DK2860149T3

DK2860149T3 - Drink dispensing device

Info

Publication number: DK2860149T3
Application number: DK14188896.6T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Tobias Schardt; Andreas Walsdorf; Katja Weinerth; Michael Mueller
Original assignee: Eckes Granini Group Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-10-14
Filing date: 2014-10-14
Publication date: 2018-02-12
Also published as: EP2860149B1; ES2661078T3; EP2860149A3; DE102013016983B4; DE102013016983A1; EP2860149A2

Description

Device for dispensing beverages

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing beverages having a beverage bag being at least partially configured transparently and a container for receiving the beverage bag.

So-called bag-in-box beverage containers consist of a tube bag and a cardboard box enclosing the tube bag. The beverage bag or tube container is filled airlessly with a product ready for drinking or a concentrate. Such bag-in-box beverage containers usually comprise a beverage outlet which is configured integrally with the tube bag. A beverage outlet for such beverage bags is distributed, for example, under the trade name V-TOP® by the company Smurfit. Furthermore, it is known that such bag-in-box beverage containers may be received in beverage dispensers, so-called dispensers. Document DE 20 2006 Oil 691 teaches a receiving device for bag-in-box beverage containers, the device having a transparent receiving compartment. Here, the receiving compartment is configured such that a standardized bag-in-box beverage container with its cardboard outer packing is entirely received. Through the receiving compartment made of acrylic glass, the label of the outer packing of the bag-in-box beverage container can be clearly read.

It is a disadvantage of said beverage dispenser that the cardboard outer packing increases the required installation space for the bag-in-box beverage container. The cardboard packing is configured relatively stiff. For placing said stiff bag-in-box beverage container within the receiving compartment, the receiving compartment has to be freely accessible from the backside. Otherwise, it is not possible to pass the beverage outlet through the front wall. Such a filling from the backside is often awkward, particularly since the through opening is configured relatively small and the dispensers are often placed such that the backside thereof is not accessible.

Additionally known are electrically operated beverage dispenser, in which a beverage concentrate is pumped out of a bag-in-box storage container and subsequently diluted with water. For example, US 5,575,405 A discloses such a dispenser. Two different beverage concentrates are stored in two bag-in-box beverage containers. The concentrate is diluted with water and then dispensed to the user. It is a disadvantage of such beverage dispensers that they are relatively expensive and complex. Additionally, such dispensers are relatively voluminous and require a power supply. JP 2002 145398 A describes an auxiliary housing for receiving a beer container. The housing comprises a double wall structure and is configured as transparent body, the interior of which can be checked visually.

In contrast thereto, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art and, particularly, to provide an improved and/or alternative and/or additional beverage dispenser.

Preferably, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device which shows the filling level thereof in a simple manner. Additionally, it is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a dispenser in which the beverage is protected against outer influences like heat, light, etc. It is a further preferred object to provide an economic and versatilely applicable beverage dispenser. Particularly preferably, the dispenser can be filled easily. It is a further aspect of the present disclosure to provide a dispenser for cooled beverages which can be operated without electric power supply.

The object is achieved by the features according to claim 1.

According to the technology disclosed here, the device for dispensing beverages or the dispenser comprises a container for receiving a beverage bag or a beverage container. Advantageously, an at least partially at least partially transparently configured beverage bag or beverage container is received in the container. Particularly preferably, the container is suitable to receive a bag-in-box container without its enclosing cardboard box. The container comprises a bottom region and a peripheral region. The peripheral region comprises an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall and the inner wall are at least partially configured spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the outer wall and/or the inner wall comprise on at least one of their surface a micro-topography and/or a macro-topography. The peripheral wall or the peripheral region of the container is at least partially translucent. This means, the peripheral region is configured at least partially not entirely transparently but only partially translucently. In other words, the peripheral region is neither entirely transparent nor opaque. Rather, the peripheral region should spatter visible light to a visually recognizable extent and should be configured substantially translucently, murkily or opaquely. Particularly preferably, the peripheral region comprises at least a minimal translucence at which a non-transparent or non-colourless beverage in an at least partially transparent beverage bag portion can at least dimly be recognized. Thus, a user can advantageously recognize the filling level of the container from outside of the outer wall of the container. The beverages can be any non-transparent or non-colourless beverages like, for example, coffee, juices, milk, etc. By means of the translucent container it is possible to make the at least partially transparent beverage bag at least portionwise unrecognizable when the beverage bag without its outer packing is received in the container.

