DE102007032414B4 - Pressure cap for beverage-containing vessels and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printing attachment (1) which is suitable to be placed on beverage-containing vessels for pressurization. The print attachment solves the problem to provide an improved device for supplying pressure for beverage-containing vessels available. It comprises a sword (2) which is operatively connected to a gas cartridge via a valve arrangement, wherein the gas cartridge is displaceably arranged by a lever arrangement (4) against a mandrel (5), which in turn is arranged on a carriage (6). This is against a punch (8) displaceable in a recess (7). A sealing element is arranged on a mandrel (5) facing the end of the punch (8). The punch (8) is slidably mounted in a bearing shell (10) and is in operative connection with a first end of a rocker arm (11). The carriage (6) has a bore (12) to which a first channel (14) provided in a bridge part (13) abuts and creates a fluidic connection between a piston (16) and the bore (12). The piston (16) bears against a second end of the rocker arm (11), which is tiltably supported in the hood; it surrounds the space (17), which is in fluid communication with the sword (2) via a second channel (18).

Description

The The following invention relates to a print attachment for beverage-containing Vessels, in particular for vessels that carbonated beverages and a method of operating the printing attachment.

STATE OF THE ART

Out The prior art has various devices for providing known by pressure in beverage containers, which serve in vessels like for example, beer kegs such a carbonic pressure to make sure that the beer is tapped in the desired way and an appealing foam crown forms.

Such a dispensing device for beverage kegs is in the utility model DE 79 06 737 U1 called by Kötter, H. The dispensing device disclosed therein serves in particular for use with small beverage barrels provided with carbon dioxide cartridge and manometer. They should be easy to handle and be operated by the layman. The device should have only a very small amount of space. There is therefore disclosed a device having an unprotected protruding into the space dispensing device, which is coupled to a valve via a carbon dioxide cartridge and also protrudes into the room unprotected.

The DE 1944 673 A von Baltzer, W. also relates to a multi-way keg tap with tapping device, wherein a compressed gas cushion is already provided during the filling of the device; it is automatically provided after application of the container closure or when filled by the container closure. In particular, it is turned off on a removal device made of metal or plastic, which can be connected by means of a screw or clamp closure with the keg connection liquid and gas-tight. Thus, the carbonated beverage can be left out through the sampling device by the previously provided compressed gas cushion. For small kegs, a carbon dioxide cartridge can be installed separately for complete emptying and also removed again, so that the barrel without the carbon dioxide cartridge mounted on it can be stored in the refrigerator until completely consumed if it has been completely emptied. The disadvantage of this is that the fresh consumption of the drum contents procured a fresh gas cartridge and must be installed with equipment cost.

Further, the DE 697 18 763 T2 from Suntory Ltd. an ice-cooled dispenser from which beer from a beer keg can be filled directly into a jug, to which carbon dioxide gas from a cartridge is added. The object of this invention is to provide ice cooling, which is accomplished by the disadvantageously space consuming, complex disclosed invention. The DE 27 34 698 C2 discloses a device of piercing and sealing carbonic acid cartridges and the like.

Another apparatus for providing a carbonated beverage is disclosed in US 5,436,074 DE 2 323 345 A Morgan et. al described, which provides a reservoir for the beverage, which is equipped with a pipe leading to the tap, wherein an ultrasonic generator is coupled to the tube, so that when tapping a solid foam structure is obtained. Furthermore, the describes EP 0 186 709 A1 a device for dispensing drinks from a pressurized vessel.

EPIPHANY

outgoing from this prior art, the present invention is the Task based, an improved device for pressure delivery in beverage Vessels and to provide a method of operating the same. This task is by a printing attachment with the features of the independent claim 1 and by a method having the features of the independent claim 21 solved. Preferred embodiments are covered by the subclaims described.

