Spring device for a valve unit for a container

Abstract

Spring device (10) for a valve unit (11) for a container, comprising an elastic element (12) provided with a first terminal part (17) which in use can be associated with, or defines, a mobile head (13) configured to cooperate with the valve unit (11) and a second terminal part (18) which in use can be associated with a support element (14) provided in said valve unit (11).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a spring device for a valve unit for a container.

[0002] The containers in which the spring device associated with the valve unit can be used can be "keg" type containers with two coaxial bodies, of which an outer container, or drum, has the function of support and protection, and an inner container, or bag, is used to contain the beverage. The valve unit can be associated with a beverage dispensing device.

[0003] The extraction of the beverage may take place, in relation to how the two containers are constituted, either by pressing on the outer container or by introducing a gas, for example pressurized air, between the outer container and the inner one.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Valve units for controlling and regulating a fluid flow are known in the state of the art. Their use is widespread in various sectors and in numerous applications where it is necessary to allow and prevent selectively the flow of fluid under certain conditions of use.

[0005] Containers for fluids, in particular for beverages, are also known, comprising valve units and closing devices that allow the beverage to escape during a dispensing phase and allow the container to be closed when dispensing of the beverage is not required.

[0006] These valve units may be composed, for example, of a valve body and of a spring device provided with at least one elastic element suitable to compress if pressed by a dispensing device associated with the container or to relax if the dispensing device is removed. A mobile sealing unit of the valve unit is associated with this elastic element. This mobile sealing unit substantially opens or closes the passage of the beverage from the inside to the outside of the container and therefore allows or does not allow the beverage to be dispensed.

[0007] When the dispenser device is applied, the mobile sealing unit of the valve unit moves downward, compressing the elastic element of the spring device and allowing the beverage to escape. If the dispensing device is removed, the mobile sealing unit of the valve unit rises under the biasing of the elastic element, closing the passage to the beverage.

[0008] This elastic element used in the known spring devices is often made of several components and with shapes, for example zig-zag or suchlike, which increase its complexity and do not ensure its precise and reliable operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the known elastic elements are often unable to exert on release an elastic biasing force so as to ensure a perfect closure of the valve unit.

[0010] US-A1-2021 / 229972 A1 describes a known spring device in which there are two zig-zag elastic elements separated from each other and arranged on opposite sides with respect to a central axis of the spring device.

[0011] There is therefore the need to perfect a spring device for a valve unit for a container that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0012] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container which, due to the shape of the elastic element with which it is provided, has a precise operation and allows said valve unit to perform perfect and precise opening and closing operations of the passage for the beverage.

[0013] Another purpose is to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container that is provided with at least one elastic element that always has a linear motion, therefore free from undesirable inclinations, during normal compression and release operations.

[0014] Another purpose is to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container that is provided with an elastic element with a greater elastic biasing force than that of the known devices, even of 30% or more.

[0015] Yet another purpose is to provide a spring device that is suitable for extending and contracting symmetrically with respect to a central axis.

[0016] A further purpose is therefore to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container that can also be used frequently without adversely affecting the valve unit with which it is associated, especially with regard to the seal against undesired spills of liquids from the container.

[0017] A further purpose is to provide a valve unit equipped with an effective and precise spring device.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes, a spring device according to the present invention for a valve unit for a container comprises an elastic element provided with a first terminal part associable with or defining in use a mobile head of the valve unit and a second terminal part associable in use with a support element provided in said valve unit.

[0021] In accordance with one characteristic aspect of the invention, said elastic element has an undulating shape from said first terminal part to said second terminal part and with respect to a compression and release axis, so that it passes alternately from one part to the other of said axis with respect to said axis. In particular, the elastic element passes from one side to the other with respect to an axis corresponding to a central axis of the spring device.

[0022] Due to said elastic element with an undulating shape, the present spring device has a precise and reliable operation and allows the valve unit with which it is associated to carry out perfect and precise opening and closing operations of the passage for the beverage.

[0023] Said elastic element also always has a linear motion, which is therefore free from unwanted inclinations during normal compression and release operations.

