• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
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    • 专利摘要:
    beverage dispensing unit, device, and beverage dispensing installation the present invention relates to a compact beverage dispensing device comprising: (a) a base portion (11), comprising: (a) a support plate (11) (b) a peripheral wall (11c) protruding from the bottom surface (11b) of the support plate and extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of said support plate and therefore defining with said surface of bottom (11b) an internal volume of the base portion, (c) a source of pressurized gas (7) housed in the internal volume of the base portion, and connection means (6) suitable for fluidly connecting said gas source pressurized into a beverage container (8) located outside the internal volume of the base portion; and (b) an elongated emptying column (1) extending substantially normal to the top surface (11a) of the base portion, comprising an elongated internal channel (2) fluidly communicating the internal volume of the base portion with a head the emptying valve (3) located at the outlet end of the opposite end of the elongated emptying column, characterized in that the height of the peripheral wall (11c) is such that the beverage dispensing unit is suitable for dispensing drinks, when standing on the top surface of a counter or a work surface (20) as found in traditional pubs and restaurants.
    公开号:BR112014027061B1
    申请号:R112014027061-9
    申请日:2013-04-26
    公开日:2020-09-15
    发明作者:Daniel Peirsman；Sarah Van Hove；Johan Van Rompaey
    申请人:Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The present invention relates to compact beverage dispensing units for dispensing a beverage, typically a carbonated beverage such as beer, by pressurizing the inside of a container containing said beverage by means of a dispensing touch. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] The draft beer is often preferred by consumers over bottled or canned beer. The draft beer is usually served on the counter of a public house from a refrigerated barrel provided with a fluid connection to a source of pressurized gas to drive the beer dispenser through a dispensing line fluidly connecting the barrel to a dispensing tap, comprising a valve to control the flow out of said tap. Full-size dispensing units attached to the counter of public houses are quite expensive and are usually financed by beer companies. In addition, once these units are attached to the counter, they cannot be moved. For example, in the case of a temporary social event outside a public house, such as an outdoor event, wedding party, fairs and the like, consumers would like to see draft beer offered for consumption. In addition to the consumers' preference for draft beer, above a critical volume of consumption, serving bottled or canned beer would be very expensive and generate a lot of waste. For these reasons, compact and mobile beverage dispensing units, offering the same quality of beer as a draft beer served on the counter of a public house, were developed and placed on the market. They are designed to accommodate a barrel or container containing beer, with a source of pressurized gas, such as a bottle of gas under pressure or a compressor. The containers used can be traditional metal barrels as used in public houses, possibly but not necessarily smaller, or they can include so-called bag containers such as those disclosed for example in EP2146832, EP2148770, EP2148771, EP2152494 and the like.
    [003] For example, US2004 / 0226967 proposes a traveling dispenser unit comprising a cooling chamber suitable for accommodating and cooling a beer barrel, a hollow column supported on said cooling chamber and a dispensing head comprising a tap valve. A source of pressurized gas, such as a compressor or a C02 cartridge, is provided to ensure the pressure necessary to conduct the flow of beer out of the barrel. A dispensing tube fluidly connects the barrel to the tap valve. For hygiene reasons, the dispensing tube is disposable and must be changed with each new barrel. In one embodiment, the dispensing line is still permanently attached to the barrel to ensure that it will not be used a second time. After use, a new barrel can be installed inside the cooling chamber, and fluidly connected to a source of pressurized gas, usually located in the same chamber. The dispensing line is either permanently attached to the barrel, or must be attached to it before passing through a channel defined in the hollow column until the outlet of the dispensing tube reaches the column dispensing head and is engaged in the valve valve mechanism . This "bottom-to-top" insertion system, in which the dispensing tube is installed from the barrel (located at the bottom) to the dispensing head (located at the top) requires the dispensing line to be provided with a shut-off valve to prevent the flow of beer out of the barrel before the dispensing line is in place at the tap valve. Of course, providing a shut-off valve to a disposable tube substantially increases the cost of using the system. In addition, it can be quite complicated to guide a flexible dispensing line through the hollow column whose outlet to the cooling chamber is positioned at the back of the same, as can be easily appreciated when looking, for example, at Fig.2 of US2004 / 0226967.
