Container for supplying a liquid, and ingredients dispenser for insertion into a container

Abstract

The invention discloses a container for supplying a liquid, in particular a barrel, preferably a 5-litre beer barrel (22), wherein, for the purpose of filling and / or aerating the container, an opening is provided, preferably at an upper end or in an upper region, characterized in that the opening serves for the insertion of an externally actuable ingredients dispenser (1), which can be actuated to release at least one ingredient into the interior space of the container. Also disclosed is an ingredients dispenser (1) for insertion into a container, characterized in that it can be actuated from outside the container and actuation thereof releases at least one ingredient into the interior space of the container.

Description

[0001] Container for providing a liquid and ingredient dispenser for insertion into a container

[0002] The invention relates to a container for providing a liquid, in particular a barrel, preferably a 5-liter beer barrel, wherein an opening is provided for filling and / or ventilating the container, preferably at an upper end or in an upper region.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an ingredient dispenser for insertion into a container.

[0004] Containers for providing liquid, particularly kegs of beer, are known in a wide variety of designs. The kegs are usually made of tinplate and have a dispensing opening in the lower area, near the bottom, in particular a bunghole or an integrated dispensing device. In the upper area, preferably in the lid, a filling and / or venting opening with a venting device is provided. When liquid is dispensed without pressure from the lower dispensing opening, a vacuum is created above the liquid level in the container. The container can be ventilated using the venting device. This is opened when dispensing, so that the liquid, for example beer, can flow out of the dispensing opening located in the lower area due to gravity. However, as a result of transport and storage of filled kegs, excess pressure can build up inside, which must be dissipated before dispensing for the first time.In this case, the excess pressure inside the container can be released to the environment via the ventilation device.

[0005] A venting device of this type is known from WO 2001 / 014242 A1. A pressure equalization channel runs through the bung of the closure between the head space of the container above the liquid level and the atmosphere. Before use, the pressure equalization channel is blocked. It can be reversibly opened and closed by manually operating the pressure equalization valve, so that, in the open operating position, pressure equalization occurs between the head of the container above the liquid level and the atmosphere. In the closed position, the vent opening is sealed pressure-tight.

[0006] Venting devices also serve to tightly seal the filling and / or venting opening after the liquid has been filled. For this purpose, the venting device is typically inserted into the filling and / or venting opening of the drum at the end of the filling process. This isolates the liquid inside the container from the environment, making it more durable and therefore storable.

[0007] However, sometimes there is a need to perform a further processing step in beverage production after filling and sealing the beer keg. For example, it is conceivable to allow the fermentation process during beer production to take place directly into the container by adding yeast. Alternatively, it is preferable to store volatile aromas or perishable ingredients separately during storage or transport and only add them to the liquid immediately before consumption.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a container of the type mentioned above in such a way that an ingredient for a final processing step is provided inside the sealed container after filling and sealing. The final processing step can take place at the end consumer's premises. Furthermore, the container should be distinguished from competitive products.

[0009] The above object is achieved with regard to the container according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1. According to this, the container in question for providing a liquid, in particular a keg, preferably a 5-liter beer keg, preferably has an opening at an upper end or in an upper region for filling and / or venting the container. The opening serves for the insertion of an externally actuated ingredient dispenser, upon actuation of which at least one ingredient can be released into the interior of the container. With regard to the ingredient dispenser according to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of patent claim 9. According to this, the ingredient dispenser in question for insertion into a container, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, can be actuated from outside the container. Actuation of this releases at least one ingredient into the interior of the container.

[0010] According to the invention, it was first recognized that the aforementioned problem is solved in a surprisingly simple manner by releasing an ingredient into the interior of a closed container. Specifically, an ingredient dispenser is inserted into the container before closing an opening. The ingredient dispenser can be actuated from the outside and stores the ingredient for a final processing step. Upon actuation, the at least one ingredient is released into the interior of the container.

[0011] Consequently, the container and ingredient dispenser according to the invention provide a container and ingredient dispenser according to which an ingredient is provided for a final processing step after filling and sealing in the interior of the sealed container. The final processing step can thus take place at the end consumer's premises. Furthermore, the container and ingredient dispenser according to the invention differ from competitive products.

[0012] A container within the meaning of the invention can be understood as a can, a keg, preferably a 5-liter beer keg, or a container, in particular made of tinplate, aluminum, plastic, or wood. The container comprises a circumferential wall with a lid and base and has at least one opening for filling and venting, in particular a filling and / or venting opening, as well as at least one opening for removing a liquid, in particular a removal opening.

