Patent Application
20100276452
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to a module for a modular beverage distribution system and a modular beverage distribution system comprising a plurality of modules, a pressure-guarding unit and a dispensing valve.
In settings where carbonised or carbonated liquids such as beer, including draught beer or carbonated soft drinks are to be sold as well as non-carbonised liquids such as wine and fruit juice or water, there is a need for a modular beverage distribution system where capacity may be expanded or reduced gradually or stepwise. The present invention provides a module for uses in such a modular beverage distribution system, a modular beverage distribution system and a pressure-guarding unit and a dispensing valve.
Related art may be found in patent publications such as WO 07/019848, WO 07/019849, WO 07/019850, WO 07/019851 and WO 07/019852. Reference is made to the above patent publications, and all are hereby incorporated in the present specification by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to a module for a modular beverage distribution system comprising a plurality of modules, the module comprising:
The module according to the first aspect of the present invention is preferably used for storing and holding a replaceable beverage container. The beverage container may be connected to a dispensing line or supply line, which lines do not need to be directly coupled to the frame of the module.
A valve or connector may be provided or mounted in the frame for establishing fluid communication between the beverage container and a dispensing line. The dispensing line may be connected to a dispensing station, e.g. a dispensing tap, where a person, such as a bartender, may selectively dispense beverage from the beverage container. The dispensing station may be of a type with a handle and a dispensing tap. The beverage is preferably draught beer.
The module according to the first aspect of the present invention may define an overall rectangular geometry at a cross-section of the frame, as discussed below. The outer periphery of the frame should preferably be formed so that a plurality of modules may be positioned in series close to each other or in actual facial contact. In this way a plurality of such modules may be interconnected such that incoming pressure fluid from the first type connector of the module may advance via the second type connector to a first type connector of a neighbouring module.
Preferably, the module further comprises a valve at the second type connector, so that the pressure fluid does not exit through the second type connector if no neighbouring module is present at the second type connector, i.e. if the second type connector is not in fluid communication with a first type connector of a neighbouring module. Alternatively, a lid or other closure means may be provided to end the transmission of pressure fluid.
The first and second type connectors should be formed so that they may engage or interlock or connect. The first and second type connectors may e.g. be formed as male and female connectors or other inter-engaging couplings. The size of the openings in the first and second type connectors should allow the mentioned pressure fluid to pass at a sufficiently high pressure and flow rate.
The third type connector is preferably positioned in the interior of the frame, and should be in fluid communication with the first type connector.
The first and second type connectors need not be positioned in registration on the frame. In some situations, however, it may be advantageous that the first and the second type connectors are positioned in such a way that when two neighbouring modules are assembled or connected, the first type connector from one module is easily connected to the second type connector of the neighbouring module. This may be achieved by the first and the second type connector on each module being positioned in registration, i.e. on a geometric line following the direction of fluid advance going through the centre of each of the first and second type connectors and the line being perpendicular in relation to the normal direction of the respective walls whereon the first and the second type connector are positioned.
A direct fluid transmission line is provided between the first and the second type connector. A valve may be positioned and connected to the third type connector so that when a beverage container is disconnected, e.g. to be replaced when empty, the valve ensures that pressure fluid is still supplied to neighbouring modules and prevents any pressure fluid to escape through the third type connector when the beverage container is disconnected.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention the frame comprises a first sidewall and a parallel second sidewall, each sidewall defining a top and a respective bottom, the parallel sidewalls interconnected by two parallel endwalls interconnecting the top of the first sidewall with the top of the second sidewall and the bottom of the first sidewall with the bottom of the second sidewall, the two parallel sidewalls and the two parallel endwalls defining the outer periphery and a corresponding inner periphery, and the third type connector may be positioned at the inner periphery.
More advantageously, the sidewalls and/or the two parallel endwalls may be made from a plastic or polymer material, or in the alternative a non-corrosive metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminium.
