EP2504272B1 - Verfahren zum installieren eines zusammenklappbaren getränkebehälters in einem getränkeautomaten - Google Patents

Verfahren zum installieren eines zusammenklappbaren getränkebehälters in einem getränkeautomaten Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2504272B1
EP2504272B1 EP10781693.6A EP10781693A EP2504272B1 EP 2504272 B1 EP2504272 B1 EP 2504272B1 EP 10781693 A EP10781693 A EP 10781693A EP 2504272 B1 EP2504272 B1 EP 2504272B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
beverage container
beverage
defining
rim
dispensing system
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.)
Active
Application number
EP10781693.6A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2504272A1 (de
Inventor
Jan Nørager RASMUSSEN
Steen Vesborg
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Carlsberg Breweries AS
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Carlsberg Breweries AS
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Application filed by Carlsberg Breweries AS filed Critical Carlsberg Breweries AS
Priority to EP10781693.6A priority Critical patent/EP2504272B1/de
Publication of EP2504272A1 publication Critical patent/EP2504272A1/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
    • B67D1/0857—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
    • B67D1/0862—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means in the form of a cold plate or a cooling block
    • 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
    • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • B67D1/0462—Squeezing collapsible or flexible beverage containers, e.g. bag-in-box containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ergonomically shaped beverage dispensing system with a corresponding collapsible beverage container for use with the beverage dispensing system and a method for ergonomically correct installation of a collapsible beverage container into a beverage dispensing system.
  • Beverage dispensing systems are used in many establishments to provide beverages such as draught beer. Such beverage dispensing systems are mostly used for professional establishments such as in bars or restaurants, however, increasingly also for private users such as in private homes.
  • beverage dispensing systems such as e.g. the DraughtMaster TM produced by the applicant company the beverage is typically provided in a plastic or metallic beverage container or keg.
  • the beverage container is typically positioned upright, i.e. the beverage outlet is facing upwardly, and the beverage is drawn from the beverage container through an ascending pipe.
  • the beverage is usually expelled from the beverage container to a tapping head by a pressure fluid, typically compressed gas.
  • a collapsible beverage container may be used.
  • collapsible beverage containers usually including pre-carbonated beverage is well-known in the art of beverage dispensing.
  • the pressure fluid acts on the outside of the beverage container, decreases the volume of the beverage container and thereby forcing the beverage out of the beverage container
  • the upright position, in connection with an ascending pipe will not constitute any problem in connection with rigid containers, however, when using collapsible beverage containers there may be a risk that the beverage container may collapse into the ascending pipe during dispensing. If the beverage container collapses into the ascending pipe, the ascending pipe may break or jam during dispensing, and as a result leave residual beverage inside the beverage container. Such residual beverage constitutes a loss, since the beverage container must then be disposed and replaced.
  • the walls of the beverage container may rupture when rammed by the ascending pipe. Such rupture may cause leakage of beverage into the beverage dispensing system, escape of pressure fluid and occasionally explosion.
  • ascending pipes in connection with collapsible beverage containers constitute a problem.
  • the problem in connection with ascending pipes may be solved by dispensing the beverage having the beverage container arranged in an upside down position, i.e. having the beverage outlet facing downwards.
  • the ascending pipe By positioning the beverage container in an upside down position in the beverage dispensing system the ascending pipe may be excluded. Thereby the risk of leaving any residual beverage in the beverage container is eliminated since the beverage container may collapse completely without blocking the beverage outlet.
  • the step of arranging the beverage container in the beverage dispensing system may require a lot of effort of the operator, since beverage containers used in professional beverage dispensing systems are very heavy due to the amount of beverage such as an amount of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or even 40-50 litres, i.e. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or even 40-50 kilos of beverage. Too small beverage containers would be uneconomical and lead to frequent changing of the beverage container, which takes up time for the operator and prevents dispensing over a certain time period. Consequently, there is a need for technologies for ergonomic installing and positioning of beverage containers in the beverage dispensing system
  • the installation procedure of a new beverage container should preferably be made quickly and efficiently in order to shorten the time period in between the dispensing operations. Additionally, the installation procedure should be easy and simple to avoid any failures during installation. Further, the installation procedure must be safe and healthy for the operator. Dangerous installation procedures may lead to serious accidents including personal injury, which may result from e.g. dropping the beverage container or trying to lift the heavy beverage container in an uncontrolled way. Unhealthy installation procedures also include ergonomically unhealthy installation procedures such as lifting the beverage container in an ergonomically unsafe way. Such ergonomically unsafe installation procedures may cause injuries to the operator such as strain injuries or other painful injuries causing extended recovery periods.
  • Collapsible beverage containers used for the beverage dispensing purpose are typically blow-moulded in one piece from a pre-form.
  • the shape of the mould largely determines the shape of the beverage container.
