Retractable tap and beverage container with a retractable tap

Abstract

A tap comprising an outer sleeve (2) and an inner sleeve (3) which is movable along the longitudinal axis (L) within the outer sleeve (2) and has a handle (4) at a first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3). In a non-activated state of the tap (1), the handle (4) rests against a first end (2a) of the outer sleeve (2). In an activated state, the handle (4) is spaced from the first end (2a) of the outer sleeve (2) and, together with the outer sleeve (2), defines a channel (8). The inner sleeve (3) has a valve seat (10) with a valve opening (11) and a dispensing opening (9).The tap (1) has an actuating device arranged on the handle (4) which interacts with a closure element (12). In the activated state of the tap (1), the closure element (12) can be moved by means of the actuating device between a closed position, in which the closure element (12) closes the at least one valve opening (11), and an open position, in which the closure element (12) opens the at least one valve opening (11). The actuating device is a handle lever (13) which is arranged adjacent to the handle (4) and is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (L). The handle lever (13) has an actuating section (13a) which extends into the inner sleeve (3) and engages with a valve plunger (14) which carries the closure element (12). The inner sleeve (3) has a guide element (15) by which the valve plunger (14) is guided along the longitudinal axis (L).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a retractable tap and a beverage container with such a tap.

[0002] Taps for beverage containers for private use are known from the state of the art; these taps are recessed into the wall of the beverage container to save space and can be pulled out for use.

[0003] DE 198 35 569 C2, for example, shows such a tap which is sunk into the wall of the beverage can and is pulled out for tapping. For this purpose, it is inserted into an opening located near the bottom of the beverage can, a so-called perforated collar, and has an outer sleeve which is arranged in the opening. An inner sleeve is movably mounted in the outer sleeve such that it can be pulled out. A push button is provided on the front end of the inner sleeve. By pressing the push button, a valve located inside the inner sleeve is opened and a fluid channel to the interior of the beverage container is opened, allowing the beverage to flow out. The push button can become jammed, which means that the valve inside the inner sleeve does not close properly and the tap becomes leaky.

[0004] Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved retractable tap which is constructed in such a way that the tap can be used for easy tapping.

[0005] This object is achieved by a tap having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The further object of providing a beverage container from which the beverage filled into the container can be tapped in a simple manner is achieved by the beverage container with the features of independent claim 16.

[0007] Further developments or preferred embodiments of the tap and the beverage container are set out in the subclaims.

[0008] According to a first embodiment of the retractable tap according to the invention, which is designed for placement in an opening of a beverage container, it comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, which is arranged coaxially in the outer sleeve and can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a handle at its first end, which is arranged on the end face of the inner sleeve.

[0009] When the tap is not activated, the handle rests against a first end of the outer sleeve. When activated, the handle is spaced from the first end of the outer sleeve and, together with the outer sleeve, defines a channel. The inner sleeve has a valve seat with at least one valve opening on its inside and, in the radial direction between the valve seat and the first end, has a dispensing opening. The tap has an actuating device arranged on the handle, which interacts with a closure part shaped to correspond to the valve seat. When the tap is activated, the closure part can be moved by means of the actuating device between a closed position, in which the closure part closes the at least one valve opening, and an open position, in which the closure part opens the at least one valve opening.According to the invention, the actuating device is a handle lever that is arranged adjacent to the handle and can be pivoted about a pivot axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. For this purpose, the handle lever has an actuating portion that extends into the inner sleeve and engages with a valve tappet that supports the closure part. The inner sleeve has a guide element that guides the valve tappet along the longitudinal axis. The closure part can preferably be made of an elastic plastic that is suitable as a sealing material, such as a thermoplastic.

[0010] "Beverage container" refers to any type of beverage can, keg, or barrel. A beverage container with a dispensing device, however, is typically a beer keg or barrel, often made of tinplate, aluminum, or plastic, and with a spout, usually located near the bottom of the container. Beer kegs or barrels, often referred to as "kegs," are often designed for filling quantities of 5 or 10 liters; however, containers for other filling quantities can also be equipped with the spout according to the invention.

[0011] The valve opening establishes the fluidic connection between the channel and the tapping opening by spacing the closure part from the valve seat so that the valve opening is released and the fluid path through the fluidic connection between the channel and the tapping opening becomes continuous.

[0012] The term "closed position" refers to the separation of the fluid connection, in which the valve opening is closed by the closure part.

[0013] The "open position" means the opening or establishment of the fluid connection, in which the closure part releases the valve opening and thus opens to the fluid channel.

