Tapping and regulating device, and container having such a tapping and regulating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a tapping and regulating device for dispensing a liquid from a container, in particular from a beverage container, preferably for dispensing a beer or a beer beverage from a keg, preferably from a 5-litre party keg, with a rod-shaped or cylinder-shaped arrangement composed of pressure unit, regulating unit and tapping unit, which arrangement can preferably be inserted almost flush into the container through an opening in the lid of the container, wherein the tapping unit can be transferred from a transport and storage position, in which it is inserted in the arrangement, to a use position, in which it is withdrawn from the arrangement and fluidically connected thereto, and wherein the withdrawn tapping unit is able to be mounted on the container, preferably at the latter's edge, fold or the like, for handling or actuating.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing and regulating device for dispensing a liquid from a container, in particular from a beverage container, preferably for dispensing a beer or a beer beverage from a beer keg, preferably from a 5L party beer keg. Furthermore, the invention relates to a container, for example a 5L party beer keg, with such a dispensing and regulating device.

[0002] Dispensing and control devices, as well as beverage containers of the type in question here, are well known in practice. This applies in particular to so-called 5L party beer kegs.

[0003] Party beer kegs come in a wide variety of designs. The beer kegs are usually made of tinplate and have a tap near the bottom. A vent valve is located at the top, preferably in the lid. This valve is opened when tapping, allowing the beer to flow from the tap located at the bottom due to gravity. The disadvantage here is that if there is only a small amount of beer left, it will flow slowly from the tap. Furthermore, any remaining beer in the party beer keg spoils extremely quickly. Accordingly, the beer must be consumed as quickly as possible.

[0004] EP 2 009 535 discloses a party beer keg in which the tap is located in the upper area of ​​the beverage container, more precisely in the upper area of ​​the side wall of the beverage container. To maintain the minimum pressure required for tapping, a pressure source in the form of a carbon dioxide cartridge is located inside the container. When beer is tapped, the pressure inside the keg is automatically adjusted via the pressure source, so that it is sufficient to convey the beer up the riser pipe to the tap until the very end of tapping.

[0005] DE 10 2019 207 114 A1 also discloses a 5L party beer keg, which also contains a pressurized carbon dioxide canister inside the container. Here, too, the dispensing unit is located in the upper part of the keg wall and must be pulled out orthogonally to the keg's longitudinal axis for dispensing.

[0006] To activate the pressure system, an activation device is installed in the base area, allowing the pressure system to be activated from outside the beer keg. A corresponding control valve is provided.

[0007] The well-known 5L party beer kegs are problematic in practice because, even when the tap is inserted, i.e., in the non-activated state, the tap with an actuating element protrudes at least slightly outwards without protection. This poses a risk, particularly during transport and handling, of damage to the outer area of ​​the tap, particularly the actuating element, which is located outside the container even during transport and storage. In such a case, the dispensing unit becomes unusable. Furthermore, the provision of separate units—pressure unit with control unit and dispensing unit—is complex in design and installation within the container. Handling is complicated for both the beer bottler and the customer / end user.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a dispensing and control device for dispensing a liquid from a container, in particular from a beverage container, preferably for dispensing a beer or a beer beverage from a beer keg, preferably from a 5L party beer keg, in such a way that handling is easy for both the beverage filler and the end customer. The risk of leaks in or on the container should be avoided as far as possible. Furthermore, the dispensing and control device should be distinguished from competitive products.

[0009] The above object is achieved with regard to the dispensing and regulating device according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1. According to this, the dispensing and regulating device comprises a rod-shaped or cylindrical arrangement consisting of a pressure unit, a regulating unit and a dispensing unit. In a departure from the prior art, the three units are combined in a rod-shaped or cylindrical arrangement in a one-part or multi-part housing. This makes it possible to insert the entire assembly almost flush into the container through a single opening in the lid of the container, which opening then needs to be sealed. Such a dispensing device is shown, for example, in DE 11 2006 003934 and the container thus only requires a single opening, namely for inserting the entire assembly. This reduces the effort required for sealing.

[0010] The dispensing unit according to the invention can be moved from a transport and storage position inserted into the arrangement into a use position removed from the arrangement and fluidly connected to it. This means that the dispensing unit is initially located completely within the arrangement defined as the transport and storage position. A small area, which is used for handling the dispensing unit or for moving the dispensing unit into the use position, is designed to be so flat that it largely fits around the opening, similar to a flat screw head on the lid. Assuming that this area is significantly lower than the surrounding rim or fold of the beer keg, the part of the dispensing and control device arranged outside the container in the transport and storage position is protected all around, so that accidental damage is virtually impossible.

