WO2015100140A1 - Pompage et mesure de micro-ingrédient visqueux à l'aide d'un dispositif de mesure volumétrique - Google Patents

Pompage et mesure de micro-ingrédient visqueux à l'aide d'un dispositif de mesure volumétrique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015100140A1
WO2015100140A1 PCT/US2014/071287 US2014071287W WO2015100140A1 WO 2015100140 A1 WO2015100140 A1 WO 2015100140A1 US 2014071287 W US2014071287 W US 2014071287W WO 2015100140 A1 WO2015100140 A1 WO 2015100140A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
inlet
groove
outlet
port
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/071287
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Arthur G. Rudick
Paul A. Phillips
Original Assignee
The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Coca-Cola Company filed Critical The Coca-Cola Company
Publication of WO2015100140A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015100140A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
    • F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • F04B43/06—Pumps having fluid drive
    • F04B43/073—Pumps having fluid drive the actuating fluid being controlled by at least one valve
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
    • F04B15/02—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
    • F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
    • F16K11/06—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements
    • F16K11/065—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members
    • F16K11/07—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
    • F16K11/0716—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides with fluid passages through the valve member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
    • F16K31/0603—Multiple-way valves
    • F16K31/061—Sliding valves
    • F16K31/0613—Sliding valves with cylindrical slides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F3/00—Measuring the volume flow of fluids or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through the meter in successive and more or less isolated quantities, the meter being driven by the flow
    • G01F3/02—Measuring the volume flow of fluids or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through the meter in successive and more or less isolated quantities, the meter being driven by the flow with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement
    • G01F3/04—Measuring the volume flow of fluids or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through the meter in successive and more or less isolated quantities, the meter being driven by the flow with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement having rigid movable walls
    • G01F3/14—Measuring the volume flow of fluids or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through the meter in successive and more or less isolated quantities, the meter being driven by the flow with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement having rigid movable walls comprising reciprocating pistons, e.g. reciprocating in a rotating body
    • G01F3/16—Measuring the volume flow of fluids or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through the meter in successive and more or less isolated quantities, the meter being driven by the flow with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement having rigid movable walls comprising reciprocating pistons, e.g. reciprocating in a rotating body in stationary cylinders

Definitions

  • Some consumable product ingredient fluids may require agitation to prevent flavor oils from separating out of the ingredient fluids.
  • the consumable product may be a food or a beverage product.
  • the ingredient fluids may be micro- ingredient fluids. Agitation may be provided by a complicated and expensive agitated ingredient compartment that houses such ingredient fluids in a product mixer and/or dispensers. The need for agitation may result in thicker and/or stronger and
  • Metering pumps or volumetric metering pumps are devices that move a precise volume of liquid in a specified time period providing an accurate flow rate.
  • Metering pumps typically move liquids in two stages; first the suction stroke, and second the discharge stroke.
  • suction stroke liquid is typically pulled into the pump cavity past the inlet check valve.
  • discharge stroke the inlet valve closes; the outlet valve opens, and the liquid is pushed out.
  • the flow is varied by either changing the stroke length or by adjusting the cycle frequency.
  • a valving element may be biased to a first end of a travel range, for example by a return spring and a de-energized magnetic coil. Biasing the valving element to the first end enables the fluid volume to be received from a second side of the metering element via a second inlet port to the valving element from the metering element.
  • the valving element may be biased to a second end of the travel range, for example by energizing the magnetic coil to repel the magnetic core within the valving element. Biasing the valving element to the second end of the travel range enables the fluid volume to be received through the inlet port of the valving element from the pressurized source.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system in an initial phase
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the volumetric metering system in an intermediate dispensing phase
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the volumetric metering system in a second dispensing phase
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the volumetric metering system returning to the first dispensing phase
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the volumetric metering system refilling ingredients during the intermediate dispensing phase
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system wherein the pressurized source is a pump;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system of an alternative embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in a method consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure for dispensing fluid.
  • a valving element may be biased to a first end of a travel range, for example by a return spring and a de-energized magnetic coil.
  • the valving element may comprise a magnetic core attached to one end of the valving element. Biasing the valving element to the first end of a travel range enables a fluid volume to be received through a first inlet port of the valving element from a pressurized source.
  • the fluid volume may be channeled through a hollow central port of valving element and along an inlet groove around the circumference of the valving element via one or more circumferential ports.
