DE3124373A1 - TAP ARRANGEMENT FOR A CONTAINER - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a new and improved faucet assembly and more particularly to one which is used for Use with bag-in-box containers, so-called Bag-in-box containers.

Bag-in-box containers generally comprise a rigid outer container made of cardboard or the like, to hold a closed or sealed collapsible pouch containing a liquid. The container is provided with a tap or valve through which the contents of the collapsible bag periodically, as desired, can be issued. In Australian patent specification 446 218 is the Structure of a suitable tap described. This is commonly used. Furthermore will also a faucet of the type described in Australian Patent 790 is commonly used. These Faucets are very satisfactory and generally meet the requirements of users to the effect that that they can be easily assembled by the user, their use is easy, they are relatively leakproof and output the content in a satisfactory manner. Containers provided with such taps generally have the disadvantage that air slowly penetrates through the taps and the contents of the collapsible Bag can cloud. For example, if the content is wine, oxidation will slowly tarnish the wine. As a result, the containers can be stored for a relatively short time, although they are now collapsible Bags can be used which are themselves substantially or truly airtight.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of a container structure in which the above mentioned disadvantages are avoided, and to create a tap arrangement for this.

In the case of tap arrangements, the task is for a container solved by

a pipe socket of the tap, which can be attached in an outflow pipe of the container, a sliding cover element that closes the inner end of the pipe socket of the tap to the To isolate the inside of the pipe socket of the faucet from the discharge pipe of the container,

a valve device which closes the outer end of the pipe socket of the valve and which the output can control of liquid from the pipe socket of the tap, and

a sliding element arranged in the pipe socket of the faucet, which is actuated by the initial movement of the valve device is movable from a storage position to a tap actuated position in which it allows the liquid passes from the outlet pipe of the container to the valve device through the pipe socket of the tap.

The pipe socket of the faucet is preferably essentially cylindrical, so that after it has been in the outlet pipe of the container is arranged, with this forms a liquid-tight seal. The inner end of the The pipe socket of the tap can be closed by a separable Mambran, which is essentially impermeable to air This membrane can be made of any suitable material, e.g. sheet or sheet material

rial from which the collapsible pouch is made. However, it can be any material be used for this purpose, provided

it is sufficiently impermeable to air to slow the rate of airborne deterioration Reduce the contents of the container to acceptable values, while at the same time for the liquid content of the container is substantially impermeable to prevent leakage.

Alternatively, the sliding cover element can be molded integrally with the pipe socket of the faucet. In this In this case, a weakened area preferably extends linearly around and / or over the element adjacent to the pipe socket of the tap, so that the element is at least partially separated therefrom can be.

The tap arrangement according to the invention contains a valve device connected to the pipe socket arrangement and the outlet tube of the container to provide a usable faucet. The ventilator can do anyone have a suitable structure. For example, only the valve device needs that in the Australian 446,218, or it may be that described in the Australian patent 500,790 or in U.S. Patent 3,595,445 may be used.

The tap assembly according to the invention contains a sliding element that is moved by initial movement of the valve device

device is movable to move the cover element. If the cover is a detachable membrane, the sliding element can be a Membrane perforation device included. The membrane perforation device preferably has the shape a membrane cutting part located within the pipe socket device arranged and movable between a storage position and a position with a perforated membrane in which the membrane cutting member extends therethrough and intersects the releasable membrane. The membrane cutting member can be of any construction and of any suitable material exist. Preferably, the membrane cutting part is made of molded plastic material and can, for example have a cylindrical shape, as is the case in the embodiment shown.

The membrane perforation element is preferably connected to the valve device, so that it is with this is movable. The valve device can be telescopically mounted on the outflow pipe of the container in such a way that so that it is movable between the storage position and the perforated membrane position. Alternatively the membrane perforation device can be connected to a valve element of the valve device, to be movable between the storage position and the perforated membrane position.

If the cover element is formed with the pipe socket of the tap, the sliding element does not need any To contain perforation device, but rather int built in such a way that it covers the pipe stub

zen of the tap separates.

In one arrangement of the invention, the valve device includes a valve element with a valve surround, telescopic with respect to the pipe socket of the tap and preferably mounted on it and between the storage position and the position with the perforated membrane is movable.

