EP3044158A1

EP3044158A1 - Beverage dispensing device and a method for such beverage dispensing device

Info

Publication number: EP3044158A1
Application number: EP14765932.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Morten Helvig Larsen; Benny Dahl; Henrik Michael Nielsen
Original assignee: Micro Matic AS
Current assignee: Micro Matic AS
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2014-09-12
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-12
Also published as: WO2015036535A1; CN105705455A; RU2671652C2; RU2016113373A3; EP3044158B1; RU2016113373A; CN105705455B

Abstract

A beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverages is provided. The beverage dispensing device comprises a beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverage from a beverage container to an outlet, comprising a receptacle for a beverage container made from deformable material, said receptacle being defined by means for deforming the beverage container in order to expel beverage stored therein; a dispensing line fluidly connecting the beverage container and an outlet, the dispensing line having a first inner diameter; an actuator arranged at the outlet in connection with the dispensing line adapted for opening and closing the fluid connection between the beverage container and the outlet; wherein means for measuring a pressure of the beverage in the beverage container and/or in the dispensing line is arranged in connection with the beverage container and/or the dispensing line, the measured pressure being used for controlling the means for deforming the beverage container, so that a predetermined pressure of the beverage at the outlet is attained.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSING DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR SUCH BEVERAGE

DISPENSING DEVICE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverages. The beverage dispensing device comprises a receptacle for a beverage container made from deformable material, said receptacle being defined by means for deforming the beverage container in order to expel liquid stored therein. The invention also relates to a beverage dispensing system comprising the beverage dispensing device according to the invention and to a method for controlling the deformation of a beverage container used with a beverage dispensing device according to the invention.

Background art

In pubs, cantinas, restaurants, and also in private homes, taps for beverages, especially beer, are installed. Usually, the taps are provided in a tower or font with one or more taps for different types of beverages. Usually, a small dispensing line connects each tap to a beverage container, which is a small beverage container, most often made from steel, filled with the beverage to be tapped.

The beverage container is kept under a certain pressure, often by filling a space above the liquid with pressurized carbon dioxide; the pressure might be one to two bars over atmospheric pressure. This pressure serves to expel the liquid from the beverage container, through the dispensing line and to the tap once a valve situated along the dispensing line is opened.

However, from a quality point of view, this type of system is not entirely satisfactory; carbon dioxide let into the beverage container in order to drive the liquid out from the beverage container will dissolve in the liquid, with the risk that the beverage becomes more carbonated than desired. Moreover, the steel beverage containers are heavy and therefore not very convenient to use. Also, the beverage containers take up just as much space when they are empty as when they are filled; therefore, the transport of beverage containers back and forth consumes a lot of energy in the form of fuel for lorries and trucks. In order to solve the problem with increased carbonization of the beverage and to provide a lighter beverage container, a new type of deformable beverage container has been launched. The pressure used to expel the liquid from the beverage container is achieved by deforming the beverage container, either by placing the beverage container in a pressure chamber that can be pressurized, or by placing the beverage container in a device that deforms the beverage container by squeezing or pressing it. An example of the latter arrangement is found e.g. in WO 2009/062656, DE 10 2012 101 503 Al and DE 10 2012 101 507 Al.

The system of WO 2009/062656 works satisfactorily, but it has been found that the pressure in the beverage container may vary depending on how full the beverage container is as well as depending on the degree of compression of a spring being situated to provide a slack between the motor and the deforming units. Another factor that may bias the pressure is the deformation of the beverage container; any force that is used to deform the beverage container will decrease the pressure in the beverage. Also, the system of WO 2009/062656 requires a spring having a relatively long stroke in order to function properly; hence, the space requirements for this system are larger than otherwise necessary.

There is thus a need for an improved beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverages.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide a beverage dispensing device whereby the beverage to be expelled may be held at a constant pressure regardless of filling degree of the beverage container and independent of the force required to deform the beverage container. Another object of the invention is to provide for a beverage dispensing device which is more compact than the prior art beverage dispensing devices. The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by a beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverage from a beverage container to an outlet, comprising :

- a receptacle for a beverage container made from deformable material, said receptacle being defined by means for deforming the beverage container in order to expel beverage stored therein;

- a dispensing line fluidly connecting the beverage container and an outlet, the dispensing line having a first inner diameter;

- an actuator arranged at the outlet in connection with the dispensing line adapted for opening and closing of the fluid connection between the beverage container and the outlet;

wherein means for measuring a pressure of the beverage in the beverage container and/or in the dispensing line is arranged in connection with the beverage container and/or the dispensing line, the measured pressure being used for controlling the means for deforming the beverage container, so that a predetermined pressure of the beverage at the outlet is attained. The means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a pressure meter measuring the pressure on an outside of the dispensing line connecting the beverage container and the outlet.

Moreover, the dispensing line may be made from a flexible material, the outside pressure of said dispensing line being measured .

Further, the dispensing line may comprise a connecting device adapted to pierce the container in order to bring an inside of the container into fluid communication with the dispensing line, and a centre tube part arranged between the piercing part and the dispensing line, the centre tube part having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter of the dispensing line.

