Container with tap device

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (10) comprising a tap device (16) for tapping a fluid, a fluid container (12) for receiving the fluid, a carrying device (14) with a carrying handle (32) for carrying the fluid container (12), a valve (42) which is designed to let the fluid out of the fluid container (12) in an actuated state, and a spout (44) which can be connected to the valve (42) in order to discharge the fluid let out of the valve (42), wherein the carrying handle (32) has a recess which forms a receiving area (116) for the spout (44), and the spout (44) can be secured in the receiving area (116) in a carrying state and can be connected to the valve (42) in an operating state.

Description

Container with dispensing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a container with a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, with a fluid container for receiving the fluid, a carrying device for carrying the fluid container, a valve and a nozzle for dispensing the fluid.

[0002] Portable containers with a tap, also known as "party kegs," have become increasingly popular in recent years. These party kegs allow consumers to enjoy drinks "fresh from the tap." They are typically filled with beer and have a capacity of approximately 5 or 10 liters.

[0003] A simple solution for the dispensing mechanism is a tap mounted on the side, near the bottom of the keg, through which the beverage or fluid can be dispensed. When the tap is pulled, the fluid flows out of the container due to gravity.

[0004] This solution, however, requires an additional opening in the container for pressure equalization, as otherwise no liquid would escape due to the resulting negative pressure inside the container. Ambient air entering the container, however, leads to a rapid loss of quality in carbonated or oxidation-sensitive beverages, causing beer, in particular, to go flat.

[0005] In recent years, pressure equalization devices have therefore been developed for such party kegs, making it possible to maintain a constant internal pressure in the fluid container or keg, regardless of the fill level. Such a pressure equalization device using a CO2 gas cartridge is known, for example, from EP 1 688 814 A1.

[0006] Such pressure equalization devices thus enable the consumer to dispense the beverage "fresh from the tap" in the expected quality, even over several dispensing processes.

[0007] A further advantage of such pressure equalization devices and the resulting constant internal pressure in the fluid container / barrel is that the position of the tap on the fluid container / barrel can be chosen more freely. In particular, the dispensing device can be positioned at any height on the container.

[0008] The dispensing device usually includes the tap, a valve that can be operated by means of the tap, and a tubular nozzle that serves as an outlet and through which the liquid exiting the valve can escape.

[0009] For hygienic reasons, it is recommended to protect the dispensing device, especially the outlet, from contamination during extended periods of non-use, such as during delivery to the consumer, as this could otherwise be washed into the beer glass along with the beer.

[0010] Protection can be achieved, for example, with a removable covering (e.g., made of a film) for the dispensing device, which is removed before dispensing. Such a solution However, it is not very user-friendly or environmentally friendly. Furthermore, potential mechanical impacts can damage the nozzle itself as well as other components connected to the nozzle and belonging to the dispensing device.

[0011] Another solution, for example, is a dispensing device recessed between the top of the container and the surrounding outer rim during storage. US Patent 2,134,852 shows such a solution, but it is elaborate and complicated and also offers only limited protection.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container with a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, which enables a compact and hygienic arrangement of the dispensing device.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a container with a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid according to claim 1, which has a fluid container for receiving the fluid, a carrying device with a carrying handle for carrying the fluid container, a valve which is configured to release the fluid from the fluid container in an actuated state, and a nozzle which can be connected to the valve for dispensing the fluid released from the valve, wherein the carrying handle has a recess which forms a receptacle for the nozzle, the nozzle can be secured in the receptacle in a carrying state and can be connected to the valve in an operating state.

[0014] The fluid reservoir of the container according to the invention can thus be carried on the carrying device or on the carrying handle. The dispensing device includes a valve and a nozzle, by means of which, when the valve is actuated during operation, the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid reservoir through the nozzle. Preferably, the nozzle can be connected to the valve by means of a plug connection, and in particular, it can be detached.

[0015] According to the invention, the carrying handle of the carrying device serves not only for carrying or It not only transports the container, but also serves as a receptacle for storing the nozzle in its carrying state.

[0016] The nozzle can be arranged (separately in time) in the receptacle of the carrying handle ("carrying state" or "non-connected state") or connected to the valve ("operating state" or "connected state").

[0017] The term "carrying state" refers to a condition in which the nozzle is not connected to the valve and the container can be carried by the handle without any fluid escaping from the fluid reservoir. It is understood that the disconnected state does not preclude the valve from being operated manually or by means of a dispensing lever.

[0018] It is further understood that the nozzle can also be arranged in the receptacle of the carrying handle in a storage state in which the container is not carried by means of the carrying device and the nozzle is not connected to the valve (non-connected state).

[0019] The operating state refers to a condition in which the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid reservoir via the dispensing device, i.e., the dispensing device is ready for use. The operating state thus refers to the connection state in which the nozzle is connected to the valve. Actuating the valve in the connected or operating state, particularly by means of the dispensing lever, therefore causes the fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir through the nozzle.

[0020] To connect the nozzle, which is detachably secured in the carrying handle's receptacle during transport (or storage), to the valve, the nozzle must first be detached from the receptacle. For example, the nozzle can be secured in the receptacle by a connecting element (e.g., with a perforation that serves as a predetermined breaking point), which is severed when the nozzle is removed. Alternatively, the nozzle can be arranged in the receptacle in a way that allows for non-destructive detachment, e.g., by clamping, so that the nozzle can be repeatedly attached to the receptacle. The nozzle, once detached from the receptacle, can then be connected to the valve, allowing fluid to be dispensed via the dispensing device during operation.