The preferred valve element includes a deformable diaphragm which is finger actuated can. The preferred valve element includes a valve chamber defined by the valve skirt and the deformable Diaphragm is limited. The valve element is provided with an outlet opening which extends through the valve skirt extends therethrough to provide an opening to the valve chamber. The outlet opening may be in the form of a spout to convey liquid, which is known. The preferred valve element includes a valve seat on the inner edge of the valve chamber. The valve seat can be of the tapered type Be an edge, i.e. it can have the shape of an inverse truncated cone.

The preferred slide element is reciprocally partially mounted in the valve chamber and includes a valve portion with a valve seat which is complementary in shape to the valve seat of the valve element is. The valve seat preferably has the shape of a truncated cone. It can be an elastic ring-shaped Rib may be provided to improve sealing if so desired.

A coupling device is preferably provided, by means of which the perforation element with the deformable Diaphragm is connected. In the preferred form, the coupling means comprises a resilient, preferably arranged on the deformable diaphragm plug-in coupling element and a corresponding one Socket coupling recess. The coupling device is arranged so that it causes the elastic Diaphragm in its normal or stable position pulls on the perforation element so that the corresponding Valve seats are held in abutment, thereby opening the valve chamber and the outlet from the contents to seal the container.

When pressure is applied to the deformable diaphragm during operation, the perforation element moves forward and perforate the separable membrane. At the same time the seal between the corresponding Broken valve seats. This allows the contents of the container to flow through the tap assembly to the outlet. When the deformable diaphragm is released, it elastically pushes the perforation element into the Starting position in which the valve seats cooperate to form the valve chamber and consequently the outlet to seal from the contents of the container. The deformable diaphragm can be pressed around the To release contents through the outlet.

The invention is illustrated below with the aid of some exemplary embodiments described in more detail in connection with the drawing; in this show:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled spout and faucet assembly in accordance with the present invention for containers,

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 in the storage position.

3 shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 with the valve open,

4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment in which a membrane is used as a cover and contains the perforation device,

5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment in storage position in which a membrane is used as a cover and a perforation device and an alternative Vent.1 i construction bot »! Lk t,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of that shown in FIG Arrangement in valve actuation position,

Fig. 7 is a section along line VII-VII in Fig. 5 showing an end view of the arrangement of Fig. 5;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative

Example of an embodiment of a tap arrangement in storage position,

Fig. 9 is a section along line IX-IX in Fig. 8 showing an end view of the assembly of Fig. 8;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a faucet assembly in storage position and

11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a faucet assembly in storage position.

In the following, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will first be described. With the Reference numeral 11 is an outflow pipe of a container and with 12 a pipe socket or a socket of a Hahns. The pipe socket 12 of the faucet can preferably be telescopic within the discharge pipe may be attached and may include an annular barbed portion 23 for engagement with a Shoulder 24 within the spout in the assembled position to engage. A sealing rib or a barb 25 may be assembled for engagement within the spout 11 Form can be used, as best seen in FIG. There is none in the outlet pipe 11 corresponding recess; however, if it is made of plastic, the rib can be the spout for sufficiently deform the housing as shown in Figs.

-3124 27

A displaceable cover element 27 can be molded integrally into the pipe socket 12. In the element 27 is preferably adjacent to the connection point to the pipe socket 12, a weakened one shown at 27a Zone provided.

A slide element 13 can have a straight edge in order to slide the cover element 27. The edge 14 can also be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the pipe socket, so that the displacement element 13 can come into contact with part of the cover 27 adjacent to a weakened zone 27a, to assist in tearing away the cover element from the pipe socket, which will be described later. That Sliding element 13 can comprise a valve seat 15 and contains a plug-in coupling element 20, which is shown in FIG the drawing is shown.

The valve element may include a skirt portion 18 around the outer edge of the pipe socket 12 of the tap preferably to be surrounded by retaining ribs 21. In the embodiment shown, it fits the outer edge of the pipe socket 12 of the tap into a recess 28 of the valve element. This contains an outlet 29 and a valve seat 30, which corresponds to the valve seat 15 of the displacement element 13 and is complementary to this. The valve element shown includes a deformable diaphragm and on a coupling recess 17 on the inner surface.