    [004] In order to facilitate the coupling of the dispensing tube into the tap valve, a very critical operation that is difficult to control from inside the cooling chamber, WO2009 / 115928 suggests allowing the opening of the dispensing head, so that the outlet of the dispensing tube emerging from the opening at the top of the column can be handled from outside the cooling chamber and more comfortably engaged with the valve valve mechanism.
    [005] EP1982952 extends the idea of allowing the opening of the column to its entire length. This solution greatly simplifies the installation "from the bottom to the top" of the dispensing tube, as it only needs to be passed from the inside to the outside of the cooling chamber through a small channel through the top panel of the cooling chamber before it can be handled from outside the cooling chamber, instead of having to lead it from inside the cooling chamber to the dispensing head.
    [006] Although the preceding dispensing units are mobile, they are still very cumbersome and quite expensive. The present invention proposes a compact, versatile and economical dispensing unit that can fit almost anywhere and that is very simple to use and connect to a dispensing barrel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [007] The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims. Preferred modalities are defined in the dependent claims. In particular, the present invention relates to a compact beverage dispensing device comprising: (A) A base portion, comprising: (a) A support plate comprising a top surface and a bottom surface and an opening connecting said top and bottom surfaces, (b) a peripheral wall protruding out of the bottom surface of the support plate and extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of said support plate and therefore defining with said surface of bottom an internal volume of the base portion, the free edge of the peripheral wall being suitable for stably supporting the support plate at a distance from a flat surface on which said peripheral wall rests, said distance corresponding to the height of the wall peripheral; (c) A source of pressurized gas housed in the internal volume of the base portion, and appropriate connection means for fluidly connecting said source of pressurized gas into a beverage container located outside the internal volume of the base portion. ; and (B) An elongated emptying column that extends substantially normal to the top surface of the base portion, an inlet end thereof being fixed to said top surface and comprising an elongated internal channel (2) placing in fluid communication through of said opening, the interior of the compartment with a drain valve head located on the opposite top, the outlet end of the elongated drain column, said channel and drain valve head being suitable for receiving and controlling the flow of liquid through a dispensing line connected to the inside of said beverage container,
    [008] Characterized by, the height of the peripheral wall is such that the beverage dispensing unit is suitable for dispensing drinks, when standing on the top surface of a counter or a work surface as found in traditional pubs and restaurants .
    [009] In practice, the peripheral wall can have a height between 50 and 300 mm, preferably between 70 and 200 mm, more preferably between 100 and 150 mm. Such a compact dispensing unit is extremely versatile and can be placed on almost any flat bench and moved to another place very easily.
    [010] The source of pressurized gas can be a gas compressor, such as an air compressor, a pressure cartridge filled with pressurized gas, a solid substrate with adsorbed gas molecules on its surface, or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the source of pressurized gas is either a pressure cartridge filled with pressurized gas or a solid substrate with adsorbed gas molecules on the surface thereof. Said pressurized gas source can be connected to a gas compressor located inside or outside the internal volume of the base portion and suitable for refilling the source of pressurized gas, when the pressure of the compressed gas stored inside it becomes insufficient. In a more preferred embodiment, the pressurized gas source is provided with an appropriate pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the gas stored therein and with a CPU to activate the gas compressor, as soon as the pressure indicated by the pressure gauge falls below a certain value. In the event that a feature of the dispensing unit has to be powered, such as a compressor or display screen, a power source such as a battery or an AC / DC transformer with means for connecting to a mains power supply CA can be housed in the internal volume of the base portion.
    [011] In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing unit comprises a CPU programmed to calculate the volume of liquid dispensed at a given moment by computing at least the pressure inside the container and the opening time of the valve, in which the pressure source (7 ) is such that the pressure inside the container is substantially constant during the dispensing lifetime of the container.
    [012] The valve element is preferably a pinch valve, comprising first and second jaws, suitable for receiving in tightening relationship a flexible portion of the outlet end of a dispensing line and for controlling the flow of liquid through it, making vary the distance between the first and second jaws from a first closed position, dO, in which the flexible portion of the dispensing line is squeezed and no liquid can flow, to a second, open position, dl, in which the dispensing line does not it is squeezed or not completely squeezed and liquid can flow through the line.
