WO2016057869A1 - Système de distribution - Google Patents

Système de distribution Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016057869A1
WO2016057869A1 PCT/US2015/054839 US2015054839W WO2016057869A1 WO 2016057869 A1 WO2016057869 A1 WO 2016057869A1 US 2015054839 W US2015054839 W US 2015054839W WO 2016057869 A1 WO2016057869 A1 WO 2016057869A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ingredient
aseptic
stream
secondary ingredient
nozzle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/054839
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Arthur RUDICK
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
Priority to EP15849076.3A priority Critical patent/EP3204327A4/fr
Priority to JP2017518472A priority patent/JP7094104B2/ja
Priority to CN201580066431.0A priority patent/CN107001021B/zh
Priority to MX2017004599A priority patent/MX2017004599A/es
Publication of WO2016057869A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016057869A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0043—Mixing devices for liquids
    • B67D1/0051—Mixing devices for liquids for mixing outside the nozzle
    • B67D1/0052—Mixing devices for liquids for mixing outside the nozzle by means for directing respective streams together
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0043—Mixing devices for liquids
    • B67D1/0051—Mixing devices for liquids for mixing outside the nozzle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
    • B67D1/1204—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed for ratio control purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1256—Anti-dripping devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
    • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
    • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
    • B67D1/0034—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component
    • B67D1/0039—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls involving at least two different metering technics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/10—Pump mechanism
    • B67D1/108—Pump mechanism of the peristaltic type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
    • B67D2001/0827—Bags in box

Definitions

  • a beverage dispenser is a device that dispenses carbonated soft drinks called fountain drinks. They may be found in restaurants, concession stands, and other locations such as convenience stores.
  • a beverage dispenser combines flavored syrup or syrup concentrate and carbon dioxide with chilled water to make soft drinks. The syrup may be pumped from a special container called a bag-in-box (BIB).
  • BIOB bag-in-box
  • a dispensing system may be provided.
  • the dispensing system may include an aseptic nozzle and an aseptic nozzle retention clip.
  • the aseptic nozzle may be configured to provide an aseptic ingredient stream.
  • the aseptic nozzle retention clip may be configured to hold the aseptic nozzle in a position configured to cause the provided aseptic ingredient stream to air-mix with a primary ingredient stream after the primary ingredient stream has left a dispensing nozzle assembly.
  • FIG. 2 shows a control architecture used to control the dispensing system
  • FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C show the cabinet of FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B in more detail;
  • FIG. 6 shows the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 in more detail
  • FIG. 7 shows another aspect of the first aseptic channel in more detail
  • FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the first aseptic nozzle in more detail
  • FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. IOC show another embodiment of the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 including a first aseptic nozzle;
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of when the velocity of a first secondary ingredient stream or a second secondary ingredient stream is adequate
  • FIG. 12 shows an example of when the velocity of a first secondary ingredient stream or a second secondary ingredient stream is too low
  • FIG. 13 shows a system for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with the dispensing system
  • FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the system for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with the dispensing system.
  • beverage includes, but is not limited to, pulp and pulp-free citrus and non-citrus fruit juices, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy-enhanced drink, tea, water, isotonic drink, vitamin-enhanced water, soft drink, flavored water, energy drink, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, hot chocolate and combinations thereof.
  • the beverage may also be carbonated or non- carbonated.
  • the beverage may comprise beverage components (e.g., beverage bases, colorants, flavorants, and additives).
  • beverage base refers to parts of the beverage or the beverage itself prior to additional colorants, additional flavorants, and/or additional additives.
  • beverage bases may include, but are not limited to syrups, concentrates, and the like that may be mixed with a diluent such as still or carbonated water or other diluent to form a beverage.
  • the beverage bases may have reconstitution ratios of about 3: 1 to about 6:1 or higher.
  • beverage bases may comprise a mixture of beverage base components.
  • beverage base component refers to components which may be included in beverage bases.
  • the beverage base component may comprise parts of beverages which may be considered food items by themselves.
  • the beverage base components may be micro-ingredients such as an acid portion of a beverage base, an acid-degradable and/or non-acid portion of a beverage base, natural and artificial flavors, flavor additives, natural and artificial colors, nutritive or non-nutritive natural or artificial sweeteners, additives for controlling tartness (e.g., citric acid or potassium citrate), functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, nutraceuticals, or medicaments.
