Air intake structure of beverage container

Abstract

An air intake structure of a beverage container. The air intake structure further comprises a rubber plug (41) arranged in a balance cavity (2); a vent hole (412) is formed in the rubber plug (41); a blocking block (42) is provided at the end of the rubber plug (41) away from a storage cavity (3); an air source (1) is communicated with the storage cavity (3) by means of the balance cavity (2) and the vent hole (412); and when the air pressure in the balance cavity (2) is greater than a certain air pressure value, the blocking block (42) works in conjunction with the rubber plug (41) to close the vent hole (412). The air intake structure of the beverage container ensures stable liquid discharge from the beverage container.

Description

Air intake structure for beverage container Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of beverage containers and relates to an air intake structure of a beverage container. Background Art

[0002] A beverage container is a container used to hold alcohol or beverages. In order to draw out the alcohol or beverage in the container, the beverage container is usually filled with high-pressure gas, so that the alcohol or beverage flows out through a valve under the action of high pressure.

[0003] Existing beverage containers, for example, Chinese patent literature discloses a pressure regulating system for a beverage container and a beverage container provided with the system [Patent No.: 201980025142.4; Application Publication No.: CN111954638A], which includes a first compartment for accommodating pressurized gas, the first compartment being fluidly connected to the outlet space at least through an air valve for opening and closing the passage between the first compartment and the outlet space, wherein an air valve control system is provided, the air valve control system including a deformable and / or movable wall or wall part of the outlet space, wherein the deformable and / or movable wall part is operably contacted with the air valve to open and / or close the air valve, wherein a second compartment is provided on the side of the deformable and / or movable wall part opposite to the outlet space, wherein the second compartment is fluidly connected to a third compartment, the third compartment includes at least one partition wall part, and the third compartment is at least liquid-tight.

[0004] In a beverage container of this structure, a high-pressure gas cylinder (i.e., the first compartment) is provided inside the beverage container. After the gas in the high-pressure gas cylinder is released, it flows directly into the inner cavity of the beverage barrel through the outlet space and directly squeezes the liquid, causing the liquid to flow out through the valve. However, when the high-pressure gas cylinder releases gas, the gas pressure fluctuates, and the gas pressure fluctuates. When the gas pressure is too high, the liquid is ejected directly from the valve, with a large impact force, causing the liquid to splash, and the liquid discharge from the beverage container is unstable. In order to improve the stability of the liquid discharge from the beverage container, a pressure-stabilizing valve is usually provided at the bottle mouth of the high-pressure gas cylinder to stabilize the outlet pressure of the high-pressure gas cylinder, but the cost of the pressure-stabilizing valve is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art and to propose an air intake structure for a beverage container, the technical problem to be solved is how to ensure stable liquid discharge from the beverage container.

[0006] The objectives of the present invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: an air intake structure for a beverage container, comprising an air source, a balancing chamber and a storage chamber for storing liquid, characterized in that the air intake structure also includes a rubber plug arranged in the balancing chamber, the rubber plug having an air vent, and a sealing block is provided at one end of the rubber plug away from the storage chamber, the air source is connected to the storage chamber through the balancing chamber and the air vent, and when the air pressure in the balancing chamber is greater than a certain air pressure value, the sealing block and the rubber plug cooperate to close the air vent.

[0007] An air source provides pressure, which increases the air pressure in the storage chamber through the balancing chamber and the vent, thereby enabling liquid to flow out of the beverage container. When the air pressure provided by the air source causes the air pressure in the balancing chamber to exceed a certain value, this pressure causes the sealing block and rubber stopper to deform. The two cooperate through deformation to close the vent, thereby cutting off the connection between the balancing chamber and the storage chamber. This maintains the air pressure in the storage chamber at a normal level, preventing excessive impact force and splashing of the liquid when ejected from the valve, and ensuring stable liquid flow from the beverage container.

