JPH06508328A - Post-mix beverage dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Post-mix beverage dispensing system Cross-reference with related applications This application is filed under U.S. Application No. 07/634,857 of the same title, dated December 27, 1990. This is a continuation-in-part application of the same title dated June 6, 1990. This is a partial continuation application of No. 071534601 and dated June 14, 1991. This is a continuation-in-part of US Pat.

Inventor's background 1. Field of invention The present invention is particularly useful for beverage dispensing systems, particularly those that require no or minimal adjustment to maintain refrigerator temperature or temperature. Post for dispensing finished beverages from flexible concentrates at nearby temperatures Relating to a mixed juice dispensing system.

2. Description of conventional technology Post-mix juice distribution systems are known. For example, orange juice The concentrate is delivered frozen. Restaurants remove concentrates from freezers to melt the concentrate in the cooler before dispensing.

Restaurant staff judge the demand for the juice two days in advance and stock the cooler. - There must be sufficient concentrate available. If the restaurant's judgment is inaccurate, , or if someone forgets, the restaurant has no melted concentrate. There will be. There is also space in the cooler available for dissolving orange juice concentrate. are often of limited size, making it difficult for restaurants to run out of dissolved concentrates. In some cases, the juice can no longer be sold or, in some cases, the frozen concentrate can no longer be sold. Other measures are taken to rapidly melt, but the process of darning is inefficient and ineffective. often and even sometimes affect the taste of the resulting product. orange juice strong The condensate is typically a 3+1 condensate (which means 1 part concentrate and 3 parts water to reconstitute it). ), with a freezing point of approximately -8.3°C (approximately 17"F) have. Refrigerator temperature (approximately -27,2℃ to -12,2℃ (approximately -17'F to 10 At "F')) the product will not melt and will not flow.

For dispensing concentrates at or near refrigerator temperature with no or minimal adjustment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a post-mix juice dispensing system for Ru.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a post-mix beverage dispensing package for frozen concentrates. It is a purpose.

One-piece combination including both concentrate container and positive displacement metering pump It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a concentrate pump package.

Summary of the invention Finishes from flexible concentrates at or near refrigerator temperature with no or minimal adjustment This is a post-mix beverage dispensing machine that directly dispenses grated beverages.

The beverage dispensing system of the present invention includes a concentrate container and a positive displacement metering pump. The one-piece integrated packaging allows the pump to connect to the motor in the dispenser. into the distributor, connect the mixing nozzle to the pump outlet, and connect the water line to the mixing nozzle. Includes connecting to Zuru. The concentrate in the concentrate container is It was also pushed into the entrance of the pump. The concentrate then acts on a piston inside the concentrate container It is pressurized by a pneumatic drive system. When you want to dispense a beverage, use the pump mode. The controller activates the pump to force a metered amount of concentrate into the mixing nozzle and The condensate is thoroughly mixed with water as it flows through the static mixer. The finished drink is It is dispensed into the cup from a static mixer.

When you want to replace the concentrate container with either a full one or another product, The one-piece package containing the container and metering pump is removed and placed in another package. is exchanged with The mixing nozzle attached to the pump is also included in the one-piece packaging. removed. Therefore, all surfaces that come into contact with the product are discarded and the dispenser is cleaned and Poisons are no longer needed and changes can be made quickly.

The present invention has a low freezing point down to -17,8°C (0'F) and therefore Orange juice or phosphorus whose concentrate is flexible at or near machine temperature Including providing concentrates of various juice products such as juice. for example , the preferred orange juice product for the present invention is a 5+1a condensate. However, about 7 ．． Any desired ratio up to 5+1 can be used. (Currently used 3+ 1) 5+1 concentrate has less water, so it can be heated to -17,8°C (0'F) or phase change or freezing at refrigerator temperatures somewhat lower than this is prevented. It will be done. 5+1 concentrate is easily absorbed by gravity at -17,86C (0'F). Not flowing.

-17,8°C (0’F) Product containers can be turned upside down and the product will not spill out. Will. Also, the product is so thick that the suction power of the pump cannot pull the product from the container.

However, the product is still flexible and can be used in the present invention. For example, -1 Inside the refrigerator at -15,6°C (41:'') with a freezing point of 7,2°C (1'F) For orange juice concentrate placed in You can go directly from the machine to the dispensing machine, and from there you can immediately dispense the beverage. Product is -17 , 8°C (0'F) and placed in a refrigerator at -20,6°C (-5'F). If the apple juice is boiled, the packaging should be heated to -17,86C (0'F). (minor adjustment may be necessary before placing the package in the dispenser. No adjustment required) In such cases, packages are inserted directly from the freezer into the dispenser. The term "minimal adjustment" is , means heating the concentrate to a temperature below -12°2°C (10'F) . As used herein, the term "directly" refers to the first addition to the concentrate. Meaning no heat or forcing the concentrate through a heat exchanger.

The term flexible is used in its ordinary meaning. For example, 5+1 orange juice concentrate Objects may become flexible but heavy at temperatures at or near -17,2°C (1'F). Small amounts of water that do not flow easily by force or pump suction, but flow under pressure have a minute.