Advantageously, it is thus also possible to inhibit or reduce the negative influence of light on the beverage without having to adopt complicated mechanisms for checking the filling level.

Advantageously, the peripheral region has a maximal translucence at which the user does not recognize the at least partially translucent beverage bag portion. A dispenser or a container having such a maximal translucence in its peripheral region gives the user the impression that a freshly prepared coloured beverage, for example a freshly prepared juice, is delivered. Additionally, such a translucent structure is an attractive design.

Preferably, the micro-topography is a mattfinished surface of the peripheral region. The surface of the container may be a ground, sandblasted and/or eroded surface, for example a surface with a roughness of 18 to 36 micrometers, preferably of 24 to 34 micrometers, and particularly preferably of 30 to 33 micrometers.

Preferably, the surface is an eroded structure 18 to 36, preferably 24 to 34, and particularly preferably 30 to 33 according to VDI standard 3400. Preferably, the outer surface of the outer wall and/or the surface facing the outer wall, of the inner wall is ground, eroded and/or sandblasted. The macro-topography may be formed by recesses. The recesses are formed in a recessed manner relative to the surrounding surface of the outer wall and/or the inner wall. In other words, the macro-topography is a structure which, recognizable for the user, has various planes. A micro-topography is, on the other hand, a surface-topography which is recognized to be formed in one plane of the surface by the user. The micro-topography comprises preferably a surface roughness in the range of micrometers and/or below. Alternatively or additionally to the recesses, the macro-topography may also comprise bumps. The bumps are formed in a projecting manner relative to the surrounding surface of the outer wall and/or inner wall. The recesses/bumps are at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm deep/high. Preferably the recesses/bumps have a recessed/projecting area of more than 10 mm2 and particularly preferably of more than 100 mm2.

Advantageously, the micro-topography or the macro-topography is at least partially uniformly distributed at at least one portion of the peripheral region. Advantageously, the microtopography and/or the macro-topography is formed at least at the side facing the user, particularly preferably at the front side. Preferably, at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50% of the entire surface of the outer wall is configured translucently wherein the remaining surface is preferably intransparent.

By means of the micro-topography and/or the macro-topography it is particularly easy to manufacture a translucent portion in the peripheral region at economic costs. Additionally, depending on the specific configuration of the macro-topography, the stiffness of the peripheral region can be positively influenced. Alternatively or additionally, translucence may be achieved by a murky or opaque outer and inner wall, for example by means of a wall material which comprises a sufficient number of spattering centers.

Particularly preferably, the outer wall and the inner wall are spaced apart at least partially in a constant distance. In other words, the outer wall and the inner wall form advantageously a double wall structure. Particularly preferably, the outer wall and the inner wall are arranged concentrically to each other. Further preferably, the double wall structure of the peripheral region is at least partially configured as a substantially airtight body in which an isolation medium is preferably contained. Particularly preferably, the isolation medium is a transparent or translucent medium, for example air. The isolating structure of the container disclosed here is independent from other aspects of the technology disclosed herein and may also be used in differently configured devices. All other aspects of the disclosed technology may additionally be performed without this isolating structure.

Particularly advantageously, the curvature of the outer wall and the inner wall as well as the distance between the outer wall and the inner wall may at least partially be selected such that a higher refraction occurs in the peripheral region. Particularly advantageously, the microtopography and/or the macro-topography are at least partially configured such that a higher refraction and/or spattering occurs in the peripheral region.

