• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Beverage container cooling unit comprising: a. A housing comprising a space for receiving a container therein; b. a cooling element comprising a cold source; c. a thermally conductive plate that allows heat transfer between a container in the space and the cold source; characterized in that the thermally conductive plate comprises two material layers fixed against each other: (i) a first material layer defining a cooling surface facing the container receiving space and an opposite surface, said first layer being made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X1; (ii) a second material layer with a contact surface facing the opposite surface of the first material layer and positioned against it, and a second opposite surface, the second material layer having a coefficient of thermal expansion X2 different from X1, wherein, with a temperature change , the difference in thermal expansion causes a deflection of the conductive plate.
    公开号:BE1025844B1
    申请号:E2017/5868
    申请日:2017-11-30
    公开日:2019-08-14
    发明作者:Daniel Peirsman；Stijn Vandekerckhove
    申请人:Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Dispensing device provided with a cooling unit
    Technical area
    The present invention relates to a dispenser for household use or of the type found in pubs and bars for dispensing a liquid, typically a beverage such as beer or other carbonated drinks, to be served at a low temperature. In particular, the dispensing device according to the present invention is provided with a cooling cartridge which can be engaged in a cooling unit and thus forms a section of a dispensing tube which is in thermal contact with cooling plates mounted in the cooling unit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    Many applications require the cooling of a liquid. In particular, beverages or beverage components often need to be cooled prior to or during dispensing. This is the case for dispensing malt-based beverages, such as beer, or soda. There are basically two ways to serve a drink at a temperature that is substantially lower than room temperature: either a full container or full reservoir containing the drink or a component thereof that needs to be dispensed, cooled or just the volume of drink or beverage component that flows through a dispensing tube from the container or reservoir to a tap, is cooled.
    Cooling only the volume of beverage that flows through the dispensing tube is difficult to accomplish
    BE2017 / 5868 because of the many challenges of such a process. It must be borne in mind that the dispensing tube must be cleaned or replaced at regular intervals, either because the type of drink (beer type) changes from holder to holder, or because bacterial deposits may form in a dispensing tube over time. Another challenge is that beer with a relatively high flow rate, typically 2 oz / s or 3.5 l / min. must be dispensed and it is difficult to extract all the thermal energy required to bring the temperature of the beverage to the desired value at such flow rates.
    Many beverage dispensers include a cooled compartment for storing and cooling a container or reservoir. A conventional cooling system is based on the compression expansion of a cooling gas of the type used in domestic refrigerators. Thermoelectric cooling systems that use the Peltier effect have also been proposed in the art for cooling a container stored in a dispenser.
    One challenge of cooling the entire container / container is that when an empty container needs to be replaced with a new one or when a container needs to be refilled, it takes considerable time to change the contents of the new container or refilled reservoir to the desired low temperature. A solution to this problem is of course the constant storage of a complete container in a cooled compartment, so that he
    BE2017 / 5868 immediately after loading into a dispenser can be used as a replacement for an empty container. However, this solution requires the investment of an additional cooling compartment for storing refrigerated containers pending their loading, and requires additional work for storing a new container in the refrigerated compartment after having loaded a new refrigerated container on the dispenser. .
    Therefore, there remains a need for a cooling system suitable for high-speed cooling of beer stored in a container suitable for use in household appliances or in pubs and bars. The present invention proposes a solution to this need, with a user-friendly system that requires no skill to install and can be easily maintained. These and other advantages of the present invention are also given below.
    Summary of the invention
    The present invention is defined in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In particular, the present invention relates to a cooling unit for a beverage dispensing device, comprising:
    (a) a housing comprising a space for receiving a container therein;
    (b) a cooling element comprising a cold source;
    (c) a heat-conducting plate, which is heat transfer between a container
    BE2017 / 5868 provided in the space and allows the cold source;
    characterized in that the heat-conducting plate
    two material layers fixed includes:(i) a first material layer, which acooling surface, that to theholder receiving space is turned, and
    defines an opposite surface, said first layer being made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X1;
    ii) a second material layer with a contact surface facing the opposite surface of the first material layer and positioned against it, and a second opposite surface, the second material layer having a thermal expansion coefficient X2 different from
    X1 has, wherein, with a temperature change, the difference in thermal expansion causes a deflection of the conductive plate.
    In order to increase the contact between the thermally conductive plate and the container during cooling, it is preferred that X1> X2 so that on cooling, the thermally conductive plate bulges out to define a concave shape that goes to the space for receiving the holder has turned.
    The first layer of material, which defines the cooling surface, is preferably made of one
    BE2017 / 5868 material with a thermal expansion coefficient X1 of 8 x 10 -6 K -1 , preferably 10 x 10 -6 K -1 or more, such as aluminum, while the second material layer is preferably made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X 2 of 6 x 10 -6 K -1 , preferably 4 x 10 -6 K -1 or less, such as invar.