Brief description of the drawing The present invention is as follows, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are numbered like: It will be more fully understood from the detailed description. In the drawings, FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front perspective view of the dispenser;

2 is a partial front view showing the container and pump mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a partial side cross-sectional view through the container and pump mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 1; FIG.

4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the pump mechanism of the distributor of FIG. 1; FIG.

5 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the water pump of the distributor of FIG. 1; FIG.

Figure 6 shows the concentrate container and the metering pump and mixing nozzle used in the dispenser of Figure 1. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view.

Figures 7A-7G show the functionality of the metering pump and mixing nozzle; FIG.

Figure 8 shows a partial view of the concentrate container and metering pump when they are packaged together. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a partial schematic side view of another embodiment of the invention.

10A-10B are sections showing the functionality of a preferred embodiment of a metering pump; FIG.

FIG. 11 is a side view, partially in section, of another embodiment of the distributor of the present invention.

Figures 12A-12C show the pneumatic drive assembly when unpressurized, partially pressurized, and fully pressurized. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view in an operating position.

Figures 1.3A-13C show different pneumatic drive assemblies unpressurized, partially pressurized, and fully pressurized. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a progressive cavity pump that can be permanently installed in the distributor of FIG. Ru.

Figure 15 shows a concentrate container and an integral progressive air chamber that can be used with the dispenser of Figure 11. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a sinus pump.

16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a one-piece integrated package of the present invention. be.

18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a swash plate pump (or rotary piston pump) useful in the distributor of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 20 shows the disposable concentrate container, the rotary piston pump of FIG. 19, and the present invention. Partially sectioned side view of an integrated package with a mixing nozzle useful in a dispensing machine It is.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 show that a beverage such as orange juice is placed in the cup 12. 1 shows a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing machine 1o according to the invention for dispensing to a beverage; Distributor 1 0 is supplied in a concentrate container 14 (see Figures 3 and 6) and (from approximately -18.3°C) -15,0°C (approximately -10"F to +5'F') range) Mix some concentrate with water. Container 14 is taken directly from the freezer and does not require thawing. It is then inserted into the distributor lo. The dispenser 10 dispenses beverages from this frozen concentrate. You can start directly.

The distributor 10 includes a housing 16 on legs 18, a tip support 2o, and a drip tray. 22, and a pair of dispensing nozzles 24. Dispensing machine 1o has two beverage dispensing machines However, the dispensing machine according to the invention can dispense one, two, three or more different drinks. Any number of dispensing mechanisms may be provided for dispensing the amount. Each dispensing mechanism is the same Therefore, only one will be described here.

The dispenser 10 includes a canister 26 holding the concentrate container 14, Pressurizing means 28 for pressurizing the concentrate, a disposable combination of metering pump and mixing nozzle combination 30, means 32 for actuating a metering pump, and mixing with water and concentrate to make a beverage. A water pump 34 is provided for pumping water to the mixing nozzle to be combined. The distributor 10 is a cold A refrigeration system 36 is also provided.

Now, the canister 26 and the pressurizing means 28 will be explained.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, canister 26 preferably surrounds concentrate chamber 38. a stainless steel cylinder with an opening 40 through which the concentrate container 14 is inserted into chamber 38. After the concentrate container 14 is inserted into the chamber 38, the cover 42 is closed and locked. The cover 42 is attached to the canister by means of hinges 44. It is pivotably coupled and also includes a fixture 46 . This fixture is attached to a pair of pins 50. The pins are connected to a pair of handles 48 connected to the cover 42. It extends through support 52 and projects through stationary plate 54 adjacent cover 42 .

Cover 42 includes an opening 56 for receiving a handle 58 of concentrate container 14. It should be noted that it is preferable to The cover 42 serves as an outlet for discharging the container 14. An opening 60 is also provided for receiving a mouth 62. The refrigeration system 36 includes a canis -17.8°C to 4.4°C (approximately 0.1 to 40"F). A cooling jacket 37 is placed around each canister to maintain the desired temperature. Equipped with The cooling system 36 also includes a water tank 176 (see FIG. 5).

A piston 64 of the pressurizing means 28 forms the other end of the concentrate chamber 38. . The pressurizing means 28 includes a motor 66, a gearbox 68, a pair of pulleys 72 and belt 70 extending between 74, threaded rod 76, and piston 64; An internally threaded collar 78 is connected to the collar 78 . The piston is rotated by the rotation of the rod 76. Collar 78 does not rotate with threaded rod 76 to provide linear movement of pin 64. An arm 80 having a keyway combined with a rod 82 is connected to the collar. tied. Piston 64 applies approximately 40 pounds of force to the concentrate. It is preferable to

A concentrate metering pump and mixing nozzle unit 30 will now be described. dark The pump and nozzle unit 3o accompanying the shrinkage container 14 is an integrated, disposable type. unit, which is used together with the concentrate container after the concentrate in container 14 is used up. Will be discarded. In this way, all contact surfaces with the product are discarded, which makes cleaning and Dispensing machine 10 is provided which has the important advantage of virtually no need for disinfection. pump and The nozzle unit 3° includes a pump housing 90, an annular piston 92 and a valve. The mixing nozzle 94 is formed from three separate parts. Pump housing 90 , is L-shaped in shape and includes an inlet conduit 96 and a concentrate pumping chamber 98 . circular pipe The stone 92 is housed inside the pumping chamber 98 so as to be able to reciprocate.

