EP0676366B1 - Umwandelbarer Getränkespender - Google Patents

Umwandelbarer Getränkespender Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0676366B1
EP0676366B1 EP95106065A EP95106065A EP0676366B1 EP 0676366 B1 EP0676366 B1 EP 0676366B1 EP 95106065 A EP95106065 A EP 95106065A EP 95106065 A EP95106065 A EP 95106065A EP 0676366 B1 EP0676366 B1 EP 0676366B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
module
refrigeration
dispense
refrigeration module
dispenser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95106065A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0676366A1 (de
Inventor
William S. Credle, Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coca Cola Co
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Coca Cola Co
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0676366A1 publication Critical patent/EP0676366A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0676366B1 publication Critical patent/EP0676366B1/de
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1277—Flow control valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
    • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
    • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
    • B67D1/0034—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
    • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
    • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
    • B67D1/0034—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component
    • B67D1/0035—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls being based on the same metering technics
    • B67D1/0037—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls being based on the same metering technics based on volumetric dosing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0043—Mixing devices for liquids
    • B67D1/0044—Mixing devices for liquids for mixing inside the dispensing nozzle
    • B67D1/0046—Mixing chambers
    • B67D1/0049—Mixing chambers with means for diverging streams
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B67D1/006—Conventional carbonators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0858—Cooling arrangements using compression systems
    • B67D1/0861—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means
    • B67D1/0864—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means in the form of a cooling bath
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
    • B67D1/1204—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed for ratio control purposes
    • B67D1/1211—Flow rate sensor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1284—Ratio control
    • B67D1/1295—Ratio defined by setting flow controllers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/003—General constructional features for cooling refrigerating machinery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00031—Housing
    • B67D2210/00039—Panels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00047—Piping
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00099—Temperature control
    • B67D2210/00104—Cooling only

