WO2012045790A1

WO2012045790A1 - Tap mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2012045790A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/067414
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Schneider; Marco Baldassi; Tobias Britsch
Original assignee: Huber Packaging Group Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-10-05
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: DE102010048902A1

Abstract

A tap mechanism for dispensing a fluid, in particular carbonated liquid, from a container (10) is proposed, comprising a holder (40), which can be sealingly received in a tap opening (26) of the container (10), an inlet opening (44), an outlet opening (38), a valve channel (60) including a tap valve (34) for selectively blocking or opening the valve channel (60), and a flow channel (48) arranged between the inlet opening (44) and the outlet opening (38), wherein a cross-section-reducing flow body (50) is provided in the flow channel (48) such that a gap is formed and fluid can flow around the flow body (50) in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel (48). The flow body (50) is preferably designed as a spindle extending in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel (48).

Description

Tap device

The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, in particular carbonated liquid, from a container, with a holder which is sealingly receivable in a dispensing opening of the container, an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a valve channel with a nozzle for selectively locking or Releasing the valve channel, and with a flow channel, which is arranged between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

Such a dispensing device is known from DE 10 2007 055 466 AI. This is a dispensing device, which is designed to be received in an opening in a topsoil of a container. The known dispensing device has a sleeve in which a piston is arranged, which has a boom on which a nozzle is arranged. The piston with the boom can be transferred from a first, recessed position to a second, extended position. In this position, the boom projects with the nozzle laterally beyond a lateral surface of the container to allow a simple pin.

Portable dispensers, especially in combination with liquid containers, have recently experienced a steady spread. For example, so-called party kegs, which can be combined with a dispensing device or can already be delivered in conjunction with a dispensing device, also allow an end user to enjoy drinks "fresh on tap". Such party kegs usually have a filling volume of about 5 liters.

In particular, beer, mixed beer drinks or soft drinks that have carbon dioxide, the consumer can be perceived fresher and tastier when tapped directly from the barrel before the enjoyment. As a part of the taste experience, the tapping process itself can thus also be considered.

When tapping carbonated drinks, especially beer or mixed beer drinks, foaming is of great importance. A fine-pored, white foam, the so-called foam crown, is usually perceived as an indicator of the quality, freshness and appetite of the tapped beverage.

When brewing beer, the yeast converts the malt sugar contained in the beer wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide during the fermentation process. Other drinks, such as mineral water or sodas, are deliberately carbonated, for example, to be able to produce a fresher taste. While storage, for example directly in the barrel, a high proportion of carbon dioxide is dissolved in the drink, provided that the storage is quiet and without shocks.

When pouring, about the tapping process, at least part of the carbon dioxide is released. On the one hand, this is based on the fact that any overpressure in the drum falls off when the fluid escapes to the outside. On the other hand, the pin itself can provide for "unrest" in the drink, for example by turbulence on obstacles, by cross-sectional changes on the tapping path or by an excessive dispensing or falling speed of the beverage. With stationary dispensers, it is possible to influence the dispensing conditions in such a way that, for example, when drafting beer, just enough carbon dioxide is degassed to form a beautiful head of foam. For this purpose, it may be necessary to maintain the temperature in a certain range, to monitor the proportion of dissolved carbonic acid in the beverage and, if necessary, to influence it, and to design the dispensing line as streamlined as possible.

In principle, it may be desirable when pinching beer, for example, to effect a "clear" discharge from the container, so that the foam crown required to a desired extent is primarily formed by turbulence when the beverage flows into the dispensing container.

Thus, a possible approach may be to provide the dispensing device with pipe sections that serve to calm the liquid flow when flowing through the dispensing device.

For example, WO 2005/014466 AI shows a dispensing device with a foam choke, which is formed as a meandering channel on the circumference of a sleeve body. Such a foam choke thus serves primarily to calm the flow of liquid through a long cross-section reduced Zapf stretch. In particular, in dispensers for small containers, which may be emptied only once, measures to optimize foaming technology and economic restrictions.

Against this background, the present invention seeks to provide a dispensing device, which allows a simple pin with desired foaming, if possible, with little effort to manufacture and assemble, and preferably has a suitability for self-regulation.