The valve and mixing nozzle 94 is slidable inside the annular piston 92 and the valve is opened. A concentrate discharge conduit 102 is provided in communication with a port 100 and a valve opening, the concentrate being discharged through the opening. It is forced from the pumping chamber 98 into the mixing nozzle 104 through the pumping chamber 98 . This is a static mixer 106 is preferably provided. The valve and mixing nozzle 94 is a pair of spaced apart valves and mixing nozzles 94. a flange 108 between which a yoke 134 of the means for actuating the metering pump is provided. 7A-7G to produce the pumping action of the metering pump as shown in Figures 7A-7G. Vertical reciprocating motion of the valve and mixing nozzle is caused. Figure 7A is start/stop position indicates the top dead center position. FIG. 7B shows the downward movement of the valve and the closing of the valve opening 100. .

Figure 70 shows that further downward movement of the valve moves the piston downward and as shown in Figure 7D. The valve is shown engaging piston 92 to expand pumping chamber 98 to . FIG. 7E shows the upward movement of the valve closing the entrance to the pumping chamber 98. Figure 7F shows the valve A further upward movement of the opening 100 and contact with the piston 92 is shown, after which FIG. A further rise of the piston as shown in G compresses the pumping chamber and passes through the valve opening 100. The concentrate is discharged from the mixing nozzle 94.

Pump housing 90 also includes a pair of spaced flanges 116, which A stationary plate 117 fits between and holds the housing 9o stationary.

The mixing nozzle portion of the valve and mixing nozzle unit member 94 is connected to the entry port 11. 0, beverage dispensing outlet 112, and water pump 34 to mixing nozzle 94. A water port 114 is provided for receiving pressurized water.

The metering pump operating means 32 will now be described. This actuation means is It includes a motor 120 and a slider crank mechanism 122. This mechanism 122 comprises a vertically sliding plate 124. Pump and nozzle unit without touching a first horizontal plate 126 having a large notch 128 to receive the cut 30; , a water passage block 130 connected to the plate 126, and a water passage block 130 connected to the block 130. and between a pair of spaced flanges 108 of the valve and mixing nozzle 94. A second horizontal plate 132 having a received yoke 134 is coupled to the vertical plate. . The water block 130 is connected at one end to a water line 138 coming from the water pump 34. and a coupling 140 whose other end defines a water robot to the mixing nozzle. A water passage 136 is provided. A pair of spaced bushings 144 A vertical reciprocating member rides on the pad 142.

The slider crank mechanism preferably includes a positive stop as shown in FIG. The stop includes a stop arm 146 pivotally mounted at 148; A spring 150 holds it in the uncoupled position as shown on the right in FIG. If you are sure If it is desired to perform a real shutdown, then the electromagnet 152 is energized and the shutdown is performed. Rotate the stop arm 146 to the position shown on the left in FIG. 2 to ensure a secure stop. Combined with slider crank mechanism.

Now, the water pump will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the horizontal plate 126. Water pump with a piston 1.60 having a small diameter section 162 extending through the hole 34 is shown. The metering pump requires approximately 19°05mm (approximately 0.75 inch) for its pump action. water pumps require a smaller movement, preferably about 6.35 m. Since only a movement of m (about 0.25 inches) is required, there is a distance between the movement of the plate and the piston. There is a planned amount of play. As shown in FIG. 5, water flows through inlet line 166 to the port. into the pump valve 164. This pump valve includes two check valves 168 and 170 and a A quantity controller 172 is provided. Water flows from the pump valve to the heat exchange pipe 1 placed in the water tank 176. 74 to the water block 130 described above. Water line 178 is connected to pump valve 164 The water pump 34 extends from the water pump 34 to the water pump 34 . From Figure 5, one stroke of the water pump pumps water from the pump valve. The compression stroke forces the water through the pump valve and into the water block 130. You will see that it can be put into.

Distributor 10 may have several delay devices. When a new container 14 is inserted , the distributor will first be pressurized with delayed pump action. Next, pump The motor starts, allowing water pressure to build up, then pumping begins and the water electromagnet opens. and dispense the finished beverage.

Thereafter, a screw jack motor 1 pressurizes the concentrate each time the beverage is dispensed. 20 will rotate one second before pumping and opening of the water magnet. pump mechanism In order to inform the system of the number of strokes made by 2) is used.

FIG. 8 shows four disposable concentrate containers 14 and four pump and nozzle units 30. Shows the packaging including the cardboard box containing the. As noted earlier, the concentrate volume Both the container and the pump and nozzle unit 3o are discarded after use. concentrate container Other sizes, types, and box arrangements and imports that differ from those shown in Figure 8 are permitted. Needless to say, it can be delivered in a shipping watermark box.