[0021] Advantageously, the nozzle, which can be connected to the valve and secured in the holder, eliminates the need for separate, disposable outer packaging such as a blister pack to deliver the container to the consumer. Despite this, the nozzle remains hygienic, securely attached, and protected from mechanical damage during transport (and storage) within the holder. The holder protects the nozzle from contamination (e.g., dust, liquids, contact with the carrier) and mechanical damage.

[0022] No separate device is required for this, as the nozzle holder is integrated into the existing carrying handle. This not only reduces the number of parts but also significantly improves user-friendliness and simplifies assembly. At the same time, the dispensing mechanism can be designed to be compact when carried (and stored). This allows the container to be carried (and stored) with ease.

[0023] The above-mentioned task has therefore been completely solved.

[0024] The term "container" in this context refers to outer packaging for volumes / fluids of all kinds. For example, a container is a barrel, in particular a party keg of the type mentioned above. Therefore, "container" here refers to the complete assembly consisting of the fluid container, carrying device, valve, nozzle, and any other possible components.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the recording has a cavity that is open on one side.

[0026] For example, the partially open cavity has the shape of a half-hollow cylinder in which the nozzle can be arranged. It is understood that elements for clamping the nozzle, for example, can be arranged in this partially open cavity.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the depth of the partially open cavity is equal to or greater than the diameter of the nozzle. The diameter of the nozzle specifically refers to the diameter measured at its thickest point.

[0028] The depth of the half-open cavity refers in particular to the greatest height of the half-open cavity, which is measured from the opening of the half-open cavity into the half-open cavity, in particular being measured orthogonally to a plane formed by a free end of the half-open half-space.

[0029] Advantageously, the nozzle can be positioned entirely within the partially open cavity, which is closed off by the free end of the partially open cavity. The nozzle can thus be largely protected from contamination, except for the exposed area caused by the opening of the partially open cavity.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the carrying handle has an area that makes it possible to push the nozzle out of the carrying handle's receptacle under force from a side facing away from the receptacle of the carrying handle.

[0031] Advantageously, the nozzle can be pushed out of the holder without any additional tools. The nozzle can therefore be easily and conveniently removed from the holder when needed.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the carrying handle has a first wall section and a second wall section, wherein the second wall section forms at least part of the receptacle of the carrying handle and is movable relative to the first wall section, so that the second wall section can move relative to the first wall section under the influence of force and thus push the socket out of the receptacle of the carrying handle.

[0033] Specifically, this means that the first wall section is fixed relative to the carrying handle, while the second wall section is movable relative to the first wall section and the carrying handle. The user can manually move the second wall section. The moving second wall section can then, from the side facing away from the opening of the receiver, pass the grommet through Push out the opening of the fitting. The nozzle can thus be easily removed from the fitting in a purely mechanical way.

[0034] The movable, second wall section is attached to the first wall section. The attachment of the second wall section to the first wall section may, for example, have a predetermined breaking point. This can serve as a kind of tamper-evident seal, indicating to the user whether the grommet in the carrying handle receptacle is unused and original.

[0035] According to a preferred further embodiment, the carrying handle is movable relative to the fluid container.

[0036] Advantageously, the carrying handle allows for more flexible and comfortable carrying of the fluid container.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the carrying handle is pivotably mounted on the fluid container.

[0038] For example, the carrying handle can be mounted to rotate around a fixed axis of rotation relative to the fluid container. A possible range of rotation angles may be predetermined by spatial limitations of the fluid container.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the carrying device has a base on which the carrying handle is mounted, and which has a receptacle designed to receive the nozzle in the operating state.

[0040] Advantageously, the base of the carrying device thus serves as a mechanical support for the carrying handle and simultaneously as a holder for the nozzle of the dispensing device.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the base has an opening and the nozzle can be inserted through the opening into the valve for connection with the valve.

[0042] Advantageously, the carrying device can simultaneously serve as a positioning aid for the nozzle, facilitating connection between the nozzle and the valve. Furthermore, the carrying device and the dispensing mechanism can be arranged in a space-saving manner. In addition, the nozzle is very easy to install.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the container also has an anti-rotation device which is arranged on the nozzle and / or the base receptacle and, in the operating state, rotatably secures the nozzle relative to the base receptacle.

[0044] Advantageously, this design allows the nozzle to remain in a fixed position relative to the base. This prevents the nozzle from unintentionally twisting relative to the fluid container. For example, the user can then always dispense fluid from a stationary fluid container into a vessel from the same position.

[0045] For example, the receptacle for receiving the nozzle has a recess into which the nozzle engages in a form-fitting manner when inserted.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the receiving of the carrying handle in a storage state faces an outer surface of the fluid container, in particular a lid of the fluid container.

[0047] A receptacle facing the outer surface of the fluid container means, in particular, that an opening in the receptacle, through which the nozzle can be inserted to secure it, faces the outer surface of the fluid container. For example, the carrying handle may rest on the lid of the fluid container when stored. This allows the nozzle to be surrounded by the receptacle of the carrying handle and the lid of the fluid container or another part of the container. Advantageously, this provides better protection for the nozzle against contamination.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid container has a lid and the carrying device is arranged eccentrically on the lid.