Definitions

  • This invention relates to counter top, postmix beverage dispensers, and in particular to a low-cost, compact, versatile, multiflavor, convertible beverage dispenser.
  • a wide variety of different postmix dispensers are known, including those having multiflavor valves and those having the selector buttons and nozzle at a notched corner of the cabinet. It is also known to have a dispensing system in which some parts of the dispenser are located above the counter and some parts are located below the counter.
  • EP-A-319348 discloses a beverage dispenser having the features of the opening part of claim 1.
  • the present invention is characterised by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.
  • the invention provides a low cost, compact, versatile, multiflavor, postmix, convertible beverage dispenser which can be oriented in any one of several different ways to fit into any available space in an outlet. If an outlet has room for a dispenser, this dispenser will fit.
  • This advantage can be used to reduce the inventory of different sizes of dispensers presently needed to accommodate different outlets.
  • This dispenser can be oriented frontways or sideways by an easy change in the location of the selector buttons.
  • this unitary dispenser can be separated into a dispense module and a refrigeration module. The refrigeration module can be located below the counter and the dispense module can fit into a very small place on a counter.
  • This convertible dispenser can be used with figals or can be used with bag-in-box with built-in syrup pumps. In addition, this convertible dispenser can be easily modified to dispense different numbers of beverages.
  • Figs. 1 to 12 show a dispenser not in accordance with the present invention but as disclosed in EP-A-319348, whilst Figs. 13 to 25 show an embodiment of the present invention by way of example.
  • Figs. 13 to 25 show an embodiment of the present invention by way of example.
  • a dispenser 10 of the prior art included-a refrigeration module 12 and a separate dispense module 14 which is removably attached to the refrigeration module.
  • the dispenser 10 has a single multiflavor valve 16 with a single mixing and dispensing nozzle 18 for dispensing a beverage into a cup 19 (Fig. 7), carbonated water line 22 and four syrup lines 24.
  • the dispensing valve 16 is in a notched corner of the dispenser 10 with the buttons on either of the adjacent walls.
  • the dispenser 10 as shown in the drawings is set up for use with bag-in-box syrup containers (not shown), although it can also be used with figals (not shown).
  • the dispenser 10 can be set up for operation on a countertop 11 (see Fig. 3) in any one of the three modes of operation shown in Figs. 1, 2 or 3. To convert between the modes shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it is only necessary to move the buttons 20 to change places with the panel 96. To convert from either the Fig. 1 or 2 mode to the Fig. 3 mode, a small conversion kit is used.
  • the dispense module 14 is separated from the refrigeration module 12 and slightly rearranged (Fig. 7), the longer water and syrup lines are attached, a different splash plate (flat instead of L-shaped) is attached, and preferably a recirculating pump 134 and line are connected.
  • the refrigeration module 12 includes a housing 26, a lid 28, an ice-water tank 30, a refrigeration unit 32, a carbonator unit 34, and four syrup pumps 36 mounted on the sidewall 38.
  • the lid 28 has air inlet vents 13 in a front portion thereof and air outlet vents 15 in a rear portion thereof.
  • the refrigeration unit 32 is mounted on a refrigeration deck 40 that sits on top of the tank 30.
  • the unit 32 includes the usual equipment such as an evaporator coil 42, an agitator 44, condenser coils 46m compressor 48, ice bank control 50, and cooling fan 52 operated by an agitator motor 54,
  • the carbonator unit 34 is mounted on a carbonator deck 56 and includes the usual carbonator equipment including a carbonator tank 58, a water pump and motor 60, level controller 62, and CO 2 inlet 64.
  • the refrigeration module 12 also includes the usual water cooling coils 66 and four separate syrup cooling coils 68.
  • the water goes to the pump 60, then to the water cooling soils 66, then to the carbonator tank 58 and then to the multiflavor valve 16.
  • the syrup goes from a bag-in-box container (not shown) to one of the four syrup pumps 36, to a syrup cooling coil 68, and then to the multiflavor valve 16.
  • Each pump 36 has a CO 2 inlet, a syrup inlet and a syrup outlet, for example, for a CO 2 operated pump.
  • the dispense module 14 has a longer sidewall and shorter frontwall and includes a dispense module housing 69, a dispense section 70, a separate hollow section 72, and a lid 74.
  • the hollow section 72 is generally U-shaped with an opening 76 in its rear wall 78 to accommodate the syrup pumps 36, in the modes of operation shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • the hollow section 72 is attached by bolts and nuts 80 to the refrigeration module housing 26.