[0008] In the aforementioned air intake structure for a beverage container, a gap is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the blocking block and the wall of the balancing chamber. This structure prevents the blocking block from blocking the balancing chamber, allowing gas to enter the storage chamber through the blocking block.

[0009] In the above-mentioned air intake structure of a beverage container, the rubber plug is located at the connection point between the balancing chamber and the storage chamber. This structure enables the rubber plug to be located at the end of the balancing chamber, making it easy to disassemble and install the rubber plug.

[0010] In the above-mentioned air intake structure for a beverage container, the rubber stopper and the sealing block are an integrated structure, and the rubber stopper and the sealing block are integrally formed by injection molding. The integrated structure is easy to process and ensures the stability of the rubber stopper and the sealing block.

[0011] In the above-mentioned air intake structure of a beverage container, the blocking block is conical in shape, the tip of the blocking block is fixedly connected to the rubber stopper, the air vent includes a main air channel located in the rubber stopper and a plurality of branch air channels located at one end of the rubber stopper away from the storage chamber, the plurality of branch air channels are arranged around the tip of the blocking block, and the gas source is connected to the storage chamber through the balancing chamber, the branch air channels and the main air channels. In this structure, when the air pressure in the balancing chamber is greater than a certain pressure value, the gas pushes the blocking block to move a short distance, and the blocking block squeezes the rubber stopper, causing the rubber stopper to produce a certain deformation, so that the blocking block and the rubber stopper can better cooperate to close the branch air channels, thereby cutting off the connection between the balancing chamber and the storage chamber, maintaining the air pressure in the storage chamber at normal pressure, and ensuring stable liquid discharge from the beverage container.

[0012] In the aforementioned air intake structure for a beverage container, the rubber stopper has a plurality of buffer notches at its edge, distal from the storage chamber. The outer ends of the buffer notches extend through the outer wall of the rubber stopper, while the inner ends of the buffer notches communicate with the corresponding air channels. The provision of the buffer notches allows the end of the rubber stopper, distal from the storage chamber, to deform inward more effectively, allowing the sealing block and the rubber stopper to better cooperate and close the air channels, thereby cutting off the connection between the balancing chamber and the storage chamber, maintaining the air pressure in the storage chamber at normal pressure, and ensuring stable liquid discharge from the beverage container.

[0013] In the above-mentioned air intake structure of a beverage container, the end of the sealing block away from the rubber stopper has a pressurized blind hole, and the pressurized blind hole is conical, and the shape of the pressurized blind hole is adapted to the shape of the sealing block. This structure can increase the area of ​​action of the gas on the sealing block, and at the same time can better control the direction of action of the gas on the sealing block, so that the sealing block can better move in the set direction, and the sealing block and the rubber stopper can better cooperate to close the air channel. The end of the sealing block away from the rubber stopper is the upper end of the sealing block, and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the sealing block is a cylindrical annular surface, and the gap is between the annular surface and the wall of the balancing chamber. The structure of the pressurized blind hole can also make the upper end of the sealing block expand and deform toward the outer peripheral side when subjected to high air pressure, so that the annular surface is pressed against the wall of the balancing chamber to form a seal, further forming a sealing effect, and increasing the reliability of the rubber stopper and the sealing block.

[0014] In the aforementioned air intake structure for a beverage container, a pressure relief valve is further provided within the beverage container, communicating with the balancing chamber between the air source and the rubber stopper. Excessive air pressure in the balancing chamber can be released through the pressure relief valve, reducing the pressure of the gas in the balancing chamber. The sealing block and rubber stopper then return to their original positions, and the air source communicates with the storage chamber via the balancing chamber and the vent, enabling continuous liquid discharge from the beverage container.