  • the shape of the beverage container is cylindrical and any edges are typically rounded, e.g. to form a substantially circular cross section.
  • the blow moulding technology makes it very difficult to make any changes of the beverage container such as providing handles or the like directly onto the beverage container. Thus, any modifications for improving the ergonomics of the installation procedure must necessarily be made in connection with the beverage dispensing system.
  • WO02/085774 discloses a device for lifting plastic carboys through the use of a mechanical elevator.
  • WO2004/099060 filed by the applicant company, discloses a method for dispensing a beverage from a collapsible container by using an increased pressure.
  • WO2007/019851 also filed by the applicant company, discloses a method of guiding a dispensing line through a beverage dispenser.
  • WO2007/019853 discloses an assembly for dispensing beverage, the assembly including a pressurized chamber
  • WO02/30807 discloses a juice dispenser having a thermoelectric device
  • WO2008/053564 discloses a liquid dispensing apparatus having a pivotable cradle engaging a liquid container
  • WO2006/263188 discloses an apparatus for dispensing water having a cradle.
  • GB 2457754 relating to a vessel holding apparatus, discloses a support member which is capable of holding a vessel in a tilted condition.
  • the document does not disclose any dispenser and does not allow a vessel to be installed in an ergonomic way
  • the ergonomically correct beverage dispensing system comprises a receptacle for accommodating a beverage container, and a handle located in front of the receptacle.
  • the handle is used as a support for the beverage container and according to the method, the beverage container is pivoted around the support and slid into the receptacle.
  • the above method significantly simplifies the installation of beverage containers of all sizes.
  • the need of a handle in front of the receptacle causes a problem for beverage dispensing systems having an integrated tapping head with tapping handle.
  • Beverage dispensing systems having an integrated tapping head are very popular with some professional beverage dispensing establishments which are not willing to invest in a full scale beverage dispensing system such as smaller bars and restaurants. They are further popular with private users.
  • the problem herein lies in that such small beverage dispensing systems typically have the tapping head, tapping handle and drip tray mounted immediately in front of the receptacle adapted to receive the beverage container Consequently, there is no more space for accommodating a handle for supporting the beverage container.
  • beverage dispensing systems are often located directly on a bar counter or on a table in view of the guests of the beverage dispensing establishment or the visitors of a private home, they therefore need to give the visitors and users a pleasant optical impression. Having a handle extending from the housing may disturb the optical impression.
  • the method according to the first aspect of the present invention may be used in connection with beverage containers positioned upright, or alternatively upside-down as in this context, the terms upright, upside-down, top and bottom, etc refer to the orientation of the relevant entity such as the beverage container or the inner space prior to use, i.e as far as the beverage container is concerned, the orientation while transporting the beverage container to the location for dispensing the beverage from the beverage container by means of the beverage dispensing system
  • the beverage dispensing system comprises a receptacle which is defining the inner space.
  • the horizontal surface may be a part of the beverage dispensing system and e.g. constitute a drip tray or the like.
  • the horizontal surface may be separate from the beverage dispensing system and e.g. be constituted by the upper surface of the bar counter. It is contemplated that the horizontal surface must merely extend in a horizontal direction and must not be perfectly horizontal
  • the sloped first position is typically a position in which the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container is deviating up to 45 degrees from the vertical orientation such as typically an angle relative to the vertical orientation of the order of 10-45 degrees such as 10-20, 20-30, 30-45 degrees.
  • the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container should preferably coincide with or parallel with the longitudinal axis defined by the slope of the concave surface, however, in specific applications, the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container will deviate as much as 15 degrees, 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 degrees from the orientation of the slope of the concave surface. It is a characteristic feature of the present invention that the transition from the sloped first position to the second position is performed while maintaining linear or facial contact between the second contact area and the contact surface and optionally providing a mutual shifting of the second contact area and the contact surface.
  • the contact surface located at the rim and the concave surface should be smooth in order not to damage the beverage container at the second contact area while elevating or while sliding.
  • the concave surface of the beverage dispensing system and the cylindrical body of the beverage container should have corresponding curvatures for guiding the beverage container and to allow the beverage container to slide into the inner chamber in a controlled and stable way.
  • the applicant company has found out that the concave surface should optimally have the above-mentioned slope in order to be ergonomically beneficial
  • a horizontally oriented concave surface will only allow the user to pivot the beverage container to an angle where the cylindrical body of the beverage container is substantially horizontal, preventing or at least significantly hindering the sliding of the beverage container into the inner space.
  • a vertically oriented concave surface will require the user to pivot the beverage container to an angle where the cylindrical body of the beverage container is substantially vertical, thereby causing the beverage container to enter the inner space in free fall, with only very limited guidance and control by the concave surface.
  • the initial position of the beverage container is sloped, i.e. tilted.
  • the horizontal surface and the contact surface hold the beverage container.
