JP2013538764A - Dispensing head for delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a dispensing head (5) configured to be coupled to a beverage container on an extraction tube disposed in the beverage container of the dispensing system. The dispensing head includes a housing (13) having a first end (14) and a second end (15), and a hollow piston (16) disposed displaceably in the housing (13). The piston (16) is connected to the handle (9) such that when the handle (9) is actuated, the piston (16) is displaced toward the housing (13) and beyond the second end of the housing (13). A hollow piston (16), and a gas inlet (10) disposed in the housing (13) through the fluid channel along the piston (16) and the housing (13) and the piston ( 16) and a gas introduction port (10) in a connected state. Furthermore, a gas blocking element (18) is arranged in the fluid channel (17).

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing head configured to be coupled to a beverage container on an extraction tube disposed in a beverage container of a dispensing system, the dispensing head having a first end and a second end. A housing and a hollow piston displaceably disposed in the housing, the hollow being connected to the handle such that when the handle is actuated, the piston is displaced toward the housing and beyond the second end of the housing A piston and a gas inlet arranged in the housing, the gas inlet being connected to a space extending through the fluid channel along the piston and between the housing and the piston .

  The invention also relates to a delivery system.

  A number of systems and devices are known in the field of beverage delivery. Usually, the beverage is contained in a container such as a Keg, which is connected to the dispensing system during use. The beverage flows out of the container via a dispensing line that is normally connected to a dispensing tap from which the beverage is dispensed. The flow of the beverage can be realized, for example, by a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the container that pushes the beverage to the delivery line. During use of the dispensing system, pressure is usually applied continuously to the interior of the container by the pressure medium. Generally, CO2 is used as the pressure medium.

  The pressure medium is usually supplied from the gas cylinder to the beverage container via the dispense head. In addition, it is common for a dispense head to be connected to the beverage outlet of the container so that it functions to supply the beverage container with a pressure medium such as CO2 and the beverage to the dispensing system.

  When the beverage container is connected to the dispensing system by the dispensing head, this connection can preferably be maintained without causing leakage of the pressure medium (ie CO2) to the surroundings. Traditionally, this has been done by integrating elaborate connection means within the dispense head. This connection means tends to be quite complex and expensive, and in most cases the leakage of the pressure medium is only limited during the connection of the beverage container and is not eliminated.

  In addition, the interior of known dispensing heads is often soiled by residues from beverages and the like, but due to the complex and elaborate structure and design of known dispensing heads, they are usually completely clean. Are difficult, which means they can become unhygienic.

  In addition, during the keg change (in this situation, the dispense head is removed from the keg), most today's dispense heads have the risk of CO2 leaking through the dispense head if it is accidentally activated. Exposed to.

  CO2 is a dangerous gas when the total content in the room becomes excessively high. The normal content of CO2 in the atmosphere is 0.03% by volume. When the amount of CO2 reaches a level of 2 to 3% by volume, the person in the room will experience deeper breathing and higher pulse frequency. This increases with increasing levels of CO2, and eventually becomes unconscious. If the level exceeds 10% by volume, humans in the room will die for only a short time, even if they are not exposed to it.

  The object of the present invention is to completely or partly overcome the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art, and to be easily cleaned with a simple structure and accidentally into the environment in a disconnected state. It is to provide a dispensing head that does not leak CO2.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispensing head that can be easily removed from the container when it is separated.

 The above objectives as well as many other objectives, advantages and features (which will become apparent from the following description) are based on the solution according to the invention and are based on the beverage container on the extraction tube placed in the beverage container of the dispensing system. A dispense head configured to be coupled to a housing having a first end and a second end, and a hollow piston disposed axially displaceable within the housing Wherein the piston is disposed within the housing and a hollow piston connected to the handle such that upon actuation of the handle, the piston is axially displaced toward the housing and beyond the second end of the housing. Gas inlet and extends through the fluid channel along the piston and between the housing and the piston And a gas inlet was paced and the connecting state is realized by the dispensing head gas shut-off element is disposed in the fluid channel, or fluid channels.

  This gives a dispense head with a simple design, which has only a few different parts arranged in the space between the housing and the piston, making it easier to remove the dirt, thereby Compared to prior art solutions, it becomes more hygienic. Furthermore, after the gas shut-off has been removed from the piston, the dispensing head according to the present invention is safer than previously known dispensing heads. This is because residues and other contaminants do not accumulate near the ceiling.

  Furthermore, the design and configuration of the dispense head according to the present invention has fewer parts than previous solutions, simplifying the manufacture and repair / maintenance of the dispense head.

