Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
  • B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
  • B67D1/1405—Control taps
  • B67D1/145—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat
  • B67D1/1455—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat the valve shutter being opened in the same direction as the liquid flow
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
  • B67D1/1277—Flow control valves
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D3/04—Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping holes of casks, e.g. for beer
  • B67D3/043—Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping holes of casks, e.g. for beer with a closing element having a linear movement, in a direction perpendicular to the seat
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
  • B67D2210/00047—Piping
  • B67D2210/00049—Pipes

Definitions

• This invention relates to a valve element, a dispensing line, methods of assembling a valve element, and a beverage dispensing assembly,
• DraughtMasterTM a professional draught beer system
• DraughtMasterTM comprising a beverage dispensing system and a chill chamber in which the keg or pack containing carbonate beer is received
• the keg or pack containing carbonated beer comprises a flexible bottle or bag, which is exposed to an elevated pressure from the outside for dispensing the beer
• the flexible bottle or bag is connected through a dispensing line to a shut-off valve, which is guided through a channel of the beverage dispensing system and is received in and operated by means of a tap handle of a tapping head housing for operating the shut-off valve between an open and a closed position
• valve element which is produced from a minimum number of components, in particular an integrally cast, unitary structure which due to the flexibility of the materia! of the unitary structure provides the sealing ability and a simple opening function by simple stretching or bending elastic and flexible elements of the unitary structure
• a beverage dispensing assembly which may be joined from a valve element according to the present invention and fulfilling the above objects, and a dispensing line or alternatively to provide an integral, i.e. preassembled beverage dispensing assembly including a dispensing line joined to and fixated relative to the valve element fulfilling the above objects according to the present invention.
• a valve element of a beverage dispensing assembly to be used in combination with a tapping head including a tapping head housing and a tap handle operable between a first position and a second position, the first position constituting a non-beverage dispensing position and the second position constituting a beverage dispensing position
• the beverage dispensing assembly comprising two elements: i) a dispensing line having a dispensing end and a keg connection end, and ii) the valve element comprising an upstream valve part attached to the dispensing line at the dispensing end, a flexible valve part being attached to the upstream valve part, a lower valve part being attached to the flexible valve part and a plug being accommodated in the lower valve part and serving to seal off the dispensing end of the dispensing Sine, when the valve element
• the valve element according to the first aspect is preferably made for single use, i.e being disposable, and is preferably made from an elastomeric or plastics material, e.g. a soft or a rigid plastics material, however, preferably a non-rigid plastics material It is preferably used together with a beverage keg and dispensing tine being single used as well.
• the beverage keg may be of the reusable, non-disposable metal type.
• the tapping head including the tapping head housing and the tap handle may constitute parts of a beverage dispensing system and are well known in the prior art.
• the beverage dispensing assembly comprises the dispensing line and the valve element.
• the vaive element constitutes part of a shut off valve used for selectively dispensing the beverage in the beverage keg.
• the dispensing line comprises a flexible hose and is connected to the beverage keg at the keg connection end and the dispensing line forms a shut-off valve together with the valve element at the dispensing end.
• the dispensing end comprises a beverage outlet.
• the dispensing end of the dispensing line may be used as a valve seat, i.e. the plug may adequately seal off the dispensing line while abutting the dispensing end and thereby a separate valve seat may be omitted.
• the dispensing line should be flexible and the dispensing end should preferably be oriented towards the plug in a right angle.
• the plug should have a size suitable for covering the whole beverage outlet of the dispensing end and may partly enter the dispensing line for better alignment.
• the respective contact surfaces of the plug and the dispensing end should be even for serving as sealing.
• the flexible valve part shouid be elastic and have a pre-tension when being installed, i.e. the flexible valve part should act onto the downstream valve part in a direction towards the upstream valve part when the valve element is not installed in the tapping head housing, i.e. when the valve element is at rest. Since the plug is accommodated in the downstream valve part, the plug will be forced to abut the dispensing end of the dispensing line.
• the pre-tension of the flexible valve part provides a sealing force to compensate for any beverage pressure.
• the dispensing line is sealed off when the valve element is not positioned and received in the tapping head housing and the beverage keg and beverage dispensing assembly may be transported and installed into the tapping head and beverage dispensing system without any risk of leaking beverage.
