FR2758543A1 - SUPPLY BLOCK OF LIQUID OR LIQUID PRODUCTS AND APPLICATION TO BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTORS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to supply blocks for liquid, pasty or similar products. The power supply unit, according to the invention, is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a supply tube (2), first sealing means (5) by crushing the tube at a point (6) of the latter controllable from a control input (7), a body (8), a channel (9) passing through the body, the inlet (10) of the channel being defined by a protruding end piece (12) and having an outer section complementary to the inner section of the tube (2) so that the outlet (4) of the supply tube can fit over the nozzle, and an injection tube (13) of a sterilizing fluid , the outlet (15) of the injection tube (13) being located at a point (16) of a volume (17) defined by the interior part of the supply tube (2) between the point (6) and the input (10) of the channel. Application, in particular, to dispensers of drinks such as fruit juices or the like.

Description

The present invention relates to product power supplies

  liquids, pastes or the like comprising a supply duct in these

  products and, as an application, beverage dispensers or the like.

  The main problem to be solved in all systems, automatic or semiautomatic, of food distribution is that of the good conservation of these products by eliminating as much as possible all the risks of deterioration related to contaminations of food products. 'origin

microbial or bacteriological.

  Currently, in the automatic dispensing systems, the most fragile products are kept cold at a temperature ranging from 3 C to 5 C in order to stop the development of pathogenic germs, but so far we have not resolved completely satisfactory the problems related to the risks of contamination and deterioration of the products which can

  stagnate in the circuit separating the storage system from the drawpoint.

  This problem is currently reflected in the fact that there is no fully automatic dispensing system of the "drinks vending machine" type to enable the distribution of concentrated fruit juices and especially so-called "pure" products. juices "which are fruit juices

the purest natural ones possible.

  EP-A-245 641 discloses a machine for the treatment and / or preservation of liquid or pasty beverages or food mixtures by sending steam to clean and sterilize the valve or the conduit for instantaneous distribution after all stops extended distribution o the

products may stagnate.

  In such beverage dispensing machines, the risk of contamination begins, for products very sensitive to the development of germs (for example citrus fruits), right out of storage and remains in

  the pumping system until the exit of the product in the external environment.

  Such a system is unsatisfactory because it is found that it is almost impossible to sterilize such a supply circuit having a valve, because there are still in it in places that can not be automatically sterilized. It is also unthinkable to perform manually

on-site sterilization.

  Also, the present invention aims to achieve an improvement to the blocks and supply circuits of liquid or pasty products, including beverages, such as those described for example

in FR-A-2,703,986.

  More specifically, the subject of the present invention is a feed unit for liquid, pasty or similar products, characterized in that it comprises: a feed tube made of a flexible and elastic material, this feed tube having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of this feed tube constituting the inlet "A" of the feedblock, - first means of closing by crushing of the feed tube at a given point of this ci, these first shutter means being controllable from a control input constituting the control input "D" of the power supply, - a body made of a rigid material, - a channel through the body, this channel having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the channel being defined by a protruding tip and having an outer section complementary to the inner section of the feed tube so that the outlet of the feed tube can be moved onto this tip, the output of the channel constituting the output "C" of the power supply unit, and - at least one injection tube of a sterilizing fluid, the said injection tube having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the tube injection nozzle being located at a point of a volume constituted by a first volume defined by the inner portion of the feed tube between the given point and the inlet of the channel and by a second volume defined by the interior of the channel ,

  the inlet of the injection tube constituting the inlet "B" of the power supply unit.

  The present invention also relates to a beverage dispenser or the like comprising at least a first and a second block

  supply device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

  characterized in that it further comprises: - a bag containing said beverage, - means for connecting the outlet of said bag to the input "A" of the first block, - means for connecting the output "C" from the first block to the input "A" of the second block, - means for delivering, at their output, at least one sterilizing fluid, these means being controllable from control inputs, - means for connecting the output of the means for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid respectively with the two inputs "B" of the first and second power supply units, the output "C" of the second block being able to be connected to a container, - a programmable central control unit comprising command outputs and measurement signal receiving inputs; means for connecting first command outputs of the CPU to the inputs of. controlling means for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid, and - means for connecting second order outputs of the central unit to the "D" inputs respectively of the first and second power supply units. Other features and advantages of the present invention

  will appear in the following description given next to the drawings

  appended by way of illustration, but in no way limiting, in which: FIG. 1 represents, in a simplified sectional view, an embodiment of a feed unit for liquid products or the like according to the invention, and FIG. the functional diagram of a distributor

  beverage application of the power supply according to Figure 1.