  • the micro-ingredients may have reconstitution ratios from about 10:1, 20: 1, 30: 1 , or higher with many having reconstitution ratios of 50: 1 to 300: 1.
  • the viscosities of the micro-ingredients may range from about 1 to about 100 centipoise.
  • a beverage base formed from separately stored beverage base components may be equivalent to a separately stored beverage base.
  • a beverage formed from separately stored beverage components may be equivalent to a separately stored beverage.
  • FIG. 1 shows an operating environment 100 including a dispensing system 102.
  • operating environment 100 may comprise an aseptic portion 104, a bag-in-a-box (BIB) portion 106, a water portion 108, a macro-ingredient portion 110, a micro-ingredient portion 112, and a nozzle portion 114.
  • Flexible tubing may connect the elements of operating environment 100 in order to move ingredients and diluent (e.g., water) from element to element in operating environment 100.
  • Aseptic portion 104, bag-in-a-box (BIB) portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, and micro-ingredient portion 112 may comprise ingredient sources.
  • Water portion 108 may comprise a diluent source.
  • some elements of BIB portion 106, water portion 108, and macro-ingredient portion 110 may be located inside of or outside of dispensing system 102.
  • aseptic ingredient 118 may comprise, but is not limited to, pulp and pulp-free citrus and non-citrus fruit juices, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy-enhanced drink, tea, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, and hot chocolate.
  • FIG. 1 shows one aseptic portion 104; however, one or more aseptic portions may be used in dispensing system 102 as will be discussed in detail below.
  • Dispensing system 102 may include one or more aseptic nozzle 174.
  • dispensing system 102 may include an aseptic nozzle 174 for each aseptic ingredient 118.
  • the package containing the aseptic ingredient, tubing from the package, and the aseptic nozzle 174 may all be disposable.
  • Aseptic portions may have one or more aseptic ingredients.
  • a rotor with a number of "rollers” attached to the external circumference of the rotor may compress the aseptic tube. As the rotor turns, the part of the aseptic tube under compression may be pinched closed to force aseptic ingredient 118 to be pumped to move through the aseptic tube. Pinch valve 122 may be used to pinch and thus close off the aseptic tube from the outside environment to aid in maintaining the sterility of aseptic ingredient 118.
  • FIG. 1 shows BIB ingredient 124 and BIB connector 126 being outside dispensing system 102 either or both BIB ingredient 124 and BIB connector 126 may be inside or outside dispensing system 102.
  • BIB ingredient 124 may be in a back room remote from dispensing system 102. If BIB ingredient 124 is near or within dispensing system 102, then suction from BIB pump 132 may draw BIB ingredient 124 and BIB vacuum regulator 128 may not be needed. If BIB ingredient 124 is not near or not within dispensing system 102, then BIB ingredient 124 may need to be pumped to dispensing system 102 under pressure and BIB vacuum regulator 128 may be needed.
  • FIG. 1 shows one BIB portion 106 with one BIB ingredient 124; however, one or more BIB portion 106 may be used in dispensing system 102 with each BIB portion 106 having one or more BIB ingredient 124.
  • Macro-ingredient 150 may have reconstitution ratios of about 3:1 to about 6:1 or higher.
  • diluent e.g., water
  • water portion 108 may come together with one or more ingredients from bag-in-a-box (BIB) portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, and micro-ingredient portion 112 into a flow from the bottom of common diffuser 178.
  • BAB bag-in-a-box
  • the flow coming from common diffuser 178 may contain: i) only diluent from water portion 108; ii) one or more ingredients released from BIB portion 106, macro- ingredient portion 110, micro-ingredient portion 112; and a septic portion 104; or iii) diluent from water portion 108 in addition to one or more ingredients released from BIB portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, micro-ingredient portion 112, and aseptic portion 104.
  • aseptic ingredient 104 Prior to the flow from common diffuser 178 entering the container, aseptic ingredient 104 may be released from aseptic nozzle 174 and mixed into the flow (e.g., a primary ingredient stream or a multi-ingredient stream) coming from common diffuser 178.
  • the ingredients may be injected to intersect with a common diffuser. All or some of the ingredients can be dispensed from a single nozzle location with a diffuser that is common to all or some of the ingredients.
  • ingredients which may be dispensed from a single nozzle location with a diffuser may include aseptic ingredients and BIB ingredients; aseptic ingredients and micro-ingredients; BIB and micro-ingredients; macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients and ingredients from a BIB; macro- ingredients, micro-ingredients and aseptic ingredients; macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, aseptic and BIB ingredients.