[0049] An eccentric arrangement refers to an off-center position on the lid, deviating from the center point of the lid's surface facing away from the fluid container. Specifically, this means that the carrying handle as a whole is not centered on the lid. However, it is possible that a section of the carrying mechanism, such as the base or the handle itself, may coincide with the lid's center point.

[0050] Advantageously, when carrying the container, the handle can be held closer to the wearer's body. This makes the fluid container comfortable to carry. It also makes it easier to carry two containers at the same time.

[0051] According to another embodiment, the carrying device is attached to the fluid container by means of a snap connection.

[0052] The carrying device can be quickly and easily mounted to the fluid container using the snap-fit ​​connection. This eliminates the need for separate tools to mount the carrying device.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the fluid container has a circumferential groove and the support device is designed to engage in the groove.

[0054] Advantageously, this allows the carrying device to be secured in a fixed position relative to the fluid container. It goes without saying that the carrying handle can still be moved relative to the fluid container.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid container is a barrel.

[0056] The fluid container is suitable, for example, for use as a "party keg," especially with beer as the fluid. Preferably, the keg has a capacity of approximately 5 or 10 liters.

[0057] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0058] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container in a storage state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a carrying state; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in an operating state; Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the container shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a top view of the container shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the container shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the container shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 8A shows a further detailed view of the container shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 8B shows a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 7 in a non-activated state; Fig. 80 shows a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 7 in an actuated state; Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of a base of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9B shows another perspective view of the base shown in Fig. 9A; Fig. 10 shows a side view of the container shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 11 shows another side view of the container shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of two stacked containers according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 with interleaving cardboard; Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of two stacked containers according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 without interleaving cardboard; Fig. 14A shows a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a non-regulated state; Fig. 14B shows a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a normal state without gas outlet; Fig. 14C shows a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a controlled state with gas outlet; and Fig. 14D shows a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a safe state.

[0060] Figures 1-3 show a perspective view of an embodiment of a container according to the invention with a dispensing device in various states. The container as a whole is designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0061] The container 10 comprises a fluid reservoir 12, which can hold a fluid, such as a beverage like beer or wine. The container 10 also includes a carrying device 14, a dispensing device 16, and a pressure regulating device 18. The pressure regulating device 18 regulates the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 and, in particular, compensates for the pressure drop in the fluid reservoir 12 that occurs as a result of a dispensing process – the withdrawal of fluid from the fluid reservoir 12.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows the container 10 in a storage state, in which the container 10 can be stored compactly. Fig. 2 shows the container 10 in a carrying state, in which the fluid container 12 can be lifted and carried using the carrying device 14. Fig. 3 shows the container 10 in an operating state, also referred to here as the connected state, in which the fluid can be drawn from the fluid container 12 using the dispensing device 16.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the container 10. The fluid container 12 is designed as a drum, preferably made of metal. The fluid container 12 has a base 20 on which it can be placed, and a lid 22 arranged opposite it. A longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12 runs through the center point of the lid 22 and the center point of the base 20.

[0064] The fluid container 12 can, for example, be manufactured with an integral bottom 20 by means of a deep-drawing process and folded to the lid 22. Likewise, the main body of the fluid container 12 can consist of a bent sheet metal with a longitudinal weld seam (running essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 23), to which the bottom 20 and the lid 22 are connected by means of a folded joint.

[0065] The lid 22 has a first opening 24, which serves to accommodate the carrying device 14 and the dispensing device 16. Furthermore, the lid 22 has a second opening 26, which serves to fill the fluid into the fluid container 12. A third opening 28 arranged on the lid 22 serves to accommodate the pressure regulating device 18.

[0066] The first opening 24, the second opening 26, and the third opening 28 are arranged in a line on the cover 22. The second opening 26 is centered, and the other two openings 24 and 28 are arranged off-center on the cover 22.

[0067] The carrying device 14 is thus arranged eccentrically on the cover 22. The carrying device 14 includes a base 30, which is arranged at the first opening 24 and on which a carrying handle 32 is pivotably mounted. Preferably, the base 30 and the carrying handle 32 are made of plastic.

[0068] The carrying handle 32 has a closed contour with a grip recess 34 into which a support for the container 10 can engage to hold or carry the fluid container 12. The carrying handle 32 has a recess (not visible in Fig. 4).

[0069] The base 30 is preferably attached to the first opening 24 or the tap 16 by means of a snap connection. The base 30 has two movable retaining arms 36 which extend substantially along a common axis from opposite sides of the base 30 and together form a receptacle 38. The retaining arms 36 act as a spring element 37. The receptacle 38 has an opening 39 (referred to here as the "fourth opening") and a recess 35.

[0070] The dispensing device 16 is arranged eccentrically on the cover 22 at the first opening 24. The dispensing device 16 includes a riser pipe 40, a valve 42 connectable to the riser pipe 40, a nozzle 44 connectable to the valve 42 for dispensing the fluid, and a dispensing lever 46.

[0071] In this embodiment, the carrying handle 32 of the carrying device 14 simultaneously functions as a tap lever 46 for the tap device 16.