[0013] Alternatively, the container may be a plastic bag or a drinking bladder with at least one opening for filling and ventilating, in particular a filling and / or ventilating opening, and at least one opening for removing a liquid, in particular a removal opening.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the container is designed such that the ingredient dispenser is inserted almost flush with the opening. This allows multiple containers to be stacked on top of each other.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the ingredient dispenser comprises an actuating device and an ingredient chamber that can be actuated by the actuating device. The ingredient is stored in the ingredient chamber. The actuating device allows the user to actuate the ingredient dispenser from the outside without the need for any additional means. Upon actuation, the ingredient is released from the ingredient chamber.

[0016] Advantageously, the actuating device is also suitable for the preferably reversible ventilation of the container's interior. By integrating a ventilation option into the ingredient dispenser, it is possible to create an opening in the container with two functions: releasing an ingredient for a final processing step and ventilating the container's interior, without requiring multiple openings in the container.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the interior is ventilated automatically by a spring-loaded ventilation device. The ventilation device is designed such that a spring in the ventilation device acts on a closure of a ventilation opening in the actuating device, so that this is sealed gas- and liquid-tight. By applying force to the ventilation device opposite to the direction of action of the spring, the ventilation opening in the actuating device can be opened. The force applied can be, for example, a pressure force resulting from excess pressure in the container. Through automatic ventilation, the excess pressure can thus be reduced by gas flowing out of the ventilation opening. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the ingredient dispenser is essentially axially symmetrical. This allows it to be inserted into the container opening according to its shape, which is round as standard.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the ingredient dispenser has an outwardly projecting flange at its upper end. This flange rests on the lid of the container containing the opening. This ensures secure positioning of the ingredient dispenser in the opening without complex structural design. Furthermore, the flange prevents the ingredient dispenser from falling into the interior of the container when inserted into the opening.

[0019] Advantageously, a locking mechanism for sealing means is provided on the outside of the actuating device directly below the flange and / or on the underside of the flange. The sealing means, preferably a profile or flat seal, is intended to seal the ingredient dispenser against the opening in the container lid. The locking mechanism ensures a defined fit of the sealing means, thus creating a liquid- and pressure-tight arrangement after the ingredient dispenser is inserted into the container.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredient dispenser has a seal, particularly a tamper-evident closure, at its top. This seal closes the ingredient dispenser at the top. The seal is irreversibly and visibly broken upon initial opening, thus releasing the ingredient dispenser for manual operation.

[0021] In another version, the tamper-evident closure is designed as a cap, thus also serving as an extension and rotating function of the actuating mechanism. The seal can be designed so that it is flush with the top end of the ingredient dispenser.

[0022] The ingredient dispenser according to the invention can be inserted into a container, in particular into a previously designed container. The ingredient dispenser can be actuated from the outside, thereby releasing at least one ingredient into the interior of the container.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredient dispenser comprises an actuating device and an ingredient chamber that can be actuated by the actuating device. The ingredient chamber is releasably secured to the lower end of the actuating device. In the simplest case, the locking device is designed as a circumferential longitudinal groove and a projection that complementarily engages the longitudinal groove for clamping. The locking device allows the ingredient chamber to be reversibly separated from the actuating device.

[0024] Advantageously, the ingredient chamber is designed as a hollow body with a closed bottom end. It is sealed at the top by the actuating mechanism. The ingredient stored in the ingredient chamber is thus located in a separate space from the liquid in the container and does not come into contact with it. The ingredient is only released upon actuation.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the actuating device has a ventilation opening. Furthermore, a raised portion, in particular a pin, is formed on an end base plate of the ingredient chamber in such a way that this raised portion tightly closes the ventilation opening. The end face of the raised portion can be used for external actuation as an effective surface for a force, in particular a compressive force, whereby the force acts upon actuation through the ventilation opening on the end face. Once the ingredient chamber is detached, pressure equalization between the environment and the gas space inside the container above the liquid level can occur via the ventilation opening.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the actuating device comprises an actuating element. This element engages in the ventilation opening. As a result of the application of a compressive force via the actuating element, the ingredient chamber is then released from the actuating device. The preferably rotationally symmetrical actuating element, in particular a bolt or rod, engages with its lower end in the ventilation opening and transmits a compressive force via the front side of the lower end to the front side of the elevation. It goes without saying that the diameter of the lower end of the actuating element is smaller than the diameter of the ventilation opening, so that the lower end of the actuating element can be passed through it with virtually no resistance.

