WO2024057347A1 - Diffuser, method, nozzle and machine for dispensing drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns a diffuser (2) for a beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ), to dispense at least one beverage including water or a basic liquid, and at least one further flavoring liquid, said beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ) being of the type comprising a casing (3), in which a through cavity is defined, which leads into an outlet (3a) at one end of said casing (3); in said diffuser (2), having a longitudinal axis (X), being defined: an inlet (4) for receiving water or another basic liquid; an outlet (5) to allow the water or other base liquid to exit from said diffuser (2); and at least one shaped passage (8), extending between said inlet (4) and said outlet (5) and substantially having a cascade development.

Description

DIFFUSER, METHOD, NOZZLE AND MACHINE FOR DISPENSING DRINKS

★ ★★★★

The present invention concerns a diffuser for dispensing beverages, a nozzle for dispensing beverages, and a machine for dispensing beverages.

More in detail, the invention concerns a diffuser, a nozzle incorporating such a diffuser, and a machine, incorporating such a nozzle, for dispensing still or carbonated beverages composed of a mixture of still or carbonated water and at least one syrup.

In the following, the description will be directed at the dispensing of a carbonated drink composed of sparkling water and at least one syrup, but it is clear that the same should not be considered limited to this specific use, as the diffuser, the nozzle, and the machine described can also be used for the dispensing of other drinks, smooth or carbonated, composed of a smooth or carbonated base liquid other than water and at least one flavoring liquid to attribute or modify the flavor of this base liquid.

Prior art

Currently, there are known machines for dispensing drinks equipped with dispensing nozzles that allow the dispensing of different types of drinks, according to different recipes.

Typically the drinks dispensed have a base liquid, which is generally water, which can be sparkling or carbonated according to the user's preferences, and a syrup, which is mixed with water (i.e., the base liquid), according to appropriate percentages or recipes, in order to obtain the desired beverage.

Typically, beverage dispensing machines have a single nozzle, through which different types of beverages can be dispensed. Aside from the carbonation, the basic liquid remains the same. Instead, between one dispensing and another, the syrup can change, according to the dispensing preferences of the different users.

Furthermore, again to meet the market's needs for compactness, known beverage dispensing machines include nozzles, in which the syrups that differentiate the different dispensed beverages pass through the same passage or channel. This means that if the syrup for the preparation of a drink to be dispensed is different from that of the previous one, then at least a little of the syrup from that previous drink can contaminate the drink to be dispensed, in some cases changing its flavor in an unpredictable way.

This implies that drinks dispensed via traditional machines may present variations in the desired organoleptic characteristics, particularly in relation to flavor.

Scope of the invention

In light of the above, it is, therefore, scope of the present invention to provide a diffuser for dispensing drinks that allows the contamination of syrups to be limited between one dispensing of a drink and the next.

Another scope of the invention proposed here is to provide a diffuser for dispensing drinks that can be manufactured economically.

A further scope of the present invention is to provide a nozzle for dispensing drinks that is structured in such a way as to make possible, thanks to its very conformation, an automatic cleaning process of the relevant internal parts responsible for allowing the passage of liquids flavorings, such as syrups.

Another scope of the invention is to provide a nozzle for dispensing beverages that is simple from a construction point of view.

A further scope of the invention is to provide a machine for dispensing drinks that is multipurpose in terms of the possibility of dispensing drinks of various types and flavors.

Object of the invention

It is, therefore, specific object of the present invention a diffuser for a beverage dispensing nozzle, to dispense at least one beverage including water or a basic liquid, and at least one further flavoring liquid, said beverage dispensing nozzle being of the type comprising a casing, in which a through cavity is defined, which leads into an outlet at one end of said casing; in said diffuser, having a longitudinal axis, being defined: an inlet for receiving water or another basic liquid; an outlet to allow the water or other base liquid to exit from said diffuser; and at least one shaped passage, extending between said inlet and said outlet and substantially having a cascade development; wherein said diffuser is characterized in that it comprises at least one peripheral passage extending from an intermediate zone of said at least one shaped passage to at least one opening formed at said inlet, wherein, when water or another base liquid is introduced into said inlet, a part of said water or said other base liquid flows through said at least one shaped passage, emerging from said outlet, and another part of said water or of said other base liquid flows through a portion of said at least one shaped passage and through said at least one peripheral passage emerging from said at least one opening, flowing, in use, in an external space or passage between said diffuser and said casing.