• the beverage dispensing assembly should be removed from the dispensing head, i.e. de-installation.
• the valve will be closed during de-installation, thus leakage of residual beverage of the supposedly empty beverage keg is avoided.
• the movement of the valve element is controlled by the tap handle
• the tap handle may e g. grip around the upstream valve part and the downstream valve part ensuring that the plug abuts the dispensing end, even if the plug is subjected to a large force, which may be the case for carbonated beverages and/or when a large driving pressure is used in the beverage dispensing system.
• the tap handle is in its first position, i.e. the non- beverage dispensing position, the valve element is closed, i.e. assumes the same position as when the valve element is not installed in the tapping head.
• the tap handle must be in its first position for avoiding leakage.
• the upstream and downstream sections of the valve element move in relation to each other causing the plug to separate from the dispensing end, thereby allowing beverage dispensing
• the flexible valve part, the lower valve part and the plug are integrally cast as a unitary body. It is contemplated that the same materia! may be used for all of the above parts, thus they may be cast as a unitary body.
• the material itself should be flexible, however not elastic per se.
• the spring like feature of the flexible valve part is provided by the corrugations.
• the lower valve part or alternatively the plug comprise guiding flanges defining a fluid passage, the plug being cast as a separate body and comprising a plug head having a radius larger than the passage and being located between the passage and the dispensing end, the piug further comprising a guiding element being guided by the guiding flanges.
• the plug may constitute a separate body which is accommodated within the lower valve part between the dispensing end and the guiding flanges.
• the guiding flanges force the plug to abut the dispensing end.
• the fluid pressure from the beverage in the dispensing line causes the plug to move away from the dispensing end while remaining juxtaposed to the guiding flanges.
• the flexible valve part may constitute a corrugated bellows, the corrugated bellows being self-supporting
• the corrugated bellows may have a helical corrugation. By using a helical corrugation a linear elasticity may be achieved in the bellows.
• the helical corrugation may include a flexible bellows having a non-uniform thickness, e.g. the corrugation may comprise a helical body of thicker material providing structural stability and elasticity to the flexible bellows.
• the helical corrugation is achieved by shaping the flexible bellows while maintaining a uniform thickness of the flexible bellows
• the upstream valve part may comprise a connector attached to the dispensing end of the dispensing line
• the flexible valve part may have a helical corrugation constituting an inner threading
• the connector may have a helical corrugation constituting an outer threading
• the flexible valve part may be fixedly attached to the connector by interacting the inner and outer threading.
• the vaive element may be screw fitted to the dispensing line thereby the valve element may easily and securely be attached to the dispensing line, and the helical corrugation will have the dual functionality of providing elasticity and fixation.
• a bellows extension may be required at the upstream end of the flexible bellows for simplifying the attachment to the connector.
• the extension should have an inner threading, however, the outer surface may be made thicker and iess flexible,
• the flexible valve part is expanded in the second position and contracted in the first position, or alternatively the flexible valve part is expanded in the first position and contracted in the second position.
• the flexible valve part is installed in an expanded state causing an inwardly spring force, and when in its second position the flexible valve part is further expanded
• the flexible valve part forms an outer surface of the valve element
• the flexible valve part typically composes the outer surface of the valve element between the dispensing line and the downstream valve part
• the flexible valve part applies a force onto the plug at least corresponding to a beverage pressure of 0 1-5 bar, preferably 1-4 bar, more preferably 2-3 bar, most preferably 3 bar
• the flexible valve part applies a sealing force onto the plug, i.e. between the plug and the dispensing end, sufficient for preventing leakage during transportation and during normal installation and de- installation but less than the force provided by the driving pressure of the beverage dispensing system, since when the valve element is installed in the tapping head, the tapping head prevents leakage.