[0027] The actuating element preferably has a stepped end at the lower end, in particular a pin, a dome, or a truncated cone, with a narrowed cross-section. This allows the diameter of the actuating element to be larger than the ventilation opening. Consequently, it is not possible to pass the actuating element all the way through. This prevents the actuating element from passing completely through the ventilation opening. It is obvious that the length of the stepped end is selected such that the compressive force is transferred to the raised portion when the ingredient chamber is rusted.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element has a head at the upper end, in particular a wing or tab head. This head makes it easier for a user to grip, in particular lift, and / or rotate the actuating element. Preferably, the head can indicate at least one rotational position. In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element has a cross-sectional widening between its upper and lower ends, in particular in the form of a disk or cone. The side of the cross-sectional widening facing the ventilation opening forms a sealing surface for sealing the ventilation opening. Due to the force of gravity, the actuating element engages in the ventilation opening. Due to the radial play of the actuating device in the ventilation opening, a gap exists. This gap is covered by the cross-sectional widening.

[0029] Advantageously, a sealing element, in particular a flat or profile seal, is provided on the sealing surface so that the container remains liquid- and pressure-tight even when the ingredient chamber is removed. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing element, in particular a flat or profile seal, is provided around the ventilation opening on the surface of the actuating device facing the sealing surface.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional expansion and a housing part of the actuating device are designed as abutments for a spring. The actuating element in the actuating device is preloaded by the spring such that, when the ingredient chamber is detached, the actuating element is pressed against the vent opening by the pressure of the spring force such that the vent opening can be closed in a liquid-tight and pressure-tight manner. Furthermore, when the ingredient chamber is detached, the vent opening can be opened by lifting the actuating element against the spring action. The spring is preferably designed as a helical spring, in particular a cylindrical compression spring.

[0031] The cross-sectional expansion is pressed onto the vent opening by spring action with preload. The sealing surface thus seals the vent opening with spring preload. This ensures that the actuating device is fluid- and pressure-tight in any orientation, especially horizontally, as would be the case, for example, if the container tips over. No fluid can escape.

[0032] When lifting the actuator, however, it is possible to deliberately open the ventilation opening for the duration of the lifting operation to allow pressure equalization between the interior of the container and the surrounding environment. This becomes necessary, for example, if a negative pressure develops in the container when withdrawing liquid through a discharge opening or if this occurs as a result of transport.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuating element also functions as an overpressure protection device. The front surface at the lower end of the actuating element and / or, if applicable, the sealing surface are designed such that a compressive force acting on the front surface and / or, if applicable, the sealing surface, in particular a compressive force resulting from excess pressure in the container, lifts the actuating element and releases the vent opening. This excess pressure arises, for example, during transport or during fermentation processes inside the container. Preferably, the preload of the spring is adjustable for a defined excess pressure in the container.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the actuating element in the actuating device is rotatable about the rotation axis in a raised position. In a first rotational position, the actuating element can be lowered by the spring action. In a second rotational position, in particular at a rotational position of 90 degrees to the first rotational position, lowering of the actuating element is blocked. This blocking allows the spring-loaded actuating element to be held in a raised position. The ventilation opening is thus open for the period in which the actuating element is in the second rotational position.

[0035] Advantageously, the ingredient compartment comprises a plurality of mutually delimited compartments for the separate storage of one or more ingredients. Different ingredients can thus be stored separately in the individual compartments, eliminating the need to store multiple ingredients whose quality would be negatively impacted if stored together.

[0036] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. In the drawing, Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the ingredient dispenser according to the invention;

[0037] Fig. 2a shows a schematic view of the ingredient dispenser with tamper-evident closure;

[0038] Fig. 2b shows a schematic view of the ingredient dispenser with the actuating element exposed in the closed position;

[0039] Fig. 2c shows a schematic view of the ingredient dispenser with the actuating element exposed in the open position;

[0040] Fig. 2d shows a schematic view of the ingredient dispenser with the ingredient chamber detached;

[0041] Fig. 3a in a schematic view, sectioned and enlarged, the ingredient dispenser with tamper-evident closure and locked ingredient chamber;

[0042] Fig. 3b in a schematic view, sectioned, a 5-liter beer keg with inserted ingredient dispenser with tamper-evident closure and rusted ingredient dispenser;