  • the beverage container thus forms an angle in relation to the horizontal surface.
  • the beverage container may be delivered from a storage facility and placed in the initial position by the user, preferably manually or alternatively by using a crane.
  • the initial position is preferably a stable position, i.e. not requiring any additional support from e.g. the user.
  • the beverage container may then be left in the initial position unattended until the installation procedure starts.
  • the curvature of the contact surface prevents any sideward or downward movement of the beverage container, thus ensuring the stable position.
  • the beverage container is preferably rotated or pivoted by grabbing the convex shaped first end and lifting it to an elevated position Alternatively, a crane may be used for the lifting
  • the elevated position corresponds to the second position, i.e. a certain pivoting angle of the beverage container in relation to the horizontal plane.
  • the second position most of the weight of the beverage container is supported by the contact surface.
  • the beverage container In the second position, the beverage container is assuming a position substantially in registration with the rim and the inner space such that the beverage container slides into the inner space to the third position within the beverage container.
  • the outer surface of the beverage container may slide on the contact surface of the rim such that the collapsible beverage container is received within the inner space.
  • the beverage container When the beverage container enters the inner space, the beverage container will be further guided by the concave surface to achieve a correct position within the inner space A perfect alignment is thus not necessary in the second position
  • the concave surface alone may guide the beverage container, and the contact surface may stop contacting the beverage container.
  • the exact travelling path of the beverage container from the second position to the third position depends on the dimensions of the inner space and of the dimensions of the beverage container.
  • the hands of the user may be kept at the convex shaped first end for allowing a high angular momentum to be applied by the user.
  • a high angular momentum implies that a smaller lifting force is needed as compared to a situation in which the entire collapsible beverage container is lifted without any supplementary support, thus the work of the user may be considered ergonomically correct Additionally, the user never has to support or carry the whole weight of the beverage container since it is being partly supported by the contact surface at all time. Further, the hands of the user are positioned in a safe distance from the rim.
  • a mechanical shock absorber such as a foamed material pad or a synthetic or natural rubber pad positioned at the closed downwardly facing end of the receptacle serving to prevent the collapsible beverage container from being mechanically deteriorated as the collapsible beverage container is impacting the closed downwardly facing end when reaching the third position.
  • the inner space defines a container connector at the closed downwardly facing end, the convex shaped first end constituting a convex shaped bottom, the convex second end constituting a convex shaped top, and the convex shaped top having an outlet connector centrally fixated thereto adjacent to the second contact area, in step iv), the outlet connector of the collapsible beverage container facing the rim in the second position and in step v) the outlet connector contacting and sealing against the container connector in the third position. Consequently, according to this embodiment, the collapsible beverage container is positioned upside down in the third position received within the inner space
  • the outlet connector comprises an outlet flange for establishing a third contact area for contacting the contact surface while rotating the collapsible beverage container from the first position to the second position
  • the outlet flange is shaped as an outwardly oriented flange for allowing the second and third contact area to contact the contact surface by different contact angles, so that any slippage between the second contact area and the contact surface is prevented.
  • the contact surface may then be accommodated between the second contact area of the convex shaped second end and the third contact area of the outlet flange.
  • the slope in relation to the horizontal surface is between 10° and 80°, more preferably between 20° and 70°, such as 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60° or 65°, and most preferably 45°. It has been found out by the applicant company that a pivot angle of the cylindrical body of the beverage container of about 45° is ergonomically beneficial and allows a smooth and controlled sliding of the beverage container into the inner space. The pivoting angle of the cylindrical body of the beverage container should at least substantially coincide with or parallel with the longitudinal axis defined by the slope of the concave surface.
  • the rim comprises a cut-out section, the cut-out section dividing the contact surface for establishing two juxtaposing contact surfaces for contacting two corresponding second contact areas.
  • a cut-out section in the rim e g. an openable wall of the housing or the like
  • the single contact surface may be split into two juxtaposing or opposing contact surfaces. In this way an increased stability in the sideward direction and the risk that the beverage container will roll off the rim during pivoting is prevented, or at least significantly hindered.
  • the concave surface defines a tubular surface. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to completely enclose the beverage container during sliding to prevent that the beverage container is sliding off the concave surface.
  • step v) further comprises sliding the collapsible beverage container from the second position to the third position by utilizing the gravitational force acting on the collapsible beverage container.
  • the slope angle is large enough and the materials chosen for the concave surface and the beverage container exhibit a surface roughness small enough for the beverage container to slide into the inner space by gravitational force when the beverage container has been pivoted to an angle at least substantially coinciding with or parallel with the longitudinal axis defined by the slope of the concave surface.
  • a pressure chamber in the inner space is achieved by providing a pressure lid, the pressure lid cooperating with and sealing against the rim.
  • the pressure lid is attached to the rim and the inner space is pressurized.
