EP0179111B1 - Support truck for vehicle or material - Google Patents

Abstract

The truck comprises a boom (1) resting with both its ends on two orientable cross-beams (3) provided with several pivotable wheels (4) and having two slide-blocks (8) each supporting a bearing point (15, 16) of which the height, the length and the orientation can be adjusted. Each slide-block (8) is provided with a locking member (9) on the boom (1), formed by a screw (9) driven into a threaded plate (10) housed in the boom (1). Each bearing point (15, 16) comprises a lifting screw (13, 14) bearing on a tube (11) integral with each sliding-block (8).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing liquids such as food liquids and in particular refrigerated or non-refrigerated drinks, in which a concentrated liquid is diluted using a diluent liquid, in particular water.

The invention applies in particular to the distribution of refrigerated drinks from concentrates, such as for example drinks prepared from natural concentrates of fruit juices, for example oranges, with or without pulp, crushed or unground.

The devices or apparatuses of this type currently known are intended to ensure the automatic dilution of a concentrated liquid product, viscous or not, with or without pulp, in water, generally cooled water and, in general, to deliver doses of the product thus diluted, for example to the glass or to the cup.

These devices in particular have the disadvantage of being relatively expensive, complicated since they include numerous moving parts, difficult to maintain and above all to clean in accordance with the prescriptions which impose a systematic cleaning of the dispensers of food liquids including the components such as pump, valve, distribution pipes and conduits are the site of bacterial fermentation in particular.

It has already been proposed to. replace mobile elements, such as pumps, by mixing means using a pressure-reducing element.

U.S. Patent 2,920,579 describes a device in which the fruit concentrate is brought directly into the axis of a venturi by an adjustable injector 44 opening into a venturi nozzle. It is clear that such a device has been provided to try to adjust, by axial displacements at the level of the venturi, and this in an extremely fine manner, the flow of concentrate. This implies that the depression caused is not substantially constant and varies, in particular depending on the level of concentrate in the refrigerated concentrate container 16. In addition, this device is complex and comprises a complicated venturi made up of several assemblable parts, namely , in particular, the central injector, the part forming a nozzle and distribution duct, a water inlet, a blocking part 49 as well as seals and blocking means. These different means are necessary due to the principle of operation and adjustment required. Of course, these parts are difficult to disassemble and difficult to wash. Finally, the throttling of the venturi is provided to prevent the entry of air from the opening 21 into the injector, which means that the duct 20 receives air through its mouth and that , in this conduit, the liquid is not protected from air and therefore from fermentation.

French patent 1 392840 describes a device in which there is air inside the pressure-reducing member before the start of operation. The presence of this air prevents the establishment of a constant depression and therefore the obtaining of a good homogeneity. Such a device is particularly sensitive to differences in level in the reservoir of the product which must be diluted. The depressor organ is oriented vertically, which prevents it from retaining the liquid inside. A fortiori, the vertical evacuation duct is exposed to air between two operations with all the resulting drawbacks in terms of hygiene. Finally, the device is also very complicated, has a large number of complex parts and seals and requires delicate adjustments.

German patent 3,234,957 describes a device for dispensing diluted syrup in which part of the device remains filled with concentrated syrup between two successive dispensing operations. This quantity of concentrated syrup is simply expelled when the water arrives and is therefore not diluted, thus causing a lack of homogeneity in the receiving cup. On the other hand, part of the device remains empty between two successive dispensing operations, except for traces of diluted syrup which therefore remain in contact with the air, which promotes oxidation and bacterial proliferation.

The present invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a device for dispensing liquids such as food liquids and especially beverages, making it possible to dilute, to a given concentration and with great precision, a liquid concentrate which can be either viscous or non-viscous, with or without crushed pulp or not and, if necessary, to deliver the diluted product in exact doses, and this using simple means, inexpensive and little subject to breakdowns.

Another objective of the invention is thus to make it possible to obtain an extremely homogeneous diluted product.

Another objective of the invention is to deliver, at a temperature recommended for consumption, the liquid food whatever the frequency of use.

Another object of the invention is to make it possible to reconstitute the organoleptic properties of a freshly squeezed fruit juice from a frozen natural concentrate of fruit juice.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which does not use complex mechanical means in contact with the concentrate or the diluent liquid.