This object is achieved in a dispensing device according to the aforementioned type according to the invention that in the flow channel to form a gap a cross-sectional narrowing flow body is provided, which is flowed around by the fluid.

According to the invention, while maintaining the length of the flow channel by the introduction of the flow body, so to speak, the effective effective for the fluid throttle section is extended so that a significant calming of the passing fluid can take place.

In principle, it can also contribute to the increased wall friction of the now larger flow around the surface to reduce the foaming tendency during the pin.

Even if it is known in principle that any internals, deflections and cross-section changing components in a flow path dissipation, turbulence and thus promote the outgassing of dissolved carbonic acid, it was surprisingly found that the introduction of the flow body a noticeable reduction in the foam content can be effected in the effluent from the container fluid. This is done at extremely low additional cost for the manufacture and assembly. In this case, the space requirement of the dispensing device in the container remain the same.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flow body is movably held in the flow channel.

In this way, some self-regulation may already result, since the flow body can assume different positions in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel, for example, under the effect of the dynamic pressure of the fluid flowing past.

It should be added that in the container preferably pressure-regulating or pressure-equalizing means are provided, for example, a pressurized cartridge which is coupled via a pressure compensating valve to the container to maintain a desired pressure. However, this can usually be done only within certain limits. Nevertheless, pressure fluctuations may arise due to temperature fluctuations or a particularly low degree of filling.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the flow body is designed as a spindle extending in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel, wherein the flow body preferably has a tapered end, more preferably two tapered ends.

[0023] Due to the spindle shape, the flow body is approximately "cigar-shaped" and has a very streamlined shape, so that there is only a slight tendency toward detachment or turbulence on the front side and approximately at two tapered ends on the rear side when the fluid flows around. Thus, the flow body basically have a rotationally symmetrical shape or basic shape, wherein a center axis can correspond with the longitudinal direction of the flow channel.

In the case of a spindle shape in the form of a cigar with two tapered ends, first a cross-sectional constriction and finally, at the outlet end of the flow body, a cross-sectional widening takes place. This is accompanied by a variation of the pressure conditions in the flowing fluid.

At the inlet end of the flow body prevails a certain pressure, which has a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component. The static pressure component essentially corresponds to an internal pressure present in the container. The dynamic pressure component is due to the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. In the region of the inlet-side end of the flow body, the cross-sectional constriction leads to an acceleration of the fluid and thus to an increase in the dynamic pressure component. In contrast, reduces the static pressure component, the total pressure remains essentially constant.

Conversely, it behaves at the outlet end of the flow body, there is a deceleration, a delay, the flowing fluid. In this case, the dynamic pressure component is reduced and, accordingly, the static pressure component is increased.

Thus, the flow body arranged in the flow channel in the region of its outlet end has a functionality comparable to a diffuser. In contrast, the inlet end acts basically like a nozzle.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the flow channel in the direction of the inlet opening a taper, preferably a conical taper, on, which corresponds at least in sections with the outer contour of the flow body.

This measure has the advantage that, with an axial displacement of the flow body, ie a displacement in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel, different operating conditions may result, which cause a variation of the flow conditions, in particular of the resulting between the flow body and the flow channel gap can.

In addition, the assembly of the flow body can be made particularly simple, since it can automatically assume a desired position after insertion into the flow channel.

The defined system in the flow channel can be carried out in such a way that this results in a precisely predetermined gap. In particular, in a vertical installation of the flow channel in the container, the defined system of the flow body can be done automatically by gravity. When tapping, the dynamic pressure of the passing fluid may allow lifting of the flow body from the system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a radially projecting guide contour is formed on the circumference of the body on a base body.

By this measure, with given dimensions of the flow channel and the main body of the flow body, the flow path can be further "extended", so that an increased throttle effect and, associated with a reduction of foaming can be achieved. The guide contour can have, for example, a plurality of longitudinal ribs, so-called fins, on an approximately rotationally symmetrical spindle-shaped or cigar-shaped basic body.

In this case, a plurality of flow paths connected in parallel can result, so that the ratio between the area flown around and the flow area can increase. Thus, the proportion of wall friction can increase the flow resistance. The associated throttling effect can further reduce the foaming tendency in the fluid.

