EP3133045A1 - Valve device for beverage container, beverage container, filling device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a beverage container valve device (10) comprising a valve body (11) having at least one dispensing valve (4) adapted to be fluid tightly connected to a fluid tight receptacle of the beverage container and having an inner side (I) in an assembly arrangement facing an interior of the fluid-tight receptacle and having an actuation side (B). At least one filling port (32) and one ventilation port (22) are located on the main valve body (11), to each of which a filling valve (3) operable by the actuating side (B) and a venting valve (2) are assigned. In this case, filling valve (3), venting valve (2) and dispensing valve (4) are each in the form of separate components in the valve device (10). In addition, a beverage container with Ventilvorrichlung (10), and a filling method and a set consisting of the beverage container with the valve device according to the invention and a filling device are disclosed.

Description

The following invention relates to a valve device for beverage containers, the beverage container itself, having such a valve device according to the invention, finally a set comprising the beverage container and the valve device according to the invention and a filling device, and to a method for filling such a beverage container.

Beyond bottles and cans, drinks and other liquid wedges such as oils or non-food are often packaged in cardboard boxes of octahedral (Tetra Pak®) or other basic forms. Commonly known and known for wines and juices, the so-called bag-in-box packaging (BIB) and "bagin box", "baginabox", "bag-in-tube", which consists of a fluid-tight inner bag or tubular bag, the is packed in a mostly made of cardboard existing outer packaging. The inner bag is protected and the liquid is not exposed to direct sunlight. One of the advantages of bag-in-box systems is that, after tapping, it is inherently precluded that the contents come into contact with atmospheric oxygen. If a corresponding quantity of liquid is withdrawn, it is not air that flows in, but the bag contracts in the outer container by the corresponding amount. In this way, larger containers with volumes of several liters can be stored comfortably and safely from spoiling after they have opened.

The filling process in BIB systems, as known in the art, is an open filling process, i. h., the filling medium is fed through a filling opening, which is usually stiffened with a ring, the inner bag until the bag is full. Then possible air bubbles are struck out and then from the outside the nozzle is used, which otherwise plays no role during the filling process and is only used for tapping.

BIB systems are not suitable for bottling carbonated drinks, as they have so far vented during filling the carbon dioxide and it comes to uncontrolled foaming; Products whose quality is determined by a defined carbon dioxide content, are already scarfing during bottling. Furthermore, can not be achieved with the subsequently and externally used dispensing valve the required compressive strength, which is typically up to 5 bar in beers; the nozzle would simply be pushed out by the internal pressure.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved valve device, can be filled with the carbonated liquids in beverage containers and removed again.

This object is achieved by a valve device having the features of the independent claim 1.

Another object is to provide an improved beverage container suitable for filling with carbonated liquids.

This object is achieved by a beverage container having the features of claim 12.

In addition, the invention is the further object of a device or a set, respectively. To create a combination of several devices that allows the filling of beverage containers with carbonated liquids with quality preservation. This object is achieved by the set with the features of claim 14.

Finally, there is the object of providing an improved method for filling a beverage container.

This object is achieved by the filling method with the features of claim 16.

Preferred embodiments are each described by the subclaims.

The valve device according to the invention for beverage containers has in a first embodiment, a valve body with at least one nozzle, which is adapted to be connected to a fluid-tight receptacle of the beverage container. The valve main body has an inner side, which faces in a mounting arrangement to an interior of the fluid-tight receptacle and an actuating side, from which the nozzle can be actuated.

Furthermore, at least one filling port with a filling valve and a ventilation port with a ventilation valve are provided on the valve main body. Filling valve and venting valve are each operable from the actuation side. The filling valve, the venting valve and dispensing valve are each in the form of separate components in the valve device, so that advantageously the fluid flows can be guided and controlled separately by these valves.

Under a fluid-tight receptacle can be understood in one-piece beverage containers of the beverage container itself, or in multi-part beverage containers that part of the beverage container in which the liquid is absorbed, the bag-in-box system, the receptacle of the bag, which is inserted into the outer container becomes.

The fluid-tight receptacle can be filled via the filling valve from the actuation side, and the venting valve can escape the air displaced during filling or protective gas pumped before being filled into the receptacle. The actuation side can also be referred to as "outside" since from there the valves, dispensing valve and filling valve and venting valve are to be operated. The filling procedure differs from the previously used in BIB systems with the valve device according to the invention, because the valve device is already before filling fluid-tightly connected to the fluid-tight receptacle, such as a bag of a BIB packaging. The supply of the filling fluid via the filling valve, which was operated or opened before filling from the operating side; Air or inert gas can escape through the vent valve when filling. With the valve device according to the invention therefore a closed filling process is possible, on the one hand offers hygiene advantages, as air contact is excluded principle, and on the other hand suitable for carbonated liquids: It can take place here under pressure, so that the previously unavoidable outgassing and foaming of the filling fluid can be avoided can.

