Classifications

• • 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
  • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
• • 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
  • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D3/0029—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with holders for bottles or similar containers
  • B67D3/0032—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with holders for bottles or similar containers the bottle or container being held upside down and provided with a closure, e.g. a cap, adapted to cooperate with a feed tube
• • 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
  • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D3/0038—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes the liquid being stored in an intermediate container prior to dispensing
• • 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
  • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
  • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
  • B67D7/78—Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines
• • 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
  • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
• • 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
  • B67D2210/00002—Purifying means
  • B67D2210/00013—Sterilising means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to fountains for dispensing water under different temperatures, namely fresh water, temperate water and / or hot water.
• Water is normally taken by gravity from an interchangeable tank which is arranged in an inverted position above the fountain.
• This type of fountain (see for example WO 02/062664) comprises a dispensing lid which supports the bottle and which is disposed above an open fixed or removable refrigeration tank, generally constructed of stainless steel or plastic rigid.
• the refrigeration tank is fed by a sampling finger which is inserted in a sealed manner into the neck of the bottle and which comprises a water outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe. It is in contact with a heat exchanger, for example of the Peltier type, compression type or Sterling type, which cools the water contained in the refrigeration tank which constitutes a reserve of fresh water that can be delivered by a tap of fresh water and which is constantly renewed, with each racking.
• a heat exchanger for example of the Peltier type, compression type or Sterling type
• the distribution valves must be substantially at the bottom of the refrigeration tank; they are often fixed on the latter. Because of this, the overall height of the fountain is increased since it is necessary to provide a certain height below the taps to arrange the cup or a filling container. In order to be able to arrange the distribution valves at a higher level, for example at the dispensing cover, it would be possible to provide an air pump or a water pump, which would, however, significantly increase the cost price.
• the present invention generally relates to arrangements to avoid this disadvantage and further leading to other advantages.
• the refrigeration tank can be connected to the open air
• the distribution valves can be arranged at a high level relative to the open refrigeration tank, especially just beyond above, in order to reduce the congestion height of the fountain.
• a distribution piece for a bottle fountain for dispensing water under at least two different temperatures, from water taken by gravity from an interchangeable bottle comprising a sampling finger d
• the water is intended to be engaged in the neck of the carboy and which comprises a water outlet pipe and an air intake pipe in the cylinder in replacement of the water taken, the means of distribution of water taken by the sampling finger, communicating with the water outlet pipe, at the base of the sampling finger and means for supplying ambient air connected to the air inlet pipe, characterized in that the distribution means and the air supply means are adapted to allow the formation of a column of water from the carboy, in the dispensing means and above the level of the base of the sampling finger.
• This arrangement makes it possible to increase the height of the level of the water in the tank to have a good flow at the outlet of the distribution valves.
• the refrigeration tank is connected to the open air and the space between the water inlet port in the refrigeration tank and the distribution valves is reduced, thereby reducing the space requirement. height of the fountain.
• the expansion of the water in the water heater that occurs during heating up water upstream can be accepted without problem , while leaving the water heater in the open air.
• the air supply means comprise an air inlet situated approximately at the level of a water inlet in the sampling finger, coming from the bottle;
• the part comprises means for closing an air supply passage in which opens the air inlet of the supply means, the closure means being adapted to be actuated in closing the passage by the column d water, when the level of it accidentally exceeds a predetermined level;
• the air supply means comprise a gooseneck-shaped conduit, the free end forms the air inlet;
• the water distribution means comprise a chimney in which stands the duct-shaped gooseneck and opening at its base in a water distribution compartment at different temperatures;
• the piece comprises a water passage orifice intended to communicate with a refrigeration tank, a tempered water withdrawal outlet, a cooled water supply line from the refrigeration tank to a withdrawal outlet, cooled water that also includes the dispensing piece;
• the room has a tempered water outlet for a water heater, and a water withdrawal outlet heated by the water heater;
• the piece is made in two parts, namely an upper part comprising the chimney and a lower part in the form of a water distribution baffle at different temperatures, adapted to be attached to the upper part;
• the piece is in the form of a clean cover to seal, a sealed manner, a cooling tank of the fountain, open upwards;
• An air filter is housed in the upper opening of the chimney, and the closure means comprise a shutter valve of the opening, controlled by a float clean to be actuated by the water column, which is mounted in the chimney, under the air filter;
• the part generally has the shape of a vase, the air supply means comprising a duct in the shape of a gooseneck laterally along the dispensing piece and whose free end forms the air inlet;
• the ambient air supply means comprise a calibrated orifice for discharging water during the introduction of the carboy;
• the sample finger has a baffle clean to oppose a water inlet into the air inlet pipe during the introduction of the cylinder.
