RU2671652C2 - Beverage dispensing device and method for such beverage dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: devices for bottling, emptying or pouring liquids.SUBSTANCE: beverage dispensing device comprises a beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverages from a beverage container to an outlet, comprising a receptacle for a beverage container made from a deformable material, said receptacle is defined by means for deforming the beverage container to expel beverage stored therein; a dispensing line, fluidly connecting the beverage container and the outlet and having a first inside diameter; an actuator arranged at the outlet, being connected to the dispensing line, configured to open and close the fluid connection between the beverage container and the outlet; wherein the means for measuring the pressure of the beverage in the beverage container and / or the dispensing line are arranged in connection with the beverage container and / or the dispensing line, wherein the measured pressure is used to control the means for deforming the beverage container, so that a predetermined beverage pressure is achieved at the outlet.EFFECT: beverage dispenser is provided for dispensing beverages.25 cl, 24 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages. The beverage dispensing device comprises a receiver for a beverage container made of a deformable material, said receiver being formed by means of deforming the beverage container to displace the liquid stored therein. The invention also relates to a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage dispensing device according to the invention, and to a method for controlling the deformation of a beverage container used with a beverage dispensing device according to the invention.

State of the art

In pubs, canteens, restaurants, as well as in private houses, taps for drinks, in particular beer, are installed. Typically, taps are provided in a filling tower or column with one or more faucets for various types of drinks. Typically, a small filling line connects each tap to a beverage container, which is a small beverage container, most often made of steel and filled with the beverage to be bottled.

The beverage container is kept under a certain pressure, often by filling the space above the liquid with pressurized carbon dioxide; moreover, this pressure may be one or two bars above atmospheric pressure. This pressure serves to displace the liquid from the beverage container through the filling line and to the tap when the valve located on the filling line is open.

However, in terms of quality, this type of system is not completely satisfactory since carbon dioxide introduced into the beverage container in order to displace the liquid from the beverage container may dissolve in the liquid, which may cause the beverage to become more saturated carbon dioxide than required. In addition, steel beverage containers are heavy and therefore not very convenient to use. Also, beverage containers, when empty, occupy as much space as they occupy when they are full; therefore, when transporting beverage containers back and forth, a large amount of energy is consumed in the form of fuel for trucks and cars.

In order to solve the problem of increased carbonation of the beverage and create a lighter beverage container, a new type of deformable beverage container was released. The pressure used to displace the liquid from the beverage container is achieved by deforming the beverage container, either by placing the beverage container in a pressure chamber in which increased pressure can be created, or by placing the beverage container in a device that deforms the beverage container by compressing it or squeezing. An example of the latter construction can be found, for example, in WO 2009/062656, DE 102012101503 A1 and DE 102012101507 A1.

The system disclosed in WO 2009/062656 works satisfactorily, but it has been found that the pressure in the beverage container can vary depending on how full the beverage container is, and also depending on the compression ratio of the spring, designed to provide play between engine and deforming modules. Another factor that can affect pressure is the deformation of the beverage container; any force used to deform the beverage container can reduce the pressure in the beverage. In addition, the system disclosed in WO 2009/062656 requires a spring with a relatively long stroke to ensure normal operation; therefore, this system requires more space than in other cases.

Thus, there is a need for an improved beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages.

Disclosure of invention

The aim of the present invention is to fully or partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and flaws inherent in solutions known from the prior art. More specifically, the aim is to provide a beverage dispensing device by which a displaced beverage can be maintained at a constant pressure regardless of the degree of filling of the beverage container, as well as independent of the force required to deform the beverage container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a beverage dispenser that will be more compact than the beverage dispenser known in the art.

The above objectives, together with many other objectives, advantages and features that will become more apparent from the description below, are achieved by the solution according to the present invention using a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage from a beverage container to an outlet containing:

- a receiver for a beverage container made of a deformable material, said receiver being formed by means of deformation of the beverage container to displace the beverage stored therein;

a bottling line fluidly connecting the beverage container and the outlet, the filling line having a first inner diameter;

- an actuator located at the outlet connected to the filling line and configured to open and close a fluid connection between the beverage container and the outlet;

and wherein the means for measuring the pressure of the beverage in the beverage container and / or in the dispensing line are connected to the beverage container and / or the dispensing line, wherein the measured pressure is used to control means for deforming the beverage container so that a predetermined pressure is reached drink at the outlet.

The means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a pressure gauge measuring the pressure on the outer surface of the dispensing line connecting the beverage container and the outlet.

In addition, the filling line can be made of flexible material, and the pressure from the side of the specified filling line is measured.

In addition, the filling line may include a connecting device configured to pierce the container in order to bring the inner part of the container in fluid communication with the filling line, and a central tubular portion located between the piercing portion and the bottling line, the central tubular portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter of the filling line.

Also, the central tubular portion may have a first wall thickness, and the central tubular portion may comprise a measuring portion having a second wall thickness, the second wall thickness being smaller than the first wall thickness, and the beverage pressure in the filling line is measured by the measuring portion.