[0072] The valve 42 is, for example, a standard 1-inch female valve. The riser pipe 40 has a first end 48, which serves as a fluid inlet, and a second end 50, which serves as a fluid outlet from the riser pipe 40 and is connected to the valve 42. The first end 48 is preferably located at the bottom 20 of the fluid reservoir 12, so that even at low fluid levels in the fluid reservoir 12, fluid can enter the first end 48 of the riser pipe 40. It is understood that the riser pipe 40 and the valve 42 can be separate components, even though they are shown as a single component in Fig. 4.

[0073] The nozzle 44 is essentially L-shaped and has a first end 52, which can be connected to the valve 42, and a second end 54, which serves as an outlet opening for the fluid. The tubular first end 52 of the nozzle 44 has a lateral opening 56. The nozzle 44 is preferably made of plastic.

[0074] The pressure regulating device 18 is arranged eccentrically on the cover 22 at the third opening 28. Preferably, the pressure regulating device 18 is attached to the third opening 28 by means of a snap connection. The pressure regulating device 18 includes an activation element 58 for activating the pressure regulating device 18, with an outlet opening 59, a first detent groove 57 and a second detent groove 61, a first housing seal 60, a first housing part 62 with a detent element 63 (referred to here as the "first detent element"), a second housing part seal 64, a first spring 66, an activation slide 68, an activation slide seal 70, a valve tappet seal 72, a valve tappet 74, a piercing element 76, a second spring 78, a piercing element seal 80, a gas cartridge 82 filled with gas with a thread 83 and a second housing part 84.

[0075] The first housing part 62 has a through-hole 86, which here runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis 88 of the first housing part 62, and a locking groove 90 (referred to here as the "third locking groove"). The second housing part 84 has a locking element 92 corresponding to the locking groove 90 (referred to here as the "second locking element") and has the form of a sleeve open at one end, which encloses the gas cartridge 82. When the second housing part 84 is connected to the first housing part 62 The locking element 92 engages with the locking groove 90, so that the second housing part 84 is attached to the first housing part 62.

[0076] Preferably, the gas cartridge is designed to hold CO2 as a gas at a pressure of approximately 60 bar.

[0077] Furthermore, the container 10 has a filling cover 94 for closing the second opening 26, which serves as a filling opening for filling the fluid into the fluid container 12.

[0078] Fig. 5 shows a top view of the container 10 shown in Fig. 1 in the storage state and Fig. 6 shows a detail view of the container 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0079] In the storage state, the carrying handle 32 faces the cover 22 and rests on the cover 22 or on the activation element 58 of the pressure regulating device 18 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). The recess 152 of the carrying handle 32 is in contact with the activation element 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 44 is not connected to the valve 42 in the storage state.

[0080] The carrying handle 32, which is pivotally mounted at the base 30, is pivotable relative to the fluid reservoir 12. In the carrying position (Fig. 2), the carrying handle 32 is "unfolded," i.e., spaced away from the lid 22 and the activation element 58. A pivoting movement in the carrying position does not actuate the valve 42. Thus, the fluid reservoir 12 can be carried by the carrying handle 32 in the carrying position without fluid escaping from the valve 42.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 30 is attached to the valve 42 by means of a snap connection. Furthermore, an anti-rotation device 96 (referred to here as the "first anti-rotation device") is arranged on the support device 14 and the fluid reservoir 12, which secures the support device 14 rotationally (about the longitudinal axis 23) to the fluid reservoir 12 (Figs. 5, 6). In the illustrated embodiment, a recess is formed on the lid 22 of the fluid reservoir 12 for this purpose, into which the base 30 engages. The recess is designed here as a groove 98. Due to the eccentric arrangement The base 30 on the lid 22 is rotationally secured to the base 30 which engages in the groove 98. Thus, the carrying handle 32 cannot rotate about the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12, but can only perform a defined pivoting or rotating movement about a pivoting or rotating axis 100 (Fig. 5).

[0082] Figures 7 and 8A show detailed views of the container 10 shown in Figure 3. To transfer the container 10 from the storage state (Figure 1) to the operating state (Figure 3), the nozzle 44 is inserted through the opening 39 of the receptacle 38 of the base 30 (Figure 4) into the valve 42 (connection state). The nozzle 44 is inserted into the valve 42 with a movement parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12. The nozzle 44 is then detachably connected to the valve 42 by means of a plug connection.

[0083] The fluid stored in the fluid reservoir 12 is discharged during dispensing through the riser pipe 40, the actuated valve 42 and finally through the nozzle 44 (Fig. 4).

[0084] The container has an anti-rotation device 102 (referred to here as the "second anti-rotation device") which is arranged in the receptacle 38 and on the nozzle 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 44 engages in the recess 35 of the receptacle 38 of the base 30 (Fig. 4, Fig. 7). Thus, the nozzle 44 is rotationally secured relative to the receptacle 38 in the connected state. This prevents unintentional rotation of the nozzle 44 relative to the base 30 and therefore also (due to the first anti-rotation device 96) the fluid container 12 in the connected state.

[0085] As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrying handle 32 simultaneously functions as a pivot lever 46 in the connected state, which is designed to actuate the valve 42. The same pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32, which did not result in any activation of the valve 42 in the storage state, results in the activation of the valve 42 in the connected state (Fig. 3, Fig. 7), so that the fluid can exit the valve 42 and through the nozzle 44.

