Pressure self-balancing beverage packaging container

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid packaging containers, in particular to a pressure self-balancing beverage packaging container. Comprising a barrel body, a barrel cover is installed at the upper end of the barrel body, the barrel cover comprises a cover body fixedly connected to an opening of the barrel body and a wine spear arranged in the center of the cover body, and a pressure balancing device used for supplementing pressure is arranged in an inner cavity of the barrel body. The pressure balancing device comprises an air tank with a telescopic trigger rod, an air bag used for driving the trigger rod and an air bag support connected between the air tank and the air bag, and the air bag support is connected to the wine spear in a clamped mode. According to the container, automatic pressure maintaining and cooling can be achieved by releasing gas in the gas tank, the temperature and the carbon dioxide content of beer in the barrel are kept at the proper level, and the taste of the drunk beer is improved; the sealed air bag detects the pressure in the barrel body and controls the action of the air tank at the same time, the action is reliable and free of leakage, and lubricating oil pollution can be eradicated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of liquid packaging containers, and more specifically, to pressure-balanced beverage packaging containers. Background Technology

[0002] A beer keg is a container used to hold beer, typically for large gatherings or group meals. Originally made of wood, modern packaging materials include aluminum alloy, tinplate, and plastic. Due to the specific nature of beer, beer kegs are usually tightly molded, one-piece structures that can withstand pressure, resembling a drum or spindle. A valve is installed at the top of the keg. During filling, the valve connects to the filling machine to pour beer into the keg; during consumption, the valve connects to the beer dispenser to release the beer from the keg. For example, another Chinese patent of this applicant, 2024213824348, discloses "A Fresh-keeping Explosion-proof Beer Keg," publication number CN222311401U. This explosion-proof beer keg includes a PET blow-molded body, with a lid installed at the top. The lid includes a cover fixedly connected to the opening of the keg and a beer spout located at the center of the cover. The spout includes a valve cap installed at the center of the cover and a core tube slidably inserted into the center of the valve cap. A large spring seat is installed at the lower end of the core tube, and a large spring is provided between the large spring seat and the valve cap. A valve hole is provided at the center of the valve cap, and a valve plate is fitted in the valve hole. The upper end of the core tube is fixedly connected to the valve plate, and a pressure relief valve is installed at the center of the valve plate. This beer keg can add a pressure relief valve to a PET beer keg without changing the existing keg production mold, limiting the pressure within the keg's pressure resistance limit and eliminating the risk of keg explosion. However, the pressure relief valve on this beer keg is only designed to release and reduce pressure when the pressure inside the keg increases due to changes in external temperature or shaking / impact. It cannot automatically replenish pressure to maintain a certain pressure level when the pressure inside the keg decreases. Beer kegs are typically used for large gatherings or group meals, and are used for extended periods, often requiring half-finished beer to be sealed and stored for later consumption. Although the keg is pressurized by injecting carbon dioxide gas after each filling at the manufacturing plant, a certain amount of beer and carbon dioxide is released each time the consumer drinks from it using a beer spout, causing a decrease in pressure inside the keg and affecting the taste of the beer.

[0003] Another Chinese patent, 2023223576848, discloses a "Gas Pressurization Device for a Beverage Container" (authorization announcement number CN220578916U). This device includes a gas cylinder and a top cover. The gas cylinder has a cylindrical nozzle for controlling gas output. A piston is slidably disposed inside the top cover. A trigger is provided between the piston and the nozzle. The piston, through the trigger, can push the nozzle open. The trigger includes a ring-shaped body that is fitted and fixed to the outer circumference of the nozzle. The body has two opposing and elastic prongs with limiting parts that abut against the outlet end of the nozzle to restrict the body from moving downwards relative to the nozzle. When the gas pressure inside the container decreases, the trigger pushes the nozzle to open the gas cylinder and release gas, ensuring a certain pressure is maintained inside the container. However, the trigger in this device can only be inserted into the cylindrical nozzle from the top. The installation direction of the trigger is consistent with the force direction of the nozzle, which can easily lead to accidental triggering of the nozzle and causing gas leakage from the cylinder. In addition, the piston mechanism used to drive the trigger in this device has problems such as poor sealing, easy leakage of gas in the piston causing malfunction, and food contamination caused by lubricating oil in the piston. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pressure-balanced beverage packaging container that is simple to assemble and highly reliable, avoiding the problem of accidental triggering of the gas cylinder during the assembly of the triggering component. The triggering component drive mechanism operates reliably without leakage, and prevents lubricating oil from contaminating the beverage.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the technical problem is:

[0006] The pressure self-balancing beverage packaging container of this utility model includes a barrel body, a barrel lid installed at the upper end of the barrel body, the barrel lid including a lid body fixedly connected to the opening of the barrel body and a wine spear set in the center of the lid body, and a pressure balancing device for supplementing pressure is provided in the inner cavity of the barrel body. The pressure balancing device includes a gas canister with a telescopic trigger rod, an air bladder for driving the trigger rod, and an air bladder bracket connected between the gas canister and the air bladder. The air bladder bracket is snapped onto the wine spear.

[0007] With this solution, the beverage container can automatically maintain pressure and cool down by releasing gas from the gas tank. The sealed air bladder detects the pressure inside the container and controls the movement of the gas tank at the same time. The operation is reliable and leak-free, and it can also eliminate lubricant contamination.

[0008] Preferably, the airbag support is a barrel-shaped structure with a cover plate at the upper end and an open lower end, and the cover plate is provided with mounting holes; the lower end of the airbag support is provided with an open retaining ring that adapts to the neck groove of the air tank; the airbag is a cylindrical airbag that adapts to the inner cavity of the airbag support; the upper end of the airbag is fixedly provided with a connector that adapts to the mounting holes; and the lower end of the airbag is provided with a trigger plate that adapts to the trigger rod.

[0009] This solution facilitates the assembly of the airbag and airbag support, ensuring that the assembled airbag is in a working position capable of triggering the air canister.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting hole is a circular hole that penetrates the cover plate, and grooves that penetrate the cover plate are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the circular hole; the connector is a cylinder that fits the mounting hole, and protrusions are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the upper end of the cylinder, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions fitting the grooves on both sides of the mounting hole.

[0011] This solution facilitates the assembly of the airbag and airbag bracket, making the airbag installation directional and allowing the trigger plate's slot to be aligned with the air tank's trigger rod.

[0012] Preferably, the trigger plate is perpendicular to the axis of the airbag, and a center hole is provided in the center of the trigger plate. The diameter of the center hole is smaller than that of the trigger rod. A slot for the trigger rod is provided between the center hole and the side of the trigger plate. The other side of the trigger plate corresponding to the slot is fixedly connected to the edge of the airbag by a support plate.

[0013] With this solution, during assembly, the trigger plate engages the trigger rod of the gas tank from the side, which can prevent accidental triggering of the gas tank and gas leakage.

[0014] Preferably, the sidewall of the airbag is a flexible corrugated tubular structure.

[0015] With this solution, when the pressure inside the barrel changes, the airbag will generate axial expansion and contraction motion.

[0016] Preferably, a helical spring is provided in the side wall of the airbag.

[0017] This solution can improve the reliability and accuracy of airbag operation.

[0018] Preferably, the upper end of the airbag support is connected to a wine spear retaining ring via an upper extension of the support. The wine spear retaining ring is eccentrically positioned with respect to the airbag support and is used to engage with the lower end of the wine spear.

[0019] This solution connects the airbag support to the wine spear, resulting in a compact structure that can be used in conjunction with existing wine spears.

[0020] Preferably, a downwardly extending lower extension of the retaining ring is provided on one side of the wine spear retaining ring. The lower extension of the retaining ring is parallel to the axis of the wine spear retaining ring. The lower end of the lower extension of the retaining ring is fixedly connected to the upper end of the airbag bracket, and the side of the lower extension of the retaining ring is fixedly connected to the upper extension of the bracket.

[0021] With this solution, the airbag support is located on one side of the wine spear, which does not interfere with the operation and use of the traditional wine spear.