[0011] If the dispensing unit is removed from its transport and storage position, for example, by rotating an outer part, it can be moved into a use position by pulling the dispensing unit out of the rod- or cylinder-shaped arrangement located inside the container. This arrangement is pressure-tight, so that no leakage occurs when the dispensing unit is removed. The flow connection between the dispensing unit and the control unit enables pressure-assisted dispensing of the liquid or beer at the location where the dispensing unit is positioned. This position is considered the use position.

[0012] For simple and convenient tapping, the tapping unit removed from the rod- or cylindrical arrangement is attached to the container, preferably to its rim or fold. It can be attached by pushing or clipping on, such that the actual tap protrudes beyond the side wall of the container, allowing tapping from the side as with a conventional beer keg. It must be ensured that the flow connection from the rod- or cylindrical arrangement to the tapping unit is guaranteed. The above explanations make it clear that the tapping and control device according to the invention enables simple handling right up to the tapping of the beer for both the bottler and the end customer, whereby the arrangement of the tapping unit right at the top in the rim area of ​​the container enables tapping even into larger glasses / containers.

[0013] The pressure unit comprises a cartridge housing at the end as the lower housing part, with a gas cartridge arranged therein. This is preferably a CO2 cartridge. Adjoining the cartridge housing is a sealing housing as the second housing part, which either seals off the cartridge housing or is formed integrally with the cartridge housing. Like the cartridge housing, the sealing housing is at least partially sealed to the outside.

[0014] The sealing housing comprises a storage space that is not sealed to the outside, into which the dispensing unit is largely inserted, preferably upside down, in its transport and storage position. When inserted, the dispensing unit closes off the sealing housing at the free end, although this is not a liquid-tight seal. By rotating the dispensing unit, a rotary piston inside is rotated until an inlet hole in the sealing housing overlaps with an inlet hole in the rotary piston. This activates the dispensing device.

[0015] When the dispensing unit is removed from its transport and storage position, the "empty" storage space remains, which is sealed to the interior, i.e., to the control unit and pressure unit, so that the pressurized fluid inside the container cannot escape from there. When inserted, the entire rod- or cylinder-shaped assembly is sealed to the edge of the opening into which it is inserted in the container, pressure-tight, corresponding to the internal pressure prevailing in the container.

[0016] Between the two housing parts—the cartridge housing and the sealing housing—a central housing part or a transition area between the two housing parts can be provided, in which the control unit is located. The control unit is fluid-tight with respect to the storage space for the dispensing unit, i.e., with respect to the surroundings of the container.

[0017] The control unit can be arranged in a pressure sleeve, which can be designed as an intermediate piece between the cartridge housing and the sealing housing.

[0018] Outside the cartridge housing and, if applicable, the central housing section or the transition area, a riser pipe is designed to allow the fluid to rise under pressure. The riser pipe can also be an integral part of the housing components. In the area of ​​the sealing housing, the riser pipe opens into the sealing housing, specifically into an internal flow channel inside the sealing housing, which is fluidly connected to the dispensing channel of the dispensing unit via an elastic flow connection. Pressure thus exists exclusively in the flow connection and not in the storage space of the dispensing unit. This space is sealed from the interior of the container.

[0019] The elastic flow connection is an elastic hose that is just long enough to fit into the storage space on the one hand and to reach the usage position of the dispensing unit on the other hand, namely when the dispensing unit is pulled out.

[0020] The pressure unit comprises a pressure sleeve with a screw-in sleeve and a valve stem, which is actuated via the operatively connected control unit. The pressure cartridge is screwed into the screw-in sleeve and can be actuated via the valve stem, with initial actuation occurring upon removal of the dispensing unit. Only then is the pressure cartridge activated, allowing the gas required to dispense the liquid to flow into the interior of the container. Once a predetermined internal pressure is reached, the control unit automatically closes the pressure unit in the conventional manner. Reference is made to the prior art cited at the beginning.

[0021] The control unit comprises a diaphragm acting on the valve stem, which is subjected to the pressure of a pressure chamber formed between the pressure sleeve and the diaphragm. The pressure cartridge opens or closes via the valve stem in the conventional manner against the pressure of a spring-loaded pressure clamp.