Additionally, the pressure gauge may include a pushing member configured to apply a predetermined force, and a load cell is located between the pushing member and the supporting member.

The specified supporting element may be located opposite the measuring section.

The means for deforming the beverage container may contain two deforming modules, the first of the deforming modules having a bowl shape and the second deforming module having a shape that allows insertion into the bowl.

In addition, the pressure gauge may be located in the second deforming module.

In addition, the second deformation module may comprise a positioning central portion in which the central tubular portion can be placed.

Also, the pressure gauge may be located opposite the central tubular portion in the positioning central portion.

The central tubular portion may comprise at least one protrusion protruding outward in a radial direction with respect to the central tubular portion and adapted to engage with a corresponding groove located in the positioning central portion, so that the measuring portion can be positioned opposite the support member.

Additionally, the Central tubular portion may include a handle, allowing placement of the Central tubular portion in the positioning Central portion.

In addition, the beverage dispensing device described above may include a control unit configured to control the engine based on a signal received from the pressure gauge.

In order to provide a solution requiring a very small number of additional parts, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a measure of the engine torque provided for actuating the means for deforming the beverage container.

The means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may also be a pressure sensor located between the beverage container and the module deforming the beverage container. This gives a more explicit and accurate result than measuring engine torque.

Alternatively, the pressure measuring means in the beverage container may be a sensor measuring the compression and length of the spring located between the beverage container and the module for deforming the beverage container.

In some cases, it may be preferable for the spring to provide play in the connection between the motor and the deformation modules.

In other embodiments, the means for measuring pressure in the beverage container may be a thin film pressure sensor. The advantage of a thin-film pressure transducer is that it is reliable, inexpensive, and has good zero drift resistance.

In addition, the pressure measuring device in the beverage container may be a thin-film pressure transducer such as sold under the trademark Flexi-Force ®.

Also, the pressure measuring means may be a liquid filled container, said container being located between the beverage container and the module for deforming the beverage container, the pressure sensor being connected to measure pressure in the liquid of the container. An advantage of this embodiment is that the liquid will compensate for the unevenness of the pressure applied to the walls of the beverage container.

Alternatively, the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container may be a strain gauge measuring strain or torque applied to the threaded shaft contained in the means for deforming the beverage container.

In order to ensure good conversion of the rotational motion into the translational motion between the threaded shaft and the deformation modules, the threaded shaft thread may be a trapezoidal thread.

In addition, the pressure measuring means in the beverage container may be a strain gauge measuring strain or torque applied to a threaded shaft contained in the means for deforming the beverage container.

In order for the two deformation modules to be as close to each other as possible, a space can be provided between the two deformation modules, said space being sufficient to accommodate the wall thickness of the beverage container when the beverage container is completely deformed, i.e. . emptied.

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

The present invention further relates to a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage dispensing device as described above.

Said beverage dispensing system according to the present invention may further comprise a cabinet, wherein cooling means are arranged inside the cabinet for storing the beverage in the beverage container at a predetermined low temperature, and a column having a dispensing tap and a guide channel, the column being located on top of the cabinet and has a camera in fluid communication with the guide channel.

The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the deformation of a beverage container in the beverage dispenser described above and thereby the pressure of the beverage dispenser, the method comprising the steps of

- drive the engine to deform the beverage container after inserting the beverage container into the receiver;

- measure the pressure of the beverage in the beverage container and / or filling line;

- stop the engine when the first predetermined pressure level is reached; and

- restart the engine if the measured pressure falls below the second predetermined pressure.

In order to be able to reduce the pressure if the pressure becomes too high, the method described above may further comprise the step of reversing the engine if the measured pressure exceeds the first predetermined pressure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention and many of its advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for illustrative purposes represent some non-limiting embodiments, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a prior art beverage dispenser for a deformable beverage container;

FIG. 2a is a front view of a beverage dispenser according to the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a side view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 2b;

FIG. 2c is an axonometric view of a beverage dispenser according to the present invention,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating one embodiment of a pressure sensor according to the present invention,

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a beverage dispenser,

FIG. 5 shows a filling line,

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a portion of a filling line in cross section,

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the filling line of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 shows a central tubular portion,

FIG. 9 shows a central tubular portion located in a positioning central portion,

FIG. 10 shows a beverage container in a position relative to a positioning central portion and a central tubular portion,

FIG. 11 and 12 show the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, in cross section,

FIG. 13-15 show another embodiment of a beverage dispensing apparatus provided with a beverage container disposed therein,

FIG. 16 shows a beverage dispensing system,

FIG. 17-19 show in cross section the directional movement of the beverage container relative to the connecting device.

FIG. 20 shows a removal tool,

FIG. 21a-21c show in cross section the action of the pick-up tool of FIG. twenty,

FIG. 22 shows another picking tool,

FIG. 23a-23c show in cross section the action of the pick-up tool of FIG. 22 and

FIG. 24a-24d show in cross section yet another lifting tool and its action.

All drawings are very schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they only display those parts that are necessary to explain the invention, while other sections are not shown or implied.