FIG. 9 shows a canister 190 with a refrigeration jacket 192 connected to the pump and nozzle 3. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention placed above 0; Canister-190 is this A cover 194 is fixed to the cover 194 and has a through opening 196. This cover is A connection to air line 200 is made to pressurize concentrate chamber 202 within canister 190. The attachment is provided with a connector 198 for use.

This forces the concentrate from the concentrate container into the metering pump and mixing nozzle. This is a different method.

10A-10D show another implementation of a metering pump 300 similar to that shown in FIG. An example is shown. This metering pump 300 ensures a positive stop for the piston 302. This differs from the one shown in FIG. 7 in that it includes a stopper for holding. The reason for this is that the piston This is because extra force is required to move it.

This is important for the following reasons. That is, since the discharge valve 304 moves the piston, the valve and the piston is greater than the friction between the piston and the housing 306 If so, this may be too early. This improvement allows for tighter tolerances , and reduces the chance of improper volumetric measurement.

The pump 300 also has an inlet opening 308 in the valve that covers the entire dispensing portion of the metering cycle. It is noted that it is allowed to remain fully open throughout. This is a public For conventional metering pumps, the inlet opening surface when the piston approaches the top of the chamber. By eliminating flow restrictions due to volume reduction, the piping to the top of the pump chamber 310 is reduced. This provides the advantage of improved control of fluid metering throughout the stroke of the stone.

The metering pump 300 includes a stationary housing 306 and a reciprocating housing 306. A volumetric piston 302 is mounted so that the volumetric piston 302 can be A discharge valve 304 is provided which is mounted for backward movement. Stationary housing 30 6 is an internal liquid pump chamber 310 and a liquid containing chamber communicating with the pump chamber 310; An opening passageway 312 is provided. The piston 302 has an annular shape, and the housing 3 06 so that it can reciprocate, and is also slidably assembled with the housing. There is. The piston has an axially extending cylindrical valve chamber 314 therein.

The discharge valve 304 has a cylindrical shape and can be reciprocated within the valve chamber 314 of the piston 302. can be attached to the function. Valve 304 has a liquid passageway 316 therethrough, which passageway Discharge valve 304 includes a diametric passageway 318 with an inlet opening 308 on each side. Enter Port opening 308 is spaced from the proximal end of valve 304 . The passage 316 is a valve connected to the diametrical passageway and having a passageway 316 at its end from the diametrical passageway; Also includes an axial passageway 322 extending to the distal end of 304 . The discharge valve 304 is axially first and second piston movement means spaced apart by ( 1) the discharge valve 304 is moving, and (2) one of the moving means is connected to the piston. The piston 302 is moved only when contact is made. The piston 302 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 10. 0, at which point the piston is in the upper part of the pump chamber 310. It stops just before the top wall of the pump chamber 310 with 330 minutes remaining.

The piston is at its top dead center and the inlet opening 308 is in the upper part of the pump chamber 310. When placed within 308, the discharge valve 304 is also at its top dead center, thereby allowing the inlet Opening 308 remains fully open throughout the discharge portion of the metering cycle.

First and second piston movement means can be seen in both FIGS. 7 and 10.

The first piston movement means is the bottom sys- tem of the valve in contact with the annular ring 334 of the piston. A shoulder 332 is provided, and the second piston movement means is located at the bottom end 3 of the piston 302. A valve shoulder 336 is provided in contact with 37.

housing 30 so as to require the use of additional force to move the piston. 6 includes a pair of spaced annular O-ring grooves 340 and 342, and 302 on its outer surface (preferably cast as an integral part of piston 302). An annular O-ring 344 is provided. The 0-ring groove and 0-ring are the top dead center of the piston. and bottom dead center, the O-ring is placed so that it fits in one of the grooves. Valve 304 and pin The friction between the piston 302 and the piston is insufficient to move the piston. The piston will only move when it comes into contact with one of the piston movement means of the valve.

FIG. 10C shows top dead center, and FIG. 10A shows bottom dead center. Figure 10B shows that the valve is raised and indicates the point at which it begins to make contact with the piston, and as the valve member rises further, the piston is moved; O-ring 344 will separate from O-ring groove 342. In Figure 10D, the valve is lowered. to indicate the point where it just makes contact with the piston, and as the valve descends further it moves the piston. It will be.

11-19 illustrate a beverage dispensing machine 400 according to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention. . 20 and 21 are used in the distributor 400 in place of the preferred progressive cavity pump. The figure shows different possible metering pumps (swash plate pumps).

As can be seen, the dispenser 400 is in some aspects different from the dispenser 10 previously described. different. For example, the dispenser 400 may include a pressurizable canister 26 as well as a mechanical pressurizer. No means or water pump 34 is used. Distributor 4oo distributes containers at approximately 0.70- Simply pressurize to 0.84 kg/cm" (approximately 10-12 lb/in2) However, the distributor 1o is 2.81-3.52kg/cm" (40-50 bond/flat It was possible to pressurize to 1 inch). The distributor 10 of FIGS. 1-8 is described with respect to FIGS. 11-19. lower temperatures than the preferred embodiments (e.g. -15'F) meltable at large and high viscosities (e.g., about 13,000,000 centipoise). It is noted that juice concentrate can be dispensed. Therefore, the distributor 1o can be melted. Can the concentrate be dispensed directly from the refrigerator without adjustment? is likely to require some minimal adjustment of the concentrate packaging prior to dispensing. There is.