For carbonated liquids, such as beer, sparkling wine, sparkling wine or soft drinks, the pressure in the container may be up to 5 bar, so a pressure-resistant container must be used. In bag-in-box systems, for example, this is a pressure-resistant bag that can be designed as a tubular bag, d. H. can be produced from a continuous material.

In the first place, the valve device according to the invention is provided for BIB systems, but in principle can also be used for other types of beverage containers for example, for non-inner-beverage cartons, party cans or others; however, it should be noted that a separate vent valve is to be provided in the container when the receptacle is an incompressible, ie dimensionally stable, container.

When carbonated beverages such as beers or the like are to be bottled, the receptacle used, in particular the bags of the bag-in-box packaging, must have a corresponding compressive strength. In combination with the valve device according to the invention, it is then possible to fill carbonated drinks without withdrawal of carbon dioxide in bag-in-box and tap directly without further devices, for example. A CO ₂ system.

If the following is the speech of "drinks" or "beverage container", this does not exclude that other liquids, such as oils or non-food liquids (non-food), filled with the valve device according to the invention and / or removed, respectively. be tapped.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the valve body is pot-shaped. It is provided that in the mounting arrangement has a pot inside to the interior of the fluid-tight receptacle. The valve main body advantageously has a connecting flange, with which the valve body can be connected to the fluid-tight receptacle, for example adhesively bonded, welded or secured by heat sealing. The valve body may further comprise a locking collar adapted to allow coupling of the valve device with a filling device.

In order to achieve a particularly high pressure resistance, the connecting flange can be connected in particular from the inside to the fluid-tight receptacle, such as the bag of the bag-in-box packaging, and be as large as possible. In this way, the connecting flange is supported on the fluid-tight receptacle or bag, so that it is not pressed so easily under the pressure from the fluid-tight receptacle, while a large surface for a solid and durable connection is advantageous.

In yet another embodiment, the filling valve and the venting valve may each be formed by a valve housing formed in the valve body extends from the inside to the actuation side of the valve body, and, in each case one valve insert guided in the valve housing is formed per valve housing. In this case, the valve housing has a projecting valve seat on an end facing the actuation side of the valve main body, on which the valve insert rests in a sealing manner with a sealing section. The valve housing may be formed, for example, by a thin-walled hollow cylinder which is present on the inside of the valve main body and extends as far as the actuation side.

The valve inserts may, for example, each consist of an elastomer, preferably rubber. The sealing portion of the valve insert may be a solid executed body, which rests with its outer periphery on the respective valve seat of the Fülloder vent valve. It can also be provided that the filling valve and the vent valve sections share a valve housing, d. h., The respective valve housing sections are interconnected.

Furthermore, the valve housing may each have a support collar on an end pointing to the inside of the valve main body and the valve insert each have an elastic holding section at an end remote from the sealing section, which is elastic in the longitudinal direction of the valve insert. The holding section is supported with an outer circumference on the support collar.

The elasticity provided by the holding portion in the longitudinal direction of the valve core is intended to prevent an opening movement, i. h., To allow lifting of the sealing portion of the valve core from the valve seat. Advantageously, a biasing force is generated via the elastic holding portion, which presses the sealing portion on the valve seat in an idle state. In order to open the filling or venting valve, the sealing portion is pressed in from the outside through the filling or venting port in the longitudinal direction, whereby the holding portion of the valve insert is deformed and the sealing portion is lifted from the valve seat.

The holding portion of at least one of the valve inserts may be disk-shaped and may have an outer ring with a plurality of radially extending elastic spokes, which provide the elasticity in the longitudinal direction. By the elastic spokes, both the bias is achieved, as well as allows the longitudinal movement of the valve core, which ultimately for lifting the sealing portion is needed.

Furthermore, it may be provided that at least the valve housing of the filling valve or the valve housing of the venting valve is covered at its end pointing to the inside of the valve main body each of a holding plate with at least one passage opening. The holding portion of the valve core is defined between the support collar of the valve housing and the retaining plate. But there may also be a common support plate for the valve housing of the filling valve and the vent valve, such as a holding plate in the form of an "8" (numeric character eight). Nevertheless, the valves themselves are to be understood as components to be handled separately - the holder in a common holding plate does not interfere with the advantageous separate handling of the valves.

In particular, the holding plate ensures that the valve insert or the valve inserts are not displaced from the outside under the action of the actuating force, but the movement of the sealing portion in the longitudinal direction is solely due to the elastic deformation of the holding portion of the valve insert. The retaining plate can be approximately clipped or welded to the valve housing (s), and this already happens in the manufacture of the valve device prior to insertion into the fluid-tight receptacle. The passage opening (s) is / are necessary so that fluid (liquid or air / inert gas) can flow through the filling or the vent valve when the holding plate is mounted.