  • the collapsible beverage container constitutes a multilayer container.
  • the container may be a multilayer container where pressure fluid is introduced in the space between the layers.
  • the beverage container may remain in the package until sliding into the inner space
  • the method according to the second aspect of the present invention may have any of the features of the method according to the first aspect.
  • beverage dispensing system according to the third aspect of the present invention may be used with any of the methods according to the first and second aspect of the present invention, including any of the above described features.
  • the collapsible beverage container may be provided with a convex shaped bottom to be able to pivot against the contact surface, i.e. assume the sloped initial position.
  • the convex shaped top is used to position the beverage container in a correct initial position in relation to the contact surface.
  • the term convex should be understood to mean a half spherical shape or the like such as a half ellipsoid shape.
  • the beverage container and especially the convex shaped bottom and top should be made rigid enough to be able to support the weight of the beverage container.
  • collapsible is meant that the beverage container has a beverage space which may reduce its volume during dispensing such that pressure fluid is not in direct contact with the beverage
  • the beverage container may either be longer than the inner space, or alternatively equal to or shorter than the inner space.
  • the housing part 14 comprises an upwardly oriented rim 62 through which the inner space 32 of the housing part 14 is accessible.
  • the rim 62 comprises a contact surface 60, which is oriented towards the drip tray 20.
  • the beverage container 28 further comprises a beverage container top 58 which is rounded and comprises centrally located connecting flange 38.
  • the connecting flange 38 comprises a container outlet for the beverage stored in the beverage container 28.
  • the beverage container top 58 and the connecting flange 38 are resting against the contact surface 60 of the rim 62 of the housing part 14.
  • the contact surface 60 is shaped having a curvature to provide a stable positioning of the beverage container 28 and prevent movement of the beverage container 28 both in the direction towards the housing part 14 and in the sideward directions.
  • the beverage container 28 is of the collapsible type and may have a volume of typically around ten litres for allowing about 20 servings of the beverage before needing to install a new beverage container 28.
  • Typical height of the beverage container 28 for the beverage dispensing system 10 is between 0.25m and 0.5m, preferably 0.35m.
  • Fig. 5b shows the beverage dispensing system 10 during ergonomic installation of the beverage container 28.
  • the beverage container 28 By lifting the beverage container bottom 42, the beverage container 28 may be pivoted in a rotational motion around the contact surface 60 to an elevated position.
  • the user being either a private user or a professional beverage dispensing operator such as a bartender or barmaid, performs the lifting.
  • a lifting device such as a crane may be used to lift the beverage container bottom 42 of the beverage container 28 in order to avoid personal injuries.
  • the beverage container bottom 42 may be pivoted by simply pivoting the front housing part 18 up towards its vertical orientation.
  • the contact surface 60 remains in contact with the beverage container top 58.
  • the contact surface 60 simplifies the rotational movement of the beverage container 50
  • the curvature of the contact surface 60 and the corresponding curvature of the beverage container top 58 and the connecting flange 38 of the beverage container 28 prevent any sideward movement of the beverage container 28.
  • the connecting flange 38 is used to grasp the contact surface 60 of the rim 62 at a higher angle along the contact surface 60 to avoid slipping of the beverage container 50.
  • the contact surface 60 of the rim 62 will be supporting most of the weight of the beverage container 28.
  • the beverage container 28 then primarily rests on the beverage container top 58 and occasionally against the connecting flange 38 if needed for the pivoting stability. Accordingly, the beverage container top 58 and the connecting flange 54 must be made rigid enough to support the weight applied upon them
  • the two above-mentioned parts may be reinforced to avoid any risk of breakage, such as by using a double or dual layered container.
  • a double layered container has an inner collapsible beverage container which is protected by an outer rigid container. Having such a double-layered beverage container will in some embodiments make the lid 16 unnecessary, since the pressurized fluid is then kept in the space between the outer container and the inner beverage bag.
  • a breakage of the connecting flange 38 or the beverage container top 58 at the intermediate position shown in Fig. 5b may lead to an uncontrolled drop of the beverage container 28 towards the ground resulting in possible damage of equipment or personal injury to the user
  • the beverage dispensing system 10 includes a piercing element 64 at the end of the tapping line 40
  • the tapping line 40 and the piercing element 64 are fixated inside the housing remote from the rim 62, and may be replaced when needed
  • the container outlet at the connecting flange 38 of the beverage container 28 comprises a corresponding pierceable membrane (not shown).
  • the beverage container 28 may be delivered having a tapping line 40 and a tapping valve (not shown) already connected to the container outlet at the connecting flange 38.
  • Fig. 5c shows the beverage dispensing system 10 when the beverage container 28 is installed into the inner space 32.
  • the rounded beverage container top 58 will commence a sliding motion on the contact surface 60 of the rim 62 and slide into the inner space 32.