Beverage dispensing machine 400 includes a housing 402, a one-piece integrated dispensable concentrate. Compartment 404 for receiving packaging 406 of condensate container pump, concentrating packaging 406 Air drive assembly 408 for pressurizing the container 410 portion, pumping the package 406 Pump drive means 41 adjacent to the section 404 for receiving the section 414 2. Water pipe connected to disposable mixing nozzle 418 connected to pump 414 416, and a refrigeration system 420.

Dispenser 400 is a plastic and stainless steel unit with rounded It has a separate section and also allows the graphics on the front of the low heat fluorescent lamp 426 to be replaced. Lightweight curved front panel or door 42 with removable lens 424 Has 2. The door 422 opens vertically around hinges 428 and has an on/off button 43 2, and also provides access to compartment 404. is possible. There are two such compartments 404 side by side as shown in FIG. are preferred; since they are the same, only one is shown.

It is preferable that the package contains 2 pieces, in which case another mixing nozzle 418 is included in the package. Snaps on. This packaging is shown in Figures 17-19.

The rear wall of compartment 404 is the wall of ice bank tank 434 of the refrigeration system; The water is kept at 1.1°C (34″F) in the tank to control the temperature of the concentrate and provide water cooling. The water entering through the cooling coil 436 is cooled.

The package 406 is slid into the compartment 404 and the alignment lugs 438 of the pump 414 are inserted into the port. Align the pump and pump motor.

The package 406 has a display means thereon, and the dispenser 400 automatically displays this display means. The product in the packaging 406 (ml) have a means of automatically setting the filter speed (different products require different concentrates/water ratios and therefore different pump speeds). This display means is preferred. or the plurality of lugs 440 of the filler cap 442. For automatic reading and setting The means may be any suitable known means, for example mechanically sensing the lugs and then The pump speed can be electrically set to one of several predetermined speeds. unit of water Preferably, the flow rate per hour is constant. The distributor 400 disables the air drive. In order to make the process more dynamic, the presence or absence of packaging is also recognized. After inserting the package, the operator Pressing the detachment button 432 causes the stem 408 to operate as described below. This system The packaging piston is used to secure the packaging 406 in place and further pressurize the concentrate. Tear the label 444 on the hole 446 in the soil wall of the packaging 406 above the tube 448 with the tube 450. . Air drive system 408 is also sealed around tube 450. The packaging is removable It remains pressurized until button 432 is pressed to vent the package and shut out the air. Ru. The air pressure in the accumulator tank is approximately 3.52 kg/crn” (approximately 50 pounds per square inch), but in container 410 0.70-1. Adjusted not to exceed 41 kg/cm2 (10-20 lbs/in2) be done. Drivers at the dealership cannot access this regulator.

The water pipe 416 connected to the mixing nozzle 418 has a weight of approximately 2.81 kg/cm" (approximately 40 lbs/in2) and is equipped with a quick-release Equipped with a remover and adjuster washer.

The dispenser 400 can be configured with a push-and-hold dispensing button 452 or an ultrasonic system. You can have one of the automatic water filling systems like TEM.

The distributor 400 is capable of handling viscosity changes at or near the refrigerator temperature. , adjustment of the packaging 406 after removal from the refrigerator depending on the refrigerator temperature and the product (short) Provides accurate weighing with no or minimal adjustment (time heating).

11-19 of the drawings, distributor 400 is mounted on leg 454. housing 402, a tip support 456, a drip tray 458, and a pair of Dispensing nozzles 460 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 11) are included. Distributor 40 0 is preferably a two-way beverage dispensing machine (i.e. two separate disposable packages 40 6).

Each of the compartments 404 has a rear wall 462, which is semi-cylindrical and has a refrigeration tank 43. 4 walls. Pump drive means 412 preferably includes a drive shaft 46 of pump 414. It is a variable speed electric motor with a coupling 464 that accepts 6. The refrigeration system 420 , a tank 434 holding an ice water bath, a compressor 468, a fan 470, a condenser 472 and an evaporator coil 474.

Air drive system 408 includes an air compressor, motor, pressure regulator, pressure vessel and A compressed air source 476 including an air line 478 is provided. 1 implementation of air drive system An example is shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, and another is shown in FIGS. 13A-13C.