• the flexible valve part may apply a higher sealing force at least equal to the driving pressure of the beverage dispensing system for avoiding leakage in case of accidental opening of the tapping head before relieving the pressure in the beverage dispensing system
• the plug when sealing off the dispensing line either abuts against the dispensing end of the dispensing line or alternatively abuts against a valve seat provided by the upstream valve part of the valve element Typically, the dispensing end of the dispensing line is used as the valve seat at discussed above
• the upstream valve part may provide a valve seat, which may be adapted for improved sealing and alignment with the plug
• the contact surface between the plug and the dispensing end forms an angle of 1-90 degrees in relation to the flow direction of the beverage, such as 1-30 degrees, 30- 60 degrees, or 60-90 degrees Having an angle of less than 90 degrees implies a conically shaped plug, which may improve the alignment and sealing of the plug against the dispensing end
• the upstream valve part may comprise alignment flanges extending towards the plug and defining an inner radius corresponding to the outer radius of the plug, the alignment flanges serving to guide the plug to a correct alignment in relation to the dispensing end.
• the alignment flanges are provided by the upstream valve part and extend towards the plug in a sectional configuration for allowing flow of beverage when the valve is open.
• the upstream valve part may comprise flexible alignment bands connected to the plug, the alignment bands serving to guide the plug to a correct alignment in relation to the dispensing end.
• the alignment bands are elastic and connected between the plug and the upstream valve part and allow beverage to pass through when the valve is open.
• the upstream vaive part may comprise an inward protrusion co-operating with a corresponding groove of the dispensing line to form a click-fit arrangement.
• the upstream valve part may be welded to the dispensing line, or alternatively, the upstream valve part may be tightly fitted to the dispensing line, however, according to a particular embodiment, the upper valve part may have one or more inward protrusions such as a rim or thorns or the like The inward protrusion(s) cooperate with one or more cavities on the dispensing line such that the dispensing line may be clicked into the upper valve part by the user during the installation of the valve element in the beverage dispensing assembly.
• a valve element of a beverage dispensing assembly to be used in combination with a tapping head including a tapping head housing and a tap handle operable between a first position and a second position, said first position constituting a non-beverage dispensing position and said second position constituting a beverage dispensing position
• said beverage dispensing assembly comprising two elements: i) a dispensing line having a dispensing end and a keg connection end, and ii) said valve element comprising an upstream valve part attached to said dispensing iine at said dispensing end, a flexible valve part being attached to said upstream valve part, a lower valve part being attached to said flexible valve part and a plug being accommodated in said upstream valve part and serving to seal off said lower valve part, when said valve element is not positioned and
• said upstream valve part and lower valve part of said valve element being operated by said tap handle for causing said plug to seal off said lower valve part in said first position of said tap handle and to allow beverage dispensing from said dispensing line, through said valve element, in said second position.
• the plug when sealing off the lower valve part abuts against a valve seat provided by said lower valve part.
• the valve seat may be adapted for improving the sealing and alignment of the plug in relation to the lower valve part.
• valve elements according to the first and second aspects of the present invention may be combined to form a valve element in which the plug is serving to seal off both the dispensing end of the dispensing line and at the same time the lower valve part, thereby achieving a valve element having a dual sealing for improving the fluid tightness and reducing the risk of leakage.
• Such valve element may preferably also comprise the above-mentioned elastic alignment bands for holding and guiding the plug.
• a beverage dispensing assembly comprising a dispensing line and a vaive element according to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention. It is further contemplated that an assembly of the dispensing line and valve element may be provided.
• a fourth aspect of the present invention obtained by a method of assembling a beverage dispensing assembly by providing a dispensing line and the valve element described above and having interacting inner and outer threads, and performing the step of fastening the flexible valve part to the connector by mutually interacting the outer threading and the inner threading by a rotating motion of the flexible valve part in relation to the connector.