The implementation of the invention

In FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art system 100. The prior art system 100 includes a receiver for a deformable beverage container 1, upper and lower deformation modules 120 and 130, a structure for bringing the upper and lower deformation modules in the direction to each other, and means for connecting the inner volume of the beverage container with a crane 24, a control valve 3. The spring 4 is designed to transmit forces between the drive structure containing the threaded shaft 150, an engine (not shown), made ny rotatable threaded shaft 150, and a nut (not shown) connecting a lower deforming unit 130 with the threaded shaft.

The indicator shaft 5 is positioned so that it indicates the pre-tension of the spring 4, and the engine is controlled by two switches 6, 7 so that the engine starts if the indicator shaft 5 activates the switch 6, and stops if the indicator shaft 5 activates the switch 7 Thus, a relatively constant force will act on the beverage container 1, and therefore, the pressure in the beverage container 1 will be relatively constant.

The design shown in FIG. 1, it works relatively well, but the presence of a spring 4 makes the design as a whole somewhat cumbersome. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to make the design as a whole less cumbersome.

In FIG. 2a, 2b and 2c, a beverage dispensing apparatus 100 according to the present invention is illustrated. The beverage dispenser 100 includes a receiver 110 located between the upper deformation module 120 and the lower deformation module 130. In this embodiment, the deformation modules are shaped so that the upper deformation module 120 is inserted in a cup-shaped recess on the lower deformation module 130.

The connecting structure 125, located in the upper deforming module 120, is designed to ensure the connection of the beverage container (not shown) to the bottling line connecting the beverage container to the outlet (not shown). It should be noted that the connecting structure can also be provided in the lower deforming module 130.

In order to allow deformation of the beverage container placed in the receptacle 110, a structure is provided comprising a motor 140 connected to an elongated threaded shaft 150 through a gearbox 160 containing, for example, a worm gear. The motor 140 may be any type of motor capable of relatively precise control, for example, a stepper motor, an alternating current motor, or a direct current motor. Threaded shaft 150 may include one of the standard threads or trapezoidal threads and may be made of metal or plastic. It interacts with a nut attached to either the upper or lower deformation module 120, 130, so that actuating the engine 140 will cause rotation of the threaded shaft 150 and move the upper and lower deformation modules 120, 130 towards each other for deformation a beverage container, or apart, to allow removal of an empty beverage container and the introduction of a new beverage container.

In one embodiment, the nut is adapted to engage / disengage from the clutch, allowing the deformation modules 120, 130 to move relative to each other without actuating the motor and rotating the threaded shaft 150. In another embodiment, the shaft may be a spindle.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2a, 2b, and 2c, the lower deformation module 130 is suspended on the rails 170 by means of rollers 180, allowing the lower deformation module 130 to be moved relative to the upper deformation module 120, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the lower deforming module 130 may be suspended on the rails 170 by means of sliders or slides (not shown).

In some embodiments, a spring similar to spring 4 of the prior art solution illustrated in FIG. 1, but much smaller, such that there will be a “backlash” between the engine 140 and the force exerted to deform the beverage container.

As mentioned in connection with the description of the prior art construction shown in FIG. 1, control of the engine 140 deforming the beverage container is achieved by turning on the engine 140 if the pre-tension of the spring 4 is too low, and turning it off when the necessary pre-tension is achieved.

According to an embodiment, the engine 140, however, is controlled by pressure in the beverage container; this offers the opportunity to achieve a more uniform pressure, as well as reducing the space occupied by the spring 4 of the prior art solution.

Pressure measurement can be implemented in various ways.

In one embodiment, the pressure is achieved by a torque sensor coupled to the engine 140 or threaded shaft 150. In such an embodiment, the engine 140 is driven until a predetermined torque is reached, and then the engine is turned off. As can be seen, the torque applied to the threaded shaft 150 is converted to the force transmitted by the unit including the threaded shaft 150, the nut and the upper and lower deformation modules 120, 130. Since the area affected by the deformation modules 120, 130 is constant, the force can be converted into pressure without any difficulties.

The engine torque can be measured in various ways, for example, by suspending the engine 140 in such a way that the torque meter is connected directly to measure the torque, by attaching strain gauges to the threaded shaft, and / or by measuring the current supplied to the engine (for constantly magnetized DC motor, the excitation current is proportional to the motor torque), or measuring the rotor current if, for actuating the threaded shaft 150, An AC motor is used.

This embodiment has the advantage that the number of additional components can be minimized.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pressure of the beverage in the beverage container or, rather, the force exerted by the upper and lower deformation modules 120, 130, and in particular the position of the lower deformation module, is measured by measuring the deformation in the guides 170, i.e. deviations of guides.

In yet another embodiment, the pressure is measured by attaching strain gauges to the spring 4.