According to a development of this embodiment, the guide contour has at least one flow edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the flow body.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the flow body (50) extending along a central body (100), preferably helical, helix.

These features contribute to a significant reduction in foaming during a tapping operation.

It is understood that the at least one flow edge can be suitably rounded in order to reduce or avoid delamination or turbulence of the flowing fluid.

The at least one flow edge may be formed by one or more fins or ribs. However, the one or more fins or ribs may also have a transverse component, ie, in addition to the longitudinal extent, also be twisted or twisted about the center axis of the flow body. In other words, the flow body may have a screw shape or screw shape superimposed on the spindle shape. If only one flow edge is provided, the screw or screw can be designed as a single-turn helix on the base body. In addition, multi-course designs are conceivable.

Thus, as compared with a total length of the flow body, a flow path for the fluid whose length is a multiple thereof can be obtained. Instead of passing the flow body alongside, an additional guidance of the fluid along a helical flow path around the flow body can take place.

The associated effect can be increased in particular by providing a plurality of flow edges, resulting in a plurality of elongated, parallel flow paths.

According to a further development of this embodiment, the helix has a pitch which, relative to a flow body diameter, has a ratio of approximately 0.3: 1 to 0.7: 1, preferably approximately 0.4: 1 to 0.6: 1 preferably from about 0.49: 1 to 0.53: 1.

In this way, a sufficient elongation of the flow path of the fluid flowing past the flow body can result, without this being deflected too much on entry into the coil due to their inclination.

According to one embodiment, the measure for the slope of 1.8 mm and the flow body diameter 3.5 mm, which results in a ratio of about 0.51: 1. According to a further aspect of the invention, the flow body has a profile cross-section, which has a plurality of flow edges.

In the case of an imaginary section through the flow body along a plane that is perpendicular to its center axis or the longitudinal direction of the flow channel, the profile cross section is clearly recognizable, which allows a conclusion on the resulting number of flow edges.

Thus, the profile cross-section, for example, triangular, star-shaped, n-shaped or shaped clover-shaped. Again, it is preferred if the flow edges are not sharp-edged, but have rounded portions.

If the profile cross section is rotated over the length of the flow body, the spiral shape of the helix or worm may result.

If, however, the profile cross section is guided without rotation over the length of the flow body, there are flow edges that run essentially parallel to the center axis of the flow body.

It is understood that the size of the profile cross-section can vary over the length of the flow body, about to allow a shape corresponding to the spindle shape of the main body of the flow body design of the guide contour.

Such a flow body, which has a basically straight guide contour, for example with longitudinal ribs or fins, can, for example, be removed from the mold in a particularly simple manner in the longitudinal direction in the case of a shaping production process. If, however, the guide contour has at least one flow edge, which is formed as a spiral helix on the main body of the flow body, it is preferred to provide the flow body with a parting plane which lies approximately on the center axis and perpendicular to this parting plane laterally removed from the mold. The guide contour is preferably designed such that there are no undercuts in the direction of demolding.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the flow body has a flow body length and the flow channel has a flow channel length, wherein the flow body length and the flow channel length a ratio of about 0.4: 1 to 0.9: 1, preferably about 0.5: 1 to 0.8: 1, more preferably from about 0.6: 1 to 0.7: 1.

Such a configuration allows the flow body basically some axial play in the flow channel, so that may arise due to the changing in displacement of the flow body in the flow channel gap a position-dependent control process.

According to one embodiment, the flow body length is 28 mm, so that a ratio of 0.64: 1 results.

According to another aspect of the invention, the flow body has a flow body diameter and the flow channel has a flow channel diameter, wherein the flow body diameter and flow channel diameter is a ratio of about 0.75: 1 to 0.99: 1, preferably about 0.85: 1 to 0.95: 1, more preferably from about 0.88: 1 to 0.92: 1.

It is understood that, in particular, the flow channel diameter, for example due to technologically required draft angles or due to a deliberately conical design of one end of the flow channel, can not be penetrated. must be constantly constant. In this respect, the flow channel diameter can be related to a region of the flow channel in which the flow body has its maximum flow body diameter.