[0015] An air intake structure for a beverage container comprises an air source, a balancing chamber and a storage chamber for storing liquid, and is characterized in that the air intake structure also comprises a rubber plug fixedly connected to the balancing chamber, the rubber plug comprising an integrally formed upper and lower parts, the lower part of the rubber plug being a cylindrical rubber plug, the upper part of the rubber plug being a trumpet-shaped sealing block which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, a vent hole being provided in the rubber plug at the connection between the rubber plug and the sealing block, the air source being connected to the storage chamber through the balancing chamber and the vent hole, and when the air pressure in the balancing chamber is greater than the air pressure in the storage chamber and the pressure difference between the two is greater than a set pressure difference, the sealing block and the rubber plug cooperate to close the vent hole.

[0016] An air source provides pressure, which increases the air pressure in the storage chamber through the balancing chamber and the vent, thereby enabling liquid to flow out of the beverage container. When the air pressure provided by the air source causes the air pressure in the balancing chamber to exceed the air pressure in the storage chamber, and the pressure difference between the two exceeds a set pressure differential, the set pressure differential is sufficient to cause the rubber plug to deform. The trumpet-shaped sealing block deforms under the pressure and simultaneously moves downward. This pressure causes the sealing block and the rubber plug to deform to a certain extent. The deformation of the sealing block and the rubber plug cooperates to close the vent, thereby cutting off the connection between the balancing chamber and the storage chamber, maintaining the air pressure in the storage chamber at a normal level. This reduces the impact force of the liquid ejected from the valve, prevents liquid splashing, and ensures stable liquid flow from the beverage container. The rubber plug with the sealing block has a simple structure and can respond more sensitively. Furthermore, its fixed connection to the balancing chamber allows it to more directly sense changes in air pressure in the balancing chamber, thereby increasing the rubber plug's response speed and ensuring immediate response to ensure stable liquid flow. Compared to existing pressure-stabilizing valves, the rubber plug with a sealing block is not only more responsive but also simpler, smaller, and more affordable. The trumpet-shaped sealing block also allows the upper end of the sealing block to expand and deform outward when subjected to a large pressure differential. This allows the outer surface of the top of the sealing block to abut against the wall of the balancing chamber, forming a seal and further enhancing the sealing effect and the reliability of the rubber plug. Furthermore, the integrated structure of the rubber plug is not only easy to manufacture but also ensures the stability and sensitivity of the rubber plug and sealing block.

[0017] In the aforementioned air intake structure for a beverage container, a gap is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the blocking block and the wall of the balancing chamber. This structure prevents the blocking block from blocking the balancing chamber when not deformed, allowing gas to enter the storage chamber through the blocking block.

[0018] In the above-mentioned air intake structure of a beverage container, a protruding shoulder is provided on the outer side of the lower end of the rubber stopper, and the shoulder abuts against the wall surface of the lower end of the balancing chamber. The shoulder has a limiting function to prevent the rubber stopper from being over-inserted.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the air intake structure of a beverage container provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] 1. This air intake structure sets a sealing block and a rubber plug in the balancing chamber. The sealing block and the rubber plug are compressed and deformed to close the vent hole, thereby cutting off the connection between the balancing chamber and the storage chamber, so that the air pressure in the storage chamber is maintained at normal pressure, and the liquid discharge from the beverage container is stable.

[0021] 2. The sealing block and rubber plug of the air intake structure have a specific structure, so that the sealing block and the rubber plug are deformed in a set form when pressurized, which can better realize the opening and closing of the vent hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG1 is a sectional view of the overall structure of the beverage container.

[0023] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the air source, the balancing chamber and the rubber plug of the beverage container.