In one preferred embodiment, pressure measurement takes place in the filling line. As is known to those skilled in the art, the filling lines connecting the beverage container and the outlet must be replaced regularly in order to avoid bacterial growth and large-scale cleaning. For this reason, the use of a standard pressure sensor is less preferred since the pressure sensor, if it is in contact with the beverage, will also need to be replaced or cleaned. One possible way to measure the pressure of the fluid, therefore, is to measure the force exerted by the filling line with little compression. If the pressure rises, the force created by the filling line in the clamp will increase. One of the problems for making such a measurement is that the filling line has a certain inherent rigidity. This problem can be significantly overcome by using a filling line with very low stiffness where it is expected to be compressed. For example, the filling line can be made of food-grade silicone, which is a very flexible and flexible material for the filling line. The silicone filling line made of silicone, however, is not very well adapted to the required pressure values, but this problem can be solved by supplying the filling line with an external hose, the inner diameter of which is slightly larger than the external diameter of the silicone filling line. When the silicone filling line is exposed to internal pressure, its diameter increases, so that the outer walls come into contact with the inner walls of the hose into which it is placed, in much the same way as the inner tube of the bicycle wheel supported by the tire can hold pressure. Of course, you can use the softness of the hose only on the part of the filling line connecting the beverage container and the outlet. In other embodiments, the filling line may be made of other soft materials, such as rubber, plastic, polymeric and other materials acceptable in the food industry.

Referring to FIG. 3, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the button device 300 is located on one of the deformation modules 120, 130, so that the button protrudes slightly above the surface 310 in contact with the beverage container. The button 300 can be pushed out of its extended position by, for example, an additional spring 10. When the deformable beverage container 1 is brought into contact with the deformation module 120, 130 and therefore with the button device 300, the button device 300 can be used to measure the deflection of the container wall for drinks and thereby pressure in the beverage container.

In one embodiment, the spring 10 may be pretensioned so that the button device 300 does not move until a predetermined pressure in the beverage container is reached. Through this design, the engine 140 can be controlled in a similar manner to the prior art structure, namely, in such a way that the engine is actuated to deform the beverage container when the button device 300 is in its position in which it projects above the surface of the deformation module 120, 130 , and in which the engine 140 is turned off when the button device 300 moves outward under the action of the pressure generated by the beverage container and the liquid stored therein.

In an embodiment similar to the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIG. 3, a spring 10 located below the button device 300 is missing. Instead, a container (not shown) is provided under the button device 300, preferably filled with an incompressible medium (the bottle can also completely replace the button device 300). Preferably, the incompressible medium may then be connected to a pressure sensor measuring the pressure of the incompressible medium, which pressure approximately corresponds to the pressure in the beverage container.

In yet another embodiment, an electronic pressure gauge or force gauge is provided between the beverage container and any of the deformation modules. The force sensor or pressure gauge can be any type of pressure gauge that is placed between the beverage container and the deformation module, but effective results have been achieved using the type of pressure gauges sold under the Flexi-Force trademark. Such pressure gauges contain a thin elongated film substrate made, for example, of polyester (Mylar®), and have a pressure-sensitive section at one end and an electrical connection at the other end.

The basic construction of the Flexi-Force pressure gauge was disclosed in US-A-6,272,936. However, a brief description of its design will also be given below.

The Flexi-Force pressure gauge comprises a first elongated polyester film provided with a silver coating strip to provide electrical connection between portions of the elongated polyester film. At one end, the silver portion is connected to an electrical terminal, and at the other end, it expands or contracts to a size corresponding to the desired pressure-sensitive portion. After that, the necessary pressure-sensitive area is covered with paste, the resistance of which varies depending on the pressure. The second elongated polyester film has a silver-coated portion corresponding to a pressure-sensitive portion and a silver coating strip that electrically connects the pressure-detecting portion, and a second electrical terminal is then laminated to the first elongated polyester film.

The result is a thin, flexible pressure gauge whose resistance is such that 1 / R is proportional to the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive section.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage dispenser 100 provided with a beverage container 1 located between the upper and lower deforming modules 120, 130. Inside the upper deforming module 120, a guide for the dispensing line is provided to ensure that the dispensing line is located in a straight line with the beverage container after the beverage container has been placed in the device. The bottling line may include a connecting device having piercing means configured to pierce the beverage container 1 when the upper and lower deformation modules 120, 130 are moved towards each other, thereby fluidly connecting the beverage container 1 to the outlet.

In FIG. 5 shows a filling line 11 comprising a tubular portion 12 having an inlet end 13 and an outlet end 14, the inlet end 13 being connected to a connecting device 15 provided with piercing means. In addition, the outlet end may be connected to the nozzle and / or valve 16 actuated by the actuator.

In FIG. 6 illustrates, in cross section, another embodiment of a portion of a filling line 11. In this embodiment, the dispensing line 11 also includes a connecting device 15 configured to pierce the beverage container (not shown) in order to bring the inside of the beverage container into fluid communication with the dispensing line 11, i.e. with tubular portion 12. In addition, the tubular portion or filling line 11 has a first inner diameter D1. Furthermore, the central tubular portion 40 is located between the connecting device 15 and the filling line 11, the central tubular portion 40 having a second inner diameter D2, the second inner diameter D2 being larger than the first inner diameter D1 of the filling line 11.