According to one embodiment, a nominal size of 3.5 mm for the flow body diameter results in a ratio of approximately 0.9: 1.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the flow body has a base body with a base diameter and the flow channel a flow channel diameter, wherein the base diameter and the flow channel diameter has a ratio of about 0.3: 1 to 0.7: 1, preferably about 0, 4: 1 to 0.6: 1, more preferably from about 0.45: 1 to 0.55: 1.

According to one embodiment, the ratio for a nominal diameter of 2 mm for the base diameter is approximately 0.51: 1. This results in a nominal dimension for the flow body diameter of 3.5 mm and a nominal size for the base diameter of 2 mm between them, a ratio of about 1: 0.57.

It is understood that the flow body diameter and the base diameter are to be determined starting from maximum values in the central region of the flow body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the flow body is made of a thermoplastic material.

Thus, the flow body can be made particularly simple, fast and inexpensive, for example by injection molding, blow molding or compression molding of plastic. As already indicated above, even with a relatively complex geometry, which can contribute to this, the length of the effective flow To increase mungspfades and to improve the throttle effect in the flow channel, a simple mold release, such as with an open-to-give.

Alternatively, the flow body can also be made of a metallic material.

It is particularly preferred if a dispensing device according to the invention with a container, in particular a container made of thin sheet or Feinstblech, for receiving a fluid, in particular carbonated liquid, is used and disposed therein in a tap opening.

Such containers may, for example, be designed as so-called party kegs and have everything required to allow even an end user without elaborate preparation to tap a fresh, tasty drink with a desired amount of carbonic acid. In the case of beer or beer-containing beverages, in particular, a defined foam crown may result as a visually perceptible indicator of the quality of the beverage.

It is understood that the features of the invention mentioned above and those yet to be explained can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section through a container with a dispensing device according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the dispensing device sunk in a non-activated condition in a depression formed in the top of the container; FIG.

3 shows a perspective sectional view of a dispensing device according to the invention in the non-activated state;

4 shows a perspective view of the dispensing device according to FIG. 3 in the activated state, with a flow body being shown separately for illustration purposes;

5 shows a sectional view of a dispensing device according to the invention along a flow path;

6a) to 6c)

Detailed views of a flow body for use in a dispensing device according to the invention;

7 is a schematic side view of another flow body;

8a) to 8g)

different profile cross sections of a section approximately along the line VIII-VIII of the flow body of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 shows a further flow body, which may have a cross-section according to FIGS. 8A to 8E, approximately along the line VIII-VIII, with schematically indicated spirally running flow edges.

In Fig. 1, a container with a dispensing device 30 according to the invention is shown and designated 10 in total. The container 10 has a container wall 12, which in the present case results from a side wall 15, a top floor 14 and an underbody 16. Such containers may in particular be made of fine or superfine sheet and are generally sold together with a filling material as a container.

The side wall 15 may be made for example of a strip material or other flat or rolled semi-finished and be provided to produce the cylindrical or cylinder-like shape with a longitudinal seam or a Längsfalz.

The upper floor 14 and the lower floor 16 are joined in edge regions 18, 20, for example by means of seaming joints, sealingly with the side wall 15. Thus, the edge regions 18, 20 generally have multiple layers of material, so that the container 10 has an increased rigidity overall in the foot region and in the lid region. This is particularly beneficial for the stackability of the container 10, which simplifies handling in the manufacture, filling, storage and transport of the container 10.

In the upper bottom 14 of the container 10, a filling opening designated 22 is provided, via which a filling material, such as a fluid, in particular a carbonated beverage, can be filled. The filling opening 22 can thereafter be sealingly closed with a stopper (not shown).

In addition, in the topsoil 14 by way of example with 24 denotes a cartridge opening, which can serve as the inclusion of a print cartridge.

Basically, such or similar liquid containers can be emptied by gravity or by applying an overpressure.

If it is intended to use a gravity-induced self-emptying of the container for tapping, it is recommended that near the bottom 16 a Insert the tap laterally in the side wall 15. In order to enable a subsequent flow of air, a vent valve is often opened in the region of the topsoil 14 or a perforation is introduced.

