WO2021177818A1

WO2021177818A1 - Counter-pressure beverage filling unit within housing

Info

Publication number: WO2021177818A1
Application number: PCT/NL2021/050138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edwin Johannes Cornelis GRIFFIOEN; Sergei BOGDANOV; Aleksandr KUDRIAVTSEV
Original assignee: Heineken Supply Chain B.V.
Priority date: 2020-03-03
Filing date: 2021-03-03
Publication date: 2021-09-10
Also published as: NL2025042B1

Abstract

An arrangement for filling a container 113 such as a bottle with a beverage such as beer under pressure has a sealing arrangement 315 for creating a pressure chamber 342 including the inner space of the container, an outlet for the beverage and a gas conduit 326. The sealing arrangement preferably engages with the top of the container, such that the beverage outlet will not touch the beverage in a filled bottle. The sealing arrangement and container are brought together for providing the sealing. The pressure chamber may be flushed and is brought to approximately the pressure of the beverage or somewhat below. The beverage supply is opened and pressure in the gas conduit may be reduced gradually, allowing the container to be filled. Gas conduit pressure may be reduced by providing a passage to ambient pressure and controlling opening and closing of the passage.

Description

Title: COUNTER-PRESSURE BEVERAGE FILLING UNIT WITHIN HOUSING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various aspects and embodiments thereof relate to the field of beverage dispensing units for beverage container filling arrangements.

BACKGROUND

To prevent excessive foaming of carbonated beverages such as beer while filling a beverage container, prior to dispensing the beverage the beverage container may be pressurised. For this pressurising, C02 gas may be used. This filling method is known as counter-pressure filling. Pressurising in this sense is understood as providing a medium under a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

The counter pressure filling method requires a gas tight seal to create a pressure chamber within the beverage container. Subsequently, the carbonated beverage is dispensed into this pressure chamber. In known beverage container filling arrangements, for example the FF 1/10 S20 sold by Alfred Gruber, a beverage container is pressed upwards against a seal, which causes a filler tube to enter the beverage container. The filler tube is used to additionally prevent or at least reduce foaming of the beverage during filling. By virtue of the filler tube, beverage is dispensed towards the bottom of the beverage container, and in a bottom halve of the beverage container.

SUMMARY

It is preferred to provide a beverage dispensing unit for a beverage container filling arrangement which can be used for counter pressure filling of a beverage container, such as a bottle, with a carbonated beverage, such as beer. Preferably, the beverage dispensing unit is more suitable for use in a retail environment, for example by being easier and more convenient to operate, maintain, and/or clean.

A first aspect provides a beverage dispensing unit for a beverage container filling arrangement, comprising a beverage dispensing unit housing, a beverage container holder arranged to receive and hold a beverage container, a container sealing mechanism, comprising a sealing mechanism body, comprising a sealing surface arranged to form a gas tight seal with a part of a beverage container held in the beverage container to create a pressure chamber with the beverage container, a gas passage extending through the sealing mechanism body, and a dispensing line passage extending through the sealing mechanism body, wherein a downstream end of the dispensing line passage ends at a container side of the sealing mechanism body, and an actuator for moving at least one of the sealing surface and the beverage container holder, such that a distance between the sealing surface and the beverage container is reduced, wherein the downstream end of the dispensing line passage is provided at or near the sealing surface.

With the beverage dispenser unit according to the first aspect, a pressure chamber may be created, formed by at least the beverage container and the sealing mechanism body. By virtue of the gas passage and the dispensing line passage, respectively, a gas pressure can be built up in the pressure chamber, and beverage can be dispensed into the pressure chamber, in particular into the beverage container.

The dispensing line passage may be embodied as a through hole through the sealing mechanism, as a protrusion extending from the sealing mechanism with a hollow passage there through, or as a combination thereof. The sealing surface may define a sealing plane encircled or enclosed by the sealing surface. In embodiments, the dispensing line passage may extend through this sealing plane. When the dispensing line passage comprises a protrusion part, this protrusion part may be decoupled from the sealing mechanism body.

When the downstream end of the dispensing line passage is provided at or near the sealing surface, it may substantially be prevented that the dispensing hne passage extends beyond a beverage level in the beverage container when the beverage container is fully filled up to the desired beverage level.

Commonly used bottle filhng arrangements use a filling tube which enters the beverage container before filhng, the downstream end of the dispensing line passage thus ends inside the beverage container, usually near the bottom of the container, and is not provided at or near the sealing surface. In such commonly used bottle filling arrangements, during filling of the beverage container, the outside of the dispensing line passage comes into contact with the dispensed beverage. This contact causes the outside of the dispensing line passage to require frequent and thorough cleaning, to prevent growth of microorganisms on the outside of the dispensing line passage. Especially considering that the outside of the dispensing line passage comes into contact with beverage inside the beverage container, the cleanliness of this outside is very important to prevent cross-contamination.

A bottle, for example a glass or plastic bottle, is a typical example of a beverage container which may be filled with a beverage container filling arrangement. Such a bottle typically comprises a body and a neck part, wherein an opening of the bottle is provided in the neck part. The neck part may comprise one or more flanges, such as a support flange and/or a flange around which a cap can be provided. The neck part may alternatively or additionally comprise a thread to accommodate a screw cap. For creating the pressure chamber, a gas tight seal may be obtained on a side wall of the neck, on the top of the neck, on the body of the bottle, on a shoulder present between the neck and the body, on any other part of the bottle, or on a combination thereof. In examples of the beverage dispensing unit, the downstream end of the dispensing line passage being provided at or near the seahng surface imphes that the downstream end of the dispensing line passage does not extend into the neck of the beverage container, or does not extend into the body of the beverage container.

For a seal to be formed between the sealing mechanism body and a beverage container held in the beverage container holder, at least one of the sealing mechanism body and the beverage container holder may be moved towards the other, or both are moved towards each other. To hold the seal, and to prevent the pressure inside the pressure chamber formed by the beverage container and the sealing mechanism body from breaking the seal, a force coupling may be present between the beverage container holder holding the beverage container and the beverage container holder via the actuator.

The actuator may be connected to the beverage dispensing unit housing. This connection may be direct or via one or more other components, and the connection may be substantially rigid, or may comprise one or more biasing, spring, and/or damping elements.

In particular embodiments, the actuator comprises one or more connection elements arranged to be connected to a housing of the beverage container filling arrangement.

In another embodiment, to provide the force coupling between the beverage container holder holding the beverage container and the beverage container holder via the actuator, the actuator may comprise a connection element arranged to be connected to a housing of the beverage container filling arrangement. As such, the force required for making and maintaining the seal may have a force path through the housing of the beverage container filling arrangement.

