TWI646039B - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage dispensing device comprising: a case for mounting at least one beverage container; a power temperature adjusting device for adjusting a temperature inside the case; and at least one module mounted to the case The beverage dispensing assembly includes a receiving portion for receiving the at least one beverage container and a beverage valve assembly operable to dispense a beverage within the beverage container.

Description

Beverage dispensing device

The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing device.

To date, the supply of beverages to individual consumers has not been achieved in an efficient, portable, and easily reproducible manner.

Existing beverage supplies are typically implemented with complex electromechanical beverage dispensers. An example of such a device is the current adjustment machine, which is commonly used in restaurants. Usually, the current machine is equipped with concentrate, water, CO ₂ and the like on site, and then made into a beverage for consumers. However, such equipment is not practical in some developing regions due to its complicated equipment, large volume and space, difficulty in supplying clean water, concentrate and food grade CO ₂ , and high cost.

Existing water dispensers typically direct water from the vat into a chamber in which the beverage can be directly heated or cooled and then dispensed via a dispensing switch for consumption by the consumer. However, such a distribution is not conducive to maintaining the freshness of the beverage, and is particularly disadvantageous for carbonated beverages. In addition, such equipment is typically used with non-commercially large barrels and is therefore relatively costly.

In addition, in some developing regions, recyclable, refillable containers can be provided to consumers. For example, the consumer can go to the store to purchase a bottle of refillable beverage, and since the refillable container belongs to the store or beverage supplier, the consumer needs to drink the full bottle of beverage at the store and then return the beverage container, or The consumer needs to pour the beverage into another container to take it away. In other cases, the consumer may not want or be able to purchase a full bottle of beverage. Therefore, the use of the above recyclable, refillable containers can cause inconvenience to consumers.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable, simple beverage dispensing device that is capable of temperature regulation of beverages by electrical power.

The present invention provides a beverage dispensing device comprising: a case for mounting at least one beverage container; a power temperature adjusting device for adjusting a temperature inside the case; at least one mounted to the case a modular beverage dispensing assembly comprising a receiving portion for receiving the at least one beverage container, and a beverage valve assembly operable by a user to dispense a beverage within the beverage container

The beverage dispensing device of the present invention has a simple structure and is portable. Efficient temperature regulation can be achieved by the electric power temperature adjustment device, and the fresh taste of the beverage can be maintained. In addition, the modular design of the dispensing end cap assembly facilitates replacement from the beverage dispensing device.

Other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings.