• the invention also relates to a fountain having a dispensing piece as defined above.
• the fountain comprises a refrigeration tank in two parts, arranged under the dispensing piece, the upper part of this tank forming with the distribution piece a water distribution compartment to different temperatures, the tank being equipped with water outlets at different temperatures in this upper part;
• the air supply passage is arranged in the upper part of the refrigeration tank and the closure means comprise a float provided with a closure member of the passage and pivotally mounted in the upper portion of the refrigeration tank;
• the fountain comprises a second removable tank which is mounted interlockingly in the refrigeration tank;
• the removable reservoir comprises a channel which is arranged in the outer face of its wall and which is an air passage between the outside of its wall and the inside of the wall of the refrigeration tank;
• the removable reservoir is made of a plastic material which comprises silver ions
• the fountain comprises a silver ion diffuser in the refrigeration tank or the removable tank;
• the fountain has an air filter disposed on the air supply passage;
• Dispensing taps are attached to the tank at the inlet of the water in the tank;
• the distribution valves are mounted by quick coupling on outlet tubes that are integral with the tank;
• the fountain comprises at least one additional duct which is connected to a tempered water outlet tube and / or to a refrigerated water outlet tube;
• the fountain has a deflector which is disposed in the tank and separates the tank in two parts;
• the baffle comprises a connector for the passage of a dip tube for withdrawing refrigerated water at the bottom of the tank;
• the fountain comprises a hot water tap which is adapted to be connected to a quick connection to a double connector, preferably by coaxial ducts, which connection is intended to be connected to a water heater by two ducts, one temperate water, the other hot water.
• the refrigeration tank is surmounted by a chimney for the formation of the water column, the upper opening of which constitutes the air inlet for the carboy and in which is disposed a duct. gooseneck shape which is connected to the air inlet duct of the sampling finger.
• a float is disposed in the chimney so as to close the upper opening of the chimney.
• a second removable open reservoir which is mounted interlocking in the main refrigeration tank generally in stainless steel or rigid plastic and is located in thermal communication with the refrigeration tank.
• a fountain for dispensing water under at least two different temperatures from tempered water withdrawn by gravity of an interchangeable cylinder intended to be arranged in an inverted position on the fountain or of a potable water network by means of an adapter includes a refrigeration tank of the temperate water, for the production of refrigerated water intended to be delivered via a chilled water withdrawal tap, the tank being open upwards and housed in refrigeration means, characterized in that a second, removable reservoir is fitted into the reservoir refrigeration.
• the refrigeration means comprise an insulating enclosure in which is installed an exchanger evaporator disposed in heat exchange with outer face of the wall of the refrigeration tank;
• the removable reservoir is made of a synthetic material
• the removable reservoir comprises a channel arranged in the outer face of its wall, adapted to form an air passage between the outside of the wall of the removable tank and the inside of the wall of the refrigeration tank;
• the synthetic material comprises silver ions
• the refrigeration tank is a fixed or removable tank
• the refrigeration tank is made of stainless steel or rigid plastic
• the plastic material is chosen from the group comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and polyethylene (PE) of food grade.
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• PS polystyrene
• ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
• PE polyethylene
• the removable reservoir may comprise a channel which is arranged in the outer face of its wall and which constitutes an air passage between the outside of its wall and the inside of the wall of the main refrigeration tank.
• This arrangement facilitates the introduction of the removable tank in the refrigeration tank, allowing the evacuation of air between these two tanks.
• the fountain may comprise a deflector which is disposed above the reservoir of refrigeration and directs water from the carboy directly to a tempered water outlet.
• the tempered water valve is fed directly by the cylinder.
• the baffle is disposed in the dispensing cover.