  • the fluid volume may be directed to a first side of a metering element via a first outlet port from the valving element to the metering element. Furthermore, biasing the valving element to the first end enables the fluid volume to be received from a second side of the metering element via a second inlet port to the valving element from the metering element. The fluid volume received through the second inlet port may then be channeled along an outlet groove around the circumference of the valving element to a second outlet port from the valving element to the nozzle.
  • the inlet groove of the valving element is also in fluid communication with the first inlet port.
  • the outlet groove of the valving element is aligned with and in fluid communication with the second inlet port.
  • the outlet groove of the valving element is also aligned with and in fluid communication with the second outlet port.
  • the valving element may be biased to a second end of the travel range, for example by energizing the magnetic coil to repel the magnetic core within the valving element.
  • Biasing the valving element to the second end of the travel range enables the fluid volume to be received through the inlet port of the valving element from the pressurized source.
  • the fluid volume may be channeled through the hollow central port of the valving element and along the inlet groove around the circumference of the valving element via the one or more circumferential ports. From the inlet groove, the fluid volume may be directed to the second side of the metering element via a third outlet port from the valving element to the metering element.
  • biasing the valving element to the second end enables the fluid volume to be received from the first side of the metering element via a third inlet port to the valving element from the metering element.
  • the fluid volume received through the third inlet port may then be channeled along the outlet groove around the circumference of the valving element to a fourth outlet from the valving element to the nozzle.
  • the inlet groove of the valving element is also in fluid communication with the first inlet port.
  • the outlet groove of the valving element is aligned with and in fluid communication with the third inlet port.
  • the outlet groove of the valving element is also aligned with and in fluid communication with the fourth outlet port.
  • the valving element is closed and is not in fluid communication with the metering element or the nozzle.
  • the inlet groove of the valving element is out of alignment with both of the first outlet port and the third outlet port such that fluid flow is substantially blocked from the inlet groove to either of the first outlet port or the third outlet port.
  • the outlet groove of the valving element is out of alignment with all of the second and third inlet ports as well as the second and fourth outlet ports such that fluid flow is substantially blocked through the outlet groove. That is, fluid flow is blocked from either of the second or third inlet ports to either of the second or fourth outlet ports.
  • the inlet groove of the valving element and the outlet groove of the valving element may be blocked by a sleeve in the valving element.
  • the valving element may be configured to slide within the sleeve so as to form an effective seal between the valving element and the sleeve.
  • the first outlet port and the third inlet port may be in fluid communication with the first side of the metering element via a first branched conduit.
  • the first branched conduit may have a metering end in fluid communication with the first side of the metering element and a first branched valve end.
  • the first branched valve end may have a first branch in fluid communication with the first outlet port and a second branch in fluid communication with the third inlet port.
  • the first branch and the second branch of the first branched conduit are in fluid communication with the metering end of the first branched conduit.
  • the third outlet port and the second inlet port may be in fluid communication with the second side of the metering element via a second branched conduit.
  • the second branched conduit may have a metering end in fluid
  • the second branched valve end may have a first branch in fluid
  • the first branch and the second branch of the second branched conduit are in fluid communication with the metering end of the second branched conduit.
  • the second outlet port and the fourth outlet port may be in fluid communication with the nozzle via a third branched conduit.
  • the third branched conduit may have a nozzle end in fluid communication with the nozzle and a third branched valve end.
  • the third branched valve end may have a first branch in fluid communication with the second outlet port and a second branch in fluid communication with the fourth outlet port.
  • the first branch and the second branch of the third branched conduit are in fluid communication with the nozzle end of the third branched conduit.
  • the metering element may be replaced with a pump, such as a positive displacement-pump. That is, instead of having a pressurized source provide the motive force for fluid flow through the valving element, the pump may provide the motive force for fluid flow. On suction, a pumping element may draw the fluid volume from a fluid source through the valving element. On discharge, the pumping element may discharge the fluid volume through the valving element to the nozzle.
  • a pump such as a positive displacement-pump. That is, instead of having a pressurized source provide the motive force for fluid flow through the valving element, the pump may provide the motive force for fluid flow.
  • a pumping element may draw the fluid volume from a fluid source through the valving element.
  • the pumping element On discharge, the pumping element may discharge the fluid volume through the valving element to the nozzle.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 100 in an initial phase.
  • volumetric metering system 100 may comprise a metering element 110, a valve 130, a pressurized source 150, and a nozzle 170.