[0014] The tap according to the invention advantageously provides a tap that is particularly suitable for private use because it is easy to operate. The simple construction of an inner and outer sleeve with an internal valve makes the tap compact and space-saving in its "recessed" position. The handle lever can be moved between a closed position, in which it locks into place and thus provides haptic feedback to the operator, and an open position, in which it can be continuously adjusted to control the flow rate. Due to the direct connection to the valve stem, the handle lever cannot jam. Operation is intuitive because the handle lever is simply pivoted toward the operator, just like taps in restaurants.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the engagement of the actuating section of the handle lever, which can be pivoted about the pivot axis, with the valve tappet guided along the longitudinal axis is provided by an axle element guided in a curved path parallel to the pivot axis. The actuating section has two axle stubs as the axle element, and the valve tappet has two parallel tabs with elongated openings that form the curved path. The handle lever is thus connected to the valve tappet and enables easy movement of the valve tappet. The provided curved path provides the necessary play for the movement to move the valve tappet smoothly.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the guide element adjoins the valve seat on a side facing away from the first end of the inner sleeve, which valve seat tapers towards the guide element in the shape of a hollow truncated cone. The guide element is shaped as a hollow cylinder with a closed base on the side facing away from the first end of the inner sleeve, with one or more valve openings being formed on a lateral surface of the truncated cone-shaped valve seat. Furthermore, the closure part is formed on a truncated cone-shaped section of the valve tappet with a flattened side facing the tap opening. The closure part has at least one sealing body corresponding to the at least one valve opening.The truncated cone-shaped valve seat preferably has two openings, but three or more openings can also be provided, thus the closure part also has two, three, or more sealing bodies. The conical shape of the valve seat enables good guidance of the valve tappet and prevents it from jamming. Furthermore, the combination of the corresponding shapes of the valve seat and valve tappet allows for smooth flow of the fluid being dispensed.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the valve tappet has an axial guide section on a side of the closure part facing away from the first end of the inner sleeve, the length of which is selected such that the axial guide section extends into the hollow cylindrical guide element both in the closed position and in the open position. The valve tappet can furthermore have an annular bead between the truncated cone-shaped section and the axial guide section to delimit the closure part. This element also helps prevent the two interlocking components, valve seat and valve tappet, from jamming when the valve is opened or closed.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the valve tap has a circular sealing section, i.e. a sealing section with a circular cross-section which is adapted to the inner diameter of the inner sleeve and is arranged in relation to the first end of the inner sleeve and the valve seat in such a way that the sealing section is located between the first end of the inner sleeve and the tap opening both in the closed position and in the open position and thus seals the inner sleeve towards its first end. A liquid flowing into the valve is thus directed to the tap opening and cannot escape to the front side of the inner sleeve. The sealing section is frustoconical in shape corresponding to the shape of the valve seat, so that the sealing section is completely received in the valve seat in the closed position and seals the valve openings.The sealing section can be made of a material suitable for sealing, such as an elastic plastic or rubber. Furthermore, the sealing section can be designed as a plate, so that the truncated cone-shaped valve tappet has recesses that allow the circular sealing section to retain its plate shape. This saves material.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, a plane defined by the circular sealing section does not extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, wherein a side of the sealing section adjacent to the tap opening is arranged closer to the first end of the inner sleeve than a side of the sealing section facing away from the tap opening. Alternatively or additionally, the two parallel tabs with the elongated openings are arranged on the sealing section on the side facing away from the closure part, which provide the curved path for engagement with the actuating section. This has the effect that the liquid to be tapped is directed specifically to the tap opening. The fluid connection is then shaped, starting from the valve opening, such that the liquid has more space under the valve tappet and can exit from the tap opening more easily and quickly when the valve is open.