  • the user should for safety reasons avoid any contact with the rim 62 of the beverage dispensing system, the beverage container top 58 and the connecting flange 38 when the beverage container 28 is about to slide in direction towards the inner space 32, since it may result in possible injuries to the user.
  • the beverage container 28 must not be in perfect registration with the rim 62 of the beverage dispensing system It is sufficient if the connecting flange 54 is in registration with the rim 62, since the positioning of the beverage container 28 will be corrected after the sliding motion has started and the beverage container 28 will continue by its own motion into the inner space 32 of the beverage dispensing system 10.
  • the beverage container 28 is directed by the curvature of the contact surface 60 and as the beverage container 28 enters the inner space 32, the beverage container 28 is guided by the rim 62 and the beverage container top 58 of the beverage container 50 for a correct positioning
  • the beverage container 28 may enter the inner space 32 being slightly out of registration.
  • the inner walls of the housing part 14 defining the inner space 32 and the contact cooling surface 46 will orient the beverage container 28 such that the connecting flange 54 is positioned in front of the piercing element 64
  • the concave surface 46' should have a concave shape having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the cylindrical container wall 44.
  • the concave surface 46' is preferably identical with the previously described concave contact cooling surface 46, however, in some embodiments a separate contact cooling surface 46 may be used, or the contact cooling surface may be a part of the inner walls of the housing part 14.
  • the connecting flange 38 of the beverage container 28 Upon reaching the resting position at the bottom end of the inner space 32, remote from the rim 62, the connecting flange 38 of the beverage container 28 is connected fluid-tightly to the piercing element 64 of the tapping line 40 inside the inner space 32.
  • the beverage container 28 will protrude slightly outside the inner space 32.
  • the lid 16 may be replaced and locked pressure-tightly onto the rim 62 of the beverage dispensing system 10. Thereby the installation procedure is concluded, and after the inner space 32 has been pressurized, the beverage may be dispensed from the beverage dispensing system 10 by swinging the tapping handle 24.
  • a shock absorber may be provided inside the inner space 32, such as a foamed plastic pad or a natural or synthetic rubber pad, serving to prevent the beverage container 28 from being deteriorated or even broken or smashed.
  • the inner space 32 is depressurized, and the lid 16 is removed This allows the beverage container 28 to be removed and replaced.
  • the beverage container 28 will typically be completely collapsed and will therefore be easy to remove and dispose.
  • Fig 6a shows an alternative embodiment of the ergonomic handling according to the present invention, where the beverage container 28 remains located within the package 54 during a part of the installation procedure.
  • the package 54 has a package bottom 54', an openable package top 54" and four parallel sidewalls which have not been assigned reference numerals but which are connecting the package bottom 54' and the package top 54".
  • the package top 54" comprises flaps 54"' which serve to seal and close off the package 54 during storage and transportation.
  • the beverage dispensing system 10 shown in fig 6a comprises a housing part 14 having a rim 62' being similar to the previous embodiments shown above
  • the rim 62' differs from the above described rims in that the contact surface 60' of the rim 62' is defining a plane outer contact surface as distinct from the rounded contact surface of the previous embodiment of the dispensing unit shown in figs 5a-5c
  • the contact surface 60' corresponds to the package top 54".
  • the package 54 may thus be positioned in a pivoted orientation where the package top 54" is resting against the contact surface 60'.
  • the package bottom 54' remains contacting the front housing part 18 or alternatively the base plate 12.
  • Fig 6b shows the alternative embodiment of the ergonomic handling according to the present invention when the package bottom 54' has been elevated and the package 54 including the beverage container 28 has been pivoted around the contact surface 60'.
  • the beverage container 28 may slide from inside the package 54 towards the rim 62' and further into the inner space 32 of the housing part 14 while the package 54 remains in its elevated position as shown in Fig. 6a .
  • Fig 6c shows the alternative embodiment of the ergonomic handling according to the present invention when the beverage container 28 has been installed. After the beverage container 28 has reached its final position, the package 54 may be disposed and the lid 16 may be replaced.
  • Fig 7a shows the installation of the beverage container 28 into the beverage dispensing system 10.
  • the beverage container 28 is introduced through the rim 62 into the inner space 32 and the connecting flange 38 connects to the piercing element (not shown).
  • the lid 16 is attached to the housing part 14 while the beverage container 28 is resting on the contact cooling surface 46 of the cooling element 30
  • the front housing part 18 is pivoted back to the vertical orientation, thereby enabling beverage dispensing operations.
  • Fig 7b shows the dispensing of beverage by swinging the tapping handle 24 of the beverage dispensing system 10.
  • the beverage dispensing system 10 is ready for use.