  FIGS. 1 and 2 show two embodiments respectively of a power supply unit for liquid products or the like and

  a drink dispenser applying said power supply.

  However, to simplify the present description, the same references

  designate in these two figures the same elements, whatever the mode of

  embodiment described with reference to the figure on which they appear.

  The Applicant wishes to make it clear that these figures represent only one embodiment of the object according to the invention and that it can exist

  other embodiments that meet the definition of this invention.

  It further specifies that, where, according to the definition of the invention, the subject matter of the invention includes "at least one" element having a function

  given, the embodiment described may comprise several of these elements.

  It is also clear that, if the embodiment of the object according to the invention as illustrated comprises several elements of identical function and

  if, in the description, it is not specified that the object according to this invention is to

  must contain a particular number of these elements, the subject of the invention may be defined as comprising "at least one" of these

elements.

  Referring more particularly to Figure 1, it represents a feed unit 1 of liquid products, pasty or the like, such as fruit juice, syrups, etc. This block comprises a feed tube 2 made of a flexible and elastic material, this feed tube comprising an inlet 3 and a

  output 4, the input 3 constituting the input "A" of the power supply 1.

  The block comprises closure means 5 by crushing the feed tube 2 at a given point 6 thereof, these shutter means being controllable from a control input 7 constituting the input of

command "D" of block 1.

  The sealing means 5 may be constituted, for example, by electromagnetic means 40 such as a coil which controls, under the action of an electrical signal applied to the control input 7, the displacement of at least one rod magnetic element 41 with respect to a feedback element 42 which can be fixed, or movable by another electromagnetic action, so that the two elements 41 and 42 crush the tube 2 and seal it as shown in phantom in the figure 1. By releasing the crushing by the electromagnetic means 40, the tube 2 made of an elastic material automatically resumes its initial shape, generally cylindrical with a circular section, and passes the fluids which

  are able to browse it, as explained below.

  The power supply unit comprises a body 8 made of a rigid material, a channel 9 passing through the body, this channel comprising an inlet 10 and an outlet 11, the inlet of the channel being defined by a projection 12 forming a projection and having a section complementary outer of the inner section of the feed tube 2 so that the outlet 4 of the feed tube can be driven on this nozzle 12, the outlet 11 of the channel constituting the output "C"

of the power supply.

  Block 1 also comprises at least one injection tube 13 for a sterilizing fluid, this injection tube comprising an inlet 14 and an outlet 15. The outlet 15 of the injection tube 13 is situated at a point 16 of a volume consisting of a first volume 17 defined by the inner portion of the feed tube 2 between the given point 6 and the inlet 10 of the channel 9 and a second volume 18 defined by the inside of the channel 9. The tube inlet 14

  injection 13 constitutes the entry "B" of the block 1.

  In an advantageous embodiment, the injection tube 13 of a sterilizing fluid passes through the body 8 via a sealed passage 20 between the outside 21 of this body 8 and the channel 9, and comprises at least one portion 22 substantially coaxial with the 12 end, the outlet 15 of the tube 13 being located in the first

volume 17.

  It is furthermore advantageous if the body 8 is constituted as follows: by a base 25, a first sleeve 26 of an outer section equal to that of the endpiece 12 and a first pilot hole 27 made in the base 25, this first pilot hole 27 having a complementary section of the outer section of the first sleeve 26 and a depth less than the length of this first sleeve, the first sleeve 26 being fitted into this pilot hole and fixed by any means, by example with glue if necessary. From this pencil the part of this sleeve 26 emerging from the base 25

  constitutes the tip 12 defined above.

  Under these conditions, the channel 9 is made by crossing the base 25 and the sleeve 26 substantially along its axis 28, so as to obtain a substantially uniform duct over its entire length, without discontinuity or

  nook between the inlet 10 and the outlet 11 of the channel.

  In a preferred embodiment for certain applications, the body 8 further comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a second sleeve and a second pilot hole 31 made in the base 25, this second pilot hole 31 having a complementary section of the outer section of the second sleeve and a depth less than the length of the second sleeve 30, this sleeve being sealingly fitted in the second pilot hole and optionally fixed with glue means or the like, the channel 9 passing through this second sleeve 30 , as for the first sleeve 26,

  substantially along its longitudinal axis 32.