• the valve element and the dispensing line are joined before shipping the beverage dispensing assembly to the customer, however, sometimes it may be preferred to let the customer assemble the beverage dispensing assembly by simply screw fitting the connector and the flexible valve part
• a method of sealing off a beverage dispensing assembly by providing a valve element, the valve element to be used in combination with a tapping head including a tapping head housing and a tap handle operable between a first position and a second position, the first position constituting a non-beverage dispensing position and the second position constituting a beverage dispensing position, the beverage dispensing assembly comprising : a dispensing line having a dispensing end and a opposite keg connection end, and a valve element comprising an upstream valve part attached to the dispensing line at the dispensing end, a flexible valve part being attached to the upstream valve part, a lower valve part being attached to the flexible valve part and a plug being accommodated in the lower valve part and serving to seal off the dispensing end of the dispensing line,
• a method of sealing off a beverage dispensing assembly by providing a valve element, said valve element to be used in combination with a tapping head including a tapping head housing and a tap handle operable between a first position and a second position, said first position constituting a non-beverage dispensing position and said second position constituting a beverage dispensing position, said beverage dispensing assembly comprising: a dispensing line having a dispensing end and a opposite keg connection end, and a valve element comprising an upstream valve part attached to said dispensing line at said dispensing end, a flexible valve part being attached to said upstream valve part, a lower valve part being attached to said flexible valve part and a plug being accommodated in said upstream valve part and serving to seal off said lower valve part, said method comprising an installed phase
• Fig 1 is a side elevating view of a prior art drink dispenser assembly named Home DraughtMasterTM ,
• Fig. 2 is a perspective and partly cut-away view of a tapping rod and including a tap handle and a dispensing line of the prior art drink dispenser assembly named Professional DraughtMasterTM,
• Fig, 3a is a vertical sectional view of the tap handle also shown in Fig, 2, illustrating the tap handle in a closed position.
• Fig, 3b is a vertical sectional view similar to the view of Fig, 3a and illustrating the tap handle in an open position.
• Figs, 4a, 4b and 4c are a first and presently preferred embodiment of a valve element in an outside view and in a cut out view in closed and open position, respectively.
• Figs. 5a and 5b are a further embodiment of a valve element being cast as a unitary body in closed and open position, respectively,
• Figs. 6a and 6b are a further embodiment of a valve element having guiding flanges for the piug in closed and open position, respectively
• Figs. 7a and 7b are a further embodiment of a valve element having a guiding tube for the plug in closed and open position, respectively.
• Figs. 8a and 8b are a further embodiment of a valve element having a valve seat in dosed and open position, respectiveiy.
• Figs 9a and 9b are a further embodiment of a valve element having guiding bands in closed and open position, respectively.
• Figs 10a and 10b are a further embodiment of a valve element having a plug with integrated pass-through guiding flanges in dosed and open position, respectively,
• Figs. 11a and 11b are a further embodiment of a valve element having an internal flexible valve part in closed and open position, respectively
• Figs. 12a and 12b are a further embodiment of a valve element having a drop- shaped plug and a valve seat in closed and open position, respectively
• Figs, 13a and 13b are a further embodiment of a valve element having a piug holder in closed and open position, respectively.
• identical components or elements present in different figures of the drawings are designated the same reference numerals, and components or elements differing from a previously described component or element, respectively, however serving basically the same functional purpose as the previously described component or element, respectively, are designated the same reference numeral as the previously described component or element, respectively, however added a marking for indicating the geometrical difference from the previously described component or element, respectively.
• Fig. 1 shows a prior art beverage dispensing system 10 for professional or private use known from among others WO 04/099060, WO 07/019848, WO 07/019849, WO 07/019850, WO 07/019851.
• the beverage dispensing system 10 comprises a sealable enciosure 12 including a chill chamber in which a keg, not shown in the drawings, containing beverage is placed-
• the beverage may preferably be a carbonated beverage such as beer.
• the keg containing the beverage comprises a flexible bottle or bag in which the beverage is contained-
• the flexible bottle or bag is connected through a dispensing line (not shown) to a valve element (not shown) at the dispensing end of the dispensing line.
• a cooling and pressurization device 14 is used for pressurizing and cooling the beverage keg.
• the beverage keg may be accessed by opening a lid in the enciosure 12 after pivoting the upper section of the enclosure 12 backwards.
• the beverage may be dispensed into a beverage glass 16 via a tapping head 18 at the dispensing end of the dispensing line.
• the tapping head 18 accommodates the valve element, which will be described in more detail later.
• the valve element is controlled by a tap handle 20, By operating the tap handle 20, beverage will fiow out of a spout 22 at the downstream vafve part of the tapping head 18.
• the valve element is operated between a closed position and an open position for dispensing beer into the glass 16
• Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a beverage dispensing system 10' comprising a tapping rod 24 having a tapping head 18'.
• the tapping rod 24 is preferably positioned on a bar counter or the like.