A second aspect of the present invention relates to a modular beverage distribution system comprising a plurality of modules, wherein each module may comprise:
Preferably one or more modules as described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention are used for establishing a beverage distribution system according to the second aspect of the present invention. Consequently, all features and advantages etc. mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the present invention apply equally to the modular beverage distribution system according to the second aspect of the present invention.
Throughout the description the term pressure generator/pressure source is used and should be construed as covering both pressure generators such as pumps, air compressors, chemical pressure generators and the like, as well as other pressure sources.
A plurality of modules, such as two, three, four or more modules may be used to establish the modular beverage distribution system. The modules are preferably connected in a series connection. In alternative embodiments a separate connection may be provided to establish parallel connection between modules. The parallel connection may be established by a tube, pipe or other channels.
To ensure that pressure fluid is only transferred from a module when a neighbouring module is present, a valve may be provided at the second type connector. The valve will remain closed when no neighbouring module is present at the second type connector, and will preferably open automatically when attaching a first type connector from a neighbouring module.
The pressure generator may be selected depending on the type of pressure fluid used in the particular system. Preferably one fluid of either water or air is used, but other fluids may be used. Preferably a non-flammable, non-toxic, non-combustible and/or non-volatile fluid is used.
In any event, a pump or air compressor may be used for providing the pressure fluid at a certain pressure level. Alternative pressure generators or pressure sources may be used, such as chemical pressure generators and the like. The pressure level may be determined by the number of modules in a particular set-up. The appropriate pressure level may also change dynamically depending on the amount of beverage left in the beverage containers. The pressure source may be regulated via a sensor or the like to ensure that pressure supplied via the pressure fluid is maintained substantially constant.
A valve may be provided at or in the third connector in order to close off pressure fluid when a beverage container is being replaced.
As mentioned above it is contemplated to be advantageous that the frame comprises a first sidewall and a parallel second sidewall each sidewall defining a top and a respective bottom, the parallel sidewalls interconnected by two parallel endwalls interconnecting the top and the bottom of the first sidewall with a respective top and bottom of the second sidewall, the two parallel sidewalls and the two parallel endwalls defining the outer periphery and a corresponding inner periphery, and the third type connector positioned at the inner periphery.
A rectangular geometry is contemplated to ensure that assembling of modules into a system of modules is easy and possibly that use of space is optimised.
The pressure-fluid may be air or in the alternative pressurised liquid. A further alternative includes CO2.
In an alternative embodiment the frame comprises a sidewall or alternatively a rearwall and a bottom endwall oriented perpendicular to the sidewall/rearwall,
In the above embodiment the frame constitutes only a rear wall, which is connected to a bottom end wall constituting a base for the frame. The frame thus only partially encapsulates the pressure chamber, which is located in the space defined by the rear plate and the bottom endplate.
In a further embodiment according to the present invention the plurality of modules may be arranged so that the top of the outer periphery of each of the plurality of modules are substantially flush/even and/or co-planar and/or parallel.
The modules in the beverage distribution system should be so arranged that the pressure is delivered from the pressure generator or pressure source to one module at or via the first type connector and is distributed to a neighbouring module via the second type connector of the one module to a first type connector in the neighbouring module. A pressure-fluid path is thereby defined through all modules as a series coupling or connection. Alternatively, the modules may be connected in a parallel coupling, i.e. having a separate pressure fluid path from the pressure generator to each module, or yet alternatively as a combination of series and parallel coupling such as a matrix coupling. The above applies as well for the dispensing line. Consequently, one dispensing line may be provided for each module, or alternatively a common dispensing line for all modules or a combination of the above.
Preferably, the beverage container is a soft or flexible plastic keg for beer or soda. The container may be of a collapsible type wherein the beverage is stored and dispensed as the container collapses. Furthermore, the beverage container may be a keg comprising a flexible bag wherein the bag is compressed by the pressure fluid thereby dispensing the beverage stored in the bag. The pressure chamber is preferably made from a plastic or polymer material or any other suitable material, such as a Kevlar or fibre reinforced material, allowing the pressure chamber to tolerate the pressure generated or accumulated inside the pressure chamber.