Preferred materials for the peripheral region are, for example, acrylic glass (polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride (PVC) polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), and/or polyethylene (PE). Particularly preferably, the peripheral region is made from polycarbonate. For example, the material itself may be transparent (=100% transparent) or partially transparent (e.g., 30% to 99% transparent) in the peripheral region and the translucence may be achieved by a mattfinish (e.g., by the roughness) of the suface(s).

Further preferred, the peripheral region is at least partially made of a material which is translucent itself and/or comprises a higher refraction.

An elevated refraction is a preferred possibility to only inform the filling level to the user. Additionally advantageously, potential reflections, which may disturb the user, on the outer side of the container may be prevented.

The container comprises an outlet opening in the lower portion. The outlet opening is configured such that a beverage outlet can be guided therethrough. The beverage outlet may be configured integrally with the beverage bag. For example, the beverage outlet may be a V-Top® beverage outlet of the company Smurfit. Particularly preferably, the outlet opening is formed in the bottom region and/or the lower portion of the peripheral region. Such an opening allows for a particularly easy filling of the container with the beverage bag. Advantageously, the bottom region may be inclined towards the outlet opening. By means of the inclined bottom, the final emptying of the beverage bag can be improved.

Particularly preferably, the device comprises besides the container additionally a base portion. In the operation position of the device, the base portion can be arranged below the container. The base portion supports the container. In a device comprising the base portion, the container is arranged higher than in a device without a base portion. Particularly preferrably, the base portion has such a height that a glass, a mug or a cup or another vessel can be arranged below the beverage outlet.

The base portion may comprise a notch for receiving the beverage outlet. Preferrably, the base portion comprises an upper rim. Advantageously, the notch in the base portion is configured openly towards the upper rim. Preferably, the notch of the base portion and the outlet opening of the container are arranged in a corresponding manner such that the beverage outlet of the tube bag can be guided through the outlet opening and can be inserted into or fixed in the notch of the base portion. Particularly preferably, the notch is configured as a U-shaped or V-shaped notch which comprises a collar having an increased thickness compared to the surrounding wall of the base portion. Preferably, the beverage outlet is received in the notch in a form-fit manner and secured against displacement. Advantageously, the container and the base portion are detachably connected to each other. Particularly preferably, the container lays on a bottom plate of the base portion. Thus, it can be easily achieved that first the beverage bag can be placed in the container and the beverage outlet can be guided through the outlet opening before the container is placed onto the base portion. Thereby, the beverage outlet can be easily and comfortably inserted into the notch of the base portion.

The device may additionally also comprise a removable cover which can be fixed to the base portion and/or the container. Advantageously, the cover is such configured and arranged that it covers the outlet opening. The cover may comprise a cover recess which together with the notch of the base portion encloses the beverage outlet. Preferably, different covers can be used for different beverages. Advantageously, the beverage bag can thus also not be seen through the outlet opening. The cover can also reduce the risk that dirt can enter the container and/or the base portion. Advantageously, the base portion may comprise a removable drip pan.

The container may advantageously comprise a lid. Preferably, the lid seals the container. Advantageously, there is provided a holder for at least one cooling pack or non-electric cooling element on the inner surface of the lid. Advantageously, the holder for the at least one cooling pack comprises multiple ridges comprising projections at their end portions. Advantageously the holder, particularly the ridges, are arranged and formed such that at least one cooling pack can be inserted laterally. Preferably, the holder holds the cooling pack in a form-fit manner.

Beverage dispensers are often used in places where they are submitted to a strong heat development by the lighting. For example, beverage dispensers are used for providing beverages at a breakfast buffet. In order to have an illumination as good as possible for the buffet, very bright lights are often used which emit a lot of heat. This radiation usually hits the dispenser from above. Thus, the dispenser is heated from above. Due to the arrangement of the cooling pack disclosed herein the heat source and the heat sink are, thus, arranged near to each other. Advantageously, the developing heat can, thus, immediately be compensated by the cooling pack. Further advantageously, cold air drops downwards such that the beverage bag is uniformly cooled.