A first embodiment relates to a printing attachment, which can be placed on beverage-containing vessels to pressurize the drink with gas, which is provided by an advantageously space-saving integrated into the pressure cap gas cartridge. The gas cartridge is connected via a valve assembly and a sword with the contents of the vessel in contact. To allow the gas to flow from the cartridge into the vessel, it is pushed by means of a lever arrangement against a mandrel, which provides an opening in the gas cartridge, respectively in a present in the cartridge neck closure device. The mandrel itself is mounted on a carriage having a bore for directing the gas. The gas can flow via a valve assembly actuated as needed through the bore in a channel system which extends into the sword, and thus can flow into the beverage. The gas flow through the channel system is made possible by a rocker arm, which is in operative connection with a piston, so that with appropriate position of the rocker arm, the gas via the bore first into a first channel, from there into a space surrounded by a piston and further into one second channel can flow. The actuation of the piston by the rocker arm causes the gas from the piston chamber is pressed into the channel, which opens into the sword.

The Depth of space of the print attachment according to the invention is essentially determined by the size of the gas cartridge, which can be arranged in the printing attachment. The rocker arm is arranged particularly advantageously so space-saving that the transfer of the Gas from a first level, on which the cartridge neck from which the gas exits into the bore, to a second Level allows is, from which the pressure-controlled gas is transferred into the vessel. The clever arrangement of the rocker arm between the two levels allows that advantageous with little design effort To save space, put a gas cartridge on a vessel in such a way leaves, that at the desired time can be acted upon with gas, while the drink, if it is not complete is used up, with vessel and pressure attachment be stored further.

One another embodiment refers advantageously to the imple mentation of the vessel as Can or as a barrel, especially as a beer keg, as a small container is known. Cleverly, cans or barrels can be stacked and also in household refrigerators along with them store the printing attachment, even opened drums or cans can continue be stored without sacrificing quality to lose.

Further refer to embodiments to the advantageous arrangement of the lever, with which the valve assembly according to the invention operated in the printing attachment can be.

Finally relate Embodiments to the provision of safety precautions by overpressure and check valves.

Furthermore are exemplary embodiments to the method for operating the printing attachment according to the invention This demonstrates how simple and skillful a drink in a corresponding vessel with gas can be applied to improve the quality of the drink and optionally to facilitate removal from the vessel.

These and further advantages are provided by the following description with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Of the Reference to the figures in the description is for the support of Description. objects or parts of objects, which are essentially the same or similar are, can be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely schematic representations of embodiments of the invention. It shows:

1 shows an elevational view of the print attachment according to the invention from above.

2 shows a side elevation of the print attachment according to the invention with inserted carbon dioxide cartridge.

3 shows a perspective view of the print attachment from below.

4 shows a perspective view of the print attachment from above.

DESCRIPTION

The device of the present invention is basically used to be placed on vessels that are suitable for storage and transport to the provision of carbonated drinks. Barrels or cans, such as are known from the prior art, are particularly suitable as such vessels. Such barrels or cans can be placed, and may have in the standing state at their upper Deckelfläcke an opening which is only temporarily closed. Such an opening can with a membrane, a stopper, a rotary or other closure be closed, and be opened at the time when the sword, which is also referred to as a short sword depending on its length to be introduced.

As a general rule For example, the gas used for pressurizing may be any food gas especially carbon dioxide, with the carbonated drinks such as Be pressurized beer, or even oxygen, with the drinks applied can be which should have a particularly high oxygen content. Such beverages are known in particular from the fitness sector.

Of the Focus of the present invention is on trash barrels with a capacity from about 5-10 l, in particular to those containing beer, since these Small container barrels need to be supplied with carbon dioxide for emptying, so that the drink correspondingly fresh and with a pleasant head of foam tapped into a drinking vessel and presented can be.

Drums that are suitable to be provided with the printing attachment according to the invention are inter alia in the WO 00/0792 A1 Grittmann described.