[0022] Thanks to the aforementioned structure, this beverage container can automatically maintain pressure and cool down by releasing gas from the gas canister, keeping the temperature and carbon dioxide content of the beer in the keg at a suitable level, thus improving the taste of beer and other beverages. The sealed gas bladder detects the pressure inside the keg while controlling the gas canister's movement, ensuring reliable, leak-free operation and preventing lubricant contamination. In addition to beer packaging, this beverage container can also be used as packaging for other sparkling beverages such as soda water. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover and pressure balancing device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the airbag support.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the airbag support structure.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view of the airbag support cover.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the airbag.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the gas tank.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the trigger card. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0032] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0033] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the pressure-balanced beverage packaging container of this utility model includes a barrel body 1, which can be made of PET plastic blow molding, thin aluminum alloy, or tinplate. A barrel lid is installed at the upper end of the barrel body 1, and an extension tube 8 is provided in the inner cavity of the barrel body 1, extending from the barrel lid to the bottom of the barrel body 1. The barrel lid includes a cover body 2 fixedly connected to the opening of the barrel body 1 and a beer dispenser located at the center of the cover body 2. The beer dispenser is a beer dispensing valve for dispensing beer from the beer keg. Existing technologies have various structural forms; each beer dispenser, when used in conjunction with a corresponding dispenser, achieves the purpose of dispensing beer. Its structure and working principle are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the inner cavity of the barrel 1 is equipped with a pressure balancing device for replenishing pressure. This pressure balancing device includes a gas tank 3 with a telescopic trigger rod 31, an air bladder 4 for driving the trigger rod 31, and an air bladder support 5 connecting the gas tank 3 and the air bladder 4. The air bladder support 5 is injection molded from plastic and is snapped onto the beer spear during use. To replenish the carbon dioxide lost in the beer, the gas tank 3 stores high-pressure carbon dioxide or dry ice. Of course, other gases can also be stored in the gas tank 3 as needed. Figure 7 As shown, the upper end of the gas tank 3 has a neck ring 32 for mounting the airbag bracket 5. The neck ring 32 is a raised circular structure. The connection between the outer ring of the neck ring 32 and the tank body forms a recessed neck groove. A press-type gas tank valve is set in the center of the neck ring 32. A hollow trigger rod 31 is installed on the press-type gas tank valve. The structures of the press-type gas tank valve and the gas tank body are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] When no external force is applied, the press-type gas canister valve is closed, and the gas in the canister will not leak. Pressing the trigger lever 31 opens the press-type gas canister valve, and the gas in the canister is released through the hole in the center of the trigger lever 31. When the gas canister 3 releases carbon dioxide into the container 1, it not only replenishes the beverage with carbon dioxide, but also cools the beverage through gas expansion, improving the taste of beverages such as beer.

[0038] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the airbag support 5 is a barrel-shaped structure with a cover plate 51 at the upper end and an open lower end. The cover plate 51 is provided with mounting holes 52. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the mounting hole 52 is a circular hole penetrating the cover plate 51, and grooves 521 penetrating the cover plate 51 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the circular hole; the mounting hole 52 and the grooves 521 symmetrically arranged on both sides together form an irregular hole penetrating the cover plate 51. Four triangular blocks 57 are arranged around the irregular hole.

[0039] Additionally, the lower end of the airbag support 5 has an open retaining ring 53 adapted to the neck groove of the air tank 3 neck ring 32. This open retaining ring 53 is integrally injection molded with the airbag support 5, perpendicular to the axis of the airbag support 5. The inner diameter of the open retaining ring 53 is adapted to the neck groove, allowing the open retaining ring 53 to be stably engaged in the neck groove. The opening of the open retaining ring 53 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the neck groove, enabling it to be engaged in the neck groove under a certain external force without easily falling off. A notch 58 is provided on the side wall of the airbag support 5 above the open retaining ring 53, allowing the upper end of the air tank 3 to enter and exit. This notch 58 allows the air tank 3 to be moved horizontally when the open retaining ring 53 is aligned with the neck groove of the air tank 3 neck ring 32, moving the upper end of the air tank 3 from the outside of the airbag support 5 to the inner cavity of the airbag support 5.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the airbag 4 is a cylindrical airbag that fits into the inner cavity of the airbag support 5. It is made of a resilient plastic, and the sidewall of the airbag 4 has a flexible corrugated tubular structure. A helical spring can also be installed in the sidewall of the airbag 4 to improve the reliability of the airbag's operation. A connector 41 that fits into the mounting hole 52 is fixedly installed at the upper end of the airbag 4, and a trigger plate 42 that fits into the trigger rod 31 is installed at the lower end of the airbag 4.