  • the dispense section 70 includes separate upper and lower portions 82 and 84, respectively, and an L-shaped splash guard 88 in Figs. 1 and 2, and a flat splash guard 90 in Fig. 3.
  • the lower portion is the drip tray unit and includes the drip tray 85 and the cup rest 86.
  • the drip tray unit can be connected to the hollow section 72 and/or to the refrigeration module 12.
  • the upper portion 82 includes a shell 92 having an open top 93 and an open rear wall 94.
  • the shell 92 is bolted to both the refrigeration module housing 26 and to the hollow section 72 by bolts and nuts 80.
  • the upper portion 82 includes the selector buttons 20, a panel 96, and the single multiflavor valve 16.
  • the selector buttons 20 are placed in an opening 100 in a frontwall 98 of the dispense module 14, and the panel 96 is placed in an opening 102 in the sidewall 104.
  • the selector buttons 20 are placed in the sidewall opening 102 and the panel 996 is placed in the frontwall opening 100.
  • the selector buttons 20 are placed in the sidewall opening 102 as in Fig. 2.
  • buttons 20 and panel 96 are identical in size and the buttons and panel can be handled through the open top 93 (with the lid 74 off).
  • Each of the panel and buttons use connected to an identical mounting plate 106, so a description of one will suffice.
  • the plate 106 has a flange 108 along its bottom edge that fits in a groove, and the plate has a single slot 105 centrally located in its top edge to receive a bolt 107 connected to the wall and on which a wing nut 109 is attached.
  • the wires from the solenoids of the flow control modules 110 to the buttons 20 are flexible and easily allow movement of the buttons from one wall to the other.
  • the multiflavor valve 16 includes the single nozzle 18 and a plurality of separate, identical flow control modules 110, shown in Fig. 10.
  • One of the flow control modules 110 is for carbonated water an there are four separate syrup modules 110, one for each of four syrups.
  • a water line 112 extends from the water flow control module 110 to a central opening in the nozzle 18, while the four syrup lines 111, 112, 113, and 114 extend from a respective one of the flow control modules 110 to a respective one of the circumferentially arranged openings 116 in the top of the nozzle 18.
  • each of the flow control modules 110 includes a body 120 and a liquid passageway 122 therethrough from an inlet port 124 to an outlet port 126.
  • a standard piston-spring flow control 128 is located in the passage.
  • a solenoid controlled valve 130 (including a solenoid, an armature, and a valve element movable onto and off of a valve seat) controls the on-off flow through the module 110.
  • the dispenser 10 can be converted to a two-piece unit shown in Fig. 3 with only the very narrow dispense module placed on top of the countertop 11.
  • This conversion from a one to two-piece unit can be easily done in the field with the aid of a small break-away conversion kit containing the long water and syrup lines 132, a recirculating water pump 134 to be mounted on the refrigerator module housing 26, and a flat splash plate 90.
  • a small break-away conversion kit containing the long water and syrup lines 132, a recirculating water pump 134 to be mounted on the refrigerator module housing 26, and a flat splash plate 90.
  • the lids are removed, the bolts and nuts 80 are removed, the recirculating water pump 134 is mounted on the housing 26, and the lines 132 are installed.
  • the two sections 70 and 72 of the dispense unit are disconnected and then re-connected, using bolts and nuts 80 as shown in Fig. 10. In this way, the openings in their rear walls are facing each other and the dispense module has a smooth, clean, exterior surface.
  • the drip tray is not connected to the shell 92, but its is connected to a drip tray support that is connected to the hollow section 72 and that extends under both sections 70 and 72 of the dispense module as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This support is disconnected from the hollow section 70 and then reconnected to extend under the drip tray in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 9 shows the standard set up for the water line for the Figs. 1 and 2 modes of operation
  • Fig. 10 shows the additional recirculating water line set up for the Fig. 3 mode of operation. This provides cold water for the dispenser at all times.
  • Fig. 11 shows a dispense module 140 according to another embodiment similar to Fig. 3 except that the hollow section 72 is replaced (along with a different lid and drip tray support) with a different hollow section 142 having much less depth than does section 72.
  • This embodiment would be used where only a very small countertop space is available.
  • Fig. 12 shows another embodiment wherein the upper portion 82 of the dispense section 70 of the dispense module 14 is used by itself, by connecting it above a sink, such as under an existing cabinet (it can alternatively be wall mounted).
  • Figs. 13-25 show a preferred embodiment of a convertible dispenser 210 of the present invention.
  • the dispenser 210 is similar to the dispenser 10 described above with the following differences described below with reference to Figs. 13-25.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 show the air vent arrangement of the dispenser 210.
