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), wherein the carrying handle (32) can be moved relative to 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). In a connected state, in which the spout (44) is connected to the valve (42), a movement of the carrying handle (32) relative to the fluid container (12) leads to an actuation of the valve (42), whereas in a non-connected state, in which the spout (44) is not connected to the valve (42), the relative movement of the carrying handle (32) does not lead to an actuation of the valve (42).

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 spout for dispensing the fluid.

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

[0003] A simple solution for the dispensing system is a tap mounted on the side, near the bottom of the keg, through which the beverage or liquid can be dispensed. When the tap lever is pulled, the liquid flows out of the container under its own gravity.

[0004] However, this solution requires an additional opening in the container for pressure equalization, as otherwise, the resulting negative pressure in the container would prevent any liquid / fluid from escaping. However, ambient air flowing into the container leads to a rapid loss of quality in carbonated or oxidation-sensitive beverages, causing the beer to become stale, especially in the case of beer.

[0005] In recent years, pressure equalization devices have been developed for such party kegs, allowing the fluid container or keg to be maintained at a constant internal pressure regardless of the fill level. Such a pressure equalization device with a CO2 gas cartridge is known, for example, from EP 1 688 814 A1.

[0006] Such pressure equalization devices thus enable the consumer to tap the beverage in the expected quality “fresh from the tap” even after several tapping processes.

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

[0008] However, positions of the dispensing device other than on the side of the barrel also have disadvantages. For example, a dispensing device located on the lid of the container is considered disadvantageous because it impairs stackability. Although US Pat. No. 2,134,852 shows a dispensing device recessed between the top of the container and the surrounding outer rim, this known solution is complex and time-consuming.

[0009] Another disadvantage of party kegs with such pressure equalization devices is the increased complexity of the overall design. Connecting and operating the keg during preparation or during tapping is often somewhat complicated for the user and involves a assembly of various components. Furthermore, increased complexity and a higher number of components are associated with increased manufacturing costs and reduced user-friendliness.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container with a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, which has a simple, compact design with few components and enables user-friendly application in the sense that it is easy to assemble and operate.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by a container with a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid according to claim 1, which container has a fluid container for receiving the fluid, a carrying device with a carrying handle for carrying the fluid container, wherein the carrying handle is movable relative to the fluid container, a valve which is designed to discharge the fluid from the fluid container in an actuated state, and a spout which can be connected to the valve for discharging the fluid discharged from the valve, wherein in a connected state in which the spout is connected to the valve, a relative movement of the carrying handle relative to the fluid container leads to an actuation of the valve, whereas in a non-connected state in which the spout is not connected to the valve, the relative movement of the carrying handle does not lead to any actuation of the valve.

[0012] The fluid container of the container according to the invention can thus be carried on the carrying device or the carrying handle. The dispensing device includes a valve and a spout, by means of which, in the connected state, the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid container through the spout upon actuation of the valve. The spout is preferably connectable, in particular detachable, to the valve by means of a plug-in connection.

[0013] According to the invention, the carrying handle of the carrying device serves not only for carrying or Transporting the container, but also functions as a dispensing lever for the dispensing device. The same relative movement of the carrying handle has different technical effects depending on whether the spout is connected to the valve or not. "Relative movement" refers to the movement of the carrying handle relative to the fluid container. The holder is meant to activate the valve. It is therefore possible that the carrying handle can be moved even when connected, i.e., perform movements other than the intended relative movement, during which the valve is not activated.

[0014] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the non-connected state does not preclude the valve from being operated by hand, for example. Only the actuation of the valve by the aforementioned relative movement of the carrying handle is technically prevented in the non-connected state, i.e. without the spout mounted. This means that the container can be easily transported using the carrying handle in the non-connected state without running the risk of this actuating the valve and causing fluid to leak from the fluid container. Only when the spout is mounted on the fluid container can the valve be actuated and fluid dispensed using the carrying handle. An additional dispensing lever is not necessary due to the aforementioned dual function of the carrying handle. This not only reduces the number of parts but also significantly increases user-friendliness and reduces the complexity of the structure.

[0015] The above-mentioned task is thus completely solved.

