JPS60193889A - Improvement of dispenser for drink liquid - 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 This invention relates to a beverage dispensing device and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device for dispensing beverage fluids such as fruit juice.

For example, beverages such as fruit juice made by mixing fruit syrup or concentrate with water are susceptible to bacterial growth, especially if left stagnant for a period of time. Additionally, in beverage dispensing devices for dispensing such beverages, it is desirable to ensure that the device is easily cleanable in order to further inhibit bacterial growth.

Bacterial growth in drinking liquids can be reduced by reducing the hydrogen ion concentration of drinking liquids, for example by adding preservatives such as benzoic acid.
This can be prevented by increasing the p,H,value. However, the beverage liquid dispensed in this manner cannot be called pure "fruit juice" due to the addition of such preservatives.

It is also known that bacterial growth within this type of beverage can be kept to a minimum by maintaining the temperature of the beverage at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for dispensing beverage liquids made, for example, from 'pure' fruit juices, in which bacterial growth is prohibited or kept to a minimum.

According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for dispensing a beverage includes a fluid circuit comprising a flow tube and a return tube, and a pump means for continuously circulating the beverage around the fluid circuit. , cooling means for cooling the beverage liquid, and an outlet in the fluid circuit through which the beverage liquid is dispensed.

Preferably, the return conduit constitutes or is provided with a restriction to maintain pressure within the fluid circuit and provide sufficient flow through the outlet.

Preferably, the restriction provided in the return pipe is also adjustable to adjust the pressure within the fluid circuit.

Preferably, the device includes a lizard containing a drinking liquid.

Preferably, the flow tube is connected to the lower part of the reservoir.

Also, if the beverage is made by diluting a concentrate with a diluent, such as water, the concentrate container is preferably mounted within the beverage reservoir.

Preferably, the metering pump is connected to the concentrate container and pumps the concentrate from the concentrate container and supplies a predetermined ratio of concentrate and diluent to the beverage reservoir.

According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for dispensing a beverage liquid comprises a fluid supply means, an outlet through which the beverage liquid is dispensed, and a reservoir containing all the beverage liquid, the reservoir having a quick release fitting. The reservoir is connected to the device by means to facilitate removal of the reservoir.

The reservoir is slidably mounted on or forms part of a slideable tray or door of the housing for the device, and the reservoir is completely or partially removable from the device. It is preferable that the

It is also preferred that the quick release coupling means be self-sealing so that the reservoir can be removed even when fully or partially filled with beverage liquid.

Preferably, the fluid supply means includes a fluid circuit comprising a flow tube and a return tube, and pump means for continuously circulating the beverage liquid around the fluid circuit. The quick release coupling means is adapted to releasably connect the reservoir to the flow conduit and the return conduit of the fluid circuit, and wherein the beverage liquid is made by diluting the concentrate with water; When housing a container and a metering bonder, the quick release coupling means is also preferably adapted to releasably connect the reservoir to the water supply pipe.

Preferably, a wash tank similar in construction to the reservoir is provided so that it can be inserted into the device after removal of the reservoir from the device.

The cleaning tank is provided with two compartments, one compartment containing the cleaning fluid and connected to the flow tube by quick release fitting means, and the other compartment containing the cleaning fluid after it has been circulated through the device. A compartment for receiving a cleaning fluid of the invention is preferably connected to the return conduit by means of a quick release fitting.

Preferably, the two compartments within the cleaning tank are formed by a partition wall within the cleaning tank.

If it is desired to circulate the cleaning fluid continuously around the fluid circuit, the partition wall should extend upward from the bottom of the cleaning tank a distance less than the total height of the cleaning tank, so that the cleaning During a cleaning operation, cleaning fluid flows from the other compartment to the one compartment, when both compartments are substantially filled with cleaning fluid prior to the start of the operation. Preferably, the communication between the two compartments is seen by 4.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the reservoir may be a flexible collapsible reservoir connected to the flow tube and return tube junction by quick release coupling means.

A check valve is provided at the connection between the reservoir and the junction of the flow and return tubes to permit flow of beverage liquid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit but prevent back flow of fluid from the fluid circuit to the reservoir. Preferably, means are provided.

It is also preferable to provide a bleed valve means in the return pipe portion of the fluid circuit to enable filling of the fluid circuit.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a metering pump for use in a device for dispensing beverages made from concentrates and dilutes includes two chambers, each having a piston mounted therein; The pistons are drivably connected to each other so that movement of the piston in one chamber under the action of the diluent will cause movement in the piston in the other chamber, thereby directing the concentrate from the concentrate container into said other chamber. It is designed to be pulled out.