The central tubular portion 40 has a first wall thickness T1, and the central tubular portion comprises a measuring portion 41 having a second wall thickness T2, the second wall thickness T2 being smaller than the first wall thickness T1, wherein the beverage pressure in the filling line 11 is measured using a measuring section 41, which will be described below. The measuring section 41 is made of flexible material.

The central tubular portion 40 also includes a first protrusion 43 extending outward in a radial direction relative to the outer surface of the central tubular portion. The first protrusion 43 is located at the end closest to the pipe portion 12. At the opposite end, the central tubular portion 40 is inserted into the connecting device 15. The central tubular portion 40 also includes a second protrusion 44, ensuring that the central tubular portion 40 stops during insertion into the connecting device 15. The connecting device 15 also includes a protruding side 45, extending outward in the radial direction relative to the outer surface of the connecting device. The protruding side 45 also contributes to the positioning of the measuring section 41 relative to the pressure gauge (not shown).

In FIG. 7 shows the filling line 11 shown in FIG. 6. The filling line 11 comprises a tubular section 12 having an inlet end 13 and an outlet end 14, the inlet end 13 being connected to a central tubular portion 40, which, in turn, is connected to a connecting device 15 provided with piercing means. In addition, the outlet end may be connected to the nozzle and / or valve 16 actuated by the actuator. In this embodiment, the measuring portion 4 is located on one side of the central tubular portion 40. In addition, the central tubular portion 40 includes a handle 42, enabling positioning of the measuring portion 41.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a central tubular portion 40. The handle 42 protrudes relative to the tubular portion and is sized to allow two fingers to grip. The surface of the handle 42 may include means that improve the grip of the handle by the user. In this embodiment, the means are protruding points 46 located on the surfaces of the handle. The first protrusion 43 has a tapering shape, also facilitating the placement of the Central tubular part.

In FIG. 9 shows a central tubular portion 40 located in a positioning central portion 47 located in one of the deformation modules (not shown). The positioning central part 47 is arranged to receive and hold the central tubular part 40 and, in particular, the measuring section and the connecting device 15. The positioning central part 47 has an opening adapted to receive the central tubular part 40 and the connecting device 15. The hole is thus positioned that the central tubular part and the connecting device can be radially inserted into the positioning central part 47. As mentioned above , the central tubular portion 40 comprises protrusions 43, 44 protruding radially outward from the central tubular portion, and the connecting device 15 also includes a protruding side 45, wherein at least one of the protrusions or the side is adapted to engage with the corresponding groove 48 located in the positioning central part 47. This facilitates the insertion of the central tubular part and the connecting device into the positioning central part. In addition, the protrusions and the flange facilitate the placement of the central tubular part and the connecting device in the positioning central part, as well as the holding and securing of the central tubular part and the connecting device in the axial direction of the filling line.

In addition, a pressure gauge 49 is located in the positioning central portion 47. The pressure gauge 49 comprises a pushing member 50 configured to apply a predetermined force, and a strain gauge 51 is located between the pushing member 50 and the supporting member 52. The supporting member 52 is opposite the measuring portion of the central tubular part 40.

In FIG. 10 shows a beverage container 1 in a position relative to the positioning central portion and the central tubular portion 40. The beverage container was punctured by the connecting device 15.

FIG. 11 and 12 show the embodiments of FIG. 9 and 10 in cross section. FIG. 11 corresponds essentially to FIG. 9. As you can see, the support element 52 biases the measuring section 41 inward, as a result of which the pressure of the drink in the central tubular part 40 and the filling line creates a force on the support element, which leads to a deviation at the load cell, this deviation is measured and converted into an electrical signal, indicating the magnitude of the pressure of the drink in the line 11 bottling. The signal is transmitted to a control module, which can control the motor that drives the deformation modules. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of FIG. 10, in cross section, wherein the beverage container 1 was punctured by the connecting device 15.

FIG. 13-15 show another embodiment of a beverage dispenser 100 having a beverage container 1 located therein, with FIG. 13 shows a beverage dispenser in a perspective view; FIG. 14 in a front view, and FIG. 15 in a side view. The beverage dispenser 100 includes an upper deforming module 120 in which a positioning central portion (not shown) is located. The positioning center portion is accessed through a door 55 in the upper deformation module 120. The beverage container 1 is placed in the lower deformation module 130, which during use moves upward relative to the upper deformation module 120. The upper deformation module 120 contains a first part attached to a beverage dispenser 100, and a second part, i.e. a door 55 movable relative to the first part. The door 55 comprises a support member (not shown) configured to support the positioning center portion inside the upper deforming module when the door is closed.

In FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing system 200 according to the invention. System 200 comprises a beverage container 1 containing a beverage and a pushing means for pushing a beverage from the container into a dispensing line. The bottling line and the beverage container 1 are connected by means of a connecting device 15. The pushing means is a mechanical pressing means comprising upper and lower deformation modules 120, 130. In addition, the beverage container 1 comprises a lid 17 connected to an opening in the beverage container, moreover, the cover 17 contains a membrane intended for piercing with a piercing means of the connecting device.