According to yet another embodiment, the holding plunger (s) may each have a recess facing the holding section of the valve insert, in which the valve insert may be received in sections upon actuation of the filling valve and / or the venting valve. Alternatively or additionally, the passage opening of the holding plate or holding plate section associated with the filling valve may be a centrally arranged bore. The passage openings of the / of the venting valve associated holding plate or holding plate portion may be distributed circumferentially arranged recesses.

In a centrally arranged bore of the filling valve associated holding plate, a riser pipe or hose can be attached in a further embodiment. About the riser or the hose can be used for overhead assembly of the valve device also be tapped when needed, so that Füllport and filling valve then take over an emptying function. The mounting position of the valve device on the fluid-tight Aufnahmebehällnis and the length of the riser or hose can be dimensioned so that this extends to a lowest point of the fluid-tight receptacle and thus allows complete emptying. In this embodiment, a special external dispensing device is required for removal / pin, which is coupled to the valve body of the valve device and sealingly inserted into the filling port. The dimensions of the filling port and the associated filling valve can be selected so that common taps or flat fittings can be coupled with it.

In addition, the valve housing of the vent valve may have one or more vent slot (s). Advantageously, this is at least one slot in the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder, which forms the valve housing, such as a longitudinal slot. But it can also be provided two or more longitudinal slots, which are distributed circumferentially. Air or protective gas, which has still collected in the fluid-tight receptacle even after filling, can escape through the vent slots, in particular so that air or protective gas accumulations can be detected which, due to the position and shape of the valve housing of the vent valve, are not penetrated by the passage openings of the vent valve Holding plate could be vented or degassed. Due to the advantageous separate design of the filling and venting valves or by the use of separate forming components for this purpose, it is possible to equip the venting valve with the advantageous venting slots that would interfere in the filling valve. Finally, filling port and / or venting port on the actuation side of the valve body can each have a countersink, such as a countersink. In these reductions, a filling device with a filling section or filling tube can be used for filling, which can be reliably sealed in the subsidence. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing valve may have an outlet pipe which extends away from the valve body and has an outlet opening at a predetermined distance from the valve body.

According to a preferred embodiment, a pull rod may be guided in the outlet pipe, at whose end pointing to the inside of the valve main body a sealing cap is arranged, which rests sealingly on a sealing surface on the inside of the valve body. At the other end of the drawbar an actuator is provided which is supported on the outlet pipe and is adapted to exercise in an activation state, a tensile force in a direction away from the inside of the valve body towards the tie rod and to press the sealing cap on the sealing surface and in a deactivation state, a movement of the To cause the tie rod in a direction to the inside of the valve main body direction and lift the sealing cap from the sealing surface.

By moving the pull rod in the direction of the inside of the valve main body direction, the sealing cap is lifted from the sealing surface and released the fluid passage; This is the condition of the dispensing valve that can be tapped.

In order to be able to assemble the valve device more easily during production, an insertion aid may be present on the inside of the valve main body around the sealing surface of the sealing cap, preferably a plurality of circumferentially distributed guide webs extending in the longitudinal direction of the drawbar.

In the actuator, it may be an elastic cap, which is supported with its outer periphery on a projecting collar of the outlet pipe and with which the pull rod is connected, for example. By a snap connection. The elastic cap is compressible in the longitudinal direction of the drawbar to transfer the actuator from the activation state to the deactivation state. It generates a preload force which is transmitted via the pull rod to the sealing cap in order to press it onto the sealing surface.

Further, at the free end of the outlet pipe, an actuating element is provided, which is adapted to compress the elastic cap when actuated. The actuating element may be, for example, a screw cap, which is placed on the outer circumference of the outlet pipe. But it is also an embodiment without actuator conceivable, so that it can be provided to compress the elastic cap for actuation directly and thus open the nozzle.

Dispensing valves with spout are particularly associated with bag-in-box packaging known from the prior art in various embodiments; It can therefore be provided to use such in the valve device according to the invention.

The screw cap can either be screwed onto an external thread on the lateral surface of the outlet tube, so that upon rotation, a movement is generated in the longitudinal direction, which acts on the elastic cone, or have a kind of bayonet lock system.

In order to prevent the rotational movement of the screw cap acts on the elastic cap and this damaged in repeated use, may also be arranged between the screw cap and the elastic cap an intermediate disc which is locked against rotation about the longitudinal axis of the outlet tube. Alternatively or additionally, means may be provided which prevent the screw cap from being unintentionally withdrawn, in particular at least two radially inwardly projecting pins of the screw cap, which respectively engage in a circumferential groove on the outer circumferential surface of the outlet tube.