  Further, the blocking element may comprise a spring element for maintaining the fluid channel in a closed state with respect to gas flow when the dispense head is inactive, the spring element having a predetermined spring force. Thereby, the gas, that is, CO2 does not leak accidentally. Thus, the spring element ensures that the dispense head does not leak CO2 even if it is actuated and in a disconnected state.

  Furthermore, the handle may be connected to the blocking element via a hinge.

  In addition, the hinge may be connected to the blocking element via a valve piston, which is movable.

  Furthermore, the blocking element may be disposed in a hole in the housing that extends from the hinge to the fluid channel, the blocking element being disposed around the valve piston and a nut disposed around the valve piston. And a spring element extending between the protrusion on the bottom of the valve piston and the nut, and a gasket disposed around the spring element and the valve piston.

 Further, the housing may include an external groove configured to cooperate with the means on the handle to maintain the handle position in a connected state.

  Further, the space may be an annular shape extending along the outer surface of the piston. The space may be disposed between the outer surface of the piston and the housing.

  Furthermore, a sealing may be arranged on the housing or in the piston in order to seal the space radially upward. The sealing may be an O-ring. It is only necessary in this design to have a single seal, and it allows the interior of the housing to be vented through the seal when the dispense head is to be removed from the container, and the pressure is It still exists in the dispensing head, which makes it difficult for the user to pull out the container.

  Furthermore, the hollow piston may have an axial hole configured to guide the beverage through the dispensing head during dispensing.

  In addition, a support ring may be disposed within the housing and may extend around the piston to support axial displacement of the piston within the housing.

  Further, the blocking element may extend across the fluid channel in a closed state, thereby blocking the gas flow.

  The blocking element may be arranged directly in the fluid channel, for example in a radial or axial direction with respect to the gas flow direction, or it is arranged in connection with the fluid channel, for example in an extension of the fluid channel. Also good.

  The blocking element may be disposed in the fluid channel or in the housing at a distance from the piston.

  The blocking element may be activated when the piston loses resistance, i.e. it is not displacing the valve of the extraction tube. Conversely, the blocking element is not activated when the piston receives resistance from the valve of the extraction tube.

  The present invention also relates to a dispensing system for dispensing beverages, wherein the system is an extraction tube disposed within the beverage container opening configured to function as a valve, wherein the beverage container opening is closed. A beverage container with an extraction tube having an internal spring with a spring force such that it can be maintained at a gas source, a gas supply source, a dispensing tap, and a dispensing head based on any of the above technical features.

  Furthermore, the spring force of the spring element may be smaller than the spring force of the internal spring.

  The present invention and its numerous advantages will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments for purposes of illustration.

It is a figure which shows the delivery system based on this invention. It is a figure which shows a dispensing head. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 2 in a disconnected state, wherein the handle of the dispense head is not actuated. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 2 in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle activated. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing head connected to a beverage container, the container being partially shown. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head in a connected state, with the dispense head handle actuated and the piston projecting downward from the housing. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 6 with the gas shut-off element shown in an open state. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a dispense head configured for use in an S delivery system in cross-section with the dispense head disconnected, wherein the handle of the dispense head is not actuated. FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 8a in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle activated. FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 8a in a connected state, with the handle of the dispense head activated. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another dispensing head in a disconnected state, with the dispensing head handle being activated. FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 9a in the connected state, with the handle of the dispense head being activated. FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 9a in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle not activated. FIG. 9c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 9c, with the gas blocking element shown in a closed state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further dispense head in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle being activated. FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 10a in the connected state, with the handle of the dispense head activated. FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 10a in a disconnected state, wherein the handle of the dispense head is not actuated. FIG. 10c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 10c. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further dispense head in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle being about to be actuated. FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 11a in the connected state, with the handle of the dispense head activated. 11b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 11a in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle not activated. FIG. FIG. 11c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 11c, with the locking element shown in the locked position. FIG. 10 is a side view of yet another dispense head in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle not activated. FIG. 12b is a plan view of the dispense head of FIG. 12a. 12b is another side view of the dispense head of FIG. 12a. FIG. FIG. 12b is a perspective view of the dispense head of FIG. 12a viewed from below. It is sectional drawing of the dispensing head in a non-connection state. FIG. 13b is a bottom view of the dispense head of FIG. 13a. FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 13a in a connected state. FIG. 13c is a bottom view of the dispense head of FIG. 13c. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further dispense head in a connected state, with the dispense head handle being activated. FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 14a in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle activated. 14b is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head of FIG. 14a in a disconnected state, with the dispense head handle not activated. FIG. 14c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing head of FIG. 14c, with the gas shut-off element shown in a closed state.