When the actuator is arranged to be operable by virtue of a pressurised gas, the actuator may comprise a pressurised gas inlet for receiving a pressurised gas flow, and a piston provided in fluid connection with the pressurised gas inlet, wherein the piston is arranged for moving at least one of the sealing surface and the beverage container holder.

The pressurised gas may originate from the same pressurised gas source as the source used for pressurising the pressure chamber formed by the beverage container and the sealing mechanism body. As such, an additional energy source such an electric motor or a hydraulic/pneumatic pump may not be required for operating the actuator. However, embodiments are envisioned wherein the actuator is operable by virtue of an electric motor, either directly or indirectly.

Furthermore, when the same pressurised gas source is used for pressurising the pressure chamber formed by the beverage container and the sealing mechanism body and for pressing the sealing surface and the beverage container together, an equihbrium may be obtained which prevents the pressure inside the pressure chamber from pressing the sealing surface away from the beverage container, as for example a safety measure.

In particular embodiments, the actuator is arranged to move the sealing surface towards the beverage container holder. Hence, in particular embodiments, the beverage container holder is not moveable. In use, the actuator movement may be a substantially downward movement, in a direction opposite to the gravity vector. The movement of the actuator may be a translation, a rotation, or a combination thereof.

The beverage dispensing unit may comprise a biasing element arranged to bias the sealing surface away from the beverage container holder. As such, a force is required exceeding the biasing force for pressing the sealing surface towards a beverage container held by the beverage container holder. If this force drops away for some reason, the biasing element provides a force for moving the sealing surface away from the beverage container holder as a safety precaution. In embodiments, the sealing mechanism body may be mounted between the actuator and the container holder. The actuator may be connected to the container holder, and the sealing mechanism body may be moved between the actuator and the container holder towards the container holder.

The beverage dispensing unit may further comprise a gas conduit, at a first end connected to the gas passage of the container sealing mechanism, and of which a second end is exposed to ambient pressure, wherein the beverage dispensing unit further comprises a gas conduit control valve arranged to control a flow through area for gas through the gas conduit between the first end and the second end. Alternatively, the gas conduit control valve may be arranged in or directly connected to the gas passage of the container sealing mechanism.

During the counter pressure filling process, the volume available for the pressurised gas in the pressure chamber decreases due to the beverage being dispensed into the pressure chamber and taking up volume in the pressure chamber. Furthermore, in order to dispense beverage into the pressure chamber, the pressure on the beverage in the dispensing line has to exceed or at least be equal to the pressure inside the pressure chamber. To prevent the pressure in the pressure chamber from exceeding a threshold beyond which beverage is not dispensed anymore, part of the volume of gas in the pressure chamber may be drained to lower the pressure inside the pressure chamber.

To controllably drain gas from the pressure chamber, the gas conduit control valve may be used. In examples, the gas conduit control valve may be an in-line valve provided inside the gas conduit between the first end and the second end thereof. In other examples, the gas conduit control valve may be provided around the gas conduit between the first end and the second end thereof, wherein the gas conduit control valve is arranged to clamp, squeeze and/or otherwise engage with the gas conduit to control the flow of gas through the gas conduit, for example by manipulating the flow through area through the gas conduit. Hence, at least part of a gas conduit may be flexible, resilient, and/or elastic.

The control of the gas conduit control valve may provide a constant or substantially gradually changing flow through area for gas through the gas conduit between the first end and the second end. Alternatively, the control of the gas conduit control valve may provide a substantially abrupt, discrete and/or stepwise changing flow through area for gas through the gas conduit between the first end and the second end. A pressure sensor may be provide for detecting a pressure inside the pressure chamber, and a pressure sensor signal generated by the pressure sensor may be used for controlling the gas conduit control valve.

In accidental situations, while draining gas from the pressure chamber, some beverage may be sucked into the drain gas conduit. To prevent this beverage from spoiling on parts of the filling arrangement, which parts may then require cleaning, the beverage dispensing unit may further comprise a drain container, and wherein a second end of the gas conduit ends is in fluid connection with the drain container.

Embodiments of the sealing mechanism body are envisioned comprising multiple gas passages, in particular an input gas passage and an output gas passage. The input gas passage may be connectable to a pressurised gas source, and the output gas passage used for draining gas as explained in the paragraphs above.

In particular embodiments, the beverage dispensing unit may be arranged to be used in combination with a disposable dispensing line. To accommodate the disposable dispensing line, and in particular a dispensing end thereof, the dispensing line passage may be arranged for receiving an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line. In such embodiments, a gas tight sealing member may be provided to prevent gas leakage out of the pressure chamber through the dispensing line passage, for example between a perimeter of the dispensing line passage and the dispensing line, for example the disposable dispensing hne.

As a further option, the dispensing line passage may comprise a receptacle for receiving a cartridge for holding an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line. Using a cartridge may ease obtaining a gas tight seal of the dispensing line passage, and/or may ease the connecting a disposable dispensing line to the beverage dispensing unit.

A second aspect provides a beverage container filling arrangement, comprising a beverage dispensing unit according to the first aspect, a gas distribution network, comprising a conduit network, wherein the conduit network is at a first end connectable to a pressurised gas source and at a second end connected to the gas passage of the container sealing mechanism.

A single pressurised gas source may hence be used for multiple purposes, which purposes may comprise any combination of purging the pressure chamber, pressurising the pressure chamber, actuating the actuator, pressurising the beverage to be dispensed, operating the gas conduit control valve and any other operation within a beverage container filling arrangement requiring energy for which pressurised gas may be used. In particular, the gas distribution network may at a third end be connected to the pressurised gas inlet of the actuator.

In an embodiment, the beverage container filling arrangement further comprises a beverage pressure line connected to the gas distribution network for providing gas to a beverage storage container for pressurising a beverage in the beverage storage container to be dispensed by means of a dispensing line. In this embodiment, actuators and beverage are connected to the same gas distribution network. If pressure drops or falls away completely, all systems halt. This means that if a seal between a container to be filled, like a growler bottle, and the dispenser is removed due to loss of pressure, no or little beverage is spilled as also the beverage lines are depressurised. Hence, this embodiment provides a fail-safe filling arrangement.