  Under these conditions, it is advantageous that the base 25 is made of an electrically insulating material, that the first 26 and second sleeves 30 are made of an electrically conductive material, and that the power supply unit 1 comprises means 33 for measuring the electrical resistivity between the first sleeve 26 and the second sleeve 30, these means 33 being able to deliver, on a measurement output 34, an electrical signal representative of this resistivity. This measurement output 34 then constitutes the

output "E" 'of block 1.

  Indeed, it is known that a fluid such as a fruit juice or the like is electrically conductive. By measuring the resistivity between the two sleeves 26 and 30, it is therefore possible to detect the presence in the channel 9 of a fluid such as fruit juice. This measure allows, in certain

  applications, to obtain sterilization in the best conditions.

  The power supply unit I described above thus operates as follows: In general, such a power supply has the role of driving a fluid such as a fruit juice or the like between its inlet A and its outlet C. When for any reason whatsoever, it is necessary for example to change the fluid, even if the fluid is of the same kind, it controls the crushing of the feed tube 2 by the control of the shutter means 5. When l crushing is obtained, using the measuring means 33 of the resistivity between the two sleeves 26 and 30, it is verified that there is no more fluid in the channel 9. It is then ordered to send the fluid sterilizer in the injection tube 13, advantageously under pressure. The sterilizing fluid is thus injected, through the end 15 of the tube, into the first volume 17 to fill it and into the channel 9 to its outlet 11 through which it is sucked. This fluid thus sterilizes the entire first volume 17 between the crushing of the tube and

  the inlet 10 of the channel, as well as the entire interior volume 18 of the channel.

  This configuration is very advantageous because, the closure of the fruit juice supply tube or the like being obtained by crushing its wall, it no longer exists, as with faucets, nooks or the like that the sterilization fluid does not could not reach, and all the part of the tube delimiting the volume 17 is then perfectly sterilized. In addition, since the outlet 15 of the injection tube 13 is, in this volume 17, in front of the inlet 10 of the channel 9, the only discontinuity 44 that may exist at the connection between the feed tube and the tip 12 is also perfectly scanned by the sterilization fluid since the sterilization fluid is sucked by the outlet

11 of the canal 9.

  As demonstrated above, such a liquid product supply unit finds a particularly advantageous application in the

  drink dispensers such as fruit juices or the like.

  FIG. 2 represents the functional diagram of a feed circuit of a beverage dispenser applying the block

  liquid supply according to Figure 1.

  The beverage dispenser whose functional diagram is illustrated in FIG. 21 comprises at least a first and a second block

  as described with reference to FIG.

  This dispenser comprises a bag 50 containing beverage to be dispensed, means 51 for connecting the outlet 52 of the bag 50 to the inlet "A" of the first block 1-53, these connecting means 51 being constituted by a continuity of the feed tube 2 described above, and means 54 for

  connect the output "C" of the first block 1-53 to the input "A" of the second block 1-55.

  These means 54 may advantageously be constituted by a pipe 70 made of an elastic flexible material connecting the outlet "C" of the first block to the inlet "A" of the second block, a peristaltic pump 71 or the like mounted in cooperation with the tubing 70 , the peristaltic pump 71 being controllable from a control input 72, and second closure means 73 by crushing the tubing 70, these second shutter means being controllable from a control input 74 and being advantageously located between the output C of the first block 1-53 and the pump

peristaltic 71.

  The dispenser further comprises means 56 for delivering, on an outlet 57, at least one sterilizing fluid, these means being controllable from control inputs 58, and means 59 for connecting the output 57 of the means 56 to deliver the less a sterilizing fluid respectively with the two inputs "B" of the first 1- 53 and second 1-55 power supplies, the output "C" of the second block 1-55 being adapted to be connected to a

  container 80 as a cup or the like.

  In an advantageous embodiment, the dispenser comprises a programmable central control unit 60 comprising command outputs

  and measurement signal receiving inputs.

  In this structure, the dispenser then comprises means for connecting first order outputs 61 of the central unit 60 to the control inputs 58 of the means 56 for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid, means 62 for connecting second outputs of order 63 at the inputs "D" respectively of the first 1-53 and second 1-55 power supply units, means 76 for connecting an output of order 77 of this central unit 60 to the control input 72 of the pump peristaltic 71 and means for connecting an output of order 75 of the central unit 60 to the control input 74 of the second

  closure means 73 by crushing the tubing 70.

  The beverage dispenser may further comprise, as shown in FIG. 2, means 64 for connecting the "E" outputs respectively of the first 1-53 and the second 1-55 power supply units to reception inputs 65

  of measurement signals of the central unit 60.