[0024] Moreover, due to its shape, said elastic element is able to provide an elastic biasing force greater than that of the known devices, even of 30% or more.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said elastic element is made by means of a single substantially laminar component and suitably formed so as to assume said undulating shape.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said elastic element is formed of a series of rings placed in sequence and joined on opposite sides by means of connectors.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said connectors are curved and said rings are coaxial to said axis.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said rings are identical and reciprocally equidistant along said axis.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said connectors have an average width less than the outer diameter of said rings.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said elastic element is made of metal material or of plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) or suchlike.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the spring device is made as a single component by injection moulding of material in a suitable mould.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each of said rings comprises a central hole in which a straight guide device is positioned along said axis.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said guide device is in the shape of a star with multiple points, or tubular.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention concerns a valve unit for a container for beverages, comprising at least one valve body in which a sealing seating is made configured to receive a mobile head for opening and closing said sealing seating. Said valve unit comprises a spring device in which a first terminal part is associated with, or defines, said mobile head and said second terminal part is associated with a support element provided in said valve unit.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, said first terminal part is inserted in a cylindrical element of said valve body and comprises radial guide elements adapted to slide along such cylindrical element in the compression and release phases of said elastic element.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said support element and said second terminal part are provided with respective through holes aligned with each other, and said elastic element comprises internally a guide device configured to slide in said through holes.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said sealing seating is initially closed by a lid connected to this sealing seating through a rupture line, wherein said lid and said mobile head are provided with mutually coupling members.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: fig. 1 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of a spring device, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, for a valve unit for a container; fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the present spring device; fig. 3 is a plan view of a development on a plane of part of an elastic element of the present spring device; fig. 4 is a first side view of the present spring device; fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view according to the lines V-V in fig. 4; fig. 6 is a further side view of the present spring device; fig. 7 is a top view of the present spring device without lid; fig. 8 is a bottom view of the present spring device.

[0039] We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0040] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0041] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0042] With reference to the attached drawings, see in particular figs. 1-3, a spring device 10 for a valve unit 11 for a container comprises an elastic element 12 provided with a first terminal part 17, which can be associated with, or defines, a mobile head 13 configured to cooperate with a sealing seating 21 of the valve unit 11, and a second terminal part 18, which during use can be associated with a support element 14 provided in said valve unit 11.

[0043] The expression "can be associated with, or defines" means that the first terminal part 17 can be associated with and connected to another element that defines the mobile head 13 or may be directly shaped to define in itself a mobile head 13 suitable to cooperate with the sealing seating 21.

[0044] According to preferred embodiments, the terminal part 17 is shaped so as to define the mobile head.

[0045] Said elastic element 12 has an undulating shape from said first terminal part 17 to said second terminal part 18 and with respect to an axis A of compression and release of said elastic element 12. Said axis A of compression and release substantially corresponds to a central axis of the spring device 10.

[0046] Thus substantially, said elastic element 12 alternately passes from one side to the other of said axis A, as may be seen in particular from the side views of fig. 1 and fig. 4.

[0047] In particular, the spring device 10 comprises a single elastic element 12 that has an undulating shape with respect to the axis A, whereby, even during the action of compression and release, the elastic element 12 remains substantially coaxial to the axis A, without tilting to one side or the other.

[0048] Preferably, said spring device 10 is made as a single component by means of injection moulding of material into a suitable mould.

[0049] Preferably, said elastic element 12 is made by means of a single substantially laminar component and suitably formed so as to assume said undulating shape.

[0050] In particular, as also seen in the in-plane development in fig. 3, said elastic element 12 is formed by a series of rings 19 placed in sequence and joined on opposite sides by means of connectors 20.

[0051] In the forming of the elastic element 12 in the operating position of fig. 1, fig. 2, fig. 4, fig. 6, said connectors 20 are bent to form curves, and therefore said rings 19 are coaxial to said axis A and reciprocally spaced apart.

[0052] Said rings 19 are preferably identical and are equidistant from each other along said axis A.

[0053] Said connectors 20 preferably have an average width smaller than the outer diameter of said rings 19, so as to allow a simpler deformation of the elastic element 12, as seen in particular in fig. 3 and fig. 6.