  • the dispenser 210 includes a lid 228 having air inlet vents 229 and air outlet vents 230 in a front portion and in a rear portion, respectively, of the lid 228.
  • the refrigeration module 212 includes air inlet vents 233 in the upper portion of the sidewall 238.
  • the refrigeration module 212 When the refrigeration module 212 is attached to the dispense module 214, air flows into the refrigeration module 212 through the air inlet vents 229, through the condenser 246, and out through the air outlet vents 230.
  • the refrigeration module 212 may often be located in a confined space and the air flow could go directly from the air outlet vents 230 into the inlet vents 229. This would cause the compressor motor to run more often, wear out more quickly and could raise the drink temperature. Therefore, in this situation, the inlet vents 229 are covered by a plate 235 (of metal, wood or plastic, for example) and the air then flows in the air inlet vents 233 and out the air outlet vents 230. It has been found that this arrangement with the plate 235 avoids the problem mentioned above.
  • Figs. 15 and 15A show the preferred arrangement of the refrigeration module 212 including a condenser 246 (or condenser coil), a cooling fan 252, a cooling fan motor 253, and a separate agitator motor 255.
  • the fan and fan motor are mounted together as an integral, easily removable modular unit 257, including a bracket 259 which is held in place by two screws 261. This arrangement permits the use of a larger condenser than in the dispenser 10.
  • the entire unit 257 can be easily slid out directly upwardly out of the dispenser 210 (after removing the lid 228).
  • This also provides easy access to the agitator motor 255 and other components including a transformer mounted adjacent the motor 255.
  • This feature is important because the dispenser 210 does not have a separate bonnet (or top half of the housing) as do many countertop dispensers, so access has to be through the top opening when the lid is removed.
  • the dispenser 210 is small and compact, the internal components are easily accessible while the outside shell has a smooth, clean, and continuous surface providing a large advertising surface and a neat appearance.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 show the water and syrup circuits for the dispenser 210, both when the two modules are connected and when they are separated.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 both show a cooling coil 271 in the soda line 273 downstream from the carbonator tank 258.
  • the dispenser 210 also has the precooling coil 66 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. This precooling coil 66 allows the use of a lower CO 2 pressure in the carbonator tank 258 and in fact the use of the same pressure in the tank 258 that is needed to operate the syrup pumps 36. This allows for the elimination of a separate CO 2 pressure regulator for the carbonator tank 258 and allows for the operation of the dispenser 210 with only the single CO 2 regulator 275 on the CO 2 cylinder 276.
  • Fig. 17 shows a recirculating soda line 277, a pump 279 and a motor 281 for driving the pump, for use when the modules are separated. It is noted that this recirculating line is entirely downstream from the carbonator tank 258. This pumping can be controlled to turn on and off as desired but is preferably left on continuously. This recirculating soda line provides a cold drink at all times, even through the refrigeration module is located some distance away from the dispense module.
  • Fig. 17 also shows a multiflavor nozzle 300, solenoid valves 285, flow controls 287, flow washers 289, a chilled water bath 291, the carbonator tank 258, the CO 2 cylinder 276, the pressure regulator 275, the syrup pumps 36, the carbonator pump 293, and the plain water line 295.
  • Fig. 16 shows the same components except for the recirculating soda system which is not used when the dispense and refrigeration modules are connected.
  • Figs. 18-21 show the preferred nozzle 300 of the present invention used in the dispenser 210, including a nozzle body 302 and a spout 304.
  • the nozzle body has a water passageway 306 therethrough and four separate syrup passages, one of which 308 is show in Fig. 20.
  • the water goes straight down from a water inlet port 309 through an axial passage 310 in the nozzle body until it splits into two radial passages 312 and 314 at right angles to the axial passage 310.
  • the passages 312 and 314 exit into an annular groove 316 from which the water hits the spout 304 and then flows down and out the spout opening 318.
  • the four syrup passages are similar to each other and each start at a respective one of four separate syrup inlet ports 330, 331, 332 and 333 and continue through the nozzle body as described below for passage 308.
  • the syrup passage 308 splits into two separate passages 320 and 322 and exit out two separated, spaced-apart, outlet openings 324 and 326 in a bottom wall 328 of the nozzle body 302.
