CN101282902A - Device for dispensing a beverage from a deformable can - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1, 1') for dispensing a beverage. The assembly includes: a heat transfer system capable of heating or cooling at least one pressure chamber (2); the pressure chamber being adapted to receive a beverage container (19) in use; the beverage can is made of a crushable material; and a connecting element (21) arranged at the outlet of the beverage container (19); the pressure chamber (2) comprises a wall for accommodating a beverage can and a lid; the pressure chamber is further provided with a pressure source which can provide a predetermined pressure to the pressure chamber (2); during use of the assembly (1, 1'), the dispensing line (32) is connected to the outlet of the beverage container (19) and extends from the outlet through an opening in the lid of the pressure chamber (2) to the dispensing tap. The dispensing of the beverage is achieved by: the pressure chamber (2) is brought to a predetermined pressure, which pressure, when the dispensing line is open at the dispensing tap, exerts a force on the outside of the beverage container (19) so that the beverage container (19) is collapsed, whereby the beverage is squeezed out of the beverage container and into the dispensing line (32) and then out of the dispensing tap, without any gas being entrained in the beverage or being in contact with it during the dispensing process.

Description

A device for dispensing beverages from deformable cans

technical field

The present invention relates to an assembly for dispensing beverages.

Background technique

Large-capacity carbonated beverages such as draft beer usually need to be transported to the point of consumption in metal barrels, the capacity of which is usually eg 25 liters. These kegs are used in expensive and sophisticated dispensing components such as draft beer coolers, carbon dioxide tanks, etc. to cool and dispense beverages from beverage cans. Such buckets and dispensing assemblies are well known in the art.

Metal drums are heavy, making them difficult to handle and making shipping more expensive. In addition, the manufacturing cost of metal barrels is also high, and they need to be collected for filling after they are used up or partially used.

A bucket can be used many times before it wears out. Consequently, these barrels are typically transported over great distances during their lifetime, and the heavier they are, the more expensive they are to transport. Also, draft beer consumption changes seasonally. Consume more in summer, and consume less in colder weather. Therefore, in order to be able to meet the demand, there must be a large number of barrels recycled, so that a large number of empty barrels will be stored during periods of low consumption.

Another disadvantage of existing draft beer assemblies is that many of the components that come into contact with the beverage are reused and therefore require regular cleaning to keep the components hygienically clean and prevent bacterial growth. This cleaning is very time consuming, and it is difficult to clean thoroughly although all parts are cleaned. If those parts that come into contact with the beverage are not thoroughly cleaned, it will have an impact on the quality of the beverage.

In order to overcome some of the disadvantages mentioned above, beverage cans of dispensing assemblies are now being made lighter and more flexible materials have been introduced. Plastic bags that have been tested mechanically, pneumatically and hydraulically to force out the contents are very prone to rupture in actual use.

Also known in the art is the dispensing of beverages from collapsible beverage bottles such as those made of plastic material PET. These bottles are emptied by applying mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic action to flatten the walls to force out the contents. These beverage bottles can only hold a small amount of beverage, such as a few liters, and cannot compare with those metal barrels that can hold large-capacity beverages. However, collapsible bottles also have many advantages over metal barrels in many ways.

The plastic material can be crushed and the pellets obtained after crushing can be used to produce new plastic material. The crushed granules do not take up much space and therefore do not require a lot of storage space. Also, since the bottle is light, it is easy to handle and has low shipping costs. Plastic bottles can also be made transparent so that the contents can be seen, and plastic bottles can also be dyed to a desired color. When the plastic bottle is empty, it can be crushed flat, thus taking up very little space during shipping for recycling.

A dispensing assembly with a collapsible beverage bottle is described for example in EP-A1-1003686. The device constitutes a one-piece dispensing device comprising: a housing with a cover, a sealing device, a pressure source, a cooling device and a dispensing tap.

The dispensing device is relatively complex in design, comprising many parts, and the parts themselves are delicately made and expensive. It is therefore desirable to provide a beverage dispensing assembly that is relatively simple in design and construction, wherein the beverage can is easily handled by the user even though it is heavy.

In addition, the market for specific taste beers such as pale ales, pilsners (pilsners) and stouts is growing steadily, so the demand for these draft beer products will also rise. This also partly results in the ideal environment such as ideal pressure, temperature and foaming conditions that need to be achieved in draft beer systems compared to beer bottles and beer cans. Therefore, in order to be able to achieve eg optimum taste, aroma and texture of beer, beer usually has to be supplied by a draft beer system. As the number of flavor-specific beverage offerings increases and the demand for these products in guest rooms grows, it is important for establishments such as hotels, bars, and pubs to be able to offer a wide variety of high-quality beverages. Therefore, more and more bars and pubs begin to provide fresh beverages of various textures to meet the needs of guest rooms.

There is thus a need to provide private and specialized units with a large number of beverages of different textures. There is also a need to optimize these beverage textures to ensure high customer satisfaction. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the cost of different texture products and improve the user operability of the different texture beverage dispensing system.

Existing devices for dispensing beverages have the following disadvantages, they all need to be configured by a professional in order to deliver the beverage to the customer. The beverage dispensed in this way may be affected by various external parameters, such as pressure, gas, temperature, etc., which cannot be manipulated by the user, and when the equipment is misconfigured, the dispensed beverage will not have the desired quality.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. More particularly, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible assembly for dispensing beverages, which can conveniently dispense qualified beverages to users at a very low cost.

Contents of the invention

The above object of the present invention, as well as other objects, advantages and features, will be apparent from the following description, for which the solution of the present invention is to provide an assembly for dispensing beverages, said assembly comprising

a heat transfer system capable of heating or cooling at least one pressure chamber;

said pressure chamber, in use, is capable of accommodating a beverage can made of a collapsible material and having a connection arranged at the outlet of the beverage can;

The pressure chamber includes a wall for receiving a beverage can and a cover; the pressure chamber further has a pressure source capable of providing a predetermined pressure to the pressure chamber; and

During use of the assembly, the dispensing tube is connected to an outlet of said beverage can and extends from the outlet through the opening in the cover of the pressure chamber to the dispensing tap;

The dispensing of the beverage is achieved in the following manner: the pressure chamber forms a predetermined pressure, and when the dispensing pipe opens to the dispensing faucet, the pressure will exert a force on the outside of the beverage can, thereby causing the beverage can to be crushed, thereby dispensing the beverage Extrusion from the beverage can and into the dispensing tube and out of the dispensing tap, the beverage is dispensed without any gas in it or in contact with it.

In this way, the beverage in the beverage can is not entrained or exposed to gas during dispensing, so that the beverage after dispensing tastes, textures and feels the same as its manufacturer intended. In addition, those state parameters that could have an impact on the beverage are eliminated to the point of imperceptibility. Also, the structure of the module is simple and flexible, and it is easy to use, while it breaks the long-established stereotypes in the industry in the construction and design of such modules, as well as after-sales of beverage cans and maintenance and use of the modules.

In addition, internationally recognized and commonly used taste tests on beverages dispensed by the assembly of the present invention showed a significant improvement in taste quality (assessed and rated by a panel of beverage off-flavor experts) compared to beverages provided by existing dispensing assemblies . This difference is very noticeable after eg beer kegs in the assembly have been opened for a long period of time, eg after 3-4 weeks. This means that the beverage dispensed to the user is of improved quality compared to that dispensed with existing assemblies. In addition, the shelf life of opened beverage cans within the assembly is greatly extended. Thus, even those users who consume a relatively small amount of beverages can use the assembly of the invention without throwing away half a bucket due to the short shelf life (which is usually a week) imposed by existing systems drinks.

Additionally, the heat transfer system may be a cooling system, which may include a cooling unit, such as a refrigerator.

Additionally, ventilation means may be arranged to circulate air within the cooling unit.

The pressure chamber can be used as a cooling unit and obviously when the pressure chamber is used to accommodate small beverage cans it can be used in conjunction with domestic dispensing equipment.

According to the present invention, the cooling effect of the cooling unit can be realized by a liquid cooling system, a gas cooling system, a thermoelectric cooling system or the like.

According to the present invention, preferably a temperature sensor is connected to the cooling unit in order to measure the temperature of the cooling unit. Furthermore, a control unit may be arranged to control the cooling of the cooling unit so that the contents of the cooling unit and thus the beverage can reach a predetermined temperature.

In order to keep the manufacturing costs of the components to a minimum, the cooling unit can be molded or stamped in one piece. The cooling unit may be made of a moldable material such as plastic or metal.

The cooling unit is preferably able to accommodate one or more beverage cans for pre-cooling. The cooling unit may include a door to isolate it from the surrounding environment.