A beverage container filbng arrangement may in particular embodiments be a consumer operable beverage container filbng arrangement for use in a retail environment. Hence, the aspects and embodiments described herein may in particular be applicable in a retail beverage container filling arrangement for use in a retail environment, which can be operated by a consumer. In examples, a retail beverage container is a bottle, such as a glass or plastic bottle with for example a screw cap or a crown cork, a can, a bag-in-container for use with home beverage dispensers, or any other type of beverage container usable and portable by a consumer.

The retail beverage container filling arrangement preferably is constructed such that it requires a minimum amount of maintenance and cleaning. Contrary to a factory with a professional bottle filling line, a supermarket as an example of a retail environment does not employ specialised maintenance engineers. Hence, a professional bottle filling line would not be suitable for use in such a supermarket due to the lack of specialised personnel for operating and maintaining the bottle filbng bne.

A consumer operable retail beverage container filling arrangement for use in a retail environment may comprise a housing, a beverage dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage, comprising a retail beverage container holder for receiving and holding a bottle, wherein the beverage dispensing unit is at least partially provided in the housing, a consumer interaction module for receiving a consumer input and generating a consumer control signal based on the received consumer input, and a dispensing controller arranged for receiving the consumer control signal and controlling the beverage dispensing unit in accordance with the consumer control signal. Consumer operable may imply that the filling arrangement can be used by a consumer with little to no effort, requiring no special skills or technical knowledge. In examples, the consumer supplies an empty bottle as an example of a retail beverage container to the filling arrangement, which bottle is received by the retail beverage container holder. Next, by providing a consumer input to the consumer interaction module, the bottle can be automatically filled without requiring any further consumer input. Hence, the filling arrangement may be an automatic filling arrangement, wherein the dispensing controller controls the filling process after the consumer has supplied the empty bottle, for example up to the time at which the consumer removes the filled bottle from the filling arrangement.

Examples of a retail environment are those environments through which consumers navigate to buy products. For example, a supermarket, a shopping mall, a liquor store, a retail outlet of a craft brewery, and a grocery store may be considered as being retail environments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The various aspects and claims thereof will now be discussed in further detail in conjunction with Figures. In the figures:

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a consumer operable retail beverage container filling arrangement;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a filling arrangement;

Figs. 3A and 3B schematically depict in a cross-sectional view part of embodiments of a beverage dispensing unit;

Figs. 3C and 3D schematically depict part of embodiments of a beverage dispensing unit;

Figs. 4A and 4B schematically depict an embodiment of a beverage dispensing unit; Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of several components comprised by an embodiment of a beverage dispensing unit;

Fig. 6 shows the exploded view of Fig. 5 in assembled state;

Fig. 7A shows a particular embodiment of a sealing mechanism body;

Fig. 7B shows an orientation of a dispensing bne relative to a growler;

Fig. 8 shows a cartridge assembly for use in a beverage dispensing unit;

Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B show an embodiment of an assembly of a cartridge assembly and an actuator module; and

Fig. 10 schematically depicts part of an embodiment of a beverage container filling arrangement

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a consumer operable retail beverage container filling arrangement 100 for use in a retail environment. The filling arrangement 100 comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 comprises a left housing door 122’ and a right housing door 122”. The left housing door 122’ and a right housing door 122” together close off a storage area of the housing 102. The left housing door 122’ and right housing door 122” are hingedly attached to the housing 102, such that they can both open outwardly to open a storage area access opening.

The left housing door 122’ is provided with two beverage dispensing units 110, and the right housing door 122” is provided with a single beverage dispensing unit 110. When opening a housing door, any beverage dispensing unit 110 provided in the respective housing door is moved away such that it does not block the storage area access opening.

The filling arrangement 100 comprises, as an option, a display 150 for displaying information to a consumer using the filling arrangement 100. As a further option, the filling arrangement 100 comprises a label printer 138, which in this particular embodiment is provided in the left housing door 122’. As an even further option, the housing comprises a cooling unit, of which a radiator 124 is visible in Fig. 1. The radiator 124 may be used as a heat exchanger with the surroundings of the filling arrangement 100 for cooling the storage area of the housing 102.

As a mere example, each beverage dispensing units 110 comprises a growler holder 112 as a beverage container holder, with in each growler holder 112 a growler 113. The growlers 113 are suspended from the growler holders 112 in a dispensing compartment 128. Each of the dispensing units 110 is provided with a door for closing of the dispensing compartments. The doors are not visible in Figure 1, as the doors are transparent. At the left of each of the dispensing compartments, Figure 1 shows hinges for connecting the doors to the applicable housing doors 122.. Embodiments of the filhng arrangement 100 are envisioned wherein one or more of the dispensing compartments is provided with one or more dispensing compartment doors.

In embodiments, the display 150 is a touch screen and forms part of a consumer interaction module. A touch input provided by the consumer to the touch screen may be used to generate a consumer control signal. Additionally or alternatively, one or more sensors may be provided for detecting the presence of a growler 113 in a growler holder 112, for detecting whether a door such as a housing door 122 and/or a dispensing compartment doors is in an opened or closed state, and/or detecting any other type of consumer interaction with the filling arrangement 100.

For example, when the consumer provides a growler 113 to the growler holder 112, this may be regarded as a consumer interaction with the device and thus as a consumer input, and may hence be used to at least partially generate the consumer control signal. When the consumer opens or closes a dispensing compartment door, this may also be regarded as a consumer interaction with the device and thus as a consumer input, and may hence be used to at least partially generate the consumer control signal.

Thus, in general, the consumer interaction module may comprise any sensor which may detect a consumer interaction with the filling arrangement 100 and any consumer interaction with the filling arrangement 100 may be considered to be a consumer input.

Preferably, to make the filling arrangement 100 particularly consumer operable, the consumer does not need to operate any valves, handles, or any other controls to operate the filling arrangement 100.

Hence, as a preference, the consumer only needs to provide an empty beverage container to the retail beverage container holder. The rest of the filling process will then be governed by the dispensing controller.

In a particular example, the housing doors 122 of the filling arrangement 100 are closed. Next, the consumer opens one of the dispensing compartment doors and places a growler 113 into the growler holder 112 associated with the same beverage dispensing unit 110 as the opened dispensing compartment door. After placing the growler 113, the dispensing compartment door is closed, either by the consumer of by the filling arrangement 100 itself, for example using a biasing element forcing the dispensing compartment door in a closed state. The dispensing controller may receive a consumer control signal based on any of these consumer interactions with the filling arrangement 100, and proceed with filling the growler 113 accordingly.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a filling arrangement 100, in particular a consumer operable retail beverage container filling arrangement for use in a retail environment. The filhng arrangement 100 comprises a housing 102, in which for this particular embodiment and as an option for other embodiments of the filling arrangement 100, substantially defines the volume occupied by all components of the filling arrangement 100, except for a power cord which is to be plugged into a power outlet of a retail environment.