The pressure-fluid may further be used as a cooling agent for cooling the beverage in the beverage container. It is contemplated to be advantageous to use the pressure-fluid as a cooling agent or heat transportation means, i.e. for transporting heat away from the beverage stored in the container.
As described above, the beverage distribution system may further comprise a dispensing line or supply line in fluid communication with the beverage container, the dispensing line being in fluid communication with a dispensing tap/station/unit for selectively dispensing beverage. Preferably the beverage distribution system may further comprise a separate supply line for each of the beverage containers, each supply line being in fluid communication with a respective beverage container, each of the supply lines being in fluid communication with a respective dispensing tap for selectively dispensing each beverage. The dispensing lines may be made from a flexible, plastic material, and may have a circular cross-section.
Further advantageously, the pressure chamber may be pivotally mounted in the frame, the pressure chamber being operable between a vertical state and a horizontal state, the vertical state being a dispensing state where the pressure chamber is positioned substantially vertical and in fluid communication with the third type connector, the horizontal state being a position where the pressure chamber is in a substantially horizontal position and lacks fluid communication to the third type connector. This pivotal mount is contemplated to ease change of the beverage container.
More advantageously, the pressure chamber may operate a switch controlling a valve at the third type connector so that when the pressure chamber is in the vertical state, the valve is open and when the pressure chamber is operated away from the vertical state, towards the horizontal state, the valve is closed. This is contemplated to ensure that pressure fluid is not supplied to the pressure chamber when a beverage container is about to be exchanged with a new one.
Preferably the beverage container is rotatably mounted in the pressure chamber. It is contemplated that this is an easy way of securing a beverage container in the pressure chamber. An operator may grab e.g. a handle part of the beverage container and turn or rotate the beverage container mounted in the pressure chamber, e.g. in a clockwise direction, so as to release the beverage container. The new beverage container may then be inserted into the pressure chamber and secured by turning or rotating the beverage container in the opposite direction, e.g. in a counter-clockwise direction.
In certain embodiments the pressure chamber may include a liner, such as a flexible rubber or plastic membrane or liner positioned between the inner wall of the pressure chamber and the beverage container, so that the pressure fluid acts on the rubber or plastic membrane and the pressure force is transferred onto the surface of the beverage container. It is contemplated to be advantageous in embodiments when the pressure fluid used is a liquid. The liner is contemplated to ensure that the pressure fluid does not come in direct contact with the beverage container. It is preferred that the liner forms a tight seal against a rim of the pressure chamber. When pressure fluid, e.g. liquid, is pressed into the pressure chamber, the pressure fluid is present between the inside of the pressure chamber and separated from the beverage container by the liner.
The pressure fluid may be drawn, drained or pumped away from the space or volume between the inside of the pressure chamber and the liner. Preferably, the pressure fluid is removed by pumping the pressure fluid, preferably gas or air, into the interspace between the liner and the outer wall of the beverage container.
A third aspect of the present invention relates to a pressure-guarding unit for use with a module or beverage distribution system as described above. The pressure-guarding unit may comprise
The pressure guarding unit according to the third aspect of the present invention is contemplated to be used as a device for limiting the maximal pressure supplied from the pressure source to one or more modules as described above in relation to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention.
In a particular embodiment of the pressure guarding unit according to the third aspect of the present invention, the pressure-guarding unit is mountable on one of the parallel sidewalls of the module. The unit may be considered as a zero-module or initial module, i.e. the first module in communication with the pressure source such that the pressure source is in communication with the first interface connector which is in fluid communication with the second interface connector via the pressure regulator. The second interface connector is further in fluid communication with the first type connector of a module.