Also, the centre tube part may have a first wall thickness and the centre tube part may comprise a measuring area having a second wall thickness, the second wall thickness being smaller than the first wall thickness, the pressure of the beverage in the dispensing line being measured via the measuring area . In addition, the pressure meter may comprise a pushing member adapted to provide a predetermined force, a strain gauge being arranged between the pushing member and an abutment member. Said abutment member may be arranged opposite the measuring area.

Two deformation units may be comprised in the means for deforming the beverage container, wherein one of the deformation units is bowl-shaped, and the other deformation unit is shaped to fit into the bowl.

Moreover, the pressure meter may be arranged in the other deformation unit.

Furthermore, the other deformation unit may comprise a positioning centre part in which the centre tube part can be positioned.

Also, the pressure meter may be arranged opposite the centre tube part in the positioning centre part.

The centre tube part may comprise at least one projection projecting radially out from the centre tube part and being adapted to engage a corresponding groove arranged in the positioning centre part, so that the measuring area can be positioned opposite the abutment member.

Additionally, the centre tube part may comprise a handle facilitating the positioning of the centre tube part in the positioning centre part.

Further, the beverage dispensing device as described above may comprise a control unit adapted to control a motor on the basis of a signal received from the pressure meter.

In order to provide for a solution requiring very few additional parts, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a torque meter of a motor provided for powering the means for deforming the beverage container.

The means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may also be a pressure gauge situated between the beverage container and a unit deforming the beverage container. This gives a more direct and accurate result than measuring the torque of a motor.

Alternatively, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a gauge measuring the compression and a length of a spring situated between the beverage container and a unit for deforming the beverage container.

In some cases, the spring may be preferred in order to provide a slack in the connection between the motor and the deformation units.

In other embodiments, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a thin-film pressure gauge. A thin-film pressure gauge is advantageous in that it is robust, low cost, and has good zero-stability. Further, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a thin-film pressure gauge of the type sold under the trademark "Flexi-Force®.

Also, the means for measuring the pressure may be a bladder filled with a liquid, said bladder being situated between the beverage container and a unit for deforming the beverage container, wherein a pressure gauge is connected to measure the pressure in the liquid of the bladder. This embodiment is advantageous in that the liquid will compensate for uneven pressure exerted by the walls of the beverage container. Alternatively, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a strain gauge measuring a strain or a torque applied to a threaded shaft comprised in the means for deforming the beverage container.

In order to provide for a good transfer of rotative movement to a linear movement between the threaded shaft and the deformation units, the threads of the threaded shaft may be trapezoidal threads.

Furthermore, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a strain gauge measuring a strain or a torque applied to a threaded shaft comprised in the means for deforming the beverage container. In order to enable the two deformation units to come as close to one another as possible, there may be a space between the two deformation units, said space being sufficient to house the thickness of the walls of the beverage container when the beverage container has been fully deformed, i.e. emptied.

The other deformation unit may comprise a recess adapted to receive an opening end of the beverage container, the recess having a first end and a second end and a diameter, wherein the recess decreases in diameter from the first end to the second end, so that centering of the opening end of the beverage container in the other deformation unit is facilitated.

The present invention further relates to a beverage dispensing system comprising the beverage dispensing device as described above. Said beverage dispensing system according to the present invention may further comprise a cabinet, cooling means being arranged inside the cabinet for keeping the beverage in the beverage container at a predetermined cold temperature, and a font having a tapping head and a guide channel, the font being arranged on top of the cabinet having a chamber which is in fluid communication with the guide channel.

The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the deformation of a beverage container in a beverage dispensing device according to the above and thereby the pressure of the beverage to be dispensed, the method comprising the steps of:

- after insertion of a beverage container in a receptacle therefor, powering a motor for deformation of the beverage container;

- measuring a pressure of a beverage in the beverage container and/or the dispensing line;

- stopping the motor once a first predetermined pressure level has been reached; and

- restarting the motor if the measured pressure falls below a second predetermined pressure. In order to enable reduction of a pressure, should the pressure get too high, the method as described above may further comprise the step of: reversing the motor if the measured pressure would exceed the first predetermined pressure could be added.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a prior art beverage dispensing device for a flexible beverage container;

Fig. 2a is a front view of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2b is a side view of the beverage dispensing device of Fig. 2b;

Fig. 2c is a perspective view of the beverage dispensing device according to the present invention,

Fig. 3 is a section view diagrammatically showing one embodiment of a pressure sensor according to the present invention,

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of beverage dispensing device,

Fig. 5 shows a dispensing line,

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of a part of a dispensing line in a cross- sectional view,

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of the dispensing line of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 shows the centre tube part, Fig. 9 shows the centre tube part positioned in the positioning centre part, Fig. 10 shows the beverage container placed in relation to the positioning centre part and the centre tube part,

Figs. 11 and 12 show the embodiments of Figs. 9 and 10 in cross-sectional views,

Figs. 13-15 show another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device having the beverage container placed therein,

Fig. 16 shows a beverage dispensing system,

Figs. 17-19 show in cross-sectional view guiding of the beverage container in relation to the connecting device.