[0086] The carrying handle 32 has a first actuating section 104 which, during the pivoting movement, is in contact with a second actuating section 106 formed on the nozzle 44 (Fig. 8A). During the pivoting movement, the carrying handle 32 exerts a force on the second actuating section 106, and thus on the nozzle 44, by means of the first actuating section 104, which is thereby pressed into the valve 42. Pressing the nozzle 44 inwards actuates the valve 42, allowing the fluid to exit the valve 42 into the nozzle 44 and be discharged through the nozzle 44.

[0087] Figures 8B and 8C show a sectional view of Figure 8A with the carrying handle 32 and the pivot lever 46, respectively, in different positions in the connected state. The valve 42 has a piston 110, a spring 112, and a valve seal 114.

[0088] Fig. 8B shows a neutral state in which the nozzle 44 is not pressed into the valve 42 and the valve 42 is therefore not actuated. It is understood that in the neutral state the carrying handle 32 may also be inclined at an angle other than that shown in Fig. 8B relative to the cover 22 or the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12.

[0089] Fig. 8C shows a sectional view of Fig. 8A in a state where the valve 42 is actuated. As already mentioned, during the pivoting movement, the first actuating section 104 of the carrying handle 32 exerts force on the second actuating section 106, which is arranged laterally on the nozzle 44 (not visible in this sectional plane). During the pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32, the second actuating section 106, located on the nozzle 44, is clamped between the base 30 and the first actuating section 104 of the carrying handle 32 (Fig. 8A). The receptacle 38 belonging to the base 30, which receives the nozzle 44, can move with the nozzle 44 due to the movable retaining arms 36 (Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B).

[0090] The carrying handle 32 thus presses the nozzle 44 into the valve 42, so that the valve 42 is actuated. In doing so, the movable piston 110 is pushed away from a valve seal 114 against a spring force exerted on the piston 110 by the spring 112. The pressurized fluid in the fluid reservoir 12 can then flow through the riser pipe 40 past the piston 110 and the valve seal 114 through the lateral Opening 56 of the nozzle 44 rises into the nozzle 44 and is discharged through the nozzle 44 to the outside.

[0091] The movable retaining arms 36 simultaneously function as spring elements 37. Therefore, to actuate the valve 42, the pivoting movement must be performed against the spring force exerted by the retaining arms 36, which is generated by their movement. This prevents unintentional actuation of the valve 42 and thus fluid leakage. At the same time, the spring force of the retaining arms 36 acts as a restoring force on the nozzle 44 or the carrying handle 32, so that the valve 42 is automatically moved from an actuated state to a non-actuated state without manual force being applied.

[0092] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show two opposing (rotated by 180° around the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12) side views of the carrying handle 32 in the carrying state.

[0093] The nozzle 44, which can be connected to the valve 42, is arranged in a recessed receptacle 116 of the carrying handle 32 in the carrying or storage state (Fig. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the recess or receptacle 116 is designed as a partially open cavity 118, which forms the receptacle for the nozzle 44 and surrounds the nozzle 44 on several sides. In this embodiment, the largest diameter of the tubular nozzle 44 is smaller than the largest depth of the partially open cavity 118, measured from an opening 119 of the cavity 118. The nozzle 44 is thus completely enclosed within the partially open cavity 118 and does not protrude beyond it. The nozzle 44 is thus only exposed in the area of ​​the opening 119 of the partially open cavity 118 or the receptacle 116. When the carrying handle 32 is folded in and rests on the cover 22 and / or the pressure regulating device 18 (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), the nozzle is exposed.6), the opening 119 of the receptacle 116 facing the lid 22 is covered by the lid 22. Thus, the nozzle 44 is protected against contamination from all sides.

[0094] The nozzle 44 is detachably attached to the receptacle 116. In this embodiment, the nozzle 44 is (detachably) clamped in the receptacle 116 to secure it against unintentional removal from the receptacle.

[0095] To release the nozzle 44 from the receptacle 116 of the carrying handle 32 (in particular to connect the nozzle 44 to the valve 42), the nozzle 44 can be pushed out of the receptacle 116 from the side facing away from it. For this purpose, the carrying handle 32 has a section 120 with a first wall section 122 and a second wall section 124 (Fig. 11). The second wall section 124 is movable relative to the first wall section 120 and forms part of the receptacle 116 for the nozzle 44. Under the influence of force, the second wall section 124 moves relative to the first wall section 122 and exerts a force on the nozzle 44, which then releases itself from the receptacle 116.

[0096] Figures 12 and 13 show two containers of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, stacked on top of each other. Figure 12 shows the two containers with an interleaving cardboard 126 arranged between them, while Figure 13 shows the two containers 10 stacked on top of each other without the interleaving cardboard 126. The storage method with the interleaving cardboard 126 is particularly suitable for empty or unfilled containers 10.

[0097] The lid 22 of the fluid container 12 has a rim 130 that surrounds the lid 22 and projects from it. The lid 22 and the rim 130 of the lid 22 together form a (partially open) gap 128, which terminates at a free upper end 132 of the rim 130.

[0098] The rim 130 is formed integrally with the lid 22. The rim 130 can, for example, be formed by a deep-drawing process of the lid 22, which is then flanged to the fluid container 12, creating a folded edge (Fig. 8B).