The conversion of the rotary movement of the screw cap into a movement in the longitudinal direction can be realized, in particular, by the intermediate disc having at least one ramp on an end face facing the screw cap, which is in contact with at least one corresponding ramp on an inner end face of the screw cap facing the intermediate disc , The respective ramps of the washer and the screw cap can in particular extend in the circumferential direction, so that an implementation of the rotational movement in a longitudinal axial movement over a relatively large rotation range of the screw cap is possible. Alternatively, an ordinary motion thread may be provided.

The beverage container according to the invention has, in a first embodiment, a fluid-tight receptacle and connected to the receptacle valve device according to the invention for the removal of liquids, which also makes it possible to fill the receptacle in addition to the removal of liquid. As explained, the valve device is already connected to the fluid-tight receptacle during the production of the container, so that the beverage container or the fluid-tight receptacle can be filled in a closed process, with corresponding hygienic advantages and the possibility to fill under pressure.

According to a further embodiment, the fluid-tight receptacle can be a bag, in particular a pressure-resistant and dimensionally stable under pressure bag, with which the connecting flange of the valve body of the valve device is welded from inside, glued or connected by a heat sealing process. The beverage container may also have an outer container in which the fluid-tight receptacle is received and which has a passage opening for the valve device, so that the actuating side is accessible and the nozzle valve can be operated. The outer container can be, for example, a cardboard which itself is not pressure-resistant, but advantageously protects the fluid-tight receptacle against damage and can be used as a printable surface. The property "dimensionally stable" herein means that the bag does not deform under pressure, so that it fits in the pressurized state in the outer container. However, it is not excluded and even desirable that the bag in the unfilled and unpressurized state is contractible or collapsible.

The fluid-tight receptacle or the bag, for example, from a plastic film, in particular made of fiber composite plastic exist. Alternatively, the receptacle can also consist of sheet metal or other suitable appearing materials that can be internally coated; Also, the external container does not necessarily have to be a cardboard box, a wooden box or the like is also conceivable. It is also not necessarily a bag-in-box packaging, but the invention expressly includes other container types such as barrels, especially party cans o. Ä., With a.

In order to fill carbonated beverages in BIB systems, the invention thus provides a set of a beverage container with inventive valve device and a filling device for filling the beverage container. The filling device according to the invention for filling a beverage container has at least two actuating elements, which are adapted to operate the filling valve and the venting valve from the operating side of the valve device separately from each other. In addition, the filling device has a filling section, through which a filling medium can be supplied and the sealing on the filling port the valve device can be placed.

The actuating elements of the filling device are arranged so that they are exactly in the distance from each other, which corresponds to the distance of the filling and venting port of the valve device. About the actuators lying below the filling and venting ports filling or venting valves are pressed to open them. The filling medium can then flow through the filling port in the beverage container and air or inert gas can pass out of the beverage container from the vent valve.

According to a further embodiment, the actuating elements may be formed as pins, plungers or thorns and the filling portion having a filling tube, wherein a free end of the filling tube can be sealingly received in the reduction of the filling port. Furthermore, the filling device may have a loading / degassing section, which can be sealingly received in the vent port of the valve device and serves to supply the beverage container either an inert gas or defined therein protective gas or air to flow out.

At the free end of the filling tube, a seal may be arranged, for example an O-ring, but it may also be a seal without a separate seal, such as through the interaction of tapered sealing surfaces. The reduction, in particular the countersink, the filling and / or vent port also contributes to an improved centering of the filling tube. The supply of filling fluid or removal of air / inert gas takes place here quasi in an annular gap between the respective actuator and the filling port, as well as the vent port.

The valve device according to the invention can be implemented constructively as a valve attachment, which can be integrated in an industrial filling process. At the valve attachment then a supply line is provided, via which the medium to be filled is supplied. A simplified introduction of the operating torques of the filling device is, as mentioned, possible via the depressions of the filling or the vent port. It can also be provided that the filling device has a locking device, via which it remains positively connected during filling with the valve device; in particular, the Locking device engage behind the locking collar of the valve device.

1. a) Betätigen des Füllventils und des Entüftungsventils der Ventilvorrichtung,
2. b) Einströmen Lassen eines Füllfluids durch das Füllventil, dadurch optional Verdrängen von in dem fluiddichten Aufnahmebehältnis vorliegender Luft oder Schutzgas und durch das Entlüftungsventil ausströmen Lassen,
3. c) Durchführen von Schritt b) bis das fluiddichte Aufnahmebehältnis voll ist, dann Aufheben der Betätigung des Füllventils und des Entlüftungsventils.