    [013] When using the dispensing unit for the first time, or when using a new barrel, a new dispensing tube must be used and loaded into the unit to put the liquid contents of the new barrel in fluid communication with the tap valve head. It is preferable that the dispensing column is such that the dispensing tube can be introduced in a sequence from top to bottom. In other words, it is preferable that the inlet end of a dispensing tube, including the connection means, can be introduced from the upper end of the emptying column, preferably through the emptying valve head kept open, up to the internal volume of the base portion from which it can connect to a new barrel stored outside the internal volume of the base portion. If the pinch valve is used, the column may advantageously comprise means for opening a portion of the channel comprising the pinch valve so that the first and second jaws can be separated from each other at a substantially greater distance than that corresponding to the position open, dl. The portion of the channel that can be opened, preferably comprises at least 60% of the total length of the channel, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%. In yet another preferred embodiment, the emptying valve head comprises an articulation assembly allowing the first and second jaws to be separated at a greater distance than that corresponding to the open position, dl, and can preferably be separated from the rest of the column.
    [014] The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing assembly comprising: (C) A beverage dispensing unit as discussed above, standing on the top surface of a counter or work surface of the type found in traditional pubs and restaurants ; (D) A beverage container containing a beverage to be dispensed, and being separated from the beverage dispensing unit, (E) A first, distribution line extending from an inlet end connected to the container and in fluid communication with the drink contained therein, through the emptying column channel, to an outlet end engaged on the valve head, and (F) A second pressure line extending from an inlet end connected to the pressurized gas source to an end outlet connected to the beverage container, in fluid communication with its interior.
    [015] For drinks that need to be served fresh, the beverage container is preferably placed in a refrigerated compartment comprising openings for the passage of the dispensing line and a pressure line from the inside to the outside, the said cooling compartment being preferably located below or adjacent to the counter or work surface supporting the dispensing unit.
    [016] If the valve is a pinch valve, a portion of the dispensing line outlet end to be engaged with said pinch valve must be flexible. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet end of the dispensing line comprises an appropriate valve co-element, when engaged with it, to collaborate with the valve head to control the flow of liquid through the dispensing line.
    [017] The dispensing assembly of the present invention is particularly suitable for dispensing a drink contained in said container, preferably beer and carbonated drinks based on malt, such as non-alcoholic beer, or cider. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
    [018] For a more complete understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
    [019] Figure 1: shows three modalities of a compact dispensing unit according to the present invention,
    [020] Figure 2: shows a modality of a dispensing assembly comprising the dispensing unit of Figure la.
    [021] Figure 3: shows four types of dispensing sets allowing a dispensing tube to be introduced from top to bottom.
    [022] Figure 4: shows an example of a pinch valve (a) in a closed position with the first and second jaws at a distance, d0, from each other and (b) in an open position with the first and second jaws at one distance, dl, from each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [023] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention relates to a compact beverage dispensing unit for dispensing a drink that can be placed on a work bench (20) and easily connected to a barrel (8 ) containing the drink to be dispensed. Due to its compactness and ease of movement, such a dispensing unit can be used both in public houses, as well as in temporary events, offering the same dispensing conditions as those found in a public house. Such units are particularly suitable for dispensing beer and drinks such as beer (i.e., comprising malt, cider, and any other ready-to-dispense drinks). The dispensing units of the present invention are distinguished from soda dispensers, in which a source of carbonated water is mixed with a concentrated syrupy composition before flowing out of a tap. The use of a pump to pump the drink out of the dispensing tube outlet, as described, for example, in US6832487, is not intended, since it produces a noise that is not associated with the service conditions found in a home public, and in particular, driving beer through a pump is not compatible with the foaming conditions required in a beer or in drinks such as beer. The beverage dispenser in dispensing units according to the present invention is driven by the higher pressure in the container compared to the ambient atmosphere. High pressure in the container is achieved by bringing a source of pressurized gas (7) in fluid communication with the interior of the container (8) by a pressure tube (6). The source of pressurized gas (7) can be a pressurized cartridge, a solid carrier such as a zeolite or black carbon with gas molecules adsorbed on the surface thereof, or a compressor. In the latter case, the drink never contacts any element of the pump. This is used only to increase the pressure inside the container.
    [024] As existing traveling dispensing units, such as those reviewed in the Prior Art above, they are generally supplied complete with a cooling compartment or refrigerator topped by a dispensing column, and requiring wheels to move them; the present dispensing unit is much more compact and lighter and can be transported by hand and would fit in most car trunks. Unlike previous dispensing units, the unit of the present invention is not a stand-alone type of dispensing furniture, but must be placed on a work table (20) like a counter, table or the like, as shown in Figure 2 .