It is contemplated that using a pressure guarding unit according to the third aspect of the present invention will increase the safety of the beverage distribution system by limiting the amount of pressure delivered to the beverage distribution system. The pressure guarding unit limits the pressure to a given maximum, e.g. 3 bars, which ensure that the pressure inside the pressure chamber does not exceed this limit. The limit may be set or chosen on the basis of the strength of the pressure chamber. Embodiments without the pressure guarding unit may still work, but not with the improved safety provided by the pressure guarding unit according to the third aspect of the present invention.
A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a dispensing valve for use with a beverage container included in a pressure chamber of a beverage distribution system according to the first and/or the second aspect of the present invention, the dispensing valve comprising:
The dispensing valve according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is contemplated to either be a part of the beverage container or alternatively a part of the module as described in connection with the first aspect of the present invention, or yet alternative a part of both. Preferably, the valve body and the sealing element is a part of the beverage container and preferably made of the same disposable materials as the beverage container for being disposed together with the beverage container. The actuator is preferably a non-disposable part of the module made to interact with the sealing element when a beverage container is installed in the module. The actuator is used for shifting the sealing element between a first and a second position constituting sealed positions in which the sealing element seals against the constrictions. Between the sealed positions there exist a dispensing position where the sealing element is located between the constrictions and where beverage from the beverage container is allowed to pass by the sealing element.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the beverage outlet is positioned at the bottom of the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the pressure chamber. This position eliminates the need of any ascending pipe extending to the bottom of the beverage container for allowing beverage to flow towards the outlet. The position also permits all beverages to be dispensed without any air, since any air pockets within the beverage container will remain at the top of the beverage container. When removing the beverage container with beverage remaining inside the sealing element will prevent any substantial leakage of beverage by moving towards the outlet constriction. The sealing element should thus be made of a light material to be able to move quickly to the outlet constriction by the flow of beverage.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve the sealing element is moved from the second position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the first position by the force applied by the actuator and in the opposite direction by the gravity force. The sealing element preferably rests in the second position when the actuator is removed. By activating the actuator, i.e. by the supply of energy to the actuator, the actuator may move the sealing element to any of the intermediate or first positions. The sealing element may preferably be moved in the opposite direction, i.e. from the first position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the second position, by the gravity of either the sealing element itself or the beverage contained in the beverage container or both. Alternatively, a spring may be used to move the sealing element in the opposite direction.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the beverage outlet is positioned at the top of the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the pressure chamber, the beverage outlet preferably having an ascending pipe extending to the bottom of the beverage container. This position is less preferred since it requires an ascending pipe for avoiding any air to be dispensed from air pockets within the beverage container.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the sealing element is moved from the second position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the first position by a spring force and in the opposite direction by the actuator. The above embodiment is useful when the outlet is positioned at the top of the beverage container.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the actuator comprises a piston or rod. Preferably a piston or rod is introduced through the outlet constriction to interact with the sealing element. The piston or rod should be made having a transversal dimension smaller than the outlet constriction to allow fluid to pass.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the sealing element comprises a ball-seal. The sealing element may preferably have a ball shape to avoid the sealing element being stuck inside the valve body. Most preferably a spherical shape is used, however, alternatively an ellipsoidal shape may be used. Yet another alternative is a cylindrical shape. In certain embodiments other shapes may be used such as an octahedron or tetrahedron or the like. A large transversal movement of the sealing element may cause even a spherical sealing element to get stuck. To avoid any large movement of the sealing element in the transversal direction, the transversal dimension of the sealing element should be made as large as possible, however still small enough for allowing beverage to pass around it in the intermediate position.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the actuator comprises a pneumatic system and/or a spring and/or an electromechanical system. Preferably, a pneumatic system is used for moving the actuator since high pressurized gas is available as pressure source for the beverage dispensing. A spring may be used as a counter force to move the actuator in an opposite direction. Alternatively an electromechanical system may be used to e.g. act on a magnetic sealing element.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the outlet constriction is in fluid communication with a dispensing line and a dispensing tap of a beverage distribution system according to the first and second aspect of the present invention, or alternatively any similar beverage distribution system.