The piston in said one chamber is movable by the diluent against the action of elastic means, so that when the connection of the supply of diluent is interrupted, the piston is moved by the elastic means into said one chamber. Preferably, the diluent is forced out of the chamber and a corresponding movement is caused in the piston in the other chamber to force the concentrate out of the other chamber.

It is also preferable to provide valve means for controlling the supply of diluent to said one chamber of the metering pump.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a vending machine having a coin or token actuation mechanism for initiating vending of beverage liquid is provided in accordance with said one aspect or said other aspect or said further aspect of this invention. The invention includes a beverage dispensing device according to an aspect.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for dispensing a beverage liquid includes continuously circulating the beverage liquid under pressure around a fluid circuit, cooling the beverage liquid, and dispensing the beverage liquid from the fluid circuit. Consists of direct dispensing.

Preferably, the beverage liquid is stored in the reservoir and the beverage liquid is continuously circulated from the reservoir around the fluid circuit.

Preferably, the beverage liquid is prepared by mixing a concentrate and a diluent in a predetermined proportion and is supplied to the reservoir by a metering pump operated by the diluent.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, in embodiment 81, a dispensing device for dispensing a beverage made from a mixture of fruit juice concentrate and water has a reservoir for containing the mixed beverage. It consists of 10. The reservoir 10 is provided with an outer lining 12 consisting of an insulating diagonal, such as polystyrene or the like.

A flow tube 14 connects the lower portion of the reservoir 10 to an electric pump 16
is connected to. Pump 16 is connected by an extension of flow tube 14 to a cooling coil 18 mounted within cooling bath 20 .

A compressor 24 and a fan 2 are used to cool the water in the tank 20.
A conventional cooling system, designated generally at 22, is provided, including 6, a condenser 28, and a cooling coil 30.

An extension of flow tube 14 extends from cooling coil 18 to one or more dispense valves or taps 32. Dispensing valves or taps 52, only one of which is shown in the figures, draw beverage liquid directly from flow tube 14 and dispense beverage liquid when valve or tap 32 is opened. When valve or tap 52 is closed, flow tube 14
Beverage liquid routed through valve or tap 32 returns to return pipe 34 in the case of valve or tap 62 as shown;
The return tube 34 extends parallel to the flow tube 14 and is connected to the reservoir 10 below the level of the beverage liquid in the reservoir.

In this way, the dispense valve or tap 32 forms part of the beverage supply circuit and the beverage does not remain stagnant within said valve or tap.

Flow tube 14 and return tube 34 are enclosed within a layer of insulating material 36 to ensure that the beverage liquid is maintained at the lowest possible temperature as it passes through flow tube 14 and return tube 34. Ru. This temperature must be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth.

In addition, a pump 16 continuously circulates the beverage liquid from the reservoir 10 through the cooling coil, around the flow tube 14, and returns the beverage liquid to the reservoir 10 via a return tube 34.
This ensures that the drinking liquid is not left stagnant.
This also prevents bacterial growth.

A restriction 38 with an adjustable hole is formed in the return pipe 34 adjacent to or at the connection to the reservoir 10, so that the pressure of the beverage liquid in the flow pipe 14 generated by the pump 16Vc The flow rate through each dispensing tap 32 can be adjusted to be sufficient.

A concentrate container 40 is installed in the reservoir 10,
It is connected to a metering pump, generally indicated at 42.

The pump 42 is slidably attached to the inner frame of the magazine 48.
It includes a first chamber 44 having a piston 46 movable against the action of. The lower portion of the first chamber 44 of the pump 42 is connected via a solenoid operated valve 50 to a cooling coil 64 mounted within the cooling bath 20 . The cooling coil 64 is connected to a regulated water supply 66 so that in one position of the valve 50 pre-chilled water is conveyed under pressure through the cooling coil 64 and the valve 50 to the chamber 44 and into the piston. 46 is moved against the action of spring 480 to the position shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

Pump 42 is also provided with a second chamber 52 having a piston 54 which is mounted in a sliding fit within chamber 52. piston 5
4 is drivingly connected to the piston 46 by a connecting rod 56 and the lower part of the second chamber 52 is connected to the concentrate container 40 via a check valve 58.
) When the piston 46 is moved against the action of the spring 48 to the position shown in FIG. is sucked out in the direction of.