In this way, in principle, emptying of the container is possible, but learns in particular beer by inflowing air a relatively rapid aging and loses a considerable proportion of the first dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide.

On the other hand, the container 10 is designed to receive, via the cartridge opening 24, a print cartridge, in particular a CO _z cartridge, which, optionally after separate activation, provides an overpressure in the interior of the container 10. For this purpose, the print cartridge can be combined with a pressure control, which can help to maintain a desired overpressure despite decreasing level inside the container 10.

The overpressure may also help to prevent premature excessive outgassing of dissolved carbon dioxide in the liquid. At a constant overpressure, an equilibrium sets in which no further outgassing takes place.

For the actual dispensing operation, the dispensing device 30 is sealingly received in a dispensing opening 26 in the upper bottom 14 of the container 10. In Fig. 1, the dispensing device 30 is shown in the activated state. In contrast, Fig. 2 shows the dispensing device 30 before activation in a recessed state.

The dispensing device 30 can be actuated via a dispensing lever 32 to open or close a dispensing valve 34. For this purpose, the tapping lever 32 can be pivoted back and forth, as indicated in Fig. 1 by an arrow indicated by 36. The opening and closing of the dispensing valve may cause leakage Liquid selectively effect or inhibit liquid from an outlet port 38 of the dispensing device 30.

The dispensing device 30 is sealingly received in the dispensing opening 26 via a holder 40. In the direction of the interior of the container 10, a sleeve 41 connects to the holder 40, which can be made in one piece with this or at least coupled. In the sleeve 41, a movable piston 42 is provided, which merges into a laterally outwardly extending boom 43.

The sleeve 41 is provided with an inlet opening 44, which is connected to a supply line 46 in the form of a riser, via which the liquid to be tapped can be supplied to the dispensing device 30. The supply line 46 protrudes completely or almost completely up to the underbody 16 of the container 10. Thus, the container 10, assuming appropriate overpressure in the interior, be completely or almost completely emptied.

In the piston 42 of the dispensing device 30, a flow channel 48 is further provided, which extends in the present case vertically. In the flow channel 48, a flow body 50 is provided, which helps to avoid excessive foaming during tapping or to ensure a desired amount of foam, which leads approximately when tapping beer to a beautiful foam crown.

In a fundamentally similar manner, the dispensing device 30 may be configured when it is intended to empty the container 10 by gravity as well as by the subsequent flow of air. For this purpose, as mentioned above, the dispensing device 30 should be introduced approximately laterally into the side wall 15, preferably close to the underbody 16. This could result in a non-vertical arrangement of the flow channel 48, in particular a horizontal or slightly inclined design of the flow channel 48, however. 1 and 2, a pull tab 52 is shown, with the aid of which the dispensing device 30 can be converted, starting from the lowered position shown in FIG. 2 in the activated position shown in Fig. 1.

2, it can be seen that the tapping device 30 is completely or almost completely retractable in a return of the topsoil 14 with respect to the edge region 18. This has the advantage that a plurality of containers 10 can be stacked on top of each other. The edge regions 18 and 20 of different containers engage each other.

To activate the dispensing device 30, an operator can grasp the tab 52 and pull it in the direction of an arrow indicated by 54, whereby a relative movement of the piston 42 relative to the holder 40 and the sleeve 41 is initiated. This axial displacement of the piston 42 in the direction of the arrow 54 may be coupled to a pivoting of the arm 43, whereby the outlet opening 38 can be displaced laterally beyond the container wall 12. This pivoting is indicated by a designated arrow 56. Thus, a vessel to be filled can be brought to the outlet opening 38 in a particularly simple manner.

The movements required for activating the dispensing device 30 along the arrows 54 and 56 can be carried out successively or in combination. Preferably, for this purpose, a guide slot (not shown) is provided on the piston 42 and on the holder 40 or the sleeve 41, which defines a preferred operation and can help to avoid incorrect operation.