    The heat-conducting plate preferably comprises a socket in thermally conductive contact with the first material layer and enabled to come into contact with the cold source of the cooling element.
    According to a preferred embodiment, a regulator is provided which makes it possible to vary the distance between the socket and the cold source.
    Moreover, it is preferred that the cooling unit comprises a pulse generator coupled to an output coupled to a motion-producing means for cyclically producing a mechanical movement of a beverage container provided in the container receiving space.
    The present invention also relates to a beverage dispensing device comprising a cooling unit according to the present invention.
    The beverage dispensing device preferably comprises a first container containing a concentrated beverage component and fluidly connected to a tap by a first dispensing line and a second container or reservoir containing a diluent and fluidly connected to the tap by a second dispensing line, the cooling unit in the device for dispensing cooling the concentrated beverage container and / or the container or container
    BE2017 / 5868 reservoir containing the diluent is integrated.
    In addition, the dispensing device may comprise a mixing unit that has an inlet in fluid communication with the first and second dispensing lines and an outlet in fluid communication with the tap.
    In a particular embodiment, the dispensing device may comprise a carbonation unit, preferably an inline carbonation unit, with an inlet in fluid communication with the second container or reservoir containing the diluent and an outlet in fluid communication with the tap, the cooling unit in the device for cooling the diluent container is integrated.
    The beverage dispenser can be either of a type suitable as a domestic device for dispensing a malt-based carbonated beverage or of a type suitable as a catering device suitable for dispensing a malt-based carbonated beverage.
    Brief description of the figures
    For a more complete understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
    Figure 1: shows a cooling unit according to the present invention in two different states.
    Figure 2: various alternative embodiments of a dispensing device according to
    BE2017 / 5868 the present invention (a) in a dispenser of a type suitable for use in the hospitality industry, (b) a dispenser of a type suitable as a household appliance, and (c) a dispenser of a type, which dispensing a drink from a beverage concentrate and a diluent.
    Detailed description of the invention
    As illustrated in Figure 2a, the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing device comprising the following elements:
    a beverage dispensing equipment (1) provided with a cooling unit (2) comprising a space for receiving a beverage container (C) a dispensing tube (3) coupled to or suitable for coupling, on the one hand, to a container (or reservoir) containing a beverage or beverage component and, on the other hand, to the tap (9V), which for example
    The above invention top-down dispensing column (9) used in pubs is prior elements to be discussed.
    is that of one as traditionally provided.
    The essence of the cooling unit (2) will comprise a heat-conducting plate (2H), which comprises two layers of material fixed against each other (Figure
    1):
    i) a first material layer (2.1), which is a cooling surface (2.1c) that faces the container receiving space, and
    BE2017 / 5868 defines an opposite surface (2.1o), said first layer being made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X1;
    (ii) a second material layer (2.2) with a contact surface (2.2c) facing the opposite surface (2.1o) of the first material layer and positioned against it, and an opposite surface (2.2o), the second material layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion X2 different from X1, the difference in thermal expansion causing the conductive plate to bulge out with a change in temperature.
    With fixed it is indicated that both layers are united to form an integral body, such that when one of the layers is bent the other layer bends together with it.
    In the embodiment of Figure 1, the heat-conducting plate (2H) further comprises an insulating layer (2.3) fixed to the opposite surface of the second material layer.
    The cooling unit comprises a cold source (2C) for cooling the conductive plate. Any type of cold source known in the art can be used. Typically, compressor-based cooling systems or thermoelectric cooling systems are well suited for cooling the conductive plate. However, any other method can be used
    BE2017 / 5868 without departing from the present invention. The cooling unit is preferably provided with insulating material (2i) which is arranged in such a way that the heat exchange only improves from the conductive plate surface that faces the beverage holder receiving slots.
    This heat exchange is preferably achieved by a socket (2S), which is a part of the heat-conducting plate (SH) and connects the cold source to the first material layer of the heat-conducting plate, in a thermally conductive manner. The socket is preferably made in one piece with the first layer (2.1) and protrudes through the second layer (2.2) of the heat-conducting plate, as shown in Figure 1.
    It is preferred to orient the thermally conductive plate so that the second material layer has a thermal expansion coefficient X2 which is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient X1 of the first material layer connected to the cold source. As such, the first layer contracts more than the second layer upon cooling of the conductive plate, as a result of which the conductive plate bulges to form a concavity in the direction of the beverage container positioned in the intended space. The result is a snug fit of the conductive plate with the container, which preferably has an elliptical or cylindrical cross-section, thereby increasing the effective contact area and allowing efficient cooling of the beverage present in the container.