[0016] The term "container" in this context refers to outer packaging for volumes / fluids of all kinds. For example, the container is a barrel, in particular a party keg of the type mentioned above. "Container" in this context therefore refers to the entire device comprising the fluid container, carrying device, valve, spout, and possibly other components.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the carrying handle is pivotally mounted on the fluid container and the relative movement is a pivoting movement.

[0018] For example, the carrying handle can be mounted for rotation about a fixed axis of rotation relative to the fluid container. A possible rotation angle range can be predetermined due to the spatial limitations of the fluid container.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, in the connected state, the carrying handle exerts a force on the valve during the relative movement over the spout.

[0020] The force exerted by the carrying handle on the nozzle is thus transferred from the nozzle to the valve. The carrying handle is manually operated. The valve can thus be operated simply, purely mechanically, and without electronics.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the carrying handle has a first actuating portion which, in the connected state, cooperates with a second actuating portion arranged on the spout in order to exert the force on the valve via the spout in order to actuate the valve.

[0022] The first actuating portion on the carrying handle is thus designed to exert a force on the second actuating portion on the spout, wherein the second actuating portion is designed to absorb the force introduced into the spout via the first actuating portion. Preferably, the second actuating portion is arranged on a lateral wing of the spout.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the carrying device has a base on which the carrying handle is mounted and which comprises a receptacle which is designed to receive the spout.

[0024] Advantageously, the base of the carrying device serves as a mechanical support for the carrying handle and at the same time as a holder for the spout of the dispensing device.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, in the connected state, the second actuating section is clamped during the relative movement between the base and the first actuating section.

[0026] In other words, the nozzle is clamped between the carrying handle and the base on which the carrying handle is mounted during the tapping process. The force exerted by the carrying handle on the nozzle can thus be transferred to the base and from there act directly on the valve. Advantageously, the nozzle can maintain a defined position between the carrying handle and the base during the relative movement.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the receptacle arranged in the base has an opening and the nozzle can be inserted into the valve through the opening for connection to the valve.

[0028] Advantageously, the support device can also serve as a positioning aid for the nozzle, connecting it to the valve. Furthermore, a space-saving arrangement of the support device and the dispensing device can be achieved. Furthermore, the nozzle is very easy to install.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the container further comprises an anti-rotation device which is arranged on the spout and / or the receptacle and which secures the spout in the connected state in a rotational manner relative to the receptacle.

[0030] Advantageously, this design allows for a fixed position of the spout relative to the base. This prevents unintentional rotation of the spout relative to the fluid container. For example, the user can then always dispense the fluid from a set-down fluid container into a container from the same position.

[0031] For example, the holder for holding the grommet has a recess into which the grommet engages in a form-fitting manner when inserted.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the carrying device has a spring element which is designed to exert a force on the carrying handle and / or the spout that is opposite to the relative movement.

[0033] The spring element can thus exert a counterforce on the carrying handle and / or the spout, so that the relative movement of the carrying handle must be carried out against a counterforce. This prevents unintentional actuation of the valve, ensures a comfortable dispensing experience, and enables automatic resetting of the dispensing lever or carrying handle.

[0034] In addition, a restoring force exerted by the spring can advantageously prevent the valve from remaining in an actuated state without manual force being applied by the user to the carrying handle, thus preventing fluid from escaping from the fluid container. The user therefore does not have to explicitly move the carrying handle in a direction opposite to the relative movement to prevent fluid from escaping.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the spring element is part of the base and has two movable holding arms which form the receptacle for the grommet.

[0036] Advantageously, no separate component is required for the spring element integrated into the base and therefore no separate holder for the grommet is required.

[0037] For example, in a neutral state, in which the holding arms are not subjected to an external force, the holding arms extend from two opposite sides of the base essentially along a common axis, with a free end of one holding arm and a free end of the other holding arm together forming the receptacle for the grommet. The spring stiffness of the holding arms can be influenced, for example, by the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the holding arms.

[0038] The two-part design of the grommet holder can allow the grommet to move orthogonally (in the neutral, undeformed state) to the axis of the holding arms.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the fluid container has a lid and the carrying device is arranged eccentrically on the lid.

[0040] An eccentric arrangement refers to an off-center arrangement on the lid that deviates from the center of the surface of the lid facing away from the fluid container. In particular, this means that the carrying handle as a whole is not centered on the lid. Nevertheless, it is possible that a section the carrying device, such as the base or the carrying handle, coincides with the center of the lid.

