly.

  In an alternative embodiment, for example, referring to FIGS. 1-16, before the gas container 33 is positioned at least partially outside the beverage container 36 as shown in FIG. The operating means 14 for this can be integrated again as shown. Alternatively, in all embodiments, the gas container may be shaped and / or dimensioned differently, e.g., its outer side is substantially flush with the circumference defined by the body of the beverage container, or As within, the gas container may be provided, for example, as a collar around the neck portion of the container.

According to one aspect, a method for providing a beverage container unit is described. There, the beverage container 36 is filled with beverage through a filling opening, for example, the neck portion 51. A gas container 33 is further provided that includes a predetermined amount of gas or gas generating means. This can be, for example, CO ₂ gas or dry ice. This is a pressure well above the dispensing pressure for the beverage, for example well above 2 bar, preferably above 4 absolute bar, for example, but not limited to, between 4 and 15 bar. Is established in advance in the gas container. The gas container can be mounted in the dispensing opening or neck portion 51 so that the gas container can extend through the filling opening into the interior space of the beverage container 36. This is preferably done after filling the beverage container with the beverage. A dispensing unit 10 including a pressure regulating means 54 is provided, the dispensing unit 10 being mounted in and / or over the filling opening and connected to the gas container 33.

  In certain embodiments, the dispensing unit 10 can be, for example, any one of the previous embodiments. The dispensing unit 10 can be mounted after filling the beverage container and the propellant gas under pressure is brought into the gas container. In an embodiment, apart from the beverage container 36, the gas container 33 may be attached to the dispensing unit 10 and placed as a single piece on the beverage container 36. Alternatively, the gas container may be suspended on or in the beverage container 36 by, for example, but not limited to, flange 61. Thereafter, the dispensing unit can be arranged and coupled to the first and second coupling means. In such an embodiment, after the gas container is placed in or on the beverage container 36, the gas may be fed into the gas container.

  In one aspect, the present invention also relates to a novel method for dispensing liquid under pressure from a liquid container that stores liquid under pressure by a propellant gas at a first regulated pressure. Preferably, in such a method, the first pressure exceeds the equilibrium pressure of the liquid, for example, without limitation, by a few tenths of a bar. Additional propellant gas is stored in the gas container at a second pressure that is substantially higher than the first pressure to provide a first regulated pressure in the liquid container. The propellant gas stored in the second gas container is also used to control the liquid flow rate during dispensing.

  According to a method according to the invention, the dispensing can be started by reducing the first pressure of the liquid container to a third pressure, the third pressure being at least at ambient pressure. Depending on the design of the particular dispensing device used for dispensing, the third pressure can be higher than the ambient pressure. After the overpressure of the liquid container has been partially or wholly released, the dispensing channel for the liquid is opened and the flow area of the entire dispensing channel is determined. The opening of the liquid dispensing path can be effected along the internal dispensing duct or at the dispensing outlet.

  Eventually, the pressure of the propellant gas in the liquid container can be controlled within the pressure range defined by the first pressure and the ambient pressure, while maintaining the defined flow area of the liquid dispensing path unchanged. Thereby, the first amount of liquid is dispensed. This first amount preferably corresponds to the total dose of liquid to be dispensed in a single run. The prevailing overpressure in the liquid container during dispensing is a few tenths of a bar, e.g., 0. 0, so as to maintain the liquid flow rate at a somewhat lower level, thereby not allowing excessive bubbling of the liquid. Preferably, the ambient pressure is not exceeded by 1 to 0.2 bar.

  Alternatively, the step of reducing the overpressure in the liquid container and the step of opening and establishing the flow area of the liquid dispensing channel can be performed simultaneously. In this case, a second quantity of liquid can be additionally dispensed in this step, but this second dispensed quantity is preferably very limited. The second amount is preferably less than 10-15% of the total amount of liquid to be dispensed in a single administration.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the metering pressure of the propellant gas in the liquid container can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the propellant gas flowing from the gas container into the liquid container during the metering. However, in order to provide the required amount of gas for this purpose, for example by using an additional gas supply, optionally by using an external gas container, in the liquid container during dispensing. The control of the pressure can also be implemented in other ways.

  In the foregoing, several preferred embodiments of the dispensing unit and dispensing method according to the present invention have been illustrated, but the present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and drawings. However, many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

  Specifically, two independent operating levers or other operating means for each operating range described above, namely a first operating lever for controlling the flow area of the liquid metering channel and a propellant gas By providing a second operating lever for controlling the flow area of the third gas passage (or common gas passage), a single operating lever of the dispensing unit can be achieved. In addition, any other type of tool, such as a push button, rotary knob, etc., may be used instead of a lever as an operating means for controlling the flow rate of the liquid. The slider element 28 can be simplified. For example, the sliding element can be replaced by a plastic elastic piece, and the elastic plastic piece can be pushed into the membrane and / or by a lever 14 to open and / or close the associated passage (s) such as the passage 30. Alternatively, it can be extruded from the membrane.