In addition, the pushing means and the beverage container 1 are placed inside the cabinet 18. The cabinet 18 may contain cooling means for storing the beverage in the beverage container 1 at a predetermined low temperature. In addition, the column 19, containing the filling valve 20 and the guide channel 21, is located on top of the cabinet 18 having a chamber 22 in fluid communication with the guide channel 21. The filling line (not shown) can be directed downward through the column through the guide channel 21 into the chamber 22, in which the connecting device 15 can be placed in the guide in the upper deformation module 120 for connection with the container 1 for drinks. The tap 35 for filling contains an actuator 23 or a handle, made with the possibility of opening and closing the outlet 24. The drink is distributed from the specified outlet 24.

When the new beverage container is placed in the beverage dispenser 100 and the cabinet door is closed, the control module is started and the lower deformation module with the beverage container is moved upward until the desired filling pressure is achieved. The filling pressure is pre-set in the control module. Pressure is measured using the pressure gauge described above. The motor is connected to the spindle, and the spindle is connected to the lower deformation module by means of a spindle nut. When the spindle rotates clockwise, the lower deformation module moves upward (when filling), and when rotated counterclockwise, the lower deformation module moves downward (empty container).

Engine power and duration, and thus the movement of the lower deforming module, are controlled by a control module. When the filling pressure drops, the control module starts to continuously raise the lower deforming module, so that the pressure reaches the pressure necessary for filling. These steps continue until the lower deformation module reaches the upper position and the beverage container is empty (registered by the upper switch). When the beverage container becomes empty, the lower deformation module automatically returns (moves down) to the lower position.

The invention also relates to methods for controlling an engine of a beverage dispenser according to the present invention.

All methods contain stages in which

- after the introduction of the beverage container into its receiver, an engine is driven to deform the beverage container;

- measure the pressure of the beverage in the beverage container;

- stop the engine when the first predetermined pressure level is reached; and

- restart the engine if the measured pressure falls below the second predetermined pressure.

In some embodiments, the method may include an additional step in which the engine is reversed if the measured pressure exceeds the first predetermined pressure.

FIG. 17-19 show in cross section the directional movement and centering of the beverage container 1 with respect to the connecting device 15, so that the lid 17 of the beverage container 1 is correctly installed in the dispenser before the lid is brought into contact with the piercing element of the connecting device 15.

In FIG. 17, the beverage container 1 is housed in a recess 60 located in the upper deforming module 120. The recess 60 has a first end 61, a second end 62 and a diameter, the recess decreasing in diameter from the first end 61 to the second end 62, so that the lid 17 is easier to center. a container 1 for drinks in the upper deforming module 120. The recess 60 has at the first end 61 a tapering protruding portion 63, designed to directionally move the cap 17 into the recess, when the container 1 for drinks is brought into contact with the upper deformation module 120. At a first distance 64 from the first end 61, the recess 60 is reduced in diameter also to further facilitate centering of the cover 17 relative to the piercing element of the connecting device 15. In FIG. 17, the upper part of the cap 17 is brought into contact with the piercing element of the connecting device 15.

In FIG. 18, the lid 17 of the beverage container 1 is inserted further up into the recess 60, and the lid 17 is already pierced by the connecting device 15 or will soon be pierced. At a second distance 65 from the first end 61, the recess 60 is also reduced in diameter to provide final centering and placement of the cover 17 in the recess 60.

In FIG. 19, the lid 17 is installed in the recess 60 and is completely punctured by the connecting device 15, so that the inner part 66 of the beverage container 1 is in fluid communication with the filling line 11 through the connecting device 15.

Cover 17 shown in FIG. 17-19, has a lower tube 67 extending downward in the beverage container 1. The beverage container 1 comprises a beverage 68 having a surface 69. The lower tube 67 has a length that ensures that the end 70 of the lower tube 67 is located below surface 69 when the beverage container 1 is filled with a predetermined amount of beverage 68. The lower tube 67 provides that the beverage 68 can be dispensed quickly from the beverage container 1 when it is deformed when the deformation modules are moved relative to each other. An upper space 71 is provided above the surface 69. The upper space 71 contains gas. If a lower tube 70 is not provided, the upper space 71 must first be emptied by discharging gas from the beverage container 1 through the filling line during deformation of the beverage container 1.

FIG. 20 and 21a-21c show a pick-up tool 115. The pick-up tool 115 is located in connection with a dispenser and is configured to facilitate disconnecting the beverage container from the upper deformation module after the beverage container has been deformed around the upper deformation module.

The pickup tool 115 shown in FIG. 20 has a first protrusion 116 protruding relative to the base portion 117. The first protrusion 116 is part of the elongated element 118, the first protrusion 116 being substantially perpendicular to the elongated element 118. The elongated element is preferably spring loaded so that the first protrusion is pushed inward. The removable tool 115 also comprises a spring-loaded second element 119 located below the elongated element 118. The second element 119 also projects relative to the base portion 117. The elongated element and / or the second element can be made with the possibility of displacement in the axial direction relative to the base part.