  • FIG. 2 shows a control architecture 200 used to control dispensing system 102.
  • control architecture 200 may comprise a core dispense module (CDM) 204, a human machine interface (HMI) module 206, and a user interface (UI) 208.
  • HMI 206 may connect to or otherwise interface and communicate with at least one external device 202 being external to dispensing system 102.
  • beverage bases or beverage base components and flavors may be combined, along with other ingredients, to dispense various products that may include beverages or blended beverages (i.e., finished beverage products) from the dispensing system 102.
  • dispensing system 102 may also be configured to dispense beverage components individually.
  • dispensing system 102 may be configured to dispense beverage base components to form a beverage base or finished beverage.
  • the other beverage ingredients may include diluents such as still or carbonated water, functional additives, or medicaments, for example.
  • control architecture 200 for dispensing system 102 may be described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/987,020, titled Dispenser Control
  • Dispensing system 102 may further include memory storage and a processor.
  • UI 208 may be described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/877,549, titled Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device, filed on September 13, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • HMI module 206 and the CDM 204 may be customized through the use of adapters (e.g., configuration files comprising application programming interfaces (APIs)) to provide customized user interface views and equipment behavior for the dispensing system 102.
  • APIs application programming interfaces
  • UI 208 in dispensing system 102 may be utilized to select and individually dispense one or more beverages.
  • the beverages may be dispensed as beverage components in a continuous pour operation whereby one or more selected beverage components continue to be dispensed while a pour input is actuated by a user or in a batch pour operation whereby a predetermined volume of one or more selected beverage components are dispensed (e.g., one ounce at a time).
  • UI 208 may be addressed via a number of methods to select and dispense beverages.
  • a user may interact with UI 208 via touch input to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense a beverage.
  • a user may type in a code using an onscreen or physical keyboard (not shown) on dispensing system 102 to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense a beverage.
  • UI 208 which may include a touch screen and a touch screen controller, may be configured to receive various commands from a user (i.e., consumer input) in the form of touch input, generate a graphics output and/or execute one or more operations with dispensing system 102 (e.g., via HMI module 206 and/or CDM 204), in response to receiving the aforementioned commands.
  • a touch screen driver in HMI module 206 may be configured to receive the consumer or customer inputs and generate events (e.g., touch screen events) that may then be communicated through a controller to an operating system of HMI module 206.
  • Dispensing system 102 may be in communication with one or more external device 202.
  • the communication between dispensing system 102 and external device 202 may be accomplished utilizing any number of communication techniques including, but not limited to, near-field wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi and other wireless or wireline communication standards or technologies, via a
  • External device 202 may include, for example, a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, biometric sensors, and the like.
  • external device 202 may be utilized to receive user interface views from HMI module 206 that may be in lieu of or in addition to user interface views displayed in user interface 208 of dispensing system 102.
  • dispensing system 102 may be configured for "headless" operation in which graphics and other user interface elements are displayed on a customer's smartphone instead of on dispensing system 102. Examples of facilitating interaction between a mobile computing device and an electronic device are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/860,634, titled Facilitating Individualized Used Interaction With An Electronic Device, filed July 31, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B show a cabinet 302 that may be used to contain dispensing system 102 described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4A shows a front view of cabinet 302
  • FIG. 4B shows a side view of cabinet 302
  • FIG. 4C shows a top view of cabinet 302.
  • cabinet 302 may comprise a main compartment 304, a main compartment door 306, a micro- ingredient tower compartment 308, a micro-ingredient tower compartment door 310, a first aseptic compartment 312, and a second aseptic compartment 314.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cabinet 302 that may be used to contain dispensing system 102 described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4A shows a front view of cabinet 302
  • FIG. 4B shows a side view of cabinet 302
  • FIG. 4C shows a top view of cabinet 302.
  • cabinet 302 may comprise a main compartment 304, a main compartment door 306,
  • First aseptic compartment 312 and second aseptic compartment 314 may be similar to aseptic
  • First aseptic compartment 312 may be associated with a first aseptic channel comprising a first aseptic ingredient 316, a first aseptic pump 318, a first pinch valve 320, and a first aseptic tube 322.
  • Second aseptic compartment 314 may be associated with a second aseptic channel comprising a second aseptic ingredient 324, a second aseptic pump 326, a second pinch valve 328, and a second aseptic tube 330.