[0099] Measured from the lid 22 along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12 (Fig. 4), the rim 130 has a constant height along its circumference (Fig. 12). The free end 132 of the rim 130 of the lid 22 thus lies in a plane that closes off the space 128 and to which the longitudinal axis 23 (Fig. 4) of the fluid container 12 is orthogonal. The height of the rim 130 of the lid 22 is greater than the height of the carrying device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, in particular the valve 42 and the nozzle 44, the pressure regulating device 18, and the filling cover 94, all measured parallel to it. The nozzle 44 is, for example, arranged in the carrying handle 32 (Fig. 10). Thus, the carrying device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filling cover 94 can be arranged completely in the (half-open) space 128 and / or in the fluid container 12.The rim 130 of the cover 22 also serves as protection for the components arranged in the space 128 against laterally acting mechanical stresses (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 23).

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the carrying handle 32, measured from the cover 22 along the longitudinal axis 23, is greater than the heights of the components of the dispensing device 16 (in particular the valve 42 and the nozzle 44) and the pressure regulating device 18 (in particular the activation element 58), which are arranged in the space 128. The carrying handle 32 can thus simultaneously serve to protect the dispensing device 16 and the pressure regulating device 18 from mechanical loads from above.

[0101] The base 20 of the fluid container 12 has a rim 134 that at least partially surrounds the base 20 and projects from it. The rim 134 of the base 20 and the base 20 form a (partially open) space 136 (referred to here as the "second space"), which terminates at a free end 138 of the rim 134 of the base 20. The rim 134 of the base 20 has a constant height along its circumference. The free end 138 of the rim 134 of the base 20 lies in a plane that encloses the space 136 and to which the longitudinal axis 23 (Fig. 4) of the fluid container 12 is orthogonal. The container 10 can be placed on the free end 138 of the rim 134 of the base 20.

[0102] If, as shown in Fig. 12, an interleaving cardboard 126 is used between two stacked containers, the interleaving cardboard 126 is clamped between the edge 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10 and the base 20 of the upper container 10, or between the edge 134 of the base 20 of the upper container 10. The weight of the upper container 10 is absorbed by the edge 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10. The space 128, in which the support device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, the pressure regulating device 18, and the filling cover 94 of the lower container 10 are (partially) arranged, is closed off by the interleaving cardboard 126. Thus, the container 10 can be stacked compactly.

[0103] In a stacked state without interleaving cardboard (Fig. 13), the rim 130 of the lid 22 and the rim 134 of the base 20 also act as centering aids. The rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10 engages in the second space 136 of the upper container 10. The inner diameter of the rim 134 of the base 20 is larger than the outer diameter of the rim 130 of the lid 22. The smaller the difference between the outer diameter of the rim 130 of the lid 22 and the inner diameter of the rim 134 of the base 20, the more precisely the two containers are aligned. Ideally, the longitudinal axes 23 (Fig. 4) of the containers 10 coincide.

[0104] In Fig. 13, the base 20 of the upper container 10 rests on the rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10. The weight of the upper container 10 is thus absorbed by the rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10. The carrying device 14, the dispensing device 16 with the valve 42, the nozzle 44 and the dispensing lever 46, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filling cover 94 of the lower container 10 are arranged in the space 128 of the lower container 10 and / or in the fluid reservoir 12, thus saving space. The space 128 is closed off in Fig. 13 by the base 20 of the upper container 10. This allows for optimal stackability even without the use of an intermediate cardboard 126, while simultaneously enabling a clever arrangement of all components of the container 10. As also shown in Fig. 12, the components arranged in the space 128 of the lower container 10 are protected from contamination and mechanical stress.

[0105] In this embodiment, the carrying handle 32 forms a support surface 140 parallel to the base 20 in the storage state. The interleaving cardboard 126 (Fig. 12) or the base 20 of the upper container 10 (Fig. 13) can thus rest not only on the lid 22 of the lower container 10, but also additionally on the support surface 140 of the carrying handle 32 of the lower container 10.

[0106] Figures 14A to 14D show the pressure regulating device 18 in different states. Figure 14A shows the pressure regulating device in a non-regulating state, in which the pressure regulating device 18 does not regulate the internal pressure; Figures 14B and 14C show the pressure regulating device 18 in different regulating states; and Figure 14D shows the pressure regulating device 18 in a safety state, in which the pressure regulating device 18 also serves as a pressure relief device.

[0107] In the non-regulating state (Fig. 14A), the gas cartridge 82 of the pressure regulating device 18 is already pierced in this embodiment. This occurs when the gas cartridge 82 is screwed into the first housing part 62 with the thread 83 (Fig. 4). During the screwing process, the piercing element 76 arranged in the first housing part 62 is pressed against and into the gas cartridge 82. The gas thus escaping from the gas cartridge 82 is sealed against an interior space 146 of the fluid reservoir 12 and against an intermediate space 150 (referred to here as the "second intermediate space") by means of the valve plunger 74, which is pressed against the valve plunger seal 72 by the spring 78.

[0108] The activation element (58) is designed here as a button that, in the non-regulating state, protrudes from the cover (22) (along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir) (Fig. 14A). In the non-regulating state (Fig. 14A), the activation element 58 is connected to the first housing part 62 by means of a snap connection. The second locking groove 61 of the activation element 58 engages with the locking element 63 of the first housing part 62. The recess 152 of the carrying handle 32 has a section 154 that rests on the activation element 58. The remaining area of ​​the carrying handle 32 is spaced apart from the cover 22 of the fluid reservoir 12 (Fig. 14A). The carrying handle 32 is thus arranged in a space-saving manner in the non-regulating state. The (entire) carrying handle 32 is arranged within the space 128, without protruding beyond the edge 130 of the lid 22 along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12. Thus This prevents unintentional pressure on the carrying handle 32, which could lead to activation of the pressure regulating device 18.