Always according to the invention, said at least one peripheral passage may comprise a curved terminal portion adjacent to said at least one opening, and a substantially rectilinear portion comprised between said curved terminal portion and said intermediate zone of said at least one shaped passage.

Still according to the invention, said diffuser may comprise a deflection lip arranged in correspondence with said at least one opening, to ease the deflection of said water or base liquid toward said space or external passage.

Advantageously according to the invention, said diffuser may comprise a plurality of peripheral passages and relative openings.

Further according to the invention, said diffuser may comprise an external portion, and a containment body, having a cylindrical shape, and intended to be inserted in the external portion, wherein the containment body has on one of the circular edges said deviation lip, and wherein said containment body is intended to house at least a portion of said shaped passage.

Advantageously according to the invention, said peripheral passages may be delimited by the external surface of said containment body and by grooves made on the external portion of the diffuser.

Preferably according to the invention, in said at least one shaped passage there may be defined: a plurality of beveled surfaces substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis and arranged to contact, in use, said water or other basic liquid; and a plurality of transverse surfaces inclined towards said outlet, continuing from the outside towards the inside of said diffuser, and arranged to contact, in use, said water or other base liquid; in such a way that when water or another base liquid is introduced into said inlet, a part of said water or said other base liquid flows through said at least one shaped passage emerging from said outlet.

Always according to the invention, said at least one shaped passage may comprise a first part adjacent to said inlet, and a second part arranged between said first part and said outlet and having a transversal extension greater than the transversal extension of said first part.

Still according to the invention, at least one transverse surface may be formed on one side of said at least one shaped passage facing towards said inlet.

Advantageously according to the invention, said beveled surfaces may be formed on opposite sides, according to a direction transversal to said longitudinal axis, of said at least one shaped passage.

It is also object of the present invention a method for making a diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises a three-dimensional printing operation.

It is further object of the present invention a beverage dispensing nozzle for dispensing at least one beverage comprising water or a base liquid and at least one further flavoring liquid, said beverage dispensing nozzle comprising: a casing, in which a through cavity is defined, opening into an outlet at one end of said casing; and a diffuser as defined above, arranged in said casing, in such a way that between said casing and said diffuser, at least one passage communicating with said outlet of said casing is obtained.

It is also object of the present invention a beverage dispensing machine comprising a beverage dispensing nozzle as defined above, and a device equipped with a plurality of valves connected to said beverage dispensing nozzle upstream of said beverage dispensing nozzle.

Brief description of the figures

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a side view of the nozzle for dispensing drinks according to the present invention associated with a multi-valve device arranged upstream thereof; figure 2 shows a first perspective view of an exploded view of the nozzle for dispensing drinks; figure 3 shows a second perspective view of an exploded view of the nozzle for dispensing drinks; figure 4 shows a side-sectional view of the nozzle for dispensing drinks; figure 5 shows a top-plan view of the multivalve device; figure 6 shows a side view of a diffuser; and figure 7 shows a section along the section line A-A of the nozzle for dispensing drinks according to the present invention, in which the dynamics of the liquid flows during dispensing is highlighted.

Detailed description of the figures In the various figures, the similar parts will be indicated with the same numerical references.

Referring to figures 1 -6, 1 generally indicates a nozzle for dispensing drinks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, the nozzle for dispensing drinks 1 includes a diffuser 2, having a longitudinal axis a position such that between the external walls of the latter, and the internal walls of the casing 3 an external circumferential passage 3' is formed, confluent towards the outlet 3a of the same casing 3.