[0041] Advantageously, the carrying handle can be held closer to the wearer's body when worn. This allows the fluid container to be carried comfortably. This also makes it easier to carry two containers at once.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the carrying device is attached to the fluid container by means of a snap connection.

[0043] The carrying device can be quickly and easily mounted to the fluid container using the snap connection. Preferably, the carrying device is attached to the valve. This eliminates the need for separate tools for mounting the carrying device.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid container has a circumferential bead and the carrying device is designed to engage in the bead.

[0045] Advantageously, the carrying device can thus be secured in a fixed position relative to the fluid container. It is understood that the carrying handle can still be movable relative to the fluid container.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the fluid container is a barrel.

[0047] The fluid container is suitable, for example, for use as a "party keg," especially with beer as the fluid. The keg preferably has a capacity of approximately 5 or 10 liters.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the fluid container comprises a first material and the carrying device comprises a second material different from the first material.

[0049] Thus, the fluid container and the support device can be manufactured separately, which facilitates production. Furthermore, the materials can be selected independently of each other according to the requirements of the respective component. For example, the fluid container is made of metal and the support device is made of plastic. However, the fluid container and the support device can comprise materials from the same material group, e.g., the fluid container may comprise a first plastic composition and the support device a second plastic composition.

[0050] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 is 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 is 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 plan view of the container shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a detailed view of the container shown in Fig. 1 Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the container shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 8A is a further detailed view of the container shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 8B is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 7 in a non-actuated state; Fig. 80 is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 7 in an actuated state; Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a base of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9B is another perspective view of the base shown in Fig. 9A; Fig. 10 is a side view of the container shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 11 is a further side view of the container shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of two stacked containers according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 with interlayer cardboard; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of two stacked containers according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 without intermediate cardboard; Fig. 14A is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a non-regulated state; Fig. 14B is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a control state without gas outlet; Fig. 14C is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a control state with gas outlet; and Fig. 14D is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 in a safety state.

[0052] Figs. 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 is designated in its entirety by reference numeral 10.

[0053] The container 10 comprises a fluid container 12 in which a fluid, such as a beverage such as beer or wine, can be accommodated. Furthermore, the container 10 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 container 12 and, in particular, compensates for the pressure drop in the fluid container 12 that occurs during a dispensing process—the withdrawal of fluid from the fluid container 12.

[0054] 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 by means of the carrying device 14. Fig. 3 shows the container 10 in an operating state, also referred to herein as the connected state, in which the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid container 12 by means of the dispensing device 16.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the container 10. The fluid container 12 is designed as a barrel, which is preferably made of metal. The fluid container 12 has a base 20, on which the fluid container 12 can be placed, and a lid 22 arranged opposite it. A longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12 runs through the center of the lid 22 and the center of the base 20.

[0056] The fluid container 12 can, for example, be manufactured with an integral base 20 using a deep-drawing process and be seamed with 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 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 23), to which the base 20 and the lid 22 are connected by means of a seam connection.

[0057] The lid 22 has a first opening 24, which serves to receive 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 receive the pressure regulating device 18.

[0058] The first opening 24, the second opening 26, and the third opening 28 are arranged in a line on the lid 22. The second opening 26 is centrally located, and the other two openings 24, 28 are arranged off-center on the lid 22.

[0059] The carrying device 14 is thus arranged eccentrically on the lid 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 pivotally mounted. Preferably, the base 30 and the carrying handle 32 are made of plastic.

[0060] The carrying handle 32 has a closed contour with a grip recess 34 into which a carrier of 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).

[0061] The base 30 is preferably attached to the first opening 24 or the dispensing device 16 by means of a snap connection. The base 30 has two movable support arms 36 that extend substantially along a common axis from opposite sides of the base 30 and together form a receptacle 38. The support arms 36 function as a spring element 37. The receptacle 38 has an opening 39 (referred to herein as the "fourth opening") and a recess 35.

[0062] The dispensing device 16 is arranged eccentrically on the lid 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 spout 44 connectable to the valve 42 for dispensing the fluid, and a dispensing lever 46.

[0063] In this embodiment, the carrying handle 32 of the carrying device 14 simultaneously functions as a dispensing lever 46 for the dispensing device 16.