Another objective of the invention is to avoid or considerably limit the phenomena of oxidation or fermentation of the liquids contained and thus to preserve the organoleptic properties of the food liquid delivered, and this in particular for products very sensitive to oxidation and fermentation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device which is extremely cleaning easy and easy, allowing rapid disassembly.

Yet another objective of the invention is, in the frequent case where the diluent liquid is drinking water, to use the pressure of the drinking water network which supplies the appliance, as a source of energy.

The subject of the invention is a device comprising a source of diluent liquid, in particular the drinking water network regulated by a regulator, a source of concentrated product, a depressogenic organ of simple form for diluting the concentrated product in the diluent liquid, and in which the liquid concentrate is brought in via a calibrated passage connected by a conduit to the source of concentrated product to cause a suction effect of the concentrated liquid as a function of a constant depression such as the suction flow rate of concentrate is not significantly sensitive to variations in the level of the concentrate container, and a pipe downstream of the pressure-reducing member, liquid being liable to remain in the pressure-reducing member between two successive dispensing operations, characterized in that the member downstream continues directly downstream through a small internal volume conduit sufficiently elongated to form a homogenization conduit and in that the s internal dimensions of the pipe downstream of the pressure-reducing device are arranged so that the diluted liquid product remains in almost all of the internal volume of the pressure-reducing device and of the pipe, between two successive dispensing operations.

Preferably, the liquid concentrate is supplied with the liquid concentrate by the simple suction effect of the pressure generator or, optionally, by additionally using the gravity of the concentrated liquid.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the pressure-reducing member continues with a distribution pipe which may possibly facilitate or improve the homogenization of the product to be distributed, and advantageously, the liquid product is maintained between said successive distribution operations in said pipe. by preventing any entry of air, and preferably by keeping the volume of the pipe at a very low value compared to the volume of the doses which can be dispensed.

For example, this ratio can be between 0.5 and 2% of the dose volume, the latter being able to range up to 20 cl and more.

The maintenance of the liquid product in said pipe can be carried out preferably by simple effect of the surface tensions, for example by capillarity, and / or by the geometrical arrangement of the pipe but one can also use other means, in particular gravity, l '' use of check valves, especially on the concentrate etc ...

Preferably, said pipe can be made up of, or comprise directly downstream of the pressure-reducing member, a homogenization pipe preferably of small diameter with a length / diameter ratio preferably greater than 10.

In the case where the diluent liquid is potable water, it is advantageous to use, to ensure the circulation of the water and preferably the suction of the concentrate, the pressure of the potable water network by possibly arranging it, by pressure regulation means such as a pressure reducer, at a predetermined value corresponding to the chosen use.

In the case of distribution of fresh products or cold or refrigerated drinks, it is advantageous to refresh and refrigerate the concentrate and / or the diluent so as to distribute the final product at the desired temperature.

According to the invention, in the case where it is desired to dispense precise individual doses of product, this can be obtained in a simple manner by exactly delimiting the duration of passage of the diluent liquid in the pressure-reducing means.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a diluent / concentrated volume ratio of between 2 and 100 and more.

According to the invention, the flow rates and passage sections are preferably designed so as to allow a flow speed of the diluted product of the order of 2 to 6 m / s.

The pressure-reducing element can consist of a simple chamber supplied with diluent liquid via a calibrated nozzle to create in the chamber a stable depression sufficient to suck the concentrate at a stable flow rate.

Preferably, the pressure-reducing member continues, in the axis of the nozzle or of the flow of diluent liquid, by a conduit of small internal volume and preferably of short length through which the final product is distributed, conduit terminating in preferably a spout.

This duct can advantageously be a duct having a length / diameter ratio greater than 10.

Preferably, the source of concentrated product is located under the pressure-reducing member and the tubing then plunges into the source of concentrated liquid which is gradually drawn in, anti-reflux means such as for example a ball valve, being arranged in the tubing, for example at the level of the pressure-reducing organ or, better, at the lower end of the tubing immersed in the source of liquid concentrate.

The source of concentrated product, which can then consist of a simple container, can be, if desired, suitably refrigerated and it is advantageous to use these refrigeration means to cool the flow of diluent liquid.