Fig. 20 shows a dismantling tool,

Figs. 21a-21c show, in cross-sectional views, the function of the dismantling tool of Fig. 20,

Fig. 22 shows another dismantling tool,

Figs. 23a-23c show, in cross-sectional views, the function of the dismantling tool of Fig. 22, and

Figs. 24a-24d show, in cross-sectional views, yet another dismantling tool and the function of the dismantling tool.

All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

Detailed description of the invention

In Fig. 1, a prior art system 100 is shown. The prior art system 100 comprises a receptacle for a deformable beverage container 1, upper and lower deformation units 120 and 130, an arrangement for bringing the upper and lower deformation units towards one another and means for connecting the internal volume of the beverage container to a tap 24 controlled by a valve 3. A spring 4 is situated to transfer forces between a driving arrangement comprising a threaded shaft 150, a motor (not shown) arranged to rotate the threaded shaft 150, and a nut (not shown) connecting the lower deformation unit 130 to the threaded shaft. A tell shaft 5 is arranged such that it is indicative of a pre-tension of the spring 4, and the motor is controlled by two switches 6, 7, such that the motor will start if the tell shaft 5 is engaging the switch 6 and stop if the tell shaft 5 engages the switch 7. In this way, a relatively constant force will act on the beverage container 1, and hence, the pressure in the beverage container 1 will be relatively constant.

The arrangement according to the teachings of Fig. 1 works fairly well, but the provision of the spring 4 will make the entire arrangement a bit bulky. An aim of the present invention is to provide a solution making the entire arrangement less bulky.

In Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c, a beverage dispensing device 100 according to the present invention is shown. The beverage dispensing device 100 comprises a receptacle 110, which is located between an upper deformation unit 120 and a lower deformation unit 130. In this embodiment, the shapes of the deformation units are such that the upper deformation unit 120 will fit into a bowl-like opening in the lower deformation unit 130.

A connection arrangement 125 is situated in the upper deformation unit 120 in order to allow for connection of a beverage container (not shown) to a dispensing line connecting the beverage container to an outlet (not shown). It should be noted that the connection arrangement just as well may be provided in the lower deformation unit 130. In order to allow for deformation of the beverage container placed in the receptacle 110, there is an arrangement comprising a motor 140 connected to an elongate threaded shaft 150 via a gearbox 160, comprising e.g. a worm gear. The motor 140 may be any kind of motor allowing for a relatively precise control, e.g. a step motor, an AC motor or a DC motor. The threaded shaft 150 may comprise ordinary threads or trapezoidal threads and may be manufactured from metal or plastic. It cooperates with a nut connected to either the upper or lower deformation unit 120, 130 such that operation of the motor 140 will rotate the threaded shaft 150 and move the upper and lower deformation units 120, 130 towards one another for deforming the beverage container, or away from one another for allowing removal of an emptied beverage container and insertion of a new beverage container.

In one embodiment, the nut is an engageable/disengageable nut allowing for movement of the deformation units 120, 130 relative to one another without powering the motor and rotating the threaded shaft 150. In another embodiment the shaft may be a spindle.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c, the lower deformation unit 130 is suspended on guides 170 via wheels 180, allowing for relative movement of the lower deformation unit 130 against the upper deformation unit 120 or vice versa. In another embodiment, the lower deformation unit 130 may be suspended on the guides 170 via guide shoes or sliding blocks (not shown).

In some embodiments of the invention, there might be provided for a spring resembling the spring 4 of the prior art solution shown in Fig. 1, but considerably smaller, such that there will be a "slack" between the motor 140 and the force exerted for deforming the beverage container.

As mentioned in conjunction with the description of the prior art arrangement of Fig. 1, the control of the motor 140 deforming the beverage container is achieved by turning the motor 140 on if the pre-tension of the spring 4 is too low and turn it off when the desired pre-tension is reached.

According to an embodiment, the motor 140 is, however, controlled by the pressure in the beverage container; this offers the possibility of attaining a more even pressure, and also of reducing the space occupied by the spring 4 of the prior art solution.

Measuring the pressure can be achieved in many ways:

In one embodiment, the pressure is attained by a torque gauge connected to the motor 140 or the threaded shaft 150. In such embodiment, the motor 140 is powered until the correct torque is achieved, after which the motor is shut off. As can be understood, a torque applied to the threaded shaft 150 translates to a force being translated by the assembly of the threaded shaft 150, the nut and the upper and lower deformation units 120, 130. Since the area on which the deformation units 120, 130 act is constant, the force can be translated to a pressure without any complications.

The motor torque can be measured in a number of ways, e.g. by suspending the motor 140 in a way enabling a torque meter being directly applied to measure the torque, by attaching strain gauges to the threaded shaft, and/or by measuring the current supplied to the motor (for a permanently magnetized DC motor, the drive current is proportional to the motor torque), or measuring the rotor current if an AC motor is used to power the threaded shaft 150.