The inventive method for filling a beverage container according to the invention comprises in a first embodiment the steps:

1. a) actuating the filling valve and the venting valve of the valve device,
2. b) allowing a filling fluid to flow through the filling valve, thereby optionally displacing air or inert gas present in the fluid-tight receptacle and allowing it to flow out through the venting valve,
3. c) performing step b) until the fluid-tight receptacle is full, then canceling the operation of the filling valve and the vent valve.

The optionally displaced in step b) displacement of air or inert gas can be omitted if an evacuated or completely folded container is to be filled. It can be seen that by the separate presence of the components filling valve and vent valve is only possible that at the same time flow through the one filling fluid and can flow through the other air or inert gas.

Furthermore, in step a) of the filling process, a filling device according to the invention can be coupled to the valve device and the filling valve and the venting valve can be actuated with the respective actuating elements of the filling device. After the end of the filling process in step c), the filling device is then separated again from the valve device.

Finally, it is still possible that prior to step b) in a step a ') to the fluid-tight receptacle via the loading / degassing section of the filling device and the vent valve of the valve device, a protective gas, for example CO ₂ , is supplied to flush the container. This protective gas is then displaced in the step b) during filling again out of the container.

These and other advantages are set forth by the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. The reference to the figures in the description is to aid in the description and understanding of the subject matter. Articles or parts of objects that are substantially the same or similar may be given the same reference numerals be. The figures are merely schematic representations of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht der Ventilvorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Untersicht der Ventilvorrichtung,

Fig. 3

einen Längsschnitt der Ventilvorrichtung,

Fig. 4

einen weiteren Längsschnitt der Ventilvorrichtung,

Fig. 5

noch einen weiteren Längsschnitt der Ventilvorrichtung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a top view of the valve device,

Fig. 2

a bottom view of the valve device,

Fig. 3

a longitudinal section of the valve device,

Fig. 4

a further longitudinal section of the valve device,

Fig. 5

Yet another longitudinal section of the valve device.

With the valve device 10 according to the invention, as shown in the figures, it is surprisingly possible to fill beverage containers or general fluid-tight receptacles, such as bag-in-box bags, in a closed process in compliance with strict hygiene requirements with carbonated liquids. The procedure differs from the usual one; So far, the bag was overfilled via a filling, then deleted residual air from the bag-in-box bag and inserted from the outside of the nozzle in the filling. It goes without saying that the method used hitherto was not suitable for carbonated liquids (foaming during filling) and was not hygienically optimal.

The valve device 10 according to the invention, which in Fig. 1 is shown in a plan view showing the outside in a mounting assembly operating side B, has a valve body 11 with a connecting flange 111, which already before filling connected from the inside to the fluid-tight receptacle, preferably welded, is. Due to the attachment from the inside and the large-area connecting flange 111 results in an improved compressive strength. Furthermore, a filling valve 3 is present on the valve main body 11, via which the filling medium is supplied in a closed filling operation; In the fluid-tight receptacle located air or gas can escape through the vent valve 2. The filling valve 3 and the vent valve 2 are mainly needed in the filling; later at the consumer they usually remain closed and it can be tapped on the nozzle 4. In addition to the suitability for carbonated liquids, the valve device according to the invention offers 10 the advantage that liquids can be bottled so under the strictest hygiene regulations; For example, the beverage container may also be sterilized before the start of the filling process and / or rinsed with a protective gas (eg CO ₂ ).

The valve body 11 may suitably be made of a plastic material (eg, PP, ABS, POM) and inexpensively manufactured in an injection molding process.

In Fig. 2 is the valve device 10 in a bottom view, that is, shown by the inside of the beverage container facing inside 1. It can be seen that the nozzle 4, the filling valve 3 and the vent valve 2 have a fluidic connection to the inside I.

The function of the dispensing valve 4 is based on the longitudinal section RR (see Fig. 1 ), the Indian Fig. 3 is shown, explained in detail. The nozzle 4 has an outlet pipe 44 which extends away from the valve body 11. Spaced from the valve main body 11, the outlet pipe 44 has an outlet opening 45, through which the filling medium can be tapped. In the outlet pipe 44, a pull rod 41 is guided, which is connected at its pointing to the inside of the valve body 11 end with a sealing cap 43 which rests sealingly on a sealing surface 47. The connection of the sealing cap 43 with the tie rod 41 is realized in the present case in a 2-component injection molding process. However, the connection of the drawbar 41 with the sealing cap 43 can also be realized differently in a non-figurative embodiment. At its other end, ie, facing the free end of the outlet pipe 44, the drawbar 41 is connected to an elastic cap 42, which is supported with its outer periphery on a projecting collar 46 of the outlet pipe 44. The elastic cap 42 biases the pull rod 41, so that the sealing cap 43 is pressed onto the sealing surface 47. To actuate the dispensing valve 4, the drawbar 41 is moved in the direction of the inside I, so that the sealing cap 43 is lifted from the sealing surface 47. This can either be done (not figuratively) by pressing the elastic cap 42 with the finger or as in Fig. 3 shown by a screw cap 5, which acts on the elastic cap 42, because when turning the screw cap 5, the rotational movement is converted into a movement in the longitudinal axial direction. To convert the movement, a transmission is provided, which is formed by two corresponding pairs of ramps 51,61, of which a respective ramp 51,61 on the Screw cap 5 and another at a between the elastic cap 42 and the inside of the screw cap 5 arranged intermediate disc 6 is present. The ramp pairs 51, 61 run in the circumferential direction. The washer 6 has the purpose, the elastic cap 42 does not suspend the rotational movement of the screw cap 5, so that it is not damaged; Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it carries the one pair of ramps 61. In an embodiment not shown figuratively, as an alternative it is also conceivable that the screw cap 5 is screwed onto an external thread of the outlet tube 44.