  All figures are approximate and not necessarily to scale, they show only the parts necessary to explain the invention, and other parts are omitted or merely implied. .

  FIG. 1 shows a delivery system 1 according to the present invention. This dispensing system 1 comprises a beverage container 2 such as a keg. The beverage container comprises an extraction tube 3 arranged in its opening (not shown) configured to function as a valve, the extraction tube 3 being maintained with the opening of the beverage container 2 closed. An internal spring (not shown) having a spring force that enables

  The delivery system 1 also comprises a gas supply 4. This gas supply 4 can be, for example, a CO2 container and can be connected to a dispensing head 5 according to the invention. Hereinafter, the dispense head 5 will be described in detail.

  The delivery tap 6 is connected to the dispense head 5 via a delivery line 7. In this embodiment, a cooling device 8 is placed between the dispensing tap 6 and the dispensing head 5 to cool the beverage before dispensing.

  During operation of the dispensing system 1, the gas supply 4 supplies pressurized gas, such as CO 2 or other suitable gas, to the upper end of the beverage container 2 via the dispense head 5 in order to push out the beverage. To do. When the dispensing tap 6 is opened, the CO 2 begins to push the beverage from the top end of the beverage container 2 and the beverage at the bottom of the beverage container 2 passes through the extraction tube 3 into the flow channel of the dispense head 5; And it is made to flow further in the delivery line 7.

  In FIG. 2, the dispensing head 5 according to the present invention is shown as seen from the outside. The dispense head 5 includes a housing 13 and a handle 9 configured to actuate the dispense head 5 while connected to a beverage container (not shown). The dispensing head 5 also includes a gas inlet 10 and a beverage outlet 11. Furthermore, the dispensing head 5 comprises mechanical connecting means 12 configured to engage with a flange on an extraction tube (not shown) arranged in a beverage container (not shown).

  In FIG. 3, the dispense head 5 is shown in cross section. The dispense head 5 includes a housing 13 having a first end 14 and a second end 15. The hollow piston 16 is axially displaceable in the housing 13, and the piston 16 is axially directed toward and beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13 when the handle 9 is actuated. It is connected to the handle 9 so that it can be displaced (this is shown in FIG. 4). Furthermore, a gas inlet 10 is arranged in the housing 13, which is a space (not shown) extending along the piston 16 and between the housing 13 and the piston 16 via the fluid channel 17. And connected. According to the invention, the gas blocking element 18 is arranged in the fluid channel 17. The fluid channel may be, for example, a gas hole extending through the housing from the gas inlet to the space. The gas blocking element will be described in more detail in connection with FIG.

  The housing 13 also comprises an external groove 19, which, together with the means of the handle 9 (not shown), is configured to maintain the position of the handle 9 in an operating state.

  In addition, a sealing 20 is disposed in the outer groove of the piston 16 to seal the space radially upward. In another embodiment, the ceiling may be disposed in association with the housing. A support ring 21 is disposed within the housing 13 and extends around the piston 16 to support axial displacement of the piston 16 within the housing 13.

  In FIG. 4, the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 3 is shown in cross section. The handle 9 is actuated so that the piston 16 is displaced downward and axially beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13. However, in FIG. 4, the dispense head is not connected to the container. Thus, the gas shut-off element 18 ensures that no gas leaks occur even if the handle is actuated.

  This is due to the fact that the blocking element 18 comprises a spring element 22 that is configured to maintain the fluid channel in a closed state with respect to gas flow in the disconnected state of the dispense head even if the handle is actuated. The spring element 22 will have a predetermined spring force.

  In FIG. 5, a section of the dispensing head 5 mounted on the beverage container 22 is shown, and the container 2 is only partially shown. An extraction tube 23 is disposed in the container 2. The function of the extraction tube is well known and will not be described in detail. However, the extraction tube 23 is configured to function as a valve and has an internal spring 24 with a spring force that allows the beverage container opening to be maintained closed. When the dispense head is connected to the extraction tube 23 and activated (the dispense head is not activated in FIG. 5), the piston of the dispense head pushes down the extraction tube 23 and the extraction tube is opened. . Thereby, when pressurized gas, ie CO2, is supplied to the region 27 above the beverage 25, the beverage 25 in the beverage container is pushed out from the container at the bottom via the extraction portion 26 of the extraction tube 23. be able to.