The lid including a holding structure disclosed herein is independent from the further aspects of the technology disclosed herein and may be used in differently configured devices as well. All remaining aspects of the disclosed technology may also be performed without said lid including a holding structure.

Preferably, the device for dispensing beverages or the beverage dispenser is a device having a container or a container and a base portion, which is/are configured such that, in the operation position, the beverage can be dispensed only for gravitation. In other words, there is no additional pumping or additional electric power required for operating the device. Particularly preferably, it is a cooled dispenser. Additionally advantageously, the container is configured such that at least the translucently formed portion of the peripheral region is a part of the visual outer wall of the device when the device is in the operation position. In other words, the translucently formed portion of the peripheral region is arranged such that a user when using the device can recognize the filling level of the container or the beverage bag.

In the following, the features and advantages of the present invention are explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments referring to the Figures. Here the Figures show Figure la a front view of the device,

Figure lb a side view of the device,

Figure lc a perspective view of the device,

Figure Id a cross-sectional view of the device along line A-A in Figure la,

Figures 2a to 2c various views of the outer portion 100-1 of the container 100,

Figures 3a to 3c various views of the inner portion 100-2 of the container 100,

Figures 4a to 4c various views of the base portion 200,

Figures 5a and 5b various views of the cover 400,

Figures 6a and 6b various view of the lid 140, and

Figure 7 a perspective view of the removable drop pan 230.

Figure la shows a front view of the device or the dispenser having a container 100 as well as a base portion 200. The cover 400 covers the not shown outlet opening 130. On the cover 400, additional information may be displayed like, for example, the beverage producer or the kind of the beverage. The peripheral region 120 of container 100 comprises uniformly distributed recesses 128 on its visual outer wall 122, the recesses being present over the entire front region into the side region of the container 100. Here, the outer wall 122 is matt finished over the entire surface. The base portion 200 has such a raised configuration that a cup may be place on the drip pan 230 below the beverage outlet G for filling.

Figure lb shows a side view of the device. In the operation position, the beverage outlet G projects from the base portion 200. In Figure lc the container 100 is shown opened with an inserted beverage bag or beverage tube 500. The cross-sectional view in Figure Id shows the double wall structure in the peripheral region 120 formed in that the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 122 are arranged (preferably parallel or substantially parallel) to each other. Here, the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 122 are spaced apart at a distance a.

Figure 2a shows a side view of an outer portion 100-1 of the container 100. Figure 2b shows a front view of the outer portion 100-1. The outlet opening 130 is arranged at the front side in the lower portion of the peripheral region 120. In the peripheral region 120, the outlet opening 130 has the shape of an arched recess. Furthermore, the outlet opening 130 extends into the bottom region 110. In other words, the bottom region 110 and the peripheral region 120 from the outlet opening 130.

Figure 2c shows a cross-section along line A-A in Figure 2b. At the front side, the recesses 128 are shown which extend in various planes. The bottom region 110 is formed such inclined that the bottom region drops towards the outlet opening 130. In the bottom region 110, a first flange region 151 is formed. In this flange region 151, the outer portion 100-1 is connected to the inner portion 100-2, preferably by gluing or welding.

Figure 3a shows a side view of the inner portion 100-2 of the container 100. Figure 3b shows a front view of the inner portion 100-2 and Figure 3c shows a cross-section along line A-A in Figure 3b. At the upper rim, the inner portion 100-2 comprises a second flange region 152. At least in the first and/or second flange region, the outer portion 100-1 and the inner portion 100-2 of the container 100 are glued or welded together such that air as isolation medium is enclosed between the outer wall 122 and the inner wall 124 (cf. Figure Id). These flange regions are not visible in the operation position. An isolating container 100 manufactured in such a way can be manufactured comparatively economically. The outer wall 122 of the outer portion 100-1 and the inner wall 124 of the inner portion 100-2 are configured such that a substantially constant distance a is formed between them (cf. Figure Id).