[0054] In the compression phase of the spring device 10, the rings 19 approach each other until potentially touching the preceding or succeeding ring 19 in a condition of maximum compression.

[0055] Said elastic element 12 is preferably made of plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) or suchlike, in one piece with the other components of the spring device 10 so as to enable it to be recycled and disposed of together with the container to which, in use, it is associated.

[0056] According to possible variant embodiments, the elastic element 12 could be made of metal material.

[0057] Said elastic element 12 is adapted to be compressed and released along said axis A. In the illustrated example, said terminal parts 17 and 18 are substantially load distribution rings.

[0058] The use of said elastic element 12 allows for a compression and a release directed in a precise way along said axis A, that is, along the central axis of the spring device 10. The number and the shape of the rings 19 may also be different with respect to what is illustrated.

[0059] Each of said rings 19 comprises a central hole 16 in which a guide device 15 is positioned, which is directed along said axis A of compression and release of said elastic element 12.

[0060] The guide device 15 may comprise, for example, an oblong element 34 positioned inside the elastic element 12 and coaxial to said elastic element 12.

[0061] The guide device 15 could comprise a tubular element positioned outside the elastic element 12, in combination or in alternative to the inner oblong element 34.

[0062] Such guide device 15 may be associated or made in one piece with the mobile head 13 or with the first terminal part 17.

[0063] Preferably, the first terminal part 17 defines in itself the mobile head 13. In such a case, the guide device 15 is obtained in one piece with the entire spring device 10.

[0064] In the example shown, said oblong element 34 is substantially in the shape of a star with multiple points 35, as seen in particular in fig. 5 and fig. 8. According to one embodiment, said oblong element 34 may comprise three points 35 which are reciprocally equidistant and therefore placed at 120° from each other.

[0065] Alternatively, said oblong element 34 may be tubular in shape.

[0066] The elastic element 12 is adapted to slide along the surface of the oblong element 34, then along the end of said points 35, if provided.

[0067] The mobile head 13 of the valve unit 11 is able to be inserted with a fluidic seal in a sealing seating 21, which is initially closed by a lid 22 connected to this sealing seating 21 by means of a rupture line 23.

[0068] The lid 22 is configured to be coupled, in use, with the mobile head 13 by means of respective reciprocal coupling members 25, 26.

[0069] This sealing seating 21 is made in a valve body 24 of the valve unit 11.

[0070] The first terminal part 17 of the elastic element 12 is associated or made in one piece with the mobile head 13.

[0071] The mobile head 13 may comprise, preferably in a central zone, an annular groove 25 adapted to accommodate a ring 26 protruding from the lid 22, wherein the annular groove 25 and the ring 26 define the coupling members. According to possible variants, the coupling members may also be arranged in reverse, or have a different shape, for example comprising one or more pegs or protruding elements on one of the components, and respective seats on the other component.

[0072] The first terminal part 17 can furthermore be inserted into a cylindrical element 28 of the valve body 24 and comprise radial guide elements 27 adapted to slide along said cylindrical element 28.

[0073] These radial elements 27 can for example be arranged in a ring around said first terminal part 17 and reciprocally equidistant. In this example, four radial elements are assumed to be placed at 90° from one another.

[0074] It can be envisaged that in a view on a plane transverse to the axis A, the radial elements 27 extend beyond the bulk of the elastic element 12 and of the terminal parts 17, 18 (figs. 4, 7 and 8).

[0075] The second terminal part 18 is associated with the support element 14, which may be substantially a cup-shaped element or suchlike.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the valve unit 11 comprises the valve body 24 in which the sealing seating 21 is provided, the support element 14 and the spring device 10 comprising the mobile head 13 (fig. 1).

[0077] The support element 14 may comprise a first cylindrical element 29 with a larger internal diameter and a second cylindrical element 30 with a smaller internal diameter. Between said cylindrical elements 29 and 30, an annular step 31 is obtained whereon, when the valve unit 11 is fully assembled, the end of the cylindrical element 28 associated with the valve body 24 rests.