In order to minimize the manufacturing costs of the assembly and to produce a similar pressure chamber, the walls of the pressure chamber can generally be produced in one piece by injection molding or stamping. The walls of the pressure chamber are made of a moldable material such as plastic or metal.

According to the invention, the cover can close the pressure chamber. The cover is preferably removable from the pressure chamber or pivotally connected to the pressure chamber. Furthermore, the opening of the cover is substantially in the center of the cover.

The cover closes the pressure chamber by closing devices such as pedals, bayonet seals or threaded hooks.

According to the invention, the pressure chamber is pivotally arranged so that access to the pressure chamber is facilitated. For this purpose, a pivot device can be arranged at the top of the pressure chamber, at the bottom of the pressure chamber or in the middle of the pressure chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting device can be arranged on the top of the pressure chamber, so that the center of rotation of the pressure chamber is on the top of the cooling unit, so that when the pressure chamber pivots, the pressure chamber will stop at a higher This position is an economical working position for the user.

The center of rotation of the pressure chamber can also be arranged behind the cooling unit, which enables an additional space or area to be formed in front of the pressure chamber in the cooling unit.

The pressure chamber preferably has a first vertical position in the use position and a second horizontal position in the load/unload position. The second horizontal position of the pressure chamber is preferably on top of the cooling unit, whereby as mentioned above a working position which saves the user effort is obtained.

The pressure chamber may also include fixing means for fixing the pressure chamber in a first position and a second position, respectively, so that the user can ensure the operation of the beverage can.

Preferably, the pressure chamber may include means for pivoting the pressure chamber between two positions so that pivoting and speed are dampened.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pressure chamber is arranged to slide in a vertical and/or horizontal direction, thereby facilitating manipulation of the pressure chamber.

With respect to the selected embodiment of the pressure chamber, the sliding device can be arranged on the top of the pressure chamber, on the bottom of the pressure chamber or in the middle of the pressure chamber.

According to the invention, the beverage can can be crushed substantially completely after use, and said crushed can can no longer be used as a can. The beverage can can be made of plastic, in particular polymers such as PEN or PET or a blend of PET. The beverage can is preferably of multilayer construction including an oxygen barrier to protect the beverage contents within the can. Beverage cans can also be tinted or tinted to create a light barrier.

According to the invention, the beverage can can be packed in a packaging box, for example made of cardboard, before it is inserted into the pressure chamber. Thus, the package can support the beverage can, and the surface of the package can be used to display the label or type of beverage.

The pack may comprise a bottom capable of supporting the beverage can and a top capable of being detached from the bottom. This situation is suitable for handling very heavy beverage cans, because very heavy beverage cans are difficult to be lifted above the entire packaging box.

The top can be removed before the can and bottom are placed in the cooling unit for pre-cooling, which facilitates better cooling as the packaging itself acts as an insulator for the can and its contents.

The connecting piece is preferably capable of adjoining the lid of the pressure chamber, whereby a seal is formed between the lid and the beverage can. In order to allow easier handling of the beverage can when filling it, the connection piece may comprise a membrane to seal the outlet of the beverage can.

Alternatively, a second membrane can be formed as a part of the connecting element. This second membrane can provide an additional seal to the beverage can and is a preferred option when incorporating the beverage can into an existing beverage dispensing system.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting piece may include a piercer capable of piercing the membrane when the predetermined pressure in the pressure chamber is reached. The inlet end of the distribution tube can be connected to a hole punch.

According to the invention, the inlet end of the distribution pipe can be provided with an oblique cut, so that the oblique end of the distribution pipe can pierce through the membrane at a predetermined pressure in the pressure chamber.

The seal is preferably arranged inside the cover and the connection when in use. The seal may be a ring comprising a body portion, a flange disposed about the body portion, the flange disposed on the protrusion, and a plurality of protrusions disposed apart from each other on the other side of the flange.

In one embodiment of the invention, a valve may be arranged at the outlet end of the distribution pipe. The valves are interchangeable. Furthermore, the interchangeable dispensing valve may be arranged at the downstream end of the dispensing pipe and be connected to another interaction device capable of acting on a specific type of dispensed beverage, thereby enabling the dispensing of a specific beverage.

In another preferred embodiment, the interacting means is an integral part of the interchange valve. "The interaction means is an integral part of the interchange valve" means that the interaction means forms an integral part of the valve and cannot be detached from said valve. In fact, making the interaction means an integral part of the valve is very easy to manufacture, distribute and disassemble with the valve.

According to the invention, preferably a tower is connected to the cooling unit. The distribution tap can be arranged on the tower.

The tower preferably has an outer wall forming an internal first passage between the first end and the second end of the tower, wherein in said first passage there are at least two passages: a second passage for accommodating the distribution pipe channel, and a third channel communicating with said second channel at the second end of the tower. The first channel may include an insulating material, such as gas, foam, or a thermally inverting material, to isolate the second channel, the third channel, or the second and third channels. Furthermore, the second channel and the third channel may project a distance from the first end of the tower to the cooling unit and isolate said channels along this distance. In addition, the cooling system may include means for cooling the distribution pipes, such as gas or liquid cooling.

In addition, the distribution pipe may comprise at least two parts: a first part having a length L1 and an inner cross-sectional area A1; and a second part downstream of said first part having a length L2 and an inner cross-sectional area A2; wherein A1 is less than A2, so that there is a pressure drop when the beverage flows through the dispensing tube.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the distributor pipe is preferably made of a polymer material and is cold-rolled. The distribution pipe can be cold-rolled, for example, from a polymer pipe. Typically used only to form metals, the cold-rolling method works surprisingly well for polymeric materials. Dispensing tubes can be given specific properties by controlling the deformation rate of materials such as polymeric tubes. For example, the resulting distribution tube is substantially free of internal stresses while being very durable and flexible. Production by the cold rolling method can produce unexpected technical effects. The increased durability and flexibility of the material is particularly useful for dispensing tubes that need to be rolled up, manipulated and adjusted to suit different assembly 1 needs. The stresses imposed on the polymeric material during cold rolling can vary with the desired final properties of the distributor tube. For example, the applied stress may be in the range of approximately 100 to 300 GPa. In a specific embodiment, the deformation stress is about 200 GPa. The type of polymer material used to manufacture the distribution pipe by cold rolling can vary, but particularly preferred materials are at least partially crystalline polymers such as PE or PET. Advantages of dispensing tubes manufactured from polymer materials include: greater flexibility compared to, for example, metal; easier, convenient and lower cost to manufacture; environmentally friendly and less expensive to use when the dispensing tube is a single-use component good.

Another innovation of the present invention is that the beverage can is made of collapsible material, and the beverage can comprises: a neck with an outlet, a connecting piece arranged on the neck of the drinking can, and said connecting piece comprises There is a means for receiving the inlet end of the dispensing tube.

Advantageously, the beverage can is connectable to the lid of the pressure chamber by means of a connection, whereby a seal is formed between the lid and the beverage can.

Description of drawings

The invention and its advantages are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used to show some non-limiting embodiments, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly of the present invention in front view;

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly of the present invention in side view;

Figure 3 shows, in side view, the top pivoted separation of the assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view from the inside of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows the same as Figure 4, wherein a beverage can is additionally arranged in the assembly;

Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the pressure chamber in the assembly of Fig. 1 when it is in the working position;

Figure 7 is a side sectional view of the pressure chamber in the assembly of Figure 1 when it is in the loading position;

Figure 8 is a side view of the first embodiment of the beverage can;

Figure 9 is a side view of a second embodiment of a beverage can;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector with a coiled distribution tube;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector with a coiled distribution tube;

Figure 12 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the inlet end of the distribution pipe and the piercer in the connector;

Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the circled part in Figure 11, which shows the arrangement of the sealing device between the beverage can and the connector;

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the top of the connector;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the bottom of the connector;

Figure 16 is a side view of the connector;

Figure 17 is a top view of the connector;

Figure 18 is a bottom view of the connector;

Figure 19 shows a first side sectional view of the connector;

Figure 20 shows a second side sectional view of the connector;

Figure 21 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the connector;

Figure 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the part circled in Figure 20;

Figure 23 is a side view of an assembly used to connect a distribution pipe to a valve or connection;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in Figure 23;

Figure 25 shows the valve at the end of the distribution pipe;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the valve in Figure 25;

Figure 27 shows a top view of the seal;

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the seal in Figure 27;

Figure 29 shows a tower with a dispensing tap and a tap drive;

Figure 30 shows a side sectional view of the tower in Figure 29;

Figures 31-39 are a series of views showing steps in the manufacture of one embodiment of the dispensing assembly of the present invention;

Figures 40-43 are a series of views showing the steps of preparation of filled beverage cans intended to be pre-cooled in the cooling unit;

Figure 44 shows a shelf for housing multiple pressure chambers;

Figures 45-48 illustrate an embodiment of a unit comprising multiple pressure chambers;

Figure 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of a connector; and

Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing valve in which the interaction means is an integral part.