[0064] The valve 42 is, for example, a standard 1-inch female valve. The riser tube 40 has a first end 48 serving as a fluid inlet and a second end 50 serving as a fluid outlet from the riser tube 40 and connected to the valve 42. The first end 48 is preferably arranged at the bottom 20 of the fluid container 12 so that fluid can enter the first end 48 of the riser tube 40 even at low fluid levels in the fluid container 12. It is understood that the riser tube 40 and the valve 42 can be separate components, although they are shown as a single component in Fig. 4.

[0065] The spout 44 is substantially L-shaped and has a first end 52 connectable to the valve 42 and a second end 54 serving as an outlet opening for the fluid. The tubular first end 52 of the spout 44 has a lateral opening 56. The spout 44 is preferably made of plastic.

[0066] The pressure regulating device 18 is arranged eccentrically on the cover 22 at the third opening 28. Preferably, the pressure regulating device 18 is fastened 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 locking groove 57 and a second locking groove 61, a first housing seal 60, a first housing part 62 with a locking element 63 (referred to herein as the "first locking 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-filled gas cartridge 82 with a thread 83 and a second housing part 84.

[0067] The first housing part 62 has a through-bore 86, which here runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis 88 of the first housing part 62, and a locking groove 90 (referred to herein as the "third locking groove"). The second housing part 84 has a locking element 92 corresponding to the locking groove 90 (referred to herein as the "second locking element") and has the shape of a sleeve open on one side that encloses the gas cartridge 82. When the second housing part 84 is connected to the first housing part 62, the locking element 92 locks into the locking groove 90, so that the second housing part 84 is fastened to the first housing part 62.

[0068] Preferably, the gas cartridge is designed to hold CO2 as a gas under a pressure of approximately 60 bar.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the container 10 shown in Fig. 1 in the stored state and Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the container 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0071] In the stored 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 stored state.

[0072] The carrying handle 32, pivotally mounted on the base 30, can be pivoted relative to the fluid container 12. In the carrying state (Fig. 2), the carrying handle 32 is "folded out," i.e., spaced apart from the lid 22 and the activation element 58. A pivoting movement in the carrying state does not result in the actuation of the valve 42. Thus, the fluid container 12 can be carried in the carrying state on the carrying handle 32 without fluid escaping from the valve 42.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 30 is fastened to the valve 42 by means of a snap connection. Furthermore, an anti-rotation device 96 (referred to herein as the "first anti-rotation device") is arranged on the support device 14 and the fluid container 12, which secures the support device 14 rotationally (about the longitudinal axis 23) to the fluid container 12 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). In the exemplary embodiment shown, a recess is formed for this purpose on the lid 22 of the fluid container 12, into which the base 30 engages. The recess is designed here as a bead 98. Due to the eccentric arrangement of the base 30 on the lid 22, the base 30 engaging in the bead 98 is rotationally secured. 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).

[0074] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8A show detailed views of the container 10 shown in Fig. 3. To transfer the container 10 from the storage state (Fig. 1) to the operating state (Fig. 3), the nozzle 44 is inserted through the opening 39 of the receptacle 38 of the base 30 (Fig. 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-in connection.

[0075] The discharge of the fluid stored in the fluid container 12 during tapping takes place through the riser pipe 40, the actuated valve 42 and finally through the spout 44 (Fig. 4).

[0076] The container has an anti-rotation device 102 (referred to herein as the “second anti-rotation device”), which is arranged in the receptacle 38 and on the spout 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout 44 engages in the recess 35 of the receptacle 38 of the base 30 (Fig. 4, Fig. 7). Thus, the spout 44 is rotationally secured relative to the receptacle 38 in the connected state. As a result, a unintentional rotation of the nozzle 44 relative to the base 30 and thus also (due to the first anti-rotation device 96) the fluid container 12 is prevented.

[0077] As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, in the connected state, the carrying handle 32 simultaneously functions as a tapping lever 46, which is designed to actuate the valve 42. The same pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32, which did not lead to activation of the valve 42 in the stored state, leads to activation of the valve 42 in the connected state (Fig. 3, Fig. 7), so that the fluid can exit from the valve 42 and through the spout 44.