  • Dispensing system 102 may have any number of aseptic channels and is not limited to two.
  • First aseptic ingredient 316 may comprise a macro-ingredient with a reconstitution ratio of about 3:1 to about 6:1 or higher and may include insoluble particulates.
  • First aseptic ingredient 316 may have been processed in a way by which a sufficient shelf life of the product is packaged in a sterile container in a way that maintains sterility.
  • first aseptic compartment 312 may be temperature controlled in such a way to keep first aseptic ingredient 316 cool or refrigerated.
  • First aseptic pump 318 may comprise, for example, a pump that does not compromise the sterility of first aseptic ingredient 316. Consequently, first aseptic pump 318 may comprise, but is not limited to, a peristaltic pump.
  • a peristaltic pump may comprise a type of positive displacement pump.
  • First aseptic ingredient 316 may be contained within a sterile bag (e.g., a disposable bag-in-box (BIB)) having first aseptic tube 322 from which first aseptic ingredient 316 may exit the sterile bag.
  • First aseptic tube 322 may be disposable, sterile, and flexible.
  • First aseptic tube 322 may be fitted inside a circular pump casing associated with the peristaltic pump.
  • a rotor with a number of "rollers” attached to the external circumference of the rotor may compress first aseptic tube 322. As the rotor turns, a part of first aseptic tube 322 under compression may be pinched closed to force first aseptic ingredient 316 to be pumped to move through first aseptic tube 322.
  • First pinch valve 320 may be used to pinch and thus close off first aseptic tube 322 from the outside environment to aid in maintaining the sterility of first aseptic ingredient 316.
  • FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C show cabinet 302 of FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B in more detail.
  • FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show cabinet 302 with micro- ingredient tower compartment 308 removed to show micro-ingredient tower 162.
  • FIG. 5 A shows a cross-sectional side view of cabinet 302 with main compartment door 306 closed.
  • FIG. 5B shows a front view of cabinet 302 with main compartment door 306 open.
  • FIG. 5C shows a top view of cabinet 302 with main compartment upper portion 502 exposed.
  • Vacuum regulator section 506 may contain, but is not limited to, BIB vacuum regulator 128 and macro-ingredient vacuum regulator 154.
  • Pump section 508 may contain, but is not limited to, BIB pump 132 and macro-ingredient pump 158.
  • Electronics section 510 may include, but is not limited to, core dispense module (CDM) 204 and human machine interface (HMI) module 206.
  • Valve section 516 may include, but is not limited to, BIB valve 134, carbonated water shutoff valve 140, still water shutoff valve 146, and macro-ingredient valve 160.
  • User interface (UI) 208 may be mounted, for example, on main compartment door 306.
  • FIG. 6 shows the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 in more detail.
  • Dispensing system 102 may dispense chilled aseptically packaged macro-ingredients (e.g., first aseptic ingredient 316) from a disposable BIB that comes complete with a disposable peristaltic tube (e.g., first aseptic tube 322). With dispensing system 102, each aseptic channel may dispense to a central cup location.
  • macro-ingredients e.g., first aseptic ingredient 316
  • a disposable peristaltic tube e.g., first aseptic tube 322
  • each aseptic channel may have a pinch valve (e.g., first pinch valve 320) located downstream of the peristaltic pump (e.g., first aseptic pump 318) near the end of the peristaltic tube (e.g., first aseptic tube 322) to pinch off the end of the peristaltic tube to prevent dripping.
  • a pinch valve e.g., first pinch valve 320 located downstream of the peristaltic pump (e.g., first aseptic pump 318) near the end of the peristaltic tube (e.g., first aseptic tube 322) to pinch off the end of the peristaltic tube to prevent dripping.
  • dispensing system 102 all ingredients may be dispensed from one nozzle location (e.g., nozzle portion 114). There may be multiple channels of aseptic ingredients air- mixing into the diluent stream (i.e., a primary ingredient stream, a multi-ingredient stream, etc.) exiting dispensing nozzle assembly 172 arranged so as not to interfere with other ingredient streams from injector ring 176 that are also mixed into the diluent stream.
  • a primary ingredient stream i.e., a multi-ingredient stream, etc.
  • First aseptic tube 322 may then pass through first pinch valve 320 that may be located immediately after first aseptic pump 318 and remotely from dispensing nozzle assembly 172. First aseptic tube 322 may be routed substantially horizontally to the area (e.g., nozzle portion 114) of dispensing nozzle assembly 172. If the occlusion from first aseptic pump 318 is adequate to reliably seal first aseptic tube 322, then first pinch valve 320 may not be used.