Said casing 3 essentially has the shape of a funnel with the relative taper facing in the opposite direction compared to the taper of the diffuser 2.

An opening 3b is therefore defined at the end of the casing 3, opposite the relevant outlet 3a, having a greater surface extension than that of said outlet 3a.

In the diffuser 2, however, a relative inlet 4 and a relative outlet 5 are defined axially, facing the outlet 3a of the casing 3.

An inlet grille 6 and an outlet grille 7 are respectively provided in correspondence with the inlet 4 and the outlet 5 of the diffuser 2.

Between the inlet 4 and the outlet 5 of the diffuser 2 a plurality of shaped passages 8 are defined, each having a substantially cascade development and, each intended to allow the passage of still or carbonated water or another smooth base liquid or gassed from inlet 4 to outlet 5.

In particular, each shaped passage 8 is formed by a plurality of transverse chambers, extending in directions substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X, and a plurality of passages substantially parallel to this longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, each shaped passage 8 develops from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5, and is divided into two stages, namely a first stage 8a, adjacent to the inlet 4, and a second stage 8b between the first stage 8a and the outlet 5 and having a radial, or transversal, extension greater than that of the first stage 8a.

Said first and second stages are made with perforated plates.

Specifically, the first stage 8a of each shaped passage 8 appears as a shaped passage defined, among other things, by a plurality of first beveled, or rounded, walls 9, substantially parallel to the aforementioned longitudinal axis transverse walls 10 arranged substantially transverse to the same longitudinal axis.

More in detail, the first beveled walls 9 are provided both on the internal and external side of the first stage 8a of each shaped passage 8. Instead, the first transverse walls 10 are provided on the upper side (i.e., on the side facing the inlet 4 of the diffuser 2) of the first stage 8a of each shaped passage 8.

Similarly, the second stage 8b of each shaped passage 8 also presents itself as a defined shaped passage, among other things, by a plurality of second beveled walls 1 1 , or rounded, substantially parallel to the longitudinal X axis and by a plurality of second transverse walls 12, having a respective radial extension, greater than that of the first transverse walls 10 and arranged substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X in such a way that said second transverse walls 12 are inclined downwards, that is towards the exit 5, continuing from the outside towards the inside of the diffuser 2.

In particular, the second beveled walls 11 are provided both on the internal and on the external side of the second stage 8b of each shaped passage 8. The aforementioned second transverse walls 12 are provided on the upper side (i.e., on the side facing the inlet 4 of the diffuser 2) of the second stage 8b of each shaped passage 8.

In the diffuser 2, and in particular in positions more external than the first stages 8a of the shaped passages 8, a plurality of peripheral passages 13 are also formed, which develop from the second stages 8b of the shaped passages 8 according to respective trajectories parallel to the longitudinal X axis until it flows into a corresponding plurality of peripheral openings 14, formed externally to the inlet 4 and aimed at the aforementioned external passage 3’ obtained between the diffuser 2 and casing 3.

Each peripheral passage 13 can be formed by a curved end section, adjacent to the respective peripheral opening 14 and facing outwards, and by a substantially straight section included between said curved end section and the relative connection area with the second stage 8b of the respective shaped passage 8.

In the embodiment shown, the diffuser 2 includes an external portion 2a and a containment body 2b, having a cylindrical shape, and intended to be inserted into the external portion 2a of the diffuser 2. The containment body 2b has circular edges on one of the deflection lip 2c. The containment body 2b is intended to house the first stage 8a of the shaped passage 8.

The peripheral passages 13 are delimited by the external surface of said containment body 2b and by grooves obtained on the external portion 2a of the diffuser 2. Both the diffuser 2 and the relative casing 3 are coupled, in a removable manner, to a multivalve device 15 arranged upstream of both at the opening 3b of the casing 3.