    BE2017 / 5868
    The cooling unit according to the present invention is particularly suitable for containers of a type that does not have a very narrowly defined cross-section, such as blow-molded containers or larger (or more) metallic containers, since the conductive plate adjusts its cross-section to the outermost one during cooling. surface of the containers.
    Optionally, the distance X between the socket (2S) and the cold source (2C) can be varied. Such a variation effectively makes it possible to control the temperature of the heat-conducting plate, especially when the heat-conducting plate is made of thin film layers with a very limited heat storage capacity.
    When a solid contact between the socket and the cold source is established, the cold source will cool the heat-conducting plate or the heat-conducting location at a low temperature (e.g.
    -2 ° C). At this low temperature, the heat-conducting plate is carved out and clamps a holder (C) positioned in the space. When the contact between the socket and the cold source is broken, an air layer is formed between the socket and the heat-conducting plate, whereby the heat-conducting plate is isolated from the cold source. Depending on the ambient temperature and ultimately the temperature of a container in contact with the heat-conducting plate, the heat-conducting plate will begin to heat up and the bulging of the heat-conducting plate will decrease, thereby reducing contact area between the container and heat-conducting, thereby causes that, the plate even
    BE2017 / 5868
    when the container is cooled to a desired temperature of, for example, 2 ° C, the heat-conducting plate starts to heat up with air present in the housing, and will further reduce bulging of the heat-conducting plate.
    Since the heat-conducting plate is preferably dimensioned for wrapping the container over a section of more than 180 ° in cross-section, cooling of the heat-conducting plate (socket in contact with the cold source) will effectively enable tight clamping of the container and as such , due to the good contact between the holder and the heat-conducting plate, the holder is effectively cooled. When the contact between the cold source and the socket is broken (distance X increases), the temperature of the heat-conducting plate will increase (the container will always be slightly warmer than the cold source) and the bulging of the heat-conducting plate will decrease, causing the contact area between the heat-conducting plate and the holder will decrease such that even when the holder is relatively cool, the heat-conducting place will heat up, eventually to a higher temperature than the holder, and will reduce the bulging of the heat-conducting plate to an extent that the holder can easily be moved out of the space.
    Varying the distance between the socket and the heat-conducting plate and the cold source can be accomplished by a regulator operating with a wide variety of principles well known in the art, such as by means of one or more screws, a solenoid coil , a notch ...
    BE2017 / 5868
    In a preferred embodiment, the cooling unit further comprises a pulse generator (P) with an output coupled to a movement generating means (M) for cyclically producing a mechanical movement of a beverage container provided in the container receiving space. (electronic) pulse generators have been known in the art for more than years and will not be discussed in more detail. The motion generating means can be any kind of device or unit that allows cyclic mechanical contact of the container or the heat-conducting plate, thereby generating a movement (agitation) of the beverage stored in the container. Such a movement is believed to improve cooling efficiency.
    Examples of motion-generating means include solenoids, a rotating notch, etc.
    Figure 2b illustrates a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention, which comprises the following elements:
    a beverage dispensing equipment provided with a cooling unit (2) comprising a space for receiving a beverage container;
    a dispensing tube (3) coupled to or suitable for coupling, on the one hand, to a container (or reservoir) containing a beverage or beverage component and, on the other hand, to the tap (9V) provided in a single housing with the cooling unit (2) and the cooling unit (2) holder receiving space.
    BE2017 / 5868
    Such an embodiment of the beverage dispensing device is particularly suitable for use as a domestic appliance for dispensing a beverage.
    Figure 2c illustrates a cooling unit (2) as defined in the present invention in a dispenser suitable for dispensing a beverage from a concentrated beverage component (Cc), such as a concentrated beer or cider, a diluent (Cd) and potentially a source of compressed gas (Cg) (e.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen or a mixture of both). In such a dispensing device, it is preferred that the cooling unit is positioned to cool a keg or reservoir (Cd) with diluent (e.g., water or a neutral beer base). The cooled diluent from the vial or reservoir is fluidly connected to a carbonation unit (CU), since carbonation of the diluent can be carried out more efficiently at temperatures below room temperature. The carbonation unit is preferably positioned downstream of a mixing unit (MU) in which a concentrated beverage component is mixed with the pre-carbonated diluent. Alternatively or additionally, a cooling unit may be positioned to cool the container comprising a beverage concentrate, but it is preferred to cool the diluent or final beverage, since the diluent is the largest
    BE2017 / 5868
    volume fraction of the final drink, especially in the case
    from beer, represents.Figure 3 shows another embodiment of
    the cooling unit, wherein a flexible cold storage element (2.4) is provided on the conductive element on the side facing the container receiving space. This flexible cold storage element preferably relates to a bag filled with a material with a high heat latency such as a phase change material.