Finally one recognizes in longitudinal section the Fig. 3 good the shape of the valve body 11: This is cup-shaped, wherein the pot inside has in a mounting arrangement to the interior of the fluid-tight receptacle. The connecting flange 111 is provided for connection to the fluid-tight receptacle; this is preferably welded from the inside with a wall of the fluid-tight receptacle, such as the bag-in-box bag, so that even when pressurizing the fluid-tight receptacle, the valve device 10 sits securely and can not be pushed out.

In Fig. 4 is a further longitudinal sectional view of the valve device 10 is shown, wherein the section along the sectional plane NN is (see Fig. 1 ) he follows. Herein, in particular, the filling valve 3 and the vent valve 2 are easy to see, so that their function can be explained. Basically, the filling valve 3 and the vent valve 2 each consist of a valve housing, here by two hollow cylinder 113 (see Fig. 2 ), which are present on the inside of the pot of the valve main body 11, and in each case a valve insert 21, 31 guided therein. The valve inserts 21, 31 are essentially rotationally symmetrical bodies made of rubber or another elastomer which each have a sealing section 212, 322 with which they rest on a valve seat 23, 33 which is present on the inside of the cup-shaped valve body. The separate use of different valves per function filling and venting simple components or components can be selected, which are inexpensive to manufacture. The valve seats 23, 33 are each formed by a collar protruding into the hollow cylinder 113, which forms the valve housing. On the outside, this is followed by the venting port 22 and the filling port 32, which each have a counterbore 221, 321 into which a filling device can be sealingly inserted; the seal can be either in the reduction via elastic sealing elements, such as O-rings, conical pressing or take place on the flat surface of the valve body 11. In addition to the seal, the countersinks 221, 321 also serve to facilitate centering of the filling device.

The valve inserts 21,31 have at their end facing away from the sealing portion 212,312 each have a holding portion 211,311, here in each case a plurality of radially extending spokes 211 ', 311', which are supported on a support plate 7, which is suitably inserted into the hollow cylinder 113, the form the valve housing. In the holding plate 7, the passage opening 71 of the filling valve 3 and the passage opening 72 of the vent valve 2 are present.

The spokes 211 ', 311' elastically bias the valve inserts 21,31 and press with their sealing portions 212,312 on the valve seats 23,33. To open the valves 2,3, the sealing portion 212,312 must be lifted from the valve seat; This can be done by the actuating side B of the valve body 11 characterized in that the valve inserts 21,31 with a mandrel or similar. be pressed along its longitudinal axis. The holding portion 211, 311 or its spokes 211 ', 311' is / are elastically deformed in this case; between the holding plate-side end of the valve inserts 21,31 and the holding plate 7 is in the closed valve state, a distance which provides the necessary freedom of movement for the lifting movement of the valve inserts 21,31.

Thus, the valve inserts 21,31 can be used during assembly easier on the inner wall of the hollow cylinder 113 (see Fig. 2 ), each forming the valve housing, guide webs 112 are arranged, which extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged distributed circumferentially; the guide webs 112 also ensure the centering of the valve inserts 21,31 at each actuation process.

For filling a special filling device can be used, which is placed on the valve body 11 from the outside. The filling device has at least one actuating element with which the filling valve 3 is actuated from the outside, that is to say opened. The filling device is not shown figuratively but will be described here because the configuration of the valve device 10 interacts with the configuration of the filling device.

In order to allow a filling without air contact, the filling device has a filling section, for. B. a piece of pipe or nipple, at the end portion of a seal, z. As an O-ring, is present or has a tapered sealing end. This sealing end is then introduced into the filling port 32, wherein the countersink 321 of the filling port 32 ensures a reliable seal. In addition, the filling device can also have a ventilation / venting section, which is plugged into the venting port 22 analogously; In principle, it is possible that the ventilation takes place in the environment. Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that the filling device has a locking device which engages behind the locking collar 115 of the valve device 10 in a form-fitting manner, so that the filling device and the valve device 10 are securely connected during the filling process.