This embodiment is beneficial in that the number of extra components can be kept at a minimum.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pressure of the beverage in the beverage container, or rather the force exerted by the upper and lower deformation units 120, 130, and especially also the position of the lower deformation unit, is measured by measuring the strain in the guides 170, i.e. the deflection of the guides.

In still another embodiment, the pressure is measured by attaching strain gauges to the spring 4. One preferred embodiment is to measure the pressure in the dispensing line. As persons skilled in the art are well aware, the dispensing lines connecting the beverage container and the outlet should be exchanged on a regular basis in order to avoid bacterial growth and extensive cleaning. This makes the use of an ordinary pressure gauge less preferable, since the pressure gauge if in contact with the beverage also will need replacement or cleaning. One possible way to measure the fluid pressure is therefore to measure the force exerted by the dispensing line if it is clamped slightly. In case of a pressure increase, the force exerted by the dispensing line in the clamp will increase. One problem with such a measurement is that the dispensing line itself has a certain stiffness. This problem could be largely overcome by using a dispensing line with a very low stiffness where it is meant to be clamped. For example, the dispensing line may be made from foodstuff grade silicone, which is a very flexible and agile material for a dispensing line. A silicone dispensing line made from silicone is, however, not well adapted to handle the necessary pressure levels, a problem that can be overcome by providing the dispensing line within an outer hose, the inner diameter of which being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the silicone dispensing line. When the silicone dispensing line is subjected to an internal pressure, its diameter will increase so that the outer walls thereof will contact the inner walls of the hose in which it is placed, much like the inner tube of a bicycle wheel being able to hold the pressure supported by the tire. It is of course possible to use a soft hose quality on only a part of the dispensing line connecting the beverage container and the outlet. In other embodiments, the dispensing line may be made of other soft materials, such as rubber, plastic, polymer etc., the materials still being allowable for foodstuff.

With reference to Fig. 3, in still another embodiment of the invention, a button- like device 300 is arranged on any of the deformation units 120, 130, so that the button extends slightly above a surface 310 in contact with the beverage container. The button 300 may be urged against the extended position by means of e.g. an extra spring 10. When a flexible beverage container 1 is placed in contact with the deformation unit 120, 130, and hence the button-like device 300, the button-like device 300 may be used for measuring the deflection of the wall of the beverage container and thereby the pressure in the beverage container.

In one embodiment, the spring 10 may be pre-tensioned such that the button- like device 300 does not move until the correct pressure in the beverage container has been reached. By such an arrangement, the motor 140 may be controlled in a way resembling the prior art arrangement, namely in such a way that the motor is powered to deform the beverage container when the button-like device 300 is in its position in which it extends above the surface of the deformation unit 120, 130, and in which the motor 140 is shut off when the button-like device 300 has been moved outwards by the pressure exerted by the beverage container and the liquid stored therein.

In an embodiment resembling the embodiment disclosed with reference to Fig. 3, there is no spring 10 situated below the button-like device 300. Instead, a bladder (not shown) filled with a preferably incompressible medium is provided under the button-like device 300 (the bladder may also entirely replace the button-like device 300). The preferably incompressible medium may then be connected to a pressure gauge measuring the pressure of the incompressible medium, a pressure that roughly corresponds to the pressure in the beverage container.

In still another embodiment of the invention, an electronic pressure meter or force meter is provided between the beverage container and any of the deformation units. The force or pressure meter may be any kind of pressure meter that fits between the beverage container and the deformation unit, but advantageous results have been achieved with a type of pressure meter sold under the trademark "Flexi-force". Such pressure meters comprise a thin elongate film substrate made from e.g . polyester (Mylar®) and have a pressure sensitive area at one end and electrical connections at the other end. The basic design of the "Flexi-force" pressure meter is disclosed in US-A- 6,272,936. A brief description of the design will, however, also be given below:

A "Flexi-force" pressure meter comprises a first elongate polyester film provided with a line of silver coating in order to provide for an electric connection between portions of the elongate polyester film. At one end, the silver is connected to an electric terminal and at the other end, it is widened or narrowed down to a size corresponding to the desired pressure sensing area. Thereafter, the desired pressure sensing area is covered with an ink whose resistance changes depending on pressure. A second elongate polyester film having a corresponding silver coated area with regard to the pressure sensitive area and a line of silver coating providing for electric connection of the pressure sensitive area, and a second electric terminal is then laminated on top of the first elongate polyester film. The result is a thin, flexible pressure meter, the resistance of which being such that 1/R is proportional to the pressure exerted on the pressure sensitive area.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device 100 having a beverage container 1 arranged between the upper and lower deformation units 120, 130. Inside the upper deformation unit 120 a guide for the dispensing line is arranged, which ensures that the dispensing line is aligned with the beverage container after the beverage container has been placed in the device. The dispensing line may comprise a connecting device having piercing means adapted to pierce the beverage container 1 when the upper and lower deformation units 120, 130 are moved towards each other, thereby fluidly connecting the beverage container 1 with the outlet.

In Fig. 5, a dispensing line 11 comprising a tube section 12 having an inlet end 13 and an outlet end 14, the inlet end 13 being connected with a connecting device 15 having the piercing means. Furthermore, the outlet end may be connected with a spout and/or a valve 16 to be operated by an actuator.