  While providing the same function of generating a first regulated pressure in the liquid container, a pressure regulating means may be designed that differs from the exemplary pressure regulating body described above with reference to the drawings. Such pressure regulating means are well known in the art.

  The dispensing unit 10 can be designed to fit within the neck portion of the beverage container or to be at least partially integrated with the beverage container. The beverage container may be a bag in the container design and surrounds a second attachment means that can accommodate the gas container, for example, a flexible suspended in the beverage container connected to the dispensing device 10. A beverage can be contained in the bag. The second passages 25b, 30, 130 can open into the space between the bag and the beverage container. The dispensing tube 64 or 19 may be elongated, may extend well beyond the circumference of the beverage container, may be provided with a series valve or the like.

  These and many other variations, including, but not limited to, all combinations of parts of the embodiments described and discussed are considered to be disclosed herein and are annexed to this disclosure and / or this description. Such claims are within the scope of such claims.

Claims (15)

A container unit for beverages,
Including a beverage container comprising a body portion and a neck portion;
At least the body portion forms a first compartment for a beverage;
In order to pressurize the beverage in the beverage container, preferably a pressure control device is provided at least partially in the beverage container,
The pressure control device includes a gas container forming a second compartment for containing a propellant under pressure,
A dispensing unit is provided in and / or on the neck part, the gas container being supported by the neck part and / or the dispensing unit;
Pressure regulating means is provided in the dispensing unit;
Container unit.   The container unit according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit closes the beverage container and the gas container.   The container unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas container is made of plastic, specifically thermoplastic, and more specifically PET of a PET mixture.   The gas container is injection molded and the gas container has a body portion with a peripheral wall portion, the peripheral wall portion being within the first compartment under an internal gas pressure between 4 and 20 absolute bar. The container unit according to claim 3, wherein the container unit is expandable in a radial direction.   The gas container is insertable into the beverage container at least partially through the neck portion of the beverage container, the neck portion closing an upper portion of the gas container, and an inner surface of the neck portion; 5. A passage for gas between the outer part of the gas container and preferably a dip tube extends from the first compartment into the dispensing unit through the passage. The container unit according to any one of claims.   The dispensing unit comprises first coupling means, the neck portion of the beverage container for coupling to the first coupling means, preferably for sealingly coupling to the first coupling means 6. A container unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one coupling means.   The gas container has a gas container body portion and a gas container neck portion, the gas container body portion extends at least partially into the first compartment, and the dispensing unit comprises at least one second 7. A coupling means, wherein the gas container neck portion comprises a coupling means for cooperating with the coupling means, preferably for sealingly cooperating with the coupling means. The container unit according to any one of the above.   The container unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the beverage container is preferably a blow molded plastic container made of at least PET or a PET mixture.   The beverage container has a first internal axial length measured between an outer end of the neck portion and an opposite end of the beverage container, and the gas container is the metering to which the gas container is attached. A second external axial length measured between the dispensing unit and the opposite end of the gas container, the first axial length being slightly larger than the second axial length, preferably the first axial length; 9. The method according to claim 1, which is between 1 and 1.2 times the biaxial length, more preferably between 1 and 1.1 times the second axial length. Container unit.   The dispensing unit includes at least one passage from the pressure restricting means to the first compartment, and forms part of a gas passage between the first compartment and the second compartment, and the pressure restricting means 10. A container unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one valve assembly for opening and closing the gas passage based on a prevailing pressure in the first compartment. A dispensing unit for a beverage container,
Including pressure regulating means and dispensing means,
A first coupling means and a second coupling means are provided on the first side of the dispensing unit, the first coupling means surrounding the second coupling means,
At least one first gas passage opens into the second coupling means, the first passage extends into the chamber of the pressure regulating means;
At least one second passage opening between the first coupling means and the second coupling means, the second passage extending into the chamber;
Dispensing unit.   A gas container is attached to the second coupling means, and the gas container has a certain axial length and extends into the first coupling means when viewed in the axial length direction, the gas container being 12. Dispensing unit according to claim 11, preferably made of plastic, more preferably injection molded and / or blow molded and / or made of PET or PET blending part.   A valve stem extends through the first passage and is connected to or to a movable and / or flexible wall portion of the chamber, the valve stem depending at least on the position of the wall portion of the chamber. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first passage can be closed and opened. A method for providing a beverage container unit comprising:
A beverage container is filled with a beverage through a filling opening, a gas container is provided that extends into the filling opening through the filling opening, and a dispensing unit is provided that includes pressure regulating means, the dispensing unit being disposed in the filling opening. And / or mounted over the filling opening and connected to the gas container,
Method.   14. A dispensing unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the dispensing unit is installed after the beverage container is filled, and a propellant gas under pressure is provided in the gas container. Item 15. The method according to Item 14.

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