For the function of the dispensing valve 4 is in addition to Fig. 5 which shows a longitudinal section in the plane QQ (see Fig. 1 ). As soon as the sealing cap 43, as described above, is lifted indirectly from its sealing surface 47 by actuating the screw cap 5, pressing in the elastic cap 42 and the resulting displacement movement of the drawbar 41, it is possible to tap. After snapping back the elastic cap 42 or turning back the screw cap 5, the sealing cap 43 rests again on the sealing surface 47 and the beverage container is closed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

valve device

11

Valve body

111

connection flange

112

guide webs

113

Hollow cylinder of the filling valve / bleeder valve

114

Bleed key (s) of the bleeder valve

115

locking collar

2

vent valve

21

Valve insert of the vent valve

211

Holding section of the valve core

211 '

Spokes of the holding section

212

Sealing section of the valve core

22

breathing port

221

Lowering the vent port

23

Valve seat of the vent valve

3

filling valve

31

Valve insert of the filling valve

311

Holding section of the valve core

311 '

Spokes of the holding section

312

Sealing section of the valve core

32

filling port

321

Lowering the filling port

33

Valve seat of the filling valve

4

nozzle

41

pull bar

42

Elastic hat

43

sealing cap

44

outlet pipe

45

outlet opening

46

Projecting collar of the outlet pipe

47

Sealing surface of the dispensing valve

5

screw cap

51

Ramp the screw cap

6

washer

61

Ramp the washer

7

Retaining plate

71

Passage opening of the holding plate for the filling valve

72

Passage openings of the retaining plunger for the vent valve

73

To the holding section facing recess of the holding plate

8th

Actuation side of the valve body

I

Inside of the valve body

Claims (17)