[0020] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the sealing section can have a sealing layer, which is preferably formed integrally with the closure part. The components sealing compound, closure body and valve tappet can be molded, for example, by multi-component injection molding and thus produced inexpensively. The sealing layer is thickened at the points where it contacts the valve openings and shaped in the form of the valve openings in order to provide a simple and precisely fitting seal. The sealing layer thus forms the sealing body. The valve tappet does not have to be pressed into the valve seat with high pressure, but can simply rest against it thanks to the molded sealing layer. In the closed position, the sealing layer protrudes with its thickened areas partially into the valve openings and thus closes the valve openings.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the inner sleeve has an axle element at the first end of the inner sleeve adjacent to the tap opening, which extends orthogonally to the radial direction and the longitudinal axis. The handle lever has two parallel tabs with bearing eyes in which the axle element is rotatably mounted to provide the pivot axis. This provides a simple design for the pivot axis of the handle lever.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the inner sleeve has a first stop surface for the handle lever in the radial direction opposite the axle element that provides the pivot axis, and a second stop surface adjacent to the axle element for a corner of the tabs that is offset from the handle lever. The first stop surface has a through-opening, and the inner sleeve has a locking recess adjacent thereto, and the handle lever has a locking hook that extends through the through-opening and engages with the locking recess in the closed position. The handle lever can thus lock in its closed position and does not easily open when not in use, thereby preventing liquid from leaking out.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the actuating section is designed like a partially circular disc and defines a disc plane in which the longitudinal axis lies. The actuating section is formed with a straight side and a curved side, with the straight side extending orthogonally to the handle lever, and the curved side describing a circular arc around the pivot axis. In the closed position, the straight side of the actuating section extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner sleeve. The actuating section is designed similarly to a rounded knife tip, with the straight side acting as the "knife spine" and the curved side acting as the "knife edge." The valve tappet has a slot-like receiving pocket into which the actuating section projects, with the receiving pocket widening toward a side facing the curved side of the actuating section.The receiving pocket is adapted to a pivoting range of the actuating section when the handle lever is actuated to transfer the locking part between the closed position and the open position. When transferred to the open position, i.e. pivoting of the handle lever, the actuating section is moved in the receiving pocket and, after a short curved path, strikes the upper edge of the slot-like receiving pocket with its curved side. In order to define the pivoting movement of the handle lever or its pivoting range, the actuating section can have a wedge-shaped recess or notch on its curved side, wherein the actuating section finds a stop with the wedge-shaped recess on the upper edge of the slot-like receiving pocket. The slot-like receiving pocket can have an edge or a hook on its open side against which the wedge-shaped recess can find its stop.The stop of the actuating section defines the pivoting range of the handle lever and prevents an over-open position of the valve in the inner sleeve, in particular when the valve tappet has a radially outwardly pointing hook on the stop edge of the receiving pocket, which is pressed into a slot in the inner sleeve at the first end - adjacent to the locking recess for the locking hook of the handle lever - when the actuating section strikes the stop edge from the inside.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the slot-like receiving pocket in the valve stem extends from the sealing section between the parallel tabs into the truncated cone-shaped section. For production reasons and to save material, the slot-like receiving pocket can be longer than the actuating section of the handle lever.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, a sleeve element with a molded-on plug and a passage channel is arranged in the inner sleeve at a second end of the inner sleeve facing away from the first end of the inner sleeve. The tap has a protective sheath which is arranged at a second end of the outer sleeve facing away from the first end and which delimits an inlet opening. In the non-activated state of the tap, the protective sheath with the inlet opening rests circumferentially on the plug that protrudes from the second end of the outer sleeve and seals the passage channel. In the activated state, the sleeve element with the inner sleeve is spaced from the second end of the outer sleeve, wherein the inlet opening of the protective sheath is exposed and the fluid connection in the channel between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve is established by the passage channel.The sleeve element, in particular the plug, serves as a closure element to prevent fluid communication with the channel. When the tap is mounted in a container in the inactivated state, this prevents unwanted fluid from entering. In the activated state, fluid can enter through the inlet opening provided in the end face of the protective cover and flow into the passage channel.

[0026] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are connected to one another via a slotted guide, wherein the sleeve element has a cam projecting outward through an opening in the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve has a curved slot in which the cam is received and guided, wherein the curved slot forms a helical line with a rotation angle of 90° and a pitch that depends on the distance that the handle has in the activated state from the first end of the outer sleeve. The helical line preferably ends in a longitudinal groove that continues the curved slot of the slotted guide. This causes the transition between the inactivated and activated states to be actuated by turning the handle by 90° and subsequently pulling it out, whereby the inner sleeve is moved longitudinally along the helical line and the longitudinal groove.The 90° rotation of the handle allows for easy "unlocking" of the tap. After or during the rotation, liquid can already flow into the tap interior through the opening in the end cap. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the further opening and complete withdrawal of the extension tube due to the piston action, as the internal pressure of the keg also acts on the tap's internal components. The described guide mechanism enables an easy turning movement and the guided withdrawal of the inner sleeve from the outer sleeve with minimal effort.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the inner sleeve has an opening, e.g., rectangular, adjacent to its second end, and the outer sleeve also has a correspondingly shaped opening, e.g., rectangular, but adjacent to its first end. When the tap is activated, both openings overlap in a corresponding manner and, in addition to the front opening of the protective cover, provide another liquid inlet opening. Furthermore, the openings also serve for residual emptying, since when the fill level is low, the keg can be tilted and thus almost completely emptied.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the handle has two wings on either side of the handle lever, parallel to the pivot axis, between which the handle lever is embedded in the closed position. The wings can have at least one marking indicating a direction of rotation of the handle for transitioning from the inactivated state to the activated state. The handle is user-friendly, and the inner sleeve can be easily pulled out by turning and pulling the handle, thus converting the tap to an activated state.

[0029] A sealing component can be arranged in one of the wings. This component engages with the end face of the outer sleeve at its first end before use and can be broken out or tilted upon initial rotation, thus ensuring that the tap is new and unused. For this purpose, a projection can be formed on the end face of the outer sleeve, for example.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the protective cover extends over the curved slot, with the outer sleeve having a circumferential seal on the outside, on a side of the curved slot facing away from the second end, for sealing the protective cover. This prevents unintentional penetration of liquid other than through the inlet opening, which is the intended inlet opening.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the outer sleeve has a circumferential inner seal on the inside near its first end to the inner sleeve. This also prevents unwanted fluid ingress during the tap assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the tap according to the invention, the outer sleeve has, adjacent to its first end on the outside of the sealing arrangement in the opening of the beverage container, a shaped element arrangement which, starting from the first end of the outer sleeve, has a flange, a circumferential outer seal, and a ring of locking wedges. The tap can be inserted into the container in its assembled arrangement firmly and in a sealed manner. The locking wedges prevent the tap from accidentally falling out or from being forced out by the excess pressure in the container. The seal is annular and shaped to fit the container opening into which the tap is to be inserted. The shape of the flange, which provides the end face of the outer sleeve, can be designed depending on the shape of the ring of holes and always has a corresponding contour in order to be able to create a positive connection with the beverage can.In addition, the flange can include an anti-twist device to prevent the tap from twisting in the hole ring when the inner sleeve is turned and pulled out.