[0078] For this purpose, the carrying handle 32 has a first actuating portion 104, which, during the pivoting movement, is in contact with a second actuating portion 106 formed on the spout 44 (Fig. 8A). During the pivoting movement, the carrying handle 32, by means of the first actuating portion 104, exerts a force on the second actuating portion 106 and thus on the spout 44, which is thereby pressed into the valve 42. Pressing in the spout 44 actuates the valve 42, so that the fluid can exit from the valve 42 into the spout 44 and be discharged through the spout 44.

[0079] Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C show a sectional view of Fig. 8A with the carrying handle 32 and the dispensing lever 46, respectively, in various positions in the connected state. The valve 42 has a piston 110, a spring 112, and a valve seal 114.

[0080] Fig. 8B shows a neutral state in which the spout 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 can also be inclined at an angle relative to the lid 22 or the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12 other than that shown in Fig. 8B.

[0081] Fig. 8C shows a sectional view of Fig. 8A in a state in which the valve 42 is actuated. As already mentioned, with the pivoting movement, the first actuating section 104 of the carrying handle 32 presses under the action of force on the second actuating section 106, which is arranged laterally on the spout 44 (not shown in this sectional plane). visible). During the pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32, the second actuating section 106 arranged on the spout 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 spout 44, can move with the spout 44 due to the movable holding arms 36 (Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B).

[0082] The carrying handle 32 thus pushes the spout 44 into the valve 42, so that the valve 42 is actuated. In doing so, the movably mounted 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 container 12 can then rise through the riser tube 40 past the piston 110 and the valve seal 114 through the lateral opening 56 of the spout 44 into the spout 44 and be discharged to the outside through the spout 44.

[0083] The movable retaining arms 36 also function as a spring element 37. Thus, to actuate the valve 42, the pivoting movement must be performed counter to the spring force exerted by the retaining arms 36, which is generated by the movement of the retaining arms 36. 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 acting on the nozzle 44 or the carrying handle 32, so that the valve 42 is automatically transferred from an actuated state to a deactuated state without manual force.

[0084] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show two opposite side views (rotated by 180° around the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12) of the carrying handle 32 in the carrying state.

[0085] The nozzle 44, which can be connected to the valve 42, is arranged in the carrying state or the storage state in a recess-shaped receptacle 116 of the carrying handle 32 (Fig. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the recess or receptacle 116 is designed as a half-open cavity 118, which forms the receptacle for the nozzle 44 and surrounds the nozzle 44 from several sides. A largest diameter of the tubular nozzle 44 is smaller than a greatest depth of the half-open cavity 118 measured from an opening 119 of the half-open cavity 118. The spout 44 is thus arranged entirely within the half-open cavity 118 and does not protrude beyond it. The spout 44 is thus only exposed in the region of the opening 119 of the half-open cavity 118 or the receptacle 116. If the carrying handle 32 is folded in and rests on the lid 22 and / or the pressure regulating device 18 (Fig. 1, Fig. 6), the opening 119 of the receptacle 116 facing the lid 22 is covered by the lid 22. The spout 44 is thus protected from contamination from all sides.

[0086] The grommet 44 is releasably secured in the receptacle 116. In this embodiment, the grommet 44 is (releasably) clamped in the receptacle 116 to secure the grommet 44 against accidental removal from the receptacle.

[0087] In order to release the spout 44 from the receptacle 116 of the carrying handle 32 (in particular in order to connect the spout 44 to the valve 42 for tapping), the spout 44 can be pushed out of the receptacle 116 from the side facing away from the receptacle 116. For this purpose, the carrying handle 32 has an area 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 spout 44. Under the action of force, the second wall section 124 moves relative to the first wall section 122 and exerts a force on the spout 44, which is released from the receptacle 116 under the action of force.

[0088] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show two containers of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 stacked on top of each other. Fig. 12 shows the two containers with an interlayer cardboard 126 arranged between the two containers 10, while Fig. 13 shows the two containers 10 stacked on top of each other without the interlayer cardboard 126. The storage method with the interlayer cardboard 126 is particularly suitable for empty or unfilled containers 10.

[0089] The lid 22 of the fluid container 12 has a rim 130 that surrounds the lid 22 and protrudes from the lid 22. The lid 22 and the rim 130 of the lid 22 form together form a (half-open) space 128 which ends with a free upper end 132 of the edge 130.