• the fountain advantageously comprises a supply pipe which is connected to the inlet of a water heater and which is fed by the baffle.
• a fountain for dispensing water under different temperatures from water taken by gravity from an interchangeable bottle disposed in the inverted position comprises a receiving cover which supports the bottle and which is disposed at above a refrigeration tank which is fed by a sampling finger which is sealingly inserted into the neck of the cylinder and which comprises a water outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe which communicates with a air intake passage in the cylinder and which is connected with the outside air.
• the aforementioned conduit is in the shape of a gooseneck.
• the duct is formed in the receiving cover.
• the fountain comprises a float which is disposed in the tank and which is pivotally mounted so as to close the air inlet passage which is arranged in the side wall of the tank. This provides security to block the flow of water in the case where the bottle would be pierced.
• the float is a hollow vessel of annular shape.
• the fountain also has a filter disposed on the air inlet passage.
• the dispensing valves are fixed on the reservoir at the inlet of the water in the reservoir.
• the dispensing valves are mounted by quick coupling on outlet tubes which are integral with the reservoir.
• This also makes it possible to send chilled or tempered water to a gasification device so that it can supply sparkling water.
• the fountain comprises a baffle which is arranged in the tank and which directs water from the tank to the tempered water tap and / or to a water heater.
• the deflector has the general shape of a horizontal disk.
• This disc may include a central hole for the direct passage of the water from the cylinder in the tank.
• It may also include a connector for the passage of a dip tube for the withdrawal of chilled water at the bottom of the tank.
• the fountain comprises at least one additional conduit which is connected to a tempered water outlet tube and / or to a refrigerated water outlet tube.
• FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an inner portion of a fountain according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a fountain according to the embodiment of the invention, the dispensing valves being dismantled,
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a part of the fountain, showing in particular the distribution lid,
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the plane IV - IV of FIG. 2;
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the plane VV of FIG. 3, an upper lid of the fountain and a portion of a bottle having been represented,
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of the dispensing lid of the fountain
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the deflector of the fountain
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the distribution cover and the deflector mounted under the distribution cover
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hot water or fresh water connection
• FIG. 10 is a general perspective view of the fountain according to the aforementioned embodiment, in which the dispensing taps are mounted on the facade of the fountain,
• FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 10;
• FIG. 12 is a general perspective view of an alternative embodiment of this fountain, including a cache masking the dispensing valves;
• FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 12;
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a fountain according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of this part, without receiving cover and without dispensing valves,
• FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the receiver cover;
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of this receiver cover,
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view from above of the tank of this fountain part
• FIG. 19 is a perspective view from above of a float which is arranged in the reservoir
• FIG. 20 is a partial view in longitudinal section of the fountain with the lower part of a bottle disposed thereon,
• FIG. 21 is a partial exploded perspective view of the fountain
• FIG. 22 is a partial view in longitudinal section of the upper part of the reservoir and the receiving cover
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the tank and its cooling jacket
• FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a deflector housed in the reservoir
• FIG. 25 is a view similar to that of FIG. 20 and illustrates an alternative embodiment of the corresponding fountain.
• the fountain according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a refrigeration tank 6 which is disposed in a cooling chamber 7 and on which is disposed a dispensing cover 1 which is intended to receive a cylinder 58 ( Figure 5) which is disposed in the inverted position and which comprises a plug 57 at the end of its neck.
• This distribution cover performs, in particular as described below the distribution of water at different temperatures to distribution taps and external power supplies and comprises, for this purpose, for this purpose a water distribution compartment 82.
• the dispensing cover 1 is sealingly mounted on the refrigeration tank 6, which is open to the open air, and it provides the connection between a water sampling finger 32 in the cylinder 58 and this tank 6.
• Three external control valves 2, 3 and 4, as well as hot water inlet connections 50 and tempered water outlet 51 are arranged on the distribution cover 1.
• the refrigeration tank 6 is disposed in a heat exchange situation by means of an exchanger evaporator 30 with the walls of the refrigerating chamber 7 fixed and it rests on a support plate 60 able to support its weight.
• the water sampling finger 32 made here in one piece with the dispensing cover 1 has a passage for bringing the water through a water outlet opening 35, through an inlet duct.