When piston 46 then moves under the action of spring 48 to the position shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, solenoid operated valve 5
0 moves to a second position, disconnecting chamber 44 from the water supply and allowing water in chamber 44 to flow through valve 50 to outlet 60 leading to reservoir 10.

The piston 46 is connected by a connecting rod 56 to a piston 54 which moves in a corresponding manner to direct the concentrate in the chamber 52 through the outlet 60 in the direction of arrow B via the check valve 62. It is discharged into the reservoir 10.

The mixing ratio of concentrate to water is determined by the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of chambers 52 and 44, so that pump 42 produces a consistent mixture of concentrate to water regardless of the stroke length of pistons 46 and 54. You can see that it supplies 1-.

The reservoir 10 is also provided with a liquid level sensing mechanism (not shown) which detects when the liquid level of the beverage within the reservoir drops below a predetermined value. The solenoid valve 50 is actuated via the The timing mechanism causes the solenoid valve 50 to cycle between its first and second positions, thereby causing the metering pump to cause the pistons 46 and 54 to pump strokes accordingly. Once the level of beverage in reservoir 10 reaches a predetermined maximum level, level sensing means (not shown) disables solenoid operated valve 50.

Since water pressure is used as the driving source for the metering pump, the construction of the metering pump is simplified, and the pump can be easily disconnected from the dispensing device when cleaning is required. You'll understand.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 9 of the drawings, in a second embodiment of the dispensing device, the dispensing device for dispensing a beverage consisting of a mixture of fruit juice concentrate and water is adapted to dispense a mixed beverage. It includes a reservoir 110 containing a liquid. Reservoir 1
10 is provided with an outer lining 112 made of an insulating material such as polystyrene or the like.

Flow tube 114 connects reservoir 110′t-electric pump 116
is connected to. The pump 116 is a cooling tank (not shown)
It is connected by an extension of flow tube 114 to a heat exchanger 11B formed by an internally mounted cooling coil (not shown). To cool the water in the cooling tank of heat exchanger 118, a cooling system 122 typically includes a compressor (not shown), a fan (not shown), a condenser 128, and a cooling coil (not shown). The conventional cooling system shown is provided.

Flow tubes 114 extend from cooling coils within heat exchanger 118 to one or more dispense valves or taps 132. Dispensing valves or taps 152, only one of which is shown in the figures, draw beverage liquid directly from flow tube 114 and dispense beverage liquid when valve or tap 132 is opened. When the valve or tap 132 is closed, the beverage sent to the valve through the flow tube 114 is returned to the return tube 134 in the illustrated valve or tap 132, which return tube 154 is parallel to the flow tube 114. and is connected to the reservoir 110.

Other forms of cooling systems may be used in the cooling system described above, such as heat exchangers 118 without departing from the scope of the invention.
It will be appreciated that a modified cooling system may be used that includes a film in the return pipe 154.

It will be appreciated that the dispensing valve or tap 132 thus forms part of the beverage supply circuit and that no beverage fluid remains stagnant within said valve or tap; the flow pipe 114 and the return pipe 134. is enclosed within a layer of insulating material 136, so that while the beverage liquid is flowing through flow tube 114 and return tube 134, the temperature must be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth. It will ensure that the temperature is maintained as low as possible.

In addition, pump 116 continuously circulates beverage liquid from reservoir 110, through heat exchanger 118, through flow tube 114'f, and back to beverage i+1 reservoir 110 via return tube 134, so that the beverage The liquid is not left stagnant and this also prevents bacterial growth.

A diaphragm (not shown) with an adjustable hole is connected to the reservoir 11.
0, or alternatively, the pressure of the drinking liquid in the flow tube 114 produced by the pump 116 is adjusted to a specific or The dimensions of the return tubes 134 are chosen so that they can be adjusted or set to provide sufficient flow through each dispensing tap 152.

A concentrate container 140 is mounted within the reservoir 110 and is connected to a metering pump, generally designated 142. Pump 142 includes a first chamber 144 having a piston 146 slidably mounted therein and movable against the action of a spring 148 . The lower portion of the first chamber 144 of the pump 142 is connected to the water supply 166 via a solenoid operated valve 150 so that the valve 150
is in one position, water is supplied under pressure through the valve 150 to the filling chamber 144 and the piston 146'i[f
; 1148 to the position shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

Pump 142 is also provided with a second chamber 152 having a piston 154 which is connected to chamber 1.
52 for a tight sliding fit. The piston 154 is drivingly connected to the piston 146 and the lower portion of the second chamber 152 is connected to the check valve 1.
It is connected to the am liquid container 140 via 58.