20‧‧‧Beverage containers, beverage bottles, bottles

21‧‧‧ bottle mouth

23‧‧‧ Drinks

40‧‧‧ beverage containers

60‧‧‧Beverage dispensing components

60’‧‧‧Beverage Dispensing Components

62‧‧‧End cover

62’‧‧‧End cover

64‧‧‧ joints

64’‧‧‧Interface

66‧‧‧ snorkel

66’‧‧‧ snorkel

68‧‧‧Distribution tube

68’‧‧‧Distribution tube

69’‧‧‧ check valve

80‧‧‧Beverage valve

81‧‧‧handle

82‧‧·Spring compression valve

83‧‧‧ 塞子

84‧‧‧ second side

85‧‧‧ first side

90‧‧‧ plug

100‧‧‧Beverage dispensing device

110‧‧‧Outer top surface

120‧‧‧Outside

122‧‧‧Hands

130‧‧‧Outside

132‧‧‧Hands

140‧‧‧Back surface

150‧‧‧ front surface

152‧‧‧

153‧‧‧Tray

160‧‧‧Internal space

162‧‧‧ventilation holes

200‧‧‧Battery board

600‧‧‧Beverage distribution components

600’‧‧‧Beverage Dispensing Components

600”‧‧‧ beverage dispensing components

601‧‧‧ Cover

601’‧‧‧ Cover

601"‧‧‧ Cover

602‧‧‧ snorkel

602’‧‧‧ snorkel

602"‧‧‧ snorkel

603‧‧‧Distribution tube

603’‧‧‧Distribution tube

603”‧‧‧Distribution tube

604‧‧‧Beverage valve assembly

604’‧‧‧Beverage valve assembly

604”‧‧‧Beverage valve assembly

605‧‧‧ cavity

605’‧‧‧ cavity

606‧‧‧Export tube

606’‧‧‧Export tube

607’‧‧‧Spring device

607”‧‧‧Spring device

612‧‧‧ joints

612"‧‧‧ joints

613‧‧‧ Ventilation opening

614‧‧‧Distribution opening

621‧‧ thread

622‧‧‧ annular raised portion

623‧‧‧ lower end

622’‧‧‧Rings

623"‧‧‧ lower end

624"‧‧‧Rings

625"‧‧‧ annular raised portion

628”‧‧‧outer wall boss

629”‧‧‧Intersection

631‧‧‧ annular raised portion

631’‧‧‧Rings

632‧‧‧ annular raised portion

632’‧‧‧Rings

633‧‧‧ lower end

633’‧‧‧ lower end

635"‧‧" annular raised portion

641‧‧ thread

642‧‧‧Support

642’‧‧‧Support

642"‧‧‧Support

643‧‧‧through hole

644‧‧‧Beverage valve housing

644’‧‧‧Beverage valve housing

644”‧‧‧Beverage valve housing

645‧‧‧First sealing valve

645’‧‧‧End or receiving department

645"‧‧‧ Sealing valve

647”‧‧‧ actuation section

A‧‧‧ arrow

B‧‧‧ arrow

D2‧‧‧diameter

D3‧‧‧diameter

L1‧‧‧ distance

L2‧‧‧ distance

Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a beverage dispensing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side elevational view of the beverage dispensing device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of Figure 1 Another perspective view of the beverage dispensing device wherein the door of the beverage dispensing device is in an open state; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the powering use of the beverage dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; A cross-sectional view of a portion of a beverage dispensing assembly of the beverage dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a portion of a beverage dispensing assembly of the beverage dispensing device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view of the component; FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a beverage valve for the beverage dispensing assembly of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, wherein the beverage valve is in a closed position; FIG. 8 schematically illustrates another illustration of the beverage valve of FIG. Figure, wherein the beverage valve is in the open position; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a schematic side view of a beverage dispensing assembly for use with an inverted beverage bottle in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention ; FIG. 10 schematically shows a sectional view of a portion of a beverage dispensing assembly member of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 schematically shows a partial sectional view of a variant of the beverage dispensing assembly of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variation of the beverage dispensing assembly of Figure 9; Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another variation of the beverage dispensing assembly of Figure 9; Figures 14a-14c schematically illustrate The working principle diagram of the beverage dispensing assembly of Fig. 14 is shown.

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals generally refer to the same or similar parts unless otherwise indicated in the text. The embodiments and the figures described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present invention, which are described in the specification and in the drawings, may be

As used herein, the term "premixed beverage" includes ready-to-drink beverages and beverages that do not require mixing with other ingredients prior to consumption. For example, a 2L bottle of Coca-Cola is a pre-mixed beverage. In contrast, the bag-in-box Coca-Cola thick paste is not a pre-mixed beverage because the thick slurry needs to be mixed with a diluent such as soda water before drinking. Similarly, a bottle of orange juice is a pre-mixed beverage. In contrast, orange juice concentrates are not premixed beverages because the concentrate needs to be mixed with a diluent such as water before drinking.

As used herein, the term "ready-to-drink beverage" includes a beverage that is in a drinkable state as desired by the beverage manufacturer. For example, although Coca-Cola thick pulp can be in a drinkable state, Coca-Cola expects it to be mixed with soda water before drinking. Similarly, other beverage concentrates, although in a drinkable state, are not expected to be consumed alone, but rather are expected to be consumed after mixing with the diluent. Further, "ready drink" includes a beverage that is not a mixture of concentrates. For example, a "ready drink" may be freshly squeezed orange juice, brewed tea, water or other beverage that is not a mixture of concentrates.

As used herein, the term "beverage" includes non-steamed (or non-carbonated) beverages, sodas, or carbonated beverages.

As used herein, the term "temperature regulation" includes heating and/or refrigeration.

Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" are used herein to facilitate the description of the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the term referring to the spatial orientation includes other orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the Figures. For example, if the device in the figures is "an" or "an"

Fig. 1 schematically shows a front perspective view of a beverage dispensing device 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 schematically shows a side perspective view of the beverage dispensing device 100 of Fig. 1. The beverage dispensing device 100 includes a housing having an outer top surface 110, a front surface 150, two outer sides 120 and 130, and a rear surface 140. In a preferred embodiment The case is enclosed inside and/or outside by a heat insulating material to form a heat insulating case. The thermal insulating material may be an insulating foam, an insulating fiber, or the like. In one embodiment, the outer top surface 110 has an oblique profile when viewed in the frontal direction (ie, as viewed from the front of FIG. 1) and also has a sloped profile when viewed in the lateral direction (ie, as viewed from the side of FIG. 2). Such an outer top surface geometry can make it difficult for a merchant or consumer to stack debris on the outer top surface to prevent printing on the front surface 150 and/or the outer sides 120 and 130 due to the stacked debris. The distinctiveness of the logo (such as a trademark).