  • This nozzle provides improved mixing, less stratification in the beverage cup, and reduced flavor carryover. Any known method can be used to connect the spout to the nozzle such as a bayonet connection using two flanges on the spout.
  • the hollow section 372 of the dispense module 214 referred to as the pump wrap because it covers the syrup pumps 36, can be easily removed to provide access to the syrup pumps by simply removing two screws 373 at the top thereof, and then lifting up to clear two pins from two holes at the lower end of the section 372.
  • the same pin-hole arrangement is used to connect the drip tray unit 375 to the section 372 when the modules are separated.
  • the pin-hole arrangement is shown in Fig. 25.
  • the hollow section 372 has two holes 500 and 502 and the refrigeration module has two mating pins 504 and 506.
  • the drip tray has two pins 508 and 510 and the refrigeration module has two mating holes 512 and 514. When the two modules are separated, the pins of the drip tray connect with the holes 500 and 502 in the hollow section 372.
  • the dispenser 210 does not use the separate drip tray support of the dispenser 10 of Fig. 1. When the two modules are connected, there is preferably no connection between the two sections of the dispense module.
  • the refrigeration module includes a recess 400 (see Fig. 15A) thereunder and a notch 402 in the sidewall 404 thereof to accommodate the CO 2 line, the water line and the syrup lines. All of these lines come up through the recess and then under the drip tray and into the hollow section.
  • the drip tray unit 410 includes the drip tray 412 and the cup rest 414.
  • the dispenser 210 can include legs, or not, as desired. If the refrigeration unit includes legs, then legs are also used on the dispense unit but preferably on the distal end thereof.
  • Figs. 22-24 show certain connection details and the python 300.
  • the long syrup and water lines 302 are preferably encased in a long insulated tube or python 300.
  • Fig. 24 shows the end of the python connected to the refrigeration module 212 and Figs. 22 and 23 show the end connected to the dispense module 214.
  • the python preferably extends through a hole 303 in the counter 304 on which the dispenser sits.
  • Fig. 22 shows the fitting 306 for the recirculating soda line 277.
  • a conduit 308 that goes into the multiflavor valve has a fitting 310 with an o-ring 312 and a groove 314.
  • the end of a flexible line 316 includes a mating coupling 318 that slides over the fitting 310.
  • a pin 320 slides through two holes 322 in the coupling 318 and into the groove 314 to hold the line to the conduit 308.
  • the valve 110 is held to the wall 326 by sliding the conduit 308 down in the Keyway 328 to lock the wall 326 between the fitting 310 and the rear of the valve 110.
  • the valve 110 is not shown in Fig. 23.
  • the connections to the refrigeration module at the other end of the python are made the same way, as shown in Fig. 24.
  • Fig. 24 also shows the return line and the pump 279 of the recirculating soda circuit.
  • the pump 279 is mounted on the lower outside surface of the refrigeration module.
  • the python extends up through the hollow section 72 of the dispense module 214.
  • the electrical lines are in the cable 330.
  • buttons can be located permanently in both places, with a cover over the ones not being used.
  • the term "convertible” means a dispenser that can be converted in size and shape to fit in different available spaces.
  • the hollow section 142 can be part of the dispense section with a hollow section like 72 left connected to the refrigeration module.
  • the long lines can be stored in the hollow section 72. This would make the conversion easier and could avoid the need for a conversion kit.
  • the dispense module can be made as a one-piece unit, and when separated from the refrigeration module, an additional, separate panel could be added to the open side that faces the refrigeration module when connected thereto.
  • the refrigeration system is preferably mechanical although a cold plate could be used.
  • the present invention provides a unitary beverage dispenser which can be placed entirely on top of a counter and oriented either frontways or sideways or which can be easily separated into a refrigeration module placed below the counter and a small dispense module placed on top of the counter; and furthermore provides a compact, multiflavor, low cost, versatile, convertible postmix beverage dispenser; and furthermore provides a beverage dispenser that can be easily modified to dispense different numbers of beverages; and furthermore provides an improved flow control module and method for easily changing the numbers of beverages to the dispensed; and furthermore provides a dispenser with two fronts, which can be placed frontways or sideways, and having a small detachable dispense module which can be placed by itself on top of a counter; and furthermore provides a versatile dispenser that can be delivered to an outlet and that will fit in almost any available space; and furthermore provides a single dispenser that is so versatile that it can be used to reduce the need for an inventory of dispensers of different sizes and having a vent arrangement that