  • the metering element 110 may comprise a shell 111, a sleeve 112, and a piston 1 13.
  • Valve 130 may comprise a second shell 131, a second sleeve 132, and a valving element 133.
  • the piston 113 may be configured to slide within the sleeve 112 so as to form an effective seal between the piston 113 and the sleeve 112.
  • the piston 113 and sleeve 112 may be made out of a material, which allows such tolerances.
  • An example of such a material is ceramic, stainless steel, copper, etc.
  • the interior of the sleeve 112 may define a fluid volume 114 in which metering may take place.
  • the piston 113 may slide back and forth to separate the metering volume into a first and second side of the metering element 110. The first and second sides of may be alternatively in fluid communication with the pressurized source 150 and the nozzle 170.
  • a valving element 133 may be biased to a first end of a travel range in the shell 131, for example by a return spring 134 and a de-energized magnetic coil 137.
  • the valving element 133 may comprise a magnetic core 136 attached to one end of the valving element 133.
  • the magnetic coil 137 may surround the valve 130. Upon being energized, the magnetic coil 137 may be configured to move the magnetic core 136.
  • the valving element 133 may be configured to slide within the sleeve 132 so as to form an effective seal between the valving element 133 and the sleeve 132.
  • the valving element 133 may have a hollow central port 138 formed by holes 139 and 140 through the centers of the valving element 133 and the magnetic core 136 respectively. This large hollow central port 138 may allow fluid to freely communicate with both ends of the valving element 133, which prevents a pressure differential from forming across the valving element 133.
  • the valving element 133 is in effect "balanced” and therefore the driving force of the magnetic coil 137 acting on the magnetic core 136 and the force of the return spring 134 are the significant forces acting thereon.
  • An inlet groove 141 may be located around the circumference of the valving element 133, and may be in fluid communication with a first outlet port and a first inlet port.
  • An outlet groove 142 may also be located around the circumference of the valving element 133, and may be in fluid communication with a second inlet port and a second outlet port.
  • the fluid volume 114 may be channeled through the hollow central port 138 of the valving element 133 and along an inlet groove 141 around the circumference of the valving element 133 via one or more circumferential ports. From the inlet groove 141, the fluid volume 114 may be directed to the first side of the metering element 110 via a first outlet 220 port from the valve 130 to the metering element 110.
  • biasing the valving element 133 to the first end enables the second side of fluid volume 114 to be received from a second side of the metering element 110 via a second inlet port 210 to the valve 130 from the metering element 110.
  • the second side of fluid volume 114 received through the second inlet port 210 may then be channeled along an outlet groove 142 around the circumference of the valving element 133 to a second outlet port 225 from the valve 130 to the nozzle 170.
  • valve 130 may be in fluid communication with the pressurized source 150 via conduit 90.
  • Conduit 90 may have a check valve 91 to insure that fluid never back- flows from the valve 130 to the pressurized source 150.
  • the first side of fluid volume 114 of the metering element 110 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the valve 130 by branched conduit 80 with branches 81 and 82 positioned so that the branch 81 lines up with inlet groove 141 when the valving element 133 is at the first end of the travel range and so that branch 82 lines up with outlet groove 142 when the valving element 133 is at the second end of the travel range.
  • the second side of fluid volume 114 of the metering element 110 is in fluid communication with the interior of the valve 130 by branched conduit 70 with branches 71 and 72 positioned so that the branch 72 lines up with the outlet groove 142 when the valving element 133 is at the first end of the travel range and so that branch 71 lines up with inlet groove 141 when the valving element 133 is at the second end of the travel range.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the first outlet port 220 when valve element 133 is at the first end of its travel range.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is also in fluid communication with the first inlet port 205.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the second inlet port 210.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is also aligned with and in fluid communication with the second outlet port 225.
  • the nozzle 170 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the valve 130 via branched conduit 60 with branches 61 and 62 positioned so that the branch 61 lines up with the outlet groove 142 when the valving element 133 is at the first end of the travel range and so that branch 62 lines up with outlet groove 142 when the valving element is at the second end of the travel range.
  • Pressurized source 150 may be divided into an upper pumping chamber 151 and a lower pressurization chamber 152 by rolling diaphragm 153 and piston 154. Piston 154 may be biased by spring 155. Magnet 156 may be attached to the base of piston 154 to enable a sensor 157 to detect the presence of the magnet 156 when the piston 154 is all the way in the down position.