In FIG. 21a-21c show the action of the pick-up tool 115. The pick-up tool 115 is mounted on the dispenser. In FIG. 21a, the beverage container 1 is completely compressed by moving upward the lower deformation module 130 and is positioned around the upper deformation module 120, so that the compressed beverage container 1 is placed between the upper and lower deformation modules. During the upward movement of the lower deforming module 130, the first protrusion 116 of the pickup tool 115 is pushed inward so that the beverage container 1 is placed below the first protrusion 116. Since the beverage container 1 is tightly located around the upper deforming module 120 and the container lid for drinks tightly enters the recess of the upper deformation module, while the connecting device pierced the lid, the beverage container 1 is difficult to release from the upper deformation module I am. When the lower deformation module 130 moves downwardly, the protrusion 140 of the lower deformation module 130 abuts against the second element 119, as a result of which, together with the elongated element 118, begins to move downward with the lower deformation module 130, resulting in the first protrusion 116 will compress the beverage container 1 of the upper deforming module 120, as shown in FIG. 21b. As shown in FIG. 21b, the second element 119 will slip inside the base portion, as a result of which the removal tool is detached from the lower deformation module. The elongated member 118 continues to move downward with the beverage container, as shown in FIG. 21s

FIG. 22 and 23a-23c shows another pick-up tool 115. In this embodiment, the pick-up tool 115 is located outside the lower deforming module 130. The pick-up tool contains two upwardly projecting elements 122 located on each side of the lower deforming module 130. Each of the protruding elements 122 has the protrusion directed inward 123. The protruding elements can be made of spring steel and arranged so that the protrusions 123 are loaded by the spring in the direction inward.

In FIG. 23a-23c show the action of the pick-up tool 115. In FIG. 23a, the beverage container 1 is emptied by moving the lower deformation module 130 upward. The pickup tool 115 slides upward on the outer surface of the beverage container 1. In FIG. 23b, the beverage container 1 is completely compressed between the upper and lower deformation modules. The protrusion 123 abuts against the upper part of the beverage container 1, so that when the lower deformation module 130 moves downward, the protrusion 123 pushes the compressed beverage container away from the upper deformation module 120, as illustrated in FIG. 23s The compressed beverage container 1 will then follow the lower deformation module and can easily be removed.

The removal tool may also be slidably mounted on the dispenser so that it can abut against the beverage container as it moves upward relative to the upper deforming module and follow the beverage container. When the beverage container is empty and needs to be removed, the removal tool will again follow the lower deformation module in a downward direction and thereby ensure that the beverage container is detached from the upper deformation module by pushing it in a downward direction following the lower deformation module . The removal tool may also comprise a release mechanism, ensuring that the removal tool no longer follows the lower deformation module when the release mechanism is activated.

FIG. 24a-24d shows another removal tool 115 and its operation. In this embodiment, the removal tool 115 is disposed in conjunction with the upper deformation module 120. As can be seen in FIG. 24a, the removal tool 115 is located inside the upper deformation module 120. The removal tool 115 comprises a sliding element 135 having a first protrusion 136 and a second protrusion 137. The first protrusion protrudes relative to the upper deformation module 120, and the second protrusion is located on the opposite end of the sliding element relative to the first protrusion and stands in the opposite direction. Spring 138 abuts against second protrusion 137. In FIG. 24b, the lower deformation module 130 is moved upward relative to the upper deformation module 120, so that the beverage container 1 is in a compressed state. The beverage container 1 abuts against the first protrusion 136, and when it is pushed up, the sliding element 135 follows, while pushing and thereby acting on the spring 138. In FIG. 24c, the lower deformation module is omitted, and the spring force 138 ensures that the compressed beverage container 1 can be separated from the upper deformation module 120 and thereby be moved downward. In FIG. The 24d compressed beverage container has been removed and the spring 138 is in the unloaded position.

Although the above description mainly relates to a device for dispensing drinks saturated with carbon dioxide, for example, beer, it should be understood that the main features of the device for dispensing drinks can be applied to various other liquids, for example, to wines, soft drinks, lemonades, cider, etc.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several modifications are possible within the scope of patent protection of the invention limited by the claims.

Claims (35)