• water 36, in the refrigeration tank 6, and an air inlet duct 34 which opens into a duct 37 (see in particular Figure 4) which is connected by a connecting piece 10 to a duct 38 which goes up in a chimney 33 open to the open air.
• the end of the duct 38 ends here with a gooseneck-shaped conduit 15 opening downwards.
• the end of the conduit 38 terminates in a gooseneck-shaped conduit 15 opening downwards to return the water into the reservoir during the introduction of the bottle. It can also be used to reduce the water height.
• the refrigerating tank 6 is filled up to raise the water level 39 of the refrigerating tank 6 well above the outlets connected to the dispensing valves 2 to 4, in practice at a slightly lower level of the water inlet of the sampling finger, which ensures a good withdrawal by the distribution valves 2 to 4.
• the refrigeration tank 6 being open to the open air by the chimney 33, the upper opening of the latter is equipped with an upper filter support 20, an air filter 19, a lower filter support 18 with an air passage 49 and acting as a valve seat.
• the water sampling finger 32 is surrounded at its base with a recovery tank 44 (see in particular FIG. 4) to evacuate the water coming from a leak which can occur during the installation or removal of the bottle; this water will flow through a conduit 45 and then through a tube 31 which is mounted in the cooling chamber 7, to empty into a cavity 63 of a residual water tank 62 (see in particular FIG. 5) which may be empty.
• a recovery tank 44 see in particular FIG. 4
• a seal 11 is mounted on a ring 56 of the distribution cover 1 to seal with the refrigeration tank 6
• the dispensing cover 1 has two retaining clips 46 which, at the time of assembly, fold under the underside of a rim 47 of the refrigeration tank 6 to hold it in place.
• Another feature of this embodiment of the invention is to be able to mount a second removable tank 5 fitting interlocking in the refrigeration tank 6.
• This removable tank 5 can be made of thin-walled synthetic material.
• the seal 11 for closing the refrigeration tank 6 accepts this difference in diameter.
• This thin-walled removable tank 5 has a channel 48 which is arranged in the outer face of its wall and which constitutes an air passage between the outside of its wall and the inside of the wall of the refrigeration tank 6 This air passage is arranged on the height of the removable tank 5 and its function is to facilitate the evacuation of the air from the refrigeration tank 6 at the time of mounting the removable tank 5 in the refrigerating tank 6.
• This second removable tank 5 can also be made of a plastic that uses the properties of the silver ions. to eliminate microorganisms, of the type known under the trade name Agion ® .
• a cooled water outlet 42 where the water is withdrawn into the bottom of the refrigeration tank 6 by a fresh water outlet plunger tube 14 which is mounted on a connector 43.
• a tempered water outlet 41 or 40 depending on the version and a deflector 13 is placed under these outlets 40 and 41 to direct the water that enters the refrigeration tank 6 or 5.
• It can also provide a hot water outlet 40; in this case, a plug 12 (see FIG. 4) closes an inner duct 82 of the outlet 40.
• An angled junction connector 73 (see, in particular, FIG. 9) then passes through a passage 53 of the cover and connects to the duct. hot water inlet 50 when the cap 29 has been removed therefrom.
• a second identical angled connector 72 also passes through a passage 52 of the lid to be connected to the tempered water outlet 51 after removing the plug 28 from this conduit (see in particular Figures 2,3 and 9). This outlet communicates with a conduit 80 for sampling tempered water provided under the distribution cover 1 (see Figure 6).
• the tempered water outlet duct 51 may alternatively also serve to supply other devices.
• a quick connection is advantageously made by mounting angled connectors junctions 72 and 73 (see Figure 9) which make the connection with the connections 51 and 50 and allow to connect tightly on female connectors 74 (see in particular the figure 9) when placing the tank in the refrigerated compartment.
• These female connectors 74 are connected to tubes 75 and 76 intended to be connected to a water heater (see in particular FIG. 3).
• a baffle 13 which makes it possible to take water directly at the outlet of the cylinder 58 to supply a tempered water outlet, that is to say at the temperature bottle, and / or a hot water outlet.
• the baffle 13 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7.
• the upper face of the baffle 13 comprises a guide 77 which is constituted by a vertical wall which delimits a chamber whose open end is below the water outlet of the water sampling finger 32 and which therefore directly receives the water from the cylinder 58 and which the directed to the water outlets 40 and 41.