    It's cold storage element provides the advantages that: (i) once cooled, the container can be maintained at a desired temperature without the need for constant cooling of the conductive element; (ii) the flexible cold storage element can be pre-cooled before a beverage container is provided in the receiving space, to allow faster cooling of the container; (iii) in the case that the cold storage element is flexible, a close fit can be obtained between the bag and the holder,
    even in the case that the container has an irregular surface.
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [1]
    CONCLUSIONS
    A beverage container cooling unit comprising:
    (a) a housing comprising a space for receiving a container therein;
    (b) a cooling element comprising a cold source;
    (c) a heat-conducting plate that allows heat transfer between a container in the space and the cold source;
    characterized in that the thermally conductive plate comprises two layers of material fixed against each other:
    (i) a first material layer defining a cooling surface facing the container receiving space and an opposite surface, said first layer being made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X1;
    (ii) a second material layer with a contact surface facing the opposite surface of the first material layer and positioned against it, and a second opposite surface, the second material layer having a thermal X 2 different from X 1, wherein, with a temperature change, the difference in thermal expansion causes a bending of the conductive plate, the heat-conducting plate having a socket in thermally conductive contact with the first material layer
    BE2017 / 5868 and enabled to come into contact with the cold source of the cooling element.
    [2]
    Beverage container-cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein X1> X2, so that on cooling the heat-conducting plate protrudes to define a concave shape that faces the space for receiving the container.
    [3]
    Beverage container cooling unit according to claim 2, wherein said first material layer defining the cooling surface in a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X1 of 8 x 10 -6 K -1 or more, preferably 10 x 10 -6 K -1 or more, such as aluminum.
    [4]
    Beverage container cooling unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second material layer in a material with a thermal expansion coefficient X2 of 6 x 10 -6 K -1 or less, preferably 4 x 10 -6 K -1 or less, such as invar.
    [5]
    Beverage container cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a regulator which makes it possible to vary the distance between the socket and the cold source.
    [6]
    Beverage container cooling unit according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising a pulse generator with an output coupled to a movement-generating means for cyclically producing a mechanical movement of a beverage container provided in the container-receiving space.
    [7]
    Beverage dispenser device comprising a cooling unit according to one of claims 1 to 6.
    [8]
    A beverage dispenser device according to claim 7, comprising a first container containing a
    BE2017 / 5868 concentrated beverage component and fluidly connected to a tap through a first dispensing line and a second container or reservoir containing a diluent and fluidly connected to the tap through a second dispensing line, the cooling unit in the device for cooling the concentrated beverage container and / or the container or reservoir containing the diluent is integrated.
    [9]
    A beverage dispenser according to claim 8, comprising a mixer unit with an inlet in fluid communication with the first and second dispensing lines and an outlet in fluid communication with the tap.
    [10]
    10. Beverage dispenser according to any of claims 8 to 9, comprising a carbonation unit, preferably an inline carbonation unit, with an inlet in fluid communication with the second container or reservoir containing the diluent and an outlet in fluid communication with the tap, wherein the cooling unit is integrated in the device for cooling the diluent container.
    [11]
    Beverage dispensing device according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein this device is a device suitable for dispensing a carbonated malt-based beverage.
    [12]
    12. Beverage dispensing device according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein this device is a catering device suitable for dispensing a carbonated malt-based beverage.
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP3330645A1|2018-06-06|
    AR110284A1|2019-03-13|
    BE1025844A1|2019-07-23|
    EP3548814A1|2019-10-09|
    US20200096246A1|2020-03-26|
    EP3548814B1|2021-07-14|
    US11092377B2|2021-08-17|
    BR112019011089A2|2019-10-01|
    WO2018100013A1|2018-06-07|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    EP0250003A1|1979-07-11|1987-12-23|Cadbury Schweppes Plc|Beverage dispenser|
    JP2003072897A|2001-09-03|2003-03-12|Ja Kk|Cooling/heating tank|
    JP2004212029A|2003-01-08|2004-07-29|Hitachi Tochigi Electronics Co Ltd|Electronic cooler/heater|
    JP2008111920A|2006-10-30|2008-05-15|Kyocera Mita Corp|Fixing device and image forming apparatus|
    US20090038317A1|2007-08-06|2009-02-12|Ferrotec Corporation|Thermoelectric temperature-controlled container holder and method|
    US3386261A|1966-09-06|1968-06-04|Cornelius Co|Method of and apparatus for dispensing reconstituted beer|
    CN101610971B|2006-12-28|2013-04-10|开利公司|Beverage proportioning|US11034569B2|2018-02-14|2021-06-15|Taphandles Llc|Cooled beverage dispensing systems and associated devices|
    法律状态:
    2019-08-28| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20190814 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP16201336.1A|EP3330645A1|2016-11-30|2016-11-30|Dispensing apparatus provided with a cooling unit|
    EP16201336.1|2016-11-30|
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