EP0097843A2

EP0097843A2 - In-home drink dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP0097843A2
Application number: EP83105529A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edward Lewis Jeans
Original assignee: Cadbury Schweppes Ltd
Current assignee: Mondelez UK Holdings and Services Ltd
Priority date: 1982-06-29
Filing date: 1983-06-06
Publication date: 1984-01-11
Also published as: EP0097843B1; AU561021B2; ES8501616A1; AU1632983A; ES523641A0; DE3372604D1; EP0097843A3

Abstract

The inventions provides improvements in beverage dispensers of the nature set forth in European Application 80200611.4 in that a carbonator with an improved check valve coupling is provided, and also the rotary valve described in the said European Application is proposed by the present invention be operated by a pneumatically controlled mechanism.

Description

This invention relates to carbonated beverages in general and more particularly to a dispensing device for making carbonated beverages in the home.
There has been set forth in European Patent Application No. 80200611.4 dispensing devices for making carbonated beverages in the home and the present invention concerns improvements in the devices set forth in said European Patent Application.
Thus, in Fig. 4 of the said Application there is disclosed a quick release coupling arrangement whereby the illustrated carbonator can be coupled to and uncoupled from the illustrated manies for making carbonated beverages in the home and the present invention concerns improvements in the devices set forth in said European Patent Application.
Thus, in Fig. 4 of the said Application there is disclosed a quick release coupling arrangement whereby the illustrated carbonator can be coupled to and uncoupled from the illustrated maniid stem section; and a partially cylindrical section, said cylindrical section having formed therein on each side thereof a pair of cuts of cylindrical cross-section, one of said pairs of cuts being directed inwardly and toward the bottom of said partially cylindrical portion, and the other pair being directed toward the top thereof and intersecting the base of said conical section to provide smooth flow passages; an 0-ring for sealing against said conical section; a spring for biasing the conical section of said valve core against the 0-ring; and means for retaining said 0-ring, core and spring together with said spring biasing said core against said 0-ring.
Also, in Fig. 4 of the said application there is disclosed a means for operating the valve illustrated, and the present invention in another aspect sets forth an alternative means for operating the valve.
According to this aspect there is provided a manifold for use with a beverage dispenser comprising:

a) a manifold body comprising:
- 1) a first passage having an inlet for connection to a source of pressurizing gas and an outlet adapted to be coupled to a diluent supply, to provide pressurization thereof, formed in said body;
- 2) a second passage, having an inlet adapted to be coupled to the diluent supply and an outlet adapted-to be coupled to a dispensing valve formed in said body;
b) fittings extending from the outlet of said first passage and inlet of said second passage in parallel spaced relationship adapted to mate with mating fittings of the diluent supply; and
c) first and second check valves in said fittings, whereby pressurization within said manifold will be maintained when the diluent supply is disconnected from said manifold, and further including;
d) a first pressure reducing valve disposed in said body;
e) a third passage in communication with said first passage for supplying said source to the inlet of said pressure reducing valve; and
f) a fourth passage for coupling the outlet of said first pressure reducing valve to pressurize a concentrate source, and wherein said uispensing valve comprises:
i) a first member containing therein a cylindrical bore extending partially through said member, said fourth passage in said manifold coupled to an elongated outlet in said cylindrical bore, said second passage coupled to a further outlet in said cylindrical bore, the bottom of said bore containing an open area through which concentrate can be dispensed;
ii) 0-ring seals surround said elongated and said further outlet;
iii) a rotatable valve member of generally annular shape disposed for rotation within said cylindrical bore with said valve member having a peripheral portion sealing against said 0-ring seals, said rotatable valve member having thereon a diluent dispensing outlet;
iv) means for bringing about a relative rotation between said first member and said rotatable valve member;
v) means in said rotatable valve member for engaging a first concentrate container part;
vi) a diluent passage within said rotatable valve member for coupling the dispensing outlet in said rotatable valve member with said further outlet when said rotatable valve member is rotated to a predetermined position;
vii) a cover member sealed to said first member forming therewith a casing for retaining said rotatable valve member in place;
viii) means in said casing for engaging a second container part; and
xi) means in said rotatable valve member for coupling said elongated outlet to one of the container parts to pressurize the container, and wherein said means for bringing about a relative rotation comprise a pneumatic actuator.