[0109] The pressure regulating device 18 can be activated by means of the activation element 58, thus being switched from a non-regulating state to a regulated state. For this purpose, the activation element 58 is pressed into the housing 62, 84 of the pressure regulating device 18 as a button. In this embodiment, the first detent groove 57 of the activation element 58 is pressed into the detent element 63 of the first housing part 62, whereby the second detent groove 61 of the activation element 58 is pushed out of the detent element 63 (Fig. 14B). In the illustrated embodiment, the activation element 58 is actuated by a pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32. In the non-regulating state (Fig. 14A), the carrying handle rests with a section 154 on the activation element 58.Under the influence of force, the section 154 of the carrying handle 32 can be pressed onto the activation element 58 by means of the pivoting movement, so that the first locking groove 57 of the activation element 58 is pressed into the locking element 63 of the first housing part 62.

[0110] The dimensions of the carrying handle 32 and the distance of the handle section of the carrying handle 32 from its bearing at the base 30 are selected such that pressing on the carrying handle 32 in the bearing state or the non-regulating state results in a small pivoting movement, during which the activation element 58 is pressed downwards by means of the carrying handle 32 and the pressure regulating device 18 is thereby activated. In particular, the distance of the section (154) of the carrying handle (32) to the pivot axis (100) (Fig. 5) is equal to the distance of the activation element (58) to the pivot axis (100).

[0111] In the normal state, the carrying handle 32 rests on the lid 22 of the fluid reservoir 12 (Fig. 14B), with section 154 of the carrying handle 32 further resting on the activation element 58. The lid 22 acts as a stop element that limits the pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32. In this embodiment, the activation element 58 is flush with the first housing part 62 in the normal state of the pressure regulating device (Fig. 14B).

[0112] By pressing the activation element 58 into the first housing part 62, the first spring 66, which is arranged in a spring chamber 148 between the activation element 58 and the activation slide 68 movably mounted in the first housing part 62, is pressed towards the activation slide 68. Therefore, in the controlled state, the first spring 66 exerts a greater force on the activation slide 68 than in the non-controlled state. The spring chamber 148 is sealed against the intermediate space 150 by means of a spring chamber seal 70, which is attached to the movable activation slide 68 and is movable with the activation slide 68.

[0113] The fluid can flow in and out of the space 150 from the interior 146 of the fluid reservoir 12 through the through-holes 86. A counterforce is thus exerted on the movable activation slide 68 by and depending on the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12. The counterforce corresponds to the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 multiplied by the area projected in the space 150 in the direction of movement of the activation slide 68 (along the longitudinal axis 88 (Fig. 4) of the first housing part 62, here parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12), upon which the fluid acts.

[0114] It is understood that the activation slide 68 does not necessarily have to contact the valve tappet 74 in the control state without gas outlet, even though this is shown in Fig. 14B.

[0115] Fig. 14C shows the pressure regulating device 18 in the controlled state with gas outlet from the gas cartridge 82. If the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 drops to a critical value, the spring force of the first spring 66 – together with a synergistically acting weight force caused by the weight of the activation slide 68 and the weight of all components bearing on the activation slide 68, such as the first spring 66 – can outweigh the counterforce exerted by the fluid. The first spring 66 then pushes (together with the force of gravity) the activation slide 68 against the opposing force of the fluid in the direction of the valve tappet 74. If the activation slide 68 exerts a sufficiently large force on the valve tappet 74, the valve tappet 74 is pushed into the gas cartridge 82 and away from the valve tappet seal 72 against a spring force of the second spring 78, so that the gas from the gas cartridge 82 passes through the Valve tappet 74 and valve tappet seal 72 can flow into the space 150 - the valve tappet 74 is actuated.

[0116] The escaping gas increases the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 until the counterforce generated by the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 on the activation slide 68 exceeds the spring force of the first spring 66 (plus the weight force acting on the activation slide 68). If the counterforce of the fluid predominates, the activation slide 68 moves away from the valve plunger 74, whereupon the valve plunger 74 is moved back towards the valve plunger seal 72 by the spring force of the second spring 78 until the valve plunger seal 72 seals the gas cartridge 82 against the space 150 and the gas escape from the gas cartridge 82 is interrupted.

[0117] The use of such a pressure regulating device 18 with a gas cartridge 82 carries the risk that, due to a malfunction, gas may escape uncontrollably from the gas cartridge 82 and the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 may rise excessively. Under excessively high internal pressure, the fluid container 12 could deform and, for example, leak or even burst through the opening of the folded joint between the lid 22 and the fluid container 12 (Fig. 8B). For safety reasons, it is therefore necessary to provide a pressure relief device through which the excess pressure can be released to the outside.