• a hole 78 made in the baffle plate 13 constitutes the passage 78 for sending water from the cylinder 58 into the chilled water tank 6 or 5.
• the outlet dip tube fresh water 14 is fixed on the underside of the baffle 13: it is placed on the outlet connector 43 of the chilled water.
• a stopper 12 closes the duct 81 from the outlet 41 which is not used.
• a second plug 12 closes the duct 82 of the outlet 40, an angled junction connector 73 (see in particular FIGS. 2 and 3) passes through the passage 53 of the lid and connects to the connection hot water inlet 50 when the plug 29 has been removed and a second angled connector 72 passes through a passage 52 of the lid to be connected to the tempered water outlet 51 after removing the plug 28 from this conduit.
• the fountain provides fresh water, warm water and hot water.
• the water is withdrawn into the bottom of the tank by the dip tube 14 mounted on the outlet connector 43.
• the water is withdrawn at the lower level of the distribution lid 1.
• a second plug 12 closes the duct 82 of the outlet 40, an elbow junction 73 passes through the passage 53 of the lid and is connected to the inlet duct hot water 50 when the cap 29 has been removed therefrom.
• a second elbow connector 72 passes through a passage 52 of the cover to be connected to the tempered water outlet 41 after removing the plug 28 from this conduit.
• Outlets 40, 41 and 42 accept quick-mount or screw-in faucets or any other type of faucet.
• the quick-assembly valves will be introduced into the outlet orifices 40, 41 and 42 and O-rings 27 are mounted on the tip of the valves: they provide the sealed connection.
• a guide 54 will provide vertical positioning and a flange 55 (see Figures 2 and 5) allows the retention of the valve by a locking member 21 which will be placed in front of the flange 55, but any other equivalent assembly can be realized.
• This type of O-ring is also used on the elbow fittings 72 and 73 (see in particular Figure 9).
• the distribution valves 2 to 4 are mounted on the front panel 61. It can be seen in FIG. cover 9 of the fountain to no longer coincide the fixing lugs 65 of the lid with cutouts 64 of the top of the fountain, the cover 9 of the fountain is removed, the screw-in valves or quick-assembly 2, 3 and 4 which enter the fountain through the holes 67 of the facade 61 will be disassembled and the assembly 8 constituted by the dispensing cover 1 and the reservoir 6 corresponding to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8 may be removed from the fountain.
• FIG. 12 and 13 there is shown a fountain having an opening 66 on its front 61; a cover 68 is placed in front of this opening 66 by passing the levers 22 (see FIG. 5) from the distribution valves 2 to 4 through orifices 69.
• the distribution cover 1 with its baffle 13, with or without the valves depending on the version can be removed after removing the cover 9 of the fountain of the same way as before, possibly with tank 5.
• the fountain according to a second embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 14 to 24 comprises an outer casing or body 145 in which is disposed a reservoir assembly 100 which is fed by a cylinder 142 to supply water at different temperatures through the intermediate dispensing valves 108, 109 and 110 which respectively deliver refrigerated water, water tempered to the temperature of the cylinder 142 and hot or tempered water.
• the bottle 142 (see FIG. 20) is disposed in the inverted position, its neck resting on a receiving cover (dispensing piece) in the form of a body 103, having generally a vase-like shape, which is itself disposed on a refrigeration tank 112.
• the reservoir 112 is placed in a refrigerating chamber 102 which comprises an exchanger evaporator 152 which is in contact with the reservoir 112, around it.
• the assembly formed of the exchanger evaporator 152 and the part of the tank 112 intended to produce chilled water is housed in an insulating enclosure 153.
• the fountain also comprises a support plate 156 for a cup intended to be disposed under one of the dispensing valves; under this plate is a waste water recovery tank 154.
• the dispensing valves 108 to 110 are disposed behind a cover 147 which is adapted to pivot about horizontal axes 48 housed in respective holes 70 of a notched front face 146 of the body 145 and which has an opening 149 for the passage of levers 111 of the dispensing valves 108 to 110.
• the dispensing valves 108 to 110 are arranged in the upper part of the tank 112 as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 20 and 21. They are integral with the tank 112 and can, thanks to to the aforementioned provisions, be extracted with the latter without dismounting the body145 of the fountain.