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Supply Devices, Intensifiers, Converters, And Telemotors (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)
  • Amplifiers (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)

Claims (1)

  1. Umwandelbare Mehrgeschmacks-Nachmischungs-Getränkeabgabevorrichtung, umfassend:
    (a) ein Kältemodul und ein gesondertes Abgabemodul, wobei das Kältemodul ein Kältemodulgehäuse aufweist und das Abgabemodul ein Abgabemodulgehäuse aufweist;
    (b) ein entfernbares Verbindungsmittel, um die Gehäuse miteinander zu verbinden, so daß sie als eine einteilige Einheit arbeitet, und um die Gehäuse voneinander zu trennen, so daß sie als zweiteilige Einheit arbeitet;
    (c) eine Einrichtung zum Verbinden einer Wasserleitung in dem Kältemodul mit einer Wasserleitung in dem Abgabemodul;
    (d) eine Einrichtung zum Verbinden einer Mehrzahl von Sirupleitungen in dem Kältemodul mit einer Mehrzahl von Sirupleitungen in dem Abgabemodul;
    (e) wobei das Kältemodul im Innern des Kältemodulgehäuses eine Kälteeinheit und eine Carbonisierungseinheit einschließt;
    (f) wobei das Abgabemodul eine Mehrzahl von Auswahltasten und ein Mehrgeschmacks-Abgabeventil mit einer Abgabedüse zum Abgeben eines Getränkes in einen Becher einschließt;
    (g) wobei das Kältemodul größer ist als das Angabemodul und das Kältemodulgehäuse eine Breite aufweist, die gleich der Länge des Abgabemodulgehäuses ist und, wenn die Gehäuse miteinander verbunden sind, eine Stirn des Kältemodulgehäuses mit einer Seite des Abgabemodulgehäuses verbunden ist;
    (h) Mittel auf der einen Stirn des Kältemodulgehäuses zum Befestigen einer Mehrzahl von Siruppumpen an seiner Außenoberfläche;
    (i) wobei die eine Seite des Abgabemodulgehäuses eine Siruppumpenöffnung in derselben aufweist und das Abgabemodulgehäuse einen an die Öffnung angrenzenden Hohlraumabschnitt mit einer Abmessung einschließt, die ausreicht, um in demselben jegliche Siruppumpen aufzunehmen, die an dem Kältemodul angebracht sind;
       dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
    (j) das Kältegehäuse einschließt: einen Deckel mit einem Vorderabschnitt und einem Hinterabschnitt, eine Lüftungsöffnung in jedem von der Stirnwand und dem Vorder- und Hinterabschnitt und eine Einrichtung zum Zusammenlaufenlassen der Vorderabschnitt-Lüftungsöffnung, wenn die Gehäuse getrennt sind, wobei, wenn die Gehäuse verbunden sind, Luft in die Vorderabschnitt-Lüftungsöffnung und aus der Hinterabschnitt-Lüftungsöffnung strömen kann, und, wenn die Gehäuse getrennt sind, Luft in die Stirnwand-Lüftungsöffnung und aus der Hinterabschnitt-Lüftungsöffnung strömen kann; und
    (k) die Wasserleitung einschließt: einen ersten Abschnitt, der sich in die Carbonisierungseinheit erstreckt, und einen zweiten Abschnitt, der sich aus der Carbonisierungseinheit zu dem Mehrgeschmacksventil erstreckt, eine Einrichtung zum Kühlen des zweiten Abschnitts und eine Einrichtung zum Zurückführen des Wassers nur in den zweiten Abschnitt und nicht in die Carbonisierungseinheit, um es in der Kühleinrichtung zu kühlen.
EP95106065A 1990-05-22 1991-05-21 Umwandelbarer Getränkespender Expired - Lifetime EP0676366B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US52722990A 1990-05-22 1990-05-22
US527229 1990-05-22
EP91910004A EP0530272B1 (de) 1990-05-22 1991-05-21 Umwandelbarer getränkespender

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91910004A Division EP0530272B1 (de) 1990-05-22 1991-05-21 Umwandelbarer getränkespender
EP91910004.0 Division 1991-05-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0676366A1 EP0676366A1 (de) 1995-10-11
EP0676366B1 true EP0676366B1 (de) 1998-08-05

Family

ID=24100649

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91910004A Expired - Lifetime EP0530272B1 (de) 1990-05-22 1991-05-21 Umwandelbarer getränkespender
EP95106065A Expired - Lifetime EP0676366B1 (de) 1990-05-22 1991-05-21 Umwandelbarer Getränkespender

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91910004A Expired - Lifetime EP0530272B1 (de) 1990-05-22 1991-05-21 Umwandelbarer getränkespender

Country Status (11)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0530272B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2950987B2 (de)
KR (1) KR0179951B1 (de)
AT (2) ATE130279T1 (de)
BR (1) BR9106487A (de)
CA (1) CA2083516A1 (de)
DE (2) DE69129947T2 (de)
ES (2) ES2079662T3 (de)
FI (1) FI925298A0 (de)
WO (1) WO1991017948A1 (de)
ZA (1) ZA913802B (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022233746A1 (de) * 2021-05-03 2022-11-10 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Getränkezubereitungsvorrichtung und einbauschrank