    [025] As in traditional dispensing units, an elongated hollow emptying column (1) extends substantially normal to the top surface (11a) of a base portion (11). An inlet end of an emptying column is attached to said top surface (11a) and comprises an elongated internal channel (2) placing said inlet end of the column in fluid communication with an emptying valve head (3) located at the outlet end, from the opposite top of the elongated drain column. The channel (2) and the emptying valve head (3) are suitable for receiving and controlling the flow of liquid through a dispensing line (4) connected to the inside of a beverage container (8) stored elsewhere. The emptying column comprises an elbow to direct the flow of drinks downwards and must be high enough to allow a standard glass of beer to fit between the head of the emptying valve (3) and the top surface of said base portion. (11).
    [026] The base portion (11) to which the emptying column is attached comprises a support plate comprising a top surface (11a) and a bottom surface (11b) and an opening connecting said top and bottom surfaces . The channel (2) of the emptying column must be in fluid communication with said opening of the support plate, in order to allow the passage of a dispensing tube from the valve head (3) under the support plate (11 ), from where it can extend to the dispensing outlet of a pressure vessel (8), typically a barrel. A peripheral wall (11c) protruding from the bottom surface (11b) of the support plate and extending over at least a portion of the perimeter of said support plate, preferably extending over at least 50% of the perimeter of the support plate, and therefore defining with said bottom surface (11b) an internal volume of the base portion. The free edge of the peripheral wall (11c) should be suitable for supporting the support plate (11a) stably at a distance from a flat surface on which said peripheral wall rests. Strictly speaking, three feet distributed around the perimeter of the base plate would be enough to keep the support plate stable at a distance from the surface on which it rests. For aesthetic reasons, however, it is preferred that a peripheral wall conceals the internal volume thus defined from external observers, since a number of items can be accommodated in said internal volume, including pressure and dispensing tubes. The distance between the support plate and the work surface (20) to which the dispensing unit is placed corresponds to the height of the peripheral wall (11c) or, if it applies to the at least three feet described above. The height of the peripheral wall must be such that the beverage dispensing unit is suitable for dispensing drinks, when standing on the top surface of a counter or a work surface (20) as found in traditional pubs and restaurants. Since such benches and counters generally have a height between 80 and 130 cm, the peripheral wall (11c) must have a height between 50 and 300 mm, preferably between 70 and 200 mm, more preferably between 100 and 150 mm, to provide comfort in use. A thin base portion is preferred for higher counters, and also to facilitate transport and handling. On the other hand, a higher height allows more features to be accommodated within the internal volume of the base portion.
    [027] In particular, the dispensing unit also comprises a source of pressurized gas (7) housed in the internal volume of the base portion. It also comprises connection means (6) suitable for connecting said source of pressurized gas into a beverage container (8) located outside the internal volume of the base portion. The pressurized gas source (7) can be a pressure cartridge filled with pressurized gas. Due to the reduced space available within the internal volume of the base portion, the dimensions of the cartridge are restricted to the detriment of the range of use of such cartridges. A solution for storing more gas in a reduced volume, at a reduced pressure, is to adsorb the gas on a solid surface, such as a zeolite, carbon black, etc. But here too, limited use time is provided by such a solution. A gas compressor, preferably an air compressor, can be housed in the internal volume of the base portion. It has the advantage of not having a limited service time, but it has the disadvantage that the noise produced when raising the pressure inside the container (8).