All figures are highly schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. These drawings only show the components necessary therein to understand the invention, and other components are omitted or merely suggested.

preferred embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of an assembly 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the assembly 1 includes a heat transfer system (not shown in the figure). In the present invention, the heat transfer system can cool or heat at least one pressure chamber 2 in the component 1 . The pressure chamber 2 can accommodate a beverage can (not shown) during use, whereby the heat transfer system can cool or heat the beverage in the beverage can.

The beverage can be beer, soft drink, white wine, tea, coffee, etc., whereby the assembly can provide an appropriate cooling or heating function for the specific beverage, so that when said beverage is consumed, it can have a suitable temperature.

In the following description, the heat transfer system will be explained in combination with a cooling system. Obviously, within the concept of the present invention, the heat transfer system can also be a heating system, or a combination thereof.

The assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a refrigerator-type cooling unit 3 containing a pressure chamber 2 therein. The cooling unit 3 includes, when used as a refrigerator, a cooling component and a ventilation device for circulating the cooling air in the cooling unit 3 . These components are hidden behind the ventilation grille 4 shown on the left side of the assembly 1 . Shown in the upper right corner of the cooling cavity 3 is a display 5, which can indicate the temperature of the cooling unit and the temperature that needs to be reached when the beverage is drunk. Obviously, if the beverage can is placed in the pressure chamber at a temperature significantly higher than the desired dispensing temperature of the beverage, it will take some time for the beverage to reach the desired temperature.

In order to minimize said time, a turbo cooler needs to be connected to the cooling unit. The cooling unit is connected with a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) to measure the temperature of the cooling unit. When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is higher than the predetermined maximum temperature, a control unit (not shown in the figure) can activate the so-called turbo cooler, thereby making the temperature of the cooling unit 3 quickly reach the desired predetermined temperature for the beverage. temperature. When connected to the display 5, a predetermined temperature for a particular beverage can be set.

In order to minimize this disadvantage, another beverage can can be accommodated in the cooling unit 3, which can be precooled to a predetermined temperature during the emptying of the beverage can in the pressure chamber 2, which will be combined below Figures 4 and 5 are further described. However, when a new "hot" beverage can is placed in the cooling unit 3 for pre-cooling, there may be a rise in temperature which the temperature sensor detects and activates the turbo cooler. During testing of this assembly, when a new "hot" beverage can was placed in the cooling unit 3 for pre-cooling, the temperature rise of the beverage can in the pressure chamber was only about 0.5°C if the turbo cooling system was used -- -1.0°C. The turbo cooler can also be activated after loading/unloading beverage cans in the pressure chamber, at which point the user can enter the interior of the cooling unit through the opening, which is normally closed by the door 6 . This can also be avoided by providing an insulating air curtain in the opening.

In this embodiment, the cooling system adopts air and ventilation devices, however, in the concept of the present invention, cooling can also be realized by a liquid cooling system, a gas cooling system, a piezoelectric cooling system, etc., which are all obvious to those skilled in the art openly known.

The cooling unit 3 can be made in one piece by injection molding or stamping. The cooling unit 3 is preferably made of a moldable material such as plastic or metal.

Shown on top of the cooling unit 3 is a tower 7 . The column 7 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 29-30. In the embodiment of the assembly 1 the tower 7 is arranged directly on top of the cooling unit, ie it is an integral part of the assembly. In this embodiment, component 1 may be an independent unit, for example. The outer surface of the cooling unit can be used to provide decorations, labels or advertisements for the particular beverage being dispensed. The cooling unit 3 can be provided with wheels (not shown in the figure) to facilitate the transport of the assembly 1 . In the concept of the present invention, the tower 7 can also be separated from the cooling unit, but it is still connected to the cooling chamber. In fact, the assembly 1 of the invention can be easily installed inside beverage service establishments such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, pubs and the like. This is because the cooling unit 3 is very compact, so it can be easily arranged next to the refrigerator under the bar or the counter, without requiring major structural changes and design changes to the existing internal space. Therefore, the design of the above facilities is very complete. In one embodiment of the assembly 1, the assembly 1 is structurally able to accommodate a 20-liter beverage can in the pressure chamber and another pre-cooled beverage can with a width of 0.5 meters, a height of 0.8 meters, and a depth of 0.6 meters. Unexpected to those skilled in the art. In addition, the tower 7 can be arranged on the bar or the counter in the selection, and does not need to be supported by the assembly 1 at this time.

Furthermore, several assemblies 1 can be connected so that many different beverages can be dispensed. The assemblies 1 can be used as individual assemblies, ie each assembly 1 has a cooling system, a pressure chamber, a pressure source, or they can be used eg as a unit in order to share the same cooling system and pressure source. In the concept of the present invention, the cooling unit can be larger than the above cooling unit, so that multiple pressure chambers can be arranged in the cooling unit, and the pressure source uses the same pressure source. This enables simultaneous dispensing of different beverages from the same component. An embodiment of a unit comprising a plurality of pressure chambers 2 is shown in Figures 45-48. These units will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

When the assembly of the present invention for dispensing beverages is used in facilities where the consumption of beverages is very large and the beverage cans need to be pre-cooled, the pressure chamber 2 can be omitted from the cooling unit 3 so that the cooling unit 3 can be used to pre-cool both Beverage cans.

The pressure chamber 2 comprises a wall 8 and a cover 9 for receiving a beverage can (not shown).

The pressure chamber 2 is further equipped with a pressure source (not shown in the figure), which can provide the pressure chamber 2 with a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, a pressure control unit can be arranged in connection with the pressure source and the pressure chamber 2 .

In this embodiment the cover 9 is detachable from the pressure chamber 2, however in other embodiments the cover 9 can also be pivotally connected to the pressure chamber. The cover 9 can be locked to the pressure chamber by closure means such as a pedal, bayonet or threaded hook lock. Furthermore, the cover 9 includes an opening (not shown in the figures), preferably in the center of the cover 6 .

Furthermore, the assembly includes means for aligning the opening of the cover 9 with the opening 12 of the channel 13 of the dispensing tube, whereby the opening of the cover 9 can be used as a guide for the dispensing tube (not shown). The cap 9 and the opening of the dispensing channel 13 may comprise connecting means which cooperate with each other and are able to connect the cap to said opening of the dispensing tube channel 13 . Preferably, the connecting means are arranged such that the opening of the cover 9 is aligned with the opening of the distribution tube channel 13 . The advantages of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 31-39 .

The pressure chamber 2 shown in FIG. 1 is in the working position, which is equivalent to the pressure chamber 2 being in the vertical position in this embodiment. The cover 9 is arranged at the bottom of the pressure chamber 2 and includes a handle 10 which facilitates the handling of the pressure chamber 2 . The operation steps of beverage can replacement in the pressure chamber will be described below in conjunction with accompanying drawings 31-39. Within the concept of the invention, access to the pressure chamber 2 is also possible from the top, in which case the cover 9 is also arranged on top of the pressure chamber. In this case, the beverage can is inserted into the pressure chamber with the opening facing upwards.

The walls of the pressure chamber are preferably formed in one piece by injection molding or stamping. The walls of the pressure chamber may be made of a moldable material such as plastic or metal.

The pressure chamber 2 can rotate around a pivot in this embodiment, so that it is easy to enter into the pressure chamber. In order to enable the pressure chamber 2 to rotate, a pivot device 11 is arranged on the top of the pressure chamber 2 . The pivoting/rotation of the pressure chamber will be described below with reference to Figures 6-7. In the concept of the present invention, the pivot device can also be arranged in the middle or bottom of the pressure chamber.

Arranging the pivot device 11 on the top of the pressure chamber 2 enables the center of the pressure chamber 2 to be at the center of the cooling unit 3 . At the same time, when the rotation center of the pressure chamber 2 is arranged behind the cooling unit 3, an extra space can be formed in the cooling unit 3 when the pressure chamber 2 is in the use position, and the extra space can accommodate the Another beverage can, see Figure 5. Another advantage is that when the pressure chamber 2 is pivoted to the horizontal loading/unloading position, the top of the cooling unit 3 facilitates the loading or unloading of beverage cans and can provide the user of the assembly 1 with a more comfortable and efficient In the working position, this is especially noticeable when heavy beverage cans are filled.