  • the tapping handle 24 By swinging the tapping handle 24 from a substantially vertical orientation constituting the non-beverage dispensing position, towards a substantially horizontal orientation constituting the beverage dispensing position, the tapping valve (not shown) inside the tapping head 22 will open and beverage will be expelled from the beverage container 28, via the dispensing line 40, the dispensing valve and through the beverage outlet 26.
  • the beverage is preferably collected in a beer glass 52 positioned below the beverage outlet 26.
  • the beverage container 28 is blow-moulded of flexible polymeric material, typically plastics such as PET or PP.
  • the present beverage container 28 has a height of about 0.35m, and a diameter being about the same as the height.
  • the pressure in the inner space 32 drives the beverage outwardly and at the same time compressing the beverage container into a collapsing state as shown.
  • the figure is showing the beverage container in a state where about 50% of the beverage volume has been dispensed
  • the beverage container 42 will collapse from an elevated position of the beverage container bottom 42 or cylindrical wall 44 and downwardly in the direction towards the connecting flange 38.
  • the beverage surface will always be substantially horizontal due to the influence of the gravity, and the beverage container 28 will form itself to match the beverage surface. Due to local differences in the material strength of the beverage container, a slightly uneven surface may form as the beverage container 28 is compressed, as indicated in the figure.
  • the contact cooling surface 46 should be located as low as possible as well.
  • the contact cooling surface 48 constitutes a slope having an angle of about 45° relative to the horizontal plane for allowing at least 50% of the beverage volume to be dispensed without the cylindrical container wall 44 losing any contact with the contact cooling surface 46 and at the same time allowing dispensing even of the last portion of beverage, since the container outlet and connecting flange 38 are located in a low position. It is further contemplated that the cooling element 30 and the contact cooling surface 46 may be slightly inwardly bent to extend inwardly at the beverage container top 58 for contacting a portion of the beverage container top 58 in the vicinity of the transition between the beverage container top 58 and the cylindrical container wall 44 for allowing a larger contact cooling surface 48 and act as an appropriate stop quoin when the beverage container 28 is sliding into the housing part 14.
  • the cooling element 30 should, however, not form a constriction preventing the connecting flange 38 to pass, thus, the size of the connecting flange 38 effectively sets the limit for the inward extension of the cooling element 30.
  • Fig. 8a shows a side sectional view of a further embodiment of a beverage dispensing system 10'.
  • the beverage dispensing system 10' lacks the front housing part including the tapping head and instead features a separate tapping rod 66 including a tapping head 22', a tapping handle 24' and a beverage outlet 26.
  • the tapping head 22' is located at the top of the tapping rod 66.
  • the separate tapping rod 66 is extending upwardly from the base plate 12 in front of the housing part 14'.
  • a dip tray 20' is located below the beverage outlet 26'.
  • the figure shows the installation of a new beverage container 28 into the housing part 14 and the subsequent positioning of the lid 16 onto the housing part 14.
  • Fig. 8b shows a side sectional view of the beverage dispensing system 10' when assembled and ready for beverage dispensing.
  • the tapping handle 24' of the tapping rod 66 By operating the tapping handle 24' of the tapping rod 66, beverage will flow out of the beverage outlet 26'
  • the tapping rod 66 may be located on a separate base plate a certain distance from the housing part 14, e.g. the tapping rod 66 may be placed on a bar counter, while the housing part 14 is located below the bar counter.
  • Fig. 9a shows a side sectional view of yet a further embodiment of a beverage dispensing system 10".
  • the beverage dispensing system 10" comprises a lid 16' including an auxiliary cooling element 68 which has a shape adapted to fit tightly to the beverage container bottom 42 and thus provide additional cooling to the beverage container 28.
  • Fig. 9b shows a side sectional view of the beverage dispensing system 10" when assembled and ready for beverage dispensing.
  • the auxiliary cooling element 68 is pressing tightly against the beverage container bottom 42 thereby providing an additional contact cooling surface 70. It is contemplated that for some embodiments, it may be sufficient to only use the auxiliary cooling element 68, thereby dispensing with the cooling element 30.