[0078] The support element 14 may further comprise a bottom 38 provided with a through hole 32 aligned with a through hole 33 obtained in the second terminal part 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal part 18 rests substantially on the bottom 38 of the support element 14. Said second terminal part 18 may be stably fixed to the bottom 38 of this support element 14.

[0079] When the valve unit 11 is fully assembled, a free end 36 of the oblong element 34 on which said elastic element 12 can slide will at least partially pass through the through hole 33 obtained in the second terminal part 18. This free end 36 will also pass through the through hole 32 obtained on the bottom 38 of the support element 14.

[0080] The mobile head 13 of the valve unit 11 is inserted in a fluid-tight manner in the sealing seating 21 closed by means of the lid 22.

[0081] The valve unit 11 may allow the passage of a beverage through the sealing seating 21 following the application of a dispensing device, not shown, which will be inserted into the valve body 24 and will press on the lid 22 so as to remove it along the rupture line 23.

[0082] The ring 26 made in the lid 22 will then be inserted, by means of pressure applied by the dispensing device, into the annular groove 25 of the mobile head 13; therefore, the lid 22 will be associated with the mobile head 13. Thus, in this step, the elastic element 12 will be compressed along said axis A and along the guide device 15.

[0083] After the beverage is dispensed, the dispensing device will be removed from the valve body 24 of the valve unit 11, and the mobile head 13 will rise due to the action of the elastic element 12 which, being no longer pressed by the dispensing device, will distend with precision along said axis A. This distension may take place by sliding along the guide device 15, if provided. The mobile head 13 will bring the lid 22 back to the position of fig. 1 with precision.

[0084] The elastic element 12 will thus move along said axis A, both in compression and in release, without suffering undesirable inclinations with respect to said axis A and therefore ensuring a precise movement of the mobile head 13 of the valve unit 11.

[0085] Due to its undulating shape, said elastic element 12 is configured to exert an elastic biasing force greater than 30% or more of the elastic force obtainable by the known elastic elements. Such elastic force may be variable between about 6N and about 40N.

[0086] The size of said elastic element 12 is always limited, and its movement is extremely precise, both in compression and in release. Said elastic element 12 is in fact shaped so as to remain within a substantially cylindrical virtual volume V, as seen for example in fig. 4 and fig. 5.

[0087] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the spring device 10 and to the valve unit 11 described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0088] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve other equivalent forms of the spring device and valve unit, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0089] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041]We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0042]With reference to the attached drawings, see in particular figs. 1-3, a spring device 10 for a valve unit 11 for a container comprises an elastic element 12 provided with a first terminal part 17, which can be associated with, or defines, a mobile head 13 configured to cooperate with a sealing seating 21 of the valve unit 11, and a second terminal part 18, which during use can be associated with a support element 14 provided in said valve unit 11.

[0043]The expression "can be associated with, or defines" means that the first terminal part 17 can be associated with and connected to another element that defines the mobile head 13 or may be directly shaped to define in itself a mobile head 13 suitab...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a spring device for a valve unit for a container.

[0002] The containers in which the spring device associated with the valve unit can be used can be "keg" type containers with two coaxial bodies, of which an outer container, or drum, has the function of support and protection, and an inner container, or bag, is used to contain the beverage. The valve unit can be associated with a beverage dispensing device.

[0003] The extraction of the beverage may take place, in relation to how the two containers are constituted, either by pressing on the outer container or by introducing a gas, for example pressurized air, between the outer container and the inner one.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Valve units for controlling and regulating a fluid flow are known in the state of the art. Their use is widespread in various sectors and in numerous applications where it is necessary to allow and prevent selectively the flow of fluid under certain conditions of use.

[0005] Containers for fluids, in particular for beverages, are also known, comprising valve units and closing devices that allow the beverage to escape during a dispensing phase and allow the container to be closed when dispensing of the beverage is not required.

[0006] These valve units may be composed, for example, of a valve body and of a spring device provided with at least one elastic element suitable to compress if pressed by a dispensing device associated with the container or to relax if the dispensing device is removed. A mobile sealing unit of the valve unit is associated with this elastic element. This mobile sealing unit substantially opens or closes the passage of the beverage from the inside to the outside of the container and therefore allows or does not allow the beverage to be dispensed.