The invention also provides a number of other improvements in the said devices disclosed in said European application, such improvements being described herein.
For a detailed description to the dispensers which are improved reference is made to the said European Application No. 80200611.4 whose disclosure is imported into this specification by reference and for simplicity of explanation.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in the said European Application and the accompanying drawings wherein;

Fig. la is a drawing illustrating a form of valving at the connection between the manifold and carbonator which is an alternative to that illustrated in Fig. 4 of the said European Application.
Fig. lb is a side elevation view of a valve core used in the water valves of Fig. la.
Fig. lc is a bottom view of the valve core of Fig. lb
Fig. ld shows an alternative valve to that shown in Fig. lb.
Fig. 2 is an exploded elevation view, partially in crosssection, ofa form of diffusor useable in the carbonator of Fig. 27 of the said European Application.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the diffusor of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative form of actuator for the valve illustrated in Fig. 4 of the said European Application;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the actuator shown in Fig. 4, the section being on the line 25-25 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing the actuator in an alternative position;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of part of a carbonator lid for use with a fixed carbonator; and
Figs. 8a and 8b are schematic views of valving associated with the arrangement of Pig. 11 to cut off the flow of carbon dioxide prior to the lid being allowed to open.

Fig. la shows an improved form of valving as compared to the valving shown in Fig. 4 of the said European Application. Although the valving of the said Fig. 4 is operable, the valving illustrated in Fig. la provides superior performance. Tests with the type of valving shown in the said Fig. 4 showed that it gave an undesirable flow restriction in the water outlet and the presence of sharp edges resulted in energy dissipation and de-gassing. With respect to the gas side, it was discovered that a pressure-activated check valve would give superior performance to a Schrader valve of the type illustrated in the said Fig. 4.
Referring to Fig. la, in the illustrated embodiment the valve block 89A which is mounted to the diluent tank 61 is, in this embodiment, a molded plastic part of Lucite or the like rather than the stainless steel part of Figs. 3 and 4 of the European Application. It is secured in place in an appropriate opening in the tank 61 at a flat area 701 thereof by means of a sealing gasket 703 on one side and a lock ring 705 on the other side. Block 89A contains a threaded portion 144 for connection of a diffuser as previously. On the outlet side, it contains a slotted portion 707 with an internal 0-ring seal 709 for insertion of a resin bed. A resin bed of the type which can be used with the present invention is disclosed in U.S. application Serial No. 310,486 filed October 9, 1981. As in the embodiment in the said European Application, fittings 129 and 135 are inserted into the manifold 77A in communication with lines 91 and 99, the gas and water lines respectively. For reasons which will be apparent below, fitting 135 is made of two parts, 719 and 717 which screw together. Part 717 is the one press-fitted into the manifold 77A. 0-ring seals 711 and 713 are provided for sealing purposes.
Inserted into the resting on the base of the bore 725 is the flange of a duckbill valve 729. It is held in sealing contact by a member 731 made of stainless steel screwed into the threads 727. Member 731 contains a flange 733 pressing against an 0-ring 735 placed at the base of the bore 720. Extending from the flange is a pin 727 having a cross-bore 739 therein. This communicates with a central bore through the member 731 which communicates with the duckbill valve. The pin 737 acts against the Schrader valve 133 which is as in the previous embodiment. Rather than utilizing a duckbill valve, a ball and spring check valve could equally well be used. The key requirement is that the valve be one operated by the gas pressure to open and that it act as a check valve to be closed against pressure from inside the carbonator.
Another alternative to the duckbill valve is the sleeve valve illustrated by Fig. ld. This arrangement takes the place of not only the duckbill valve but also member 731 which holds the duckbill valve in place. In effect, a member 780 of design similar to member 31 has a portion 781 extending below the threaded area. Central bore 732 extends through this portion 781 with flow controlled, both in this case and the previous case, by the size of the opening 731 of the cross bore. Again, an 0-ring 735 is provided for sealing. Valve action is accomplished by means of a radial port 783 extending to the circumference of the extension 781 and an elastic sleeve of water resistant Material, preferably silicone rubber, covering the extention 781.