Similarly, Fig. 3 illustrates the closed, recessed position of the dispensing device 30, whereas Fig. 4 shows the expanded, open position. In the position shown in Fig. 3, the tapping lever 32 is in a first, retracted position flush with the boom 43 at. This position can be secured in addition by material-fit, non-positive and / or positive elements. Thus, for example, one or more tamper-evident devices in the form of plastic webs or tabs can be provided, which must be overcome when transferring the dispensing device 30 from the closed position into the open position or when pivoting the dispensing lever 32.

The lever 32 can itself in an extended position, see. Fig. 4, are transferred, on the one hand to facilitate the operation, on the other hand to signal that about a tapping of the container has already taken place. As indicated in Fig. 4 by arrows designated 59a, 50b, the lever 32 can be pivoted or displaced relative to a valve arm 57 coupled to the dispensing valve, which also results in a greater effective lever length for operation. For this purpose, designated in FIG. 3 and 4 with 58 guide elements are provided, which allow the operator the appropriate operation.

In Fig. 3, a conveying path in the dispensing device 30 is shown, the flow channel 48, a valve channel 60, the outlet opening 38 and an inlet 64 are associated. The conveyor line is initially hermetically sealed. This takes place in the region of the outlet opening 38 via a safety 62 and in the region of the inlet 64 via sealing surfaces 66a, 66b. Thus, for example, the flow channel 48 and the valve channel 60 are protected from contamination and are made accessible only when activating the dispensing device 30 both from the inside, via the inlet 64, and from the outside, via the fuse 62.

It should be noted that the sealing surfaces 66a, 66b are preferably part of an approximately annular seal surrounding the inlet 64. In Fig. 3, the inlet 64 is adjacent to a closed wall portion of the sleeve 41. In Figs. 4 and 5, each in the activated state, the piston 42 and thus the inlet 64 so displaced or pivoted that it can be supplied via the inlet opening 44, the liquid to be tapped.

In Fig. 5, the dispensing device 30 is shown cut along the conveying path. The tapping lever 42 is not yet in the extended position, about as shown in FIG. 4, transferred.

Upon pivoting of the PTO lever 32 along the designated arrow 36 to the dispensing valve 34, a roller valve 70 is rotated in proportion to the pivoting angle. If the rotation is sufficiently large, a recess 71 of the roller valve 70 can come into overlap with the outlet opening 38 and the valve channel 60 and short them together. If the fuse 62 is released, so that a leakage of liquid is possible.

For ease of manufacture, the valve channel 60 may be formed by two channel halves 72, 74, which serve approximately as an upper shell and lower shell. In the present case, the channel half 74 is formed integrally with the piston 42. The channel halves 72, 74 are components of the boom 43rd

On the holder 40, a collar 78 is formed, which can reach the insertion of the dispensing device 30 into the dispensing opening 26 of the container 10 at this. For sealing, a seal 68 is provided, which can be manufactured by means of 2K technology with the holder 41 in a combined manufacturing process. In this case, the seal 68 is advantageously designed as a soft component.

From FIG. 5, it can also be seen that the seal 68 is designed in a cuff-shaped manner about the holder 40 or the sleeve 41. This has several advantages. Thus, for example, in the composite holder 40 and sleeve 41, a lateral recess, which is part of a transition piece 82, are formed in the direction of an arrow designated 84 to the side. The resulting opening to the outside is sealed by a leg 80a of the seal 68. In addition, a further lateral puncture may be formed to form a stop piece 86, which serves as a stop when moving out of the piston 42 along the arrow 54 when activating the dispensing device 30. Also resulting lateral openings are sealed by a leg 80 b of the seal 68. In conjunction with FIG. 3 thus results in a hermetic seal of the dispensing device 30 in the non-activated state. Also required for the realization of additional functions breakthroughs and lateral openings in the holder 40 and the sleeve 41 thus do not lead to contamination or contamination.

When extending the piston 42 results in the sleeve 41, a cavity 88. Basically, the cavity 88 by the sealing surfaces 66a, 66b and the seal 68 in the activated state of the dispensing device 30 against the ingress of liquid or the like. Protected become.

The flow channel 48 in the piston 42 has a certain minimum length 94 due to production. This is u.a. influenced by the extension height or the stroke indicated by the arrow 54 and a minimum immersion depth required after the extension in the holder 40 and the sleeve 41, for example, to prevent wobbling and to ensure a certain mechanical stability.