In Fig. 6, another embodiment of a part of a dispensing line 11 is shown in a cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the dispensing line 11 also comprises a connecting device 15 adapted to pierce the beverage container (not shown) in order to bring an inside of the beverage container into fluid communication with the dispensing line 11, i.e. the tube section 12. In addition, the tube section or the dispensing line 11 has a first inner diameter Dl . Furthermore, a centre tube part 40 is arranged between the connecting device 15 and the dispensing line 11, the centre tube part 40 having a second inner diameter D2, the second inner diameter D2 being larger than the first inner diameter Dl of the dispensing line 11.

The centre tube part 40 has a first wall thickness Tl and the centre tube part comprises a measuring area 41 having a second wall thickness T2, the second wall thickness T2 being smaller than the first wall thickness Tl, the pressure of the beverage in the dispensing line 11 being measured via the measuring area 41, which will be described further below. The measuring area 41 is made of a flexible material. The centre tube part 40 also comprises a first projection 43 extending radially out from the outer face of the centre tube part. The first projection 43 is arranged at the end nearest to the tube section 12. In the opposite end, the centre tube part 40 is inserted into the connecting device 15. The centre tube part 40 also comprises a second projection 44 securing that the centre tube part 40 stops during insertion into the connecting device 15. The connecting device 15 also comprises a projecting flange 45 extending radially out from an outer face of the connecting device. The projecting flange 45 also assists in positioning the measuring area 41 in relation to a pressure meter (not shown).

In Fig. 7, the dispensing line 11 of Fig. 6 is shown. The dispensing line 11 comprises a tube section 12 having an inlet end 13 and an outlet end 14, the inlet end 13 being connected with the centre tube part 40 which in turn is connected with a connecting device 15 having the piercing means. Furthermore, the outlet end may be connected with a spout and/or a valve 16 to be operated by an actuator. The measuring area 41 is, in this embodiment, arranged on one side of the centre tube part 40. Furthermore, the centre tube part 40 comprises a handle 42 facilitating the positioning of the measuring area 41.

Fig. 8 shows the centre tube part 40 in a perspective view. The handle 42 extends from the tube part and has a size which enables it to be gripped by a couple of fingers. The faces of the handle 42 may comprise means enhancing the user's grip on the handle. In this embodiment, the means are projecting dots 46 arranged on the faces. The first projection 43 has a tapering shape also facilitating in the positioning of the centre tube part. In Fig. 9, the centre tube part 40 is shown positioned in a positioning centre part 47 arranged in one of the deformation units (not shown). The positioning centre part 47 is arranged for positioning and maintaining the centre tube part 40 and especially the measuring area and the connecting device 15. The positioning centre part 47 has an opening adapted to receive the centre tube part 40 and the connecting device 15. The opening is arranged so that the centre tube part and the connecting device may be inserted radially into the positioning centre part 47. As mentioned above, the centre tube part 40 comprises projections 43, 44 projecting radially out from the centre tube part, and the connecting device 15 also comprises a projecting flange 45, at least one of the projections or the flange being adapted to engage a corresponding groove 48 arranged in the positioning centre part 47. Hereby insertion of the centre tube part and the connecting device into the positioning centre part is facilitated. Furthermore, the projections and the flange assist in positioning the centre tube part and the connecting device in the positioning centre part, as well as maintaining and securing the centre tube part and the connecting device in an axial direction of the dispensing line. Furthermore, a pressure meter 49 is arranged in the positioning centre part 47. The pressure meter 49 comprises a pushing member 50 adapted to provide a predetermined force, a strain gauge 51 being arranged between the pushing member 50 and an abutment member 52. The abutment member 52 is arranged opposite the measuring area of the centre tube part 40.

In Fig. 10, the beverage container 1 is placed in relation to the positioning center part and the center tube part 40. The connecting device 15 has pierced the beverage container.

Figs. 11 and 12 show the embodiments of Figs. 9 and 10 in cross-sectional views. Fig. 11 corresponds substantially to Fig. 9 as described above. As can be seen, the abutment member 52 is displacing the measuring area 41 inwardly, whereby the pressure of the beverage present in the centre tube part 40 and the dispensing line will exert a force on the abutment member, which results in a deflection on the strain gauge, which deflection is measured and converted into an electric signal indicating the size of the pressure of the beverage present in dispensing line 11. The signal is provided to a control unit which may control a motor driving the deformation units. Fig. 12 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10 in a cross-sectional view, wherein the connecting device 15 has pierced the beverage container 1.