[0022] An overpressure relief device is provided between the control unit and the dispensing unit, preferably in a region of the pressure housing facing the control unit. This device may comprise a spring-loaded rupture disc and a sealing ring. The sealing ring serves as an indicator for a single activation.

[0023] The dispensing unit comprises a dispensing head with a dispensing channel connected to the flexible hose and a dispensing lever for actuation. It should be noted that the flow connection of the flexible hose can be achieved on both sides by attaching the hose using a clamping action.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the dispensing unit includes a valve roller that gradually opens or closes the dispensing channel upon actuation of the dispensing lever. This allows the flow channel to be opened or closed from a completely closed state to a completely open state, and vice versa. Dosing or throttling the dispensed liquid volume is possible.

[0025] The dispensing unit has a handling device at its front end, which serves to pull the dispensing unit out of the pressure-free storage space within the rod- or cylindrical arrangement. This moves the dispensing unit from the secured transport position to the operating position, where the dispensing unit is manually moved.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the arrangement includes a tamper-evident seal. In the transport position, the tamper-evident seal detachably connects the dispensing head to the sealing housing. At the same time, the tamper-evident seal can close the free end of the dispensing channel, i.e., the outlet. When the dispensing unit is removed using a handling device, the tamper-evident seal irreversibly detaches from the sealing housing. In the process, it may, for example, break. It then releases the dispensing channel to the outlet. It should be noted here that when the dispensing unit is removed, the control unit acts on the pressure unit, and dispensing is possible due to the gas escaping when the dispensing lever is operated.

[0027] To position the dispensing head, it features a clamping device. In the simplest case, this is a gap suitable for attaching the dispensing head to the rim or fold of the container. For secure attachment, the clamping device can be equipped with an undercut so that the dispensing head can be locked onto the fold. This ensures secure positioning of the dispensing head.

[0028] The sealing housing can have a flange or a circumferential shoulder at its free end for external contact with the edge of the opening in the container lid. This ensures secure positioning of the rod- or cylindrical arrangement. Furthermore, the sealing housing can have a locking mechanism with sealing means below or behind the flange or shoulder for sealing against the opening in the container lid, so that after the filler inserts the rod- or cylindrical arrangement into the beer keg, a liquid- and pressure-tight arrangement is created, advantageously compared to the prior art with a single opening in the container.

[0029] The container according to the invention, which can be any beverage container, in particular a beer keg, more particularly a 5L party beer keg, comprises the previously discussed dispensing and control device for dispensing the liquid. This container is thus inventive compared to conventional containers of the type in question here.

[0030] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic view of an embodiment of a 5L party beer keg according to the invention with an opening in the lid, without tapping and regulating device, Fig. 2 in a schematic view, sectioned, a 5L party beer keg with inserted tapping and regulating device according to the invention, wherein the tapping unit is located in the transport and storage position within a rod-shaped or cylindrical arrangement, Fig. 2a in a schematic view, partial and enlarged, the pressure and regulating device of the article from Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 in a schematic view the object from Fig. 2 , wherein the dispensing unit is pulled out of the rod- or cylinder-shaped arrangement and is in the use position clipped to the fold of the beer keg, Fig. 4 in a schematic view the object from Fig. 3 , with the tapping lever raised, Fig. 5the beer keg as shown in Fig. 2 in a top view, Fig. 6the beer keg according to the illustration from Fig. 2 in a perspective view, Fig. 7 the beer barrel according to the illustration from Fig. 2 in a frontal view, and Fig. 8 the beer barrel according to the illustration from Fig. 4 in a perspective view.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a 5L beer keg 1. An opening 3 is formed at the top of the lid 2, which is to be understood as the only opening in the beer keg 1. Consequently, only a single opening 3 needs to be sealed in this beer keg 1.

[0032] Fig. 1 further shows that the cover 2 is connected to the wall 5 via a fold 4.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows in a schematic sectional view the beer barrel 1 according to Fig. 1 , wherein the dispensing and regulating device according to the invention is inserted almost flush into the opening 3. From bottom to top, the dispensing and regulating device can be described as follows: A CO 2 cartridge 7 is arranged in a cartridge housing 6. The cartridge 7 is screwed into a screw-in sleeve 8 made of plastic or stainless steel. The screw-in sleeve 8 is in turn located in a pressure sleeve 9, wherein the screw-in sleeve 8 can be screwed into the pressure sleeve 9 or otherwise fastened therein.