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US5190188A (en) * 1987-12-04 1993-03-02 The Coca-Cola Company Convertible beverage dispenser
FR2688773B1 (fr) * 1992-03-23 1994-07-01 Diffusion Internale Materiels Colonne pour la distribution semi-automatique de produit liquide ou pateux.
US5368198A (en) * 1992-08-26 1994-11-29 Imi Cornelius Inc. Beverage dispenser
US5392960A (en) * 1992-11-13 1995-02-28 Wilshire Partners Postmix beverage dispenser and a method for making a beverage dispenser
US5335819A (en) * 1992-11-13 1994-08-09 Wilshire Partners Postmix beverage dispenser and a method for making a beverage dispenser
US5433348A (en) * 1993-01-14 1995-07-18 Lancer Corporation Modular dispensing tower
JP3407231B2 (ja) * 1994-03-18 2003-05-19 富士電機株式会社 多重香味後混合式飲料分配器
GB9716535D0 (en) * 1997-08-06 1997-10-08 Valpar Ind Ltd Beverage distributing unit
EP0928772B1 (de) * 1997-12-29 2003-04-23 Vin Service S.r.l. Post-mix-Getränkeabgabevorrichtung mit Anschliess- und Verteilereinheit
KR20010101839A (ko) 1999-02-08 2001-11-14 에두아르도 엠. 카레라스 모듈의 부피측정 밸브 시스템을 갖춘 음료 분배기
GB9910607D0 (en) * 1999-05-08 1999-07-07 Imi Cornelius Uk Ltd Beverage dispenser
US6698621B2 (en) 2000-04-14 2004-03-02 Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc. Selection manifold for beverage dispenser
DE102007041022A1 (de) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-05 Niro-Plan Ag Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Bereiten von aromatisierten Heißgetränken, insbesondere Kaffee und Tee
MX2015011030A (es) 2013-03-14 2015-10-22 Coca Cola Co Sistema de distribucion de agua para un despachador de bebidas.
US10060666B2 (en) * 2016-04-21 2018-08-28 Pepsico, Inc. Refrigerated post-mix dispenser
EP3554988A4 (de) * 2016-12-14 2020-07-15 The Coca-Cola Company Flexibles getränkeausgabesystem
CN112815606A (zh) * 2021-02-21 2021-05-18 合肥雪祺电气有限公司 冰箱底部散热系统及冰箱

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EP0165792A1 (de) * 1984-06-18 1985-12-27 The Cornelius Company Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Kühlen und Spenden eines Getränkes
US4836414A (en) * 1986-05-02 1989-06-06 The Coca-Cola Company Premix dispensing system
GB8619812D0 (en) * 1986-08-14 1986-09-24 British Syphon Ind Plc Dispensing carbonated beverages
IE62944B1 (en) * 1987-12-04 1995-03-08 Coca Cola Co Convertible beverage dispenser
EP0339387A1 (de) * 1988-04-27 1989-11-02 KKW Kulmbacher Klimageräte-Werk GmbH Gehäuse für eine Kältemaschine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022233746A1 (de) * 2021-05-03 2022-11-10 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Getränkezubereitungsvorrichtung und einbauschrank

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR937000357A (ko) 1993-03-13
FI925298A (fi) 1992-11-20
BR9106487A (pt) 1993-05-25
FI925298A0 (fi) 1992-11-20
JP2950987B2 (ja) 1999-09-20
CA2083516A1 (en) 1991-11-23
WO1991017948A1 (en) 1991-11-28
ATE169285T1 (de) 1998-08-15
ZA913802B (en) 1992-10-28
EP0676366A1 (de) 1995-10-11
JPH05506834A (ja) 1993-10-07
DE69129947D1 (de) 1998-09-10
DE69114701D1 (de) 1995-12-21
ATE130279T1 (de) 1995-12-15
DE69129947T2 (de) 1999-03-25
EP0530272B1 (de) 1995-11-15
DE69114701T2 (de) 1996-06-05
KR0179951B1 (ko) 1999-04-15
ES2079662T3 (es) 1996-01-16
ES2119262T3 (es) 1998-10-01
EP0530272A1 (de) 1993-03-10

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