[0024] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the rubber plug of the air intake structure.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rubber plug of the air intake structure. In the figure, 1, air source; 2, balance chamber; 3, storage chamber; 4, rubber plug; 41, rubber plug; 411, deformable diaphragm; 412, vent hole; 4121, main air channel; 4122, branch air channel; 413, buffer gap; 414, shoulder; 42, blocking block; 421, annular surface; 422, boost blind hole; 5, pressure relief valve; 6, gap; 7, barrel; 8, barrel cover; 9, distribution valve; 91, air intake pipe; 10, pressure regulating body; 101, air channel; 11, liquid inlet pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings to further describe the technical solutions of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air intake structure of the beverage container includes an air source 1, a balancing chamber 2, a storage chamber 3, a rubber stopper 4, and a pressure relief valve 5. The beverage container includes a barrel body 7 and a barrel cover 8 fixedly connected to the upper end of the barrel body 7. The barrel body 7 has the storage chamber 3, which is used to store liquids such as beverages or beer. A distribution valve 9 is provided at the top of the barrel body 7. The liquid inlet end of the distribution valve 9 is located inside the barrel body 7 and is connected to a liquid guide tube 11 extending into the bottom of the barrel body 7. The side wall of the distribution valve 9 has a liquid outlet tube. When the distribution valve 9 is opened, the liquid in the barrel body 7 can flow out of the liquid outlet tube of the distribution valve 9 through the liquid guide tube 11 and the distribution valve 9 under the action of air pressure through the distribution valve 9. An air intake pipe 91 is also provided at the top of the barrel body 7. In this embodiment, the air intake pipe 91 is integrally formed and provided on the valve body of the distribution valve 9.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gas source 1 is a gas cylinder, which is fixedly connected to the barrel cover 8. The gas cylinder is generally a high-pressure gas cylinder, which stores liquid gas, which then flows out of the cylinder as high-pressure gas in a gaseous state. A pressure regulating body 10 having a vent 101 is also fixed to the barrel cover 8. The pressure regulating body 10 is connected between the gas cylinder and the air inlet pipe 91, and the vent 101 connects the gas cylinder and the air inlet pipe 91. The vent 101 and the inner hole of the air inlet pipe 91 form the balancing chamber 2.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, rubber plug 4 is fixedly connected to balancing chamber 2 and is located at the connection point between balancing chamber 2 and storage chamber 3. In other words, rubber plug 4 is fixedly connected to the outlet end of intake pipe 91. Pressure relief valve 5 is connected to balancing chamber 2 between gas source 1 and rubber plug 41. In this embodiment, pressure relief valve 5 is fixedly connected to pressure regulating body 10 and is in communication with air passage 101.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the rubber plug 4 includes an upper part and a lower part that are integrally formed. The lower part of the rubber plug 4 is a cylindrical rubber plug 41, and the upper part of the rubber plug 4 is a trumpet-shaped sealing block 42. The sealing block 42 is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. The rubber plug 41 is fixed in the balancing chamber 2, and the sealing block 42 can move relative to the rubber plug 41. There is a gap 6 between the outer peripheral wall of the sealing block 42 and the cavity wall of the balancing chamber 2. The rubber plug 4 has a vent 412 at the connection between the rubber plug 41 and the sealing block 42. The rubber plug 41 and the sealing block 42 are an integral structure, and the rubber plug 41 and the sealing block 42 are integrally formed by injection molding. The upper end of the rubber plug 41 is inserted and fixed in the outlet end of the air inlet pipe 91, and the upper end of the rubber plug 41 is tightly fitted and fixed to the hole wall of the air inlet pipe 91. The gas source 1 is connected to the storage chamber 3 through the balancing chamber 2, the gap 6 between the blocking block 42 and the wall of the balancing chamber 2, and the vent 412. The outer side surface of the lower end of the rubber plug 41 has a protruding shoulder 414, which abuts against the end surface of the outlet end of the intake pipe 91.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the outer side surface of the blocking block 42 is conical, and a deformable diaphragm 411 is provided at the upper end of the rubber plug 41. The thickness of the deformable diaphragm 411 is less than the thickness of the wall of the rubber plug 41, which facilitates the deformation of the deformable diaphragm 411 so that the vent 412 can be closed. The larger thickness of the deformable diaphragm 411 in Figures 3 and 4 is only used to better illustrate the position and connection relationship of the deformable diaphragm 411. The thickness of the deformable diaphragm 411 can be smaller. The tip of the blocking block 42 is fixedly connected to the deformable diaphragm 411 of the rubber plug 41, and the lower end of the blocking block 42 is integrally connected to the center of the deformable diaphragm 411. The outer side surface of the upper end of the blocking block 42 is a cylindrical annular surface 421. When the blocking block 421 is not deformed, there is the gap 6 between the annular surface 421 and the wall of the intake pipe 91. In this embodiment, the vent 412 includes a main air channel 4121 located in the rubber plug 41 and four branch air channels 4122 located at the upper end of the rubber plug 41. The four branch air channels 4122 are arranged on the deformable diaphragm 411. The four branch air channels 4122 are arranged around the tip of the blocking block 42. There are two buffer notches 413 at the edge of the upper end of the rubber plug 41. The outer ends of the buffer notches 413 pass through the outer wall of the rubber plug 41, and the inner ends of the buffer notches 413 are connected to the corresponding branch air channels 4122. In actual production, the number of branch air channels 4122 can be six or eight, and the number of buffer notches 413 can be three or four. The upper end of the blocking block 42 has a boost blind hole 422. The boost blind hole 422 is in the shape of a cone with a larger aperture at the top and a smaller aperture at the bottom. The shape of the boost blind hole 422 matches the shape of the blocking block 422, thereby forming a trumpet shape.