In these preferred embodiments, the filling arrangement 100 can be placed anywhere in the retail environment as long as sufficient electrical power can be provided to the filling arrangement 100. The housing 102 may be placed on rollers or wheels for increased movabihty.

As depicted in Fig. 2, the housing 102 comprises a storage area 104. In the storage area 104 a keg 106 as a supply beverage container and a C02 cylinder 108 as a pressurised gas source are stored. A dispensing line 150 is provided between the keg 106 and the beverage dispensing unit 110. A gas conduit 152 provides a fluid connection between the C02 cylinder and the keg 106 for pressurising the beverage inside the keg 106.

As schematically indicated in Fig. 2, the housing 102 comprises a storage area access opening 120 for accessing the storage area 104. The storage area access opening 120 is shown closed off by a housing door 122. The storage area access opening 120 is sufficiently wide and high to allow a retail environment employee to place and remove at least one of the keg 106 and the C02 cylinder 108 as examples respectively of the supply beverage container and the pressurised gas source. By being able to selectively close off the storage area 104, it may be prevented that the consumer gains access to components of the filling arrangement 100 which the consumer does not need for consumer interaction with the filling arrangement 100, for example any of the keg 106, C02 cylinder, 108, dispensing controller, and/or any other component comprised by embodiments of the filling arrangement 100.

The filling arrangement 100 depicted in Fig. 2 comprises the optional coohng unit 124 for cooling the storage area 104. The housing 102, or at least part thereof, may be insulated to decrease the energy required for cooling the storage area 104 when the temperature inside the storage area 104 is lower than an ambient temperature surrounding the housing 102. The beverage dispensing unit 110 as depicted in Fig. 3 comprises the growler holder 112 as the retail beverage container holder which holds the growler 113 as the retail beverage container. In this example, the growler 113 comprises a support flange 115 and the growler 113 is suspended at the support flange 115 by the growler holder 112. In other examples, the growler 113 may stand with its bottom on a pedestal comprised by an example of a retail beverage container holder.

As an option depicted in Fig. 2, the consumer interaction module comprises a touch screen 114 for receiving a consumer input and generating a consumer control signal 116 based on the received consumer input.

The filling arrangement 100 further comprises a dispensing controller 118 arranged for receiving the consumer control signal 116 and for controlling the beverage dispensing unit 110 in accordance with the consumer control signal. As such, the dispensing controller 118 may generate and send a dispensing module control signal 119 and the beverage dispensing unit 110 may be arranged to receive the dispensing module control signal 119 and dispense beverage in accordance with the received dispensing module control signal 119.

As depicted in Fig. 2, the beverage dispensing unit 110 may comprise a dispensing unit housing 126 defining a dispensing compartment 128. The growler holder 112 is provided in the dispensing compartment 128, and as such a growler 113 held by the growler holder 112 may be provided in the dispensing compartment 128 as well. The growler holder 112 is arranged to hold the growler 113 in a first orientation indicated with reference numeral 144, which may correspond to an axial direction of the growler 113.

By virtue of the dispensing unit housing 126, the dispensing area 128 as depicted in Fig. 2 is substantially separated from the storage area 104. Hence, it may be prevented that any beverage dispensed into the dispensing area 128 reaches the storage area 104. It will be obvious that preferably all beverage is dispensed into a retail beverage container. However, if some beverage is spilled in the dispensing unit housing 126, a drain 130 is provided as an option. The drain 130 may be provided at the bottom of the dispensing unit housing 126, and the drain 130 may be provided with a reservoir 131 for receiving drained beverage. This reservoir may be easily removable from the filling arrangement 100 to dispose of any spilled beverage.

To prevent a consumer from interacting with a retail beverage container during the filling process, access to the dispensing area 128 may be restricted by the dispensing compartment door 132 for selectively opening or closing off the dispensing compartment.

As an option, applicable when the filling arrangement 100 comprises a dispensing compartment door 132, the filling arrangement 100 may comprise a dispensing compartment door locking mechanism for locking the dispensing compartment door. When locked, the dispensing compartment door cannot be opened by the consumer. The locking mechanism may be an automatic locking system governed by the dispensing controller 118. The dispensing controller 118 may for example be arranged to lock the locking mechanism before starting filling of the retail beverage container, and to unlock the locking mechanism when the filling process has ended such that the consumer can safely open the dispensing compartment door to remove the filled retail beverage container from the retail beverage container holder 112.

As a further option also applicable in other embodiments of the filling arrangement 100, the filling arrangement 100 comprises a beverage level sensor 134. The beverage level sensor 134 may be a part of the beverage dispensing unit 110. The beverage level sensor 134 is arranged to provide a level sensor signal 136 indicative of a beverage level inside the growler 113 as the retail beverage container held by the growler holder 112. The beverage level sensor 134 is preferably provided at a level below a point at which any part of the filling arrangement 100 protrudes or may in any case protrude in the growler 130.

When the filling arrangement 100 comprises a beverage level sensor 134, the dispensing controller 118 may be further arranged for receiving the level sensor signal 136 and for controlling the beverage dispensing unit 110 according to the level sensor signal. For example, when the level sensor signal 136 is indicative of a sufficiently filled retail beverage container, the dispensing controller 118 may control the beverage dispensing unit 110 to stop dispensing beverage.

The beverage level sensor 134 may be embodied as an optical sensor, optionally in combination with a light source, arranged to look through the growler 113, for example through a neck section 115 of the growler 113. In other embodiments, the beverage level sensor 134 may be embodied as an in-line flow sensor, as a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the retail beverage container during filling, or as any other sensor arranged to obtain information indicative of a beverage level inside the retail beverage container during filling. As a further alternative, a timer may be used to specify a specific filling time.

To provide the consumer with a label to paste on a filled retail beverage container, as an option, the filling arrangement 100 depicted in Fig. 2 comprises the label printer 138 which may be accompanied by a label printer controller. The label printer controller may control the label printer based on for example at least part of the consumer control signal.

The dispensing line 150 may be connected to a dispensing line connector 140 of the beverage dispensing unit 110. The dispensing line 150 may be a fixed dispensing hne 150 intended for use with a plurality of kegs 106, and may hence comprise a coupler to connected to a keg 106. In other embodiments, the dispensing line 150 may be a disposable dispensing hne 150. Regardless of whether the dispensing line 150 is disposable or not, the dispensing line connector 140 may be arranged to hold or at least orient an outlet end 142 of the dispensing line 150 in a second orientation indicated with reference numeral 146. The second orientation 146 may be at an angle relative to the first orientation 144 at which the growler holder 112 holds the growler 113.