According to another embodiment of the assembly 1 , the pressure chamber is arranged to slide vertically and/or horizontally. The sliding device can be arranged at the top, bottom or middle of the pressure chamber. It is within the scope of the concept of the invention that instead of being able to gain access to the pressure chamber via the cover of the pressure chamber, the entire wall of the pressure chamber can also be removed like the cover so that access to the pressure chamber is also possible from the wall.

Several different examples of access to the pressure chamber (not shown in the figure) will be described below.

In one example (not shown), the pressure chamber is arranged to pivot at the bottom of the pressure chamber. When it is necessary to insert a new beverage can into the pressure chamber, the pressure chamber is first inclined so that the top of the pressure chamber is outside the cooling unit. In this example, the pressure chamber may be supported by a structure or fixture that supports and controls the pressure chamber during tilting. After the top of the pressure chamber is outside the cooling unit, the cover of the pressure chamber is removed and the empty beverage can is removed from the pressure chamber. Afterwards, a new, preferably pre-cooled, beverage can is inserted into the pressure chamber and the lid is replaced in its original position. Then turn the pressure chamber back into place.

In a second example (not shown in the figure), the pressure chamber is arranged as described above on a slide at the bottom of the pressure chamber. Connected to the slides is a vertical guide system that moves horizontally into and out of the cooling unit. Advantageously, the guide system is movable together with said slide. When inserting a new beverage can into the pressure chamber, the pressure chamber is pulled out of the cooling unit on the slide. Then lift the cover of the pressure chamber upwards into the guide system. When the lid reaches a predetermined distance, that is, a predetermined distance large enough to place a new beverage can between the lifted lid and the bottom of the pressure chamber, the empty beverage can is removed and a new filled one is placed. A beverage can, which is preferably pre-cooled, is arranged at the bottom of the pressure chamber. Afterwards, put the cover back in place and move the slide with the newly installed pressure chamber back into the cooling unit. It should be noted that the guide system can also comprise a horizontal guide arranged at a distance above the slide, on which guide the lid can be placed and removed from the guide system for loading/unloading of the beverage cans Provide additional space for the user.

In a third example (not shown in the figure), the pressure chamber is arranged on the bottom slide. In this example, the two bottoms of the pressure chamber are placed next to each other with a vertical column between them. Furthermore, the cover of the pressure chamber is connected to this post by bearings which slide up and down along said post. When filling a new beverage can into the pressure chamber, the pressure chamber is pulled out of the cooling unit on the slide. The lid of the pressure chamber is then lifted through the post by a predetermined distance to enable the removal of empty beverage cans. There is a pre-cooled beverage can arranged at the bottom next to it. The lid is then turned around the post to the pre-chilled beverage can and down onto the beverage can. A new ready-to-refrigerate beverage can is then filled into the empty bottom. The final step is to push the slide back into the cooling unit.

Fig. 2 is a side view of an assembly 1' of another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a domestic dispensing assembly in which the pressure chamber (not shown) accommodates a beverage can of approximately 5 liters. The assembly 1' is in the use position, ready for dispensing beverages into glasses. Because the structure of this assembly 1' is relatively compact, the pressure chamber is also made into a cooling unit simultaneously. In this embodiment, the cooling of the pressure chamber is realized by a piezoelectric cooling system. However, other types of cooling can also be used. In order to dispense a drink, a tap actuator 15 needs to be connected to the outlet end 16 of the dispensing tube (not shown). The assembly 1' comprises a top 17 and a bottom 18.

Figure 3 shows the assembly 1' of Figure 2 in the loaded position. In this position, the top 17 pivots away from the bottom 18 . When the top 17 pivots, the pressure source (not shown) is separated from the pressure chamber in the top 17 . The pressure chamber can then be opened, the empty beverage can can be removed and a new can filled with beverage can be put on. This assembly 1' is not arranged to accommodate other beverage cans for pre-cooling, but the used beverage cans of this assembly 1' are very small and therefore easily fit into existing domestic refrigerators.

Next, the pressure chamber is closed and the top 17 is pivoted back to the bottom 18 so that the pressure source immediately begins to build up pressure in the pressure chamber to dispense the beverage.

FIG. 4 shows an internal cross-sectional view of the assembly 1 of FIG. 1 seen from above. In FIG. 4 , the pressure chamber 2 is arranged in the rear of the cooling unit 3 . In this embodiment, the pressure chamber 2 is round to accommodate a round beverage can 19 . In the concept of the present invention, the pressure chamber can also have other forms, but the preferred shape is a shape suitable for the cross-sectional shape of the beverage can.

Behind the pressure chamber 2 is shown a supporting device for supporting the pressure chamber, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . Since the pressure chamber 2 is arranged at the rear of the cooling unit 8, there is a place in front of the pressure chamber 2 as shown in FIG. 5 for receiving another beverage can.

Figure 5 shows an additional beverage can 19' arranged in the packaging box 20. The packaging box 20 can be made of, for example, cardboard. In a preferred embodiment, the pack may comprise a bottom for supporting the beverage can and a top, wherein the top is removable from the bottom. The top can be removed ahead of the beverage can and the bottom is arranged in the cooling unit for pre-cooling, whereby the pack is not used as a separator for the beverage can. Here the pre-cooling time of the beverage cans is greatly reduced. The packaging box 20 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 40-43.

In FIG. 6, the pressure chamber 2 is shown in side section with a beverage can 19 inside. The beverage can 19 is inverted and the pressure chamber 2 is ready for use in this vertical position. The beverage can 19 comprises a connection piece 12 which is arranged at the outlet of the beverage can 19 . The connector 21 (during use) can be adjacent to the cover 9 of the pressure chamber 2 and can align the outlet of the cover 9 with the inlet end of the dispensing tube (not shown) and align the inlet end of the dispensing tube The end is connected to the outlet of beverage can 19. The connecting piece 21 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 10-22 .

Outside the pressure chamber 2 of the cooling unit (not shown in the figure) is a supporting device 23 for supporting and fixing the pressure chamber 2 to the cooling unit. The support means 23 can be connected to the rear wall of the cooling unit at places 24 and 25 of the support means 23 . In this embodiment, the supporting device 23 is a grid structure, of course, the supporting device 23 may also have other structures and designs.

The support device 23 can be arranged on each side of the pressure chamber, and the top of the support device 23 is preferably connected to the pivot device 11 . The lower end of the support means 23 is connected to means 26 which enable the pressure chamber to pivot between two positions. In this embodiment, the means 26 is a pneumatic cylinder connected at one end to the support means 23 and at the other end to the pressure chamber. These means 26 assist the user in manipulating the pressure chamber to move the pressure chamber between a first, use position and a second, unloading/loading position. The air pressure cylinder 26 can also buffer the speed of pivoting. If there is no air pressure cylinder 26, since the center of rotation of the pressure chamber 2 is at the end and the pressure chamber 2 is equipped with a beverage can filled with beverages, the inertia is very large. Therefore, if the user or the device 26 does not dampen it, the rotational speed will be high. The device 26 could also be a spring or a hydraulic cylinder.

In Fig. 7, the pressure chamber 2 of Fig. 7 is in the second unloading/loading position, ie the pressure chamber 2 in the horizontal position. In this position, the air cylinder 26 is in the extended position. The pressure chamber 2 may also include fixing means (not shown in the figure) to fix the pressure chamber 2 at the first position and the second position, respectively. When the pressure chamber 2 is in the second position, a pressure release device (not shown) is used to release the pressure in the pressure chamber 2, so that the cover 9 of the pressure chamber 2 can be safely removed .

Figure 8 shows a 5 liter beverage can 19 of the present invention. A connection piece 21 is arranged at the outlet end of the beverage can 19 . The 5 liter beverage can can be used in connection with the assembly 1' shown in Figures 2 and 3 .

The beverage can 19 is preferably made of plastic, especially a polymer such as PEN or PET, preferably a blend of PET. In this way, the beverage can 19 can be formed as a thin-walled self-supporting structure which can be crushed when an external force is applied to the pressure chamber. The beverage can 19 can be manufactured as a multi-layer structure including an oxygen barrier to protect the beverage inside the can. Furthermore, when the quality of the beverage is sensitive to light, the beverage can 11 may be colored or tinted to block the light. Other suitable treatments include coating the beverage can 19, such as plasma coating the interior and/or epoxy coating the exterior.

The beverage can 19 preferably comprises five parts. The first section 27 is the curved bottom of the beverage can 19; the curved second section 28; the third section 29 is the middle, which is preferably not curved; the fourth section 30 is the curved shoulder; the fifth section is the neck 31 with the outlet opening.