[0033] During operation, the gas source 1 provides pressure, and the gas flows to the storage chamber 3 through the balancing chamber 2, the gap 6 between the blocking block 42 and the balancing chamber 2, the branch air channel 4122 and the main air channel 4121, thereby increasing the air pressure in the storage chamber 3 and realizing liquid discharge from the beverage container. When the air pressure provided by the gas source 1 makes the air pressure in the balancing chamber 2 greater than a certain air pressure value, generally when the air pressure in the balancing chamber 2 is greater than the air pressure in the storage chamber 3 and the air pressure difference between the two is greater than the set air pressure difference, the gas will push the blocking block 42 to move a short distance toward the rubber stopper 41, causing the upper end of the rubber stopper 41 to deform inward, that is, the deformed diaphragm 41 to deform toward the main air channel 4121, and the blocking block 42 and the rubber stopper 41 cooperate to close the branch air channel 4122, cutting off the connection between the balancing chamber 2 and the storage chamber 3, and the pressure relief valve 5 works to relieve the pressure in the balancing chamber 2, so that the gas pressure in the balancing chamber 2 is reduced to a reasonable range, and the blocking block 42 and the rubber stopper 41 return to their original state, so that the gas source 1 continues to provide pressure to the storage chamber 3, so that the gas pressure in the storage chamber 3 is always maintained within a reasonable range, thereby achieving stable liquid discharge from the beverage container. Furthermore, because the sealing block 42 is trumpet-shaped, it expands and deforms outward when under pressure. This not only facilitates deformation of the outer conical surface of the sealing block 422 located below the annular surface 421, thereby cooperating with the rubber plug 41 to block the air passage 4122, but also facilitates the annular surface 421 of the sealing block 42 to form a seal against the wall of the intake pipe 91, achieving a double seal and improving operational reliability. The rubber plug 4 with the sealing block 42 has a simple structure and can respond more sensitively. The rubber plug 4, fixedly connected to the balancing chamber 2, can also more directly sense changes in the air pressure in the balancing chamber 2, thereby increasing the response speed of the rubber plug 4 and ensuring stable liquid discharge. Furthermore, the rubber plug 4 with the sealing block 42 is a single component. Compared to existing pressure-stabilizing valves composed of multiple components, it is not only more responsive, but also simpler in structure and smaller in size, making it more cost-effective, easier to install, and not occupying the original space of the beverage container.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] Based on Example 1, the buffer notch 413 is omitted, while the rest of the structure remains the same. When the air pressure in the blocking block 42 increases, the gas pushes the blocking block 42 a short distance toward the rubber stopper 41, causing the deformable diaphragm 411 to deform inwardly toward the main airway 4121. The blocking block 42 blocks and closes the secondary airway 4122. When the air pressure in the blocking block 42 decreases, the elastic force of the deformable diaphragm 411 causes the blocking block 42 to move upward and reset, reopening the secondary airway 4122.