The piston 146 resists the action of the spring 148 and
Once moved to the position shown, the concentrate is placed in container 140.
The liquid is sucked out into the second chamber 152 through the check valve 158.

When the piston 146 then moves downwardly under the action of the spring 148, the solenoid operated valve 150 moves to the second position, disconnecting the water supply M from the chamber 144 and discharging the water in the chamber 144. is allowed to flow through valve 150 to outlet 160 leading to reservoir 110. piston 140
are interconnected with the piston 154 so that the piston 154 also moves correspondingly to drain the condensed liquid in the chamber 152 through the check valve 162 and into the reservoir 110 through the outlet 160. do.

The mixing ratio of concentrate to water is determined by the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of chambers 152 and 144, so that pump 142 maintains a consistent ratio of concentrate to water, regardless of the stroke length of pistons 146 and 154. It will also be seen that a mixture is provided. In addition, it will be appreciated that if this ratio of the mixture is changed, the pump can be replaced by another pump with a different ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the internal chambers.

The reservoir 110 is also provided with a liquid level sensing mechanism (not shown), which detects when the liquid level of the beverage inside the reservoir drops below a preset value. ) to drive the valve 150. As the timing mechanism causes solenoid valve 150 to undergo periodic motion, metering pump 142 responds by causing pistons 146 and 154 to pump strokes. Once the liquid level of the beverage in reservoir 110 reaches a predetermined maximum value, liquid level sensing means (not shown) deactivates solenoid operated valve 150f.

The dispensing device is mounted within a housing 170 with a folding flap 172. Reservoir 110 is provided with a self-sealing quick release fitting 174 to allow reservoir 110 to be disconnected from flow line 114, return line 134, and water supply 166.

A roller bearing 176 is provided on the base of the reservoir 110, and a similar roller bearing is provided on the flap 1.
Since the reservoir 110 is provided on the inner surface of the
The housing can be slid out of the housing into the position shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, where it is partially removed to facilitate replacement of the concentrate in the concentrate container 140. It can be completely removed from 170 to facilitate cleaning of reservoir 110 or replacement with a new reservoir.

It will be appreciated that the roller bearings 176 can be replaced with other types of friction reducing slides, or the reservoir 110 can alternatively be formed as an integral part of a sliding tray or drawer formed within the housing. .

The quick release fittings 174 each have a male portion and a female portion 1.
78 and 180 respectively, female part 180
is preferably mounted on the reservoir 110.

The male portion 178 of the fitting 174 is connected to the spring-loaded valve member 1
82, the valve member 182 is biased by a spring onto the valve seat to seal the valve seat when the fitting is in the disconnected condition.

A rod 184 extends from the valve member 182 and extends from the male member 1
78 and the female member 180 are in the connected state, the connecting tool 17
4 is adapted to engage a spring-loaded ball within the female portion 180 of 4. In this connected condition, fluid will not flow into the fitting fitting, as the rod 184 not only lifts the spring-loaded pole 186 of the female portion 180 from its valve seat, but also lifts the valve member 182 of the male portion 178 from its associated valve seat. 174.

The self-sealing nature of the fitting 174 allows the reservoir 110 to be removed from the housing 170 even when the reservoir is fully or partially filled, so that it is possible to remove the reservoir 110 from the housing 170 at any desired time. Cleaning of the dispensing device can be carried out without loss of the beverage present in the dispenser.

The top of the reservoir 110 opening is provided with a tight-fitting lid (not shown) to prevent any foreign matter from entering.

To facilitate cleaning of the dispensing device, a reservoir 110 is provided.
After removal of the reservoir 110, another cleaning container (not shown) similar in construction is inserted into the reservoir 110.

The wash vessel is divided into two separate compartments by a partition extending upward from the bottom, each of which is connected by a fitting 174 to the flow conduit 114 and the return conduit 154. A cleaning fluid is placed in the compartment connected to the flow tube 114, and after inserting the cleaning container into the housing 170, the device is configured such that the cleaning fluid is pumped through the flow tube and then The water is then returned through the return pipe 134 into the other partition of the wash container.