[0041] Regarding the structure of the mounting hole 52, the connector 41 is a cylinder adapted to the mounting hole 52. Symmetrical protrusions 45 are provided on both sides of the upper end of the cylinder, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 45 is adapted to the grooves 521 on both sides of the mounting hole 52. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the connector 41 is the same as the shape of the irregular hole penetrating the cover plate 51, allowing the connector 41 to pass through the cover plate 51 from bottom to top. The upper end of the connector 41, together with the protrusions 45, extends to the upper surface of the cover plate 51. Then, by rotating it at a certain angle, causing the protrusions 45 to deviate from the grooves 521, the connector 41 can be prevented from detaching from the mounting hole 52. If the protrusions 45 deviate from the grooves 521 and pass over a stop 57, becoming stuck between two stops 57, it can position the connector 41 and prevent it from rotating loose. Of course, as another embodiment of this utility model, other structural forms can also be used to connect the airbag 4 and the airbag support 5 together.

[0042] The trigger plate 42 is perpendicular to the axis of the airbag 4, and the trigger plate 42 moves when the airbag 4 extends or retracts along the axial direction. Figure 8As shown, the trigger plate 42 has a central hole 43 at its center. The diameter of the central hole 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the trigger rod 31, but the edge of the central hole 43 has a notch 431, allowing it to expand and lock onto the trigger rod 31. A latch 432, adapted to the trigger rod 31, is provided between the central hole 43 and the side of the trigger plate 42. The diameter of the latch 432 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the trigger rod 31 and is symmetrical to the position of the notch 431. By aligning the latch 432 with the trigger rod 31 and applying slight force, the trigger rod 31 can slide into the central hole 43, thus positioning the trigger plate 42 on the trigger rod 31.

[0043] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the other side of the trigger plate 42 corresponding to the slot 432 is fixedly connected to the edge of the airbag 4 via the support plate 44.

[0044] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the airbag support 5 is connected to the wine spear retaining ring 55 via the upper extension 54 of the support. The wine spear retaining ring 55 is eccentrically positioned with its axis offset to one side of the airbag support 5. The wine spear retaining ring 55 is provided with a buckle 551 for engaging with the lower end of the wine spear. The buckle 551 is adapted to a groove provided on the outer wall of the wine spear. During assembly, the wine spear retaining ring 55 is placed on the lower end of the wine spear until the buckle 551 engages with the groove on the outer wall of the wine spear. Figure 2 As shown, after the wine spear retaining ring 55 is installed, the extension tube 8 connected to the lower end of the wine spear is still located on the central axis of the wine spear, while the airbag bracket 5 is biased to one side, which does not affect the normal use of the wine spear.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a downwardly extending lower extension section 56 is provided on one side of the wine spear retaining ring 55. Both the lower extension section 56 and the upper extension section 54 of the bracket are semi-circular arc-shaped, resulting in a robust structure and minimal space occupation. The lower extension section 56 is parallel to the axis of the wine spear retaining ring 55. The lower end of the lower extension section 56 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the airbag bracket 5, and the side of the lower extension section 56 is fixedly connected to the upper extension section 54 of the bracket.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, in use, first install the airbag bracket 5 on the lower end of the wine spear 21 via the wine spear retaining ring 55. Then, install the airbag 4 on the airbag bracket 5 via the connector 41. Rotate the airbag 4 so that the protrusion 45 on the connector 41 is locked between the two stops 57. At this time, the position of the airbag 4 is fixed, and the slot 432 on the trigger plate 42 at the lower end of the airbag 4 faces the notch 58 at the lower end of the airbag bracket 5. At this time, the slot 432 on the trigger plate 42 and the open retaining ring 53 on the airbag bracket 5 are parallel to each other and have the same opening direction. The position of the trigger plate 42 is slightly higher than the open retaining ring 53. Align the neck groove of the gas canister 3 with the open retaining ring 53 and align the root of the trigger rod 31 of the gas canister 3 with the slot 432 on the trigger plate 42. Move the gas canister 3 horizontally to lock the open retaining ring 53 into the neck groove and the trigger plate 42 into the root of the trigger rod 31 to complete the installation of the gas canister 3. When installing gas cylinder 3, the trigger rod 31 will be subjected to the horizontal cutting force of the trigger plate 42, and there is no longitudinal pressure. Therefore, there is no problem of gas cylinder 3 leaking due to misoperation.