By virtue of the outlet end 142 being oriented at the second orientation 146, beverage may be dispensed under a third orientation 148, which third orientation 148 may be parallel to the second orientation 146. The third orientation 148 is provided at an angle relative to the first orientation 144, and as such the dispensing direction may intersect a side wall of the growler 113. When the third orientation 148 is provided parallel to the first orientation 144, and thus not at an angle relative to the first orientation 144, the dispensing direction intersects the growler 113 at a bottom 121 of the growler 113.

Embodiments of the filling arrangement 100 may be arranged for counter-pressure filling of a retail beverage container. The pressurised gas used for the counter-pressure filling process may originate from the pressurised gas source provided in the storage area 104. As such, a filling pressure gas conduit 154 may be provided between the C02 cylinder 108 and the beverage dispensing unit 110. As such, the beverage dispensing unit 110 of Fig. 2 is arranged to receive pressurised gas via the filling pressure gas conduit 154.

Figs. 3A and 3B schematically depict in a cross-sectional view part of embodiments of a beverage dispensing unit 110 comprising a beverage dispensing housing 126 and a beverage container holder 112 arranged to receive and hold a grower 113 as an example of a beverage container, in particular a retail beverage container. The growler 113 comprises a support flange 302 and a bottom 304. The growler 113 further comprises a neck portion 306, a growler body 308 and a shoulder portion 310 connecting the neck portion 306 and the growler body 308. A growler opening 312 is provided by the neck portion 306. In this embodiment, the support flange 302 is provided around the neck portion 306. In another embodiment, alternative or additional support flange may be provided at another location of the growler 113, for example at the top, middle of bottom section of a body portion of the growler 113, located below the neck portion 306. The beverage container holder 112 may be provided accordingly.

In the embodiment of Fig. 3A, the beverage container holder 112 is arranged to support the support flange 302 of the growler 113. As such, when the growler 113 is held by the beverage container holder 112, the growler 113 is suspended from the beverage container holder 112 at its support flange 302.

With the beverage container holder 112 as depicted in Fig. 3A, next to the vertical position, also the horizontal position of the growler 113 relative to the beverage dispensing unit housing 126 may be defined.

In the alternative embodiment of Fig. 3B, the beverage container holder 112 is arranged to support the growler 113 at the bottom 304 of the growler 113. In a further envisioned embodiment, the beverage container holder 112 comprises a clamp for clamping the growler 113 at its neck 306, body 308, or a combination thereof.

Figs. 3C and 3D schematically depict part of embodiments of a beverage dispensing unit 110 comprising the beverage dispensing unit housing 126, with the growler 113 as a beverage container held by a beverage container holder (not shown here). The beverage dispensing unit 110 further comprises a container sealing mechanism 315 comprising a sealing mechanism body 316 comprising a sealing surface 314 arranged to form a gas tight seal with a part of the growler 113. The sealing mechanism body 316 comprises a first gas passage 318 extending through the sealing mechanism body 316, of which a distal end ends at a container side 322 of the sealing mechanism body 316. The first gas passage 318 is in this embodiment provided as a straight line. In other embodiments, the first gas passage 318 may be provided diagonally, curve or with an angle in the passage.

The sealing mechanism body 316 further comprises a dispensing line passage 320 extending through the sealing mechanism body 316, of which a downstream end ends at the container side 322 of the sealing mechanism body 316. As shown in Fig. 3C, the downstream, end of the dispensing line passage ends near the sealing surface 314.

In Fig. 3C, the seahng surface 314 of the sealing mechanism body 316 is arranged to abut the neck portion 306 of the growler 113, in particular on a top surface 303 of the neck portion 306. As another example, as schematically depicted in Fig. 3D, the sealing surface 314 of the sealing mechanism body 316 is arranged to abut the shoulder portion 310 of the growler 113. The shoulder portion 310 is a mere option of a part of the growler 113 on which a gas tight seal may be achieved. In other examples, the gas tight seal may be achieved between the sealing surface 314 and any other part or parts of a beverage container.

In an even further embodiment a pressure chamber is created surrounding the beverage container. In such embodiments, a gas tight seal on the beverage container 113 itself is not required, which may be advantageous when different shapes of beverages container 113 are to be filled using the beverage dispensing unit 100. For example, the pressure chamber may be formed at least partially by the beverage dispensing unit housing 126 and a dispensing compartment door 132 for selectively opening and gas-tightly sealing off the beverage dispensing unit housing 126. In Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D the sealing surface 314 has been moved relative to the growler 113, by a movement of the sealing mechanism body 316, a movement of the growler 113, of a movement of both.

At least part of the container seahng mechanism 315 may in embodiments be provided outside the beverage dispensing unit housing 126.

Figs. 4A and 4B schematically depict an embodiment of a beverage dispensing unit 110, comprising the beverage dispensing unit housing 128. The growler 113 as an example of a beverage container is suspended from the beverage container holder 112 by its support flange 302. In the particular embodiments of Figs. 4A and 4B, the beverage container holder 112 is connected to the beverage dispensing unit housing 126 and the sealing mechanism body 316 is moveably connected to the beverage dispensing unit housing 126 via connector parts 348.

In Fig. 4A, the seahng surface 314 does not contact the growler 113, and as such the state depicted in Fig. 4A may correspond to a waiting state of the beverage dispensing unit 110 wherein a dispensing controller is not controlling the beverage dispensing unit 110 to dispense beverage.

In Fig. 4B, the seahng mechanism body 316 is shown after being moved towards the growler 113 such that a gas tight seal is obtained between the sealing surface 314 and the growler 113, in particular with the top surface 303 of the neck portion of the growler 113. As such, a pressure chamber 342 is created between the sealing mechanism body 316 and the inside of the growler 113.

For moving the seahng mechanism body 316 towards the growler, the beverage dispensing unit 110, and in this particular embodiment the sealing mechanism 315, comprises an actuator 914 comprising a piston 363 connected to the sealing mechanism body 315. By moving the piston 363, the sealing mechanism body 315 is also moved.

The actuator comprises a support body 317, comprising a cyhnder 324 arranged to receive at least part of the piston 363. The support body 317 remains substantially in the same position relative to the container holder 112 when the sealing mechanism body 316 is moved towards the beverage container holder 112.