[0036] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present invention. Persons skilled in the art may make various modifications, additions, or substitutions to the described specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

[0037] Although this document frequently uses terms such as gas source 1, balancing chamber 2, storage chamber 3, rubber plug 4, vent 412, main air channel 4121, branch air channel 4122, blocking block 42, buffer notch 413, pressurization blind hole 422, and pressure relief valve 5, the use of other terms is not excluded. These terms are used solely to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of the present invention; interpreting them as any additional limitations would be contrary to the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air intake structure for a beverage container, comprising an air source (1), a balancing chamber (2) and a storage chamber (3) for storing liquid, characterized in that: The air intake structure further comprises a rubber plug (41) arranged in the balancing chamber (2), wherein the rubber plug (41) has an air vent (412), and a sealing block (42) is provided at one end of the rubber plug (41) away from the storage chamber (3); the air source (1) is connected to the storage chamber (3) through the balancing chamber (2) and the air vent (412); when the air pressure in the balancing chamber (2) is greater than a certain air pressure value, the sealing block (42) and the rubber plug (41) cooperate to close the air vent (412).

2. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a gap (6) between the outer peripheral wall of the blocking block (42) and the cavity wall of the balancing cavity (2).

3. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rubber stopper (41) is located at the connection point between the balancing chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3).

4. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The rubber stopper (41) and the blocking block (42) are of an integrated structure, and the rubber stopper (41) and the blocking block (42) are integrally formed by injection molding.

5. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The blocking block (42) is conical in shape, and the tip of the blocking block (42) is fixedly connected to the rubber plug (41). The vent (412) includes a main air channel (4121) located in the rubber plug (41) and a plurality of branch air channels (4122) located at one end of the rubber plug (41) away from the storage chamber (3). The plurality of branch air channels (4122) are arranged around the tip of the blocking block (42). The gas source (1) is connected to the storage chamber (3) through the balancing chamber (2), the branch air channels (4122) and the main air channel (4121).

6. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rubber stopper (41) has a plurality of buffer notches (413) at the edge of one end away from the storage cavity (3), the outer ends of the buffer notches (413) pass through the outer side wall of the rubber stopper (41), and the inner ends of the buffer notches (413) are connected to the corresponding air distribution channels (4122).

7. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The sealing block (42) has a pressurizing blind hole (422) at one end away from the rubber stopper (41), and the pressurizing blind hole (422) is conical, and the shape of the pressurizing blind hole (422) is adapted to the shape of the sealing block (42).

8. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: A pressure relief valve (5) is also provided in the beverage container, and the pressure relief valve (5) is communicated with the balance chamber (2) between the gas source (1) and the rubber stopper (41).

9. An air intake structure for a beverage container, comprising an air source (1), a balancing chamber (2) and a storage chamber (3) for storing liquid, characterized in that: The air intake structure further comprises a rubber plug (4) fixedly connected to the balancing chamber (2), the rubber plug (4) comprising an integrally formed upper and lower portion, the lower portion of the rubber plug (4) being a cylindrical rubber plug (41), the upper portion of the rubber plug (4) being a trumpet-shaped blocking block (42) being larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, the rubber plug (4) being provided with an air vent (412) at the connection between the rubber plug (41) and the blocking block (42), the air source (1) being connected to the storage chamber (3) through the balancing chamber (2) and the air vent (412), and when the air pressure in the balancing chamber (2) is greater than the air pressure in the storage chamber (3) and the air pressure difference between the two is greater than a set air pressure difference value, the blocking block (42) and the rubber plug (41) cooperate to close the air vent (412).

10. The air intake structure of a beverage container according to claim 9, characterized in that: There is a gap (6) between the outer peripheral wall of the blocking block (42) and the cavity wall of the balancing cavity (2).

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