In FIG. 9 is another size beverage can 19 , shown to a smaller scale than the beverage can used in FIG. 8 . The beverage can 19 can contain 20 liters of beverage and can be used in the assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1 . The difference between the beverage cans shown in Figures 8 and 9 is that the third middle portion 29 of the beverage can shown in Figure 9 is longer, thereby enabling a larger volume of the can. Preferably, other parts are identical so that all parts associated with the beverage can and the assembly can be standardized, which facilitates the manufacture and operation of specific parts of the assembly. Another advantage is that a 5 liter beverage can can be used in the assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1 when for example the manufacturer of the beverage introduces a new beverage and the consumer first wants to try the new beverage before ordering a large quantity.

Beverage cans 19 can be transported individually to the loading site. Usually such beverage cans 19 are not blown to their maximum size before they are filled with beverage. At the processing site, the beverage can 19 is blown to maximum size, the beverage can 19 having a bottom, a middle with a generally cylindrical wall, a shoulder and a neck forming the inlet and outlet. After the beverage can 19 has been blown into shape, the beverage can 19 is filled with the desired beverage and the connector 21 is pressed onto the neck to close the can. In this way, the connecting member 21 can be used as a closure for a beverage can.

Preferably, the connection between the connector 21 and the beverage can 19 is inherently one of a kind. Once the connector 21 is secured to the beverage can 19, it cannot be removed without damaging the beverage can 19 and/or the connector 21. Removed, this forms an accident-proof beverage can unit with the beverage ready to be transported to the point of consumption. Such an inseparable connection can be achieved in various ways. As preferably, this connection can be realized by press-fitting the connecting piece 21 to the neck of the beverage can 19, wherein the neck and the connecting piece 21 have matching locking devices, as shown in Figures 11 and 13. In the form of barbs and notches/lugs, or any other snap-fit mechanism. Alternatively, the connector 21 can also be glued or welded to the neck of the beverage can 19, or the connector 21 is screwed onto the neck of the beverage can 19, assuming that there is a thread that can prevent the connector 21 from coming off. device.

Throughout the process from the filling of the beverage to the dispensing of the beverage, there are many different factors and conditions that can affect the taste of the dispensed beverage. Like beer, the filling process may have an impact on the taste of the dispensed beverage. Preferably, the beer kegs are prefabricated with the above-mentioned polymer materials and then aggregated to the filling location. These pre-formed parts become the final beer kegs by pneumatic expansion at the filling site. These beer kegs are single-use, which means they can only be used once and must be cleaned and reused like regular beer kegs. Thus, when these beer kegs are filled, they are not only new (i.e., never used before), but also brought into final form at the filling site, which is used for filling hygiene and control conditions very good. This can further avoid the pollution of barrel body and beverage, and further improve the quality of beer. When filling, a filling pipe is usually inserted into the beer keg through the opening at the top of the beer keg. The beverage is then loaded into the bucket from the bottom, whereby the air in the bucket is gradually expelled as the amount of liquid added increases. The kegs can also be charged with CO ₂ before filling. When the beer keg is full, the connecting piece is placed over the opening of the keg, thereby sealing the keg. At this time, there is basically no air in the barrel. This is very important because if too much air is left in the barrel, it risks deteriorating the taste and other characteristics of the drink. Furthermore, by using the assembly to crush the flexible polymeric beverage can when the can is empty, outside air cannot enter the can when the can is opened, thereby further preventing the beverage from deteriorating due to air. In addition, the material of the barrel will also have a different degree of influence on the characteristics of the beverage. The material from which the barrel is made will certainly have an impact on the beverage, as these materials will affect the diffusion of gases through the barrel, thereby affecting the levels of various gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the beverage. Whether these gases diffuse into or out of the beer can affect the shelf life of the keg, open or unopened. Other properties such as taste, aroma and foam formation may also be affected. Furthermore, the use of disposable dispensing tubes and disposable valves has the potential to have a further favorable effect on the characteristics of the beverage. If single-use components are used, the possibility of beverage contamination from dirty components is minimized. Contamination usually comes from the time of consumption and the difficulty of cleaning the beverage dispensing components including the dispensing tube and valve. Thus, the disposable dispensing tube and valve are highly beneficial to the user of the assembly and ensure that the consumer is free from diseased assemblies and low quality beverages.

In the side sectional view shown in Figure 10, the connecting piece 21 is connected to the neck 31 of the beverage can. In the present embodiment, the distribution pipe 32 is coiled and arranged inside the connection piece 12 as shown. Connected to the distribution pipe 32 is a distribution valve 33 . Arranged over the bottom of the connection piece 21 is a cover 34 which serves to protect the dispensing tube during transport. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the connection piece 21 of FIG. 10 , wherein the inlet end 35 of the distribution tube 32 is arranged in the connection piece 21 of the hole punch 36 . The piercer 36 is capable of puncturing the membrane 37 during use so that the outlet of the beverage can communicates with the inlet 35 of the dispensing tube 32 . Arranged around the inlet end 35 of the distribution pipe 32 is an adapter piece 46 which can be inserted into a corresponding receiving means 47 of the connection piece 21 in order to connect the distribution pipe 32 to the connection piece. Preferably, this connection is realized by means of compression. Both the receiving device 47 and the piercer 36 are arranged on a flexible item 48 .

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connection piece 21 . Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the circled part in Fig. 11, showing in detail the connection between the neck of the beverage can and the connecting piece. A sealing ring 39 is arranged between the beverage can and the connecting piece. The sealing ring 39 prevents the beverage from leaking during normal use and forms a seal in the event of displacement between the beverage can and the connector.

In FIG. 14 , the connector 21 is a perspective view seen from above. The connector 21 includes: a housing 41; a breakable closure, i.e. a diaphragm (not shown) for sealing the beverage can; The locking device 40 (referring to Fig. 13) of can neck; The sealing device (not shown in the figure, but can refer to Fig. 13) that is used to seal beverage can to connector 21; And a hollow piercer 36, its Used to puncture the pierceable closure.

Furthermore, a second membrane can be used as part of the connecting piece 21 . The membrane can be made of a polymeric material such as PET, which can also be made an integral part of the connector 21 . The second membrane is preferably arranged on the outside of the first membrane with respect to the interior of the beverage can, so that the first membrane can be punctured with a piercer. Alternatively, the hole punch can interact with the second membrane. For example, the hole punch can be made of metal to ensure that the membrane is properly punctured. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the connector 21 . In Figure 49, the portion of the hole piercer pointing towards the membrane and the beverage can is flat. This form is optimal for metal punchers.

Furthermore, a rib 42 is arranged around a peripheral wall 43 capable of carrying the locking means 40 and abutting the outside of the neck of the beverage can when said can is connected to the connection piece 21 . The ribs 42 support the wall 43 as well as the neck of the beverage can, thereby ensuring a rigid fit between the connector 21 and the neck of the beverage can. Obviously, when the connecting piece 21 is mounted on the beverage can, the connecting piece 21 acts as a handle, thereby facilitating the user to grasp the cylindrical drinking can. Therefore, it is very important to have as rigid a joint as possible between the beverage can and the connector. The ribs 42 may further extend up to the shoulder of the beverage can to support the beverage can.

In FIG. 15 , the connecting piece 21 is shown in perspective view from below. The housing 41 provides an annular cavity in which the dispensing tube can be stored in a coiled state as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . A ring wall 45 is arranged near the center of the connecting piece 21 to protect the connection between the distribution pipe and the connecting piece 21 . Wall 45 also serves to protect collar 48 .

16-18 show a side view, a top view and a bottom view of the connector 21, respectively.

19-20 show side cross-sectional views of the connector 21 . FIG. 21 shows a detailed view of collar 48 and wall 45 of FIG. 19 . FIG. 22 shows an enlarged view of the circled area 49 in FIG. 20 , showing the receiving device 47 , the piercer 36 for puncturing the membrane 37 and the flexible collar 48 in detail.

The hollow punch 36 preferably has means abutting the lid with corresponding abutment means on the lid. This will allow the perforator 36 to automatically puncture the sealed outlet when the beverage can is forced against the lid of the pressure chamber to open the beverage can, since the abutment with the lid will cause the perforator 36 to move relative to the connector 21. move. This avoids the need for a manual operation to open the beverage can before placing the beverage can in the assembly 1, 1'. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole piercer 36 is formed as an integral part of the connector 21 . The piercer 36 is provided with a collar 48 as described above. The collar 28 may have one or more cutouts (not shown) and is preferably constructed of the same material as the rest of the piercer 36 . The slits in the collar 48 impart elasticity to the collar 48 which allows the collar 48 to bend outwardly when the piercer 36 is forced to move towards the beverage can to puncture the membrane 37 .

Each part of the connector 21 is preferably made of plastic such as PET, PE, PBT or PP. Not only does this make it cheap to manufacture, but it also allows individual parts to be shredded and recycled into new plastic products, such as new connectors. The seal can be glued or welded to the connection. The material of these seals/membranes can be, for example, plastic, paper-coated plastic, paper or aluminum foil.

