CO2 CARTRIDGE VALVE WITH INTERLOCKING PART

Technical field

[0001] The invention is directed to the field of valves for cartridges containing compressed gas, like CO ₂ or N ₂ , for drink gas enrichment machines, like carbonation systems.

Background art

[0002] Prior art patent document published EP 2 772 710 A2 discloses a water carbonation system integrated in a refrigerator. The carbonation system is supplied with compressed CO ₂ gas by means of a cartridge that is coupled to the carbonation system via a retaining system forming a quick coupling means. The latter consists essentially of a lever and a holder pivotally connected to the lever and provided with two hooks for engaging with two radially oriented opposed pins on the top of the cartridge. The two radially oriented opposed pins are formed on a connector that is screwed on the outlet portion of a valve mounted on the neck of the cartridge. The material of the adapter is not specified; it is reasonable to consider that it is made of brass similarly to the valve provided on the neck of the cartridge and onto which it is mounted. This requires material stamping out of a longer workpiece, leading to material losses. Also, the central part forms an elongate bushing with a unitary upper cap provided with a central hole. It therefore requires specific and costly machining operations. Also, assembling the adapter to the valve requires special a special care that is time-consuming. Further, the threaded engagement can loosen, potentially leading to partial engagement between the cartridge and the machine, and thereby to a potential malfunctioning of the machine.

[0003] Prior art patent document published WO 2016/129788 A1 discloses a water carbonation system supplied with compressed CO ₂ gas by means of a cartridge that is coupled to the carbonation system via a pivoting lever that punches a plug provided on the neck of the cartridge. The cartridge is provided with a collar around the top of its neck, designed for abutting on a U-shaped support surface of the water carbonation system. How the collar is fixed to the cartridge, i.e. whether it is integrally formed or fastened, is not detailed in that document.

[0004] Prior art patent document published WO 2020/038844 A1 discloses a water carbonation system supplied with compressed CO ₂ gas by means of a cartridge that is coupled to the carbonation system via engagement of the cartridge valve with a fixed plug nipple, followed by a pivoting movement of the cartridge. The mechanical interlocking holding the cartridge in position relative to the machine occurs here inside the valve. That engagement system is interesting with regard to its ease of use but is quite sophisticated.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a valve for cartridges containing compressed gas for drink gas enrichment machines, provided with an interlocking part for interlocking with a cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine, that is compact, easy to assemble and cheap to produce.

Summary of invention

Technical Problem

[0006] The invention has for technical problem to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art. More specifically, the invention has for technical problem to provide a valve for cartridges containing compressed gas, for interlocking with drink gas enrichment machines, that is compact, easy to assemble, safe and/or cheap to manufacture.

Technical solution

[0007] The invention is directed to a valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, the valve comprising: a body with a longitudinal axis and comprising: an inlet portion extending along said longitudinal axis and configured for engaging with a connecting neck of the cartridge; an outlet portion extending along said longitudinal axis and configured for engaging in a gas tight fashion with the drink gas enrichment machine; an interlocking part attached to the body and configured for interlocking with a cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine; wherein the body comprises outer annular groove and the interlocking part comprises a ring engaging with said outer annular groove.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer annular groove forms a closed circle.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer annular groove shows a longitudinal height of at least 3mm and/or a radial depth of at least 2mm.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the body comprises a central portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, said central portion provided with a non-circular outer surface for engagement in rotation with a tightening tool, and with delimiting the outer annular groove.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the ring of the interlocking part comprises on an inner face of said ring circular walls configured for resiliently snapping and engaging in the outer annular groove upon an engagement movement of said ring relative to said body.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement movement is a translation movement of the ring towards the body along the longitudinal axis.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the circular walls is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and comprises a longitudinally distal front face abutting against a distal side face of the outer annular groove.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the circular walls comprises a longitudinally proximal angled or curved portion forming a resilient attachment to an outer wall of the ring.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the circular walls are distributed uniformly around the ring and are of at least 4 and/or not more than 14.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer annular groove is spirally- shaped so as to form an outer thread and the ring of the interlocking part comprises an inner thread engaging with the outer thread.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the ring shows a total height and an outer diameter, said height being less than said outer diameter, preferably less than 50% of said outer diameter. [0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the interlocking part comprises a transversal surface for longitudinally interlocking with the cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the interlocking part comprises a collar provided around the ring and with a proximal face for longitudinally interlocking with the cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the interlocking part comprises stiffening radial walls between the ring and the collar.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the interlocking part comprises two radially opposed pins extending from the ring.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the two radially opposed pins shows a curved cross-sectional profile.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the curved cross-sectional profile is concave on a distal side and convex on a proximal side.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the interlocking part comprises stiffening radial walls between the ring and the two radially opposed pins.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the stiffening radial walls contact the concave distal side of the two radially opposed pins.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the interlocking part is a single moulded part.