The beverage dispensing device 100 has at least one beverage valve 80 on the front side (two beverage valves 80 in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2) that can be operated by a user to dispense a beverage. Although the beverage valve 80 is shown in the form of a push-type lever, it will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the beverage valve 80 can be any other suitable form. In a preferred embodiment, a tray 153 is provided below the beverage valve 80 for receiving spilled or leaking droplets.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer sides 130 and 120 of the beverage dispensing device 100 are provided with handle portions 132 and 122 to facilitate handling of the beverage dispensing device 100. In a preferred embodiment, the rear surface 140 of the beverage dispensing device 100 is provided with a metal grid 142 that is used not only for safety but also for heat dissipation of the power temperature regulating device of the beverage dispensing device.

Fig. 3 schematically shows another perspective view of the beverage dispensing device 100 of Fig. 1 with the door 152 of the beverage dispensing device 100 in an open state. According to the general idea of the invention, the beverage dispensing device 100 comprises: a housing (preferably a thermally insulated housing) having a door 152 for mounting at least one inverted beverage container 20; a power temperature regulating device ( Not shown) for adjusting the temperature within the thermally insulated housing; at least one modular beverage dispensing assembly 60 mounted to the housing, including a receiving portion and a beverage valve assembly, the receiving portion for receiving The at least one inverted beverage container 20, the beverage valve assembly operable by a user to dispense a beverage within the beverage container. The beverage container stores a pre-mixed beverage or a ready-to-drink beverage. Preferably, the beverage container 20 is a beverage bottle (eg, a commercially available 1.5 liter or 2 liter bottle, but is not limited thereto). In another preferred embodiment, the beverage container 20 is a beverage bag (not shown). For example, the beverage bag can be mounted to the beverage dispensing device by a holder or holding box, the receiving portion can be provided with a tip, thereby piercing the beverage bag while dispensing the beverage bag for dispensing the beverage. This embodiment is particularly cost-effective due to the low cost of packaging and shipping the bagged beverage.

It will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the power temperature adjustment device can be any electrical heating and/or refrigeration device commonly used in the art that is integrated into the beverage dispensing device of the present invention to bottle beverages in a thermally insulated enclosure. Heat and/or cool. In one embodiment, the power temperature regulating device is a refrigeration device, which is particularly advantageous for the case of carbonated beverages; in another embodiment, the power temperature regulating device is a heating device, which is for the fruit, milk Classes and tea drinks and the like are particularly advantageous.

Examples of refrigeration devices include, but are not limited to: - a compression refrigeration unit that provides mechanical energy from an electric motor, works on the refrigeration system through a compressor, and the refrigeration system utilizes the principle that low-boiling refrigerant absorbs heat of vaporization during evaporation; - absorption refrigeration unit, through ammonia - The continuous absorption-diffusion process of the water-hydrogen mixed solution achieves the purpose of refrigeration; - a semiconductor refrigeration device that utilizes the principle of generating a Peltier effect on the junction by using a direct current to the PN-type semiconductor to achieve refrigeration.

Examples of heating devices include, but are not limited to: - compression heating devices that operate the system in reverse to achieve heating purposes (eg, household air conditioners) using principles similar to those of compression refrigeration devices; - resistive heating devices that utilize current Heating is achieved by the principle of heat generation by electric resistance (such as electric water heaters and electric cookers); - microwave heating devices usually use electromagnetic waves of a specific wavelength, relying on the dielectric material itself to lose electromagnetic energy into thermal energy, and the polar molecules in the dielectric material are from principle. The random distribution state is oriented according to the polarity of the electric field. As the alternating electromagnetic field changes, the medium molecules are violently transported and rubbed against each other to generate heat, so that the temperature of the medium is continuously increased.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that although some examples of power temperature adjustment devices (heating and/or refrigeration devices) are listed, other suitable types of power temperature adjustment devices can be used for heating and/or cooling. The specific operating principles and effects of these power thermostats (heating and/or refrigerating devices) are known in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the upper portion of the interior space 160 of the thermally insulated enclosure has venting openings 162 for communicating the interior space 160 with the electrical power conditioning device. In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the thermally insulated housing has a space for receiving at least one additional beverage container 40. Thus, the at least one additional beverage container 40 can be pre-cooled in the thermally insulated enclosure and can be mounted to the modular beverage dispensing assembly 60 for distribution to the consumer at any time. Preferably, the inner space 160 of the thermally insulating case has a flat surface to facilitate cleaning and disinfection. In one embodiment, the door 152 and the case may have a latch mechanism (not shown) for locking in a state where the door 152 is closed. In a preferred embodiment, the door 152 or the case may be provided with a recess (not shown) to facilitate opening the door 152.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the beverage dispensing device 100 is connected to the mains by a plug 90 to power the electrical thermostat. In some other embodiments, the power temperature adjustment device of the beverage dispensing device can also be electrically connected to a battery, solar cell, or car cigarette lighter socket. Thus, the beverage dispensing device is portable and highly flexible.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the beverage dispensing device 100 for use with a solar cell, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the solar cell has a canopy-shaped panel 200 placed adjacent to the beverage dispensing device 100 and electrically connected to the power thermostat.