Becomes the print attachment according to the invention on a suitable trash can for beer with integrated dispensing system arranged, so can by pressing the mechanism of carbon dioxide be transferred from a built in the print cartridge cartridge in the barrel where to go with the drink or in the drink carbonic acid forms. The pressure provided in this way supports the transfer of the beverage the arranged on the barrel or possibly attachable to the barrel accordingly Dispenser, so that supplied with fresh carbon dioxide drink fresh bubbly can be provided for consumption. The printing attachment according to the invention with integrated carbon dioxide cartridge is particularly advantageous for the Application of the beer tap, since the beer is created by the in situ carbonic acid gets a head of foam and fresh taste.

1 shows the printing attachment according to the invention, the sword 2 , better visible 2 , having. The sword 2 is the about a valve assembly with a carbon dioxide cartridge 3 in connection.

Basically Under a sword in the present case understood a tube, which is substantially perpendicular to the device plane in which the gas cylinder is located, is arranged. The sword can be fixed to the pressure attachment be, in other, not shown embodiments of the sword can also be plugged as a loose component. Further, the sword suitable, by a correspondingly provided in a barrel opening in introduced the barrel to become. The sword can be correspondingly more or less deep in the Barrel protrude, in which he according to the embodiment of the barrel of a can be included with a tap connected riser. Of course you can in other embodiments the sword vice versa and the riser tightly surrounded.

Out 1 it becomes clear that the gas cartridge 3 , which may be a carbon dioxide cartridge for providing carbon dioxide for reaction with H ₂ O for the formation of carbonic acid, by a lever arrangement 4 , which is accessible and operable from the outside of the printing attachment, against a arranged on the inside of the printing attachment mandrel 5 is so slidable that the thorn the cartridge 3 opens. The thorn 5 is on a sled 6 arranged, which in a recess 7 lies and in this against a stamp 8th is displaceable. The sliding carriage 6 is insofar as a result of the operation of the lever 4 against a stamp 8th moves against a sealing element, in the present case a rubber disc 9 is, is created. The sealing element is at one end of the punch 8th that the thorn 5 facing, arranged. It can also be made of rubber and other suitable material such as Teflon or plastic. Further, its shape may take other than the disc shape, other suitable geometric shapes such as a ring shape or cylindrical shape

The Stamp 8th is displaceable in a bearing shell 10 mounted and operatively connected to a first end of a rocker arm 11 , The rocker arm is arranged so that the gas flowing from the pierced cartridge neck is transferred from its higher level under pressure control to the lower level at which the sword is located: for this purpose, the gas flows after the punch 8th by the lever movement of the lever arrangement 4 was advanced through the hole 12 , which is arranged in the carriage along an axis extending through the carriage AA, to a first channel 14 in the bridge part 13 lies. The bridge part is arranged so that the first channel 14 and the hole 12 are arranged approximately at right angles to each other. The gas pressure is considerably reduced at this time by the corresponding change in the flow-through volumes.

This spatial arrangement of the first channel 14 for drilling 12 that creates a fluidic connection between a piston 16 and the hole 12 is not mandatory: The fluidic connection can also be realized in a different geometric arrangement, while maintaining the desired pressure reduction.

The piston 16 lies against a second end of the in the print attachment 1 tiltable supported rocker arm 11 whose first end is in contact with the stamp 8th stands, so that after tilting the rocker arm 11 by the punch movement, the second end of the rocker arm 11 with the piston 16 , is brought into contact, so that of the piston 16 surrounded space 17 over the second channel 18 with the sword 2 enters fluid communication. That in the room 17 contained gas flows over the sword 2 in the vessel not shown figuratively.

The said lever 11 lies so on the inside of the edge 1'' the hood 1' indicating the individual components of the printing attachment 1 united among themselves that the lever can tilt; proves this a rounding off 19 on that, as in 1 and 2 apparently, on a contact surface 19 ' of the hood edge 1'' provides a support. The hood edge 1'' is therefore on its outside by longitudinal ribs 28 stiffened. Of course, other patterns or forms a stiffening of the hood edge 1'' provide. When the rounding off 19 of the lever 11 is arranged eccentrically, a smaller punch movement is effected.