• the dispensing line 28 is received in the interior of the tapping head 18" of the tapping rod 24, and the valve element 30 is shown freely suspended at the dispensing end of the dispensing line 28 ready to be properly positioned in the tapping head 18'.
• the beverage keg, the dispensing line 28 and the valve element 30 are provided pre-assembled to the customer as a single use keg assembly.
• a tamper proof seal may optionally be provided for preventing accidental leaking of beverage.
• the interior of the tapping head 18' may be accessed by opening a lid 26.
• the valve element 30 is accommodated within the tapping head 18'.
• the dispensing line 28 extends from the valve element through the tapping head 18' via the tapping rod 24 and to the beverage keg (not shown).
• the beverage keg is preferably located close to the tapping rod 24 such as in a refrigerated space below the bar counter.
• the valve element 30 is accommodated inside the tapping head 18' in a predefined position such that when the lid 26 is closed, the valve element 30 is fixated inside the tapping head 18. By operating the tap handle 20, the valve element 30 is opened and beverage may flow from the beverage keg through the dispensing 28 and valve element 30 to the outside.
• the tapping head 18' is shown comprising a tapping head housing 32 defining a right angular bend in which the dispensing line 28 is received and positioned.
• the tapping head housing 32 defines a mounting flange 34 for being attached to the tapping rod or the like.
• the dispensing line 28 constitutes a hose and is made of flexible polymeric material
• the tapping head 18' further comprises a tap handle 34 extending upwardly from the tapping head housing 32 and is biased to two alternative positions by means of a biasing spring 52 to a first position shown in Fig, 3a in which the tap handle 34 is in an upright, vertical position, in which the beverage dispensing assembly is closed, and a second position shown in Fig.
• the valve element 30 comprises an upstream valve part 42 and a downstream vaive part 40,
• the tap handle 34 cooperates with a stem 44 acting on a sieeve 46 which catches with an upper circumferential flange 48 of the upstream valve part 42 of the valve element 30 to be described in greater details below with reference to Figs. 4-10 for causing the upstream valve part 42 of the valve element 30 to be raised to the position shown in Fig. 3b as the tap handle 34 is lowered from the upward position shown in Fig.
• the biasing spring 52 is mounted around the stem 44 providing a spring force between the tapping head housing 32 and the sleeve 46.
• the stem 44 and the sleeve 46 are thereby subjected to a downwardly force causing the upstream valve part 42 to remain in proximity of the downstream valve part 40 and keeping the tap handle 20 in its vertical orientation.
• the upstream valve part 42 of the valve element 30 is lifted to its open position.
• the lower front part of the tap handle 20 comprises a notch 54 and the upstream valve part of the stem 44 comprises a bolt 56.
• Fig. 4a shows a closer view of the valve element 30.
• the valve element comprises the upstream valve part 42 and the downstream valve part 40.
• the downstream valve part 40 defines the spout 22 and the lower circumferential groove 38.
• the upstream valve part 42 defines the upper circumferential groove 50 and is attached fluid-tightly circumferentially around the dispensing line 28
• the upstream valve part 42 and the downstream valve part 40 are interconnected fluid tightly by a tubular and flexible bellows 58.
• the helical corrugation may be defined either while maintaining a uniform thickness of the material or varying the thickness of the material i.e. having a non-uniform thickness defining the corrugations.
• the materia! used for the beliows 58 may be the same as being used for the substantially rigid upstream and downstream valve parts 42 and 40, respectively. Alternatively, a material having increased flexibility may be used for the flexible bellows 58,
• the upstream valve part 42 comprises a connector 60, which is welded onto the dispensing line 28 and a bellows extension 59, which forms an upstream extension of the flexible bellows 58.
• the connector has an outer threading matching the helical corrugation of the bellows extension 59 so that the bellows extension 59 may be screw-fitted onto the connector 60.
• Fig. 4b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 when in its closed position.
• the present view reveals the interior of the valve element 30.
• the downstream valve part 40, the bellows 58 and the upstream valve part 42 are preferably cast in one piece and attached onto a connector 60.
• the connector 60 is welded to the dispensing line 28 at the dispensing end.
• the dispensing line 28 extends through the connector 60 and into the valve element 30 defining a dispensing end 62 constituting an outlet located within the valve element 30.