12A-12C pressurize the inside of container 410 and pump concentrate into pump 414. One air drive assembly 51 used to drive forcing piston 448 Indicates 0. Of course, this could be used in systems that do not require pistons. It will be understood that Air drive assembly 510 receives pressure via compressed air line 478. Compressed air is received from a compressed air source 476. A new package 406 is placed in compartment 404. When placed, pressure is applied to the top of spring assembly 534 movably coupled to spring 535. Compressed air is sent. As the pressure increases, spring 535 compresses spring assembly 534. , with its inner edge seated within the recess 536 and its plate portion as shown in FIG. 12B. lower it until it sits on top of container 410. This movement moves into the cavity 537. (See Figure 12B). Due to air pressure, plate 538 presses spring 539. Start moving downward while pushing. As air pressure increases on plate 538, its downward movement forces the air contained within cavity 544 through outlet 545, thereby Reduce the resistance pressure to this downward movement. The air pressure increases and the plate 538 becomes the spring 53 9, the hollow punch 541 punches a hole in the container 410 and pumps compressed air into the container 410. move downward with enough force to release it inward. During normal dispensing operation, the The air pressure is adequate to keep springs 535 and 539 fully compressed and create cavity 542. maintained at an appropriate level. Furthermore, the inside of the container 410 above the piston 448 is Exposure to the cavity 42 through the hollow opening of the hole 541 pressurizes the cavity 42 . Cavity part 542 , thus the pressure maintained above the piston 448 is kept at a sufficient height that the piston A constant pressure is applied to the product by the pump, and the product (or concentrate) is pumped on demand. force into the amplifier 414.

13A-13C, alternative air drive assembly 511 and presently preferred The operation of the example will be explained. As above, alternative embodiments of the air drive assembly 511 receives compressed air from compressed air source 476 via compressed air line 478. Ru. After a new package 406 is inserted, the spring 561 is movably connected to the Compressed air is delivered to the top of the spring assembly 560. First, do not compress the spring 561. the air tube or punch assembly 562 punches a hole in the container 410. Lower the spring assembly 560 to . The punch assembly 562 includes a hollow punch 56 4, a spring 565, a spring 566, and a guard 567, all of which It is attached to the plate portion of assembly 560. Guard 567 is caused by spring 565. A circular shape around a hollow punch 564 attached to the lower plate portion of the spring assembly 560 The operator of the system may injure himself with the sharp tip of the hollow punch 564. Used to prevent burning. The spring 566 is the spring assembly 560 that is attached to the guard 5. 67 so that the hollow punch 564 punches a hole in the container 410. allow that. Spring 566 is connected to flange 568 of hollow punch 564 and is also connected to the lower plate portion of the spring assembly 560. Spring assembly inside cavity 569 As the pressure above body 560 increases, the restoring force of spring 566 is initially strong enough; The head of the hollow punch 564 on the top of the plate portion of the spring assembly 560 is inserted into the hollow punch 5. 64 keep the canister 563 empty. After that, make a hole in the container 410. After the spring 561 is emptied, the pressure inside the cavity 569 increases and the spring 561 is completely compressed. The restoring force of spring 566 also creates a cavity 570 as shown in FIG. 13C. It exceeds the size. When the spring assembly 560 is compressed and released from the hollow punch 564, Orifice 571 within the shaft portion of hollow punch 564 is exposed. Orifice 57 1, compressed air is passed from the cavity 569 through the hollow shaft of the punch 564 to the container 410. , thereby pressurizing the container 410. During operation, the inside of the cavity 569 and therefore the volume The pressure maintained above piston 448 within vessel 410 remains sufficiently high; A constant pressure is applied to the product, and this pressure pumps the product when required. Force inside.

Although this example used a compressed air assembly, it did not use a collapsible bag-type container. Alternatively, the piston drive can be pressurized by other means, such as mechanically.

After container 410 is inserted into compartment 404 and pressurized, product is delivered via supply tube 522. is sent to the progressive cavity pump 521. The progressive cavity pump 521 is connected to the motor 523. 14-16, the functionality of which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 14-16. child In this embodiment, water from cooling coil 436 is routed through conduit 525 to the water blower. 524. The sent water is mixed from the container 410 by the pump 521. It is mixed with the product sent into chamber 532. Furthermore, before the final product is dispensed , which is further mixed by a static mixer 526.

14 and 16, a progressive cavity pump 52 for a first embodiment of the present invention. Function 1 will be explained. During operation, the product enters the pump 521 through the supply pipe 522. The product is then transported such that the rotor 527 rotates within the stator 528. It is pumped into the mixing chamber 532 through the progressive cavity formed. In the rotor 527 , a vane 529 (see FIG. 16) extending beyond the pump cavity into the mixing chamber 532 is added. established in The purpose of the vanes 529 is to separate the pumped product into several parts. This reduces the back pressure on the stator and in the mixing chamber, so the product is free of water. will be easily mixed with. Water to be mixed with the product passes through water pipe 525 to the water block. 524 where the water enters passageway 530. The passage 530 is the rotor 5 27 and opens into a mixing chamber 532 through an opening 531. This is the water Upon entering the mixing chamber 532 through the opening 531, the rearward direction into the mixing chamber 532 is is changed, and here the product is expelled from the vane 529, and the product is forced out of the pump 521. mix with this product.

The water and product are then transferred to a static mixer 526 for final mixing on the way to the tap. pass through.

Referring to FIG. 15, a second presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described.

In this embodiment, the pump housing is integral with the container 410 and is a single unit. make a cut. The entire unit (packaging 406 and mixing nozzle 418) may be discarded. It is intended that Of course, the container 410 may be any suitable material known in the art. type suitable for use with potash progressive cavity pumps.