When using the tap arrangement shown in FIGS and the container through the discharge pipe 11 i> <jfullt .. The faucet assembly is then moved to the position shown in Fig. 1 and then inwardly to the position shown in Fig. 2, which is the memory position. In this position the cover element prevents the contents of the container from coming into contact with the valve components. When the cover 27 has a level of resistance to the passage of air, then it is the ingress of air significantly reduced in content. For additional security against the ingress of air, ring-shaped Ribs 40 and 41 of the outlet pipe 11 and the pipe socket 12 can be constructed so that they are against one another abut, and they can by a known method such as ultrasonic welding, under Be welded together using heat to provide a seal along the perimeter. Additionally the cover 27 can be metallized to further improve the permeability properties of the tap system or chemically treated. When the deformable diaphragm 19 is in the position shown in FIG is pressed, it has the effect that the sliding element 13 presses on the cover element 27 and removes it from the pipe socket 12 at least partially separates. The contents of the container can thus be directed to the valve chamber inside the pipe socket 12 flow. At the same time, movement of the deformable diaphragm 19 causes the valve seat to move 15 is moved away from the valve seat 30 and allows the contents of the container to flow to the outlet 29. The valve can then be removed by pressing the deformable

Baren diaphragm 19 work as required.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, an outflow pipe 11 and a pipe socket 12 of a tap a container shown. The pipe socket 12 of the tap can have an annular section 23 with "barbs to engage a shoulder 24 on the discharge tube of the container. The pipe socket of the faucet may include a sealing rib 25 and, if desired, a locating rib 26.

The illustrated perforation element 13 contains a substantially cylindrical perforation section 14, which preferably has a beveled edge, to support the perforation of the membrane extending over the pipe socket of the faucet. The perforation element contains the valve seat 15, a valve rib 16 and a coupling recess 17 as shown in the drawing.

There:; may- ¹ / *! ·, tf I 1 I.ο VtMi ti. 1 ο 1 emoni. (»Nl.häll. An enclosure - from: .c-luil I t. LH. Ku can be provided within the Vontileirifa: 5r; an annular rib 21 which engages in a corresponding recess 22 on the pipe socket 12 of the tap In the embodiment shown, the outer edge portion of the pipe socket of the tap fits into a recess 28 of the valve element, which contains an outlet tube 29 and a valve seat 30 which corresponds to and is complementary to the valve seat 15 of the perforation element. The preferred deformable, elastic

Diaphragm 19 urged into its convex position contains a coupling element on the inner surface 20, which is intended to engage within the coupling recess 17 of the perforation element.

When the deformable diaphragm 19 is pressed, the perforation element moves to the left, so that the section 14 perforates the membrane 27, while the seal between the valve seat 15 and the valve seat 30 is broken, whereby the contents can flow to the outlet 29.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 The spout 11 telescopically engages a skirt portion 18 of the valve element shown. The pipe socket 12 of the faucet is housed within the outlet pipe 11 and has a membrane 27 provided. A perforation element 14 is provided. This can have an essentially star shape, as can best be seen in FIG. With this one In the exemplary embodiment, the valve is of a different type and contains a deformable diaphragm 19 and valves 10 as shown. In operation, the faucet assembly is removed from the spout, and the The container is filled through this. Then the tap assembly is placed on the outlet pipe in the position shown in Fig. 5 is set, which is the memory position. To operate the tap the valve element is pushed towards the discharge pipe to the position shown in Fig. 6, in which the perforation element 14 extends through the membrane 27 to break it and to enable

312-373

that the contents of the container flows into the valve chamber, which is used for valve actuation by pressure of the deformable diaphragm 19, which is known, is ready.

The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 similarly include a skirt portion 18 on the valve member which telescopically engages is in the outlet pipe 11. In this embodiment, however, an alternative valve shape is shown. In operation again, the container is filled through the spout 11 and then a tap assembly on the The spout is placed in the storage position as shown in FIG. To operate the tap is then first pushed by ti le lament in such a way that the The skirt 18 runs along the spout 11 and the perforating element 14 perforates the membrane 27 so that the contents of the container flow to the valve chamber ready for normal valve operation.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the valve surround 18 is telescopic engaged in the outflow tube 11 and an alternative form of valve arrangement is shown. Back in operation, the container can be filled through the spout 11 and then the valve assembly in the storage position may be attached as shown in FIG. To operate the faucet assembly, the valve is first so that the skirt telescopes within the spout 11. To the valve assembly to operate, the deformable diaphragm 19 is pressed so that the perforation element 14

extends through the membrane 27 in the manner described above and at the same time opens the valve 11, so that the contents of the container can flow through the outlet 29.