[0007] When the dispenser device is applied, the mobile sealing unit of the valve unit moves downward, compressing the elastic element of the spring device and allowing the beverage to escape. If the dispensing device is removed, the mobile sealing unit of the valve unit rises under the biasing of the elastic element, closing the passage to the beverage.

[0008] This elastic element used in the known spring devices is often made of several components and with shapes, for example zig-zag or suchlike, which increase its complexity and do not ensure its precise and reliable operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the known elastic elements are often unable to exert on release an elastic biasing force so as to ensure a perfect closure of the valve unit.

[0010] US-A1-2021 / 229972 A1 describes a known spring device in which there are two zig-zag elastic elements separated from each other and arranged on opposite sides with respect to a central axis of the spring device.

[0011] There is therefore the need to perfect a spring device for a valve unit for a container that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0012] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container which, due to the shape of the elastic element with which it is provided, has a precise operation and allows said valve unit to perform perfect and precise opening and closing operations of the passage for the beverage.

[0013] Another purpose is to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container that is provided with at least one elastic element that always has a linear motion, therefore free from undesirable inclinations, during normal compression and release operations.

[0014] Another purpose is to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container that is provided with an elastic element with a greater elastic biasing force than that of the known devices, even of 30% or more.

[0015] Yet another purpose is to provide a spring device that is suitable for extending and contracting symmetrically with respect to a central axis.

[0016] A further purpose is therefore to provide a spring device for a valve unit for a container that can also be used frequently without adversely affecting the valve unit with which it is associated, especially with regard to the seal against undesired spills of liquids from the container.

[0017] A further purpose is to provide a valve unit equipped with an effective and precise spring device.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes, a spring device according to the present invention for a valve unit for a container comprises an elastic element provided with a first terminal part associable with or defining in use a mobile head of the valve unit and a second terminal part associable in use with a support element provided in said valve unit.

[0021] In accordance with one characteristic aspect of the invention, said elastic element has an undulating shape from said first terminal part to said second terminal part and with respect to a compression and release axis, so that it passes alternately from one part to the other of said axis with respect to said axis. In particular, the elastic element passes from one side to the other with respect to an axis corresponding to a central axis of the spring device.

[0022] Due to said elastic element with an undulating shape, the present spring device has a precise and reliable operation and allows the valve unit with which it is associated to carry out perfect and precise opening and closing operations of the passage for the beverage.

[0023] Said elastic element also always has a linear motion, which is therefore free from unwanted inclinations during normal compression and release operations.

[0024] Moreover, due to its shape, said elastic element is able to provide an elastic biasing force greater than that of the known devices, even of 30% or more.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said elastic element is made by means of a single substantially laminar component and suitably formed so as to assume said undulating shape.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said elastic element is formed of a series of rings placed in sequence and joined on opposite sides by means of connectors.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said connectors are curved and said rings are coaxial to said axis.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said rings are identical and reciprocally equidistant along said axis.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said connectors have an average width less than the outer diameter of said rings.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said elastic element is made of metal material or of plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) or suchlike.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the spring device is made as a single component by injection moulding of material in a suitable mould.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each of said rings comprises a central hole in which a straight guide device is positioned along said axis.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said guide device is in the shape of a star with multiple points, or tubular.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention concerns a valve unit for a container for beverages, comprising at least one valve body in which a sealing seating is made configured to receive a mobile head for opening and closing said sealing seating. Said valve unit comprises a spring device in which a first terminal part is associated with, or defines, said mobile head and said second terminal part is associated with a support element provided in said valve unit.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, said first terminal part is inserted in a cylindrical element of said valve body and comprises radial guide elements adapted to slide along such cylindrical element in the compression and release phases of said elastic element.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said support element and said second terminal part are provided with respective through holes aligned with each other, and said elastic element comprises internally a guide device configured to slide in said through holes.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said sealing seating is initially closed by a lid connected to this sealing seating through a rupture line, wherein said lid and said mobile head are provided with mutually coupling members.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: fig. 1 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of a spring device, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, for a valve unit for a container; fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the present spring device; fig. 3 is a plan view of a development on a plane of part of an elastic element of the present spring device; fig. 4 is a first side view of the present spring device; fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view according to the lines V-V in fig. 4; fig. 6 is a further side view of the present spring device; fig. 7 is a top view of the present spring device without lid; fig. 8 is a bottom view of the present spring device.