[0027] The invention is also directed to an interlocking part configured to be attached to a body of a valve and configured for interlocking with a cartridge retaining system of a drink gas enrichment machine; wherein the interlocking part comprises a ring configured for engaging with the outer annular groove of the body of the valve according to the invention.

[0028] The features of the interlocking part disclosed here above in connection with the valve are also disclosed in connection with the above interlocking part as such.

Advantages of the invention

[0029] The invention is particularly interesting in that it provides a valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, that is suitable for interlocking with a cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine while being compact, stable and cheap to produce. Indeed, the engagement ring can show a reduced height while providing a safe interlocking, thereby allow the interlocking part to show a reduced height and/or being made of cast metallic or non-metallic material, at least different from the material of the body of the valve. It can therefore be produced cheaper by being produced separately and independently, and assembled in a simple and safer fashion.

Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0031 ] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the body of the valve of figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the interlocking part of the valve of figure 2.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an interlocking part of a valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an interlocking part of a valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the body of valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, according to the third embodiment of the invention.

Description of an embodiment

[0036] In the following description, the relative concepts of “proximal” and “distal” refer to a central point of the valve, located for instance at the ring portion of the body of said valve.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a valve for a cartridge containing compressed gas for a drink gas enrichment machine, according to a first embodiment of the invention. [0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the valve according to the first embodiment.

[0039] The valve 2 comprises a body 4 and an interlocking part 6 attached to the body 4 and configured for interlocking with a cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine, as this will be explained here after.

[0040] The body 4 comprises an inlet portion 4.1 , an outlet portion 4.2 and a ring portion 4.3 between said inlet and outlet portions 4.1 and 4.2. The inlet portion 4.1 and the outlet portion 4.2 extend along a longitudinal axis of the valve 4. The inlet portion 4.1 is configured for engaging with the neck of a gas cartridge. The inlet portion 4.1 can be provided an outer male thread, tapered or not, configured for engaging with a corresponding inner female thread of the cartridge neck. The outlet portion 4.2. is provided with an orifice 4.2.1 at a front face thereof, configured for being engaged by a pin of the drink gas enrichment machine, according to a principle that is as such known from the skilled person. For instance, the outlet portion 4.2 comprises a cap 4.2.2 onto which the orifice 4.2.1 is formed and that is engaged into a tubular portion 4.2.3 of the body 4.

[0041] A non-visible gas passage is formed in the body 4, fluidly interconnecting a gas inlet in the inlet portion 4.1 of the body 4 and a gas outlet formed by the orifice 4.2.1 in the outlet portion 4.2 of the body. A non-visible shutter is provided inside the body 4, in the gas passage, urged by a resilient element, like a spring, against a seat around the passage. That shutter is operable by the above-mentioned pin of the drink gas enrichment machine, for opening the gas passage that is normally closed. The shutter rests against the seat on an upstream side thereof so that the gas pressure inside the cartridge urges the shutter against the seat, tending to close the gas passage. The shutter comprises a stem extending through the seat downstream thereof so that it can be contacted by the above- mentioned pin of the of the drink gas enrichment machine. The shutter is advantageously concentric with the longitudinal axis of the valve 2. This construction and function of the shutter for selectively opening and closing the gas passage is as such well known from the skilled person. [0042] The ring portion 4.3 is located between the inlet and outlet portion 4.1 and 4.2. The ring portion 4.3 is provided with an outer surface that is noncircular so as to be engaged in rotation by a mounting tool for screwing and unscrewing the valve 2 on the neck of cartridges. For instance, the outer surface is hexagonal, being however understood that it could be differently shaped, e.g. square.