The beverage dispensing assembly has a modular design that can be easily engaged with the beverage opening of the beverage container 20 and can be easily mounted to the beverage dispensing device 100 (shown in Figure 3).

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of some components of the beverage dispensing assembly 60 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage dispensing assembly 60 includes an end cap 62, a dispensing tube 68, and a vent tube 66. The joint 64 of the beverage dispensing assembly 60 is for engaging the mouth of the beverage bottle. The vent tube 66 extends to the bottom of the inverted beverage bottle in a state where the beverage dispensing assembly 60 is engaged with the inverted beverage bottle. In a state of being mounted to the beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage valve 80 can be operated by a user such that the dispensing tube 68 and the vent tube 66 are in an open state or a closed state (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8) . Since the vent tube 66 extends to the bottom of the inverted beverage bottle, when dispensing the beverage, air can enter the beverage bottle through the vent 66 to balance the pressure inside and outside the bottle to dispense the beverage at a high and stable rate. Such a beverage dispensing assembly 60 is particularly advantageous for fruit-containing beverages.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing assembly 60' in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The beverage dispensing assembly 60' includes an end cap 62', a dispensing tube 68', and a vent tube 66' having a one-way valve 69'. The joint portion 64' of the beverage dispensing assembly 60' is adapted to engage the mouth of the beverage bottle. When the beverage dispensing assembly 60' is engaged with a beverage bottle, the one-way valve 69' allows ambient air to enter the beverage bottle without allowing beverage and/or gas contained within the beverage bottle to flow out through the one-way valve 69' . In the state of being mounted to the beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage valve 80 can be operated by a user such that the dispensing tube 68' and the vent tube 66' are in an open or closed state (see, for example, Figure 7 and 8). The one-way valve may be a one-way valve or a combination of a plurality of one-way valves: duckbill One-way valve, diaphragm type check valve, spring type check valve, gravity type check valve, swing type check valve. Since the vent pipe 66' is provided with the one-way valve 69' described above, when dispensing the beverage, air can enter the beverage bottle through the vent pipe 66' to balance the pressure inside and outside the bottle, thereby dispensing the beverage at a high and stable speed and maintaining the beverage. Fresh and clean. Such a beverage dispensing assembly 60' is particularly advantageous for carbonated beverages.

Figure 7 shows schematically a beverage valve 80 for the beverage dispensing assembly of Figure 5 or Figure 6, wherein the beverage valve 80 is in the closed position; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the beverage valve 80 of Figure 7, wherein the beverage valve 80 is Open position. As shown in FIG. 7, the beverage valve 80 includes a handle 81 that is attached to a spring compression valve 82. In the closed position, the first side 85 of the handle 81 abuts against the spring compression valve 82, which closes the dispensing tube and the vent tube to prevent the beverage from flowing out. When the beverage container is mounted to the beverage dispensing device, a plug 83 can be attached to the bottom of the dispensing tube to prevent undesired beverage dispensing when the beverage container is inverted. The handle 81 also includes a second side 84 that is contoured to enable controlled dispensing of the beverage in the following manner. When the handle 81 is pressed, the handle 81 rotates along the contoured surface of the second side 84 about the attachment point of the spring compression valve 82. When the handle 81 is depressed, the spring compression valve 82 partially opens or completely opens the dispensing tube and the vent tube, causing the beverage to flow out.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the beverage valve 80 for the beverage dispensing assembly can also have any other suitable configuration.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a schematic side view of a beverage dispensing assembly 600 for use in conjunction with an inverted beverage bottle 20 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure (for clarity purposes, the beverage dispensing assembly and bottles in the figures are not shown in actual scale). The finish 21 of the beverage bottle can be attached to the closure 601 of the beverage dispensing assembly 600, which is supported by the beverage dispensing assembly 600 in an inverted position for dispensing the pre-mixed beverage or ready-to-drink beverage 23 contained in the beverage. The beverage dispensing assembly can be used with most commercially available beverage bottles.

The bottle 20 has a mouth 21 at its top portion. When the sealed end cap (not shown) of the bottle is removed, the beverage 23 contained in the bottle 20 can generally be dispensed through the mouth 21 by tilting the bottle and lowering the mouth 21 . The finish 21 can be a standard finish provided with external threads that can be engaged with a sealing member (not shown) provided in the closure 601. In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the sealing member is an internal thread provided on the joint 612 of the closure 601. Additionally or alternatively, an additional seal (eg, a deformable sealing structure) may be provided in the closure 601 to ensure its liquid tightness. In some cases, the mouth 21 of the bottle has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the closure 601, or the mouth of the bottle does not have external threads, or the finish has a specially designed cross-sectional shape. In these cases, an insert (not shown) may be provided in the closure 601 to complementarily engage between the mouth 21 of the bottle and the joint 612 of the closure 601 and form a leak-proof engagement. In a preferred embodiment, a bracket (not shown) is provided for securely supporting the bottle in the inverted position.