[0090] The edge 130 is formed integrally with the lid 22. The edge 130 can be formed, for example, by a deep-drawing process of the lid 22, which is then flanged with the fluid container 12 to create a folded edge (Fig. 8B).

[0091] 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 the circumferential direction (Fig. 12). The free end 132 of the rim 130 of the lid 22 thus extends in a plane that closes off the intermediate 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 a height, measured parallel thereto, of the carrying device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, in particular the valve 42 and the spout 44, the pressure regulating device 18, and the filler cover 94. The spout 44 is arranged, for example, 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) intermediate space 128 and / or in the fluid container 12.The edge 130 of the cover 22 also serves to protect the components arranged in the intermediate space 128 from mechanical stresses acting laterally (transversely to the longitudinal axis 23).

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the carrying handle 32, measured from the lid 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 spout 44) and the pressure regulating device 18 (in particular the activation element 58) arranged in the intermediate space 128, measured parallel thereto. The carrying handle 32 can thus simultaneously serve to protect the dispensing device 16 and the pressure regulating device 18 from mechanical stresses from above.

[0093] The base 20 of the fluid container 12 has an edge 134 that at least partially surrounds the base 20 and protrudes from the base 20. The edge 134 of the base 20 and the base 20 form a (half-open) intermediate space 136 (referred to herein as the "second intermediate space"), which terminates at a free end 138 of the edge 134 of the base 20. The edge 134 of the base 20 has a constant height along the circumferential direction. The free end 138 of the edge 134 of the base 20 extends in a plane that terminates the intermediate space 136 and to which the longitudinal axis 23 (Fig. 4) of the fluid container 12 runs orthogonally. The container 10 can be placed on the free end 138 of the edge 134 of the base 20.

[0094] If, as in Fig. 12, an interlayer cardboard 126 is used between two stacked containers, the interlayer 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 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 intermediate space 128, in which the carrying 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 interlayer cardboard 126. The container 10 can thus be compactly stacked.

[0095] When stacked without intermediate cardboard (Fig. 13), the edge 130 of the lid 22 and the edge 134 of the base 20 also function as a centering aid. The edge 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10 engages in the second gap 136 of the upper container 10. An inner diameter of the edge 134 of the base 20 is larger than an outer diameter of the edge 130 of the lid 22. The smaller the difference between the outer diameter of the edge 130 of the lid 22 and the inner diameter of the edge 134 of the base 20, the more precisely the two containers are aligned with each other. Ideally, the longitudinal axes 23 (Fig. 4) of the containers 10 coincide.

[0096] In Fig. 13, the base 20 of the upper container 10 rests on the edge 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10. The weight of the upper container 10 is thus absorbed by the edge 130 of the lid 22 of the lower container 10. Carrying device 14, the dispensing device 16 with the valve 42, the spout 44 and the dispensing lever 46, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filler cover 94 of the lower container 10 are arranged in the intermediate space 128 of the lower container 10 and / or in the fluid container 12 and are thus accommodated in a space-saving manner. The intermediate space 128 is closed off in Fig. 13 by the base 20 of the upper container 10. This enables optimal stackability even without the use of an intermediate cardboard box 126, while at the same time cleverly arranging all components of the container 10. As in Fig. 12, the components arranged in the intermediate space 128 of the lower container 10 are protected from contamination and mechanical stress.

[0097] In this embodiment, the carrying handle 32 forms a support surface 140 parallel to the base 20 in the stored state. The interlayer 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.

[0098] Fig. 14A to Fig. 14D show the pressure regulating device 18 in various states. Fig. 14A shows the pressure regulating device in a non-regulating state in which the pressure regulating device 18 does not regulate the internal pressure, Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C show the pressure regulating device 18 in various control states, and Fig. 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.

[0099] In the non-regulating state (Fig. 14A), in this exemplary embodiment, the gas cartridge 82 of the pressure regulating device 18 is already punctured. This occurs when the gas cartridge 82 is screwed into the first housing part 62 with the thread 83 (Fig. 4). During the screwing-in 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 container 12 and against an intermediate space 150 (here referred to as the "second intermediate space") by means of the valve tappet 74, which is pressed against the valve tappet seal 72 by the spring 78.