• a flexible plug 64 is located opposite the dispensing end 62,
• the plug 64 has a size matching the dispensing end 62 and comprises a downwardly extending cylindrical guide member 66.
• the downstream valve part 40 comprises a guiding element 68 for accommodating the guide member 66 or the plug 64.
• the guiding element 68 does not form a solid circumferential body, instead it forms sectional flange bodies inwardly oriented and attached to the interior surface of the downstream valve part 40 and defining a central passageway where the guide member 66 is accommodated, as well as pass-through channels in- between the individual flange bodies for allowing fluid communication between the dispensing line 28 and the spout 22 when the valve element 30 is in its open position which is shown in Fig 4c.
• the plug 64 has a diameter larger that the central passage way, and therefore the head of the plug rests on the guiding element 68.
• the downstream valve part 40 is drawn towards the upstream valve part 42 by the flexible bellows 58 thereby causing the guiding element 68 to push the plug 64 to abut the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line 28 and close off the dispensing end 62.
• the surface of the dispensing end 62 should match the plug 64 so that when in its dosed position fluid communication is prevented between the dispensing line 28 and the spout 22.
• the spring force applied by the bellows 58 further ensures the fluid tightness of the abutting dispensing end 62 and plug 64. Consequently, leakage of beverage is avoided when the valve element is not accommodated within the tapping head, i.e. during transportation, installation, removal etc.
• the vaive element 30, except the connector 60 and excluding the dispensing line 28, is manufactured as a unitary plastic body, preferably by integral casting
• the connector 60 and dispensing line 28 are firmly attached to the valve element 30.
• the flexible bellows 58 is corrugated in a helical shape for achieving an elasticity or spring effect between the upstream and downstream valve parts 42 and 40, respectively
• the flexible bellows 58 is being stretched when the upstream valve part 50 is being attached onto the dispensing line 28 so that the plug 64 is acting with a sealing force onto the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line 28
• the connector 60 is corrugated as well for providing a simple screw connection between the bellows extension 59 and the connector 60.
• FIG. 4c shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 when in its open position.
• the open position may only be achieved when the valve element 30 is subjected to an external force as previously shown in Fig. 3b. It is thus contemplated that the external force should be applied to the lower circumferential groove 38 of the downstream valve part 40 and the upper circumferential groove 50 of the upstream valve part 42 so that the downstream valve part 40 and the upstream valve part 42 are being moved in a direction away from each other, i.e. expanding the flexible bellows 58.
• the guiding element 68 will move in a direction away from the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line, and the fluid pressure from the beverage inside the dispensing line 28 will cause the plug 64 to remain abutting the guiding element 68, thus leaving a gap between the plug 64 and the dispensing end 62 aliowing beverage to flow out of the dispensing end 62 and thereby dispensing the beverage through the spout 22.
• the valve element 30 will resume its closed position as previously described in Fig, 4b and the beliows 58 will return to its static condition.
• valve element 30 when the valve element 30 is removed from the dispensing head (not shown), it will be assuming the closed position and since the bellows 58 is pre-stretched in the closed position, the vaive element 30 will remain closed and thus leakage during disposal of the keg assembly is avoided.
• Fig. 5a shows a cutout view of the valve element 30' according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position
• the valve element 30' comprises all features of the valve element 30 as shown in Figs 4a-4c except that the plug 64' is fixedly attached to the guiding element 68'.
• the present embodiment of the valve element 30' has the advantage of not requiring any fluid pressure from the beverage when being opened.
• the guiding element 68' comprises pass-through channels as described above and as indicated by the dashed lines.
• Fig. 5b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30' when in its open position
• the plug 64' When the downstream valve part 40 is moved away from the upstream valve part 42, the plug 64', being attached to the downstream valve part 40 by the guiding element 68 1 , wil! as wei! move downwardly and allow beverage to flow out of the dispensing line 28 through the dispensing end 62 and towards the spout 22.
• Fig. 6a shows the valve element 30" according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position.
• the present embodiment includes all the features of the valve element 30 of Fig. 4, except that the plug 64" is fixated to the guiding element 68
• the present embodiment differs from the valve element 30' shown in Fig. 5a in that the plug 64" constitutes a separate component which may be attached during the assembly of the valve element.