[0039] We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0040] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0041] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0042] With reference to the attached drawings, see in particular figs. 1-3, a spring device 10 for a valve unit 11 for a container comprises an elastic element 12 provided with a first terminal part 17, which can be associated with, or defines, a mobile head 13 configured to cooperate with a sealing seating 21 of the valve unit 11, and a second terminal part 18, which during use can be associated with a support element 14 provided in said valve unit 11.

[0043] The expression "can be associated with, or defines" means that the first terminal part 17 can be associated with and connected to another element that defines the mobile head 13 or may be directly shaped to define in itself a mobile head 13 suitable to cooperate with the sealing seating 21.

[0044] According to preferred embodiments, the terminal part 17 is shaped so as to define the mobile head.

[0045] Said elastic element 12 has an undulating shape from said first terminal part 17 to said second terminal part 18 and with respect to an axis A of compression and release of said elastic element 12. Said axis A of compression and release substantially corresponds to a central axis of the spring device 10.

[0046] Thus substantially, said elastic element 12 alternately passes from one side to the other of said axis A, as may be seen in particular from the side views of fig. 1 and fig. 4.

[0047] In particular, the spring device 10 comprises a single elastic element 12 that has an undulating shape with respect to the axis A, whereby, even during the action of compression and release, the elastic element 12 remains substantially coaxial to the axis A, without tilting to one side or the other.

[0048] Preferably, said spring device 10 is made as a single component by means of injection moulding of material into a suitable mould.

[0049] Preferably, said elastic element 12 is made by means of a single substantially laminar component and suitably formed so as to assume said undulating shape.

[0050] In particular, as also seen in the in-plane development in fig. 3, said elastic element 12 is formed by a series of rings 19 placed in sequence and joined on opposite sides by means of connectors 20.

[0051] In the forming of the elastic element 12 in the operating position of fig. 1, fig. 2, fig. 4, fig. 6, said connectors 20 are bent to form curves, and therefore said rings 19 are coaxial to said axis A and reciprocally spaced apart.

[0052] Said rings 19 are preferably identical and are equidistant from each other along said axis A.

[0053] Said connectors 20 preferably have an average width smaller than the outer diameter of said rings 19, so as to allow a simpler deformation of the elastic element 12, as seen in particular in fig. 3 and fig. 6.

[0054] In the compression phase of the spring device 10, the rings 19 approach each other until potentially touching the preceding or succeeding ring 19 in a condition of maximum compression.

[0055] Said elastic element 12 is preferably made of plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) or suchlike, in one piece with the other components of the spring device 10 so as to enable it to be recycled and disposed of together with the container to which, in use, it is associated.

[0056] According to possible variant embodiments, the elastic element 12 could be made of metal material.

[0057] Said elastic element 12 is adapted to be compressed and released along said axis A. In the illustrated example, said terminal parts 17 and 18 are substantially load distribution rings.

[0058] The use of said elastic element 12 allows for a compression and a release directed in a precise way along said axis A, that is, along the central axis of the spring device 10. The number and the shape of the rings 19 may also be different with respect to what is illustrated.

[0059] Each of said rings 19 comprises a central hole 16 in which a guide device 15 is positioned, which is directed along said axis A of compression and release of said elastic element 12.

[0060] The guide device 15 may comprise, for example, an oblong element 34 positioned inside the elastic element 12 and coaxial to said elastic element 12.

[0061] The guide device 15 could comprise a tubular element positioned outside the elastic element 12, in combination or in alternative to the inner oblong element 34.

[0062] Such guide device 15 may be associated or made in one piece with the mobile head 13 or with the first terminal part 17.

[0063] Preferably, the first terminal part 17 defines in itself the mobile head 13. In such a case, the guide device 15 is obtained in one piece with the entire spring device 10.