Furthermore, the connector 21 is structurally capable of cooperating with the lid of the pressure chamber so that the beverage can stands upright with the outlet of the can facing downwards when said connector is mounted on the neck of the beverage can. The connection 21 enables the can to stand upright on the lid and any other surface without damaging the can's spout, because the outer wall of the connection extends beyond the neck of the can.

In addition, this enables the upper end of the collapsible cylindrical beverage can, opposite the outlet, to be of a shape most suitable for crushing.

The substantially planar connection piece 21 greatly simplifies the installation of the beverage can in the pressure chamber, since the beverage can does not have to operate on the wall of the dispensing assembly as in existing assemblies. Therefore, this structure is more suitable for placing larger beverage cans.

In another embodiment not shown, the hollow piercer can be omitted and replaced with a chamfered inlet end of the distribution tube. In fact, the inlet end of the dispensing tube passes through the adapter 46 so that when the dispensing tube is connected to the receiving means 47 of the connection piece 21, the chamfered end of the dispensing tube also passes through the collar 48 and terminates in the membrane to be punctured at a predetermined distance from the sheet 37.

Furthermore, a spring device can be arranged inside the pressure chamber to facilitate the puncture of the membrane.

Figures 23 and 24 show a side view and a side sectional view of the adapter 46, respectively. The outer surface of the adapter 46 includes an annular protrusion 50 for engaging a corresponding annular groove in the receiving means 47, thus forming a lock between the adapter and the receiving means. It should be noted that this locking is a locking capable of detaching the adapter from the receiving device with a predetermined force.

Figures 25 and 26 show a perspective side view and a side sectional view of the dispensing valve 33, respectively. In FIG. 26 the outlet end of the dispensing pipe 32 is arranged in the valve 33 using the same means to connect the inlet end of the dispensing pipe, ie the fitting 46 , to the corresponding receiving means 47 in the valve 33 . The connection between the dispensing tube and the valve can be a snap-fit connection, which allows easy replacement of the valve. Distribution valve 33 may be a standard replaceable in-line valve.

This replaceable dispensing valve can be arranged downstream of the dispensing tube and be connected to an interaction device (not shown in the figure) capable of affecting the specific beverage dispensed, thereby enabling beverage-specific distribute. Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an interchangeable dispensing valve in which the interchangeable device is an integral part. The valve can be seen from one end, while the interaction device can be seen inside the valve. In this particular embodiment, the interaction means is made by forming holes in an integral part, such as a small plate valve. This way, the beverage that flows through the valve also flows through the holes. An advantage of having the interaction device as an integral part of the valve is that the interaction device is automatically provided with said interchangeable valve and can be removed together with this interchangeable valve. Thus, there is no risk of the interaction device becoming loose and falling out during valve replacement, and at the same time there is no misuse of a used, possibly contaminated, interaction device as part of assembly 1 during valve replacement. Furthermore, when an interchangeable valve is provided with or connected to a beverage can such as a beer keg, then the correct interaction device is always provided for that beverage, so that the user can easily and safely change to a different beverage . Furthermore, making the interaction means an integral part of the valve eliminates the need to produce the interaction means separately, thus enabling easier and less expensive manufacturing.

27 and 28 are a top view and a side sectional view of the sealing member 51 along line A-A in FIG. 27, respectively. During use, the seal 51 is arranged inside the cover 9 and the connection 21 .

The sealing member 51 is formed as a circle, which includes a main part 52, an annular flange 53 and a plurality of protrusions 54 arranged around the main part 52 and spaced apart from each other on the other side of the flange 53. During use of the assembly, when the beverage can is loaded into the pressure chamber and the pressure chamber is in the use position, ie the vertical position, the beverage can will start to move downward against the lid of the pressure chamber. During this movement, the connecting element 21 first comes into contact with the flange 53 of the sealing element 51, whereby a seal is formed and pressure can be increased. The connector 21 continues to move towards the cover, thereby pushing the lug 53 down towards the body portion 52 of the seal 51 . As the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, the connector will be pushed towards the cover and the seal 51 will form a suitable seal between the cover and the connector. Furthermore, due to the design of the seal 51, the seal 51 can be easily released from the connection when the beverage can is removed from the pressure chamber. In addition, the seal can also have other geometric shapes and designs, such as round (such as O-ring), square, oval or their combination, and the seal can be made of materials that are conducive to sealing, such as rubber Material.

FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of a tower 7 including a dispensing tap 55 , a tap actuator 15 , a first end 56 and a second end 57 . FIG. 30 shows a side cross-sectional view of tower 7 in FIG. 29 . Tower 7 comprises a first channel 58 , a second channel 59 and a third channel 60 . The walls of the channels 58-60 may be made of various materials such as metal, plastic or rubber, or a combination of materials. The outer wall of the first channel 58 may wholly or partly constitute the tower wall of the tower 7 shown in FIG. 30 . The second passage 59 and the third passage 60 extend outwardly from the first end 56 of the tower 7 as shown. The second and third passages 59 and 60 are arranged in the first passage 58 . The second and third channels 59 and 60 may be arranged side by side as shown, or may be arranged in some other way, such as all or part of the second channel 59 being arranged in the third channel 60 . The first channel 58 may include an insulating material (not shown) such as gas, foam or heat reflective material to isolate the second and third channels 59 and 60 .

The tower 7 has an outer wall 61 which forms an internal first channel 58 between the first end 56 and the second end 57 of the tower 7, in which at least two channels 59, 60: wherein the second channel 59 is used to accommodate the distribution pipe (not shown), wherein the third channel 60 is communicated with the second channel 59 at the second end 57 of the tower 7, thus it can be in the tower Keep the distribution tubes efficiently cooled.

The second channel and the third channel may protrude a distance from the first end of the tower 7 to the cooling unit, in which case said channels are isolated from the outside by this distance. This keeps cool and minimizes energy loss, especially in systems with long distribution lines.

The cooling system may comprise means to keep the distribution pipe cool, eg by means of gas, liquid cooling, and the cooling system may further comprise ventilation means such as mechanical ventilation means for cooling air to flow through at least the second channel. The ventilator is used to circulate the air. Cooling air preferably flows through the second passage in a direction opposite to the flow of beverage in the dispensing tube. The counterflow of the cooling air creates an efficient cooling and ensures that the end of the dispensing duct close to the tap actuator is also well cooled, whereby the beverage in the dispensing duct also remains cool.

In another embodiment not shown, the third channel can be omitted, and the second channel cools the distribution pipe through heat conduction. The second channel may comprise a wire mesh or mesh made of a thermally conductive material. The mesh or mesh enables simple and efficient conduction cooling.

The following series of figures show the manufacturing steps of an embodiment of the dispensing assembly 1 of the present invention. Figures 31 to 37 show the steps involved in removing a used and thus crushed beverage can from the assembly 1, and Figures 38 and 39 show the loading of a new beverage can into the assembly 1 Case.

In the step shown in FIG. 31 , the cooling unit 3 is opened and the packaging box 20 is removed, which contains a pre-cooled beverage can 19 so that it can enter the pressure chamber 2 . In step b shown in Figure 31, grab the handle 10 of the cover and pull it upwards and outwards, thereby causing the pressure chamber to slowly rotate by means of the pneumatic cylinder described in Figures 6 and 7, thereby making the pressure chamber 2 work from vertical position into the horizontal loading position.

Figure 32 shows a pressure gauge 62, which represents the pressure state, and there is no pressure in the pressure chamber 2 at this moment. FIG. 32 further shows the release of pressure through the pressure valve 63 on the cover 9 of the pressure chamber 2 . The pressure system is automatically controlled, but for safety reasons, a pressure gauge 62 shown in FIG. 32 is connected to the pressure chamber. If there is still pressure in the pressure chamber 2, the safety valve 63 can be opened as shown in FIG. 32 to release the pressure manually.

Figure 33 shows the cover 9 of the pressure chamber 2, where it is shown that a little pressure is applied on the cover 9 to loosen the connector of the beverage can (not shown) in the pressure chamber 2 from the cover 9 . Furthermore, it is also conceivable to arrange the pressure chamber 2 on top of the cooling unit 3 so as to provide a comfortable working position for the user.

FIG. 34 shows the cover 9 of the pressure chamber 2 , where the cover 9 is detached from the pressure chamber 2 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover 9 needs to be rotated 360 degrees counterclockwise as shown.