Optional biasing elements 340 are provided which provide a biasing force. The biasing force forces the sealing mechanism body 316 away from the beverage container holder 112. Hence, in order to move the sealing mechanism body 316 towards the beverage container holder 112, a force exceeding the biasing force may be required. For moving the sealing mechanism body 316 away from the beverage container holder 112, the cylinder 324 may in one embodiment be connected to ambient air; the . An advantage of this embodiment is that no further energy is required for moving the sealing mechanism body 316 upward; force provide by the biasing elements 340 is preferably sufficient.

By increasing a pressure inside the cylinder 324, a force can be provided to the sealing mechanism body 316 to move the sealing mechanism body 316 towards the beverage container holder 112. In particular, a force can be provided to the piston 363 part of the sealing mechanism body 316, which force forces the sealing surface 314 against the top surface 303 of the growler to create a gas tight seal. When the beverage dispensing unit 110 comprises the optional biasing element of elements 340, the force provided by virtue of the pressure inside the cylinder 324 exceeds the biasing force provided by the biasing element 340.

Hence, in embodiments, the actuator may be a gas pressure operable actuator. To provide pressurised gas to the cylinder 324, as an option, an actuator gas passage 326 as a pressurised gas inlet is provided through the sealing mechanism body 316. In other embodiments, the actuator gas passage 326 may be provided through the support body 317.

The actuator gas passage 326 may be connectable to a pressurised gas source such as the C02 cylinder 108. Hence, the same pressurised gas source used for other usages in a container filling arrangement may also be used for operating the actuator for moving the sealing mechanism body 316. In particular, the same pressurised gas source may be connected to the actuator gas passage 326 and the first gas passage 318 for pressuring the pressure chamber.

A gas drain passage 349 as a second gas passage is provided as an option which also may applied to further embodiments of the sealing mechanism body 316. A drain conduit 362 as a venting gas conduit may be connected to the gas drain passage 349. As a further option, a gas conduit control valve 361 may be provided to control the flow of gas through the drain conduit 362. At a distal end, the drain conduit 362 may be connected to the reservoir 131 as a drain container for receiving drained beverage. The gas drain passage 349 may be provided as a branch to the first gas passage 318, provided within the sealing mechanism body 316.

In use, the beverage dispensing unit 110 may be used in a counter-pressure filling process, in which a retail beverage container is filled. In embodiments, after a growler 113 is placed in the beverage container holder 112 by a consumer, a dispensing controller may control the beverage dispensing unit as follows. First, a pressurised gas is provided to the cylinder 324, which causes the sealing mechanism body 316 to be moved towards the growler 113. This movement stops when the sealing surface 314 engages the growler 113, in particular the top surface 303 of the growler 113. Stopping of the movement may be triggered by a sensor, detecting physical contact between the sealing surface 314 and the top surface 303. As an option, the sealing surface 314 may be formed by a part of the sealing mechanism body 316 which is made of a resilient material, which can deform to correspond better to the shape of the top surface 303 of the growler such that a better gas tight seal can be achieved. At this point, the situation as depicted in Fig. 4B may have been obtained.

With the gas tight seal, a pressure chamber is created, at least partially formed by the growler 113 and the sealing mechanism body 316. The pressure in the pressure chamber may at this point be substantially equal to the ambient pressure. The dispensing controller may next control the dispensing unit 110 to pressurise the pressure chamber. Prior to pressurising the pressure chamber, the pressure chamber may be flushed with C02 gas to flush out substantially all oxygen is present in the ambient air which may negatively affect the quahty and/or shelf-life of the beverage after having been dispensed into the retail beverage container.

To pressurise the pressure chamber, pressurised gas may be provided to the pressure chamber via the first gas passage 318. The pressurised gas may be C02 gas, and the pressurised gas may be provided by the same pressurised gas source as the pressurised gas source used to pressurise the cylinder 324.

After sufficient pressure is obtained in the pressure chamber, the dispensing controller may control the dispensing unit 110 to dispense beverage into the pressure chamber, and in particular into the growler 113 via the dispensing line passage 320.

To dispense the beverage, the beverage is pressurised for example using the same pressurised gas source used to pressurise the pressure chamber 342. When the pressure inside the pressure chamber 342 exceeds the pressure on the beverage, the beverage cannot be dispensed anymore as a pressure equilibrium is obtained in the pressure chamber 342. To lower the pressure inside the pressure chamber 342, the gas drain passage 349 may be used. For example using the optional control valve 361, gas can be drained from the pressure chamber 342. Should any beverage be accidently drained with the drained gas, the beverage may be caught in the reservoir 131.

After an amount of time of dispensing the beverage, a particular beverage fluid level 135 is achieved in the growler 113. This beverage fluid level 135 may be detected by the beverage level sensor 134, which may in turn send a signal to the dispensing controller after which the dispensing controller can stop dispensing of the beverage. Next, the pressure inside the cylinder 324 can be released, via the actuator gas passage 326 or via an optional additional gas release passage which may selectively provide a fluid connection between the cylinder 324 and the ambient. By virtue of the optional biasing element 340, the sealing surface 314 is disengaged from the growler 113, and the filler growler 113 can be removed by the consumer.

Should the beverage level 135 extend beyond the growler 113 because for some reason the dispensing is not stopped, this excess beverage may optionally be drained via the gas drain passage 349 and the drain conduit 362 into the reservoir 131.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that any gas passage may be used for transporting gas in one or two directions, usually opposite directions. Furthermore, any gas passage or conduit may be provided with a control valve for controlhng the flow of gas through said passage or conduit. Any of these optional control valves may be controllable by the dispensing controller.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of several components comprised by an embodiment of a beverage dispensing unit 110 and an embodiment of the growler 113. In particular, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, which as an option may also be used in conjunction with other embodiments, the sealing mechanism body 316 comprises a lower body part 316’ and an upper body part 316”.

The lower body part 316’ comprises as an option a space 351 for receiving a resilient body (not shown) such as, for example, an O-ring which may provide the sealing surface 314. The lower body part 316’ further comprises as an option a receptacle 370 for receiving a cartridge for holding an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line.

The upper body part 316”, with which the lower body part 316’ is connectable, comprises the piston 363 with an optional piston ring groove 360 for accommodating a preferably resilient sealing element, such as for example an O-ring. With the sealing element, which is not shown in Fig. 5, a gas tight seal may be obtained between the piston 363 and the cylinder 324.