A beverage dispensing assembly 600 having a pressure equalization system includes a closure 601 having an engagement portion for engaging a mouth of a bottle, and a dispensing tube 603 communicating with the closure 601 (ie, directly or indirectly connected) To the cover and through the cover in fluid communication with the bottle) for Having the liquid beverage; a vent tube 602 that communicates with the closure 601; a beverage valve assembly 604 having a tubular beverage valve housing 644 that is operable by a user to The bottle dispenses the liquid beverage. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage dispensing assembly 600 further includes an outlet tube 606 that is coupled to the outlet tube to better direct beverage outflow. When the beverage valve assembly 604 is moved to a first position (as shown in FIG. 1), the dispensing tube 603 and the vent tube 602 are in a closed state; when the beverage valve assembly 604 is moved to a second position ( When not shown in Fig. 1, the dispensing tube 603 and the vent tube 602 are in an open state, and the liquid beverage 23 in the bottle 20 will flow out of the bottle 20 through the dispensing tube 3, and the ambient air will pass through the snorkel. 2 Automatically enters the bottle 20 to balance the external and internal pressures (described in detail below in accordance with various embodiments).

FIG. 10 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of a portion of a beverage dispensing assembly 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage dispensing assembly 600 includes a closure 601 having an engagement portion 612 for engaging a mouth of a bottle, a dispensing tube 603 coupled to the closure 601 for dispensing the liquid beverage, and a vent tube 602 It is connected to the closure 601; a beverage valve assembly 604 having a tubular beverage valve housing 644 that is operable by a user to dispense the liquid beverage from the bottle. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage dispensing assembly 600 further includes an outlet tube 606 that is coupled to the outlet tube to better direct beverage outflow. In a preferred embodiment, the closure 601 has a larger outer diameter to facilitate gripping by a user.

In this embodiment, the diameter d3 of the dispensing tube 603 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the vent tube 602 such that the dispensing tube 603 is movably disposed inside the vent tube 602. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper end of the vent pipe 602 is fixedly coupled to the cover 601. In an alternate embodiment, the vent tube 602 is integrally formed with the closure 601. The beverage valve assembly has a sealing valve 645 for a dispensing tube 603. As shown in FIG. 10, the longitudinal cross-section of the sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 is T-shaped. It is easy to understand that the sealing valve for the dispensing tube 603 is easy to understand. 645 can also be other suitable types of sealing valves. The sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 is secured to the beverage valve housing 644 by a support portion 642. The support portion 642 can pass the beverage and flow out when the dispensing tube 603 is opened. In one embodiment, the support portion 642 is a plate having a plurality of through holes 643 (shown in FIG. 10). In another embodiment, the support portion 642 is connected from the beverage valve housing 644 to the first A plurality of spaced apart spokes of a sealing valve 645 (shown in Figure 12). It is easy to understand that the support portion 642 can also have other suitable structural forms. The inner wall of the dispensing tube 603 has an annular raised portion 631 in the lower region to form a valve seat for the dispensing tube 603. When the dispensing tube 603 is in the closed state, the sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 is pressed against the annular projection 631 (the valve seat for the dispensing tube 603) to form a leak-proof engagement. The outer wall of the dispensing tube 603 has an annular raised portion 632 that forms a sealing valve for the vent tube 602, the inner wall of which has an annular raised portion 622 that forms a valve seat for the vent tube 602. When the vent tube 602 is in the closed state, the sealing valve for the vent tube 602 is pressed against the annular boss 622 (for the valve seat of the vent tube 602) to form a leak proof engagement. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that in order to ensure an advantageous sealing engagement, a sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 and a sealing valve for the venting tube 602, and/or a valve seat for the dispensing tube 603 and for passage can be used. The valve seat of the gas tube 602 is subjected to suitable processing and/or material selection. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 and the sealing valve for the vent tube 602 are encapsulated; of course, other suitable processing may be used to further improve the seal.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the outer wall of the vent pipe 602 is provided with a thread 621, and the inner wall of the beverage valve housing 644 is provided with a thread 641, and the threads 621 and 641 cooperate with each other to pass Rotating the beverage valve housing 644 causes the beverage valve assembly 604 to move between the first position and the second position. In this embodiment, the threads 621 and 641 are air guiding threads such that air can be engaged into the cavity 605 between the beverage valve housing 644 and the dispensing tube 603 (as indicated by arrow A) and subsequently The vent tube 602 enters the bottle when it is opened.