  • An ingredient source 20 may be in fluid communication with the pumping chamber 151 via conduit 50.
  • Conduit 50 may comprise a check valve 51 to insure that fluid never backflows from the pumping chamber 151 towards the ingredient source 20.
  • Pressurized gas source 40 and vent 42 may be in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 152 via a 3-way solenoid valve 44 and conduit 30. When the 3-way solenoid valve 44 is in a first position (during
  • the pressurized gas source 40 may be in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 152 and the vent 42 may be sealed.
  • the vent 42 may be in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 152 and the pressurized gas source 40 is sealed.
  • the pressurized gas source 40 may be the same carbon dioxide used to carbonate water.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 100 in an initial phase.
  • the piston 113 and the valving element 133 may both be at the first end of their travel range initially.
  • the valving element 133 may be biased to the first side by return spring 134 and magnetic coil 137, which is initially de-energized.
  • a pumping chamber 151 of pressurized source 150 may be filled with ingredient and the piston 154 may be biased downward.
  • the viscosity of the ingredient may be 40-200 centipoise.
  • the 3-way solenoid valve 44 may be in the first position, connecting the pressurized gas source 40 to the pressurization chamber 152 of the pressurized source 150, thereby pressurizing the contents of the pumping chamber 151.
  • the pumping chamber 151 may remain pressurized throughout the entire dispensing process.
  • the pumping chamber 151 may be in fluid communication with the first side of the fluid volume 114 of the metering element 110 via conduit 90, the interior of valving chamber 130, the inlet groove 141, and branch 81 of branched conduit 80.
  • the second side of the fluid volume 114 in the metering element 110 may be in fluid communication with the nozzle 170 via branch 72 of branched conduit 70, the outlet groove 142, and branch 61 of branched conduit 60. This may create a pressure differential across piston 113, biasing the piston 113 to the second side of the metering element 110. All of the fluid that might have been in the second side of the fluid volume 114 may be dispensed to the nozzle 170.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 100 in an intermediate dispensing phase in more detail consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the magnet coil 137 may be energized to initiate the process of switching the valving element 133 from the first side to the second side.
  • the valving element 133 moves to the second end of the travel range, it passes through the center of the travel range where the inlet groove 141 and the outlet groove 142 are not aligned with any of the conduit branches 71, 72, 81, 82, 61, or 62.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is out of alignment with both of the first outlet port 220 and the third outlet port 230 such that fluid flow is substantially blocked from the inlet groove 141 to either of the first outlet port 220 or the third outlet port 230.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is out of alignment with all of the second 210 and third inlet 215 ports as well as the second 225 and fourth outlet ports 240 such that fluid flow is substantially blocked through the outlet groove 142.
  • the valving element 133 may continue to the second end of the travel range completing the switch from a first to a second position.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 100 in a second dispensing phase in more detail consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the valving element 133 has moved to the second end of the travel range.
  • the magnetic coil 137 may remain energized to keep the valving element 133 biased to the second position until this phase of the metering process that will be described in this paragraph is complete.
  • the pumping chamber 151 With the valving element 133 in the second position, the pumping chamber 151 is in fluid communication with the second side of the fluid volume 114 of the metering element 110 via conduit 90, the interior of valving chamber, the inlet groove 141, and branch 71 of branched conduit 70.
  • the fluid volume 114 may be channeled through the hollow central port 138 of the valving element 133 and along the inlet groove 141 around the circumference of the valving element 133 via the one or more circumferential ports. From the inlet groove 141, the fluid volume 114 may be directed to the second side of the metering element 110 via a third outlet port 230 from the valving element 133 to the metering element 110.
  • biasing the valving element 133 to the second end enables the first side of the fluid volume 114 to be received from the first side of the metering element 110 via a third inlet port 215 to the valving element 133 from the metering element 110.
  • the first side of the fluid volume 114 in the metering element 110 may be in fluid communication with the nozzle 170 via branch 82 of branched conduit 80, the outlet groove 142, and branch 62 of branched conduit 60.
  • the fluid volume 114 received through the third inlet port 215 may then be channeled along the outlet groove 142 around the circumference of the valving element 133 to a fourth outlet 240 from the valve 130 to the nozzle 170.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the third outlet port 230.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is also in fluid communication with the first inlet port 205.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the third inlet port 215.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is also aligned with and in fluid communication with the fourth outlet port 240. This may create a pressure differential across piston 113, driving piston 113 all the way to the second end of its travel range. As the piston 113 moves to the second end of its travel range, all of the fixed volume of fluid that was in the first side of the fluid volume 114 may be dispensed to the nozzle 170.