  • first aseptic tube 322 were to be terminated by simply cutting first aseptic tube 322, there may be a significant height differential ( ⁇ ) across the substantially vertical end of first aseptic tube 322 that might result is a pressure differential across the liquid at the end of first aseptic tube 322 with lower pressure at the top and higher pressure at the bottom.
  • the pressure differential may be enough to overcome the surface tension across the end of first aseptic tube 322 resulting in problematic dripping. This dripping problem may worsen if vibrations due to a mechanical refrigeration system in or other mechanical systems in dispensing system 102 put additional strain on the surface tension at the end of first aseptic tube 322.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an aseptic nozzle that may be "drip- proof or drip resistant. In other words, an ingredient may not drip from aseptic nozzle after the ingredient is despised from the aseptic nozzle.
  • First aseptic nozzle 602 may be placed at the end of first aseptic tube 322 to address the dripping problem.
  • First aseptic nozzle 602 may be disposable.
  • First aseptic nozzle retention clip 604 may be located on or near dispensing nozzle assembly 172 to receive first aseptic nozzle 602.
  • First aseptic nozzle 602 may snap into first aseptic nozzle retention clip 604 to provide proper positioning of first aseptic nozzle 602 with respect to dispensing nozzle assembly 172 so that first aseptic ingredient 316 exiting first aseptic nozzle 602 may mix with the primary ingredient stream exiting dispensing nozzle assembly 172.
  • First aseptic nozzle 602 may be positioned so as not to interfere with other air-mixed ingredients (e.g., air-mixed micro-ingredient 606 dispensed from injector ring 176).
  • FIG. 7 shows another aspect of first aseptic channel in more detail.
  • first aseptic nozzle 602 may have a disposable aseptically sealed peel-away tab closure 702.
  • Closure 702 may be manually removed upon installation of the package containing first aseptic ingredient 316 into dispensing system 102. Once closure 702 has been removed, first aseptic channel may no longer be aseptically sealed.
  • FIG. 9 shows first aseptic nozzle 802 in more detail.
  • first aseptic nozzle 802 may comprise an inlet port 902 and an outlet port 904.
  • inlet port 902 of first aseptic nozzle 802 may be at a first level and outlet port 904 of first aseptic nozzle 802 may be at a second level. The second level may be higher than the first level.
  • Inlet port 902 and outlet port 904 may be connected by a vertical section 906.
  • Outlet port 904 may have a slight downward slope. A small amount of liquid that may be left in outlet port 904 immediately following a dispense from dispensing system 102 may be a source of the aforementioned dripping problem.
  • outlet port 904 may facilitate draining of the small amount of liquid that may be left in outlet port 904 immediately following the dispense when a cup is still likely to be positioned in dispensing system 102 to catch the drip.
  • the surface of the liquid at outlet port 1004 may be substantially horizontal, the entire surface of the liquid at outlet port 1004 may be at the same pressure and therefore may be more stable than a vertical liquid surface and is therefore less prone to dripping.
  • first aseptic nozzle 1002 may be retained in dispensing system 102 by first aseptic nozzle retention clip 1006, shown in FIG. IOC, in a manner similar to first aseptic nozzle retention clip 604 and first aseptic nozzle retention clip 804 as described above.
  • first aseptic nozzle 1002 may be sealed by a peel-away tab similar to closure 702 as described above.
  • the angles and dimensions shown in FIG. 10B and FIG. IOC are examples and other angles and dimensions may be used consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 shows a system for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with dispensing system 102.
  • FIG. 11 shows a first secondary ingredient tube 1102, a second secondary ingredient tube 1104, and a nozzle 1106.
  • First secondary ingredient tube 1102 and second secondary ingredient tube 1104 may flow through a refrigerated heat exchanger (not shown).
  • First secondary ingredient tube 1102 may have a first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 and second secondary ingredient tube 1104 may have a second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110.
  • First secondary ingredient tube 1102 may comprise, but is not limited to first aseptic tube 322 or second aseptic tube 330 as described above.