The distribution conduit can act as a homogenization conduit and is preferably designed in such a way that at the end of the distribution, it remains filled with liquid, as well as, if necessary, the spout which the extension, the internal volume of these elements retaining the liquid preferably by capillary action, although other means may be provided such as a valve, inclination of the conduit allowing the liquid to be maintained by gravity, etc.

As a result, the entire device according to the invention is therefore always filled with liquid, which opposes the penetration of air and considerably avoids or reduces the phenomena of oxidation and / or fermentation.

Advantageously to avoid any stagnation or accumulation of product, pulp, as well as any fermentation, one avoids giving to the internal volume of the device and in particular to the dispensing duct and if necessary, to the pouring spout, any form comprising dead zones, so that any internal surface is swept by the liquid during the dispensing operation.

The material or materials in contact with the final product, the diluent liquid and the concentrated liquid are preferably opaque and produced with an excellent surface condition.

The adjustment and / or adaptation of the concentration of the final product can be carried out by acting on the flow rate of the diluent liquid in the pressure-reducing element, but preferably this adjustment is carried out using interchangeable pressure-reducing elements of suitable dimensions or, in a same pressure-reducing organ, using calibrated nozzles and / or calibrated passages of different diameters to introduce the diluent liquid and / or the concentrate.

Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible, without using the slightest movable member, to distribute homogeneous liquid food products, of precise and stable concentration, of high food purity, and this even in doses of small or very small volumes.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of nonlimiting example, and referring to the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic view, in sagittal section, of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 represents, on an enlarged scale, the pressure-reducing member and the distribution duct with the pouring spout.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a device for dispensing doses of orange juice from frozen concentrate. The device comprises, in a suitable camber 1 covered by a cover 2 having a cantilevered part 2a, a heat-insulated enclosure 3 inside which is arranged a cooling means such as a coil (not shown) allowing to maintain a temperature of 2 to 4 ° C. In this enclosure is suspended a container 4 containing the concentrate of frozen orange juice which, after a certain time, gets to the temperature prevailing in the enclosure 3.

Above the enclosure 3 and the cover of the container 4 is placed, on support means 5, a metal or plastic part 6, of generally parallelepiped shape and whose shape is best seen in FIG. 2. This part comprises a pressure-reducing chamber 7 opening onto one of the faces of the part 6 and continuing horizontally by a long passage of small diameter 8 opening itself into a passage of larger diameter 9 this time arranged vertically and continuing, towards the lower face of the part 6, by an enlargement 10 intended to receive and maintain the upper end of a vertical tube 11 forming the pouring spout. A second chamber 12, this time vertical, opens into the front part of the chamber 7 through a calibrated orifice 13.

• - chambre 7 : longueur 24 mm, diamètre 10,4 mm
• - conduit 8 : longueur 120 mm, diamètre 4 mm
• - conduit 9 : diamètre 7 mm
• - chambre 12 : longueur 19 mm, diamètre 12,2 mm
• - orifice calibré 13 : diamètre 4 mm, épaisseur 2 mm.

As an example, the internal dimensions can be as follows:

• - chamber 7: length 24 mm, diameter 10.4 mm
• - duct 8: length 120 mm, diameter 4 mm
• - duct 9: diameter 7 mm
• - chamber 12: length 19 mm, diameter 12.2 mm
• - calibrated orifice 13: diameter 4 mm, thickness 2 mm.

• - conduit 14 : longueur 200 mm, diamètre 10 mm
• - bille : diamètre 3 mm sur siège de diamètre 6 mm.

In the chamber 12 penetrates, in a sealed manner, a vertical duct 14 which extends to the vicinity of the bottom of the container 4 where there is a narrowing with a ball forming a non-return valve, preventing in the state of rest the concentrated liquid contained in the conduit 14 to descend to the container 4. The connection of the conduit 14 in the chamber 12 is effected in a sealed manner, for example by means of an O-ring. The dimensions are as follows:

• - duct 14: length 200 mm, diameter 10 mm
• - ball: diameter 3 mm on seat with diameter 6 mm.