[0034] Above the pressure sleeve 9 is a valve stem 10, the end of which engages a flange base 11 of a diaphragm 12. The diaphragm 12 serves to actuate the valve stem 10.

[0035] A spring tensioner 13 is arranged above the diaphragm 12, with a control spring 14 resting on the spring tensioner 13. The spring tensioner 13 and the control spring 14 are surrounded by the sealing housing 15 screwed into the pressure sleeve 9.

[0036] The upper shaft end of the spring compressor 13 extends through a through-hole 16 in the seal housing 15 to a passage at the lower end of the rotary piston 17, in which the spring compressor 13 is locked. The control spring 14 or the plate of the spring compressor 13 has no contact with the diaphragm 12. The control spring 14 is compressed.

[0037] An overpressure relief device 18 is provided in the space between the upper shaft end of the spring compressor 13 and the lower end of the rotary piston 17. The overpressure relief device 18 comprises a sealing disc 19 with a bursting disc 21 sealed by an O-ring 20. This is pressed outward against the bursting disc 21 by a compression spring 22, which is supported internally on the sealing housing 15.

[0038] Opposite the overpressure relief device 18 is a sealing surface 23 attached to the rotary piston 17, which seals against a through-bend 24 in the seal housing 15. On the opposite side, along the sealing surface 23, an inlet hole 25 is provided on the seal housing 15 for the flow channel of the rotary piston 17.

[0039] At the outer lower end of the through-bend 24 of the sealing housing 15, the upper end of a riser pipe 27 attached to or running on the cartridge housing 6 moves positively into the housing 1.

[0040] The flow channel 26 and an activation web 29 of the rotary piston 17 protrude into the upper, inner free space 28 of the sealing housing 15.

[0041] A hose 30 attached to the flow channel 26 of the rotary piston 17 and an activation pin 31 of the dispensing head 32 inserted into the activation web 29 are connected. Opposite the activation pin 31 is an inlet channel 33 to which the other free end of the hose 30 is attached.

[0042] The inlet channel 33 of the dispensing head 32 opens into a valve roller 34 to which a dispensing lever 35 is attached.

[0043] A seal 36 is provided on the flange of the sealing housing 15, which acts against the outer wall of the barrel lid 2 in the area of ​​the opening 3. Furthermore, a tamper-evident seal 38 is provided, which is connected to the dispensing head 32.

[0044] Fig. 2a shows the essential Fig. 2 discussed details in enlarged view.

[0045] Fig. 3 differs from Fig. 1 by moving the dispensing unit from its transport and storage position to the removed use position. Specifically, the dispensing head 32 is attached to the fold 4 of the drum lid 2. It is clearly visible that the hose 30 fluidly connects the dispensing head 32 to the riser pipe 27 via the rotary piston 17. The outwardly open storage space 39 is now empty and open to the outside. It is sealed from the interior of the drum.

[0046] Furthermore, Fig. 3 recognize that the actuating element used for tapping, namely the tapping lever 35, is in a flat position.

[0047] According to Fig. 4 the tapping lever 35 is raised and can be actuated, whereby the valve roller 34 is rotated.

[0048] The Fig. 2 bis 4 further show that the dispensing head 32 comprises a slot-like clamping device 40 with which the dispensing head 32 is clamped onto the fold 4.

[0049] The figures also show the downward-facing outlet 41 formed in the dispensing head 32.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows the beer keg equipped with the dispensing and control device according to the invention from above, with the dispensing unit in the transport and storage position. An arrow 42 indicates the direction in which the tab or plate 43, visible from above, is to be turned so that the dispensing head 32, which is located in the storage space 39 under at least slight tension, emerges from the storage space 39.

[0051] Fig. 6 shows the barrel equipped with the dispensing and control device according to the invention in a schematic, perspective side view, Fig. 7 shows the object Fig. 6 in a front view.

[0052] According to the presentation in Fig. 8 The dispensing unit is in the use position, and the dispensing head 32 is attached to the upper outer edge, i.e., to the seam 4 of the beer keg 1. The dispensing lever 35 is positioned for dispensing. The hose 30 leads from the interior of the keg, through the opening 3 to the dispensing head 32. Furthermore, it can be seen that a fastening collar or flange 44 is provided at the opening 3 or at the upper end of the storage space 39, to which the dispensing head can be secured in the inserted state within the storage space 39, either screw-like or bayonet-like.