In the direction of the inlet opening 44, the inlet 64 connects to the flow channel 48. The inlet 64 is connected in the activated state with the transition piece 82, which merges into a connecting piece 90. The connecting piece 90 serves to receive the supply line 46, which provides the connection to the interior of the container 10.

During a tapping operation, the fluid to be tapped must flow through a total conveying path which begins on entry into the feed line 46 and ends at the outlet from the outlet opening 38. In this way the fluid becomes at least four times redirected by 90 °. This takes place approximately at the transition piece 82, at the transition from the inlet 64 into the flow channel 48, at the transition from the flow channel 48 into the valve line 60 and when flowing through the roller valve 70 itself.

Such deflections generally promote detachment and turbulence, so that under unfavorable conditions when tapping an excessive foaming can take place.

According to the invention it is provided to arrange a flow body 50 in the flow channel 48, which helps to reduce the foaming to a desired level.

The flow body 50 has a flow body length 92 whose ratio to the flow channel length 94 can have an influence on the foam formation.

The flow channel 48 has, at its end facing the inlet opening 44, a taper 91, which corresponds to the approximately spindle-shaped shape of the flow body 50. Thus, according to the position shown in FIG. 5, a particularly small gap may result between the flow body 50 and the flow channel 48, cf. also Fig. 6c). For example, the flow body may come into contact with the inlet 64, so that a defined, albeit smaller, gap remains between the flow channel 48 and the flow body 50.

Alternatively, the flow body 50 can also directly at the taper 91, formed in Fig. 5 as a conical taper, come to rest, so that a direct lateral flow past the flow body 50 on the wall of the flow channel 48 is completely or almost completely prevented. [Olli] A suitable embodiment of the flow body 50 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 a) to 6 c).

[0112] The flow body 50 is basically spindle-shaped or cigar-shaped. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6a), the flow body 50 has two ends 101a, 101b, which are rounded.

The flow body 50 also has a main body 100, which may also have a basically spindle-shaped or cigar-shaped form. On the main body 100, a guide contour 102 is formed, which is configured in the present case as a helical coil. By way of example, the helix is designed to be catchy, as are two- or multi-start designs similar to a worm or screw conceivable. Two arrows denoted by 108a, 108b indicate possible demolding directions along which the flow body 50 can be demolded, for example during an injection molding process. The spiral forming the guide contour 102 has no undercuts in the removal direction.

In Fig. 6b) is indicated at 96 a flow body diameter and 98 a base diameter. Along the coil, a flow edge 104 is formed, which can be understood as a wound single edge.

It should be noted that the term flow edge 104 should not be understood to mean that a possible sharp-edged transition is required. Rather, it can be assumed that the edge 104 is to be rounded as streamlined as possible, cf. also the illustration in FIGS. 6 a) to 6 c).

The helix forming the guide contour 102 has a characteristic pitch 106, which can be determined on the basis of the projection of two flow edge portions 104a, 104b shown in FIG. 6b). Fig. 6c) illustrates, in addition to the flow body diameter 96, a flow channel diameter 110 which preferably has a certain ratio to it. As mentioned above, in particular with a conical design of the flow channel 48 below the flow channel diameter 110, a mean diameter of the flow channel 48 can be understood that is approximately in the region of the flow body diameter 96.

It has been found that a design in which the flow channel diameter 110 is made slightly, but appreciably larger than the flow body diameter 96, in the present embodiment, a significant improvement of the tapping behavior can be achieved.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 6 a) to 6 c), the flow channel diameter 110 is about 3.89 mm, the flow body diameter 96 about 3.5 mm, the base diameter 98 about 2 mm, the flow body length 92 about 28 mm, the flow channel length 94 about 43, 75 mm and the slope 106 about 1.8 mm.