Furthermore, in the chamber 7, an injection nozzle 16 containing a calibrated orifice 17 in the axis of the chamber and of the conduit 8 is in place, at a location such that the useful volume of the chamber 7 disposed between the nozzle and the conduit 8 has an axial length of 4 mm, without taking account of the conical end of the chamber 7. Finally, upstream of the nozzle 16, the chamber 7 is connected to a pipe 18 of which only the initial part is shown on the Figure 1. This pipe 18, which is intended for supplying the diluent liquid, in this case water from the urban network, passes through the insulated enclosure 3 so as to allow the diluent liquid to cool there. , after which the pipeline continues towards the water inlet, preferably via a pressure regulator of the usual type. A solenoid valve 19 is mounted on the pipe 18 and is controlled by a press button (not shown) or another control device, to open the passage for the determined period which, taking into account the characteristic dimensions of the apparatus, makes it possible to deliver a very precise dose of product and in this case of orange juice ready for consumption, for example in cups. The solenoid valve 9 can be replaced anywhere other control means, timed or not.

It can be seen that the device thus produced is extremely simple and has no moving parts. All of these elements can be formed interchangeably and the various passages and pipes of the part 6 are devoid of blind spots and have a smooth internal wall of good quality. These different parts, namely part 6 with the spout 11, preferably not removable, the conduit 14 and the injection nozzle 16 can be very easily dismantled and cleaned and this daily.

The concentration of the dispensed dose is adjusted by each time using a nozzle 16 having an appropriate orifice diameter 17 and by placing this nozzle in place in chamber 7.

The operation is as follows:

The conduit 14 being filled with concentrate, the solenoid valve 19 is opened. The water jet which is established in the pressure-reducing member in the chamber 7 immediately draws a determined flow of concentrate which mixes in the chamber and continues to s 'homogenize in the homogenization duct 8, the liquid product then leaving through the spout 11 being completely homogeneous and of constant concentration and this until the solenoid valve is stopped. When stopped, due to the dimensions, in particular the diameter, of the conduit 8, it remains filled with liquid. It is the same for the pouring spout 11 which has only a reduced diameter. It is further noted that no drop forms at the end of the pouring spout 11 so that "dirt on the base of the device is avoided.

Despite the significant difference in level which is established in the container 4 between the time when it is filled and the time when it is emptied, the doses distributed have a consistency of concentration sufficient to be completely imperceptible to the taste and to be in harmony with the regulations in force, and this thanks to the presence of the calibrated orifice 13 whose pressure drop is high compared to the variation in the level of concentrate.

The following examples will illustrate the properties of the device according to the invention during the implementation of the distribution process.

Example 1

Preparation of an orange juice with a frozen natural concentrate with unmilled pulp. This concentrate must be stored at a temperature less than or equal to -18 ° C and in use it must be reheated to a temperature close to 0 ° C. It is about a product not having very precise characteristics and which requires to be diluted for a part of concentrate with three parts of water for the reconstitution of the original orange juice, which has a BRIX degree of 10 , 2.

The viscosity of the concentrate is 290 centipoise at 4 ° C and 310 centipoise at 2 ° C.

The temperature of the concentrate varied from 2 to 4 ° C during the test.

A nozzle 16 was used having an orifice diameter 17 of 1.9 mm and the pressure of the water upstream from the nozzle was reduced to 0.8 kg / cm ² effective. During all the tests, a fruit juice having a BRIX degree of 10.1 ± 2% was obtained, while the relative variation in the level of concentrate in container 4 was 15 cm. This variation in BRIX degree cannot be detected by taste.

Example 2

Preparation of an orange juice with a natural pasteurized concentrate with crushed pulp.

The reconstitution of orange juice requires one part of concentrate for five parts of water. The BRIX degree of the original product thus carefully reconstituted manually is 10.5.

The viscosity of the concentrate is 445 centipoise at 5.5 ° C and 475 centipoise at 3.5 ° C.

Compared to Example 1, the suction duct is modified in that the ball valve has a diameter of 5.5 mm instead of 8 mm and in that the orifice of the seat of the ball has been brought back at 3 mm.

The nozzle has an orifice diameter 17 of 2 mm, the water pressure being 0.850 kg / cm ² .

During the test, the temperature of the concentrate was maintained between 3 and 4.5 ° C.

The fruit juice reconstituted by the process according to the invention has a BRIX degree of 10.6 ±: 3%.

Claims (9)

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