If it is necessary to subsequently circulate cleaning fluid through the dispensing device, filling both compartments of the cleaning container with cleaning fluid and constructing the partitions so that they do not extend to the full height of the cleaning container will allow the fluid to flow. As the cleaning fluid is drawn from one compartment through the tube 114 and returned to the other compartment of the container through the return tube 1s4, it can flow over the septum so that a continuous stream of cleaning fluid able to maintain circulation.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12 of the drawings, in a third embodiment, a dispensing device for dispensing the premixed liquid solution comprises a flexible collapsible container 200. The container 200 is connected to the fluid circuit of the device via a single tube 202 containing a check valve 204 and a T-fitting 206. The fluid circuit and other portions of the device are substantially identical to the beverage dispensing device previously described with reference to FIGS. 5-9 of the drawings, except that the bleed valve 208 is a return It is mounted within the tubing section so that the fluid circuit can be completely filled with the beverage to be dispensed.

The container 200 is a disposable type, and once the beverage inside is used up, it can be removed and replaced with a completely new container.

The bleed valve 208 comprises a spring loaded valve member 210 which, in its normal position shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings, allows fluid to flow through the tuft tube. When the valve member 210 is manually moved against the action of the spring to the position shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, fluid is withdrawn from the flow tube and drains the fluid circuit.

Check valve 204 allows fluid to flow from container 200 into the fluid circuit when the device is in operation, but prevents fluid flow back from the fluid circuit, and prevents fluid flow back from container 200.
It will be appreciated that the bleed valve 208 allows the fluid circuit to completely fill with liquid when the 00 is first installed. In addition, a self-sealing quick release connection is provided between container 200 and tube 202 so that container 200f can be removed even if container 200 still has some beverage remaining.

In alternative embodiments, cooling of the reservoir 110 or container 200 itself may be provided by utilizing a heat exchanger 118 or by locating a portion of the fluid circuit within the housing 170 adjacent the reservoir 110 or container 200. , further cooling the product in the reservoir 110 or container 200.

In yet another variation, the fluid circuit and its associated components are arranged such that when the reservoir 110 or container 200 is empty, the pump 116 is switched off and the particular or each tap 152 is opened to automatically drain the reservoir 110 or container 200. and the fluid circuit is cleaned quickly.

In addition, the fluid circuit, product reservoir, pump, and cooling coil may enable dispensing of another product.

Similarly, a vending machine having a coin or token actuation mechanism for disclosing the vending of drinking water is configured to include a beverage dispensing device according to the first, second or fifth embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that a coin or token actuation mechanism may be arranged to actuate the dispensing valve or tap 32 or 132 of the device after the cup has been lowered by a conventional cup lowering mechanism.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a beverage dispensing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the fluid circuit portion of this device. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the metering pump of the device in a first position. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the metering pump of the device in a second position. FIG. 5 is a front view of a beverage dispensing device according to a second embodiment. 6 is a plan view of the beverage dispensing device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a partially sectional side view of the beverage dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 6; FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a quick release coupling in a connected state for use in a beverage dispensing device; 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the quick release coupling shown in FIG. 8 in its disconnected state; FIG. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a beverage dispensing device according to a third embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing the bleed valve used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in its inoperative position; FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing the bleed valve illustrated in FIG. 11 in an operative position. ...Pump 18...Cooling coil 118...Heat exchanger 20...Cooling tank 52.152
... Tap 54.154 ... Return pipe 38 ... Throttle pipe 40.140 ... Concentration container 42.142 ... Metering pump 44.144 ... First chamber 46,146 ... Piston 48.148...Spring 50.150...Solenoid operated valve 52.152...Second chamber 54.154...Piston 58.158...Check valve 60.160...
Outlet 66...Water supply part 174...Quick release coupling agent Patent attorney Takano TakewagaContinued from page 1 Priority claim [Phase] November 15, 1984 [Phase] UK @ Inventor William Byrds (GB)■8428892 England Hampshire Near Sarasampton Bartley Sieffers Road Utdlands (no street address) Procedural City Official Book (Method) March 75, 1985 Commissioner of the Patent Office Mr. Manabu Shiga】, Case Indication April 1985, Uma'yama "l No. 022075 2, Title of the invention Improvement of beverage liquid dispensing device 3, Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant 4, Agent