[0043] The interlocking part 6 is snap-fitted onto the body 4 of the valve 2. The snap-fitting movement is for instance a translation movement along the longitudinal axis, being however understood that other movements can be considered. The translation movement could for instance be accompanied, for instance followed, by a rotational movement once the interlocking part 6 has terminated its translational engagement with the body 4.

[0044] The interlocking part 6 comprises for instance a ring 6.1 and a collar 6.2 extending radially from the ring 6.1. The interlocking part 6 is advantageously unitary, i.e. made of a single piece, whereas it is also conceivable that it is made of distinct elements assembled to each other. The interlocking part 6 is advantageously made of moulded or cast material, like injected plastic, moulded aluminium or alloys thereof.

[0045] The collar 6.2 forms a proximal surface that is on a lower side thereof according to the upright orientation in figure 1 , that surface being transversal, for instance perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, suitable for engaging in a safe manner with a cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine. That system can comprise a U-shaped surface mating around the ring portion 4.3 of the body 4 of the valve 2 and configured for engaging with the proximal and radial surface of the collar 6.2 in order to longitudinally press or hold the cartridge and in particular its valve 2 against a gas connection system of the drink gas enrichment machine.

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the body 4 of the valve 2 of figure 1 , i.e. without the interlocking part 6 in figure 1 .

[0047] We can observe that the body 4, for instance the outlet portion 4.2 thereof, forms an outer annular groove 4.2.4, forming a closed circle, that receives and engages with the interlocking part 6. The outer annular groove 4.2.4 is for instance delimited by the ring portion 4.3 and by the tubular portion 4.2.3 of the outer portion 4.2 of the body 4. The outer annular groove 4.2.4 shows a height, in a longitudinal direction, that is of at least 3mm. It is also U-shaped where the inner face corresponding to the lower part of the U is cylindrical and/or the two opposed lateral faces corresponding to the two lateral branches of the U are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and planar. The outer annular groove 4.2.4 shows a radial depth of at least 2mm. The U-shape of the outer annular groove 4.2.4 could however be different in that the inner face corresponding to the lower part of the U might not be cylindrical, e.g. conical or stepped. Also, the two opposed lateral faces corresponding to the two lateral branches of the U are not necessarily perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and planar. They could be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. In any case, the outer annular groove 4.2.4 forms a closed ring without ends.

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the interlocking part 6 of the valve of figure 1 .

[0049] As already mentioned above, the interlocking part 6 comprises a ring 6.1 and a collar 6.2 extending radially from the ring 6.1. As this is apparent, the interlocking part 6 comprises on an inner face of the ring 6.1 circular walls 6.3 distributed along the ring periphery and configured for resiliently snapping and engaging in the outer annular groove 4.2.4 (figure 2) upon an engagement movement of said ring relative to said body. Each of the circular walls 6.3 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and comprises a longitudinally distal front face 6.3.1 abutting against the distal and upper side face of the outer annular groove 4.2.4 as visible in figure 2, i.e. the side face that is on the tubular portion 4.2.3, so as to retain the interlocking part 6 relative to the body 4 against a traction force on the interlocking part in a longitudinal direction opposite to the engagement movement. Each of the circular walls 6.3 comprises a longitudinally proximal angled or curved portion 6.3.2 forming a resilient attachment to an outer wall of the ring 6.1. The number of circular walls 6.3 can vary from the number shown in figure 3. It can be of at least 4 and/or of not more than 14. [0050] As this is apparent, the interlocking part 6 can comprise stiffening radial walls 6.4 between the ring 6.1 and the collar 6.2. The collar 6.2 comprises a proximal or lower ring-shaped surface, opposed to the distal or higher ring-shaped surface provided with the stiffening radial walls 6.4, that surface being transversal and configured for engaging and interlocking with a cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine.

[0051] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an interlocking part according to a second embodiment. That interlocking part is designed for engaging with the outer annular groove of the body the valve of the first embodiment. The reference numbers of the first embodiment are used for designating the same or corresponding element, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is also referred to the description of these elements in connection with the first embodiment.

[0052] The interlocking part 106 of the second embodiment differs from the interlocking part of the first embodiment essentially in that the collar is replaced by two radially opposed pins 106.2. The two radially opposed pins 106.2 extend radially from the ring 106.1.