    [028] An alternative solution is to supply a pressure cartridge filled with pressurized gas or a solid substrate with gas molecules adsorbed on its surface, as a source of pressurized gas (7), and to connect said source to a compressor (7a) suitable for filling the pressurized gas source with gas when the pressure becomes insufficient. The source (7) therefore acts as a pressure damper between the compressor (7a) and the container (8). As shown in Figures 1 (b) and (c) and 3 (c) and (d), a pressure gauge (7b) can be mounted on the source of pressurized gas to measure the pressure inside it. A CPU can activate the compressor (7a) as soon as the pressure inside the pressurized gas source falls below a certain limit value, for example, 1.1 bar, preferably 1.05 bar. As shown in Figure 1 (b), the compressor (7a) can be housed in the internal volume of the base portion (11). This has the advantage of having a compact dispensing unit, with a long-lasting source of pressurized gas (7) integrated in it. The noise remains a disadvantage, but the compressor would run only when the pressure inside the source (7) drops below the threshold value and not each time the drink is being dispensed. This also increases the service life of the pump, which is switched on and off considerably less frequently with. In addition, the base portion (11) can be soundproofed, for example, with a foam covering the walls of the same. Alternatively, if the user has a compressor available at home, the compressor (7a) can be installed outside the base compartment (11), as shown in Figures 1 (c) and 3 (d). This mode reduces the cost of the dispensing unit and can solve the problem of compressor noise. For example, many public houses store compressors and barrels in the basement or in a remote side room remote from the counter and dispensing columns. As shown in Figure 3 (c), a line (4) can pass from the dispensing unit to a barrel stored in the basement or in a side room. Similarly, as shown in Figure 3 (d) a line can pass from the pressurized gas source (7) to such a compressor (7a) in the basement or a side room. Such a compressor (7a) can be used to fill the pressurized gas sources of several dispensing units, since it needs to be performed only when the gas pressure at a source (7) drops below a certain value. In this case, it may be advantageous to connect the compressor to a pipe with several connections where the pressure lines pass to the pressurized gas sources (7) of several dispensing units. Said pressure lines can be provided with valves controlled by a CPU to ensure that the gas compressed by the compressor (7a) is routed only to the under-pressurized sources (7).
    [029] Although a dispensing unit according to the present invention can operate without any external power, it may be advantageous to house in the internal volume of the base portion (11) a power source (13), such as a battery, or a transformer (13) AC / DC with means of connection to the AC mains. These can be used to run a compressor (7, 7a) if one is used or to illuminate decorative lights arranged on the emptying column or base portion, such as a display panel mounted on the emptying column indicating the type of beer distributed by such a column, and the like.
    [030] It is highly advantageous for the user if the dispensing unit comprises means for determining the volume of liquid dispensed in a time interval or still contained in the container. Since in controlled pressure dispensing units the liquid does not flow through a pump, the number of strokes of the pump cannot be used as an indicator of the volume of liquid dispensed in a given time interval. The volume of liquid dispensed is approximately proportional to the pressure (> Patm) inside the container and the time the valve is kept open. This approach can be used only if the pressure inside the container can be precisely controlled. Use a compressor (7a) coupled to a source (7) of pressurized gas (7) acting as a pressure damper, as discussed above, with reference to Figures 1 (b) and (c) and 3 (c) e (d ) has the advantage of requiring only a small container (7), which can fit into the internal volume of the base portion of the dispensing unit, while at the same time ensuring a substantially constant pressure inside the container during the entire dispensing life. container (for example, using a pressure control valve). In this way, a simple CPU can be integrated into the system, measuring the valve dispensing time, and calculating accordingly the amount of liquid dispensed at a given time (for example, daily). This information is useful for the management of reserves and also to benefit from periods of low activity for the replacement of a container that is almost empty. The same can be used with a pressure cartridge filled with high capacity pressurized gas, but then it would not fit the internal volume of the base portion. A pump directly connected to the container would not allow a sufficiently accurate control of the pressure inside the container to produce a significant approximation of the volume of liquid dispensed, with pressure peaks whenever the pump is started.
    [031] It is a mandatory requirement, for reasons of hygiene, that all parts of the unit being in contact with the liquid to be distributed are disposable and changed with each new container connected to the unit. This requirement applies, in particular, to the drain valve. The use of a pinch valve (3a, 3b) positioned on the valve head (3) at the upper end of the drain column is particularly preferred because it is an inexpensive, hygienic and reliable valve system, requiring only the outlet portion ( 4a) the dispensing line is flexible to support the pinch valve. As shown in Figure 4, a pinch valve comprises first and second jaws (3a, 3b) suitable for receiving in a tight relationship the flexible portion of the outlet end (4a) of said dispensing line. The liquid flow is controlled by varying the distance between the first and second jaws (3a, 3b) from a first position, dO, closed (cf. Figure 4 (a)), in which the flexible portion of the dispensing line is squeezed and the liquid cannot flow through it to a second open position, dl, (cf. Figure 4 (b)), in which the dispensing line is not completely squeezed and the liquid can flow through the line. The pinch valves are advantageous in that the liquid never contacts the pinch valve jaws, which therefore do not need to be changed with each new barrel, and the outlet portion (4a) of the dispensing line is a simple tubular portion , flexible, simply engaged between the jaws of the pinch valve. Hose valves are therefore a very economical and reliable option.