[0064] In the example shown, said oblong element 34 is substantially in the shape of a star with multiple points 35, as seen in particular in fig. 5 and fig. 8. According to one embodiment, said oblong element 34 may comprise three points 35 which are reciprocally equidistant and therefore placed at 120° from each other.

[0065] Alternatively, said oblong element 34 may be tubular in shape.

[0066] The elastic element 12 is adapted to slide along the surface of the oblong element 34, then along the end of said points 35, if provided.

[0067] The mobile head 13 of the valve unit 11 is able to be inserted with a fluidic seal in a sealing seating 21, which is initially closed by a lid 22 connected to this sealing seating 21 by means of a rupture line 23.

[0068] The lid 22 is configured to be coupled, in use, with the mobile head 13 by means of respective reciprocal coupling members 25, 26.

[0069] This sealing seating 21 is made in a valve body 24 of the valve unit 11.

[0070] The first terminal part 17 of the elastic element 12 is associated or made in one piece with the mobile head 13.

[0071] The mobile head 13 may comprise, preferably in a central zone, an annular groove 25 adapted to accommodate a ring 26 protruding from the lid 22, wherein the annular groove 25 and the ring 26 define the coupling members. According to possible variants, the coupling members may also be arranged in reverse, or have a different shape, for example comprising one or more pegs or protruding elements on one of the components, and respective seats on the other component.

[0072] The first terminal part 17 can furthermore be inserted into a cylindrical element 28 of the valve body 24 and comprise radial guide elements 27 adapted to slide along said cylindrical element 28.

[0073] These radial elements 27 can for example be arranged in a ring around said first terminal part 17 and reciprocally equidistant. In this example, four radial elements are assumed to be placed at 90° from one another.

[0074] It can be envisaged that in a view on a plane transverse to the axis A, the radial elements 27 extend beyond the bulk of the elastic element 12 and of the terminal parts 17, 18 (figs. 4, 7 and 8).

[0075] The second terminal part 18 is associated with the support element 14, which may be substantially a cup-shaped element or suchlike.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the valve unit 11 comprises the valve body 24 in which the sealing seating 21 is provided, the support element 14 and the spring device 10 comprising the mobile head 13 (fig. 1).

[0077] The support element 14 may comprise a first cylindrical element 29 with a larger internal diameter and a second cylindrical element 30 with a smaller internal diameter. Between said cylindrical elements 29 and 30, an annular step 31 is obtained whereon, when the valve unit 11 is fully assembled, the end of the cylindrical element 28 associated with the valve body 24 rests.

[0078] The support element 14 may further comprise a bottom 38 provided with a through hole 32 aligned with a through hole 33 obtained in the second terminal part 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal part 18 rests substantially on the bottom 38 of the support element 14. Said second terminal part 18 may be stably fixed to the bottom 38 of this support element 14.

[0079] When the valve unit 11 is fully assembled, a free end 36 of the oblong element 34 on which said elastic element 12 can slide will at least partially pass through the through hole 33 obtained in the second terminal part 18. This free end 36 will also pass through the through hole 32 obtained on the bottom 38 of the support element 14.

[0080] The mobile head 13 of the valve unit 11 is inserted in a fluid-tight manner in the sealing seating 21 closed by means of the lid 22.

[0081] The valve unit 11 may allow the passage of a beverage through the sealing seating 21 following the application of a dispensing device, not shown, which will be inserted into the valve body 24 and will press on the lid 22 so as to remove it along the rupture line 23.

[0082] The ring 26 made in the lid 22 will then be inserted, by means of pressure applied by the dispensing device, into the annular groove 25 of the mobile head 13; therefore, the lid 22 will be associated with the mobile head 13. Thus, in this step, the elastic element 12 will be compressed along said axis A and along the guide device 15.

[0083] After the beverage is dispensed, the dispensing device will be removed from the valve body 24 of the valve unit 11, and the mobile head 13 will rise due to the action of the elastic element 12 which, being no longer pressed by the dispensing device, will distend with precision along said axis A. This distension may take place by sliding along the guide device 15, if provided. The mobile head 13 will bring the lid 22 back to the position of fig. 1 with precision.