[0033] The invention further relates to a beverage container with a tap according to the invention, which is arranged in an opening of the beverage container. The beverage filled into the container can be dispensed from this beverage container quickly and easily using the tap described above.

[0034] Further embodiments of the tap, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and other embodiments, will become clearer and more easily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. Items or parts thereof that are substantially the same or similar may be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention. Showing:

[0035] Fig. 1a a perspective view of the tap in the non-activated state, Fig. 1b a sectional view of the tap in non-activated state according to section A in accordance with Fig. 1a , Fig. 1c a sectional view of the tap in non-activated state according to section B according to Fig. 1a and inserted into a container (partial sectional view), Fig. 2a a perspective view of the tap in activated state with handle lever in closed position, Fig. 2b a sectional view of the tap in activated state according to section A with handle lever in closed position, Fig. 2c a sectional view of the tap in activated state according to section B with handle lever in closed position, Fig. 3a a perspective view of the tap in activated state with handle lever in open position, Fig. 3b a side view of the tap in activated state with handle lever in open position, Fig. 3c a top view of the tap in activated state with handle lever in open position, Fig. 3d a sectional view of the tap in activated state according to section A with handle lever in open position, and Fig. 3e a sectional view of the tap in activated state according to section B with handle lever in open position.

[0036] The invention relates to a retractable tap that can be inserted into a beverage container. The tap is extendable and easy to operate.

[0037] The Fig. 1a bis 1c show a tap 1 according to the invention in a non-activated state. The tap 1 has an outer sleeve 2 and an inner sleeve 3 arranged coaxially therein. The inner sleeve 3 is movably mounted along a longitudinal axis L of the outer sleeve 2 and can be telescoped out of the outer sleeve 2 via a rotating and pulling movement, as shown in Fig. 2a and 3ashown. The inner sleeve 3 has a handle 4 at its first end 3a, with which the turning and pulling movement can be carried out. When the tap 1 is not activated, the handle 4 rests against a first end 2a of the outer sleeve 2. The handle 4 has two wings 4a, 4b, which are provided with arrows as markings to indicate the direction in which the handle 4 and thus the inner sleeve 3 must be moved in order to be transferred from the non-activated to the activated state. In one of the wings 4b, a pulling component is arranged as a sealing component 28, which engages with the end face of the outer sleeve 2 before use and is bent out when rotated for the first time, so that it can be ensured that the tap 1 is new and unused.

[0038] The outer sleeve 2 is sealed against the inner sleeve 3; for this purpose, the outer sleeve 2 has a circumferential inner seal 21 on the inside near its first end 2a.

[0039] At the first end 2a of the outer sleeve 3, a flange 5 is formed on the front side. Adjoining this on the lateral surface of the outer sleeve 3 is a circumferential outer seal 6 and a ring of locking wedges 7. These components form a shaped element arrangement that serves to receive and seal the tap 1 in a hole collar or an opening 101 of the beverage container 100, as shown in Fig. 1c shown in sections.

[0040] The flange 5 of the outer sleeve 3 is round in the example shown and has a flattening 5a for better fit or assembly in the opening 101 of the beverage container 100, as Fig. 2a On a side facing the handle 4—the end face of the outer sleeve 2—the flange 5 has a wedge-shaped projection 5b, which, in the non-activated state, engages with the sealing component 28 of the handle wing 4b and prevents improper rotation in the wrong direction. The projection 5b can also serve as a transport lock.

[0041] A sleeve element 17 is inserted into the inner sleeve 3 at a second end 3g facing away from the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3. This sleeve element 17 is connected to the second end 3g of the inner sleeve 3 via locking elements 24. The inner sleeve 3 has openings 25 corresponding to the locking elements 24 in the section adjacent to the second end 3g of the inner sleeve 3. The sleeve element 17 is cylindrical and has a molded-on plug 17a and a coaxial passageway 17b.

[0042] The tap 1 comprises a cylindrical protective cover 18, which is arranged at the second end 2b of the outer sleeve 2 facing away from the first end 2a of the outer sleeve 2 and defines an inlet opening 18a, which extends as a tubular extension 18b along the longitudinal axis L from the second end 2b of the outer sleeve 2. This forms a shoulder 18c. In the Fig. 1b and 1cIn the non-activated state shown, the protective sheath 18 rests circumferentially with the inlet opening 18a against the plug 17a of the sleeve element 17. The plug 17a protrudes from the second end 2b of the outer sleeve 2. The inlet opening 18a has a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the inner sleeve 3 and corresponds to the outer diameter of the plug 17a, whereby the plug 17a is surrounded by the tubular extension 18b. The passage channel 17b rests against the shoulder 18c and is sealed; liquid cannot penetrate into the sleeve element 17 and thus the interior of the sleeves 2, 3.