  In FIG. 6, the dispensing head 5 is shown in a connected state (even though the container is not shown) and is activated because the handle is in its lowest position. In this connected state, the gas blocking element 18 is opened and gas can flow into the container through the fluid channels and spaces. The handle 9 is connected to the blocking element 18 via a hinge 28. The hinge 28 is connected to the blocking element 18 via a valve piston 29, and the valve piston 29 is movable. The spring element 22 is arranged in association with the valve piston. An embodiment of the gas blocking element is described below in connection with FIG.

  As explained above, when the dispensing head 5 is connected to the beverage container over the brew tube and the handle is actuated, the piston is displaced downward in the housing. During this displacement, the piston displaces the upper end of the extraction tube and thereby opens the beverage container.

  The internal spring of the extraction tube has a greater force, i.e. a spring force, than the inherent force of the spring element 22 of the gas shut-off element 18, which is the piston when the dispense head 5 is connected and in operation. Is pushed slightly upward by the internal spring, or the internal spring of the extraction tube stops the piston from displacing it further during operation so that the gas inlet is in fluid communication with the beverage container Means that.

  Since the handle 9 is maintained in its position relative to the housing 13 and is connected to the piston 16, the hinge 18 connected to the handle is pushed upwards, thereby causing the gas shut-off element to be displaced upwards and the fluid channel. Open state, which means that the gas flow to the container is released.

  In FIG. 7, an enlarged cross section of one embodiment of the gas blocking element 18 is shown. The blocking element 18 is arranged in the housing 13 in a bore 30 extending from the hinge 28 to the fluid channel 17, the blocking element 18 comprising a nut 31 arranged on the valve piston 29 and a spring element 22. Is arranged around the valve piston 29, extends between the protrusion 32 at the lower end of the valve piston 29 and the nut 31, and a gasket 33 is arranged around the spring element 22 and the valve piston 29. The gasket 33 may be, for example, a bellows gasket. The gasket 33 is configured to surround the lower part of the valve piston 29 and the spring element 22, thereby sealing the movable part of the blocking element 18, so that the blocking element 18 is not in direct contact with the gas. This provides a hygienic solution for the blocking element 18.

  Although primarily illustrated and described herein for a dispense head for use in an A delivery system, the concept of the present invention is based on other delivery systems such as G, M, S, L, U and D delivery systems. Obviously, it can be easily incorporated into

  For purposes of illustration, FIGS. 8a-8c show, in cross-section, a dispense head configured to be used in conjunction with the S delivery system.

  In FIG. 8a, a dispensing head 5 configured for use in an S delivery system (not shown) is shown in cross section. The dispensing head 5 is shown in its unconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is not actuated.

  The dispense head 5 includes a housing 13 having a first end 14 and a second end 15. A hollow piston 16 is arranged axially displaceable in the housing 13, which is axially directed toward and beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13 when the handle 9 is actuated. It is connected to the handle 9 so that it can be displaced (this is shown in FIG. 8b). In addition, the gas inlet 10 is arranged in the housing 13, along the piston 16 and in the correct connection and operating state of the dispensing head 5 via the fluid channel 17 and in the housing 13 and the piston 16. And a connection state with a space (not shown) extending between the two. According to the invention, the gas blocking element 18 is arranged in or on the fluid channel 17.

  The housing 13 also comprises an external groove 19, which, together with the means of the handle 9 (not shown), is configured to maintain the position of the handle 9 in operation.

  In addition, a sealing 20 is disposed in the outer groove of the piston 16 to seal the space radially upward. In another embodiment, the ceiling may be disposed in association with the housing. A support ring 21 is disposed within the housing 13 and extends around the piston 16 to support axial displacement of the piston 16 within the housing 13.

  In FIG. 8b, the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 8a is shown in cross section. The handle 9 is actuated so that the piston 16 is displaced axially downward and beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13. However, in FIG. 8b, the dispensing head 5 is not connected to a beverage container (not shown). The gas shut-off element 18 thus ensures that no gas leaks occur even if the handle is actuated.

  This is due to the fact that the blocking element 18 comprises a spring element configured to keep the fluid channel 17 closed with respect to gas flow in the disconnected state of the dispense head even if the handle is actuated. The spring element 22 can have a predetermined spring force. In this embodiment, the blocking element 18 extends across the fluid channel 17, thereby blocking the fluid channel 17.

  In FIG. 8c, the dispense head 5 is shown connected (although the beverage container is not shown) and is activated because the handle 9 is in its lowest position. In this connected state, the gas blocking element 18 is opened and gas can flow into the beverage container (not shown) via the fluid channel 17 and the space (not shown). The handle 9 is connected to the blocking element 18 via a hinge 28. The hinge 28 is connected to the blocking element 18 via a valve piston 29, which is movable. The spring element 22 is arranged in connection with the valve piston 29.