[0084] The elastic element 12 will thus move along said axis A, both in compression and in release, without suffering undesirable inclinations with respect to said axis A and therefore ensuring a precise movement of the mobile head 13 of the valve unit 11.

[0085] Due to its undulating shape, said elastic element 12 is configured to exert an elastic biasing force greater than 30% or more of the elastic force obtainable by the known elastic elements. Such elastic force may be variable between about 6N and about 40N.

[0086] The size of said elastic element 12 is always limited, and its movement is extremely precise, both in compression and in release. Said elastic element 12 is in fact shaped so as to remain within a substantially cylindrical virtual volume V, as seen for example in fig. 4 and fig. 5.

[0087] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the spring device 10 and to the valve unit 11 described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0088] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve other equivalent forms of the spring device and valve unit, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0089] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041]We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0042]With reference to the attached drawings, see in particular figs. 1-3, a spring device 10 for a valve unit 11 for a container comprises an elastic element 12 provided with a first terminal part 17, which can be associated with, or defines, a mobile head 13 configured to cooperate with a sealing seating 21 of the valve unit 11, and a second terminal part 18, which during use can be associated with a support element 14 provided in said valve unit 11.

[0043]The expression "can be associated with, or defines" means that the first terminal part 17 can be associated with and connected to another element that defines the mobile head 13 or may be directly shaped to define in itself a mobile head 13 suitab...

Claims

1. Spring device (10) for a valve unit (11) for a container, comprising an elastic element (12) provided with a first terminal part (17) which during use can be associated with, or defines, a mobile head (13) configured to cooperate, in use, with a sealing seating (21) of the valve unit (11) and a second terminal part (18) which during use can be associated with a support element (14), wherein said elastic element (12) has an undulating shape from said first terminal part (17) to said second terminal part (18), characterized in that said elastic element (12) passes alternately from one part to the other with respect to an axis (A) of compression and release corresponding to a central axis of said spring device (10).

2. Spring device (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a single elastic element (12).

3. Spring device (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said elastic element (12) is made of a single substantially laminar component and suitably shaped so as to take on said undulating shape.

4. Spring device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said elastic element (12) is formed by a series of rings (19) located in sequence and joined on opposite sides by means of connectors (20).

5. Spring device (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that said connectors (20) are curved and said rings (19) are coaxial to said axis (A).

6. Spring device (10) as in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said rings (19) are identical and reciprocally equidistant along said axis (A).

7. Spring device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore from 4 to 6, characterized in that said connectors (20) have an average width less than the outer diameter of said rings (19).

8. Spring device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said elastic element (12) is made of metal material or of plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyamide (PA).

9. Spring device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore from 4 to 8, characterized in that each of said rings (19) comprises a central hole (16) in which there is positioned a guide device (15) directed along said axis (A).

10. Spring device (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that said guide device (15) is in the shape of a star with multiple points (35), or tubular.

11. Spring device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it is made as a single component by means of injection moulding of material in a suitable mould.

12. Valve unit (11) for a beverage container, comprising a spring device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, in which said first terminal part (17) is associated with, or defined by, said mobile head (13) and said second terminal part (18) is associated with a support element (14) provided in said valve unit (11), said at least one valve unit (11) further comprising at least one valve body (24) in which a sealing seating (21) is made configured to accommodate said mobile head (13) for opening and closing said sealing seating (21).

13. Valve unit (11) as in claim 12, characterized in that said first terminal part (17) is inserted into a cylindrical element (28) of said valve body (24) and comprises radial guide elements (27) adapted to slide along said cylindrical element (28) in the compression and release phases of said elastic element (12).

14. Valve unit (11) as in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said support element (14) and said second terminal part (18) are provided with respective through holes (32, 33) aligned with each other, and said elastic element (12) comprises internally a guide device (15) configured to slide in said through holes (32, 33).

15. Valve unit (11) as in any claim hereinbefore from 12 to 14, characterized in that said sealing seating (21) is initially closed by a lid (22) connected to said sealing seating (21) by a rupture line (23), in which said lid (22) and said mobile head (13) are provided with reciprocating coupling members.

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