In Fig. 11 is an alternate form of faucet assembly shown. In this embodiment, a separable membrane 27 is again provided that the end a tap pipe stub 12 which is located within the outlet pipe 11 in an assembled form. In this exemplary embodiment, the displacement element 13 is attached telescopically within the pipe socket 12 and movable from a storage position shown in FIG. 11 to a tap actuation position in which the perforation element 14 has perforated the membrane 27 and in which the valve opening 31 is on a ring element above the outlet pipe 29 is attached. In this embodiment, the valve is through Rotation of the handle 32 actuated so that the valve opening is aligned with the spout 29.

According to the invention, the tap assembly is designed so that a bag is provided in which the contained Liquid is essentially surrounded by airtight material. That way is the risk less that the content is clouded by air. In previous arrangements the liquid was in contact with the valve components. These are necessarily made of materials which are elastic, greater air permeability and a source of early cloudiness of the container

are content. In the tap assembly according to the invention If the contents are only in contact with these parts if the seal on the container is broken, when it is used for output for the first time. In this way, according to the invention, the shelf life of the product increased significantly.

In addition, since the contents do not come into contact with the valve device until use, the Eliminated the possibility that the valve element could leak. It turned out that the valve elements tend to leak during storage. This is due to the inventive Prevents valve arrangement, since the seal is present on the pipe socket and on the separable membrane. Only if the membrane is perforated after the first use, the container is used the first time, occurs the contents of the container come into contact with the valve itself.

It is very important that the faucet assembly according to the invention allows the faucet assembly to be removed from the discharge pipe, allows filling of the bag through the spout and reattachment of the faucet assembly, while maintaining the above benefits.

Claims (9)

PATENTANWÄLTE DIPL.-INS. R. SPLANEMANN d.pu-chem. dr. B. REITZNER REINS. REPRESENTATIVE AT THE EPO · PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE EPO ■ MANDATAIRES AQREES PRES L'OEB ACI OPERATIONS PTY. LIMITED βοοοmunchen ζ June 22, 1981 550 Bourke Street Phone <089) 220207/22020? Telegromme: Inventius Munich Telex: 528418 intus d Melbourne, Vic./Australia Our files: 1 1 4β ~ I ~ 1 1. Your sign: Patent application Faucet arrangement for a container claims Iy. Tap arrangement for a container, marked by a pipe socket of the tap that can be fitted in an outflow pipe of the container, a cover element which closes the inner end of the pipe socket of the faucet to the inside of the pipe socket of the faucet from the outlet pipe of the container, one the outer end of the pipe socket of the faucet closing valve devices which control the discharge of liquid from the pipe socket of the tap can, and an arranged inside the pipe socket. Vt.-slide element, this by initially moving the valve device from a storage position to a tap actuation position is movable, in which it closes the cover element, allow liquid to flow from the discharge tube of the container the pipe socket of the tap towards the valve device
can get. 2. Tap arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the displaceable cover element is integral with the pipe socket of the tap is shaped and at least
is partially separable from this when the sliding element is moved into the actuating position. 3. Tap arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover element is a substantially is airtight separable membrane. 4. tap arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the displacement element has a membrane perforation section contains to cut the membrane, when the slide is moved to the tap actuation position. 5. tap arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding element
is movable into the tap actuation position within the pipe socket of the tap. 6. tap arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the sliding element by a substantially
cylindrical element is shown and on the
Outer surface an annular valve seat for the
Cooperation with a complementary valve seat of the valve device. 7. tap arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that that the valve device is an elastically deformable one Contains valve element which is connected to the sliding element in order to move the sliding element into a position to bring with the valve closed, where the seats butt against each other, and in a position with open valve is movable, in which the valve seats are separated. 8. tap arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement element by moving the valve device into the position with the valve open in the cock actuation position is moved. 9. tap arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device contains a valve pipe socket mounted telescopically with respect to the tap pipe socket and that the Displacement element by a longitudinal movement of the valve pipe socket regardless of operation the valve device in the cock actuation position is movable.