[0053] For instance, each of the two radially opposed pins 106.2 shows a curved cross-sectional profile which is concave on a distal, i.e. lower, side and convex on a proximal, upper, side. The convex proximal side is advantageous for a smooth interlocking engagement with the cartridge retaining system of the drink gas enrichment machine, e.g. when the cartridge retaining system comprises claws or more generally curved abutting surfaces. The curved cross-sectional profile for the two radially opposed pins 106.2, in alternative to plain circular cross-sections, is advantageous in that it shows a reduced height while providing a sufficient stiffness. It is also easier to produce by injection moulding, in that it shows an average thickness that is close to the average thickness of the rest of the interlocking part, e.g. the ring 106.1 , and thereby avoids the formation of blowholes.

[0054] The interlocking part 106 can comprise, similarly to the interlocking part 6 of the first embodiment, stiffening radial walls 106.4 between the ring 106.1 and the two radially opposed pins 106.2, for instance the concave distal face thereof.

[0055] The circular walls 106.3 provided on the radial inner side of the ring 106.2 are similar to those of the interlocking part of the first embodiment. For instance, the circular wall 106.3 are larger circumferentially and are therefore fewer, for instance 6, compared with the first embodiment. The circular walls 106.3 of the second embodiment could however be dimensioned as those 6.3 in the first embodiment and vice versa.

[0056] Similarly to the first embodiment, the interlocking part 106 is designed for being moved relative to the body 4 of the valve 2 (figure 2), preferably by a translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the body 4 (figure 2), so as to engage with the outer circular groove 4.2.4. During that movement, the circular walls 106.3 have their distal inner ends, adjacent the longitudinally distal front faces 106.3.1 , contacting and longitudinally sliding along the outer surface of the tubular portion 4.2.3 of the upper portion 4.2 of the body 4 of the valve 2 (figure 2). During that contact and sliding movement, the circular walls 106.3 pivot by deformation about their proximal angled or curved portion 106.3.2, until the distal inner ends of the circular walls 106.3 reach the outer annular groove 4.2.4 (figure 2) and allow said circular walls 106.3 to bend back towards the longitudinal axis into the outer annular groove 4.2.4 (figure 2).

[0057] Figure 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an interlocking part according to that third embodiment and figure 6 is a projection view of the body of a valve engaging with the interlocking part of figure 5.

[0058] The reference numbers of the second embodiment are used for designating the same or corresponding element, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is also referred to the description of these elements in connection with the second embodiment.

[0059] With reference to figure 5, the interlocking part 206 of the third embodiment differs from the interlocking part of the second embodiment essentially in that the flexible circular walls 106.3 (figure 4) are replaced by an inner thread 206.3. That inner thread 206.3 can be trapezoidal as on leadscrews, e.g. of the Acme type.

[0060] With reference to figure 6, the valve 202 has a body 204 that is similar to the one of the valve in figure 2, whereas the outer annular groove 204.2.4 on the tubular portion 204.2.3 of the outer portion 204.2 of the body 204 does not form a closed circle but is spirally shaped so as to form an outer thread, for instance corresponding to the inner thread 206.3 of the interlocking part 206 in figure 5.

[0061] The engagement of the interlocking part 206 with the body 204 of the valve 202 is by rotation, inducing by mutual engagement of the inner and outer threads a translation.

[0062] Back to figure 5, we can observe that the two radially opposed pins 206.2 show, each, a curved lateral profile, for instance a profile that lowers in a radially outward direction. This lowering profile compensates the potentially raised position of the tubular portion 204.2.3 of the outer portion 204.2 of the body 204.

[0063] Still back to figure 5, we can observe that the ring 206.1 shows a total height and an outer diameter, wherein said total height is less than said outer diameter, preferably less than 50% of said outer diameter.

[0064] Important is to note that similarly to the first embodiment, the two radially opposed pins 206.2 can be replaced by a collar as in figures 1 and 3.

[0065] Generally speaking, the interlocking part is preferably made as a single piece of metallic or non-metallic material like plastic material. It can however also be made of several elements assembled together. For example, the circular walls instead of being integrally formed with the ring could be formed on a separate element that engages with the ring. Also, the circular walls can be replaced by others elements, of different shape, while still providing an interlocking engagement with the outer annular groove.