[0118] Fig. 14D shows the pressure regulating device 18 in a safety state. If the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 reaches a critical value, the (counter-)force exerted by the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 pushes the activation slide 68 against the spring force of the first spring 66 (and against the weight force acting on the activation slide 68) towards the activation element 58. The first housing part 62 has a conical cross-section, the inner diameter of which increases towards a free end of the first housing part 62. As the activation slide 68 moves towards the free end, the gas can flow past the spring chamber seal 70, which, in the normal state, seals the space 150 against the spring chamber 148. The gas can then escape from the housing 62, 84 via the outlet opening 59. Pressure regulating device 18 allows fluid to flow outwards, thus reducing the internal pressure of the fluid container 12.

[0119] When the internal pressure is sufficiently reduced, the spring force of the first spring 66 (plus the weight force) outweighs the counterforce resulting from the internal pressure on the activation slide 68, so that the activation slide 68 moves away from the activation element 58 towards the valve tappet 74, the spring chamber seal 70 seals the spring chamber 148 again against the space 150 and the pressure regulating device 18 is returned from the safety state to the control state.

[0120] It is understood that the embodiments shown in the figures merely represent exemplary configurations of the container according to the invention, intended to illustrate its advantages. Various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the dispensing device can have a valve of a different design than the (standard) valve shown. Furthermore, the carrying handle can have a different shape than shown and / or no handle recess. Likewise, the carrying handle can be movable in a straight line relative to the fluid container instead of being pivotable or rotatable. Furthermore, the edge of the lid and / or the edge of the base can be discontinuous and, for example, have a discontinuous height. Finally, the dispensing device can be located at a different point on the fluid container than on the lid (e.g.,The gas cartridge can be located on the side of the fluid container. Alternatively, the gas cartridge can be pierced simultaneously with the activation of the activation element or the activation of the pressure regulating device.

[0121] Reference symbol list 10 containers 12 fluid containers 14 Carrying device 16 Dispensing device 18 Pressure regulating device Floor Lid Longitudinal axis, first opening, second opening, third opening, base Carrying handles handle recess recess Support arms spring element Fourth opening of riser pipe valve spout Tap lever, first end of the riser pipe, second end of the riser pipe, first end of the nozzle, second end of the nozzle, side opening, first locking groove of the activation element, activation element Outlet opening, first housing seal, second locking groove of the activation element, first housing part Locking element of the first housing part, second housing seal, first spring Activation sled Activation slide seal Valve tappet seal Valve tappet Piercing element second spring Piercing element seal gas cartridge Thread second housing part through hole Longitudinal axis of the first housing part Locking groove of the first housing part Locking element of the second housing part Filler cap, first anti-rotation device bead Swivel axis, second anti-rotation device, first actuating section, second actuating section Pistons Feather Valve seal Image of a cavity open on one side opening Area first wall section second wall section Interleaved cardboard first space Edge of the lid, free end of the edge of the lid Edge of the base, second gap, free end of the edge of the base, bearing surface, interior, spring space, third gap, recess of the carrying handle, section

Claims

Patent claims 1. A container (10) with a dispensing device (16) for dispensing a fluid, with a fluid container (12) for receiving the fluid, a carrying device (14) with a carrying handle (32) for carrying the fluid container (12), a valve (42) which is designed to discharge the fluid from the fluid container (12) in an actuated state, and a spout (44) which can be connected to the valve (42) for discharging the fluid discharged from the valve (42), wherein the carrying handle (32) has a recess which forms a receptacle (116) for the spout (44), the spout (44) can be fastened in the receptacle (116) in a carrying state and can be connected to the valve (42) in an operating state.

2. Container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (116) has a cavity (118) which is open on one side.

3. Container (10) according to claim 2, wherein a depth of the half-open cavity (118) is equal to or greater than a diameter of the spout (44).

4. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying handle (32) has a region (120) which makes it possible to press the spout (44) out of the receptacle (116) of the carrying handle (32) under the action of force from a side facing away from the receptacle (116) of the carrying handle (32).

5. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying handle (32) has a first wall section (122) and a second wall section (124), the second wall section (124) forms at least part of the receptacle (116) of the carrying handle (32) and is movable relative to the first wall section (122), so that the second wall section (124) can be moved under the action of force relative to the first wall section (122) and thus allows the grommet (44) to be pushed out of the receptacle (116) of the carrying handle (32).

6. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying handle (32) is movable relative to the fluid container (12).

7. Container (10) according to claim 6, wherein the carrying handle (32) is pivotally mounted on the fluid container (12).

8. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device (14) has a base (30) on which the carrying handle (32) is mounted, and which has a receptacle (38) which is designed to receive the spout (44) in the operating state.

9. Container (10) according to claim 8, wherein the receptacle (38) of the base (30) has an opening (39) and the spout (44) for connection to the valve (42) can be inserted through the opening into the valve (42).

10. Container (10) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an anti-rotation device (102) which is arranged on the spout (44) and / or the receptacle (38) of the base (30) and which, in the operating state, rotationally secures the spout (44) relative to the receptacle (38) of the base (30).

11. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (116) of the carrying handle (32) in a stored state faces an outer surface of the fluid container (12), in particular a lid (22) of the fluid container (12).

12. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid container (12) has a lid (22) and the carrying device (14) is arranged eccentrically on the lid (22) of the fluid container (12).

13. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device (14) is attached to the fluid container (12) by means of a snap connection.

14. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid container (12) has a circumferential bead (98) and the carrying device (14) is designed to engage in the bead (98).

15. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid container (12) is a barrel.

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