  As mentioned above, the dispenser comprises means 56 for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid. In a current embodiment for beverage dispensers known to date, these means 56 advantageously comprise, as illustrated, at least one source of hot fluid 78, for example water vapor or the like, and a source of refrigerated fluid 79

like cold water or the like.

  It has been described above a dispenser comprising a bag 50 containing a fruit juice or the like connected to the "A" input of a power supply 1-53. However, such a dispenser may comprise a plurality of pockets 50 respectively connected to the "A" inputs of a plurality of power supply units 1-53, the "C" outputs of these power supply units being for example all connected to one another. The means for assembling all of these outlets consist, for example, of a fluidic connection block with several inlets and a single outlet, this fluidic connection block being interposed between the closure means. of

  each power supply and the inlet of the peristaltic pump.

  Of course, the source of hot fluid 78 and the source of refrigerated fluid 79, as well as the programmable central control unit 60,

  may be the same for the plurality of power supplies 1-53.

  The dispenser described above operates for example as follows: It is assumed that the bag 50 contains a fruit juice or the like and that the closure means 5 of the two blocks 1-53 and 1-55 are in position. If a user wants a drink, he introduces a certain amount of money into a coin mechanism, which has not been described here because it is as well known in itself as in combination with a beverage dispenser. The sum of money introduced by the user into the coin mechanism is converted into a signal which is sent to the central unit 60. The latter sends an order signal which controls the opening of the shutter means 73 and 5, and switching on the peristaltic pump 71 for a period of time corresponding to providing a dose of beverage

  purchased by the user. The fruit juice flows into cup 80.

  When the purchased beverage dose has elapsed, all the sealing means are brought into the crushing position of the tubes with which they cooperate and the means 56 are controlled to send a refrigerated fluid to the inlet B of the second block 1 -55. This refrigerated fluid empties the channel 9 of this block of fruit juice that it contained and cleans it to prevent the proliferation of germs

  related to the stagnation of fruit juice containing sugar or the like.

  Since the closure means 5 of the second block 1-55 are closed, no more fruit juice can flow and all the juice that is contained between these means 5 of the second block and the outlet 52 of the bag 50 are protected from all

external agents.

  The process described above can be repeated until the

  pocket is emptied, or almost emptied, of its contents.

  However, for safety reasons, it is possible to periodically sterilize all the ducts and tubings leading to the juice of the fruit.

  pocket 50 at the output C of the second block 1-55.

  For this, the shutter means 5 of the first block 1-53 are controlled to close the tube 2 of this block, all the other shutter means being open. A refrigerated fluid is sent, for example from the source 79, to flow from the input B of the block 1-53, the peristaltic pump 71 being turned on, to the output C of the block 1-55. This refrigerated fluid evacuates the juice of

  fruit that may be between point 6 of block 1-53 and outlet C of block 1-55.

  Optionally, the peristaltic pump 71 continues to be started until the resistivity detectors associated with the two blocks 1- 53 and 1-55 deliver a signal whose value indicates that there is no more juice. fruit in

  the channels 9 of the two blocks 1-53 and 1-55.

  After the refrigerated fluid has evacuated the fruit juice as described above, by means of the central unit 60 the circulation of the refrigerated fluid is stopped and, for example by means of the source 78, the sending of a fluid is controlled. at inlet B of block 1-53, the peristaltic pump being kept running. This hot fluid allows to perfect the cleaning of different

  channels and tubing suitable for being traversed by the fruit juice.

  The closure means 73 may be selectively controlled, in particular as a function of the possible maintenance operations it

  would be necessary to perform on the distributor.

  It is obvious that the operation of the beverage dispenser which has been described above is only one possible mode of operation of this dispenser, and that other modes of operation can be envisaged, in particular according to the distributed products. and conditions under which

  such a dispenser is or must be used.

  For example, it is possible to sterilize the entire circuit by first using the hot fluid, then the refrigerated fluid. It is also possible to use the refrigerated fluid to obtain a drink by diluting fruit juice concentrates, syrups, etc.