[0100] The activation element (58) is designed here as a button that protrudes from the lid (22) (along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container) in the non-regulated state (Fig. 14A). In the non-regulated state (Fig. 14A), the activation element 58 is connected to the first housing part 62 by means of a snap connection. The activation element 58 engages with the second locking groove 61 in 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 lid 22 of the fluid container 12 (Fig. 14A). The carrying handle 32 is thus arranged in a space-saving manner in the non-regulated state. The (entire) carrying handle 32 is arranged within the intermediate space 128 without projecting above the edge 130 of the lid 22 along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid container 12.This prevents unintentional pressure on the carrying handle 32, which could lead to activation of the pressure regulating device 18.

[0101] By means of the activation element 58, the pressure regulating device 18 can be activated, thus being transferred from a non-regulating state to a regulating state. For this purpose, the activation element 58 is pressed into the housing 62, 84 of the pressure regulating device 18 in the form of a button. In this exemplary embodiment, the first locking groove 57 of the activation element 58 is pressed into the locking element 63 of the first housing part 62, whereby the second locking groove 61 of the activation element 58 is pushed out of the locking element 63 (Fig. 14B). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the activation element 58 is actuated by means of a pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32. In the non-regulating state (Fig. 14A), a portion 154 of the carrying handle rests on the activation element 58.Under the action 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.

[0102] The dimensions of the carrying handle 32 as well as the distance of the grip section of the carrying handle 32 from its mounting on the base 30 are selected such that pressing on the carrying handle 32 in the storage state or the non-regulating state leads to a small pivoting movement, in 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, a distance of the portion (154) of the carrying handle (32) from the pivot axis (100) (Fig. 5) is equal to a distance of the activation element (58) from the pivot axis (100).

[0103] In the control state, the carrying handle 32 rests on the lid 22 of the fluid container 12 (Fig. 14B), with the portion 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 control state of the pressure regulating device (Fig. 14B).

[0104] By pushing 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 toward the activation slide 68. Therefore, the first spring 66 exerts a greater force on the activation slide 68 in the controlled state than in the non-controlled state. The spring chamber 148 is sealed from the intermediate space 150 by a spring chamber seal 70, which is attached to the movable activation slide 68 and is movable with the activation slide 68.

[0105] Through the through-holes 86, the fluid can flow in and out of the interior 146 of the fluid container 12 into the intermediate space 150. A counterforce on the movably mounted activation slide 68 is thus exerted by and in dependence on the internal pressure of the fluid container 12. The counterforce corresponds to the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 multiplied by the area projected in the intermediate 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 container 12), on which the fluid acts.

[0106] 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 if this is shown as such in Fig. 14B.

[0107] Fig. 14C shows the pressure regulating device 18 in the control state with gas discharge from the gas cartridge 82. If the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 drops to a critical value, the spring force of the first spring 66—together with a synergistic 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 presses the activation slide 68 (together with the weight force) toward the valve stem 74 against the counterforce of the fluid.If the activation slide 68 exerts a sufficiently large force on the valve tappet 74, the valve tappet 74 is pressed 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 can flow past the valve tappet 74 and the valve tappet seal 72 into the intermediate space 150 - the valve tappet 74 is actuated.

[0108] The escaping gas increases the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 until the counterforce generated by the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 on the activation slide 68 outweighs 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 tappet 74, whereupon the valve tappet 74 is moved back toward the valve tappet seal 72 due to the spring force of the second spring 78 until the valve tappet seal 72 seals the gas cartridge 82 against the gap 150 and the gas escape from the gas cartridge 82 is interrupted.

[0109] The use of such a pressure regulating device 18 with a gas cartridge 82 entails the risk of uncontrolled gas escaping from the gas cartridge 82 due to a malfunction, causing the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 to rise excessively. Excessive internal pressure could cause the fluid container 12 to deform and, for example, leak or even burst due to the opening of the seamed connection 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 excessive pressure can be released to the outside.

[0110] Fig. 14D shows the pressure regulating device 18 in a safety state. If the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 reaches a critical value, the (counter) force exerted by the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 pushes the activation slide 68 toward the activation element 58 against the spring force of the first spring 66 (and against the weight force acting on the activation slide 68). The first housing part 62 has a conical cross-section whose inner diameter increases toward a free end of the first housing part 62. If the activation slide 68 moves toward the free end, the gas can flow past the spring chamber seal 70, which, in the control state, seals the intermediate space 150 from the spring chamber 148. The gas can then flow out of the housing 62, 84 of the pressure regulating device 18 via the outlet opening 59, so that the internal pressure of the fluid container 12 is reduced.