In more detail, the multivalve device 15 includes a central supply duct 16, provided with a relative valve for interrupting the flow and leading to the inlet 4 of the diffuser 2 to introduce water or another smooth or carbonated basic liquid into the shaped passages 8, and one or more lateral adduction ducts 17 provided with a respective valve for interrupting the flow and leading into the aforementioned external passage 3’ to introduce syrups or other flavoring liquids.

In other embodiments, the valves can be replaced, either partially or completely, by hydraulic pumps, such as for example, peristaltic pumps, or other types of pumps commonly used in known dispensing systems.

The beverage dispensing nozzle 1 and the multivalve device 15, thus coupled to each other, are both part of a machine for dispensing beverages (not shown), which is also the subject of the present invention.

The operation of this machine for dispensing beverages according to the present invention is considered in detail, in the case in which it is desired to proceed with dispensing a beverage based on carbonated water added with a flavoring syrup.

In this case, we proceed by introducing, via the central supply duct 16 of the multivalve device 15, carbonated water (i.e., water with the addition of carbon dioxide) into the shaped passages 8 of the diffuser 2 through the relevant inlet 4.

After passing through the first stages 8a of the shaped passages 8, the water, possibly carbonated, passes into the relevant second stages 8b. The hydraulic resistance that the water encounters in the passage from the first stages 8a and the second stages 8b, causes a part of the water to exit from the outlet 5 and another part of it to rise, instead, through the aforementioned plurality of peripheral passages 13, from the aforementioned second stages 8b up to the respective peripheral openings 14, to then flow into the aforementioned external passage 3’.

On its way, the water or other basic liquid, after passing through the peripheral passages 13, meets the deflection lip 2c, which is circular, which facilitates its deviation towards the external passage 3’, in which it mixes with the syrup. In this way, at the end of dispensing the beverage, a smaller quantity of syrup will remain in the external passage 3’, which will at least be diluted, limiting the contamination of the syrup to be dispensed for the preparation of the next beverage.

Therefore, the water released from openings 14 will have the effect of cleaning the external passage 3' from any syrup residues.

In other words, by dispensing two subsequent beverages containing two different types of syrup, there will be no contamination in the second beverage with the syrup contained in the first beverage, that is, any residues of the syrup contained in the first beverage will not be present in the second beverage.

At the end of each dispensing process described above, in the case of dispensing of carbonated water, leaking from outlet 5 and from opening 14, and the syrup are dispensed as a mixture through outlet 3a of the casing 3, to be poured into a special container (not shown) positioned under the same outlet 3a.

Figure 7 shows the flow dynamics. In fact, we observe the primary flow I of water or base liquid, which passes through all the shaped passages and then exits from outlet 3a, and the secondary flow II, always of water or base liquid, which “goes up” the peripheral passages 13, is deflected by the deflection lip 2c and flows through the external passage 3’, mixing with the syrup for the preparation of the beverage, and then always exits from the outlet 3a and mixes again with the primary flow I of water or base liquid before being provided.

Thanks to the particular geometry of the shaped passages 8, and in particular to the presence of the aforementioned first beveled walls 9, first transverse walls 10, second beveled walls 1 1 , and second transverse walls 12, the carbonated water circulating in the diffuser 2 keeps its level of carbonation along the relative journey from inlet 4 to outlet 5 and to the peripheral openings 14, as the pressure changes it undergoes in passing from inlet 4 to outlet 5 are made more gradual.

This gradualness, obtained in particular from the beveled shapes of the water passage chambers created by the respective first beveled walls 9, first transverse walls 10, and second beveled walls 1 1 and second transverse walls 12, allows for a reduction in gas losses of the sparkling water, obtaining an optimal carbonation level of the beverage at the output.

In a further embodiment, the diffuser 2 according to the present invention can be conveniently made as a single piece using common three-dimensional printing techniques. Alternatively, the external portion 2a and the containment body 2b can be made in 3D printing.