On the wate: side, in the manifold and in the coupler 89A, a type of valve which gives adequate flow, has smooth surfaces and which does not contribute to energy dissipation or de-gassing is used. Fig. lb is an elevation view and Fig. lc an end view of the type of valve generally indicated as 731 used at these locations. The valve includes a stem 733 of cylindrical crosssection. The stem extends from a conical section 735. The conical section is shown in abutment with an 0-ring 737 to demonstrate the nature of the seal made by the valve. In operation, lifting away from the 0-ring 737 by movement of the stem 733 opens the valve. The conical shape 735 provides self- centering. From the view of Fig. lc, the base of the conical section 735 seated thereon is also visible. As illusrated, there are angled two semi-circular cuts made on each side of the valve core. Thus, from the bottom view, one can see the cuts 739. These terminate in a thin section 741. In the upper portion on each side, a cut 743 is made extending from the cut 739 to a position above the base of the conical section 735 so as to bridge the part. Thus, flow from the bottom at the base 741 flows along the smooth surfaces past the conical section 735 and in an annular path between the 0-ring 735 and the stem 733.
Referring again to Fig. la, at the base of the recess 721 a spring 745 is disposed. Similarly, within a central bore 747 in the coupling member 135, another spring 745 is disposed. The spring seats against a threaded insert 717 which is screwed into the end of part 135. At the inner end of the bore 747 in part 135 an 0-ring 737 is disposed. Similarly, an 0-ring is contained in a recess in a member 747 screwed into the threads 723. As illustrated, the stems 733 of the two valve cores are abutting against one another, thereby separating the conical parts from the 0-rings 737. In the assembled position shown, the springs 745 are essentially completely compressed. In this position, water flow from the passageway 751 which communicates with the resin bed in the carbonator tank flows past the two valves and eventually reaches the water line 99 in the manifold.
Figs. 2 and 3 show a new form of diffuser for a carbonator such as illustrated in said European Application. The diffuser includes a base 801 containing an inlet fitting 803 in which the line 90 from coupling 89 or 89A (see Fig. 26 of said European Application) is fitted and sealed in conventional fashion with a nut 807. The fitting opens into a chamber 809 communcating through a passageway 811 with a cavity 813 which, in turn, communicates through another passageway 815 with another cavity 817. As seen from the plan view of Fig. 3, there is, in the center of each of the cavities, which are of cylindrical cross-section, a raised area 819 containing a threaded hole 821. Also, there is recess 823 formed in each of the cylindrical spaces 813 and 817. The recess 823 receives an 0-ring 825. A sealing washer 827 overlies the raised area 819. Shown in exploded view above this area is a sintered plate or sintered disc 829 having thickness of approximately l/16th of an inch and a 2inch diameter. One is provided over each of the two cavities 813 and 817. A stainless steel machine screw 833 is provided for securing the disc onto the body and covering the cavities 813 and 819. The disc is made of sintered stainless steel having a maximum 5-micron passage size. This diffuser has been found to be particularly efficacious in carrying out carbonation. The removable disc permits disassembly of the diffuser for purposes of cleaning and hygiene. Preferably cavities 817 and 813 are shallow to permit gas entering therein to entrain water which collects in the cavities thereby wetting the pcics of the diffuser and improving gas diffusion characteristics.
Figs. 4 - 6 illustrate a pneumatic actuator for the valve 79 of Fig. 4 of said European Application. For this purpose, a portion of a linkage 901 is connected by means of a screw 903 to a portion corresponding to the actuating lever 191 of the said Fig. 4. Portion 901 of the linkage is coupled through a joint 905 to another linkage 907 connected through joint 908 to a movable block 909. Block 909 is contained within a suitable bore 911 and is coupled by a rod 913 to a piston 915 disposed in a cylinder 917. The end of the cylinder 917 adjacent to block 909 is sealed by a plug 919 which has a projection 921 at its end inserted into the cylinder and sealing thereagainst with an 0-ring 923 between the cylinder wall and the plug. Another 0- ring 925 seals against the rod 913 attached to the piston. The piston, itself, seals against the cylinder 917 by means of another 0-ring 927. Cylinder 917 has an inlet at each end, thus, there is an inlet 931 and an inlet 933. To insure that with the piston 915 at its end positions there is a space for gas to be admitted to the cylinder, raised areas 935 are formed at each side of the piston. In the position shown in Fig. 4, gas is admitted through the passage 933, driving the piston 915 to one end and operating valve 79 to dispense. This is accomplished by pressing a button 937 extending through an opening in the manifold. Button 937 is an extension of a rectangular member 939 containing a cylindrical chamber 941. Member 939 slides in a suitable recess formed in the manifold. There are two outlet passages from chamber 941 an outlet 943 and an oultet 945 and in the position shown the outlet 9=3 is aligned with passage 933, the junction between sealed with an 0-ring 947.