[0043] Fig. 4a in a schematic view, sectioned and enlarged, the ingredient chamber detached from the actuating device;

[0044] Fig. 4b in a schematic view, sectioned, a 5-liter beer keg with inserted ingredient dispenser with the ingredient chamber detached from the actuating device;

[0045] Fig. 5a in a schematic view, sectioned and enlarged, the actuating device with raised actuating member;

[0046] Fig. 5b shows a schematic view, in section, of a 5-liter beer keg with an inserted ingredient dispenser and a raised actuating element; Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a 5-liter beer keg with an inserted ingredient dispenser according to the invention with a tamper-evident closure;

[0047] Fig. 7a shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a beverage bag with an inserted ingredient dispenser according to the invention with a tamper-evident closure; and

[0048] Fig. 7b shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a beverage bag with an inserted ingredient dispenser according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an ingredient dispenser 1 according to the invention. The ingredient dispenser 1 has an ingredient chamber 2 and an actuating device. Both housing parts of the ingredient dispenser 1 are axially symmetrical. The ingredient chamber 2 has a raised portion 3 (not shown) located centrally on the base plate. The actuating device comprises a spring housing 4, a spring cover 5, an actuating member 6, and a spring 7. The spring housing 4 has an outwardly projecting flange 8 at its upper end.

[0050] A circumferential longitudinal groove 9a is arranged at the lower end of the spring housing 4. The ingredient chamber 2 has a complementary lug 9b at the upper end that engages in the circumferential longitudinal groove 9a, so that the ingredient chamber 2 is releasably secured to the spring housing 4. A rust 10 for a seal 11 is also arranged on the outer wall of the spring housing 4.

[0051] A ventilation opening 13 is located centrally on the base plate 12 of the spring housing 4. It is designed such that the raised portion 3 tightly seals the ventilation opening 13 from below.

[0052] The actuating element 6 has a pin 14 at its lower, offset end, which engages with the ventilation opening 13. Directly above the pin 14, a spring plate 15 is arranged as a cross-sectional extension, which serves as a counterbearing for the spring 7. An actuating wing 16 is formed at the upper end of the actuating element 6. When the ingredient dispenser 1 is manually operated, a downward pressure force acting vertically on the actuating element 6 is transmitted to the front side of the elevation 3 in the ingredient chamber 2 via the front side of the pin 14.

[0053] The actuating element 6, together with the spring 7 and the spring cover 5, is arranged inside the spring housing 4. The spring 7 is preloaded between the spring cover 5 and the spring plate 15, so that the spring plate is pressed toward the base plate 12 of the spring housing 4 and the pin 14 engages the ventilation opening 13. The pin 14 is of such a height that, when the ingredient chamber 2 is rusted, it rests on the front surface of the elevation 3, and the spring plate 15 is spaced from the base plate 12 of the spring housing 4.

[0054] A tamper-evident cap 17 is arranged above the spring cover 5 inside the spring housing 4 such that the top of the tamper-evident cap 17 is almost flush with the flange 8.

[0055] Fig. 2 a to Fig. 2 d show four different schematic views of the ingredient dispenser 1, from which the actuation sequence when releasing the ingredient in the ingredient dispenser 1 can be seen.

[0056] Fig. 2 a shows the ingredient dispenser 1 with tamper-evident cap 17. At the lower end of the spring housing 4, the ingredient chamber 2 is rusted.

[0057] Fig. 2b shows the ingredient dispenser 1 with the actuating element 6 exposed. The tamper-evident cap 17 has been removed. The actuating element 6 is in a raised position against the spring action. Thus, the pin 14 of the actuating element 6 has no contact with the protrusion 3 of the ingredient chamber 2.

[0058] The spring cover 5 has an elongated through-opening 18 through which the elongated actuating wing 16 can be lowered. Rotated 90 degrees along the rotational axis of the actuating member 6, an elongated recess 19 is arranged on the upper side of the spring cover 5. Due to the pretension of the spring 7, which acts on the spring plate 15 of the actuating member 6 and presses it towards the base plate 12, the actuating member 6 can be lowered when the actuating wing 16 is oriented in a first rotational position parallel to the through-opening 17, the open position. When the actuating wing 16 is rotated 90 degrees, it engages in the elongated recess 19 of the spring cover 5, but is blocked by the spring cover 5 during lowering. This rotational position is the closed position.