  • beverage dispensing system 40 tapping line 12. base plate 42. beverage container bottom 14. housing part 44. cylindrical container wall 16. lid 46. concave contact cooling surface 18. front housing part 48. cooling inlet 20. drip tray 50. top cavity 22. tapping head 52. beverage glass 24. tapping handle 54. package 26. outlet 56. support block 28 collapsible beverage container 58. beverage container top 30. cooling element 60. contact surface 32. inner space 62. rim 34. combined cooling and pressurisation device 64. piercing element 66. tapping rod 36. cooling conduit 68. auxiliary cooling element 38. connecting flange (beverage outlet) 70. additional contact cooling surface

Claims (11)

  1. Verfahren zum Installieren eines zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) in einem Getränkeautomaten (10) umfassend Durchführen der folgenden Schritte:
    i) Bereitstellen des Getränkeautomaten (10), der auf einer horizontalen Fläche (12) angeordnet ist, wobei der Getränkeautomat (10) einen inneren Raum (32) definiert, der sich zwischen einem offenen nach oben gerichteten gekrümmten Rand (62), der eine Kontaktfläche (60) definiert, einem geschlossenen nach unten gerichteten Ende, das vom Rand (62) entfernt angeordnet ist, und einer inneren konkaven Fläche (46) zwischen dem Rand (62) und dem geschlossenen Ende erstreckt, wobei die konkave Fläche (46) zwischen dem Rand (62) und dem geschlossenen Ende eine Neigung in Bezug auf die horizontale Fläche (12) von zwischen 5° und 85° definiert, und
    ii) Bereitstellen des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28), wobei der zusammenklappbare Getränkebehälter (28) einen in den inneren Raum (32) passenden zylindrischen Körper definiert, ein konvex geformtes erstes Ende (42), das einen ersten Kontaktbereich definiert, und ein konvex geformtes zweites Ende (58), das einen zweiten Kontaktbereich definiert, wobei der zweite Kontaktbereich eine Krümmung aufweist, welche der Krümmung der Kontaktfläche (60) entspricht, und Durchführen der folgenden Schritte:
    iii) Positionieren des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) in einer geneigten ersten Position in einer solchen Weise, dass der erste Kontaktbereich mit der horizontalen Fläche (12) in Kontakt steht, und der zweite Kontaktbereich mit der Kontaktfläche (60) in Kontakt steht,
    iv) Drehen des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) von der ersten Position in einer Drehbewegung um die Kontaktfläche (60) in eine zweite Position, in welcher das konvex geformte erste Ende (42) gehoben wird, während der zweite Kontaktbereich mit der Kontaktfläche (60) in Kontakt verbleibt, und
    v) Gleiten lassen des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) auf der Kontaktfläche (60) und auf der konkaven Fläche (46) von der zweiten Position in eine dritte Position innerhalb des inneren Raums (32), in dem das konvex geformte zweite Ende (58) neben dem geschlossenen nach unten gerichteten Ende angeordnet ist.
  2. Verfahren zum Installieren eines in einem Paket (54) enthaltenen zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) in einem Getränkeautomaten (10) umfassend die folgenden Schritte des Bereitstellens:
    Bereitstellen des Getränkeautomaten (10), der auf einer horizontalen Fläche (12) angeordnet ist, wobei der Getränkeautomat (10) einen inneren Raum (32) definiert, der sich zwischen einem offenen nach oben gerichteten gekrümmten Rand (62), der eine Kontaktfläche (60) definiert, einem geschlossenen nach unten gerichteten Ende, das vom Rand (62) entfernt angeordnet ist, und einer inneren konkaven Fläche (46) zwischen dem Rand (62) und dem geschlossenen Ende erstreckt, wobei die konkave Fläche (46) zwischen dem Rand (62) und dem geschlossenen Ende eine Neigung in Bezug auf die horizontale Fläche (12) von zwischen 5° und 85° definiert, und
    Bereitstellen des den zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälter (28) enthaltenden Pakets (54), wobei der zusammenklappbare Getränkebehälter (28) einen in den inneren Raum (32) passenden zylindrischen Körper definiert, wobei das Paket (54) Sätze entgegengesetzter rechtwinkliger Seitenwände und entgegengesetzter rechtwinkliger oberer und unterer Wände definiert, welche durch geradlinige Kanten mit den Seitenwänden verbunden sind, wobei mindestens die obere Wand zu öffnen ist, wobei ein erster Kontaktbereich durch eine Bodenkante des Pakets (54) an einer Seitenwand des Pakets (54) definiert ist, und ein zweiter Kontaktbereich durch die an die zu öffnende obere Wand angrenzende eine Seitenwand definiert ist, wobei der zusammenklappbare Getränkebehälter (28) einen zylindrischen Körper, ein konvex geformtes erstes Ende (42) und ein konvex geformtes zweites Ende (58) definiert, wobei beim in das Packet (54) passenden zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälter (28) der zylindrische Körper von den entgegengesetzten rechtwinkligen Seitenwänden unterstützt wird, und das konvex geformte erste Ende (42) vom Boden des Pakets (54) unterstützt wird, und das konvex geformte zweite Ende (58) unter der zu öffnenden oberen Wand positioniert und durch das Öffnen der zu öffnenden oberen Wand freilegbar ist, und Durchführen der folgenden Schritte:
    Öffnen der zu öffnenden oberen Wand des Pakets (54),
    Positionieren des den zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälter (28) enthaltenden offenen Pakets (54) in einer geneigten ersten Position in einer solchen Weise, dass der erste Kontaktbereich mit der horizontalen Fläche (12) in Kontakt steht, und der zweite Kontaktbereich mit der Kontaktfläche (60) in Kontakt steht,
    Drehen des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) von der ersten Position in einer Drehbewegung um die Kontaktfläche (60) in eine zweite Position, in welcher der Boden des Pakets (54) gehoben wird, während der zweite Kontaktbereich mit der Kontaktfläche (60) in Kontakt verbleibt, wobei die zu öffnende obere Wand in der zweiten Position dem Rand (62) gegenüberliegt, und
    Gleiten lassen des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) aus dem Paket (54) auf der konkaven Fläche (46) in eine Position innerhalb des inneren Raums (32), in dem das konvex geformte zweite Ende (58) neben dem geschlossenen nach unten gerichteten Ende angeordnet ist.