For the embodiment of Figure 10, in use, when the beverage valve assembly is in the first position (as shown in Figure 10), the sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 is pressed against the dispensing tube The valve seat for the vent tube 602 is pressed against the valve seat for the vent tube 602 such that the dispensing tube 603 and the vent tube 602 are in a closed state. When the beverage valve housing 644 is rotated such that the beverage valve assembly 604 is moved upwardly, the sealing valve 645 for the dispensing tube 603 exits the valve seat for the dispensing tube 603, and the dispensing tube 603 is opened, at this time for the vent tube 602. The sealing valve is still pressed against the valve seat for the vent tube 602, and the vent tube 602 is closed. After the beverage valve assembly 604 is moved upward by a distance l , the support 642 abuts against the lower end surface 633 of the dispensing tube 603, and then the dispensing tube 603 moves up with the beverage valve assembly 604. When the beverage valve assembly 604 is moved to the second position, the sealing valve for the vent tube 602 also exits the valve seat for the vent tube 602, and both the dispensing tube 603 and the vent tube 602 are in an open state. At this point, the beverage flows down the dispensing tube 603 and exits through the through hole 643 in the support portion 642 (as indicated by arrow B), and air enters the chamber through the air-guiding thread into the chamber 605 and then through the open vent tube 602 (eg, an arrow) A is shown) to balance the pressure inside and outside the bottle. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that when the vent tube 602 is opened, even if a portion of the beverage flows downward through the vent tube 602, the beverage will quickly fall to the bottom of the chamber 605 without obstructing the flow of air.

Figure 11 shows a schematic partial side cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 11 differs from FIG. 10 in that the vent tube 602 is communicated to the venting opening 613 on the closure 601, and the dispensing tube 603 is communicated to the dispensing opening 614 on the closure 601, wherein the venting opening 613 is spaced apart from the dispensing opening 614. . The vent opening 613 may have a diameter of 1-5 mm, preferably 1-3 mm, more preferably 1.4-1.6 mm, thereby advantageously preventing intake air from interfering with beverage outflow and reducing intake air bubbles. The diameter avoids large bubbles agitating the beverage and lowers the gas content of the carbonated beverage.

Figure 12 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of a portion of a beverage dispensing assembly 600' in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 12 differs from FIG. 10 in that ventilation is provided in the beverage dispensing assembly 600' of FIG. The outer wall of the tube 602 and the inner wall of the beverage valve housing 644 are not provided with threads 621 and 641 that cooperate with each other. Alternatively, a pretensioned spring means 607' is provided between the closure 601' and the beverage valve housing 644' in the direction of movement of the beverage valve housing such that the beverage valve assembly 604' can be overcome A spring force moves between the first position and the second position. One end of the spring means 607' abuts against the end face of the closure 601' or its receiving portion, and the other end abuts against the end face of the beverage valve housing 644' or its receiving portion 645'. In this embodiment, an air guide groove (not shown) is provided between the vent pipe 602' and the beverage valve housing 644'. It will be readily understood that the air guide slot may be provided on the outer wall of the vent tube 602' and/or on the inner wall of the beverage valve housing 644' such that air can flow into the beverage valve housing 644' through the air sump and A cavity 605' between the distribution tubes 603' (as indicated by arrow A).

As described above, Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment in which the dispensing tube of the beverage dispensing assembly is disposed inside the vent tube.

Figure 13 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of a portion of a beverage dispensing assembly 600" in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a vent tube 602" is disposed inside the dispensing tube 603". The beverage dispensing assembly 600" includes a closure 601" having an engagement portion 612" for engaging the mouth of the bottle; a dispensing tube 603" that communicates with the closure 601" for dispensing the liquid beverage; a vent tube 602", It communicates to the closure 601"; a beverage valve assembly 604" having a tubular beverage valve housing 644" that is operable by a user to dispense the liquid beverage from the bottle. It will be readily understood that the bottom of the beverage valve assembly 604" has one or more openings for the beverage to flow out. Although not shown, in a preferred embodiment, The beverage dispensing assembly 600" also includes an outlet tube to which the tubular beverage valve housing 644" is coupled for better guiding beverage outflow.

In this embodiment, the diameter d2 of the vent tube 602" is smaller than the diameter d3 of the dispensing tube 603" such that the vent tube 602" is movably disposed inside the dispensing tube 603". As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing tube 603" is integrally formed with the cover 601". In an alternate embodiment, the upper end of the discrete dispensing tube 603" is fixedly coupled to the closure 601". In the case where the vent pipe is disposed inside the distribution pipe, if the vent pipe extends only to the vicinity of the bottle mouth, the beverage in the bottle may hinder the flow of air into the bottle, so that a satisfactory pressure balance effect cannot be obtained. In one embodiment, the vent tube 602" extends up to the bottom of the bottle; in an alternate embodiment, the vent tube 602" has a joint 629" for attaching a tube that extends to the bottom of the bottle.