[0111] When the internal pressure is sufficiently reduced, the spring force of the first spring 66 (plus the weight force) outweighs the counterforce on the activation slide 68 resulting from the internal pressure, so that the activation slide 68 moves away from the activation element 58 in the direction of the valve tappet 74, the spring chamber seal 70 seals the spring chamber 148 again against the intermediate space 150 and the pressure regulating device 18 is returned from the safety state to the control state.

[0112] It is understood that the embodiments shown in the figures merely show exemplary configurations of the container according to the invention, which are intended to illustrate the advantages of the container according to the invention. 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 differently designed valve than the (standard) valve shown. Furthermore, the carrying handle can have a different shape than that shown and / or no handle recess. Likewise, the carrying handle can also be linearly movable 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. Furthermore, the dispensing device can be located at a different location on the fluid container than on the lid (e.g.(on the side of the fluid container). Likewise, the gas cartridge can be punctured simultaneously with the Actuating the activation element or activating the pressure regulating device.

[0113] List of reference symbols 10 containers 12 fluid containers 14 Carrying device 16 Dispensing device 18 Pressure regulating device 20 floor 22 lids 23 Longitudinal axis 24 first opening 26 second opening 28 third opening 30 Base 32 carrying handles 34 Handle recess 35 recess 36 holding arms 37 spring element 38 recording 39 fourth opening 40 riser pipe 42 Valve 44 spout 46 tap lever 48 first end of the riser pipe 50 second end of the riser pipe 52 first end of the spout 54 second end of the spout 56 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 carriage 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 cover first anti-twist bead Swivel axis second anti-twist device first actuating section second actuating section Pistons Feather Valve seal Recording of half-open cavity opening Area first wall section second wall section Interlayer cardboard first space Edge of the lid free end of the edge of the lid Edge of the floor second space free end of the edge of the floor Support surface Interior Spring space third space Recess for the carrying handle Section

Claims

Patent claims 1 . 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), wherein the carrying handle (32) is movable relative to the fluid container (12), a valve (42) which is designed to discharge the fluid from the fluid container (12) in an actuated state, a spout (44) which is connectable to the valve (42) for discharging the fluid discharged from the valve (42), wherein in a connected state in which the spout (44) is connected to the valve (42), a relative movement of the carrying handle (32) relative to the fluid container (12) leads to an actuation of the valve (42), while in a non-connected state in which the spout (44) is not connected to the valve (42), the relative movement of the carrying handle (32) does not lead to any actuation of the valve (42).

2. Container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the carrying handle (32) is pivotally mounted on the fluid container (12) and the relative movement is a pivoting movement.

3. Container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the connected state the carrying handle (32) exerts a force on the valve (42) during the relative movement over the spout (44).

4. Container (10) according to claim 3, wherein the carrying handle (32) has a first actuating portion (104) which, in the connected state, cooperates with a second actuating portion (106) arranged on the spout (44) in order to exert the force on the valve (42) via the spout (44) for actuating the valve (42).

5. 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).

6. Container (10) according to claim 4 and 5, wherein in the connected state the second actuating portion (106) is clamped during the relative movement between the base (30) and the first actuating portion (104).

7. Container (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the receptacle (38) has an opening (39) and the spout (44) for connection to the valve (42) can be inserted through the opening (39) into the valve (42).

8. Container (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising an anti-rotation device (102) which is arranged on the spout (44) and / or the receptacle (38) and which rotationally secures the spout (44) in the connected state relative to the receptacle (38).

9. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device (14) has a spring element (37) which is designed to exert a force on the carrying handle (32) and / or the spout (44) which is opposite to the relative movement.

10. Container (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8 and according to claim 9, wherein the spring element (37) is part of the base (30) and has two movable holding arms (36) which form the receptacle (38) for the spout (44).

11. 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).

12. 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.

13. 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).

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

15. Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid container (12) comprises a first material and the carrying device (14) comprises a second material different from the first material.

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