However, the embodiment described herein is a piston type container. Furthermore, water is the most is injected directly into the mixing chamber 532 via the inlet 533 to produce the final mixed product. . In operation, the container and pump packaging 406 ensures that the pump 414 is connected to the rotor shaft joint. Rotatably connected to the motor 412 or pendex drive 550 via the hand. It is positioned within the compartment 404 so that the The pump and distribution unit of this example operates in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. switch The movement of the pump, including the movement of the stator when the concentrate is pumped, is Heating and concentrating the concentrate as it comes into contact with the concentrate at the point where it is fed into the Helps things melt more easily. Known for progressive cavity pumps In other words, the two members of the rotor and stator are one with a 10 thread and the other with a 20 thread. It is a screw, and the Cali rotor drive shaft is off-center. In a preferred embodiment The rotor is made of high-density polyethylene and the stator is rubberized polyolefin. made with

17 and 18 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a concentrate container 410 and a pump 414. A one-piece integrated package 406 is shown. The container 410 has a cylindrical side wall 606, It includes a top wall 608, a bottom wall 61o, a concentrate chamber 612, and a concentrate outlet opening 614. I can do it. Container 410 preferably has a hole in its top wall 608 covered with a label 444. 446, the label is perforated by a punch or air tube 450. container 4 10 has a piston 448 that is pushed downwardly by air pressure to release the concentrate 515. into the pump 414. Hole 446 is the main hole since the air tube can be drilled into the top wall. It's not qualitative. The pump 414 is arranged in an intermediate position to define a stator chamber 617. A housing 615 having walls 616 is provided. Stator 528° is attached to wall 616 It's true. The wall 616 has an opening 618 which is the bearing of the ring 619 of the rotor 527. have. The ring 619 has apertures or indentations 613 around its periphery that allow the pump to is the concentrate inlet opening to the pump. The rotor shaft has a labyrinth seal 611 , where the shaft rotatably extends through the housing 615.

Container 410 is preferably made of polyethylene with a wall thickness of approximately 0.060 inches. It is an ethylene injection molded product. Vessel 410 is preferably hot plate welded to pump 414. The pump is also injection molded polyethylene. This packaging has different shape The pump is preferably a positive displacement pump, although a type pump can also be used. and preferably a rotary positive displacement pump (compared to a reciprocating pump). a pump, most preferably a progressive cavity pump; Package 406 is preferably inverted during shipping. Container 410 is adjacent to the pump. The liquid is filled through the filling opening 600. The cap 602 of the filling opening is closed after filling. The opening 600 is sealed. Stator 528' is flexible due to flexible seal 604. can be moved or laterally deflected.

This avoids the need for expensive constant speed connections to the pump.

Mixing nozzle 418 may be used either before or after insertion of package 406 into dispenser 400. It is attached to the crab pump 414. After inserting and installing the mixing nozzle, A water pipe 416 is connected to the combined nozzle.

The preferred pump is a progressive cavity type pump, but the swash plate type shown in Figures 19 and 20 Other pumps such as pump 620 can also be used.

The swash plate pump 620 includes a main housing 622 and a seal 624 at one end thereof. and a manifold 626. At the other end of the main housing 622 is a cylinder - 630, a piston 632, and a capture housing rotatably retaining the swashplate 634. There is a group 628. The drive shaft extends outside the housing 622 to connect with the motor. Ru.

An important feature of the invention is that the packaging and pneumatic drive pack the pump. That is, , the concentrate is in communication with the pump inlet and under pressure. This is a flexible vane pump In some types of pumps, such as the concentrate passes straight through the pump. You cannot do it because you are forced to do it (through).

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a method for controlling refrigerator temperature or temperature with no or minimal adjustment (warming). Concentrates can be dispensed around this temperature. The present invention is suitable for use at or above freezing point (in some cases) can be distributed at temperatures below the freezing point), and can also be distributed at temperatures at or near the freezing point of the refrigerator. Provide products that have Freezing point is the temperature at which ice crystals begin to form. Conventional technology The concentrate must be at least 1.7-7°2°C (35-45'F). I'm teaching you the right things. The present invention is compatible with -15,0°C (5'F) for all products. (approximately -12,2°C (approximately 10'F)) (excluding fruits).

Also, different refrigerators have different refrigerator temperatures, from approximately -31,7°C to -12,2°C. C (approximately -25"F' to 10'F). 5+1 Orange Youth (58 , 5brix) is approximately -17.8℃ (approximately 0'F), and the freezing point for 3+1 Approximately -8°1°C (approximately 17.5°C) for range use (41,8 brix) ``F).The present invention proposes a product having a freezing point at or around the refrigerator temperature. including children. If the freezing point of the product is -17,8°C (0'F) and the refrigerator temperature is -20,66C (-5″F), then (e.g. short-term hot water Slight rapid warming (by immersion or microwave irradiation) may be used. Probably. This causes the temperature to melt from 1.7°C to 4.4°C (35″F to 40’F). ``A little adjustment or means "no adjustment".