  • second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 may be sized to create an appropriate velocity for second secondary ingredient stream 1120 to allow second secondary ingredient stream 1120 to cross between second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 and primary ingredient stream 1122 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 12, if the velocity of first secondary ingredient stream 1118 or second secondary ingredient stream 1120 is too low, first secondary ingredient stream 1118 or second secondary ingredient stream 1120 may not reach primary ingredient stream 1122 potentially resulting in sub-optimal mixing of the ingredients for beverage 1124 and a visual affect that may be displeasing to consumers.
  • the purpose of first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 and second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 may be to create well-formed streams and may not be intended to be a metering device for example.
  • the corresponding orifice can be sized for the expected flow rate and either constant or pulsed flow can be dispensed. However, if the overall secondary ingredient flow rate changes significantly, then either continuous or pulsed flow can be dispensed at the higher flow rates, but only pulsed flow may be dispensed at lower flow rates.
  • Each pulse may be viewed as a secondary ingredient stream with a short duration.
  • the secondary ingredient flow rate during the "on" periods (pulses) may be adequate to cause the secondary ingredient to exit the dispensing orifice with adequate velocity to cross the air gap.
  • the overall flow rate may be regulated by introducing "off periods between the pulses. The longer the "off periods, the lower the overall flow rate.
  • the frequency of the pulses may be, for example, between 4 and 30 Hz.
  • FIG. 13 shows a system 1300 for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with dispensing system 102.
  • system 1300 may comprise a pump 1302, a first valve 1304, an accumulator 1306, and a second valve 1308.
  • Pump 1302 may comprise, but is not limited to, a continuous flow positive displacement metering pump. Examples of continuous flow positive displacement metering pumps include, but are not limited to, vane pumps and gear pumps.
  • First valve 1304 may comprise, but is not limited to, a poppet valve.
  • Second valve 1308 may comprise, but is not limited to, an on/off solenoid valve.
  • First secondary ingredient 1112 may enter system 1300 at pump 1302, pass downstream through first valve 1304, accumulator 1306, second valve 1308, first secondary ingredient tube 1102, and exit system 1300 from first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108.
  • CDM 204 may control pump 1302, first valve 1304, and second valve 1308.
  • system 1300 may allow ingredients (e.g., secondary ingredients, both macro or micro) to be air mixed using, for example, a constant flow positive displacement pumping/metering device (e.g., pump 1302) that can operate at variable flow rates by dispensing a pulsed flow.
  • a constant flow positive displacement pumping/metering device e.g., pump 1302
  • a continuous flow positive displacement metering pump may be used for pumping/metering micro and macro ingredients consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show in more detail system 1300 for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with dispensing system 102.
  • an inlet of first pump 1302 may receive first secondary ingredient 1112.
  • An outlet of first pump 1302 may be connected to first valve 1304 that may comprise a poppet valve with a fixed cracking pressure.
  • first valve 1304 may comprise a poppet valve with a fixed cracking pressure.
  • the poppet valve may isolate pump 1302 from changes in pressure downstream of the poppet valve. Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, other types of pressure regulation devices may be used.
  • First valve 1304 (e.g., the aforementioned poppet valve) may be connected to accumulator 1306.
  • FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the disclosure in which accumulator 1306 may comprise a semi-flexible tubing 1310.
  • Semi-flexible tubing 1310 may comprise a semi-flexible tube (e.g., vinyl) that may expand slightly to act as an accumulator.
  • FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which accumulator 1306 may include a bubble trap 1312 placed into the line. Bubble trap 1312 may be initially filled with air when system 1300 is empty. When system 1300 is initially filled with an ingredient (e.g., first secondary ingredient 1112), bubble trap 1312 may trap an air bubble 1314.
  • an ingredient e.g., first secondary ingredient 1112
  • Air bubble 1314 may expand and contract as first secondary ingredient 1112, accumulating between pulses, raises the pressure and the release of the pulse reduces the pressure thus acting as an accumulator.
  • the amount of first secondary ingredient 1112 accumulating between pulses may be very small.
  • Other types of accumulators may be used and accumulator 1306 is not limited to the aforementioned examples.
  • Accumulator may be connected to second valve 1308 (e.g., an on/off solenoid valve) that opens and closes to create the pulses.
  • Second valve 1308 may be connected to first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 via first secondary ingredient tube 1102.