  As previously described, when the dispensing head 5 is connected to a beverage container (not shown) over an extraction tube (not shown) and the handle 9 is actuated, the piston 16 is within the housing 13. Is displaced downward. During this displacement, the piston 16 displaces the upper end of the extraction tube and thereby opens the beverage container.

  The main difference between the dispensing head shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 (A delivery system) and the one shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c (S delivery system) is the extraction tube with the dispensing head placed in the beverage container. And how they work together.

  In the following, further embodiments of the dispensing head will be described and illustrated in connection with the A delivery system. However, the described embodiments may be incorporated into a dispensing head that can be used in other delivery systems, such as S, M, L, U or D systems (which are obvious to those skilled in the art).

  FIG. 9a shows a cross section of another dispensing head 5 in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is activated. In this embodiment, the dispensing head 5 includes a housing 13 having a first end 14 and a second end 15 and a hollow piston 16 disposed in the housing 13 so as to be axially displaceable. When the handle 9 is actuated, the hollow connected to the handle 9 so that it is displaced axially towards and beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13 (this is shown in FIG. 9a). A piston 16 and a gas inlet 10 arranged in the housing 13, connected via a fluid channel 17 to a space 40 extending along the hollow piston 16 and between the housing 13 and the hollow piston 16. And a gas inlet 10 in a state. The dispensing head 5 also includes a gas blocking element 18 disposed within the fluid channel 17.

  The gas blocking element 18 is arranged in the hole 41 of the housing 13 below the handle 9. The gas blocking element 18 includes an upper end 42 that is securely coupled to and sealed in the hole 41 and a displaceable lower end 43. The upper end portion 42 and the lower end portion 43 are connected via a spring element 44. The spring element 44 pushes the displaceable lower end 43 downward until the protrusion 45 of the lower end 43 abuts the protrusion 46 of the hole 41. In FIG. 8 a, the end face 47 of the lower end 43 extends out of the hole 41 and thereby also beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13. Thereby, the spring force of the spring element 44 keeps the gas shut-off element in the closed position, so that even when the dispense head 5 is not in the correct connection, the gas is activated when the handle is actuated. Leakage from the dispense head 5 is not possible.

  While connecting the dispensing head 5 to the beverage container (not shown) on the extraction tube (not shown) arranged in the beverage container, the surface of the flange of the extraction tube is on the end face 47 of the lower end 43. It abuts and pushes the lower end 43 upward in the hole 41. After this, as shown in FIG. 9b, the handle 9 is actuated and the hollow piston 16 is pushed downward, thereby opening the beverage container (not shown).

  When the lower end 43 is pushed upward, the projection 45 is also displaced upward, so that a fluid channel is provided between the two projections 45, 46, so that the gas is introduced into the gas inlet 10. Through the hole 17 and can pass through the projection 45 at the lower end 43 of the gas blocking element 18 and into the radial hole 48 towards the space 40, from where it can flow in the usual manner into the beverage container ( (Not shown).

  FIG. 9c shows a section of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 9a in a disconnected state, where the dispensing head handle 9 is not actuated. Furthermore, in this state, the lower end 43 of the gas blocking element 18 blocks the path for gas as previously described in connection with FIG. 8a, thereby avoiding unintended gas leaks.

  FIG. 9d is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 9c, where the gas blocking element 18 is shown in a closed position. In this figure, it can be easily estimated that the protrusion 45 of the lower end portion 43 is in contact with the protrusion 46 of the hole 41 via the upper ceiling 49. The lower end 43 also has an annular recess 50 below the upper ceiling 49 to facilitate the passage of gas when the gas blocking element is in its open position, ie when the lower end 43 is pushed down. May be. Below the recess 50, the lower end 43 may also be provided with an additional lower sealing 51 so that gas cannot accidentally escape downward along the lower end 43.

  FIG. 10a shows a cross section of a further dispense head 5 in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispense head 5 is activated. In this embodiment, the dispensing head 5 includes a housing 13 having a first end 14 and a second end 15 and a hollow piston 16 disposed in the housing 13 so as to be axially displaceable. A hollow connected to the handle 9 so that when it is actuated, it is displaced axially towards and beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13 (this is shown in FIG. 10a). A piston 16 and a gas inlet 10 arranged in the housing 13, via the fluid channel 17, along the hollow piston 16 and between the housing 13 and the hollow piston 16 to the second fluid channel 60. And a space (not shown) extending and a gas inlet 10 in a connected state. The dispensing head 5 also includes a gas blocking element 18 disposed in the second fluid channel 60. The second fluid channel 60 extends in the housing 13 axially and substantially parallel to the hollow piston 16. The second fluid channel 60 terminates opposite the recess 61 and is configured to receive the main gasket 62.