• the plug 64" constitutes a separate component which may be attached during the assembly of the valve element.
• the plug 64' forms a unitary structure together with the rest of the valve element 30'
• the plug 64" is further stabilized by the provision of a guiding flange 70 constituting a downwardly elongation of the connector 60
• the guiding flange 70 does not constitute a circumferentially continuous body, instead it constitutes a sectioned body, indicated by the dashing, intended not for fluid tight sealing onto the plug 64" but merely for providing guidance to the plug 64" and ensuring that the plug 64" be positioned having a suitable alignment in relation to the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line 28, It is required for the provision of a fluid tight sealing between the plug 64" and the dispensing end 62 that the plug 64" does not abut the dispensing end 62 in a misaligned state
• the contact surface between the dispensing end 62 and the plug 64 may have various angles in relation to the fluid direction In some embodiments the contact surface may form a 90 degree angle relative to the fluid direction, In
• Fig. 6b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30" in its open position.
• beverage may flow out of the dispensing line 28 through the dispensing end 62 past the guiding flange 70 towards the spout 22.
• Fig 7a shows a cutout view of the valve element 30'" according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position
• the present embodiment is similar to the valve element 30 as shown in Fig. 4, however provides a guiding pipe 72 which is attached to the guiding element 68 and located between the guiding element 68 and the plug 64'".
• the plug 64'" thereby achieves a better alignment towards the dispensing end 62 since the guiding pipe 72 supports the plug 64 circumferentially and continuously in contrast to the sectional support provided by the guiding element 68 of Fig. 4
• the pass-through channels are as in the previous embodiments located between the flange bodies of the guiding element 68"
• Fig, 7b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 when in its open position.
• the plug 64"' is abutting the guiding pipe 72 due to the beverage pressure.
• Fig. 8a shows a valve element 30 lv according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position.
• the present embodiment has all the features of the valve element 30' as shown in Fig 5a, however further provides a valve seat 74 which constitutes a downwardly elongation of the connector 60
• the plug 64' abuts the valve seat 74 when in its closed position in contrast to the previously embodiments in which the plug 64' was abutting the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line 28
• a contact area between the valve seat 74 and the plug 64 may be improved for optimizing the sealing quality when in its closed position.
• Such improvement may comprise a larger contact area or alternatively the valve seat 74 may be of a material better suited for fluid tightness such as rubber or the like.
• Fig. 8b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 ⁇ v when in its open position.
• the plug 64 separates from the valve seat 74, the beverage is allowed to flow past the plug 64 and towards the spout 22
• Fig. 9a shows a cutout view of the valve element 3Q V according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position.
• the valve element 30 of the present embodiment includes all of the features of the valve element 30 of Fig 4, however the plug 64 is fixated onto the connector 60 by a flexible band assembly 76 which is constituting a plurality of individual flexible bands for aliowing beverage to pass through the flexible band assembly 76.
• the flexible bands 76 are elastic, so that when the valve element 30 v is in its closed position, the flexible band assembly 76 ensures the plug maintaining the correct positioning in relation to the dispensing end 62.
• Fig 9b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 v when in its open position.
• a rim 78 at the bottom of the piug engages the guiding element 68 thereby moving the plug 64 away from the opening 62 and stretching the flexible band assembly 76.
• beverage may flow out of the dispensing line 28 towards the spout 22
• the vaive element 30 v is closed as shown in Fig, 9a, the flexible band 76 guides the plug 64 to an aligned closed position abutting the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line 28.
• Fig. 10a shows a cutout view of a valve element 30 V! according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position.
• the present embodiment includes all features of the valve element 30 of Fig. 4a, however, the guiding element 68 is fixedly attached to the plug 64 and sliding on the inner surface of the downstream valve part 40, and the outer surface of the guiding element 68 may thus be aligned by the inner surface of the downstream valve part 40. Pass-through channels are provided through the guide support for allowing beverage to pass.
• the guiding element 68 has a circumferential protrusion engaging a corresponding inwardly step in the downstream valve part 40 thereby preventing the guiding element 68 from failing out and forcing the plug 68 to abut the dispensing end 62
• Fig, 10b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 V! when in its open position.