Concentrates are formulated in such a way that freezing points do not form at or near refrigerator temperature. High enough (should be (e.g. 5+1).

Prior art dispensers require concentrate viscosity to be less than about 500 centipoise. did. The present invention has a viscosity of 500,000 centipoise, and sometimes 130,000 centipoise. It operates even at high temperatures, such as up to 0.00 centipoise.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made without modification.

For example, to pressurize the concentrate so as to force it into a metering pump. You can use your desired system. Is this mechanical or pneumatic? It is not essential, but it is essential to use the particular system described above. be. Alternatively, separate devices can be used to actuate the metering pump, and these are mechanical Even if it is mechanical, it does not require the above-mentioned special equipment. do not. Other devices for metering and other systems for mixing can be used. Measurement The pump and the mixing nozzle are part of the same one-piece unit. It's unnecessary. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a juice such as orange juice. However, it is not limited to this. Other concentrates in place of the specific compositions mentioned above You can use containers. The container need not have the particular cylindrical shape shown; Nor is it necessary to have a piston of the shape shown. Any other suitable shape may be used. I can do it. The pump may be on the top or side wall of the container, for example. if Electrical resistance heating elements can be used within the compartment if desired. Reliable displacement formula Pumps are preferred, but others in conjunction with another metering device downstream of the pump. can be used.

One-piece integrated packaging with concentrate container and pump (i.e., the pump is connected to the container) embedded or incorporated therein) is preferred, but if desired If so, separate the container and pump, and when the mixing nozzle is connected to the package, - Can be connected together.

Fl to Jl JJC to El to FICJ 礪 Copy and translation of corrected sound) Submission form (Article 184-8 of the Patent Law) December 13, 1993 Day

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. (a) Housing; (b) said facility receiving an integrated disposable package containing a concentrate container and a pump; Division within Uzing; (c) said housing for supplying compressed air into a container placed within said compartment; (d) a disposable mixing nozzle within said housing; (e) a water conduit having a flexible end with a fitting for connection to the a pump drive within said housing for driving a pump received within the compartment; motor A post-mix beverage dispensing machine with 2. further comprising a concentrate container and a pump inlet opening into a concentrate chamber within said container; a positive displacement pump having a pump outlet located in a designated compartment; as set forth in claim 1, comprising a mixing nozzle connected to the mouth and the water conduit. Device. 3. The package includes a quantity of concentrate in the chamber, a piston on top of the concentrate, and a top wall, and the air drive system is configured to apply air pressure to the top of the piston. Claim 2 further comprising means for airtightly automatically inserting an air tube through said top wall for the purpose of device by. 4. means for driving said pump and dispensing said water for dispensing a beverage; 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2. 5. Claimed in which the dispenser is equipped with a refrigeration system for controlling the temperature of the container. Range 2 described device. 6. When the concentrate is about -20.6°C to -12.2°C (about -5°F to 10°F) 3. A device as set forth in claim 2 having a freezing point in the range of . 7. 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pump is a rotary pump. 8. 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said pump is a progressive cavity pump. 9. (a) a juice concentrate having a freezing point of less than or equal to about -12.2°C (about 10°F); Prepare; (b) an integrated disposable package containing a concentrate container and a pump in the compartment of a beverage dispensing machine; the container contains a quantity of the juice concentrate at about its freezing temperature. death; (c) connecting a disposable mixing nozzle to the outlet of said pump; (d) dispensing water during dispensing; connecting a water line to the mixing nozzle for mixing the concentrate and the concentrate; (e) coupling said pump to a motor in said dispenser; (f) directing said concentrate to said dispenser; pressurize this with compressed air to force it into the pump; and (g) powering said motor and into said mixing nozzle for dispensing a beverage; water A method for dispensing a juice beverage including steps. 10. said container comprising a top wall and a piston on top of said concentrate; said pressurizing stage; The floor is airtightly perforated in said top wall with an air pipe and said volume at the top of said piston. 10. The method as set forth in claim 9, comprising supplying compressed air into the vessel. 11. (a) a one-piece single-piece disposable package, comprising: (i) a concentrate compartment; a surrounding concentrate container, a piston forming a movable wall of said chamber therein, and said container; A chamber outlet opening in the container; (ii) a pump that is integral with the container and opens at the chamber outlet; a positive displacement metering pump having an outlet; and (iii) filling said chamber with concentrate; a filling opening for airtightly closing said filling opening; and a filling opening cap for airtightly closing said filling opening. said packaging with Articles with. 12. 12. An article as set forth in claim 11, wherein said pump is a progressive cavity pump. 13. the container has a top wall, a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall, and the pump has a top wall, a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall; 12. Article as set forth in claim 11, wherein the chamber outlet is in contact with the bottom wall and the chamber outlet is in the bottom wall. Goods. 14. 14. An article as set forth in claim 13, wherein the filling opening is in the bottom wall. 15. pneumatically pressurizing the chamber by supplying compressed air to the top of the piston; 14. Article as set forth in claim 13 having a hole in said top wall for receiving a trachea. Goods.