  Two sealings 200, 201 in the form of O-rings are arranged in the housing 13 in order to seal the inlet 202 against the second fluid channel 60.

  The main gasket 62 extends circumferentially to the piston 16 and is displaceable relative to the piston 16. In FIG. 10 a, the main gasket 62 follows the piston 16 and exists outside the housing 13.

  In addition, the gas blocking element 18 is disposed within the second fluid channel 60, which closes the second fluid channel when the dispense head is accidentally actuated, thereby causing unintended gas. In this embodiment, which is configured to avoid leakage, the gas shut-off element 18 comprises a valve device 63, for example a so-called Schrader valve. The valve device 63 has a displaceable tap 64 that can extend down into the recess 61.

  The valve device 63 has three positions: a first position in which the valve device 63 is closed (tap 64 is in its lowest position); a second position in which the valve device 63 is opened (tap is in two end positions) (In its middle position between the lowermost and uppermost)); it can have a third position (the tap 64 is in its uppermost position) where the valve device 63 is reopened.

  In FIG. 10a, the tap 64 is in its lowest position, whereby the gas shut-off element 18 is closed.

  FIG. 10b shows a cross-section of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 10a in the connected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is activated. While the main gasket 62 ensures sealing of the extraction tube, the main gasket 62 abuts against the flange of the extraction tube (not shown), and the hollow piston 16 is displaced downward, and the extraction tube (not shown). )open. Thus, the main gasket 62 is positioned in the recess 61, and the upper surface of the main gasket 62 in this case has pushed the tap 64 to its second position, i.e., the position where the valve device opens, resulting in this. The gas can flow into the upper end of the beverage container (not shown) in the normal manner.

  FIG. 10c shows a cross-section of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 10a in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is not actuated. In this figure, the main gasket 62 and the hollow piston 16 are not displaced downward, thereby pushing the tap 64 upward to its third position, ie, the open position. Even though the gas shut-off element 18 is open due to the tap 64 being in its third upward position, the two lowermost sealings in the housing, the O-rings 200, 201, seal around the outer surface of the piston 16. This stops gas leakage at this position.

  FIG. 10d is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 10c, where the gas blocking element 18 is shown in the open position. As described above in connection with FIG. 10c, the two sealings 200, 201 seal the inlet 202 with respect to the second fluid channel 60, so that unintended gas leakage is avoided. In this situation, it is the upper sealing, that is, the O-ring 200 that seals the gas from the gas inlet 10 from accidental leakage.

  FIG. 11a shows a cross section of a further dispense head 5 in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispense head 5 is about to be actuated. In this embodiment, the dispensing head 5 comprises a mechanical interruption device 70.

  The mechanical shut-off device 70 includes a radial tap 71 disposed in a radially displaceable manner within the housing 13 of the dispense head 5. The radial tap 71 has a first end configured to protrude into the space 72 around the hollow piston 16. When the first end of the radial tap 71 is in its extended position, it is in a position where it can stop the piston 16 being displaced downward. This is due to the piston 16 having a protrusion 73 on its outer surface, which abuts the first end of the radial tap when the piston 16 is actuated and moved downward, thereby Further downward movement is prevented. As a result, the dispense head 5 cannot be activated when it is not connected to a beverage container (not shown).

  The second end of the radial tap 71 is connected to an axial tap 74 preloaded by a spring, which is displaceable in the axial direction of the housing 13. The axial tap 74 has a lower end 75 that can project from the housing 13 as shown in FIG. 11a. At the opposite end, the axial tap 74 has an inclined projection 76 configured to engage an inclined groove 77 disposed in the radial tap 71. The inclined groove 77 is inclined toward the first end of the radial tap 71. Thereby, the axial displacement (up and down movement) of the axial tap 74 facilitates the radial displacement of the radial tap 71. For example, when the axial tap 74 is in the position shown in FIG. 11a, the inclined protrusion 76 of the axial tap 74 is present in the lower end of the inclined groove 77 of the radial tap 71, thereby causing the radial tap 71 to move to the left. And the first end of the radial tap 71 can block the protrusion 73 as shown in FIG. 11a.

  FIG. 11b shows a cross-section of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 11a in the connected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is activated.