  • pressurized ingredient may flow from the pumping chamber 151 to the second side of the volume 114 of the metering element 110.
  • the piston 154 in the pressurized source 150 may move up slightly displacing the volume of fluid that was sent to the metering element 110.
  • the magnetic coil 137 may de-energize and the return spring 134 may bias the valving element 133 to the first end of its travel range thus switching the valving element 133 from the second position to the first position.
  • the valving element 133 moves to the first end of its travel range, it again passes through the center of the travel range as shown in Figure 2, where the inlet groove 141 and the outlet groove 142 are not aligned with any of the conduit branches 71 , 72, 81 , 82, 61 , or 62. In this transient interim position, all of the aforementioned conduit branches are effectively sealed off preventing any fluidic "blow-thru" between the pumping chamber 151 and the nozzle 170 during the switching process. The valving element 133 moves to the first end of its travel range completing the switch from the second to the first position.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 100 in the first dispensing phase in more detail consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the valving element 133 has moved to the first end of the travel range.
  • the magnetic coil 137 may remain de-energized allowing the return spring 134 to keep the valving element 133 biased to the first end of the travel range until this phase of metering process is complete.
  • the piston 154 in the pressurized source 150 moves up slightly displacing the volume of fluid that was sent to the metering element 110.
  • the piston 113 is at the first end of the travel range, this phase of the metering process is complete.
  • the cycle may repeat until the drink is fully dispensed.
  • the piston 154 may be at least partially displaced, indicating the pumping chamber 151 is at least partially empty.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a pressurized source 150 refilling ingredients during the volumetric metering system 100 intermediate dispensing phase.
  • the pumping chamber 151 may need to be refilled with ingredient between dispenses.
  • the three-way solenoid valve 44 may switch from the first position to the second position.
  • the pressurized gas in the pressurization chamber 152 may be vented to atmosphere via conduits 30 and 42.
  • the spring 155 may push the piston 154 down to create a negative pressure in the pumping chamber 151. This negative pressure may close check valve 91 disconnecting the fluid communication between the pumping chamber 151 and the interior of valve 130. This negative pressure may also draw new ingredient from the ingredient source 20 via conduit 50 and check valve 51.
  • the sensor 157 may detect the magnet 156 to verify that the piston 154 is in fact displaced and the pumping chamber 151 is therefore full.
  • the three-way solenoid valve 44 may then return to the first position pressurizing the pressurization chamber 151. If the ingredient source 20 is empty, the negative pressure in the pumping chamber is not relieved by ingredient entering the pumping chamber and the piston 154 will be held in the partially up position by the negative pressure.
  • the sensor 157 would not detect magnet 156 indicating a sold-out condition.
  • the pumping chamber 151 is filled with the maximum possible amount of ingredient. The largest drink that the dispenser is allowed to dispense may require fewer ingredients than the maximum volume of the pumping chamber 151.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a pressurized source 150 wherein the pressurized source is a pump 200.
  • the pressurized source 150 in FIG. 1-5) is replace by a pump 200 located between ingredient source 20 and conduit 90, which may connect the pump 200 to the valve 130 via check valve 91.
  • the operating sequence is very similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-5 except that pressurized ingredient is supplied to the valve 130 by the pump 200 rather than by the pressurized source (150 in figures 1-5).
  • the pump 200 may pressurize the inlet to the valve 130.
  • the pump 200 may remain on during the entire dispensing process.
  • the pump 200 may stop. There is no need for a "refill" between dispenses. Sold-outs may be detected by measuring the pressure in the pump inlet line (not shown) or by other methods known to those skilled in the art.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 700 of an alternative embodiment.
  • volumetric metering system 700 may comprise a pump 110, a valve 130, a nozzle 170 and a fluid source 20.
  • Pump 110 may comprise a shell 231 , a sleeve 232, and a pumping element 233.
  • Valve 130 may comprise a second shell 131, a second sleeve 132, and a valving element 133.
  • the pumping element 233 may be configured to slide within the sleeve 232 so as to form an effective seal between the pumping element 233 and the sleeve 232.
  • the pumping element 233 and sleeve 232 may be made out of a material which allows such tolerances. An example of such a material is ceramic, stainless steel, copper, etc.