  • Pump 1302 may always be delivering first secondary ingredient 1112 to system 1300. During the times between pulses when second valve 1308 may be closed, more ingredient (e.g., first secondary ingredient 1112) may still be delivered. In the absence of accumulator 1306, the pressure in system 1300 may rapidly build up between pulses. By its nature, a positive displacement pump may create high pressures. When second valve 1308 opens to create a pulse, first secondary ingredient 1112 may be free to flow out of first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 relieving the pressure in system 1300. Accumulator 1306 may receive first secondary ingredient 1112 delivered between pulses, that may relieve pressure spikes between pulses and leveling out the pressure in system 1300. Pressure spikes can damage system 1300 or cause first secondary ingredient 1112 to leak through second valve 1308 when closed. Second valve 1308, for example, may function as a pressure relief valve in the event second valve 1308 fails.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de distribution. Le système de distribution peut permettre à de multiples ingrédients emballés de manière aseptique d'être mélangés à l'air provenant de buses aseptiques dans un flux à multiples ingrédients sans égouttement. Le système de distribution peut maintenir l'intégrité aseptique jusqu'à ce qu'un emballage aseptique soit installé dans le système de distribution. Un robinet à manchon peut être situé à distance de la buse aseptique. De plus, le système de distribution peut convertir un flux d'ingrédient continu provenant d'une pompe de dosage volumétrique en flux pulsé.
PCT/US2015/054839 2014-10-09 2015-10-09 Système de distribution WO2016057869A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15849076.3A EP3204327A4 (fr) 2014-10-09 2015-10-09 Système de distribution
JP2017518472A JP7094104B2 (ja) 2014-10-09 2015-10-09 分配システム
CN201580066431.0A CN107001021B (zh) 2014-10-09 2015-10-09 分配系统
MX2017004599A MX2017004599A (es) 2014-10-09 2015-10-09 Sistema dispensador.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201462061980P 2014-10-09 2014-10-09
US62/061,980 2014-10-09

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WO2016057869A1 true WO2016057869A1 (fr) 2016-04-14

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CN (1) CN107001021B (fr)
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WO2018140546A1 (fr) 2017-01-27 2018-08-02 The Coca-Cola Company Systèmes et procédés pour incorporer une fonctionnalité de distribution de micro-ingrédients dans un système de distribution de boisson à macro-ingrédients
EP3554988A4 (fr) * 2016-12-14 2020-07-15 The Coca-Cola Company Système de distribution de boisson flexible
WO2022169559A1 (fr) * 2021-02-05 2022-08-11 Cana Technology, Inc. Dispositif de distribution de mélange de liquides avec chambre d'accumulatieur de gaz pour la mise sous pression de réservoirs d'ingrédients
US11472690B2 (en) 2021-02-05 2022-10-18 Cana Technology, Inc. Pneumatic system for fluid mixture dispensing device

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JP7170228B2 (ja) 2019-02-20 2022-11-14 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 飲料ディスペンサ

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EP3554988A4 (fr) * 2016-12-14 2020-07-15 The Coca-Cola Company Système de distribution de boisson flexible
US11834319B2 (en) 2016-12-14 2023-12-05 The Coca-Cola Company Flexible beverage dispensing system
WO2018140546A1 (fr) 2017-01-27 2018-08-02 The Coca-Cola Company Systèmes et procédés pour incorporer une fonctionnalité de distribution de micro-ingrédients dans un système de distribution de boisson à macro-ingrédients
KR20190104070A (ko) * 2017-01-27 2019-09-05 더 코카콜라 컴파니 대량 원료 음료 분배 시스템 내에 미량 원료 분배 기능을 통합하기 위한 시스템 및 방법
JP2020505280A (ja) * 2017-01-27 2020-02-20 ザ コカ・コーラ カンパニーＴｈｅ Ｃｏｃａ‐Ｃｏｌａ Ｃｏｍｐａｎｙ ミクロ成分供給機能をマクロ成分飲料供給システムに組み込むためのシステム及び方法
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WO2022169559A1 (fr) * 2021-02-05 2022-08-11 Cana Technology, Inc. Dispositif de distribution de mélange de liquides avec chambre d'accumulatieur de gaz pour la mise sous pression de réservoirs d'ingrédients
US11472690B2 (en) 2021-02-05 2022-10-18 Cana Technology, Inc. Pneumatic system for fluid mixture dispensing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP7094104B2 (ja) 2022-07-01
EP3204327A4 (fr) 2018-10-10
EP3204327A1 (fr) 2017-08-16
JP2017534535A (ja) 2017-11-24
CN107001021A (zh) 2017-08-01
MX2017004599A (es) 2017-07-10
CN107001021B (zh) 2020-09-01

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