The beverage valve assembly 604" has a sealing valve 645" for the vent tube 602". As shown in FIG. 13, the longitudinal section of the sealing valve 645" for the vent tube 602" is T-shaped, which is easily understood. The sealing valve 645" of the vent 602" may also be another suitable type of sealing valve. The sealing valve 645" for the vent 602" is secured to the beverage valve housing 644" by a support portion 642". The support portion 642" can pass air through and into the vent tube 602". In one embodiment, the support portion 642" is a plate having a plurality of through holes (as shown in Figure 10), in another In an embodiment, the support portion 42" is a plurality of spaced apart spokes (shown in Figure 12) that are connected from the beverage valve housing to the sealing valve for the vent tube 2". Easy to understand The support portion 642" may also have other suitable configurations. The inner wall of the vent tube 602" has an annular raised portion 624" in the lower region to form a valve seat for the vent tube 602". When the vent tube 602" is in the closed state, the sealing valve 645" for the vent tube 602" is pressed against the annular boss 624" (the seat for the vent tube 602) to form a leak proof Engaged. The outer wall of the vent tube 602" has an annular boss 625" forming a sealing valve for the dispensing tube 603", the inner wall of the dispensing tube 603" having an annular boss 635" formed for a valve seat of the piping 603". When the distribution pipe 603" is in the closed state, the sealing valve for the distribution pipe 603" is pressed against the annular boss 635" (the seat for the distribution pipe 603), To form a leak-proof joint. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that in order to ensure an advantageous sealing engagement, a sealing valve 645" for the dispensing tube 603" and a sealing valve for the venting tube 602", and/or for The valve seat of the dispensing tube 603" and the valve seat for the vent tube 602" are subjected to suitable processing and/or material selection. For example, in one embodiment, the sealing valve 645" for the dispensing tube 603" and the sealing valve for the vent tube 602" are encapsulated; of course, other suitable processing may be used.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the cover 601" and the beverage valve housing 644" are provided with unloaded or pre-compressed in the moving direction of the beverage valve housing. The spring device 607" enables the beverage valve assembly 604" to move between the first position and the second position against a spring force. One end of the spring means 607" abuts against the end face of the closure 1" or its receiving portion, and the other end abuts against the end face of the beverage valve housing 644" or its receiving portion 645". Alternatively (although not shown), the dispensing tube The inner wall of the 603" and the inner wall of the beverage valve housing 644" are provided with threads that cooperate with each other such that by rotating the beverage valve housing 644", the beverage valve assembly 604" is in the first position and Moving between the second positions.

Referring now to the beverage dispensing assembly 600" of Figure 13, the opening process of the beverage dispensing assembly is described with reference to Figures 14a-14c, wherein the beverage valve assembly 604" of Figure 14a is in a first position, a dispensing tube 603" and a vent tube 602" Both are in the closed state, the beverage valve assembly 604" in Figure 14b is moved to the intermediate position, the vent tube 602" is open and the dispensing tube 603" is closed, the beverage valve assembly 604" in Figure 14c is moved to the second position, the dispensing tube 603" and the passage The trachea 602" is both open.

As shown in Figure 14a, the beverage valve assembly 604" is in a first position, the sealing valve 645" for the vent tube 602" is pressed against the valve seat for the vent tube 602" and the The sealing valve of the dispensing tube 603" is pressed against the valve seat for the dispensing tube 603" such that both the dispensing tube 603" and the venting tube 602" are in a closed state. As shown in Figure 14b, when the beverage valve assembly 604" is moved upward against the spring force, the sealing valve 645" for the vent tube 602" exits the valve seat for the vent tube 602", the vent tube 602" is open, At this time, the sealing valve for the dispensing tube 603" is still pressed against the valve seat for the dispensing tube 603", and the dispensing tube 603" is closed. After the beverage valve assembly 604" is moved upward by a distance l1 , the actuation portion 647" of the beverage valve assembly 604" abuts against the vent tube 602" outer wall boss 628", and then the vent tube 602" can be moved up with the beverage valve assembly 604" It is easy to understand that, in the case where the actuating portion 647" and the boss 628" are not provided, alternatively, after the beverage valve assembly 604" is moved upward by the distance l2 , the support portion 642" abuts against the lower end surface of the vent pipe 602"623", then the vent tube 602" can move up with the beverage valve assembly 604". As shown in Figure 14c, when the beverage valve assembly 604" is moved to the second position, the sealing valve for the dispensing tube 603" also leaves The valve seat for the dispensing tube 603", the dispensing tube 603" and the vent tube 602" are both open. At this point, the beverage flows down the dispensing tube 603" and exits through the opening at the bottom of the beverage valve assembly 604" (as indicated by arrow B), and air enters the bottle through the open vent 602" (as indicated by arrow A), thereby Balance the pressure inside and outside the bottle.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that although a plurality of said modular beverage dispensing assemblies are schematically illustrated and described in accordance with Figures 5-14c, the modular beverage dispensing assembly can have any other suitable Structure.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above exemplary devices. The various embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