Such a dispensing device designed in particular is suitable for use in a party keg, which has about 5 liters of filling volume, preferably for beer or a beer-containing beverage.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified schematic side view of a flow body 50a. The flow body 50a has three flow edges 104c, 104d, 104e and is provided with a cross section corresponding approximately to Fig. 8a) or 8b). By way of example, FIG. 8b) may represent a cross-section along the line VIII-VIII through the flow body 50a; in this case, the flow edges 104c, 104d, 104e are pointed here. However, it is to be assumed that the flow edges are suitable to round, so far, a design could arise approximately as shown in FIG. 8a), in which a cross section of a flow body 50b is shown. Fig. 8c) shows an approximately hexagonal cross-section of a flow body 50c. Here, too, fillets of the flow edges shown are conceivable. Further embodiments with radially outwardly projecting geometries are shown in FIG. 8d) and FIG. 8e) with cross sections of flow bodies 50d, 50e.

Fig. 8f) illustrates a circular cross-section of a flow body 50f, which may have approximately an ideal cigar shape or spindle shape. FIG. 8g) expands this exemplary embodiment by providing an inner bore in the flow body 50g.

9 indicates that, for example, a cross-section according to FIGS. 8a) to 8e) can be spirally twisted in order to be able to extend an effective flow path analogously to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6a). In principle, depending on the number of flow edges 104, a catchy or multi-start screw shape or helical shape can result.

In the context of the invention, a dispensing device is specified in which, with little effort, an effective improvement of the dispensing behavior can be achieved. In particular, beer or beer-containing drinks can be conveniently tapped with a desired amount of foam in this way.

Claims

claims

A dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, in particular a carbonated liquid, from a container (10), comprising a holder (40) sealingly receivable in a dispensing opening (26) of the container (10), an inlet opening (44), an outlet opening (38), a valve port (60) having a bleed valve (34) for selectively blocking or releasing the valve port (60), and a flow passage (48) disposed between the inlet port (44) and the outlet port (38); characterized in that in the flow channel (48) forming a gap a cross-sectional narrowing flow body (50) is provided, which is flowed around by the fluid.

2. dispensing device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow body (50) in the flow channel (48) in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel (48) is movably held.

Third dispensing device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow body (50) as in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel (48) extending spindle is formed and preferably a tapered end (101), more preferably two tapered ends (101). , having.

4. tapping device (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the flow channel (48) in the direction of the inlet opening (44) has a taper (91), preferably a conical taper (91), at least in sections with the outer contour of the Flow body (50) corresponds.

5. dispensing device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) in the flow channel (48) defined in the longitudinal direction can come to rest.

6. dispensing device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) on a base body (100) circumferentially a radially projecting guide contour (102) is formed.

7. dispensing device (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide contour (102) has at least one in the longitudinal direction of the flow body (50) extending flow edge (104).

8. dispensing device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) has a along a central body (100) extending, preferably helical, helix.

A dispensing device (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that the helix has a pitch (106) to a flow body diameter (96) a ratio of about 0.3: 1 to 0.7: 1, preferably about 0, 4: 1 to 0.6: 1, more preferably from about 0.49: 1 to 0.53: 1.

10. dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the flow body (50) has a profile cross section having a plurality of flow edges (104).

11. The dispensing device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) has a flow body length (92) and the flow channel (48) has a flow channel length (94), wherein the flow body length (92) and the flow channel length (94 ) have a ratio of about 0.4: 1 to 0.9: 1, preferably about 0.5: 1 to 0.8: 1, more preferably about 0.6: 1 to 0.7: 1.

12. A dispensing device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) has a flow body diameter (96) and the flow channel (48) has a flow channel diameter (110), wherein the flow body diameter (96) and the flow channel diameter (110 ) have a ratio of about 0.75: 1 to 0.99: 1, preferably about 0.85: 1 to 0.95: 1, more preferably about 0.88: 1 to 0.92: 1.

13. The tapping device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) has a base body (100) with a base diameter (98) and the flow channel (48) has a flow channel diameter (110), wherein the base diameter (98 ) and the flow channel diameter (110) has a ratio of about 0.3: 1 to 0.7: 1, preferably about 0.4: 1 to 0.6: 1, more preferably about 0.45: 1 to 0.55 Have: 1.

14. dispensing device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (50) is made of a thermoplastic material.

15. Container, in particular container made of sheet or Feinstblech, for receiving a fluid, in particular carbonated liquid, characterized by a dispensing device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in a dispensing opening (26).