[0059] Fig. 2 b shows the actuating element 6 in the closed position. The recess 19 serves to prevent an unintentional change in the rotational position caused by the actuating leaf 16 snapping into the recess 19.

[0060] Fig. 2 c shows the ingredient dispenser 1, with the actuating member 6 aligned in the open position. The preload of the spring 7 pushes the actuating member 6 toward the base plate 12. The end face of the pin 14 rests on the end face of the raised portion 3.

[0061] Fig. 2d shows the ingredient dispenser 1 with the detached ingredient chamber 2. After the actuating element 6 has been subjected to a sufficiently large vertical downward pressure force in the open position, the locking mechanism of the ingredient chamber 2 is released, and the chamber is detached. After detachment, the actuating element 6 is lowered due to the spring action such that the spring plate 15 rests on the base plate 12 of the spring housing 4 and is pressed onto it under spring preload. This seals the ventilation opening 13 in a liquid- and pressure-tight manner.

[0062] Fig. 3 a shows the ingredient dispenser 1 in a sectional and enlarged view. The ingredient dispenser 1 is inserted into an opening of a container lid 20. The ingredient chamber 2 is rusted below the spring housing 4. The tamper-evident cap 17 is placed in the cylindrical spring housing 4 and is flush with the flange 8. A seal 11 is arranged between the edge of the container lid 20 and the spring housing 4, which seals the assembly in a liquid-tight and pressure-tight manner. The actuating element 6 is in the closed position. The actuating wing 16 rests on the spring cover 5, thus blocking lowering of the actuating element 6. The pin 14 and the elevation 3 have no contact at the front. A circumferential seal 21 is provided on the base plate 12 around the ventilation opening 13 for liquid-tight and pressure-tight closure of the actuating device when the ingredient chamber 2 is detached.These can preferably also be located additionally or alternatively on the underside of the spring plate 15.

[0063] Fig. 3 b shows a 5-liter beer keg 22, in whose container lid 20 the enlarged view shown in Fig. 3 a is realized. The ingredient dispenser 1 is inserted into the 5-liter beer keg 22 in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the surrounding fold 23. Thus, several identical 5-liter beer kegs 22 can be stacked.

[0064] Fig. 4a shows the ingredient dispenser 1 from Fig. 3a, with the tamper-evident cap 18 removed and the actuating member 6 rotated 90 degrees in the open position. This allows the actuating member 6 to be lowered due to the spring action. The ingredient chamber 2 is detached from the spring housing 4, so that the spring plate 15 is pressed onto the base plate 12, and the vent opening 13 is tightly sealed by the seal 21.

[0065] Fig. 4 b shows the 5-liter beer keg 22 from Fig. 3 b with the ingredient chamber 2 removed. The ingredient is thus released into the interior of the 5-liter beer keg 22. Because the pre-tensioned spring plate 15 closes the ventilation opening 13, which is now exposed to the interior of the 5-liter beer keg 22, the 5-liter beer keg 22 continues to be sealed against the environment in a liquid-tight and pressure-tight manner.

[0066] However, the actuating element 6 can preferably act as an overpressure protection device. The end face of the pin 14 and the surface of the spring plate 15, which lies within the sealing ring 21, can, if sufficient overpressure acts on the surfaces, raise the actuating element 6 against the spring action and expose the ventilation opening 13. Fig. 5a shows the ingredient dispenser 1 from Fig. 4a in the open position, with the actuating element 6 in the raised position. This exposes the ventilation opening 13, and a pressure and gas exchange occurs.

[0067] Fig. 5 b shows the details discussed in Fig. 5 a in an overall view with the 5-liter beer keg 22.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows the schematic view of a 5-liter beer keg 22 into which an ingredient dispenser 1 is inserted into an opening in the container lid 20.

[0069] Fig. 7a shows a schematic view of a beverage bag 24 with a deformable wall 25. The beverage bag comprises two openings 26, one of which houses an ingredient dispenser 1 according to the invention. The ingredient dispenser 1 is provided with a tamper-evident cap 17. The second opening 26 is open. A device for withdrawing liquid can preferably be inserted into the second opening 26.

[0070] Fig. 7a shows the beverage bag from Fig. 7a with the tamper-evident cap 17 removed so that the actuating device is exposed and can be actuated.

[0071] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the container according to the invention and the ingredient dispenser according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0072] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described embodiments of the container according to the invention and the ingredient dispenser according to the invention serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments.