Figure 4a shows a front view and Figure 4b a cross-section of the base portion 200 along line A-A in Figure 4a. The notch 210 is provided at the upper rim 220 of the base portion 200 and opens towards the rim 200. In the front view, the notch is substantially U-shaped. As can be seen in Figure 4b, the rim portion of notch 210 comprises an enlarged collar which is broader relative to the adjacent wall of the base portion. In the foot portion of the base portion 200, a receiving portion for a drip pan 230 is provided. In the embodiment of the base portion shown in Figure 4c, a bottom 240 is provided. The bottom 240 is configured such that the container 100 can be placed on the bottom 240. The bottom 240 is arranged below the notch 210. In the collar of the notch 210 a receiving slit 250 is provided in which the cover 400 can be inserted.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of cover 400 and Figure 5b shows a cross-section along axis A-A. The cover 400 comprises a cover notch 410. Cover 400 comprises an upper portion in which additional information may be displayed. The cover is dimensioned such that it can entirely cover the outlet opening 130. In the cover notch 210 there is formed a contact rim 420 which can be inserted into slit 250.

Figure 6a shows the lid 300 with holding means 310 for holding a cooling pack. Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 6a. Here, the holder 310 comprises 5 ridges which comprise laterally extending projections at their lower or front end portion. These laterally extending projections are suitable to grip a cooling pack. Thus, a cooling pack can be fixed in an easy manner.

Figure 7 shows a drop pan 230 which can be detachably mounted to the base portion 200. The pan comprises a flange region at its surface to which a circular insert, not shown here, can be attached.

The invention also comprises the precise or exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. when these terms, features, numerical values or ranges are mentioned with leading or trailing expressions like, for example, “about”, “ca.”, “around”, “substantially”, “in general”, “at least”, etc. (thus, “about 3” should also mean “3” or “substantially radial” should also include “radial”).

Claims

Device for dispensing beverages with at least partially transparent beverage bag and container (100) for receiving the beverage bag, the container (100) having a bottom region (110) and a circumferential region (120), wherein the circumferential region (120) has an outer wall (122) and an inner wall (124), the outer wall (122) and the inner wall (124) being spaced apart, wherein the circumferential region (120) is at least sectionally formed and where in the lower region of the container (100) is provided an outlet opening (130) which is formed in such a way that a beverage outlet (G) of the beverage bag can be passed through.

Device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall (122) and / or the inner wall (124) on at least one of its surfaces has at least sectionally a micro-topography (126).

Device according to claim 2, wherein the microtopography (126) is a frosted surface (126).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wall (122) and / or the inner wall (124) on at least one of its surfaces has at least sectionally a macrotopography (128).

Device according to claim 4, wherein the macrotopography has recesses (128), the recesses (128) being staggered rearwardly with respect to the surrounding surface of the outer wall (122) and the inner wall (124), respectively.

Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the macrotopography has elevations, the elevations being designed elevated with respect to the surrounding surface of the outer wall (122) and the inner wall (124), respectively.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the outer wall (122) and the inner wall (124) is substantially constant.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100) has a cover (300) and wherein on the inside of the cover there is a holder (310) for at least one cooling accumulator.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further has a lower part (200), which in the application position is placed below the container (100) and supports and supports the container (100) respectively.

Device according to claim 9, wherein the lower part (200) has a recess (210) for receiving the beverage output (G).

Device according to claim 10, wherein the lower part (200) has an upper edge (220) and the recess (210) is formed open upwardly towards the upper edge (220).

Device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the recess (210) and the exit opening (130) are arranged to fit each other, so that the beverage outlet (G) can be passed through the exit opening (130) and inserted into the recess (210).

Device according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, wherein the device has a removable cover (400) which can be removably fastened to the base (200) and / or to the container (100), so that the exit opening is at least partially covered. .

Device according to claim 13, wherein the cover (400) has a cover recess (410) which together with the recess (210) in the lower part (200) can enclose the beverage outlet (G).