Claims (10)

  A feed unit (1) made of liquid, pasty or similar products, characterized in that it comprises: a feed tube (2) made of a flexible and elastic material, this feed tube comprising a inlet (3) and an outlet (4), the inlet (3) of this feed tube constituting the inlet "A" of the block, - first closure means (5) by crushing the feed tube (2) at a given point (6) thereof, said first shutter means being controllable from a control input (7) constituting the control input "D" of the block, - a body ( 8) made of a rigid material, - a channel (9) passing through the body, this channel comprising an inlet (10) and an outlet (11), the inlet of the channel being defined by a projection (12) forming a projection and having a complementary outer section of the inner section of the feed tube (2) so that the outlet (4) of the feed tube can be fitted to this end (12), an outlet (11) of the channel constituting the outlet "C" of the block, and - at least one injection tube (13) of a sterilizing fluid, said injection tube comprising an inlet (14) and an outlet (15 ), the outlet (15) of the injection tube (13) being located at a point (16) of a volume constituted by a first volume (17) defined by the inner part of the feed tube (2) between the given point (6) and the inlet (10) of the channel (9) and by a second volume (18) defined by the interior of the channel (9), the inlet (14) of the injection tube   (5) constituting the "B" input of said block.   2. Power supply unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection tube (13) of a sterilizing fluid passes through the body (8) by a sealed passage (20) between the outside (21) of this body and the channel (9), said injection tube (13) having at least a portion (22) substantially coaxial with said nozzle (12), the outlet (15) of said injection tube (13) being located in the first volume (17).   3. Power supply unit according to one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that the body (8) comprises a base (25), a first sleeve (26) of an outer section equal to that of the end piece (12) and a first pilot hole (27) formed in the base (25), this first pilot hole (27) having a complementary section of the outer section of the first sleeve (26) and a depth less than the length of this first sleeve, said first sleeve (26) being fitted into this pilot hole, said channel (9) being formed by passing through the base and said first sleeve substantially along its axis (28).   4. Power supply unit according to claim 3, characterized in that said body (8) further comprises a second sleeve (30) and a second pilot hole (31) formed in the base (25), the second pilot hole (31) having a complementary section of the outer section of the second sleeve and a depth less than the length of this second sleeve (30), said second sleeve being fitted into this second pilot hole, said channel (9)   passing through said second sleeve (30) substantially along its axis (32).   5. Power supply unit according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by   the fact that said base (25) is made of an electrically insulating material and that the first (26) and second (30) sleeves are made of a   electrically conductive material.   6. Power supply unit according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises means (33) for measuring the electrical resistivity between the first (26) and second (30) sleeves and able to deliver, on an output of measurement (34), an electrical signal representative of this resistivity, this output   measurement device (34) constituting the output "T" of the block.   A beverage dispenser or the like having at least first and second feedblocks according to at least one of   preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises:   - a bag containing said beverage (50), - means (51) for connecting the outlet (52) of said bag (50) to the "A" input of the first block (1-53), - means ( 54) for connecting the output "C" of the first block (1-53) to the input "A" of the second block (1-55), - means (56) for delivering, on an output (57), to the less a sterilizing fluid, these means being controllable from control inputs (58), - means (59) for connecting the output (57) of the means (56) for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid respectively to the two inputs "B" of the first (1-53) and second (1-55) power supply units, the output "C" of the second block (1-55) being adapted to be connected to a container (80), - a unit programmable control unit (60) having order outputs and measurement signal receiving inputs; - means for connecting first order outputs (61) of said central unit (60) to the control inputs (58); ) means (56) for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid, and means (62) for connecting second order outputs (63) of said central unit (60) to the "D" inputs of the first (1-53) and second (1-55) respectively. ) power supplies. 8. Beverage dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises means (64) for connecting the outputs "E" of the first (1-53) and second (1-55) blocks respectively. feeding to   input (65) for receiving measurement signals from said central unit (60).   Beverage dispenser according to one of claims 7 and 8,   characterized by the means (54) for connecting the output "C" of the first power supply (1-53) to the input "A" of the second power supply (1-55) comprises: - a tubing (70) made of a flexible elastic material connecting the output "C" of the first block to the input "A" of the second block, - a peristaltic pump (71) mounted in cooperation with said tubing (70), said pump (71 ) being controllable from a control input (72), - means (76) for connecting an order output (77) of said central unit (60) to the control input (72) of said pump peristaltic device (71), second closing means (73) by crushing said tubing (70), said second shut-off means being controllable from a control input (74), and - means for connecting an order output (75) from said central unit (60) to the control input (74) of the second shutter means by crushing (73).   Beverage dispenser according to one of claims 7 to 9,   characterized by the fact that the means (56) for delivering at least one sterilizing fluid comprise at least one source of hot fluid (78) and a source of refrigerated fluid (79).