Figs. 13-15 show another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device 100 having the beverage container 1 placed therein, wherein Fig. 13 shows the beverage dispensing device in a perspective view, Fig. 14 in a front view and Fig. 15 in a side view. The beverage dispensing device 100 has an upper deformation unit 120, wherein the positioning centre part (not shown) is placed. Access to the positioning centre part is provided via a door 55 in the upper deformation unit 120. The beverage container 1 is placed in the lower deformation unit 130 which during use is moved upwards against the upper deformation unit 120. The upper deformation unit 120 comprises a first part being secured to the beverage dispensing device 100 and a second part, i.e. the door 55, being movable in relation to the first part. The door 55 comprises a support (not shown) adapted to support the positioning centre part inside the upper deformation unit when the door is closed . In Fig. 16, a beverage dispensing system 200 according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional view. The system 200 comprises a beverage container 1 having a beverage and propelling means for forcing the beverage out of the container into a dispensing line. The dispensing line and the beverage container 1 are connected via the connecting device 15. The propelling means is mechanical pressure means as described above having upper and lower deformation units 120, 130. Furthermore, the beverage container 1 comprises a cap 17 arranged in connection with an opening in the beverage container, the cap 17 comprising a membrane to be pierced by the piercing means of the connecting device.

Furthermore, the propelling means and the beverage container 1 are placed inside a cabinet 18. The cabinet 18 may comprise cooling means for keeping the beverage in the beverage container 1 at a predetermined cold temperature. Furthermore, a font 19 having the tapping head 20 and a guide channel 21 is arranged on top of a cabinet 18 having a chamber 22 which is in fluid communication with the guide channel 21. The dispensing line (not shown) may be guided down through the font via the guide channel 21 to the chamber 22, wherein the connecting device 15 may be positioned in the guide in the upper deformation unit 120 to be connected with beverage container 1. The tapping head 35 comprises an actuator 23 or a handle adapted to open and close an outlet 24. The beverage is being dispensed from said outlet 24.

When a new beverage container is placed in the beverage dispensing device 100, and the cabinet door is closed, the control unit starts and drive the lower deformation unit with the beverage container upward until the desired dispensing pressure is reached. The dispensing pressure is pre-set in the control unit. The pressure is measured by a pressure meter as described above. The motor is connected to a spindle and the spindle is connected to the lower deformation unit by a spindle nut. By clockwise rotation of the spindle, the lower deformation unit will move upward (dispensing), and by counterclockwise rotation, the lower deformation unit will move downward (empty container).

The motor power and running time, and thereby the movement of the lower deformation unit, are regulated by the control unit. When the dispensing pressure drops, the control unit will continuously raise the lower deformation unit so the pressure is at the desired dispensing pressure. These steps are continued until the lower deformation unit is at the top position and beverage container is empty (recorded on a top switch). When the beverage container is empty, the lower deformation unit automatic returns (moves down) to the bottom position.

The invention also relates to methods for controlling the motor of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention.

All the methods comprise the steps of:

- measuring a pressure of a beverage in the beverage container;

- restarting the motor if the measured pressure falls below a second predetermined pressure.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise the further step of reversing the motor if the measured pressure would exceed the first predetermined pressure. Figs. 17-19 show, in cross-sectional view, guiding and centering of the beverage container 1 in relation to the connecting device 15, so that the cap 17 of the beverage container 1 is positioned correctly in the dispensing device before the cap is being brought into contact with the piercer of the connecting device 15. In Fig. 17, the beverage container 1 has been positioned in the recess 60 arranged in the upper deformation unit 120. The recess 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62 and a diameter, wherein the recess decreases in diameter from the first end 61 to the second end 62, so that centering of the cap 17 of the beverage container 1 in the upper deformation unit 120 is facilitated. The recess 60 has at the first end 61 a tapering extension 63 for guiding the cap 17 into the recess when the beverage container 1 is brought into contact with the upper deformation unit 120. At a first distance 64 from the first end 61, the recess 60 is decreasing in diameter again for providing the additional centering of the cap 17 in relation to the piercer of the connecting device 15. In Fig. 17, the top of the cap 17 is brought into contact with the piercer of the connecting device 15. In Fig. 18, the cap 17 of the beverage container 1 is entered further up in the recess 60 and the cap 17 has been pierced by the connecting device 15 or is about to be pierced. At a second distance 65 from the first end 61, the recess 60 is decreasing in diameter again for providing the final centering and positioning of the cap 17 in the recess 60.

In Fig. 19, the cap 17 is positioned in the recess 60 and is fully penetrated by the connecting device 15, so that the inside 66 of the beverage container 1 is in fluid communication with the dispensing line 11 via the connecting device 15.

The cap 17 shown in Figs. 17-19 has a down tube 67 extending downwards in the beverage container 1. The beverage container 1 contains a beverage 68 having a surface 69. The down tube 67 has a length ensuring that a tube end 70 of the down tube 67 is position below the surface 69 when the beverage container 1 has been filled with a predetermined amount of beverage 68. The down tube 67 ensures that the beverage 68 may be dispensed rapidly from the beverage container 1 when it is being deformed by moving the deformation units against each other. Above the surface 69, a head space 71 is present. The head space 71 comprises a gas. If the down tube 70 is not present, the head space 71 should first be emptied by leading the gas out of the inside of the beverage container 1 via the dispensing line during the deformation of the beverage container 1.