  • the pump may be a positive displacement-pump.
  • the interior of the sleeve 232 may define a fluid volume in which metering takes place.
  • the pumping element 233 may slide back and forth to separate the metering volume into a first and second side of the pump 110. The first and second sides of may be alternatively in fluid communication with the fluid source 20 and the nozzle 170.
  • the pumping element 233 may be biased to a first end of a travel range in the shell 231, for example by a return spring 234 and a de-energized magnetic coil 237.
  • the pumping element 233 may comprise a magnetic core 236 attached to one end of the pumping element 233.
  • the magnetic coil 237 may surround the pump 110. Upon being energized, the magnetic coil 237 may be configured to move the magnetic core 236.
  • the pumping element 233 may be configured to slide within the sleeve 232 so as to form an effective seal between the pumping element 233 and the sleeve 232.
  • the valving element 133 may be biased to a first end of a travel range in the second shell 131, for example by a second return spring 134 and a de-energized second magnetic coil 137.
  • the valving element 133 may comprise a second magnetic core 136 attached to one end of the valving element 133.
  • the second magnetic coil 137 may surround the valve 130. Upon being energized, the second magnetic coil 137 may be configured to move the second magnetic core 136.
  • the valving element 133 may be configured to slide within the sleeve 132 so as to form an effective seal between the valving element 133 and the sleeve 132.
  • the pump 110 may draw the fluid volume from a fluid source 20 through the valving element 130.
  • the pumping element may discharge the fluid volume through the valving element 130 to the nozzle 170.
  • the viscosity of the ingredient may be 40-200 centipoise.
  • the valving element 133 may have a hollow central port 138 formed by holes 139 and 140 through the centers of the valving element 133 and the second magnetic core 136 respectively. This large hollow central port 138 may allow fluid to freely communicate with both ends of the valving element 133, which prevents a pressure differential from forming across the valving element 133.
  • the valving element 133 is in effect "balanced” and therefore the driving force of the second magnetic coil 137 acting on the second magnetic core 136 and the force of the second return spring 134 are the significant forces acting thereon.
  • An inlet groove 141 may be located around the circumference of the valving element 133, and may be in fluid communication with a first outlet port and a first inlet port.
  • An outlet groove 142 may also be located around the circumference of the valving element 133, and may be in fluid communication with a second inlet port and a second outlet port.
  • the fluid volume may be channeled through the hollow central port 138 of the valving element 133 and along an inlet groove 141 around the circumference of the valving element 133 via one or more circumferential ports. From the inlet groove 141, the fluid volume may be directed to the first side of the pump 110 via a first outlet 220 port from the valve 130 to the pump 110.
  • biasing the valving element 133 to the first end enables the second side of fluid volume to be received from a second side of the pump 110 via a second inlet port 210 to the valve 130 from the pump 110.
  • the second side of fluid volume received through the second inlet port 210 may then be channeled along an outlet groove 142 around the circumference of the valving element 133 to a second outlet port 225 from the valve 130 to the nozzle 170.
  • the interior of the valve 130 may be in fluid communication with the fluid source 20 via conduit 90.
  • Conduit 90 may have a check valve 91 to insure that fluid never back- flows from the valve 130 to the fluid source 20.
  • the first side of fluid volume of the pump 110 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the valve 130 by branched conduit 80 with branches 81 and 82 positioned so that the branch 81 lines up with inlet groove 141 when the valving element 133 is at the first end of the travel range and so that branch 82 lines up with outlet groove 142 when the valving element 133 is at the second end of the travel range.
  • the second side of fluid volume of the pump 110 is in fluid communication with the interior of the valve 130 by branched conduit 70 with branches 71 and 72 positioned so that the branch 72 lines up with the outlet groove 142 when the valving element 133 is at the first end of the travel range and so that branch 71 lines up with inlet groove 141 when the valving element is at the second end of the travel range.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the first outlet port 220 when valve element 133 is at the first end of its travel range.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is also in fluid communication with the first inlet port 205.
  • outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the second inlet port 210.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is also aligned with and in fluid communication with the second outlet port 225.
  • the nozzle 170 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the valve 130 via branched conduit 60 with branches 61 and 62 positioned so that the branch 61 lines up with the outlet groove 142 when the valving element 133 is at the first end of the travel range and so that branch 62 lines up with outlet groove 142 when the valving element is at the second end of the travel range.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a volumetric metering system 700 in an initial phase.