  3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der innere Raum (32) einen Behälteranschluss (64) am geschlossenen nach unten gerichteten Ende definiert, wobei das konvex geformte erste Ende (42) einen konvex geformten Boden darstellt, wobei das konvexe zweite Ende eine konvex geformte Oberseite darstellt, und wobei die konvex geformte Oberseite einen Auslassanschluss (38) aufweist, der angrenzend an den zweiten Kontaktbereich an dieser zentral befestigt ist, in Schritt iv), der Auslassanschluss (38) des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) dem Rand (62) in der zweiten Position gegenüberliegt, und in Schritt v) der Auslassanschluss (38) den Behälteranschluss (64) in der dritten Position kontaktiert und dagegen abdichtet.
  4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Auslassanschluss (38) einen Auslassflansch zum Herstellen eines dritten Kontaktbereichs zum Kontakt mit der Kontaktfläche (60) umfasst, während der zusammenklappbare Getränkebehälter (28) von der ersten Position in die zweite Position gedreht wird.
  5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Neigung in Bezug auf die horizontale Fläche (12) zwischen 10° und 80°, besonders bevorzugt zwischen 20° und 70°, wie zum Beispiel 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60° oder 65°, und am meisten bevorzugt 45° beträgt.
  6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Rand (62) einen ausgeschnittenen Abschnitt umfasst, wobei der ausgeschnittene Abschnitt die Kontaktfläche (60) zum Herstellen von zwei nebeneinander liegenden Kontaktflächen (60) zum Kontakt mit zwei entsprechenden zweiten Kontaktbereichen aufteilt.
  7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die konkave Fläche (46) eine rohrförmige Fläche definiert.
  8. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei Schritt v) ferner Gleiten lassen des zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälters (28) von der zweiten Position in die dritte Position durch Anwendung der auf den zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälter (28) einwirkenden Schwerkraft umfasst.
  9. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine Druckkammer im inneren Raum (32) durch Bereitstellen eines Druckdeckels erzielt wird, wobei der Druckdeckel mit dem Rand (62) zusammenwirkt und dagegen abdichtet.
  10. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der zusammenklappbare Getränkebehälter (28) einen Mehrschichtbehälter (28) bildet.
  11. Getränkeautomat (10) mit einem zusammenklappbaren Getränkebehälter (28) zum Gebrauch beim Durchführen der Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-10, wobei der Getränkeautomat (10) auf einer horizontalen Fläche (12) angeordnet ist, wobei der Getränkeautomat (10) einen inneren Raum (32) definiert, der sich zwischen einem offenen nach oben gerichteten gekrümmten Rand (62), der eine Kontaktfläche (60) definiert, einem geschlossenen nach unten gerichteten Ende, das vom Rand (62) entfernt angeordnet ist, und einer inneren konkaven Fläche (46) zwischen dem Rand (62) und dem geschlossenen Ende erstreckt, wobei die konkave Fläche (46) zwischen dem Rand (62) und dem geschlossenen Ende eine Neigung in Bezug auf die horizontale Fläche (12) von zwischen 5° und 85° definiert, wobei der Getränkebehälter (28) einen in einen inneren Raum (32) des Getränkeautomaten (10) zu passenden zylindrischen Körper definiert, wobei der Getränkebehälter (28) einen konvex geformten Boden (42) aufweist, der einen ersten Kontaktbereich definiert, eine konvex geformte Oberseite (58) und einen Auslassanschluss (38), der an der konvex geformten Oberseite (58) zentral befestigt ist, wobei die konvex geformte Oberseite (58) einen an den Auslassanschluss (38) angrenzenden zweiten Kontaktbereich definiert, wobei der zweite Kontaktbereich eine Krümmung aufweist, welche der Krümmung der Kontaktfläche (60) des Getränkeautomaten (10) entspricht.
EP10781693.6A 2009-11-23 2010-11-23 Verfahren zum installieren eines zusammenklappbaren getränkebehälters in einem getränkeautomaten Active EP2504272B1 (de)

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PCT/EP2010/068018 WO2011061344A1 (en) 2009-11-23 2010-11-23 A method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage dispensing system

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PT2504272E (pt) 2014-02-17

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