• the upper face 151 of the body 145 of the fountain also has for this purpose a circular hole for the passage of the tank 112.
• a flange 150 which serves as a support for a flange 171 of the tank 112 (see in particular Figure 18).
• a float 104 is mounted in the tank 112 and rests on a ring 140 which constitutes a shoulder at the upper part of the tank 112.
• This float 104 serves closing the air inlet passage to the cylinder 142 to replace the water that is withdrawn.
• This float 104 is in the form of a hollow container 138 of generally annular shape and which is delimited by a wall 139 which forms a flange.
• the ring is not complete: it is indented and comprises at this level a horizontal pivot 136 mounted on legs 141 of the tank 112.
• the height of the float 104 also gradually decreases at each of its ends located on either side of the indented part.
• This horizontal axis 136 comprises, in its central part, a shutter lever 137 which has an outer face intended to close off an air inlet passage 174 formed in the upper part of the tank 112 (below the valves) and which, when the water rises in the tank 112 and pivots the float 104, abuts on a flexible seat member 107 housed in the passage 174 and forming an air inlet port.
• An air filter 106 is disposed in front of this orifice for mounting by means of an assembly ring 105 on a support fin structure 75.
• the float 104 being pivotally mounted, a large pressure force is obtained on the seat of the seat. the element 107 because of the length of the lever arm constituted by the floating part and, therefore, an effective closure of the air inlet orifice.
• the duct 129 also comprises a duct 129 of the dispensing piece 103 which is connected by an inlet pipe 127 of air into the cylinder 142 to an air inlet 124 which is formed in a sampling finger 122, in which is made the air inlet pipe 127 and which is intended to be inserted into the neck of the cylinder 142.
• This sampling finger 122 is also part of the receiving cover 103.
• the duct 129 has a gooseneck-shaped portion which has an inlet 130 which communicates with the passage 174 of the outside air inlet into the fountain. It extends upwardly from the inlet 130 and downwards downwards, where it is made to the riser 127 via a horizontally extending connecting duct.
• This duct 129 is formed by a single piece of oblong shape 135 integral with the part of the receiving cover 103, and a wall 128 fixed on this part 135.
• a deflector 181 which is for directing the water from the carboy142 directly to the tempered water valve 109 and to a water heater (not shown), to avoid sending water from the cylinder. chilled water in temperate and hot water circuits.
• This deflector 181 is disposed in the tank 112 below the float 104 and the air ducts 127 and 129. It has the general shape of a horizontally disposed disk which comprises a central hole 183 for the passage of water from the cylinder 142 in a refrigeration part of the tank 112 and a connector 182 for the passage of a dip tube 113 intended to take the refrigerated water at the bottom of the tank 112.
• the dispensing valves 108 to 110 are fixed on the upper part of the tank 112, substantially at the inlet of the water in the latter.
• conduits 117, 118 and 119 are provided which open into the tank 112 above the deflector 181 and which are respectively connected to the hot water taps 110, of the tempered water 109 and the chilled water 108.
• conduit 119 is connected to the plunger tube 113 which takes the refrigerated water at the bottom of the tank 112 under the deflector 181.
• the conduit 118 opens into the tank 112, just above the deflector 181, that is to say, in the water distribution compartment formed by the tank 112, the deflector 181 and the receiving cover 103 forming a dispensing piece.
• the duct 117 also opens into the tank 112 just above the deflector 181, but it comprises a double connector 114 which is connected to a double female connector 164 such that a tempered water duct 115 (see in particular FIGS. and 21-23) can be connected to a tempered water tube 169 which directs the tempered water from the compartment over the baffle 181 to a water heater (not shown), a hot water outlet 168 is connected to the conduit 116 for the hot water supply that directs the hot water to the tap 110.
• valves 108 to 110 can be mounted by screwing onto a male threaded outlet tube 177 integral with the reservoir 112 or in a female threaded outlet tube 179 also integral with the reservoir 112. can also provide a quick coupling assembly as on the outlet tube 178 which is integral with the reservoir 112 and which comprises a nozzle equipped with O-rings 180. It can also be seen in this figure 15 that one can provide additional conduits 172 and 173 which are connected at least to one of the outlet tubes, two in the example shown namely the refrigerated water outlet tube 19 and the tempered water outlet tube 118. These two additional ducts 172 and 173 are provided, for example, to supply a carbonator for supplying carbonated water or other devices.