A first of the lower body part 316’ and the upper body part 316” may comprise one or more slidable connection members 353, and a second of the lower body part 316’ and the upper body part 316” may comprise one or more slidable connection receptacles 352. As such, when the slidable connection members 353 are slid into the slidable connection receptacles 352, the lower body part 316’ and the upper body part 316” are connected. In particular a movement between the lower body part 316’ and the upper body part 316” in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction is substantially constricted.

Also visible in Fig. 5 is that a downstream end of the dispensing line passage 320 is provided at or near the sealing surface 314.

Fig. 6 shows the exploded view of Fig. 5 in assembled state, wherein the sealing mechanism body 316 is positioned relative to the growler 113 such that the seahng surface 314 forms a gas tight seal with the neck portion 306 of the growler 113.

Fig. 7A shows a particular embodiment of a sealing mechanism body 316, comprising a receptacle 370 for receiving a cartridge 400 for holding an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line 150. The receptacle 370 is oriented under a second orientation 146. The dispensing line 150, and in particular an outlet end 142 of the dispensing line 150 is oriented under a third orientation 148. The orientations will be elaborated on in conjunction with Fig. 7B. The receptacle 370 may thus provide the dispensing line passage 320, of which a downstream end is provided at or near the sealing surface 214..

The outlet end 142 of the dispensing line 150 may extend out of the sealing mechanism body 316. In use, the outlet end 142 may, when the sealing surface 314 forms the seal with the growler 113, protrude into the growler 113, and in particular only into the neck portion 306 of the growler 113 and not into the body. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet end 142 does not extend beyond a line of detection provided by the beverage level sensor 134.

Fig. 7B shows a growler 113 as an example of a retail beverage container, and the cartridge 400 for holding the outlet end 142 of the disposable dispensing line 150. In Fig. 7B, the receptacle 370 and the sealing mechanism body 316 are not shown for clarity of the figure. The growler 113 is oriented under a first orientation 144 by virtue of the beverage container holder 112, also not shown for conciseness of the figure. In use, the first orientation 144 may be substantially parallel to the gravity direction.

The cartridge 400 is placed under a second orientation 146 by virtue of the receptacle 370, and in particular by virtue of the orientation of the receptacle 370 relative to the beverage container holder 112. With the cartridge 400 placed under the second orientation 146, the dispensing line 150 and in particular the outlet end 142 is placed under a third orientation 146 which represents a dispensing orientation. The third orientation 148 may be parallel to the second orientation 146, or may be at an angle relative to the second orientation 146.

As shown in Fig. 7B, by virtue of the dispensing orientation 148 being at an angle relative to the first orientation 144 of the growler 113, beverage can be dispensed against an inner wall of the growler 113, in particular against an inner wall of the neck portion 306 of the growler 113. Such dispensing may decrease foaming of the beverage while the beverage is being dispensed.

The receptacle 370 may be in particular embodiments be arranged to receive a cartridge for holding an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line, comprising a cartridge body, arranged to be connected to a beverage container filler, comprising a first dispensing line coupling element arranged to couple with the disposable dispensing line at a first position of the disposable dispensing line, an actuable element, comprising a second dispensing line coupling element arranged to couple with the dispensing line at a second position of the dispensing line, wherein the actuable element is moveable relative to the cartridge body such that the first dispensing line coupling element is moveable relative to the second dispensing line coupling element between an open position and a closed position respectively corresponding to a dispensing state and a closed state of the disposable dispensing hne.

An embodiment of such a cartridge is depicted in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a cartridge assembly 401 for use in a beverage dispensing unit. The cartridge assembly 401 comprises a cartridge 400, comprising a cartridge body 406, and an actuable element 412. Coupled to the cartridge 401 and comprised by the cartridge assembly 401 is a disposable dispensing line 150, of which an outlet end 142 with a distal end 402’ extends outside of the cartridge 406.

The cartridge body 406 comprises a first groove 708 as a first dispensing line coupling element. The outlet end 142 of the dispensing hne 150 comprises at a first position 410 a first complementary groove such that preferably a snap-fit connection can be achieved between the first groove 708 and the first complementary groove.

The actuable element 412 comprises a second groove 414 as a second dispensing line coupling element. The dispensing line 150 comprises a shut-off valve 434 comprising a valve flange at a second location of the disposable dispensing line 150. Preferably, a snap-fit connection can be achieved by connecting the second groove 414 and the valve flange.

The actuable element 412 is movable relative to the cartridge body 406. In the particular embodiment of Fig. 8, the movement direction is substantially parallel to a flow direction 436 for beverage through the dispensing line 150. Hence, when the actuable element 412 is moved in a downstream direction, the shut-off valve 434 is moved towards the distal end 402’ of the dispensing line 150 relative to the distal end 402’ which does not move. With this movement, the shut-off valve 434 is placed in an opened state corresponding to a dispensing state.

To prevent movement of the actuable member 412 relative to the cartridge body 406 beyond a particular threshold, the actuable member 412 as an option comprises a stop 438 arranged to contact the cartridge body 406 after a particular distance moved by the actuable member 412 relative to the cartridge body 406.

The dispensing line 150 extends through a dispensing line through hole 418. When connecting the dispensing line 150 to the cartridge 400, the dispensing hne 150 is pushed through this through-hole 418 with the distal end 402’ first.

The actuable element 412 as shown in Fig. 8 comprises an extended part 422 extending out of the cartridge body 406 at the upstream end of the cartridge body. This extended part 422 may in embodiments be the part of the actuable element 412 interacting with the actuator module.

Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B show an embodiment of an assembly of a cartridge assembly 301 and an actuator module 700. The actuator module 700 comprises an actuator body 702, wherein in Fig. 4B the actuator module housing 702 is omitted to show further components comprised by the actuator module 700.

The actuator module 700 further comprises a pressurised gas inlet 708 comprised by a force input, such that a pressure force from a pressurised gas provided to the pressurised gas inlet 708 can be used as an input force for the actuator module 700. The force input further comprises a piston 714 of which a first side is provided in fluid connection with the pressurised gas inlet 708. The piston 714 can translate relative to the actuator body 702.

The actuator module 700 also comprises a force transmission module for coupling the force input to a force output. In the particular embodiment shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the force transmission module comprises a lever 706. The lever 706 is hingeable around a lever hinge point 710, which lever hinge point 710 is provided by the actuator body 702.

At a first location 711 on the lever 706, which is only visible in Fig. 4B, the lever 706 is arranged to engage with a second side of the piston 714, such that the piston 714 can provide a force to the level 706 at the first location 711 of the lever 706.

At a second location 712 on the lever 706, the lever 706 is arranged to exert a force on the actuable element 412, and in particular with the extended part 422 extending out of the cartridge body 406.