FIG. 35 shows the cooling unit 3 , the pressure chamber 2 with a used and crushed beverage can 64 therein, the dispensing tube channel 13 , the lid 9 and the dispensing tube 32 . The cover 9 has been removed from the pressure chamber 2 among the figures, and it is being guided to the opening 12 of the distribution tube channel 13 along the distribution tube 32, wherein the opening (not shown) of the cover 9 is connected to the distribution tube channel 13 The opening 12 is aligned. Applying a little pressure on the cap 9 activates a snap connection to connect the cap 9 to the channel 13 of the dispensing tube.

Figure 36 is a view of the tower 7 shown in Figures 1, 29 and 30 with the distribution tap 55, the tap actuator 15 and a distribution pipe 32, where the distribution pipe 32 has been removed from the distribution tap 55 on the tower 7 down.

In step a of FIG. 37 , the dispensing tube 32 is gently pulled out of the dispensing tube channel through the opening in the cover 9 and withdrawn. Step b of FIG. 37 shows the situation in which a used and crushed beverage can 64 is removed from the pressure chamber 2 . It can be easily obtained from Fig. 37 that the beverage can 64 is substantially completely flattened after use. Therefore, the crushed beverage can 64 cannot be reused, but can only be disposed of.

Step a of FIG. 38 shows a beverage can 19 , preferably a precooled beverage can from FIG. 31 , removed from its packaging 20 . The beverage can 19 is then inserted into the pressure chamber 2 as shown in step b of FIG. 38 . In step c of step 38, the dispensing tube 32 is guided through the cover 9 and further through the dispensing tube channel. The dispensing tube 32 comes out of the dispensing tap 55 and locks into the dispensing position shown in step d of FIG. 38 .

Corresponding to FIG. 35 , the cover 9 is guided along the distribution pipe 32 from a position aligned with the end 12 of the distribution pipe passage 13 to the pressure chamber 2 , and the pressure chamber 2 is covered.

Step a of Fig. 39 shows the situation of locking the cover 9 on the pressure chamber 2, wherein the cover 9 needs to be rotated 360 degrees clockwise. The correct locking of the cover 9 is ensured by step b of Fig. 39, and then the pressure chamber 2 is put into the working position as shown in step C of Fig. 39 . As shown in step d of Figure 39, in order to prevent being pinched or squeezed, the distribution tube 32 is preferably connected to the connection device 12 of the distribution tube channel.

Figure 40 shows a package 20. The packaging box 20 can be made of, for example, cardboard, and it is used to package beverage cans filled with beverages during transportation and storage. A handle 70 is arranged on the top of the packaging box 20 to easily grab the packaging box. In the lower part of the box there is a means 71 for separating the top from the bottom. Figure 41 shows how the user separates the parts by a tear strip that goes around the box. Other separating means are also used, such as the formation of perforated areas, which also enable easy separating operations.

In FIG. 42 the top 72 is raised above the beverage can 19 . The bottom 73 is used to support the beverage can 19 so that the beverage can can be arranged in an upright position without tilting or tipping over. The bottom 73 can be squeezed onto the outside of the beverage can so that when the beverage can is moved without the top, the bottom 73 cannot accidentally fall off.

As shown in Figure 43, when the top 72 is removed, the beverage can 19 with the bottom 73 can be placed in the cooling unit 3 for pre-cooling. The connection piece 21 can be used as a handle to handle the beverage can 19 . Removing the top of the pack prevents said top from being used to insulate the beverage can. As a result, the pre-cooling time of the beverage can is greatly reduced. After a new beverage can 19 has been placed in the cooling unit 3 for pre-cooling, the door is closed and the assembly is ready for use.

Figures 45-48 show the situation where different numbers of pressure chambers 2 are arranged in one common unit. Wherein the pressure chamber 2 includes a cover 9, the pressure chamber 2 is preferably arranged on a shelf such as shown in FIG. 44, or on some other supporting device. The dispensing tube 32 connected to the beverage can inside the pressure chamber may, optionally as a bundle, be passed through one or more dispensing tube 32 channels or conduits and fed to a plurality of dispensing taps. As an option, the pressure chamber 2 can be prepared to interact with some existing beverage dispensing systems. For example, adapter means can be connected to the cover of the pressure chamber 2 to connect these components to an existing beverage dispensing system. This adapter can be of any shape and material required to connect the pressure chamber and the beverage can to the dispensing tube. In this way, several dispensing taps can be supplied with several different beverages from the pressure chamber 2 of the same central unit. The units of the pressure chamber 2 can preferably share a cooling unit 3, for example, be arranged in a large cooling unit 3, or be arranged in some other sufficiently cold places, such as an ice kiln or a large refrigerator. In addition, a unit including a plurality of pressure chambers 2 may share one pressure source.

In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), the dispensing tube 32 is separated from the system, thereby forming two free ends, so that the dispensing tube 32 can be freely selected to be connected to the dispensing tap 55 and the beverage can 19 and Sequence through the cover 9 and the channel 13 of the dispensing tube. For example, the dispensing tube 32 can be led from the dispensing tap 55 through the dispensing tube channel 13 , the opening of the lid 9 and to the beverage can 19 in the pressure chamber 2 .

In one embodiment of the invention, several beverage cans can be arranged in the same pressure chamber. In this way, the beverage can uses the same pressure source and the same pressure to force the beverage out of the beverage can. Each beverage can can be connected to a dispensing pipe, which leads to a dispensing tap as previously described. In this embodiment, a plurality of dispensing tubes extend from the beverage can through the lid and to the dispensing tap. Within the concept of the invention, the dispensing pipes can either be opened separately or be connected to the same dispensing tap and thus be opened simultaneously. In the latter case, it is possible to dispense two different drinks into the same cup, thus obtaining a mixed drink.

Although the valve 33 disclosed in the previous method, assembly and accompanying drawings is connected to the outlet end of the distribution pipe 32, and the valve 33 can be replaced together with the distribution pipe 32, in the concept of the present invention, the valve 33 can also be a A separate valve, which cannot be replaced together with the distribution tube 32 . Accordingly, both the outlet end of the distribution pipe 32 and the valve 33 may include cooperating connection means which can be easily separated as shown in FIG. 26 .

In addition, the outlet end of the dispensing tube 32 (and the inlet end, if it is not installed in a beverage can) may include a cap, cover or cover (not shown) that can 1, 1', before the dispensing tube 32 is installed on the valve 33 and beverage can 19 is easily removed. Thus, the interior of the dispensing tube 32 is kept clean, preventing contamination of those parts which come into contact with the beverage.

The valve 33 (if it is arranged here in the dispensing pipe 32 before passing through the assembly 1, 1') can also comprise a cap, cover or cover for the above reasons.

In addition, the distribution pipe 32 (not shown in the figure) may comprise at least two sections: a first section having a length L ₁ and an inner cross-sectional area A ₁ ; and a second section downstream of said first section having a length L ₁ And the inner cross-sectional area A ₂ ; where A ₁ is less than A ₂ . In fact, due to the smaller internal cross-sectional area of _A1 , the pressure of the beverage will drop as it flows through the first part. The second part has a larger cross-sectional area _A2 , which ensures the desired flow and foaming properties for dispensing. Such suitable flow and foaming characteristics may depend on the type of beverage being dispensed, and may also be affected by other components in the beverage dispensing assembly. The distribution pipe of this embodiment is adapted to be connected with the assembly 1' of FIG. 2 .

Thus, by applying the components 1, 1' described above to dispense the beverage, one obtains:

- the beverage in the beverage can is dispensed without entraining or coming into contact with any gas so that the beverage after dispensing tastes, textures and feels as designed by the manufacturer of the beverage;

- the components are in equilibrium, i.e. those external parameters that may affect the beverage are weakened to an unmeasurable level;

- The component structure is simple, flexible, and easy to use, which breaks the inherent thinking of the component construction, design, management, component maintenance and service in the business;

- beverage cans are not reusable and therefore do not have to be transported back to the manufacturer of the beverage to be cleaned and filled, thus very beneficial where consumption of beverages is low and the nearest manufacturer is far away;

- Easy and low cost fabrication of components; and

- Facilitate the loading and unloading of beverage cans in the pressure chamber, the user's working position is very comfortable;

Although the invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other variations within the scope of the invention claimed.