    [032] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the drain valve consists of a first valve element mounted on the valve head (3) at the top end of the drain column and a second, valve co-element mounted at the outlet portion (4a) of the dispensing line, and required to be coupled with the first valve element to place the drain valve in the drain configuration. This modality is more expensive than a pinch valve discussed above, since the dispensing line must be provided with a second valve co-element, but it can be advantageous, for example, in providing a safety-proof feature. mistakes, preventing any liquid from flowing out of the container until the dispensing line (4) is fully connected to a closed drain valve. With a pinch valve, the user must first open the pinch valve jaws when inserting the dispensing tube, and must necessarily close the valve (that is, tighten the flexible portion of the dispensing line), before connecting the inlet end. to the container. If the pinch valve is not closed after connecting the line to the container, the liquid may accidentally flow out. This problem could be avoided with a valve co-element mounted on the outlet portion of the dispensing line.
    [033] The first inlet end of the dispensing tube is provided with connection means (5) suitable for connecting said inlet end to the container thus placing the liquid contained in the container in fluid communication with the outlet end of the dispensing line. In a preferred embodiment, the connection means (5) provide a coupling that can be released to the container, such as by means of a bayonet, a threaded nut, a pin, preferably with a safety feature such as a ring provided in one of its extremities, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling obtained with the connection means (5) to the container is permanent, such as with an elastic pressure fitting. This solution offers the same advantage as the dispensing tube permanently connected to a container disclosed in US2004 / 0226967, in which when a barrel is empty it cannot be removed without simultaneously removing the dispensing line (4), so that a new line dispenser (4) must necessarily be fitted with the next barrel, which guarantees the hygiene conditions of the unit. In contrast to a dispensing tube permanently connected to the barrel, the present invention using pressure fitting connection means allows for a "top to bottom" insertion of the dispensing tube.
    [034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a new dispensing tube (4) can be introduced from the top of the emptying column (1) through the internal channel (2) to the bottom through the base portion (11) of where it can extend and be coupled to a barrel by means of a connection means (5). This "top-down" insertion mode of the dispensing tube is substantially more comfortable than the traditional "bottom-up" insertion mode used in all the mobile dispensing units released to date. In case the container (8) is stored in a cellar, as shown in Figure 3 (c), the bottom-up sequence would be more inconvenient, if not, non-enabling. In a top-down insertion mode, as proposed in the present invention, the inlet end of the dispensing tube, including the connection means (5), can be introduced from the outlet of the channel (2) of the emptying tower ( 1) as illustrated in Figure 3 (a), engaged with the valve head (3) with the pinch valve jaws (3a, 3b) held in open position, with a distance between the jaws of at least, dl, or more as shown in Figure 4 (b), and conducted to the end of the inner channel to the inner volume of the base portion (11), and then further to the barrel, where it can then be connected to the container (8).
    [035] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 (b) -3 (d), the channel (2) comprises an opening (2a) located upstream of the hose valve, where the inlet end of the dispensing line, including the connection means (5), can be guided through the channel (2) into the internal volume of the base portion (11). The outlet end of the dispensing tube can be inserted into the upstream valve element, where upstream and downstream here refer to the beverage flow dispensing direction. In the event that a pinch valve (3a, 3b) is used, a safety device may prevent the opening (2a) of the emptying tower from being closed unless the pinch valve (3) is closed in order to ensure that the drain valve (3) is closed before coupling the connection means (5) of the dispensing tube to the container. In Figure 3 (b), the opening of the channel (2a) is located at the elbow of the deflation column and is closed by a movable cover (lb). In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 (c) and (d), an entire section of the tower can be opened, as described, for example, in EP1982952. As shown in Figure 3 (d), to further facilitate the engagement of a new dispensing tube (4) between the jaws (3a, 3b) of a hose valve, the means for opening a portion of the channel (2 ) may include the pinch valve (3a, 3b) such that, after opening the movable cover (lb) the first and second jaws (3a, 3b) can be separated from each other at a distance, dOpen, substantially greater than that which corresponds to the open, dispensing position, dl. In the embodiments illustrated in Figure 3 (c) and (d) it is preferred that the portion of the channel (2) that can be opened comprises at least 60% of the total length of the channel, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% . This facilitates the engagement of a new dispensing tube into the channel.