Advantages An advantage of the diffuser 2 described above is given by the automatic cleaning process of the external passage 3’, during the beverage dispensing process, by the same carbonated water that flows from the aforementioned peripheral outlets 14 into the external passage 3’. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1 . Diffuser (2) for a beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ), to dispense at least one beverage including water or a basic liquid, and at least one further flavoring liquid, said beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ) being of the type comprising a casing (3), in which a through cavity is defined, which leads into an outlet (3a) at one end of said casing (3); in said diffuser (2), having a longitudinal axis (X), being defined: an inlet (4) for receiving water or another basic liquid; an outlet (5) to allow the water or other base liquid to exit from said diffuser (2); and at least one shaped passage (8), extending between said inlet (4) and said outlet (5) and substantially having a cascade development; wherein said diffuser (2) is characterized in that it comprises at least one peripheral passage (13) extending from an intermediate zone of said at least one shaped passage (8) to at least one opening (14) formed at said inlet (4), wherein, when water or another base liquid is introduced into said inlet (4), a part of said water or said other base liquid flows through said at least one shaped passage (8), emerging from said outlet (5), and another part of said water or of said other base liquid flows through a portion of said at least one shaped passage (8) and through said at least one peripheral passage (13) emerging from said at least one opening (14), flowing, in use, in an external space or passage (3') between said diffuser (2) and said casing (3).

2. Diffuser (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one peripheral passage (13) comprises a curved terminal portion adjacent to said at least one opening (14), and a substantially rectilinear portion comprised between said curved terminal portion and said intermediate zone of said at least one shaped passage (8).

3. Diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a deflection lip (2c) arranged in correspondence with said at least one opening (14), to ease the deflection of said water or base liquid towards said space or external passage (3').

4. Diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of peripheral passages (13) and relative openings (14).

5. Diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an external portion (2a), and a containment body (2b), having a cylindrical shape, and intended to be inserted in the external portion (2a), wherein the containment body (2b) has on one of the circular edges said deviation lip (2c), and wherein said containment body (2b) is intended to house at least a portion of said shaped passage (8).

6. Diffuser (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said peripheral passages (13) are delimited by the external surface of said containment body (2b) and by grooves made on the external portion (2a) of the diffuser (2).

7. Diffuser (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in said at least one shaped passage (8) there are defined: a plurality of beveled surfaces (9, 1 1 ) substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) and arranged to contact, in use, said water or other basic liquid; and a plurality of transverse surfaces (10, 12) inclined towards said outlet (5), continuing from the outside towards the inside of said diffuser (2), and arranged to contact, in use, said water or other base liquid; in such a way that when water or another base liquid is introduced into said inlet (4), a part of said water or said other base liquid flows through said at least one shaped passage (8) emerging from said outlet (5).

8. Diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one shaped passage (8) comprises a first part (8a) adjacent to said inlet (4), and a second part (8b) arranged between said first part (8a) and said outlet (5) and having a transversal extension greater than the transversal extension of said first part (8a).

9. Diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transverse surface (10, 12) is formed on one side of said at least one shaped passage (8) facing towards said inlet (4).

10. Diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said beveled surfaces (9, 1 1 ) are formed on opposite sides, according to a direction transversal to said longitudinal axis (X), of said at least one shaped passage (8).

1 1 . Method for making a diffuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises a three-dimensional printing operation.

12. Beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ) for dispensing at least one beverage comprising water or a base liquid and at least one further flavoring liquid, said beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ) comprising: a casing (3), in which a through cavity is defined, opening into an outlet (3a) at one end of said casing (3); and a diffuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 -10, arranged in said casing (3), in such a way that between said casing (3) and said diffuser (2), at least one passage (3') communicating with said outlet (3a) of said casing (3) is obtained.

13. Beverage dispensing machine comprising a beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -10, and a device (15) equipped with a plurality of valves connected to said beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ) upstream of said beverage dispensing nozzle (1 ).