Claims (59)

1. assembly (1,1 ') that distributes beverage, described assembly (1,1 ') comprises

Heat transfer system, described heat transfer system can heat or cools off at least one pressure chamber (2);

Described pressure chamber (2) can hold a beverage can (19) in use, and described beverage can (19) is made by a kind of crushable material, and is furnished with an attaching parts (21) in the outlet of beverage can (19);

Described pressure chamber (2) comprises that a wall (8) and a lid (9) limit the space that is used for drinks jar (19);

Described pressure chamber (2) further has a pressure source, and described pressure source provides predetermined pressure can for pressure chamber (2); And

In the process that assembly (1,1 ') uses, distribution pipe (32) links to each other with an outlet of described beverage can (19), and passes a opening on pressure chamber (2) lid (9) from outlet, extends to dispensing tap there;

Wherein the distribution of beverage realizes by following mode: make pressure chamber (2) form predetermined pressure, when distribution pipe (32) when being opened on dispensing tap, pressure applies a power can for the outside of beverage can (19), thereby beverage can is crushed, thus beverage is extruded and is squeezed into the distribution pipe (32) from beverage can (19), flow out from dispensing tap then, in this assigning process, any gas can be do not had in the described beverage, any gas can be do not touched yet.

2. assembly as claimed in claim 1, heat transfer system wherein is a cooling system.

3. assembly as claimed in claim 2, cooling system wherein comprise a cooling unit (3), as fefrigerator.

4. assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein is furnished with drafting apparatus so that the wind circulation in the cooling unit (3) is flowed.

5. as claim 3 or 4 described assemblies, wherein pressure chamber (2) is made a cooling unit.

6. as any one described assembly of claim 3 to 5, wherein the cooling effect of cooling unit (3) waits by liquid-cooling system, gas system or thermoelectric cooling system and realizes.

7. as any one described assembly of claim 3 to 6, wherein there is a temperature sensor to be connected to cooling unit (3) and goes up so that measure the temperature of cooling unit (3).

8. assembly as claimed in claim 7 arranges that wherein a control unit controls the cooling of cooling unit (3), thereby makes the material in cooling unit (3) and the beverage can (19) reach predetermined temperature.

9. as any one described assembly of claim 3 to 8, wherein cooling unit is made one whole by jet mould or punching press.

10. assembly as claimed in claim 9, cooling unit wherein (3) but make by moulding material such as plastics or metal.

11. as any one described assembly of claim 3 to 10, wherein cooling unit (3) can hold one or more beverage cans so that precooling.

12. as any one described assembly of claim 3 to 11, cooling unit wherein (3) comprises a door (6).

13. assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall (8) of pressure chamber (2) is made by one whole by jet mould or punching press basically.

14. assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wall (8) of pressure chamber (2) is made by mouldable material such as plastics or metal.

15. the described assembly of arbitrary as described above claim, lid wherein (9) shutoff pressure chamber (2).

16. assembly as claimed in claim 1, lid wherein (9) can remove or can be connected on the pressure chamber (2) by pivotally from pressure chamber (2).

17. assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening of lid (9) is in the center of lid (9) substantially.

18. assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein lid (9) comes shutoff pressure chamber (2) by closing appliance such as pedal, bayonet socket sealing or screw thread suspension hook.

19. assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein pressure control unit links to each other with pressure chamber (2) with described pressure source on arranging.

20. assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein pressure chamber (2) energy pivoted on arranging can enter pressure chamber so easily.

21. assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein pivot device is arranged in the top of pressure chamber (2), the bottom of pressure chamber (2) or the middle part of pressure chamber (2).

22. assembly as claimed in claim 21, pivot device wherein is arranged in the top of pressure chamber (2), and the centre of gration of pressure chamber (2) just is in the top of cooling unit (3) thus.

23. assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the centre of gration of pressure chamber (2) is arranged in the back of cooling unit (3).

24. as any one described assembly of claim 20 to 23, wherein pressure chamber (3) has first upright position and second level attitude that is in load/unload position that is in the use location.

25. assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein second level attitude of pressure chamber (2) is on the top of cooling unit (3).

26. as claim 24 and/or 25 described assemblies, pressure chamber wherein (2) comprises anchor fitting so that pressure chamber (2) is fixedly mounted on respectively on a primary importance and the second place.

27. as any one described assembly of claim 24 to 26, pressure chamber wherein (2) includes and can make the pivotally supported between the two positions device of pressure chamber (2).

28. assembly as claimed in claim 1, pressure chamber wherein (2) can slide along vertical and/or horizontal direction on arranging.

29. assembly as claimed in claim 28, carriage wherein are arranged on the top of pressure chamber (2), the bottom surface of pressure chamber (2) or the middle part of pressure chamber (2).

30. assembly as claimed in claim 1, beverage can wherein (19) is flattened after using substantially fully, and the described jar that has flattened can not be used again.

31. assembly as claimed in claim 30, beverage can wherein (19) is made of plastics, and special poly-mer is as the compound of PEN or PET or PET.

32. as claim 30 or 31 described assemblies, beverage can wherein (19) is a kind of multiple-structure, it comprises an oxygen barrier layer so that the beverage contents in the protective pot.

33. as any one described assembly of claim 30 to 32, beverage can wherein (19) thus through painted or catch color and form one every photosphere.

34. as any one described assembly of claim 30 to 33, beverage can wherein (19) is contained in the packing box of for example being made by cardboard (20) before being loaded into pressure chamber (2).

35. assembly as claimed in claim 34, packing box wherein (20) comprise a bottom (73) and a top (72), the former can be used for supporting beverage can (19), and the latter can (73) remove from the bottom.

36. being placed in beverage can (19) and bottom (73), assembly as claimed in claim 35, top wherein carry out in the cooling unit (3) removing before the precooling.

37. assembly as claimed in claim 1, attaching parts wherein (21) can be adjacent with the lid (9) of pressure chamber (2), forms sealing thus between lid (9) and beverage can (19).

The outlet of sealing drink jar (19) 38. assembly as claimed in claim 37, attaching parts wherein comprise a diaphragm (37).

39. assembly as claimed in claim 38, attaching parts wherein (21) comprises a perforator (36), pricks when described perforator (36) can reach set pressure in pressure chamber (2) and wears diaphragm (37).

40. assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein an arrival end of distribution pipe (32) links to each other with perforator (36).

41. assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein the arrival end of distribution pipe (32) is a diagonal-cut joint, and the splay end of distribution pipe (32) just can reach set pressure and pricks and to wear this diaphragm (37) in pressure chamber (2) like this.

42. assembly as claimed in claim 38, sealing member wherein are arranged in the inside of lid (9) and attaching parts (21) when in use.

43. assembly as claimed in claim 42, sealing member wherein are rings, this ring comprises a base portion, a bead and a plurality of projection around the base portion layout, these projections opposite side in bead arranged apart from each other.

44. assembly as claimed in claim 1 is wherein arranged a distributing valve at the exit end of distribution pipe.

45. assembly as claimed in claim 44, distribution valve wherein is interchangeable.

46. assembly as claimed in claim 45, interchangeable type distributing valve wherein is arranged in the downstream end of distribution pipe (32) and links to each other with another interaction device, described interaction device can be to the beverage generation effect of the particular type of being distributed, thereby realizes the distribution specific to beverage.

47. assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein has a tower (7) to link to each other with cooling unit (3).

48. assembly as claimed in claim 47, dispensing tap wherein can be arranged on the tower (7).

49. as claim 47 or 48 described assemblies, tower wherein (7) has an outer wall, it forms an inner first passage between first end of tower and second end, wherein in described first passage, have two passages at least: be used for holding the second channel of distribution pipe, and the third channel that communicates with described second channel at second end of tower (7).

50. assembly as claimed in claim 49, first passage wherein can comprise isolated material, as gas, foam or heat-reflecting material so that isolate second channel, third channel or second and third channel.

51. assembly as claimed in claim 50, second channel wherein and third channel can stretch out a segment distance to cooling unit (3) from first end of tower (7), and isolate described passage along this segment distance.

52. as any one described assembly of claim 49 to 51, cooling system wherein comprises and is used for the device of chilled distribution pipe (32), as gas or liquid cooling.

53. assembly as claimed in claim 1, distribution pipe wherein comprise two parts at least: first, it has length L ₁With interior cross-sectional area A ₁And the second portion that is in described first downstream, it has length L ₂With interior cross-sectional area A ₂A wherein ₁Less than A ₂

54. assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein has a plurality of pressure chambers to be arranged in the cooling unit.

55. assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein has a plurality of beverage cans to be arranged in the same pressure chamber.

56. assembly as claimed in claim 55, wherein each beverage can all is connected on the distribution pipe.

57., wherein have spring installation to be arranged in the pressure chamber so that help to puncture diaphragm as any one described assembly of claim 38-41.

58. beverage can with crushable material manufacture, this beverage can is used in the described assembly of claim 1 to 57, it comprises: have the neck of outlet, be arranged in the attaching parts of beverage can, and described attaching parts includes the device that is used for receiving the distribution pipe arrival end.

59. beverage can as claimed in claim 58, wherein said beverage can are connected to by attaching parts on the lid of pressure chamber, form sealing thus between lid and beverage can.

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