  • the pumping element 233 and the valving element 133 may both be at the first end of their travel range initially.
  • the valving element 133 may be biased to the first side by second return spring 134 and second magnetic coil 137, which is initially de-energized.
  • the fluid source 20 may be in fluid communication with the first side of the fluid volume of the pump 110 via conduit 90, the interior of valving chamber 130, the inlet groove 141, and branch 81 of branched conduit 80.
  • the second side of the fluid volume in the pump 110 may be in fluid communication with the nozzle 170 via branch 72 of branched conduit 70, the outlet groove 142, and branch 61 of branched conduit 60.
  • the magnet coil 237 may be energized to initiate the process of switching the pumping element 233 from the first side to the second side of the pump 110. All of the fluid that might have been in the second side of the fluid volume may be dispensed to the nozzle 170.
  • the second magnet coil 137 may be energized to initiate the process of switching the valving element 133 from the first side to the second side.
  • the valving element 133 moves to the second end of the travel range, it passes through the center of the travel range where the inlet groove 141 and the outlet groove 142 are not aligned with any of the conduit branches 71, 72, 81, 82, 61, or 62.
  • all of the aforementioned conduit branches are effectively sealed off preventing any fluidic "blow-thru" between the fluid source 20 and the nozzle 170 during the switching process.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is out of alignment with both of the first outlet port 220 and the third outlet port 230 such that fluid flow is substantially blocked from the inlet groove 141 to either of the first outlet port 220 or the third outlet port 230.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is out of alignment with all of the second 210 and third inlet 215 ports as well as the second 225 and fourth outlet ports 240 such that fluid flow is substantially blocked through the outlet groove 142. That is, fluid flow is blocked from either of the second 210 or third 215 inlet ports to either of the second 225 or fourth 240 outlet ports.
  • the valving element 133 may continue to the second end of the travel range completing the switch from a first to a second position.
  • the valving element 133 may move to the second end of the travel range.
  • the second magnetic coil 137 may remain energized to keep the valving element 133 biased to the second position until this phase of the pumping process that will be described in this paragraph is complete.
  • the fluid source 20 is in fluid communication with the second side of the fluid volume of the pump 110 via conduit 90, the interior of valving chamber, the inlet groove 141, and branch 71 of branched conduit 70.
  • the fluid volume may be channeled through the hollow central port 138 of the valving element 133 and along the inlet groove 141 around the circumference of the valving element 133 via the one or more circumferential ports.
  • the fluid volume may be directed to the second side of the pump 110 via a third outlet port 230 from the valving element 133 to the pump 110. Furthermore, biasing the valving element 133 to the second end enables the first side of the fluid volume to be received from the first side of the pump 110 via a third inlet port 215 to the valving element 133 from the pump 110.
  • the first side of the fluid volume in the pump 110 may be in fluid communication with the nozzle 170 via branch 82 of branched conduit 80, the outlet groove 142, and branch 62 of branched conduit 60.
  • Conduit 60 may have a check valve 63 to insure that fluid never back- flows from the nozzle 170 to the valve 130.
  • the fluid volume received through the third inlet port 215 may then be channeled along the outlet groove 142 around the circumference of the valving element 133 to a fourth outlet 240 from the valve 130 to the nozzle 170.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the third outlet port 230.
  • the inlet groove 141 of the valving element 133 is also in fluid communication with the first inlet port 205.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the third inlet port 215.
  • the outlet groove 142 of the valving element 133 is also aligned with and in fluid communication with the fourth outlet port 240. This may create a pressure differential across pumping element 213, driving pumping element 213 all the way to the second end of its travel range. Alternatively, the magnetic coil 237 may remain energized to keep the pumping element 233 biased to the second position until this phase of the pumping process is complete. As the pumping element 213 moves to the second end of its travel range, all of the fixed volume of fluid that was in the first side of the fluid volume may be dispensed to the nozzle 170.
  • pressurized ingredient may flow from the fluid source 20 to the second side of the volume of the pump 110.
  • the magnetic coil 237 may de-energize and the return spring 234 may bias the pumping element 233 to the first end of its travel range thus switching the pumping element 233 from the second position to the first position.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in a method 800 consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure for dispensing fluid.
  • Method 800 may be implemented using a valve 130 as described in more detail above with respect to FIG. 1-5. Ways to implement the stages of method 800 will be described in greater detail below.