In another embodiment of the present invention the dispensing valve comprises a coupling housing being in fluid communication with the outlet constriction, the coupling housing comprising a dispensing outlet, a rinsing fluid inlet and a rinsing seal, the rinsing seal communicating with the actuator for defining:
After a certain amount of dispensed beverage or alternatively after a certain time period the dispensing valve, tapping line and beverage tap must be rinsed due to reasons of hygiene. For this purpose a coupling housing may be introduced after the dispensing valve to permit either beverage dispensing or rinsing. It is thereby important not to mix rinsing fluid and beverage, therefore rinsing must only be allowed when the beverage container is sealed. Consequently, beverage dispensing must only be allowed when the rinsing fluid inlet is closed. This is achieved by a common actuator controlling both the sealing element and the rinsing seal.
By introducing rinsing fluid into the rinsing fluid inlet when in the open position, rinsing fluid is allowed to proceed through the beverage outlet via the tapping line and through the beverage tap, provided the beverage tap is open. Also, the rinsing fluid may proceed into the tapping valve and passage to clean the passage and the actuator. Inbetween rinsing and beverage dispensing water should be introduced into the rinsing fluid inlet to remove any residual rinsing fluid still inside the beverage distribution system.
The rinsing fluid should be chosen among fluids having proper chemical properties for removing residual beverage from the tapping line, coupling housing and valve body.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the dispensing outlet is in fluid communication with a dispensing line and a dispensing tap of a beverage distribution system according to the first and/or the second aspect of the present invention, and the rinsing fluid inlet is in fluid communication with a rinsing fluid container for supplying rinsing fluid to the coupling housing. Rinsing fluid is preferably supplied from a pressurized rinsing fluid container through the rinsing fluid inlet via the coupling housing to the beverage outlet, tapping line and beverage tap. When rinsing the beverage tap is opened and rinsing fluid is allowed to proceed through the tapping line and beverage tap. When dispensing beverage, the dispensing outlet is in fluid communication with the beverage container and the rinsing fluid inlet is sealed off.
In a further embodiment of the dispensing valve, the coupling housing may be separable in an upper part fixated to the beverage container and a lower part fixated to the dispensing outlet and rinsing fluid inlet, the actuator and the rinsing seal being accommodated in the lower part. In this way the dispensing valve may be provided and disposed together with the beverage container and the actuator, rinsing seal, beverage outlet and rinsing seal may be non-disposable components of the module. Preferably, the two parts are connected by a thread- or bayonett-mount, such that the upper part together with the beverage container may be removed by a twisting motion.
The present invention is now to be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings, wherein:
The pressure chambers 22, 24, 26 are pivotally mounted in each module 28, 30, 32 and are manually pivotable by the use of a handle 54. The modules 28, 30, 32 are pivotable around a journaling axis extending through a left-hand and a right-hand journal 50 and 52, respectively. In
The tapping lines or supply lines 16, 18, 20 pass through a cooling system 38 ensuring that the beverages dispensed from the dispensing taps 10, 12, 14 have an appropriate low temperature.
The pressure chambers 22, 24, 26 receive a pressurised fluid from a pressure source, e.g. a pump connected to a fluid reservoir (both not shown in the present drawing but well known in the art per se). In the presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the pressurised fluid is either air or water.
The pressure chambers 22, 24, 26 are pivotally mounted in the modules 28, 30, 32, respectively. The pressure chambers 22, 24, 26 are shown in a position where beverage is able to flow from the beverage container. When a beverage container is empty an operator such as a bartender or similar person, may press a button 40, 42, 44 on the front of the module 28, 30, 32. The button 40, 42, 44 is operatively coupled to a dispensing valve 58 as described in
The pressure chambers 22, 24, 26 are made from a polymer material such as plastic. The beverage container located inside the pressure chamber 22, 24, 26 is of a collapsible type, meaning that the beverage container collapses under pressure, thereby causing beverage stored in the beverage container to be expelled or dispensed from the beverage container, which will be described in greater detail later.