[0053] The following is a brief summary of the function of the previously discussed dispensing and control device: The valve stem pierces the CO2 cartridge with its tip. This occurs either during assembly by the filler or, if the sealing housing, rotary piston and spring tensioner are designed accordingly, by the consumer. As soon as the CO2 cartridge is activated, the pressure required to pump the liquid is present at the bottom of the valve stem. The end customer turns the dispensing head, which is in the transport position, between 10 and 120° clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the design, according to a functional instruction. The dispensing head is connected to the rotary piston with its activation pin in the activation web and turns it accordingly. Due to the rotary piston's rotary movement, the inlet hole on the sealing surface of the rotary piston is aligned with the outlet hole in the through-bend of the sealing housing. The fluid channel (riser pipe, flow channel, hose) is thus exposed.Upper recesses on the flange of the sealing housing release the dispensing head, which can be removed upwards from its transport position within the sealing housing. The dispensing head has a valve roller which a dispensing lever engages and acts on. The free end of the hose is also attached to the dispensing head. The dispensing head is pulled out of the sealing housing or from the storage space of the sealing housing together with the hose. The dispensing head is then pressed onto the fold of the keg from above using a clamping device, or more precisely, at its notch, with a certain amount of pressure, where it can lock into place under the fold. The dispensing lever is then moved upwards. This rotates the valve roller. This clears the flow path between the fluid channel and dispensing channel. The fluid can escape through the outlet. When dispensing, the pressure inside the container drops.As soon as the pressure drops below a predetermined level, the control spring pushes the diaphragm downwards towards the valve stem. This causes CO2 to escape from the CO2 cartridge towards the pressure chamber and flow through the outlet channel under the O-ring towards the container. The pressure in the container rises again. Pressure equalization occurs between the pressure chamber and the container. Both areas have the same pressure. Atmospheric pressure prevails above the diaphragm. This is created by the free access to the atmosphere via the opening between the spring compressor, the rotary piston and the sealing housing. The control pressure in the pressure chamber is determined by the specific design of the control spring, which, when pressure prevails, is pressed upwards onto the diaphragm via the active surface in the pressure chamber. The valve stem is then no longer actively pushed downwards by the control spring or diaphragm. No more CO2 can flow from the CO2 cartridge towards the pressure chamber.Pressure equalization is prevented until pressure escapes from the container again through the tapping. The previously discussed control process begins again and repeats itself indefinitely as long as there is liquid in the container or as long as the CO2 cartridge provides pressure medium. Should a malfunction occur during pressure regulation, for example, if CO2 escapes into the container uncontrollably and too quickly, or if the container reaches a critical pressure state or bursting point due to excessive heating, the built-in overpressure protection allows the CO2 to escape in a controlled manner without the container bursting.

[0054] The overpressure protection works as follows: A sealing disc with a hole in the center is provided. It is separated from the rupture disc by an O-ring and sealed. A spring is located behind the rupture disc, which presses against the rupture disc. If the pressure inside the container rises above a predetermined value, the prevailing pressure in the hole in the sealing disc causes the rupture disc to lift from the O-ring. The spring behind it is compressed. Accordingly, the hole in the sealing disc is opened, and pressure can escape past the rupture disc and through the sealing housing into the atmosphere.

[0055] The above statements regarding the function of the dispensing and control device according to the invention do not limit it beyond the specific features of the patent claims. Rather, they serve as a discussion.

[0056] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0057] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the teaching according to the invention described above serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the exemplary embodiment. Bezugszeichenliste

[0058] 1Container, keg, beer keg 2Lid, keg lid 3Opening (top of container) 4Fold 5Wall (of container) 6Cartridge housing 7Cartridge, pressure cartridge 8Screw-in sleeve 9Pressure sleeve 10Valve tappet 11Flange base 12Diaphragm 13Spring tensioner 14Control spring 15Sealing housing 16Through opening 17Rotary piston 18Overpressure protection 19Sealing disc 20O-ring 21Rupture disc, bursting ring 22Compression spring 23Sealing surface 24Through bend 25Inlet hole, inlet opening 26Flow channel 27Rise pipe 28Free space 29Activation bar 30Hose 31Activation pin 32Tap head 33Inlet channel 34Valve roller 35Tap lever 36Seal 37Not used 38Tamper-evident seal 39Storage space (in the seal housing) 40Clamping device 41Outlet 42Arrow 43Tab, label 44Fastening sleeve, flange