Figs. 20 and 21a-21c show a dismantling tool 115. The dismantling tool 115 is arranged in connection with the dispensing device and is adapted to assist in releasing the beverage container from the upper deformation unit after the beverage container has been deformed around the upper deformation unit.

The dismantling tool 115 shown in Fig. 20 has a first projection 116 projecting out from a base part 117. The first projection 116 is part of a longitudinal member 118, wherein the first projection 116 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal member 118. The longitudinal member is preferably spring- loaded so that the first projection is forced inwards. The dismantling tool 115 also comprises a spring-loaded second member 119 arranged below the longitudinal member 118. The second member 119 is also projecting out from the base part 117. The longitudinal member and/or the second member may be axially displaceble in relation to the base part. In Figs. 21a-21c, the function of the dismantling tool 115 is shown. The dismantling tool 115 is mounted to the dispensing device. In Fig. 21a, the beverage container 1 has been completely collapsed by the lower deformation unit 130 having been moved up and around the upper deformation unit 120, so that the collapsed beverage container 1 is placed between the upper and lower deformation units. During the upwards movement of the lower deformation unit 130, the first projection 116 of the dismantling tool 115 has been forced inwards so that the beverage container 1 is placed beneath the first projection 116. Since the beverage container 1 fits closely around the upper deformation unit 120, and the cap of the beverage container is arranged in a close fit in the recess of the upper deformation unit, and the connecting device is pierced through the cap, the beverage container 1 is difficult to release from the upper deformation unit. When the lower deformation unit 130 is moved downwards, a projection 140 of the lower deformation unit 130 will abut the second member 119, whereby it, together with the longitudinal member 118, will start to move downwards with the lower deformation unit 130, whereby the first projection 116 will pull the collapsed beverage container 1 of the upper deformation unit 120 as shown in Fig. 21b. As shown in Fig. 21b, the second member 119 will slide inside the base part, whereby the dismantling tool is released from the lower deformation unit. The longitudinal member 118 continues to move downwards with the beverage container as shown in Fig. 21c.

Figs. 22 and 23a-23c show another dismantling tool 115. In this embodiment the dismantling tool 115 is arranged on the outside of the lower deformation unit 130. The dismantling tool has two upwards projecting members 122 arranged on each side of the lower deformation unit 130. The projecting members 122 each have an inwards projection 123. The projecting members may be made of spring steel and arranged so that the projections 123 are inwards spring-loaded. In Figs. 23a-23c, the function of the dismantling tool 115 is shown. In Fig. 23a, the beverage container 1 is being emptied by moving the lower deformation unit 130 upwards. The dismantling tool 115 is sliding upwards on the outer face of the beverage container 1. In Fig. 23b, the beverage container 1 is fully collapsed between the upper and lower deformation units. The projection 123 is abutting the top of the beverage container 1, so that when the lower deformation unit 130 is moved downwards, the projection 123 will pull the collapsed beverage container off the upper deformation unit 120 as shown in Fig. 23c. The collapsed beverage container 1 will then follow the lower deformation unit and may easily be removed.

The dismantling tool may also be slidably arranged on the dispensing device, so that it may abut the beverage container while it is being moved upwards against the upper deformation unit and follow the beverage container. When the beverage container is emptied and shall be removed, the dismantling tool will again follow the lower deformation unit downwards and thereby ensure that the beverage container is released from the upper deformation unit by pulling it downwards while following the lower deformation unit. The dismantling tool may also comprise a release mechanism ensuring that the dismantling tool stops following the lower deformation unit when the release mechanism has been activated. Figs. 24a-24d show yet another dismantling tool 115 and the function thereof. In this embodiment, the dismantling tool 115 is arranged in connection with the upper deformation unit 120. As seen in Fig. 24a, the dismantling tool 115 is arranged inside the upper deformation unit 120. The dismantling tool 115 comprises a slide member 135 having a first projection 136 and a second projection 137. The first projection projects out of the upper deformation unit 120 and the second projection is arranged in the opposite end of the slide member in relation the first projection and projects in the opposite direction. A spring 138 abuts the second projection 137. In Fig. 24b, the lower deformation unit 130 has been moved up against the upper deformation unit 120, so that the beverage container 1 has been collapsed. The beverage container 1 abuts the first projection 136, and when it is being pushed upwards, the slide member 135 will follow while pushing and thereby biasing the spring 138. In Fig. 24c, the lower deformation unit has been lowered and the spring force of the spring 138 then ensures that the collapsed beverage container 1 may be released from the upper deformation unit 120 and thereby moved downwards. In Fig. 24d, the collapsed beverage container has been removed and the spring 138 is in its relaxed position.

Although the above description has been made mostly with reference to a beverage dispensing device for carbonated drinks such as beer, it should be readily understood that the general principle of the beverage dispensing device is applicable for various different liquids such wine, soft drinks, lemonade, ciders, etc.