  • Method 800 may begin at starting block 805 and proceed to stage 815.
  • a valving element may be biased to a first end of the travel range by a return spring and a de-energized magnetic coil in system.
  • This enables fluid volume to be received from a pressurized source, and allows the fluid volume to be channeled along an inlet groove around the circumference of a valving element to a first portion of a metering volume.
  • this enables fluid volume to be received from a second portion of the metering volume, and allows the fluid volume to be channeled along an outlet groove around the circumference of the valving element to a nozzle.
  • the fluid may have a viscosity level between 40-200 centipoise.
  • method 800 may advance to stage 810 where the magnetic coil is energized to repel a magnetic core within the valving element. This causes the valving element to be biased towards a center of the travel range. Furthermore, a valve is not in fluid communication with the pressurized source or the nozzle.
  • method 800 may continue to stage 815 where the magnetic coil is energized to repel a magnetic core within the valving element to bias the valving element to a second end of the travel range.
  • This enables fluid volume to be received from a pressurized source, and allows the fluid volume to be channeled along an inlet groove around the circumference of a valving element to a second portion of a metering volume. Furthermore, this enables fluid volume to be received from a first portion of the metering volume, and allows the fluid volume to be channeled along an outlet groove around the circumference of the valving element to a nozzle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Electromagnetic Pumps, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne le pompage et la mesure d'ingrédients à haute viscosité. Initialement, un élément de valve peut être sollicité vers une première extrémité d'une plage de déplacement par un ressort de rappel et une bobine magnétique désexcitée, permettant au volume de fluide d'être reçu en provenance d'un second côté de l'élément de mesure, par l'intermédiaire d'un second orifice d'entrée, vers l'élément de valve depuis l'élément de mesure. L'élément de valve peut être sollicité vers une seconde extrémité de la plage de déplacement en excitant la bobine magnétique pour repousser le noyau magnétique dans l'élément de valve, permettant au volume de fluide d'être reçu à travers l'orifice d'entrée de l'élément de valve à partir de la source mise sous pression.
PCT/US2014/071287 2013-12-27 2014-12-18 Pompage et mesure de micro-ingrédient visqueux à l'aide d'un dispositif de mesure volumétrique WO2015100140A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201361921194P 2013-12-27 2013-12-27
US61/921,194 2013-12-27

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3441612A1 (fr) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-13 Scheugenpflug AG Unité de pompe, dispositif de stockage équipé d'une telle unité de pompe et procédé de fonctionnement dudit dispositif de stockage

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1985001993A1 (fr) * 1983-11-01 1985-05-09 Ab Rovac Dispositif de mesure
US5553490A (en) * 1991-10-16 1996-09-10 Lucas Industries Public Limited Company Volumetric metering equipment
US6567755B1 (en) * 1999-09-08 2003-05-20 Assembly Technology & Test Limited Metering equipment
US20120298696A1 (en) * 2011-05-26 2012-11-29 Failsafe Metering International Ltd. Predictive and adaptable precision metering device, system and method
US20130098005A1 (en) * 2011-10-21 2013-04-25 Emitec Gesellschaft Fuer Emissionstechnologie Mbh Delivery pump for a fluid, metering device having the delivery pump and motor vehicle having the metering device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1985001993A1 (fr) * 1983-11-01 1985-05-09 Ab Rovac Dispositif de mesure
US5553490A (en) * 1991-10-16 1996-09-10 Lucas Industries Public Limited Company Volumetric metering equipment
US6567755B1 (en) * 1999-09-08 2003-05-20 Assembly Technology & Test Limited Metering equipment
US20120298696A1 (en) * 2011-05-26 2012-11-29 Failsafe Metering International Ltd. Predictive and adaptable precision metering device, system and method
US20130098005A1 (en) * 2011-10-21 2013-04-25 Emitec Gesellschaft Fuer Emissionstechnologie Mbh Delivery pump for a fluid, metering device having the delivery pump and motor vehicle having the metering device

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3441612A1 (fr) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-13 Scheugenpflug AG Unité de pompe, dispositif de stockage équipé d'une telle unité de pompe et procédé de fonctionnement dudit dispositif de stockage
WO2019030001A1 (fr) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-14 Scheugenpflug Ag Unité de pompage, dispositif de stockage équipé de celle-ci et procédé pour faire fonctionner le dispositif de stockage

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