[0073] 1 ingredient dispenser 2 ingredient chamber 3 elevation 4 spring housing 5 spring cover 6 actuating element 7 spring 8 flange a longitudinal groove b lug 0 locking mechanism 1 seal, sealing agent 2 base plate 3 ventilation opening 4 pin 5 spring plate 6 actuating wing 7 tamper-evident cap, tamper-evident closure 8 through-opening 9 recess 0 container lid, cover 1 sealing ring, sealing element 2 5-liter beer keg 3 fold 4 beverage bag 5 deformable wall 6 opening

Claims

Claims 1. Container for providing a liquid, in particular a barrel, preferably a 5-liter beer keg (22), wherein an opening is provided for filling and / or ventilating the container, preferably at an upper end or in an upper region, characterized in that the opening serves for inserting an ingredient dispenser (1) which can be actuated from the outside and upon actuation of which at least one ingredient can be released into the interior of the container.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the ingredient dispenser (1) is inserted almost flush into the opening.

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ingredient dispenser (1) comprises an actuating device and an ingredient chamber (2) which can be actuated by the actuating device.

4. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating device is also suitable for preferably reversibly ventilating the interior of the container.

5. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that the ventilation of the interior is carried out automatically by a spring-loaded ventilation device.

6. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ingredient dispenser (1) is substantially axially symmetrical.

7. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ingredient dispenser (1) has an outwardly projecting flange (8) at the upper end, with which it is supported on the lid (20) of the container in which the opening is located.

8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating device has on its outer side immediately below the flange (8) and / or the flange (8) on the underside a locking mechanism (10) for sealing means (11) for sealing against the opening in the lid (20) of the container.

9. Container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the ingredient dispenser (1) has a seal, in particular a tamper-evident closure (17), at the upper end, which closes the ingredient dispenser (1) at the top, wherein the seal is irreversibly visibly broken when opened for the first time and releases the ingredient dispenser (1) for manual operation.

10. Ingredient dispenser (1) for insertion into a container, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it can be actuated from outside the container and its actuation releases at least one ingredient into the interior of the container.

11. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the ingredient dispenser comprises an actuating device and an ingredient chamber (2) which can be actuated by the actuating device, wherein the ingredient chamber (2) is detachably attached to the lower end of the actuating device.

12. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the ingredient chamber (2) is designed as a hollow body closed at the bottom end, which is tightly closed at the top by the actuating device.

13. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the actuating device has a ventilation opening (13), wherein in the ingredient chamber (2) on an end base plate a raised portion (3), in particular a pin, is formed such that this raised portion (3) tightly closes the ventilation opening (13).

14. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuating device comprises an actuating member (6) which engages in the ventilation opening (13) and releases the ingredient chamber (2) from the actuating device as a result of the action of a pressure force.

15. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuating member (6) has a cross-sectional widening between its upper and lower ends, in particular in the form of a disc or a cone, wherein the side of the cross-sectional widening facing the ventilation opening (13) forms a sealing surface for sealing the ventilation opening (13).

16. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that a sealing element (21), in particular a flat or profile seal, is provided on the sealing surface.

17. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the cross-sectional widening and a housing part of the actuating device are designed as an abutment for a spring (7) and the actuating member (6) in the actuating device is prestressed by the spring (7) in such a way that the actuating member (6), when the ingredient chamber (2) is detached, is pressed onto the ventilation opening (13) by the pressure of the spring force in such a way that the ventilation opening (13) can be closed in a liquid-tight and pressure-tight manner, and wherein the ventilation opening (13) can be opened by lifting the actuating member (6) against the spring action when the ingredient chamber (2) is detached.

18. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuating member also acts as an overpressure protection device, wherein the end face at the lower end of the actuating member and / or optionally the sealing surface are designed such that a compressive force acting on the end face and / or optionally on the sealing surface, in particular a compressive force due to an overpressure in the container, lifts the actuating member and releases the ventilation opening.

19. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the actuating member (6) in the actuating device is rotatable about the axis of rotation in a raised position, wherein in a first rotational position the actuating member (6) can be lowered by the spring action and in a second rotational position, in particular in a rotational position of 90 degrees to the first rotational position, a lowering of the actuating member (6) is blocked.

20. Ingredient dispenser (1) according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the ingredient chamber (2) has a plurality of mutually delimited areas for the separate storage of one or more ingredients.

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