Claims

1. Tapping and control device for dispensing a liquid from a container (1), in particular from a beverage container, preferably for dispensing a beer or a beer beverage from a beer keg, preferably from a 5L party beer keg, having a rod-shaped or cylindrical arrangement consisting of a pressure unit (7), control unit (13) and tap unit (31), which can preferably be pushed into the container (1) in a virtually flush manner through an opening (3) in the cover of the container (1), wherein the tap unit can be brought from a transportation and storage position, in which it is pushed into the arrangement, into a usage position, in which it is removed from the arrangement and flow-connected thereto, and wherein the removed tap unit (31) can be attached to the container, preferably to its edge (4), seam or the like, for handling or actuating purposes, wherein the pressure unit (7), as a lower housing part, comprises an end cartridge housing (6) with a gas cartridge (7), preferably a CO2 cartridge, arranged therein, wherein a riser pipe (27) for the pressure-induced rising of the liquid is formed outside the cartridge housing (6) and, where applicable, the central housing part or the transition region, possibly as an integral component of the housing parts, characterized in that a sealing housing (15) adjoins the cartridge housing (6) as a second housing part, in which sealing housing the tap unit (31) is substantially arranged in its transportation and storage position and closes the sealing housing (15) at the free end, and wherein, in the region of the sealing housing (15), the riser pipe (27) opens into this latter and, in the interior of the sealing housing, opens into an internal flow channel (26), which is flow-connected to a dispensing channel (41) of the tap unit via a flexible flow connection (30), and wherein the flexible flow connection (30) is designed as a flexible hose, which is just long enough to enable the tap unit to be brought into its usage position.

2. Tapping and control device according to Claim 1, characterized in that, between the two housing parts, a central housing part or a transition region in the two housing parts is formed by the control unit.

3. Tapping and control device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure unit comprises a pressure sleeve having a screw-in sleeve with a valve plunger, which can be actuated via the control unit operatively connected thereto, wherein the pressure cartridge is screwed into the screw-in sleeve and can be actuated via the valve plunger.

4. Tapping and control device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control unit comprises a diaphragm which acts on the valve plunger and is subject to the pressure of a pressure chamber formed between the pressure sleeve and the diaphragm and which opens or closes the pressure cartridge via the valve plunger against the pressure of a spring tensioner acted upon by a spring force.

5. Tapping and control device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, between the control unit and the tap unit, preferably in a region of the sealing housing which faces the control unit, an overpressure protection device is provided, which may comprise a rupture disc acted upon by a spring force in addition to a sealing ring.

6. Tapping and control device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tap unit comprises a tap head having a dispensing channel adjoining the flexible hose and a tap lever serving for actuating purposes.

7. Tapping and control device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the tapping unit comprises a valve barrel, which successively opens or closes the dispensing channel upon actuation of the tap lever.

8. Tapping and control device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the tapping unit comprises, at its front end, a handling member for pulling the tap unit out of the transportation position into the actuating position.

9. Tapping and control device according to Claim 8, characterized in that, in the transportation position, a tamper-evident seal connects the tap head to the sealing housing in a releasable manner and, where applicable, closes the free end of the dispensing channel, which tamper-evident seal, when the tap unit is pulled out via the handling member, is irreversibly detached from the sealing housing or breaks and, where applicable, frees the dispensing channel to the free outlet.

10. Tapping and control device according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a clamping mechanism is provided in the tap head, which clamping mechanism serves for the push-on, clamping attachment of the tap head to the edge or seam of the container.

11. Tapping and control device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sealing housing has, at its free end, a flange or a circumferential shoulder for lying externally against the edge of the opening in the cover of the container.

12. Tapping and control device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the sealing housing has, below or behind the flange or the shoulder, a latching device with sealing means for sealing with respect to the opening in the cover of the container.

13. Container, in particular a beverage container, preferably a beer keg for beer or for a beer beverage, for example a 5L party beer keg, having a tapping and control device for dispensing a liquid according to one of Claims 1 to 12.

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