[0043] The inner sleeve 3 and the outer sleeve 2 are connected to each other via a slotted guide. The sleeve element 17 has a radially outwardly projecting cam 19 on its outer surface, which projects radially outward through a lateral through-opening 23 in the wall of the inner sleeve 3 adjacent to the second end 3g of the inner sleeve 3. The outer sleeve 2 has a curved slot 20 into which the cam 19 projects. The cam 19 is guided in the curved slot 20 and can form a helical line with a rotation angle of 90° and a pitch corresponding to the rotation by 90° and a short distance in the longitudinal direction. The curved slot 20 extends further in a longitudinal groove 20a, which extends on the inside of the inner sleeve 3 up to a rectangular opening 26, so that the inner sleeve 3 can be pulled out of the outer sleeve 2 the entire longitudinal groove 20a in order to reach an activated state, as in the Fig. 2a and subsequent figures. The wings 4a, 4b of the handle 4, after rotation by 90°, allow easy grasping behind to pull out the inner sleeve 3.

[0044] The inner sleeve 3 has, adjacent to its second end 3g, the opening 26, which coincides with a further rectangular opening 27 arranged in the outer sleeve 2 adjacent to its first end 3a, in the activated state of the tap 1 and provides a further liquid inlet opening in addition to the opening 18a of the protective cover 18.

[0045] The protective cover 18 completely covers the curved slot 20 in its longitudinal extent and is sealed against the outer sleeve 2, so that no fluid can penetrate through the guideway into the interior of the two sleeves 2, 3. For this purpose, the outer sleeve 2 has a circumferential seal 22 on the outside, on a side of the curved slot 20 facing away from the second end 2b of the outer sleeve 2.

[0046] The inner sleeve 3 has an integrally formed, hollow, truncated cone-shaped valve seat 10 with two valve openings 11 on its inside. The two valve openings 11 are formed on a lateral surface of the truncated cone-shaped valve seat 10. Furthermore, the inner sleeve 3 has a dispensing opening 9 radially between the valve seat 10 and the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3, wherein the fluid connection for the beverage to be dispensed is later provided between the dispensing opening 9, the valve openings 11, and the channel 18.

[0047] An actuating device in the form of a handle lever 13 is arranged on the handle 4 and can be pivoted about a pivot axis S. The pivot axis S is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the outer and inner sleeves 2, 3. In its closed position, the handle lever 13 is embedded between the two handle wings 4a, 4b which are located in a plane parallel to or through the pivot axis S. The handle lever 13 interacts, via components described below, with a closure part 12 which is shaped to correspond to the valve seat 10. The closure part 12 can be moved between a closed position and an open position by means of the handle lever 13, wherein in the closed position of the handle lever 13 the closure part 12 closes the valve openings 11, and in the open position of the handle lever 13 the closure part 12 releases the valve openings 11.The handle lever 13 comprises an actuating section 13a that extends into the inner sleeve 3 and engages with a valve tappet 14. The valve tappet 14 carries the closure part 12 and is guided in a guide element 15 that extends along the longitudinal axis L from the valve seat 10 into the inner sleeve 3 and thus adjoins the valve seat 10 on the side facing away from the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3. The valve seat 10 tapers towards the guide element 15 in the shape of a hollow truncated cone, wherein the guide element 15 is shaped like a hollow cylinder with a closed, rounded base surface. The valve tappet 14 can be guided along the longitudinal axis L by the guide element 15.

[0048] The valve tappet 14 has a shape corresponding to the interior of the valve seat 10 and the guide element 15: The valve tappet 14 is constructed from a truncated cone-like section 14c, which is based on the truncated cone shape of the valve seat 10, and an axial guide section 14b, which adjoins the section 14c and corresponds to the hollow cylindrical shape of the guide element 15 and extends into it from the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3. The length of the guide element 15 and the axial guide section 14b is selected such that the axial guide section 14b is guided in the hollow cylindrical guide element 15 in every position, i.e., both in the closed position and in the open position of the tap 1. The frustoconical section 14c carries the closure part 12 and has a flattened side 14d which points towards the tapping opening 9.Furthermore, the closure part 12 has two thickened sealing bodies 12a, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the two valve openings 11. The valve tappet 14 has an annular bead 14f between the truncated cone-shaped section 14c and the axial guide section 14b, which delimits the closure part 12.

[0049] The valve tappet 14 has, facing the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3, a sealing section 14e with a circular cross-section, which, with respect to the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3 and the valve seat 10, lies between the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3 and the tap opening 9 both in the closed position and in the open position of the tap 1. The sealing section 14e is shaped as a plate, with a groove-shaped recess provided between the plate 14e and the frustoconical section 14c of the valve tappet 14.