As in 1 and 2 becomes clear, the stamp of the invention 8th have a bulge, with a corresponding in the lever 11 present recess corresponds.

The second hole 14 stands with the bottom surface 15 a piston 16 in fluidic contact whose bottom surface 15 meaningfully larger than the one through the rubber disc 9 formed bottom surface of the stamp 8th to bring about a corresponding pressure reduction. By operating the lever 4 thus causing the spike 5 an access into the arranged in the pressure cap gas cartridge that opens through the hole 12 flowing gas continues through the first channel 14 flows from where it enters a second channel 18 before it passes through the sword 2 flows into the barrel.

Out 3 will be apparent that the print attachment 1 that a hood 1' with a hood edge 1'' may be arranged so that the Ventilan Regulation in the hood 1' is attached while the gas cartridge releasably in a recess 26 set in the hood and can be easily exchanged advantageous. It can be mounted on a sliding footrest 22 - please refer 2 - Be supported with the lever assembly 4 about a joint 23 connected is. Thus, it is stored stable and safe transport.

The lever arrangement described is advantageous on the outside of the hood 1' arranged as in 4 shown; The lever can be easily pushed through the hood 1' taken in flap 24 be realized, which is depressible. For additional protection against unintentional pressing down a bridge 25 , across the tab 24 is, be provided. This can be cut directly to the hood material. Advantageously, he is just made so that he intentionally pressing down the tab 24 interrupted.

In order to ensure that, for example, at elevated ambient temperatures or other conditions, no pressure builds up in the barrel or can, which becomes undesirably high, as can be seen in 1 is shown, the bridge part 13 a pressure relief valve 27 have, on a side facing away from the sealing element end of the bridge part 13 can be arranged. The pressure relief valve 27 opens up favorably at an overpressure from 2 bar.

In addition, the print attachment in the sword 2 a check valve 20 have, as in 2 shown.

To easily attach the print tower to the vessel or can, the hood rim is 1'' designed so that it can be brought into engagement with the upper edge of the barrel or can, for example by a simple locking device. This can the hood edge 1'' recesses facing away from each other 21 have, which act as springs.

The actuation of the pressure attachment for pressurizing vessels containing beverages, so can be done by the lever assembly 4 is pressed, causing the gas cartridge against the spike 5 who is on a sledge 6 is arranged, is moved. In this case, the gas flows in a present in the carriage bore 12 out. The sled 6 in a recess 7 lies, is against a stamp 8th shifted, whereby gas in a present in the bridge part first channel 14 and further into one of the piston surrounded space 17 flows. This is done pushing the stamp 8th who is in the bearing shell 10 is stored, and the stamp 8th comes with a first end of the rocker arm 11 brought together, causing the rocker arm 11 tilts.

The second end of the rocker arm 11 is brought into contact with the piston 16 so that of the piston 16 surrounded space 17 over the second channel 18 with the sword 2 is fluidly connected and that in the room 17 contained gas over the sword 2 flows under pressure reduction in the vessel. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 print article 1' Hood 1'' hood edge 2 epee 3 carbon dioxide cartridge 4 lever assembly 5 mandrel 6 carriage 7 recess 8th stamp 9 rubber discs 10 bearing shell 11 rocker arm 12 First drilling 13 bridge part 14 First channel 15 floor area 16 piston 17 room 18 Second channel 19 rounding 19 ' contact surface 20 check valve 21 recesses 22 step bearing 23 joint 24 flap 25 web 26 Recess for gas cartridge 27 Pressure relief valve 28 ribs

Claims (21)