The pressure chamber 22 includes as mentioned above a handle 54 for allowing an operator to pivot the pressure chamber 22 and two gas cylinders 166 for maintaining a stable horizontal position. Before an operator is allowed to pivot the pressure chamber 22, the button 40 needs to be operated, as the button 40 is operatively connected to the dispensing valve 58. When the button 40 is operated, the dispensing valve 58 closes so that beverage from the beverage container does not enter the supply line, leading the beverage from the beverage container to the dispensing tap shown in
The button 40 controls a pneumatic valve 156 (
The dispensing valve 58 comprises a rod 74, which is located inside the coupling housing 92 and which is adapted to act on a ball-seal 76. The ball-seal 76 is in the present embodiment not a part of the coupling housing 92, but part of the beverage container 68. The ball-seal 76 is received in the base part 86. The dispensing valve 58 is operable between three possible positions, which constitute a first position, an opposite second position and an intermediate position. As will be described in greater detail below, the intermediate position constitutes a beverage dispensing position whereas the first and second positions constitute a rinsing position and a closed position, respectively.
The ball-seal 76 is located in the base part 86 in a defined space between an inlet constriction 78 and an outlet constriction 80. The inlet constriction 78 and the outlet constriction 80 both include an opening or aperture for allowing beverage to flow from the beverage container 68 via the inlet and outlet constrictions 78, 80 and further through the coupling housing 92 towards a beverage outlet 82. Both the inlet constriction 78 and the outlet constriction 80 constitute valve seats which the ball-seal 76 may seal against. The ball-seal 76 will either establish a seal against the inlet constriction 78 or the outlet constriction 80, or remain in the intermediate position, shown in
When the rod 74 is in the beverage dispensing position, i.e. in the active or intermediate position as shown in
Initially, when a new sealed beverage container 68, is installed, the base part 86 is sealed off by a laminate sealing, as shown in
When the coupling housing 92, and thereby also the rod 74, is separated from the beverage container 68, the beverage, indicated by a shading
In
The beverage container 68 is fitted with the base part 86 wherein the top part of the dispensing valve 58 is received. The ball-seal 76, the top seat 78 and the outlet constriction 80 are components of the base part 86.
From the beverage dispensing position shown in
When the rod 74 is in the rinsing position, the ball-seal 76 is pushed into contact with the inlet constriction 78 so that a sealing effect is created ensuring that rinsing fluid does not enter the inside of the beverage container 68, which would contaminate the beverage stored in the beverage container 68.
When the rod 74, is in the rinsing position, i.e. in the first position as shown in
The coupling housing 92 interconnects the outlet constriction 80 of the dispensing valve 58 and the beverage outlet 82. The rinsing fluid inlet 90 is attached to the coupling housing 92 as well, but in a position below a rinsing valve seat 96. When the rod 74 is in the rinsing position, a corresponding rinsing valve element 94 allows fluid communication between the rinsing fluid inlet 90 and the coupling housing 92. When the rod is moved away from the rinsing position to the dispensing position or the closed position the rinsing valve element 94 contacts the rinsing valve seat 96 and prevents fluid communication between the coupling housing 92 and the rinsing fluid inlet 90. This is to prevent beverage and rinsing fluid from mixing when the rod 74 is in the dispensing position.
After the rinsing process has ended, water is introduced through the rinsing fluid inlet 90 to flush the dispensing valve 58 and the supply line, so that residual rinsing fluid is not dispensed with the beverage in the first beverage dispensing operation after rinsing.
The fitting 98 of the dispensing valve 58 is adapted for engaging the base part of a beverage container of the type shown in
The beverage container 68′ comprises a supply line 16′ for establishing fluid communication with a dispensing tap of a beverage distribution system as described above in connection with
The beverage container 68′ described above may preferably be used without any dispensing valve 58. The supply line 16′ may then be disposed together with the beverage container 68′ and replaced by a new supply line 16′ when installing a new beverage container 68′. This eliminates the need of cleaning the supply line 16′.