Similarly, there is an 0-ring 949 surrounding the passage 945. Passage 931 is venting to the atmosphere because of small gap between the member 939 and the opening in the manifold. Carbon dioxide at the same pressure as is used in the carbonator, is supplied through a fitting 951 screwed into a suitable threaded bore in the manifold through a passage 953 to a connecting piece 955 contains a central bore 957 which is in communication with the cavity 941 in the member 939. As illustrated by Fig. 5, the cavity 941 is of cylindrical cross-section and seals against the connecting tube 955 by means of an 0-ring seal 959. Also visible in this view are the seals 925 and 923 sealing the cylinder 915. When the button is released, because of the carbon dioxide pressure in the cavity 941, the button will move outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 6. Now, the passage 945 is aligned with the passage 931 and carbon dioxide is admitted to the other end of the cylinder 915 acting on the other side of piston 921 to immediately drive the piston and with it the block 909, thereby moving linkages 907 and 901 to the position shown in close the dispensing valve 79. The cylinder 915 on the other side of the piston 921 vents through the passage 933 and the gap formed between member 939 and the recess in the manifold as indicated by arrow 961 of Fig. 25. To prevent the button 937 and more importantly the block 909 and its associated linkage from remaining in an operating position due to the loss of carbon dioxide pressure, spring biasing is also provided. Thus, there is a spring 963 biasing the member 937 outwardly into the closed position. Similarly, a spring 965 biases the lock 909 outwardly to move the valve to the closed position. Similarly, a spring 965 biases the lock 909 outwardly to move the valve to the closed position.
The diameter of cylindrical chamber 941 should be kept small to minimize the force needed tc push button 937. The diameter of cylinder 915 should be as large as practical taking into consideration the loss of gas on each operation. The pneumatic arrangement provides a snap action on and off control preventing the valve being partially on or off so as to maintain a high quality drink.
Fig. 7 shows a partial top view of a fixed carbonator. In general, the construction of the carbonator is the same as described in connection with Figs. 26 and 27 of the said European Application. The primary difference is that the handle 371A in the top 301A is rotatable between an off position and an on position. In the off position, the handle may be lifted to vent the carbonator in the manner described in said European Application. In the on position, it is retained below a bracket 801. The structure of the bracket 801 and a further function of the handle is illustrated by Fig.
8a and Fig. 8b showing respectively on and off positions. Located below the bracket 801 is a valve mechanism 803 for interrupting flow of gas to the carbonator when it is opened. With the removable carbonator previously described, the carbonator will be disconnected from the manifold before it is opened. However, with the fixed carbonator, the carbon dioxide supply remains active at all times. Thus, there must be a safety device to insure that the carbon dioxide flow to the carbonator is shut off before the carbonator is opened. This is the purpose of valve 803. The valve includes a valve body 805 having an inlet line 807 from the regulator and an outlet line 808 to the carbonator coupling 89 or 89A. In this case the carbonator coupling has no valving in it. Disposed within the valve body 805 is a regulator plunger 806 having a passage 809 therethrough. The plunger seals against 0- ring seals 811 and 813 at the outlet and inlet respectively. Connected to the plunger and extending out from the body is an activator rod 815. The activator rod is acted upon'by the handle 371A which is retained within the bracket 801. The bracket is of generally U-shaped cross-section and contains a hole 819 through which the plunger extends. When the handle 371a is moved to the on position in the direction of arrow 821, it acts against a bevelled portion 823 of tne activator rod 815 to push it downward to cause the passage 809 to bridge a path from the inlet 807 to the outlet 808. The plunger and activator rod are biased upwardly by a spring 825. Thus, when the handle is moved to the off position, spring 825 moves the regulator plunger 806 upwardly resulting in the passage 809 now being above the 0-ring seal 811. There is no longer a flow path from the inlet 807 to the outlet 808. As indicated, the actovator rod 815 then moves upwardly to abut against the top of the bracket 801.
As an alternate, a pinch valve mechanism can also be considered. In such a case, the valve will comprise a flexible tubular section acted upon by a pinching mechanism coupled to activator rod 815.