    [036] In yet another preferred embodiment, the emptying valve head (3) comprises an articulation assembly allowing the first and second jaws (3a, 3b) to be separated at a greater distance than that corresponding to the open position, dl. Such an articulated drain valve head (3) can either be separable from the column (1) or, alternatively, it can remain connected to the column body, and opening a movable cover (lb) would cause the head valve (3) to open ) on your joints.
    [037] The use of a compact dispensing unit according to the present invention is very simple. Since it comprises all the functions of traditional emptying columns, it can be used as a permanent emptying column, not intended to be moved, with the advantage of a much lower price than a permanent emptying column. Alternatively, it can be moved from one location to another, depending on their needs. The dispensing unit must be placed on a work surface (20) such as a typical counter in public houses, or even on a table. A container (8) containing a drink can be stored in a suitable place. Preferably, the container (8) is stored in a refrigerated compartment (12). The container (and refrigerated compartment) can be conveniently positioned below or beside the work surface (20) on which the unit is placed, as in Figure 2. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3 (c) the container can be stored in a basement or side room. A new dispensing line (4) must be attached to the valve head (3), loaded into the channel (2) of the emptying tower (1) and passed into the internal volume of the base portion (11) from which it can be passed and coupled to the container. Likewise, the pressure line (6) that is coupled to the pressurized gas (7) must be executed and coupled to the container (8). If the pressurized gas source (7) has to be coupled to a compressor (7a) outside the dispensing unit, as shown in Figures 1 (c) and 3 (d) then the two components must be connected and the dispensing unit is ready to use. Openings must be provided to allow the passage of the various dispensing and pressure lines (4, 6) on the work surface where the unit is placed, in the refrigerated compartment in which the container (8) is stored, and if applicable, in the floor or on a wall, if the container (8) or compressor (7a) is located in a cellar or in an adjacent room. [038] The compact dispensing unit of the present invention is the most versatile unit ever placed on the market. As it is inexpensive, and its installation is so easy, it conveniently replaces emptying towers permanently fixed on a counter, and it also advantageously replaces the autonomous, itinerant dispensing units available so far, which are quite bulky and difficult to transport, having in view of the size of the cooling compartment integrated in the unit.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [0001]
    1. BEVERAGE DISPENSING UNIT, comprising: (A) A base portion (11), comprising: (a) A support plate comprising a top surface (11a) and a bottom surface (11b) and an opening connecting the said top and bottom surfaces, (b) a peripheral wall (11c) protruding out of the bottom surface (11b) of the support plate and extending over at least a portion of the perimeter of said support plate and therefore , defining with said bottom surface (11b) an internal volume of the base portion, the free edge of the peripheral wall (11c) being suitable for stably supporting the support plate (11a) at a distance from a flat surface on which said peripheral wall rests, said distance corresponding to the height of the peripheral wall (11c); (c) A source of pressurized gas (7) housed in the internal volume of the base portion, and connection means (6) suitable for fluidly connecting said source of pressurized gas to the interior of a beverage container (8) located outside the internal volume of the base portion; and (B) An elongated emptying column (1) which extends substantially normal to the top surface (11a) of the base portion, an inlet end thereof being attached to said top surface (11a) and comprising an internal channel elongated (2) placing in fluid communication through said opening, the internal volume of the base portion with an emptying valve head (3) located on the opposite top, the outlet end of the elongated emptying column, said channel (2 ) and emptying valve head (3) being suitable for receiving and controlling the flow of liquid through a dispensing line (4) connected to the interior of said beverage container (8), characterized by the peripheral wall (11c) having a height between 50 and 300 mm.
    [0002]
    2. DISPENSING UNIT, according to claim 1, characterized in that the source of pressurized gas (7) is a gas compressor, a pressure cartridge filled with pressurized gas, a solid substrate with adsorbed gas molecules on its surface, or any combination thereof.
    [0003]
    DISPENSING UNIT, according to claim 2, characterized in that the source of pressurized gas (7) is a pressure cartridge filled with pressurized gas or a solid substrate with gas molecules adsorbed on the surface thereof, and in which said pressurized gas source is connected to a gas compressor (7a) located both inside and outside the internal volume of the base portion (11) and suitable for refilling the pressurized gas source (7) when the pressure of the compressed gas stored in its interior becomes insufficient.