The set-up includes the security valve 66 which connects the pressure chamber with the fluid path 47 or the outside. The security valve 66 is ensuring that pressure is not supplied to the beverage container 68 when the pressure chamber 22 is pivoted into the substantially horizontal position as described above in relation to situations where the beverage container 68 is to be changed.
Pressure is supplied directly into the pressure chamber 22 to act with a force on the beverage container 68 for dispensing the beverage stored therein.
When the beverage container 68 is to be changed, the pressure gas, e.g. air, stored in the pressure chamber 22 is released via the security valve 66 such that the beverage container 68 may be removed and replaced. This gas release may be made automatically when pivoting the pressure chamber 22.
In addition to the security valve 66, a release valve 130 is present. The release valve connects the space between the liner 118 and the beverage container 68 to the outside when the pressure chamber 22 is in the vertical orientation. When the beverage container 68 is to be replaced and the pressure chamber is pivoted into the horizontal position, the security valve 66 is switched from its first position connected to the fluid path 47 to a second position where the gas stored between the inner wall of the pressure chamber 22 and the liner 118 is lead via the release valve 130 into the volume between the liner 118 and the beverage container 68. At the same time the release valve connects both the space between the inner wall of the pressure chamber 22 and the liner 118 and the space between the liner and the beverage container via a flow restrictor 131 to the outside. The flow restrictor 131 allows the pressure to be released slowly. A controllable flow restrictor 131′ may be additionally provided between the release valve and the pressure chamber 22. To make the liner 118 return to its original position at the inner wall of the pressure chamber 22 it is typically sufficient to simply release or pump out the gas.
Pressurised liquid such as water, or preferably a liquid coolant, is supplied into the pressure chamber 22 between the inner wall of the pressure chamber 22 and the plastic liner 118. As the pressure increases and the beverage is dispensed, the liner 118 and the beverage container 68 will collapse. The liquid is supplied from a reservoir 139. A hydraulic inlet pump 134 is used to supply pressurized liquid from the reservoir 139 via the security valve 66 to the pressure chamber 22, and a hydraulic outlet pump 132 is used to transport the liquid from the pressure chamber 22 via the security valve 66 back to the reservoir 139. When the pressure chamber 22 is positioned in the vertical position the security valve 66 allows pressurized liquid to flow from the hydraulic inlet pump 134 into the pressure chamber. When the pressure chamber 22 is pivoted from the vertical position to the horizontal position the security valve 66 instead allows the pressurized fluid to be pumped back to the reservoir 139.
In addition to the security valve 66 for supplying pressure liquid to the pressure chamber 22, a variable flow control valve 141 and a return line 140 for allowing the pressurized liquid to flow from the pressure chamber 22 to the reservoir 139 are present. The variable flow control valve 141 may e.g. be set to a specific flow or pressure depending on the maximum pressure supplied. As described above a pressure limiting device may be used, which device may limit the pressure supplied to the pressure chamber 22 to e.g. 3 bar, the variable flow control valve 141 may then be set to e.g. 2.5 bar and allow pressurized fluid to flow through the pressure chamber 22 to cool the beverage in the beverage container 68.
In a specific embodiment each module in the beverage distribution system may have a separate reservoir 139 and separate hydraulic pumps 132134. The hydraulic pumps may then be driven by compressed air, supplied by the modular fluid path as described in
In an alternative embodiment, a common reservoir 139 and common supply pumps 132134 are used. This requires a common hydraulic inlet line, a common hydraulic outlet line and a common return line to be assembled in a modular way similar to the fluid path in the previous embodiments.