[0050] The sealing section 14e thus seals the inner sleeve 3 toward its first end 3a. This plate-shaped sealing section 14e defines a plane that is not orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, but is slightly tilted relative to it, specifically about an axis parallel to the pivot axis S of the handle lever 13. A side of the sealing section 14e that is adjacent to the tap opening 9, i.e., facing it, is arranged closer to the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3 than a side of the sealing section 14e facing away from the tap opening 9. The closure part 12 extends over the sealing section 14e and has a sealing layer that is integrally connected to the sealing material of the closure part 12.

[0051] On the sealing section 14e, on the side facing away from the closure part 12, two parallel tabs 14a with elongated openings are arranged. Shaft stubs 13b are inserted into these, which are firmly connected to an actuating section 13a of the handle lever 13. This ensures the engagement of the actuating section 13a with the valve tappet 14, which is guided along the longitudinal axis L, by the stumps 13b guided in the openings of the tabs 14a parallel to the pivot axis S. The two stumps 13b, as an axis element, follow the curved path defined by the elongated openings of the parallel tabs 14a of the valve tappet 14.

[0052] The actuating section 13a, which is integrally formed on the handle lever 13, is shaped like a partially circular disc. It defines a disc plane that extends along the longitudinal axis L and is shaped similarly to a rounded knife tip. The actuating section 13a has a straight side, a kind of "knife spine," and a curved side, similar to a "knife edge," with the straight side being closer to the pivot axis S than the curved side. When the curved side is pivoted, it describes a circular arc around the pivot axis S. The actuating section 13a faces the valve tappet 14 and interacts with it. The valve tappet 14 has a slot-like receiving pocket 16 into which the actuating section 13a projects. The receiving pocket 16 is widened on one side, specifically the side facing the curved side of the actuating section 13a.The shape of the receiving pocket 16 is adapted to a pivoting range of the actuating section 13a, so that the actuating section 13a can execute the intended curved path when the handle lever 13 is actuated.

[0053] The actuating section 13a has a wedge-shaped recess 13f on its curved side, which limits the pivoting range of the handle lever 13. For this purpose, the wedge-shaped recess 13f abuts against an upper edge of the slot-like receiving pocket 16. This prevents the handle lever 13, and thus the entire valve, from being overopened in the inner sleeve 3.

[0054] In order for the handle lever 13 to be pivoted about the pivot axis S, the inner sleeve 3 has an axle element 3b at its first end 3a adjacent to the tap opening 9. The axle element 3b extends orthogonally to the radial direction of the inner sleeve 3 and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L. On the handle lever 13, two parallel tabs 13c with bearing eyes are formed correspondingly thereto, in which the axle element 3b is rotatably mounted to provide the pivot axis S. The handle lever 13 is in its closed position, as shown in Fig. 2b shown, is detachably fastened to the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3 via corresponding locking elements and secured, for example, for transport. The inner sleeve 3 has, in the radial direction opposite the axle element 3b, a first stop surface 3c for the handle lever 13 and, adjacent to the axle element 3b, a second stop surface 3d for a corner 13d of the tabs 13c that is offset from the handle lever 13. The first stop surface 3c has a through opening 3e and, adjacent thereto, the inner sleeve 3 has a locking recess 3f. A locking hook 13e is provided on the handle lever 13 as a corresponding locking element, which hook extends through the through opening 3e in the closed position of the handle lever 13 and engages with the locking recess 3f. Not visible in the figures is a small hook that the valve tappet 14 has on the outside at the upper stop edge of the receiving pocket 16.This hook points radially outwards and, when the actuating section 13a strikes the stop edge from the inside, is pressed into a slot which is formed adjacent to the locking recess 3f in the inner sleeve 3 at the first end 3a in order to prevent the over-open position of the handle lever 13.

[0055] In Fig. 2a bis 3e The tap 1 is shown in its activated state. As already described, the tap 1 is transferred from its non-activated state to the activated state by a turning and pulling movement. The turning movement is rotated by 90° using the handle wings 4a, 4b (in Fig. 1a to the right) and, meanwhile, the handle 4 is pulled forward, i.e., out of the outer sleeve 2 along the guide slot between the inner and outer sleeves 2, 3. The inner sleeve 3 is thus moved along the longitudinal axis L, following a helical line defined by the guide slot between the outer sleeve 2 and the inner sleeve 3, and is pulled out completely.

[0056] Once activated, the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3 is spaced from the first end 2a of the outer sleeve 2. This creates a free space between the two sleeves 2, 3, a type of channel 8. Likewise, the sleeve element 17, which is arranged at the second end 3g of the inner sleeve 3, is then spaced from the second end 2b of the outer sleeve 2. The inlet opening 18a of the protective sheath 18 is exposed, and a fluid connection is established in the channel 8 between the outer sleeve 2 and the inner sleeve 3 through the passage channel 17b. The handle lever 13 is still in the closed position. The openings 26, 27 lie one above the other and form, in addition to the inlet opening 18a of the end cap 18, another fluid inlet opening. These openings 26, 27 also serve for the residual emptying, since when the fill level is low the barrel can be tilted and thus emptied almost completely.