  While connecting the dispensing head 5 to the beverage container (not shown) on the extraction tube (not shown) disposed in the beverage container, the surface of the flange of the extraction tube contacts the bottom surface 75 of the axial tap 74. Touch and push this axial tap 74 upwards.

  When the axial tap 74 is pushed upward, the inclined protrusion 76 is also displaced further upward and further into the inclined groove 77 of the radial tap 71, thereby causing the first of the radial tap 71 to be displaced. The first end of the radial groove is displaced to the right so that a space is formed at the end of the piston, but the projection 72 of the piston 16 can pass through this space, thereby causing the dispensing head 5 can be actuated by actuating the handle 9, as shown in FIG. 11b. As a result, the dispense head 5 functions in the normal manner.

  FIG. 11c shows a section of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 11a in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is not activated. In FIG. 10c, the mechanical shut-off device 70 is shown in the same manner as in FIG. 11a.

  FIG. 11d shows an enlarged cross-section of the dispensing head of FIG. 11c, where the mechanical shut-off device 70 is shown in the locked / blocked position. The mechanical shut-off device 70 is shown in more detail, and how the position of the inclined protrusion 76 of the axial tap 74 by sliding the inclined groove 77 of the radial tap 71 will change the first of the radial tap 71. It can be easily estimated whether the end position is controlled. In FIG. 11d, the first end protrudes into the space 73, thereby providing a stop / block to the protrusion 72 of the piston 16 so that the piston 16 cannot move past the first end. As a result, the dispensing head 5 cannot be operated without an unintended gas leak as a result. Further, the axial tap 74 is spring loaded by a helical spring 78 that is configured to push the axial tap 74 downwardly beyond the second end 15 of the housing 13 of the dispense head 5. Is done.

  FIGS. 12 a to 12 d show another dispensing head 5 with a handle 9. The handle 9 rotates about the shaft 80. A spring element, for example a return spring, is arranged in association with the shaft 80 and the handle 9, and this spring element 81 is such that the user needs to apply more pressure to the handle 9 in order to activate it. The handle 9 is configured to apply an upward force. Furthermore, due to unintentional partial actuation of the dispense head, the spring element 81 facilitates the return of the piston to the closed position, avoiding potential gas leaks. FIG. 12b is a plan view of the dispensing head 5, where it is shown that the spring element 81 may be wound around the shaft 80, which is also shown in FIG. 12c.

  FIG. 12d is a perspective view of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 12a, viewed from below, where a portion 82 of the spring element 81 projects radially from the shaft 80 and into the flange 83 at the outer surface of the dispensing head 5. It is shown abutting.

  FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of the dispense head 5 in a disconnected state. The dispense head 5 includes a spring loaded slide element 90 which is located below the housing 13 of the dispense head 5. The sliding element 90 is configured to block the lower portion 92 of the hollow piston 16 when the dispensing head is in a disconnected state. The spring 91 is configured to push the slide element 90 toward the center of the piston, thereby blocking it from being actuated (this is shown at the bottom in FIG. 13b).

  When the dispense head 5 is connected to the upper end flange (not shown) of the extraction tube (not shown) of the beverage container (not shown), the spring 91 is compressed, thereby causing FIGS. 13c and 13d. As shown, the slide element 90 is slid so that the piston 16 can be actuated by actuating the handle 9. Thereby, it is realized in a simple manner that the dispensing head 5 is inoperable until it is correctly coupled to a beverage container (not shown), thereby avoiding unintended gas leaks.

  FIG. 14a shows a cross-section of a further dispense head 5 in the connected state, in which the handle 9 of the dispense head 5 is activated. The dispensing head 5 includes a main gasket 100 formed from an elastic material. The main gasket 100 is disposed circumferentially around the hollow piston 16 and the piston 16 is displaceable with respect to the main gasket 100. In FIG. 14a, the main gasket 100 is disposed at a position where a gas flow from the gas inlet 10 to the beverage container (not shown) is realized. This is because the gas can flow inside the main gasket 100 through the radial protrusion 105 of the piston 16. The main gasket 100 is pressed upward at the upper end portion 106 against the dispensing head 5 by an extraction tube (not shown) of a beverage container (not shown). As a result, the main gasket 100 is compressed. .

  FIG. 14b shows a cross-section of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 14a in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is activated. The dispensing head 5 is actuated in this view without being connected to a beverage container (not shown). A metal bush (not shown) is embedded in the main gasket 100 at the lower end 101 of the main gasket 100. The lower end portion 101 of the main gasket 100 follows the lower end portion 102 of the piston downward due to the elasticity of the material of the main gasket 100, thereby blocking the gas flow path by contacting the radial projection 105 of the piston 16. . A flat seal (not shown) may be placed above the radial protrusions of the piston 16, which can thus seal between the metal bushing of the main gasket and the radial protrusion 105 of the piston 16. This prevents gas from accidentally leaking when the dispense head 5 is actuated in a disconnected state.