Claims

1. A check valve for use in a carbonator water line comprising: a valve core including a cylindrical stem portion of a first, smaller, diameter; a conical section at the base of said stem section; and a partially cylindrical section, said cylindrical section having formed therein on each side thereof a pair of cuts of cylindrical cross-section, one of said pairs of cuts being directed inwardly and toward the bottom of said partially cylindrical portion, and the other pair being directed toward the top thereof and intersecting the base of said conical section to provide smoth flow passages; an 0-ring for sealing against said conical section; a spring for biasing the conical section of said valve core against the 0-ring; and means for retaining said 0-ring, core and spring together with said spring biasing said core against said 0-ring.

2. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said check vale in said coupling in said carbonator tank for the gas tank comprises an elastic sleeve.

3. A manifold for use with a beverage dispenser comprising:

a) a manifold body comprising:

1) a first passage having an inlet for connection to a source of pressurizing gas and an outlet adapted to be coupled to a diluent supply, to provide pressurization thereof, formed in said body;

2) a second passage, having an inlet adapted to be coupled to the diluent supply and an outlet adapted to be coupled to a dispensing valve formed in said body;

b) fittings extending from the outlet of said first passage and inlet of said second passage in parallel spaced relationship adapted to mate with mating fittings of the diluent supply; and

c) first and second check valves in said fittings, whereby pressurization within said manifold will be maintained when the diluent supply is disconnected from said manifold, and further including;

d) a first pressure reducing valve disposed in said body;

e) a third passage in communication with said first passage for supplying said source to the inlet of said pressure reducing valve; and

f) a fourth passage for coupling the outlet of said first pressure reducing valve to pressurize a concentrate source, and wherein saic dispensing valve comprises:

i) a first member containing therein a cylindrical bore extending partially through said member, said fourth passage in said manifold coupled to an elongated outlet in said cylindrical bore, said second passage coupled to a further outlet in said cylindrical bore, the bottom of said bore containing an open area through which concentrate can be dispensed;

ii) 0-ring seals surround said elongated and said further outlet;

iii) a rotatable valve member of generally annular shape disposed for rotation within said cylindrical bore with said valve member having a peripheral portion sealing against said 0-ring seals, said rotatable valve member having thereon a diluent dispensing outlet;

iv) means for bringing about a relative rotation between said first member and said rotatable valve member;

v) means in said rotatable valve member for engaging a first concentrate container part;

vi) a diluent passage within said rotatable valve member for coupling the dispensing outlet in said rotatable valve member with said further outlet when said rotatable valve member is rotated to a predetermined position;

vii) a cover member sealed to said first member forming-therewith a casing for retaining said rotatable valve member in place;

viii) means in said casing for engaging a second container part; and

xi) means in said rotatable valve member for coupling said elongated outlet to one of the container parts to pressurize the container, and wherein said means for bringing about a relative rotation comprise a pneumatic actuator.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said pneumatic actuator comprises:

a) a cylinder formed in said manifold;

b) a piston disposed in said cylinder and having extending out therefrom a piston rod;

c) valving means for selectively admitting gas pressure to opposite ends of said cylinder to act on opposite sides of said piston; and

d) means coupling said piston rod to said rotatable valve member.

5. A manifold according to claim 4, wherein said valving means comprise:

a) a member having at least one flat face containing therein a cavity;

b) a recess in said manifold for receiving said member and permitting sliding movement of said member therein adjacent said cylinder;

c) at least.--a first passage through said flat surface to said cavity;

d) second and third passages from said cylinder to said recess entering said cylinder at opposite ends thereof;

e) a seal surrounding said first passage

f) means spacing said flat face from said recess;

g) means for admitting gas pressure to said cavity; and

h) first and second stops formed such that when engaging said first stop without any external pressure applied to said member said second passage will be in alignment to admit gas to move said piston to a position to close said rotatable valve and a second stop wherein said third passage will be in alignment to open said valve, the one of said second and third passages not admitting gas being vented to the atmosphere along said flat face.