    [0004]
    DISPENSING UNIT according to either of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a CPU programmed to calculate the volume of liquid dispensed at a given moment by computing at least the pressure inside the container and the opening time of the valve, wherein the pressure source (7) is such that the pressure within the container is substantially constant during the dispensing life of the container.
    [0005]
    5. DISPENSING UNIT, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises, housed in the interior volume of the base portion, a power source or an AC / DC transformer (13) with means for connecting to the AC mains supply .
    [0006]
    DISPENSING UNIT according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet end (4a) of a dispensing tube (4), including the connection means, can be introduced from the upper end of the emptying column.
    [0007]
    DISPENSING UNIT according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (3) is a pinch valve comprising first and second jaws (3a, 3b) suitable for receiving in tightening relationship a flexible portion the outlet end (4a) of a dispensing line (4) and to control the flow of liquid through it by varying the distance between the first and second jaws from a first closed position, dO, where the flexible portion of the line dispenser is squeezed and no liquid can flow, until a second, open position, dl, in which the dispensing line is not squeezed or is not completely squeezed and liquid can flow through the line.
    [0008]
    DISPENSING UNIT according to claim 8, characterized in that the column (1) comprises means for opening a portion of the channel (2) comprising the pinch valve (3a, 3b) so that the first and second jaws ( 3a, 3b) can be separated from each other by a substantially greater distance than that corresponding to the open position, dl.
    [0009]
    DISPENSING UNIT according to claim 8, characterized in that the portion of the channel (2), which can be opened, comprises at least 60% of the total length of the channel.
    [0010]
    DISPENSING UNIT, according to claim 7, characterized in that the head of the emptying valve (3) comprises an articulation assembly allowing the first and second jaws (3a, 3b) to be separated by a greater distance than that corresponds to the open position, dl.
    [0011]
    11. BEVERAGE DISPENSER SET, characterized by comprising: (A) A beverage dispensing unit as defined in any one of the preceding claims, adapted to stand on the top surface of a counter or work surface (20) of the type found in traditional pubs and restaurants; (B) A beverage container (8) containing a beverage to be dispensed, and being separated from the beverage dispensing unit, (C) A first dispensing line (4) extending from an inlet end connected to the container ( 8) and in fluid communication with the drink contained therein, through the channel (2) of the emptying column (1), until an outlet end (4a) engaged with the valve head (3), and (D) A second line pressure (6) extending from an inlet end connected to the pressurized gas source (7) to an outlet end connected to the beverage container (8), in fluid communication with its interior.
    [0012]
    12. ASSEMBLY according to claim 11, characterized in that the beverage container (8) is adapted to be placed in a refrigerated compartment comprising openings for the passage of the dispensing line (4) and a pressure line (6) from the inside to the outside.
    [0013]
    13. ASSEMBLY according to either of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the valve element (3a, 3b) is a hose valve and a portion of the outlet end (4a) of the dispensing line to be engaged with said spring of valve to be flexible.
    [0014]
    14. ASSEMBLY according to either of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the outlet end (4a) of the dispensing line comprises a valve co-element (3a) suitable, when engaged in it, to collaborate with the valve element (3) to control the flow of liquid through the dispensing line.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CN112723292A|2021-04-30|
    AU2013255942A1|2014-11-13|
    MX2014013192A|2015-06-03|
    US10280059B2|2019-05-07|
    CN104379493A|2015-02-25|
    CA2872368A1|2013-11-07|
    EP2844605A1|2015-03-11|
    AU2016247120A1|2016-11-10|
    EP2660185A1|2013-11-06|
    AR090820A1|2014-12-10|
    AU2018232906B2|2019-08-22|
    AU2018232906A1|2018-10-04|
    RU2014144893A|2016-06-27|
    WO2013164259A1|2013-11-07|
    EP2844605B1|2017-12-27|
    MX359412B|2018-09-27|
    RU2657409C2|2018-06-13|
    UA114506C2|2017-06-26|
    BR112014027061A2|2017-06-27|
    DK2844605T3|2018-03-26|
    US20150129618A1|2015-05-14|
    ES2663008T3|2018-04-10|
    CA2872368C|2021-07-27|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-08-27| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-06-30| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-09-15| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 26/04/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP12166358.7|2012-05-02|
    EP12166358.7A|EP2660185A1|2012-05-02|2012-05-02|Compact beverage dispensing unit|
    PCT/EP2013/058696|WO2013164259A1|2012-05-02|2013-04-26|Compact beverage dispensing unit|
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