In the particular embodiment of Figs. 9A and 9B, the second location 712 is provided between the lever hinge point 710 and the first location 711. Hence, a downward movement of the first location 711 by virtue of the piston 714 pressing on the first location 711 will also cause a downward movement of the second location 712, which in turn causes a downstream movement of the actuable element 412 and may open the shut off valve of the dispensing line 150.

By changing at least one of the distance between the first location 711 and the second location 712, and the distance between the second location 712 and the lever hinge point 710, a mechanical advantage may be obtained between the piston 714 and the actuable element 412. By virtue of a mechanical advantage, the input stroke may be larger than the output stroke or vice versa.

To connect the actuator module 700 to the beverage dispensing unit 110, the actuator housing body 702 may be connected to the receptacle 370. For example, the actuator housing body 702 may be slid over the actuator mount 428 of the cartridge and an actuator mount 718 of the receptacle 370. With this connection, also, movement of the cartridge 400 relative to the receptacle 370 may be prevented. Such movement may have otherwise been caused by a gas pressure at the downstream side of the cartridge 400 which may push the cartridge 400 out of the receptacle 370.

Fig. 10 schematically depicts part of an embodiment of a beverage container filling arrangement 100 comprising a beverage dispensing unit 110 and a conduit network 910 comprised by a gas distribution network.

The beverage container filling arrangement 100 comprises the C02 canister 108 as a pressurised gas source.

The conduit network 910 is at a first end 911 connected to the C02 canister 108. At a second end 912, the conduit network 910 is connected to the gas passage 318 of the container seahng mechanism 315.

At a third end 913, the conduit network 910 is connected to the actuator gas passage 326 as a pressurised gas inlet of the actuator 914.

Optionally, at a fourth end 915, the conduit network 910 is connected to the keg 106 as a supply beverage container for pressurising the beverage inside the keg 106. As a further option, at an optional fifth end 916, the conduit network 910 is connected to an actuator module 700 for providing pressurised gas for operating the actuator module 700 to actuate an actuable element of a cartridge to dispense beverage.

Between the first end 911 and any other end, a control valve 921 may be provided to control a gas flow between the first end 911 and the any other end. In particular, any control valve 921 may be controlled by the dispensing controller 118.

Preferably, the conduit network 910 is contained within the housing 102 of the filling arrangement 100. This may prevent unauthorised persons, such as consumers operating the filling arrangement 100, from contacting the conduit network 910.

An arrangement for filhng containers like bottle with a beverage like beer under pressure has a sealing arrangement for creating a pressure chamber including the inner space of the container, an outlet for the beverage and a gas conduit. The sealing arrangement preferably engages with the top of the container, such that the beverage outlet will not touch the beverage in a filled bottle. The sealing arrangement and container are brought together for providing the sealing. The pressure chamber may be flushed and is brought to approximately the pressure of the beverage or somewhat below. The beverage supply is opened and pressure in the gas conduit may be reduced gradually, allowing the container to be filled. Gas conduit pressure may be reduced by providing a passage to ambient pressure and controlling opening and closing of the passage.

Claims

1. Beverage dispensing unit (110) for a beverage container filling arrangement, comprising: a beverage dispensing unit housing (126); a beverage container holder (112) arranged to receive and hold a beverage container (113); a container sealing mechanism (315), comprising: a sealing mechanism body (316), comprising a sealing surface (314) arranged to form a gas tight seal with a part of a beverage container held in the beverage container holder to create a pressure chamber with the beverage container; a gas passage extending (318) through the sealing mechanism body, wherein a distal end of the gas passages ends at a container side of the sealing mechanism body; and a dispensing line passage (320) extending through the sealing mechanism body, wherein a downstream end of the dispensing line passage ends at the container side of the sealing mechanism body; an actuator for moving at least one of the sealing surface and the beverage container holder, such that a distance between the sealing surface and the beverage container is reduced, wherein the downstream end of the dispensing line passage is provided at or near the sealing surface.

2. Beverage dispensing unit according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is at least partially provided by the sealing mechanism body.

3. Beverage dispensing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is connected to the beverage dispensing unit housing.

4. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein beverage container filling arrangement comprising a housing and the actuator comprises a connection element arranged to be connected to a housing of the beverage container filling arrangement.

5. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprises a pressurised gas inlet for receiving a pressurised gas flow, and a piston provided in fluid connection with the pressurised gas inlet, wherein the piston is arranged for moving at least one of the sealing surface and the beverage container holder.

6. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is arranged to move the sealing surface towards the beverage container holder.

7. Beverage dispensing unit according claim 6, comprising a biasing element arranged to bias the sealing surface away from the beverage container holder.

8. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing mechanism body is mounted between the actuator and the beverage container holder.

9. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a venting gas conduit, at a first end connected to the gas passage of the container sealing mechanism, and of which a second end is exposed to ambient pressure, wherein the beverage dispensing unit further comprises a gas conduit control valve arranged to control a gas flow through the venting gas conduit between the first end and the second end.

10. Beverage dispensing unit according to claim 9, further comprising a drain container, and wherein the second end of the gas conduit ends is in fluid connection with the drain container.

11. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing line passage is arranged for receiving an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line.

12. Beverage dispensing unit according to any of the claims 1-10, wherein the dispensing line passage comprises a receptacle (370) for receiving a cartridge for holding an outlet end of a disposable dispensing line.

13. Beverage container filling arrangement, comprising: a beverage dispensing unit according to any of the preceding claims; a gas distribution network, comprising a conduit network, wherein the conduit network is: at a first end connectable to a pressurised gas source; and at a second end connected to the gas passage of the container sealing mechanism.

14. Beverage container filling arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: the beverage dispensing unit is a beverage dispensing unit according to any of the claims 5-11; and the gas distribution network is at a third end connected to the pressurised gas inlet of the actuator.

15. Beverage container filling arrangement according to claim 13 or claim 14, to the extent dependent on claim 9, wherein the venting gas conduit is separated from the gas distribution network.

16. Beverage container filling arrangement according to any one of claim 13 to 15, further comprising a beverage pressure line connected to the gas distribution network for providing gas to a beverage container for pressurising a beverage to be dispensed by means of a dispensing line.

17. Beverage container filling arrangement according to any one of claim 13 to 16, further comprising a gas source connection for connecting the gas distribution network to a pressurised gas source like a gas canister comprising at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

18. Beverage container filling arrangement according to any of the claims 13 to 17, wherein the beverage container filling arrangement is a consumer operable beverage container filling arrangement for use in a retail environment.