1. A device (100) for dispensing beverages for dispensing a beverage from a beverage container to an outlet, comprising: a receiver (110) for a beverage container (1) made of a deformable material, said receiver (110) being formed by means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of deforming the beverage container (1) to displace the beverage stored in him; a filling line (11) connecting the beverage container (1) fluidly and the outlet (24), the filling line having a first inner diameter (D1); - an actuator (23) located at the outlet in connection with the bottling line (11) and configured to open and close the fluid connection between the beverage container (1) and the outlet (24), wherein, in connection with the beverage container and / or the dispensing line, means for measuring the pressure of the beverage are located in the beverage container (1) and / or in the dispensing line (11), the measured pressure being used to control the means (120, 130, 140, 150 , 160) deforming the beverage container (1) so that a predetermined beverage pressure is reached at the outlet (24), moreover, the filling line (11) contains a connecting device (15) configured to pierce the beverage container (1) in order to fluidly connect the interior of the beverage container with the filling line, and a central tubular part (40) located between the connecting device and line (11) filling, and the Central tubular part (40) has a second inner diameter (D2), while the second inner diameter (D2) is larger than the first inner diameter (D1) of the filling line. 2. The device (100) for bottling drinks according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the container (1) for drinks is a manometer (49) that measures the pressure outside the bottling line (11) connecting the container (1) for drinks and the outlet hole (24). 3. The beverage filling device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the filling line (11) is made of a flexible material, and the external pressure of said filling line is measured. 4. The device (100) for bottling according to claim 1, in which the central tubular part (40) has a first wall thickness (T1), while the central tubular part contains a measuring section (41) having a second wall thickness (T2), wherein the second wall thickness (T2) is less than the first wall thickness (T1), while the pressure of the beverage in the filling line is measured by means of a measuring section (41). 5. The beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the pressure gauge (49) comprises a pushing member (50) configured to apply a predetermined force, while a strain gauge (51) is located between the pushing member and the supporting member (52). 6. The device (100) for bottling according to claim 5, in which opposite the measuring section (41) is a support element (52). 7. The device (100) bottling according to any one of paragraphs. 2-6, in which the means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for deformation of the container (1) for drinks contain two deformation modules (120, 130), while the first deformation module (130) has the shape of a bowl, and the second deforming module (120) has a shape that allows insertion into this bowl. 8. The device (100) for bottling according to claim 7, in which the pressure gauge (49) is located in the second deforming module (120). 9. The beverage dispenser (100) of claim 7, wherein the second deforming module (120) comprises a positioning central portion (47) in which the central tubular portion (40) can be placed. 10. The device (100) for bottling according to claim 9, in which the pressure gauge (49) is located opposite the central tubular part (40) in the positioning central part (47). 11. A beverage dispenser (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the central tubular part (40) comprises at least one protrusion (43) protruding outward in a radial direction from the central tubular part and configured to engage a corresponding groove (48) located in the positioning central part so that it is possible to position the measuring section (41) opposite the support element. 12. The device (100) bottling according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 4-6, in which the central tubular portion (40) comprises a handle (42) facilitating placement of the central tubular portion in the positioning central portion. 13. The device (100) for bottling according to claim 2, further comprising a control module configured to control the engine based on a signal received from the pressure gauge. 14. The device (100) for bottling according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container is a torque meter of the engine (160) designed to actuate the deformation means (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) container (1) for drinks. 15. The device (100) for filling drinks according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container is a pressure sensor located between the beverage container (1) and the module (120; 130) deforming the beverage container (1) . 16. The device (100) for filling drinks according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the container (1) for drinks is a sensor that measures the compression and length of the spring (10) located between the container (1) for drinks and the container deformation module (1) for drinks. 17. The beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure measuring means in the beverage container (1) is a thin-film pressure sensor. 18. The device (100) for filling drinks according to claim 1, wherein the pressure measuring means is a cylinder filled with liquid, said cylinder being located between the container (1) for drinks and the module (120; 130) for deforming the container (1) for drinks, and a pressure sensor is connected to measure the pressure in the cylinder fluid. 19. A beverage dispenser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the pressure in the beverage container (1) is a strain gauge measuring strain or torque applied to the threaded shaft (150) contained in the means (120, 130 , 140, 150, 160) deformation of the container (1) for drinks. 20. The beverage dispensing device (100) according to claim 7, wherein there is a space between the two deformation modules, said space being sufficient to accommodate the wall thickness of the beverage container (1) when the beverage container (1) is completely deformed. 21. The device (100) for bottling drinks according to claim 7, the second deforming module (120) comprising a recess (60) configured to receive the opening end of the beverage container (1), the recess having a first end (61), a second an end (62) and a diameter, the recess decreasing in diameter from the first end to the second end so that the centering of the opening end of the beverage container (1) in the second deforming module (120) is facilitated. 22. A beverage dispensing system (200) comprising a beverage dispensing device (100) according to any one of claims. 1-21. 23. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 22, further comprising a cabinet (18), wherein cooling means are arranged inside the cabinet for storing the beverage in the beverage container (1) at a predetermined low temperature, and a column (19) having a discharge head (20) and a guide channel (21), wherein the column (19) is located on top of the cabinet (18) having a chamber (22) in fluid communication with the guide channel (21). 24. A method for controlling the deformation of a beverage container (1) in a beverage dispenser according to any one of claims. 1-21 and, thus, the pressure of the bottled beverage, the method comprising the steps of: - after inserting the beverage container (1) into the receiver (110), an engine (160) is driven to deform the beverage container (1), - measure the pressure of the drink in the container (1) for drinks and / or filling lines, - stopping the engine as soon as the level of the first predetermined pressure is reached, and - restart the engine (160) if the measured pressure drops below the second predetermined pressure. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of: - reverse the engine if the measured pressure exceeds the first preset pressure.

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