In the embodiments shown in
a, 17b and 17c are schematic illustrations of a pressure guarding unit 158. The pressure guarding unit 158 comprises a wall plate 160 for mounting the pressure guarding unit 158 on the side of a module of the type as described above in relation to
The pressure guarding unit 158 comprises a pressure fluid limiter, which is intended to be mounted between a pressure generator and a pressure receiver, e.g. a pressure inlet of a module including a pressure chamber as described previously in connection with
The pressure guarding unit 158 includes a first interface connector 161 for connecting to a pressure fluid source, e.g. a pump and a pressure fluid line, and a second interface connector 162. The second interface connector 162 is adapted for establishing a coupling to a pressure inlet of a module, either direct or indirect, e.g. via a tube or channel.
The wall plate 160 includes mounting holes 164 for securing the wall plate 160 to a sidewall of a module.
A plurality of modules as shown in
The pressure chamber 22 is attached to the rear wall 60″ of the module 28 through a left-hand journal 50′ and a right-hand journal 52′, which are perpendicular connected to the rear wall 60″. A pair of gas cylinders 166 pivotally connected between the pressure chamber 22 and the rear wall 60″ allows the pressure chamber 22 to remain in the horizontal position shown in
It should be noted that the embodiment shown in
Each of the modules 28′, 30′, 32′ comprises a supply line 16′, 18′, 20′, a rinsing and a fluid path 47′. The supply line 16′, 18′, 20′, the rinsing line 174 and the fluid path 47′ are mounted near the bottom wall 61′″ of each module. Each module 28′, 30′, 32′ comprises for each of the above mentioned lines 16′, 18′, 20′, 174, 47′ an inlet (not shown) constituting a first type connector, an outlet (not shown) constituting a second type connector, and a branch pipe (not shown) constituting a third type connector. The branch pipe leads to the dispensing valve of each module. The outlets of the first module 28′ are directly connected to the inlets of the second module 30′ and the outlets of the second module 30′ are directly connected to the inlets of the third module 32′.
The rinsing line 174 of the first module 28′ is connected to a rinsing fluid container 170, which is filled with rinsing fluid, via a rinsing line inlet 176. A pressure generator 172 pressurizes the rising fluid container 170 to allow rinsing fluid to flow from the rinsing container 170 to the first module 28′. The rinsing line 174 is connected to a rinsing fluid inlet 90 of the dispensing valve 58 as shown in connection with
The fluid path 47′ of the first module 28′ is connected directly to the pressure generator 172 via a pressure inlet 46′. The fluid path 47′ is connected to the pressure chamber 22′ via a security valve (not shown). The fluid path 47′ is connected to a pressure inlet 46′ of a further module 30′ via a pressure outlet 48′. The fluid path 47′ may also provide driving pressure to the valve 58 which is shown in
The supply line inlet 180 of the first module 28′ is left without connection, however a check valve (not shown) is provided to prevent beverage to flow out through the supply line inlet 180 of the first module 28′. The supply line inlet 180 of the first module 28′ is connected to a supply line 16′, which is connected to a supply line 18′ of a further module 30′ via a supply line outlet 182 of the module 28′ and the supply line inlet 180 of module 30′. The supply line 18′ is similarly connected to a supply line 20′ of the third module 32′. The supply line outlet 182 of the supply line 20′ of the third module 32′ is connected via a cooling system 38′ to the tapping unit as shown in
Throughout the description of the drawings reference has been made to the pressure fluid as either air or water, but other suitable fluids may be used.
The pressure chamber has been described as made from a plastic or polymer material, but a person skilled in the art may easily recognise that other suitable materials may be used, e.g. metallic materials, such as steel or even lighter metallic materials, such as aluminium.
The walls making up the frame (60, 60′, 61, 61′, 60″, 60′″, 61′) may be made from plastic material or metallic material or any other suitable material.
Other variations of the mentioned components and materials may be contemplated by a person skilled in the art, and are also to be considered within the scope of the present invention.
In the above description and in the figures the reference (′) denotes a different embodiment of the same part.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07388059.3 | Aug 2007 | EP | regional |
This application is a national phase filing, under 35 U.S.C. §371(c), of International Application No. PCT/DK2008/000291, filed on Aug. 19, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DK2008/000291 | 8/19/2008 | WO | 00 | 2/19/2010 |