  FIG. 14c is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing head 5 of FIG. 14a in a disconnected state, where the handle 9 of the dispensing head 5 is not actuated. The main gasket 100 also abuts against the radial projection 105 of the piston 16 in this view, thereby blocking the gas passage.

  FIG. 14d shows an enlarged cross section of region E of the dispense head 5 of FIG. 14c, where the main gasket 100 is shown in the closed position.

  While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the invention as defined by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dispensing system 2 Beverage container 3 Extraction tube 4 Gas supply source 5 Dispensing head 6 Dispensing tap 7 Dispensing line 8 Cooling device 9 Handle 10 Gas inlet 11 Beverage outlet 12 Mechanical connecting means 13 Housing 14 First end 15 First End of 2 16 Hollow piston 17 Fluid channel 18 Gas blocking element 19 External groove 20 Sealing 21 Support ring 22 Spring element 23 Extraction tube 24 Internal spring 25 Beverage 26 Extraction part 28 Hinge 29 Valve piston 30 Hole 31 Nut 32 Protrusion 33 Gasket

Claims (15)

A dispensing head (5) configured to be coupled to the beverage container on an extraction tube disposed in the beverage container of the dispensing system, the dispensing head comprising:
A housing (13) having a first end (14) and a second end (15);
A hollow piston (16) disposed in the housing (13) so as to be axially displaceable, wherein the piston (16) is moved by the piston (16) when the handle (9) is operated. A hollow piston (16) connected to the handle (9) so as to be displaced axially towards and beyond the second end (15) of the housing (13);
A gas inlet (10) disposed in the housing (13), via a fluid channel, along the piston (16) and between the housing (13) and the piston (16); A gas inlet (10) connected to the extended space;
With
Dispensing head (5), characterized in that a gas blocking element (18) is arranged in the fluid channel (17) or in the fluid channel (17).   The blocking element (18) comprises a spring element (22) for maintaining the fluid channel (17) in a closed state with respect to gas flow when the dispensing head (5) is inactive, the spring element (22) The dispensing head (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that has a predetermined spring force.   Dispensing head (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle (9) is connected to the blocking element (18) via a hinge (28).   The hinge (28) is connected to the blocking element (18) via a valve piston (29), the valve piston (29) being movable. Dispensing head (5).   The blocking element (18) is disposed in a hole in the housing (13) that extends from the hinge (28) to the fluid channel (17), the blocking element (18) being a valve A nut arranged around the piston (29); and a spring element (22) arranged around the valve piston (29) and extending between the projection on the bottom of the valve piston (29) and the nut Dispensing head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a spring element (22) and a gasket arranged around the valve piston (29). ).   The dispensing head (5) according to claim 1, wherein the space has a ring shape extending along an outer surface of the piston (16).   Dispensing head (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the space is arranged between the outer surface of the piston (16) and the housing (13).   A sealing (20) is arranged on the housing (13) or in the piston (16) for sealing the space in the radial direction upwards. The dispensing head (5) according to any one of the preceding claims.   A support ring (21) is disposed within the housing (13) and extends around the piston (16) to support axial displacement of the piston (16) within the housing (13). 9. A dispensing head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is provided.   The dispensing head (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (18) extends across the fluid channel (17).   The blocking element (18) is arranged directly in the fluid channel (17), for example in a radial or axial direction with respect to the gas flow direction, or the blocking element (18) is, for example, the fluid channel (17). Dispensing head (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged in connection with the fluid channel (17) in an extended part of the fluid.   The blocking element (18) is arranged in the housing (13) in the fluid channel (17) or at the fluid channel (17) at a distance from the piston (6). 12. A dispensing head (5) according to any one of the preceding claims.   A dispensing system (1) for dispensing beverages, said system (1) being configured to function as a valve, an extraction tube (3, 23) arranged in an opening of said beverage container (2) ) With a spring force allowing the extraction tube (3, 23) to maintain the opening of the beverage container (2) closed. A beverage container (2), a gas supply source (4), a dispensing tap (6), a dispensing head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A delivery system (1) characterized by comprising:   14. Delivery system according to claim 13, characterized in that the spring force of the spring element (22) is less than the spring force of the internal spring (24).   15. Delivery system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the delivery system (1) is an A, S, G, M, L, U or D system.

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