[0057] An open position and thus complete opening of the fluid path through the tap 1 is in the Fig. 3a bis 3e shown. The handle lever 13 is pivoted to the left in the figures, whereby the locking elements 13e are released and the components axle stub 13b in the openings of the tabs 14a and actuating section 13a execute their curved path. The pivoting movement of the handle lever 13 is limited by the second stop surface 3d. By moving the axle stub 13b, the valve tappet 14 is moved axially from its closed position along the longitudinal axis L to the first end 3a of the inner sleeve 3 and the valve openings 11 are released. The fluid path is in the Fig. 3d und Fig. 3e indicated. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0058] 1Tap 2Outer sleeve 2a, 2bFirst end, second end 3Inner sleeve 3a, 3b, 3cFirst end, axle element, stop surface 3d, 3eStop surface, through opening 3f, 3gLocking recess, second end 4Handle 4a, 4bWing 5Flange 5a, 5bFlat, projection 6Seal 7Locking wedges 8Channel 9Tap opening 10Valve seat 11Valve opening 12Closing part 12a, 12bSeal body, sealing layer 13Handle lever 13a, 13b, 13cActuating section, axle stub, tab 13d, 13e, 13fStepped corner, locking hook, wedge-shaped recess 14Valve tappet 14a, 14b, 14cTab, guide section, frustoconical section 14d, 14e, 14fFlattened side, sealing section, annular bead 15Guide element 16Receiving pocket 17Sleeve element 17a, 17bPlug, passage channel 18Protective cover 18a, 18b, 18cInlet opening, tubular extension,Shoulder 19Cam 20Curved slot 20aLongitudinal groove 21Inner seal 22Circumferential seal 23Opening 24Locking element 25Opening 26Opening 27Opening 28Seal component 100Beverage container 101Opening LLongitudinal axis SSwivel axis,

Claims

1. A retractable tap (1) designed for arrangement in an opening (101) of a beverage container (100), wherein the tap (1) has an outer sleeve (2) with a longitudinal axis (L) and an inner sleeve (3) which is arranged coaxially in the outer sleeve (2) and is movable along the longitudinal axis (L) and has a handle (4) at a first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3), wherein the handle (4) of the inner sleeve (3) in a - non-activated state of the tap (1) comes to rest on a first end (2a) of the outer sleeve (2), and - in an activated state is spaced from the first end (2a) of the outer sleeve (2) and delimits a channel (8) with the outer sleeve (2), and wherein the inner sleeve (3) has a valve seat (10) on the inside with at least one valve opening (11) and in the radial direction between the valve seat (10) and the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3) has a dispensing opening (9),and wherein the tap (1) has an actuating device arranged on the handle (4), which cooperates with a closure part (12) shaped correspondingly to the valve seat (10), which in the activated state of the tap (1) can be transferred by means of the actuating device between a closed position in which the closure part (12) closes the at least one valve opening (11), and an open position in which the closure part (12) opens the at least one valve opening (11), , characterized in thatthe actuating device is a handle lever (13) which is arranged adjacent to the handle (4) and is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the handle lever (13) has an actuating portion (13a) which extends into the inner sleeve (3) and engages with a valve tappet (14) which carries the closure part (12), wherein the inner sleeve (3) has a guide element (15) by which the valve tappet (14) is guided along the longitudinal axis (L).

2. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe engagement of the actuating section (13a) pivotable about the pivot axis (S) with the valve tappet (14) guided along the longitudinal axis (L) is provided by an axle element guided in a curved path parallel to the pivot axis (S), wherein the actuating section (13a) has two axle stubs (13b) as axle element and the valve tappet (14) has two parallel tabs (14a) with elongated openings which provide the curved path.

3. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe guide element (15) adjoins the valve seat (10) on a side facing away from the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3), which tapers in the shape of a hollow truncated cone towards the guide element (15), which is shaped as a hollow cylinder with a closed base surface on the side facing away from the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3), wherein the at least one valve opening (11) is formed on a lateral surface of the truncated cone-shaped valve seat (10), and the closure part (12) is formed on a truncated cone-shaped section (14c) of the valve tappet (14) with a flattened side (14d) facing the tap opening (9), and wherein the closure part (12) has at least one sealing body (12a) corresponding to the at least one valve opening (11).

4. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 3, characterized in thatthe valve tappet (14) has an axial guide section (14b) on a side of the closure part (12) facing away from the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3), the length of which is selected such that the axial guide section (14b) extends into the hollow cylindrical guide element (15) both in the closed position and in the open position, and / or the valve tappet (14) has an annular bead (14f) for delimiting the closure part (12) between the frustoconical section (14c) and the axial guide section (14b).