• the guiding element 68 is abutting the downstream valve part 40, and beverage may flow from the dispensing line 28 through the guiding element 68 towards the spout 20.
• the plug 68 is thus effectively aligned by the downstream valve part 40
• Fig, 1 1a shows a cutout view of a valve element 30 vlf according to a further embodiment when in its closed position.
• the present valve element 3O VI! is based on the valve element 30 of Fig. 4, however, instead of extending the flexible bellows 58' when opening the valve element 30 vn , the flexible bellows 58' is compressed when opening the valve element 30 v "
• the upstream valve part 42' is directly attached to the outer surface of the dispensing line 28 at the dispensing end 62.
• the flexible bellows 58' is extending from the upstream valve part 42' upwardly along the outer surface of the dispensing line and is on its opposite end attached to the downstream valve part 40' via a connector 60', The downstream valve part 40 is extending downwardly outside the flexible bellows 58' and past the dispensing end 62.
• the flexible bellows 58' is being slightly compressed in the dosed position shown in Fig 1 1a for the plug 66 to seal the dispensing end 64 properly.
• Fig 1 1b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 v ⁇ when in its open position.
• the open position is achieved by pulling the downstream valve part 40' downwardly by the use of the lower circumferential groove 38, thereby compressing the flexible bellows 58' further. As the flexible bellows 58' contracts the plug 66 moves away from the dispensing end 64, allowing beverage to flow out via the dispensing end 62. It should be noted that since the upstream vaive part 42' is concealed inside the downstream vaive part 40" the upper circumferential groove must be omitted. The dispensing line 28 must therefore be fixated or held upstream for allowing opening and closing operations when inside the dispensing head.
• Fig. 12a shows a cutout view of a valve element 3O VI " according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position.
• the present embodiment has all the features of the valve element 30' as shown in Fig. 5a, except that a drop-shaped plug 64 is mounted onto the connector 60 via a plug holder 80.
• the plug holder 80 constitutes a three-legged support interconnecting the plug 64 and the connector 60 while allowing liquid to pass through, i.e. pass between the dispensing end 62 and the downstream valve part.
• the present embodiment further provides a valve seat 74 which constitutes a constriction in the lower valve part 40.
• the plug 64' abuts the valve seat 74 when in its closed position in contrast to some of the previous embodiments in which the plug 64' was abutting the dispensing end 62 of the dispensing line 28.
• a contact area between the valve seat 74 and the plug 64 may be improved for optimizing the sealing quality when in its closed position.
• the present embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in fig 8 in that the plug 64 is located between the valve seat 64 and the dispensing end 62.
• Fig 12b shows a cutout view of the valve element 3O VI " when in its open position
• the plug 64 separates from the valve seat 74 and the beverage is allowed to flow past the plug 64 and through the downstream valve part 40
• Fig. 13a shows a cutout view of a valve element 3O IX according to a further embodiment and when in its closed position.
• the present embodiment includes al! features of the valve element 30 of Fig 4a, however, the plug 64 is fixedly attached to the downstream vaive part 40, The plug 64 is mounted inside the downstream valve part via a plug holder 80, The plug holder 80 constitutes a three-legged support interconnecting the plug 64 and the inner wall of the downstream valve part 40 while allowing liquid to pass through, i e. pass between the dispensing end 62 and the downstream vaive part When in its closed position, the plug 64 seals against the dispensing end 62
• Fig. 13b shows a cutout view of the valve element 30 lx when in its open position
• the plug 64 is moved away from the dispensing end 62 and beverage may flow from the dispensing end 62 through the downstream valve part 40

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
• Lift Valve (AREA)

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• 2009
  • 2009-01-29 EP EP09388002A patent/EP2213614A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2010
  • 2010-01-21 EP EP10701140.5A patent/EP2391572B1/de active Active
  • 2010-01-21 CN CN2010800131455A patent/CN102361813B/zh active Active
  • 2010-01-21 WO PCT/EP2010/050692 patent/WO2010086275A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-01-21 DK DK10701140.5T patent/DK2391572T3/da active
  • 2010-01-21 EA EA201190126A patent/EA021558B1/ru not_active IP Right Cessation

Patent Citations (7)

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