Valve device (10) for beverage containers, which has a valve main body (11) with at least one dispensing valve (4),
the valve body (11) - Is designed to be connected to a fluid-tight receptacle of the beverage container, and - has an inner side (I), which points in a mounting arrangement in an interior of the fluid-tight receptacle, and an operation side (B),
characterized in that
at least one filling port (32) with a filling valve (3) and a venting port (22) with a venting valve (2) are present on the valve main body (11), the filling valve (3) and the venting valve (2) being respectively from the actuating side (FIG. B) are actuated and wherein filling valve (3), vent valve (2) and dispensing valve (4) each present as separate components in the valve device (10). Valve device (10) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the valve base body (11) is cup-shaped, a pot inner side being designed to point in the mounting arrangement into the interior (I) of the fluid-tight receptacle, - And wherein preferably the valve body (11) has a connecting flange (111), with which the valve body (11) with the fluid-tight receptacle is connectable, preferably glued, welded and / or connectable via a heat seal process, and / or - The valve body (11) has a locking collar (115). Valve device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that - The filling valve (3) and the vent valve (2) each have a valve housing which is present in the valve body (11) and extending from the inside (I) to the actuating side (B) of the valve body (11),
and each have a valve insert (21, 31) guided in the valve housing, - Wherein the valve housing at one to the actuating side (B) of the valve body (11) facing end has a projecting valve seat (23,33) on which the valve insert (21,31) with a sealing portion (212,312) sealingly rests, and - In which preferably the valve housing is in each case formed by a hollow cylinder (113) which is present on the inside (I) of the valve body (11) and extends to the actuating side (B). Valve device (10) according to claim 3,
characterized in that - The valve housing in each case at one to the inside (I) of the valve body (11) facing end has a support collar, and
the valve insert (21, 31) has a holding section (211, 311), which is elastic in the longitudinal direction of the valve insert (21, 31), in each case at an end facing away from the sealing section (212, 31),
wherein the holding portion (211, 311) is supported on the support collar with an outer periphery, - wherein preferably the holding portion (211.311) of at least one of the valve inserts (21,31) is disc-shaped and preferably has an outer ring with a plurality of radially extending elastic spokes (211 ', 311'). Valve device (10) according to claim 4,
characterized in that
the valve housing of the filling valve (3) and / or the venting valve (2) is covered at its end facing the inside of the valve main body (11) by a retaining plate (7) with at least one passage opening (71, 72), the retaining section ( 211, 311) of the valve core (21, 31) between the support collar and the retaining plate (7) is fixed,
and wherein there is preferably a common holding plate (7) for the valve housing of the filling valve (3) and the venting valve (2), particularly preferably a holding plate (7) in the form of the symbol "8". Valve device (10) according to claim 5,
characterized in that - The holding plate (s) (7) respectively to the holding portion (211.311) of the valve core (21,31) facing a recess (73) has / have, in which the valve core (21,31) in sections of an operation of the filling valve (3) and / or the venting valve (2) is receivable and / or - The passage opening (71) of the filling valve (3) associated holding plate (7) or holding plate portion preferably a centrally disposed bore (71) and the passage openings (72) of the / the venting valve (2) associated holding plate (7) or Holding plate portion circumferentially distributed recesses arranged (72). Valve device (10) according to claim 6,
characterized in that
in the central bore (71) of the holding plate (7) or the holding plate portion, which is associated with the filling valve (3), a riser or hose can be fastened. Valve device (10) according to at least one of claims 3 to 7,
characterized in that
the valve housing of the venting valve (2) has at least one vent slot, preferably at least one slot (114) in the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder (113), more preferably at least one longitudinal slot (114), most preferably two or more longitudinally distributed slots (114). Valve device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that - The filling port (32) and / or the vent port (22) on the actuating side (B) of the valve body (11) each have a countersink (221.321), preferably have a countersink and / or - The nozzle (4) has an outlet pipe (44) which extends away from the valve body (11), wherein the outlet pipe (44) preferably from the valve body (11) spaced an outlet opening (45). Valve device (10) according to claim 9,
characterized in that
in the outlet pipe (44) a tie rod (41) is guided, at whose to the inside of the valve body (11) facing end a sealing cap (43) is arranged on a sealing surface (47) on the inside of the valve body (11)
wherein at the other end of the drawbar (41) there is an actuating device, which is supported on the outlet pipe (44) and designed to - In an activation state, a tensile force in one of the inside of the valve body (11) facing away direction on the pull rod (41) and to press the sealing cap (43) on the sealing surface (47), and to effect a movement of the drawbar (41) in a direction pointing towards the inside of the valve body (11) in a deactivation state and to lift the sealing cap (43) away from the sealing surface (47), - Preferably, on the inside (I) of the valve body (11) around the sealing surface (47) of the sealing cap (43) around an insertion aid is present, preferably a plurality of circumferentially distributed in the longitudinal direction of the tie rod (41) extending guide webs (112). Valve device (10) according to claim 10,
characterized in that
the actuator - Has an elastic cap (42) which is supported with its outer periphery on a projecting collar (46) of the outlet pipe (44) and to which the drawbar (41) is connected, preferably by a snap connection, wherein the elastic cap (42) is compressible in the longitudinal direction of the drawbar (41), - And wherein preferably at the free end of the outlet pipe (44) an actuating element for compressing the elastic cap (42) is present, and - Particularly preferred is a screw cap (5), which sits on the outer circumference of the outlet pipe (44). Beverage containers,
comprising a fluid-tight receptacle and a connected to the receptacle valve device for removing liquids,
characterized in that
the valve device is a valve device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11. Beverage container according to claim 12,
characterized in that - The fluid-tight receptacle is a bag, preferably a pressure-resistant and pressure-stable dimensionally stable bag, and the connecting flange (111) of the valve body (11) of the valve device (10) from the inside welded to the bag, glued or connected by a heat sealing method and / or - The beverage container has an outer container in which the fluid-tight receptacle is received, wherein the outer container has a passage opening for the valve device (10). Set comprising a beverage container according to claim 12 or 13 and a filling device for filling the beverage container,
the filling device having at least two actuating elements which are designed to actuate the filling valve (2) and the venting valve (3) from the actuating side (B) of the valve device (10), - Has a filling section through which a filling medium can be fed and sealingly on the filling port (32) of the valve device (10) can be placed. Set according to claim 14,
characterized in that - The actuators of the filling device are designed as pins, plunger or thorns and / or - The filling section has a filling tube, wherein a free end of the filling tube is preferably sealingly receivable in the countersink (321) of the filling port (32) and / or - The filling device comprises a locking device, which is preferably adapted to engage behind the locking collar of the valve body (11) of the valve device (10) and / or - The filling device has a loading / degassing section, the sealing in the vent port (22) of the valve device is receivable. A method for filling a beverage container according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the steps: a) actuating the filling valve (3) and the venting valve (2) of the valve device (10), b) inflowing a filling fluid through the filling valve (3), thereby optional Displacing air or inert gas present in the fluid-tight receptacle and allowing it to flow out through the venting valve (2), c) performing step b) until the fluid-tight receptacle is full, then canceling the operation of the filling valve (3) and the vent valve (2). Method according to claim 16,
wherein in step a) coupling a filling device according to claim 14 or 15 with the valve device (10) and actuating the filling valve (3) and the venting valve (2) by means of the actuators of the filling device, and in step c) separating the filling device from the Valve device (10),
is performed,
and preferably before step b), a step a ') is carried out on the fluid-tight receptacle via the loading / degassing section of the filling device and the venting valve (2) of the valve device (10) supplying an inert gas.

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