5. Retractable tap (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe valve tappet (14) has a circular sealing portion (14e) which is arranged with respect to the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3) and the valve seat (10) such that the sealing portion (14e) is located between the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3) and the tap opening (9) in both the closed position and the open position, thus sealing the inner sleeve (3) towards its first end (3a).

6. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that- a plane defined by the circular sealing section (14e) does not extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein a side of the sealing section (14e) adjacent to the tapping opening (9) is arranged closer to the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3) than a side of the sealing section (14e) facing away from the tapping opening (9), and / or - on the sealing section (14e) on the side facing away from the closure part (12), the two parallel tabs (14a) with the elongated openings are arranged, which provide the curved path for engagement with the actuating section (13a), and / or - the sealing section (14e) has a sealing layer (12b) which is preferably formed integrally with the closure part (12).

7. Retractable tap (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe inner sleeve (3) has at its first end (3a) adjacent to the tapping opening (9) an axle element (3b) which extends orthogonally to the radial direction and to the longitudinal axis (L), and the handle lever (13) has two parallel tabs (13c) with bearing eyes in which the axle element (3b) is rotatably mounted to provide the pivot axis (S).

8. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe inner sleeve (3) has a first stop surface (3c) for the handle lever (13) in the radial direction opposite the axle element (3b) and a second stop surface (3d) adjacent to the axle element (3b) for a corner (13d) of the tabs (13c) offset from the handle lever (13), wherein the first stop surface (3c) has a through opening (3e) and the inner sleeve (3) has a locking recess (3f) adjacent thereto, and the handle lever (13) has a locking hook (13e) which extends through the through opening (3e) and engages with the locking recess (3f) in the closed position.

9. Retractable tap (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatthe actuating section (13a) is designed in the manner of a partial circular disk and defines a disk plane in which the longitudinal axis (L) lies, wherein the actuating section (13a) is designed with a straight side and a curved side, wherein the straight side extends orthogonally to the handle lever (13) and the curved side describes a circular arc around the pivot axis (S), and the valve tappet (14) has a slit-like receiving pocket (16) into which the actuating section (13a) projects, wherein the receiving pocket (16) is widened to a side which faces the curved side of the actuating section (13a), wherein the receiving pocket (16) is adapted to a pivoting range of the actuating section (13a) upon actuation of the handle lever (13) for transferring the closure part (12) between the closed position and the open position.

10. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 9, characterized in thatthe slot-like receiving pocket (16) extends from the sealing section (14e) between the parallel tabs (14a) into the frustoconical section (14c).

11. Retractable tap (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in thata sleeve element (17) with a molded-on plug (17a) and a passage channel (17b) is arranged in the inner sleeve (3) at a second end (3g) facing away from the first end (3a) of the inner sleeve (3), and the tap (1) has a protective cover (18) which is arranged at a second end (2b) of the outer sleeve (2) facing away from the first end (2a) and delimits an inlet opening (18a), wherein - in the non-activated state, the protective cover (18) with the inlet opening (18a) rests circumferentially on the plug (17a) protruding from the second end (2b) of the outer sleeve (2) and seals the passage channel (17b), and - in the activated state, the sleeve element (17) with the inner sleeve (3) is spaced from the second end (2b) of the outer sleeve (2),wherein the inlet opening (18a) of the protective sleeve (18) is released and the fluid connection in the channel (8) between the outer sleeve (2) and the inner sleeve (3) is established through the passage channel (17b).

12. Retractable tap (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the inner sleeve (3) and the outer sleeve (4) are connected to one another via a slotted guide, wherein the sleeve element (17) has a cam (19) projecting outwards through an opening (23) in the inner sleeve (3) and the outer sleeve (4) has a curved slot (20) in which the cam (19) is received and guided, wherein the curved slot (20) forms a helical line with a rotation angle of 90° and a pitch which is dependent on the distance which the handle (4) has in the activated state from the first end (2a) of the outer sleeve (2).

13. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 12, characterized in thatthe handle (4) has two wings (4a, 4b) on both sides of the handle lever (13) parallel to the pivot axis (S), between which the handle lever (13) is embedded in the closed position, wherein the wings (4a, 4b) have at least one marking which indicates a direction of rotation of the handle (4) for transferring from the inactivated state to the activated state.

14. Retractable tap (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the protective cover (18) extends over the curved slot (20), wherein the outer sleeve (2) has a circumferential seal (22) on the outside on a side of the curved slot (20) facing away from the second end (2b) for sealingly arranging the protective cover (18).

15. Retractable tap (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in thatthe outer sleeve (2) - near the first end (2a) on the inside has a circumferential inner seal (21) to the inner sleeve (3), and / or - adjacent to the first end (2a) on the outside of the sealing arrangement in the opening (101) of the beverage container (100) has a shaped element arrangement (5, 6, 7) which, starting from the first end (2a), has a flange (5), a circumferential outer seal (6) and a ring of locking wedges (7).

16. Beverage container (100) with a tap arranged in an opening (101) of the beverage container (100), characterized in that the tap is a retractable tap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

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