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] <1) A fluid circuit consisting of a flow pipe and a return pipe, a pump means for continuously circulating a beverage liquid around the fluid circuit,
A dispensing device for a beverage liquid, comprising a cooling means for cooling the beverage liquid, and an outlet in a fluid circuit through which the beverage liquid is dispensed. (2) The return pipe constitutes or is provided with a restriction to maintain pressure in the fluid circuit and provide sufficient flow through the outlet. equipment. (3) The restriction provided in the chamber canal is adjustable to adjust the pressure within the fluid circuit.
Equipment described in Section. (4) The device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the device includes a reservoir for containing a beverage liquid. (5) The device of claim 4, wherein the flow tube is connected to the lower part of the reservoir. (6) Claims 4 or 5 for dispensing a beverage made by diluting a concentrate with a diluent, wherein the concentrate container is installed in a beverage reservoir. The device described. (7) A metering pump is connected to the concentrate container and pumps the concentrate from the concentrate container and supplies the concentrate and diluent in a predetermined ratio to the beverage reservoir. Apparatus according to paragraph 6. (8) comprising a fluid supply means, an outlet through which the beverage liquid is dispensed, and a reservoir for containing the beverage liquid, the reservoir being connected to the device by quick release coupling means to facilitate removal of the reservoir; Beverage liquid dispensing device. (9) The reservoir is slidably mounted on, or forms part of, a slideable tray or door of the housing for the device, and the reservoir is completely or completely removed from the device. 9. A device according to claim 8, which is partially removable. 10. A device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the OO quick release coupling means are self-sealing and allow the reservoir to be removed even when fully or partially filled with beverage liquid. α Force Claims 8 to 7, wherein the fluid supply means includes a fluid circuit consisting of a flow pipe and a return pipe, and a pump means for continuously circulating the drinking liquid around the fluid circuit. 11. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 10. (2) The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the quick release coupling means is adapted to releasably connect the lisano to the flow line and the return line of the fluid circuit. 11 quick release dispenser means housing a liquid container and a metering pump and adapted to releasably connect the reservoir to a water supply pipe for dispensing a drinking liquid made by diluting the concentrate with water; A device according to claim 12 for the purpose of: (a wash tank similar in construction to the 1411J reservoir is provided such that it can be inserted into the device after the reservoir has been removed from the device; The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cleaning tank is provided with two compartments,
one compartment is a compartment that contains a cleaning fluid and is connected to the flow tube by quick release coupling means, and the other compartment is a compartment that receives the cleaning fluid after it has been circulated through the device; 15. A device as claimed in claim 14, connected to the return pipe by quick release coupling means. Qd Claim 15, wherein the two compartments in the cleaning tank are formed by a partition wall in the cleaning tank.
Equipment described in Section. 0η The cleaning fluid is required to be circulated continuously around the fluid circuit, in which case the partition wall extends upward from the bottom of the cleaning tank by a distance less than the total height of the cleaning tank. During the cleaning operation, cleaning fluid flows from the other compartment to the one compartment when both corner chambers are substantially filled with cleaning fluid prior to the initiation of the cleaning operation. 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein communication between the two compartments is provided by this. (181 reservoir is a flexible collapsible reservoir connected to the junction of the flow tube and return tube by means of a quick release fitting.
Apparatus according to any one of clause 7. The connection between the On II reservoir and the junction of the flow tube and return tube is provided with a connection that allows the flow of beverage liquid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit, but prevents the back flow of fluid from the fluid circuit to the reservoir. 19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein check valve means are provided. Claim 1: The bleed valve means is provided in the return pipe portion of the fluid circuit, and the fluid circuit can be filled.
The device according to item 8 or 19. A metering pump used in dispensing devices for beverages made from concentrates and diluted liquids, comprising two chambers each having a piston mounted therein, the pistons in the two chambers being driveable relative to each other. a metering pump connected to a metering pump such that movement of the piston in one chamber under the action of the diluent causes movement in the piston in the other chamber, dispensing the concentrate from the concentrate container into the other chamber; . (a) The piston in the one chamber is movable by the diluent against the action of the elastic means, and when the diluent supply connection is interrupted, the piston is moved by the elastic means to 22. A metering pump as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that it pumps diluted liquid from one chamber and causes a corresponding movement of a piston in the other chamber to convey concentrated liquid from the other chamber. The metering pump according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising a valve means for controlling the supply of the diluent to the one chamber of the metering pump. (Foundation) Any one of claims 1 to 20-
A vending machine having a coin or token actuation mechanism for initiating the vending of a beverage, having a beverage dispensing device according to paragraph 1. (c) A method of dispensing a beverage comprising continuously circulating the beverage under pressure around a fluid circuit, cooling the beverage, and dispensing the beverage directly from the fluid circuit. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein: (e) the beverage liquid is stored in a reservoir, and the beverage liquid is continuously circulated from the reservoir around the cooling circuit. 2) The beverage liquid is made by mixing a concentrate and a diluent in a predetermined proportion and is supplied to the reservoir by a metering pump operated with the diluent.
The method according to item 5 or item 26.