A beverage dispensing device comprising: a case defining an interior, the interior being sized and shaped to mount at least one inverted beverage container; and a power temperature adjustment device in communication with the interior of the case And a modularized beverage dispensing assembly mounted to the housing, the at least one modular beverage dispensing assembly including a receiving portion and a beverage valve assembly for receiving The at least one inverted beverage container, and the beverage valve assembly includes a handle, a dispensing tube and a vent tube, wherein the dispensing tube has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the vent tube such that the dispensing tube is movably disposed in the vent tube Internally, wherein the vent tube extends at least partially into the inverted beverage container when the beverage dispensing assembly is engaged with the inverted beverage container, wherein the handle is operable by a user to open or close the dispensing tube and the vent tube to Dispensing the beverage in the inverted beverage container. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the inverted beverage container stores a pre-mixed beverage or a ready-to-drink beverage, and/or the beverage container is a beverage bottle. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is enclosed internally and/or externally by a thermally insulating material; and/or the interior of the casing is sized and shaped to accommodate at least one additional Storage of beverage containers. The beverage dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the electric power temperature adjusting device is a refrigerating device. The beverage dispensing device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the power temperature regulating device is powered by being connected to a mains, battery, solar cell, or car cigarette lighter socket. The beverage dispensing device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the vent tube extends to the bottom of the inverted beverage bottle in a state in which the beverage dispensing assembly is engaged with the inverted beverage container. The beverage dispensing device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the vent tube has a one-way valve that allows ambient air to enter the beverage bottle when the receiving portion is engaged with the beverage bottle Beverages and/or gases contained in the beverage bottle are not allowed to flow out through the one-way valve. The beverage dispensing device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the beverage dispensing assembly further comprises a closure having the receiving portion, the dispensing tube and the venting tube being in communication with the closure, wherein the beverage The valve assembly has a tubular beverage valve housing operable by a user to dispense a beverage from the beverage container, the beverage valve assembly being continuously moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the beverage valve The dispensing tube and the vent tube are in a closed state when the assembly is moved to the first position, and the dispensing tube and the vent tube are in an open state when the beverage valve assembly is moved to the second position. The beverage dispensing device of claim 8, wherein the beverage valve assembly has a sealing valve for a dispensing tube, the sealing valve for the dispensing tube being secured to the beverage valve housing by a support portion, the inside of the dispensing tube The wall has an annular projection in the lower region forming a valve seat for the dispensing tube, the inner wall of the vent tube having an annular projection forming a valve seat for the vent tube, the dispensing The outer wall of the tube has an annular projection forming a sealing valve for the vent tube, wherein the sealing valve for the dispensing tube is pressed against the valve for the dispensing tube when the beverage valve assembly is moved to the first position Seat and the sealing valve for the vent tube is pressed against the valve seat for the vent tube such that the dispensing tube and the vent tube are in a closed state, when the beverage valve assembly is moved to the second position, The sealing valve of the dispensing tube exits the valve seat for the dispensing tube and the sealing valve for the venting tube exits the valve seat for the venting tube such that the dispensing tube and the venting tube are in an open state. The beverage dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the sealing valve for the dispensing tube and the sealing valve for the vent tube are encapsulated; and/or the outer wall of the vent tube and the beverage valve housing The inner wall is provided with threads that cooperate with each other such that the beverage valve assembly moves between the first position and the second position by rotating the beverage valve housing, wherein the threads are air guiding threads. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 9 wherein an unloaded or pre-compressed spring means is provided between the closure and the beverage valve housing in the direction of movement of the beverage valve housing such that the beverage The valve assembly is movable between the first position and the second position against a spring force, wherein an air guide groove is disposed between the vent tube and the beverage valve housing. The beverage dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the vent tube is in communication with at least one venting opening in the closure, the dispensing tube being communicated to a dispensing opening in the closure, wherein the venting opening and the dispensing opening Separated, the vent opening has a diameter of 1-5 mm. The beverage dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the venting opening has a diameter of 1-3 mm. The beverage dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the vent opening has a diameter of 1.4 to 1.6 mm. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 8 wherein the beverage dispensing assembly is adapted for manual control and the flow of the beverage dispensing assembly is controllable by adjusting the displacement of the beverage valve assembly.