• FIGS 16, 17, 20 and 21 show the receiving cover 103 which is housed in the upper part of the tank 112 and which receives the neck 184 of the cylinder 142.
• This receiving cover 103 comprises, for this purpose, a hollow lower part frustoconical in which is formed the duct shaped gooseneck 129 and a flared top flange on which rests the cylinder 142.
• sampling finger 122 Inside the frustoconical portion is disposed the sampling finger 122 which is intended to be inserted in a sealed manner in the neck 184 of the cylinder 142.
• This sampling finger 122 has a water outlet 125 which directs the water from the cylinder 142 to the tank 112 and an air inlet 124 which allows the sending into the cylinder 142 of air to replace the water flowing.
• This air inlet 124 is connected to the gooseneck duct 129.
• An end piece 120 of the cap 143 of the bottle 142 is adapted to come into contact with the upper part of the sampling finger 122 and it comprises a central duct which is provided with fixing lugs 121 to the finger 122.
• a wall 123 which is disposed inside the sampling finger 122 makes the separation between the air circuit 127 and that of the water 126 which opens into the tank 112.
• FIG. 16 We can also see in Figure 16 an upper ring 134 of the receiving cover 103 and a lower face 133 of the ring 134, which is intended to bear on the reservoir 112. O-rings 132 seal between the reservoir 112 and the receiving cover 103. A tab 131 is used for indexing during assembly on the reservoir and upper maintenance of the axis 136 of the float.
• annular float 104 is arranged around the frustoconical lower part of the receiving cover 103, above the air inlet of the duct 129 in the shape of a gooseneck so as to be able to block the air inlet. in the case where the cylinder 142 is pierced, while the air inlet of the duct 129 is located above the water inlet in the tank
• the air inlet passage 174 is, as for it, disposed above the top (upper end) of the sampling finger 122, in the upper part of the tank.
• This variant differs from this embodiment by the implementation of silver ion diffusion means in the form of a diffuser 200 having a perforated housing 201, with the aid of which are housed balls 202 provided with a coating capable of diffusing silver ions into the water circulating within the broadcaster.
• This diffuser 200 is removably mounted, for replacement, on the baffle 181 by means of a passage opening therein.
• a secondary orifice 203 is formed in the duct 129 to promote the entry of air through the inlet 130 thereof.
• baffle 204 at the upper end of the sampling finger (at the air outlet 124), which goes back into the air inlet pipe 127 beyond the level of water inlet in the pipe 126, to oppose the penetration of water into the pipe 127 opening into the cylinder 142 after introduction thereof.
• the invention is not limited to the modes of implementation which have been specifically described in the course of the examples above and that it extends on the contrary to any variant passing through the equivalent means.
• the upper opening of the chimney may also be disposed in its side wall and there may be provided a float pivotally mounted so as to close off this upper opening of the chimney.
• the gooseneck-shaped conduit may be replaced by a conduit equipped with a float obstruction system, of the type described above. It is also conceivable to replace the mechanically actuated float with an equivalent electrical or magnetic system, for example by implementing water level detection electrodes.
• the water supply of the fountain can be provided by the drinking water network instead of the bottle, for example by implementing a water fountain adapter of the type described in the application for water.
• European Patent EP 1 568 652 thus transforming the fountain cylinder into a network fountain.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=40514060

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Families Citing this family (16)

Family Cites Families (12)

• 2008
  • 2008-11-07 FR FR0857599A patent/FR2938249B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2009
  • 2009-11-04 WO PCT/FR2009/052129 patent/WO2010052425A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2009-11-04 US US13/128,067 patent/US20110215114A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2009-11-04 KR KR1020117012879A patent/KR20110083710A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2009-11-04 CN CN200980144194XA patent/CN102209682A/zh active Pending
  • 2009-11-04 BR BRPI0921126A patent/BRPI0921126A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2009-11-04 EP EP09768141A patent/EP2370344A1/fr not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events