Print attachment ( 1 ), which is suitable to be placed on beverage-containing containers for pressurizing, wherein the pressure attachment ( 1 ) comprises: - a sword ( 2 ), which is in operative connection via a valve arrangement with a gas cartridge, - the gas cartridge by a lever arrangement ( 4 ) against a thorn ( 5 ) is arranged displaceably, - the thorn ( 5 ) on a carriage ( 6 ) arranged against a punch ( 8th ) displaceable in a recess ( 7 ), - a sealing element on a mandrel ( 5 ) facing the end of the stamp ( 8th ), - the stamp ( 8th ) displaceable in a bearing shell ( 10 ) and in operative connection with a first end of a rocker arm ( 11 ), - the carriage ( 6 ) a hole ( 12 ) along an axis (AA) extending through the carriage, - a bridge part ( 13 ) with a first channel ( 14 ) a fluidic connection between a piston ( 16 ) and the bore ( 12 ), characterized in that - the piston ( 16 ) against a second end of the in the printing attachment ( 1 ) tiltably supported rocker arm ( 11 ), wherein one of the piston ( 16 ) surrounded space ( 17 ) via a second channel ( 18 ) with the sword ( 2 ) is in fluid communication. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas cartridge is a carbon dioxide cartridge ( 3 ) or an oxygen cartridge. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printing attachment ( 1 ) a hood ( 1' ) with a hood edge ( 1'' ) and the valve arrangement in the hood ( 1' ) and at least the gas cartridge releasably in a recess ( 26 ) in the hood ( 1' ). Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom surface ( 15 ) of the piston ( 16 ) is greater than a provided by the sealing element bottom surface of the punch ( 8th ). Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever arrangement ( 4 ) on an outside of the hood ( 1' ) is arranged. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element is disc-shaped, annular or cylindrical. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element made of rubber, Teflon, an elastic plastic or other suitable material is made. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bridge part ( 13 ) a pressure relief valve ( 27 ) having. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pressure relief valve ( 27 ) on a side facing away from the sealing element end of the bridge part ( 13 ) is arranged. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the pressure relief valve ( 27 ) opens at an overpressure from 2 bar. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vessel is a barrel or can, preferably with a capacity of up to 10 l, more preferably with a capacity of up to 5 l. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fillet ( 19 ) of the rocker arm ( 11 ) on a contact surface ( 19 ' ) of the hood edge ( 1'' ) provides a support. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support of the rocker arm ( 11 ) is eccentric. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the sword ( 2 ) a check valve ( 20 ) is arranged. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the hood edge ( 1'' ) is adapted for engagement with the upper edge of the barrel or the can. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the hood edge ( 1'' ) recesses facing away from each other ( 21 ), which act as springs. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas cartridge on a displaceable Fußlager ( 22 ) supported by the lever arrangement ( 4 ) via a joint ( 23 ) connected is. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever arrangement ( 4 ) one in the hood ( 1' ) inserted tab ( 24 ) having. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tab ( 24 ) at least partially from a bridge ( 25 ) is covered, which is suitable when operating the rocker arm ( 11 ) demolish. Print attachment ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sword ( 2 ) is adapted to be covered by a riser connected to a tap. Method for pressurizing vessels containing beverages using a pressure cap ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein a sword ( 2 ) is in operative connection with a gas cartridge via a valve arrangement, under - actuation of the lever arrangement ( 4 ), - moving the gas cartridge against a spike ( 5 ) mounted on a sled ( 6 ) is arranged, wherein gas in one in the carriage ( 6 ) present bore ( 12 ) flows, - moving the carriage ( 6 ), which in a recess ( 7 ), against a stamp ( 8th ), whereby gas in a in the bridge part ( 13 ) present channel ( 14 ) and further into one of the piston ( 16 ) surrounded space ( 17 ), and whereby - pushing the stamp ( 8th ) in the bearing shell ( 10 ), is carried out, - bringing the stamp together ( 8th ) with a first end of the rocker arm ( 11 ), whereby the rocker arm ( 11 ) tilts, characterized in that - the second end of the rocker arm ( 11 ) with the piston ( 16 ) is brought into contact, so that the of the piston ( 16 ) surrounded space ( 17 ) over the second channel ( 18 ) with the sword ( 2 ) is brought into fluid communication and that in the room ( 17 ) contained gas over the sword ( 2 ) flows into the vessel.