[0047] After the beer spear with gas canister 3 is installed on the barrel 1, beer and carbon dioxide are injected into the barrel 1 through the beer spear, just like in a normal production process, gradually increasing the pressure inside the barrel 1. The increased pressure inside the barrel 1 causes the gas bladder 4 to compress, raising the position of the trigger plate 42 at the lower end of the gas bladder 4. At this time, since the gas canister 3 is in the closed state, the trigger rod 31 is at its upper stop point. When the trigger plate 42 rises, the trigger rod 31 does not move accordingly; instead, the trigger plate 42 rubs against the outer wall of the trigger rod 31 until the pressure in the barrel 1 reaches a preset value. Then, the trigger rod 31 disengages from the center hole 43 of the trigger plate 42, which is now directly above the trigger rod 31. When the pressure in the barrel 1 remains stable, the trigger plate 42 remains directly above the trigger rod 31 and will not trigger the gas canister 3.

[0048] When a consumer drinks beer, the beer is dispensed through a valve connected to the beer dispenser, causing a pressure drop inside the keg 1. This pressure drop causes the gas chamber 4 to expand, lowering the trigger plate 42. When the pressure drops to the lower limit, the lowered trigger plate 42 presses against the trigger rod 31 of the gas tank 3, opening the gas tank valve and releasing carbon dioxide into the keg 1 through the central hole of the trigger rod 31. Because the diameter of the central hole 43 on the trigger plate 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the trigger rod 31, the lowered trigger plate 42 can push the trigger rod 31 downwards without locking onto it. Furthermore, when the trigger plate 42 presses against the trigger rod 31, the central hole 43 of the plate aligns with the central hole of the trigger rod 31, preventing blockage of the carbon dioxide passage.

[0049] Gas tank 3 releases carbon dioxide into barrel 1, causing the pressure of barrel 1 to rise and the temperature to drop. When the pressure of barrel 1 returns to the preset value, air bag 4 contracts, trigger plate 42 rises, trigger rod 31 is released, trigger rod 31 returns to its original position, gas tank 3 closes again, and waits for the next working cycle.

[0050] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art should understand that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pressure-balanced beverage packaging container, comprising a barrel body (1), wherein a lid is mounted on the upper end of the barrel body (1), characterized in that, The barrel lid includes a lid body (2) fixedly connected to the opening of the barrel body (1) and a wine spear set in the center of the lid body (2). A pressure balancing device for replenishing pressure is provided in the inner cavity of the barrel body (1). The pressure balancing device includes a gas tank (3) with a telescopic trigger rod (31), an air bladder (4) for driving the trigger rod (31), and an air bladder bracket (5) connecting the gas tank (3) and the air bladder (4). The air bladder bracket (5) is snapped onto the wine spear. It is a barrel-shaped structure with a cover plate (51) at the top and an open bottom. The cover plate (51) is provided with an installation hole (52). The lower end of the airbag bracket (5) is provided with an open retaining ring (53) that is adapted to the neck groove of the air tank (3). The airbag (4) is a columnar airbag that is adapted to the inner cavity of the airbag bracket (5). The upper end of the airbag (4) is fixedly provided with a connector (41) that is adapted to the installation hole (52). The lower end of the airbag (4) is provided with a trigger plate (42) that is adapted to the trigger rod (31).

2. The pressure-balanced beverage packaging container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting hole (52) is a circular hole that penetrates the cover plate (51), and grooves that penetrate the cover plate (51) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the circular hole; the connector (41) is a cylinder that fits the mounting hole (52), and protrusions are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the upper end of the cylinder, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions fits the grooves on both sides of the mounting hole (52).

3. The pressure-balanced beverage packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The trigger plate (42) is perpendicular to the axis of the airbag (4). The center of the trigger plate (42) is provided with a central hole (43). The diameter of the central hole (43) is smaller than the outer diameter of the trigger rod (31). A slot for the trigger rod (31) is provided between the central hole (43) and the side of the trigger plate (42). The other side of the trigger plate (42) corresponding to the slot is fixedly connected to the edge of the airbag (4) by a support plate (44).

4. The pressure-balanced beverage packaging container according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The upper end of the airbag support (5) is connected to the wine spear retaining ring (55) through the upper extension section (54) of the support. The wine spear retaining ring (55) is eccentrically set with the airbag support (5) and is used to be engaged with the lower end of the wine spear.

5. The pressure-balanced beverage packaging container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wine spear retaining ring (55) has a downwardly extending retaining ring lower extension (56) on one side. The retaining ring lower extension (56) is parallel to the axis of the wine spear retaining ring (55). The lower end of the retaining ring lower extension (56) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the airbag bracket (5), and the side of the retaining ring lower extension (56) is fixedly connected to the upper extension (54) of the bracket.

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