Although the invention has been described in the above in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing device (100) for dispensing beverage from a beverage container to an outlet, comprising :

- a receptacle (110) for a beverage container (1) made from deformable material, said receptacle (110) being defined by means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for deforming the beverage container (1) in order to expel beverage stored therein;

- a dispensing line (11) fluidly connecting the beverage container (1) and an outlet (24), the dispensing line having a first inner diameter (Dl);

- an actuator (23) arranged at the outlet in connection with the dispensing line (11) adapted for opening and closing the fluid connection between the beverage container (1) and the outlet (24);

wherein means for measuring a pressure of the beverage in the beverage container (1) and/or in the dispensing line (11) is arranged in connection with the beverage container and/or the dispensing line, the measured pressure being used for controlling the means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for deforming the beverage container (1), so that a predetermined pressure of the beverage at the outlet (24) is attained.

2. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container (1) is a pressure meter (49) measuring the pressure on an outside of the dispensing line (11) connecting the beverage container (1) and the outlet (24).

3. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing line (11) is made from a flexible material, the outside pressure of said dispensing line being measured.

4. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing line (11) comprises a connecting device (15) adapted to pierce the beverage container (1) in order to bring an inside of the beverage container into fluid communication with the dispensing line, and a centre tube part (40) arranged between the connecting device and the dispensing line (11), the centre tube part (40) having a second inner diameter (D2), the second inner diameter (D2) being larger than the first inner diameter (Dl) of the dispensing line.

5. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the centre tube part (40) has a first wall thickness (Tl) and the centre tube part comprises a measuring area (41) having a second wall thickness (T2), the second wall thickness (T2) being smaller than the first wall thickness (Tl), the pressure of the beverage in the dispensing line being measured via the measuring area (41).

6. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to any of the claims 2-5, wherein the pressure meter (49) comprises a pushing member (50) adapted to provide a predetermined force, a strain gauge (51) being arranged between the pushing member and an abutment member (52).

7. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the abutment member (52) is arranged opposite the measuring area (41).

8. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two deformation units (120, 130) are comprised in the means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for deforming the beverage container (1), wherein one of the deformation units (130) is bowl-shaped, and the other deformation unit (120) is shaped to fit into the bowl.

9. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the pressure meter (49) is arranged in the other deformation unit (120).

10. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the other deformation unit (120) comprises a positioning centre part (47) in which the centre tube part (40) can be positioned.

11. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the pressure meter (49) is arranged opposite the centre tube part (40) in the positioning centre part (47).

12. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 10 and/or 11, wherein the centre tube part (40) comprises at least one projection (43) projecting radially out from the centre tube part and being adapted to engage a corresponding groove (48) arranged in the positioning centre part, so that the measuring area (41) can be positioned opposite the abutment member.

13. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to any of the claims 4-12, wherein the centre tube part (40) comprises a handle (42) facilitating the positioning of the centre tube part in the positioning centre part.

14. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit adapted to control a motor on the basis of a signal received from the pressure meter.

15. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container is a torque meter of a motor (160) provided for powering the means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for deforming the beverage container (1).

16. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container is a pressure gauge situated between the beverage container (1) and a unit (120; 130) deforming the beverage container (1).

17. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container (1) is a gauge measuring the compression and a length of a spring (10) situated between the beverage container (1) and a unit for deforming the beverage container (1).

18. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container (1) is a thin-film pressure gauge.

19. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container (1) is a thin-film pressure gauge of the type sold under the trademark "Flexi-Force®".

20. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure is a bladder filled with a liquid, said bladder being situated between the beverage container (1) and a unit (120; 130) for deforming the beverage container (1), wherein a pressure gauge is connected to measure the pressure in the liquid of the bladder.

21. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container (1) is a strain gauge measuring a strain or a torque applied to a threaded shaft (150) comprised in the means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for deforming the beverage container (1).

22. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 8, wherein there is a space between the two deformation units, said space being sufficient to house the thickness of the walls of the beverage container (1) when the beverage container (1) has been fully deformed.

23. A beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the other deformation unit (120) comprises a recess (60) adapted to receive an opening end of the beverage container (1), the recess having a first end (61) and a second end (62) and a diameter, wherein the recess decreases in diameter from the first end to the second end, so that centering of the opening end of the beverage container (1) in the other deformation unit (120) is facilitated.

24. A beverage dispensing system (200) comprising the beverage dispensing device (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

25. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 24, further comprising a cabinet (18), cooling means being arranged inside the cabinet for keeping the beverage in the beverage container (1) at a predetermined cold temperature, and a font (19) having a tapping head (20) and a guide channel (21), the font (19) being arranged on top of the cabinet (18) having a chamber (22) which is in fluid communication with the guide channel (21).

26. A method for controlling the deformation of a beverage container (1) in a beverage dispensing device according to any of the claims 1-23 and thereby the pressure of the beverage to be dispensed, the method comprising the steps of:

- after insertion of a beverage container (1) in a receptacle (110) therefor, powering a motor (160) for deformation of the beverage container (1);

- measuring a pressure of a beverage in the beverage container (1) and/or the dispensing line;

- stopping the motor once a first predetermined pressure level has been reached; and - restarting the motor (160) if the measured pressure falls below a second predetermined pressure.

27. A method according to claim 26, comprising the further step of:

- reversing the motor if the measured pressure would exceed the first predetermined pressure.