FR2590184A1 - DRINKS DISPENSER - Google Patents

Abstract

THIS DISPENSER CONTAINS A PRESSURE RESERVE 5 OF A DILUTION LIQUID, PREFERABLY WATER, AND AT LEAST ONE SEALED CONTAINER 21 CONTAINING A CONCENTRATED JUICE OR EXTRACT, TO MIX WITH THE LIQUID IN DETERMINED PROPORTIONS IN A MIXING HEAD 23 ATTACHED BY SEPARATE 24-25 PIPES TO THE WATER RESERVE AND THE JUICE OR EXTRACT CONTAINER, RESPECTIVELY. ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION, THE APPARATUS INCLUDES AN INJECTOR EXTENDING UP TO THE MIXING HEAD 23 THE PIPING FOR DELIVERY OF THE DILUTION LIQUID AND OPENING AXIALLY IN A CHAMBER HAVING A PROGRESSIVE SHRINKAGE IN FRONT OF THE END OF THE INJECTOR. SECTION, PLAYING THE ROLE OF A VENTURI FOR THE SPEEDING OF THE DILUTION LIQUID, THE PIPELINE FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE JUICE OR OF CONCENTRATED EXTRACT BEING JOINED TO THE CHAMBER IN SUCH SO THAT THE DEPRESSION CREATED BY THE SPEEDING OF THE LIQUID SUCKES A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF JUICE COMING TO MIX WITH THIS LIQUID.

Description

The present invention relates to a

  drink-dispensing apparatus in particular consisting of a dilution in water, preferably chilled, natural or gaseous, of a concentrated juice or fruit extract or other, providing a mixture immediately

ready for consumption.

  It is known that most fruit juice beverages or the like are obtained by mixing in a suitable proportion with a diluting liquid, usually water, an appropriate amount of a concentrated extract, the mixture being conditioned in the factory in a suitable packaging such as bottle, can, fast drying tinplate, cardboard brick with watertight internal walls, glass or plastic can, etc ... This results in the need for an important handling for such packaging, in particular in public houses or other places where

  they are delivered or sold to consumers.

  It is also known that some manufacturers offer directly for sale concentrated juices, intended for family or individual consumption, requiring however that the consumer himself make the appropriate mixture in proportions indicated. However, this method requires manual interventions, the mixture made is approximate and does not allow to obtain drinks always presenting the same

  characteristics of taste and composition.

  The object of the present invention is to enable, by means of a vending machine, a mixture always identical to itself of a juice or a concentrated extract and a dilution liquid, from samples taken from reserves or containers containing

  sufficient quantities of one and the other.

  It also aims to provide a device that is easy to adjust, easy to maintain and has a high degree of operational safety, while also allowing the delivery of beverages suitable for immediate consumption and having qualities and characteristics.

  rigorously constant compositions.

  For this purpose, the dispenser according to the invention, comprising a reserve under pressure of a dilution liquid, preferably water, and at least one sealed container containing a juice or a concentrated extract, to be mixed with the liquid in proportions determined in a mixing head connected by separate pipes respectively to the water supply and to the juice or extract container, is characterized in that it comprises an injector extending up to the mixing head the supply line. dilution liquid and opening axially into a chamber having, in front of the end of the injector a gradual shrinkage of its section, playing the role of a Venturi for setting the speed of the dilution liquid, the pipe of juice or concentrated extract being brought to the chamber so that the depression created by the speeding up of the liquid sucks in a determined quantity of juice coming from

mix with this liquid.

  According to a particular characteristic of the invention,

  tion, the supply line for juice or extract from the container to the chamber where its suction takes place.

  the dilution liquid comprises a stop valve, comprising

  a shutter with axial displacement, closing the

  juice in this pipe, the opening of the valve being performed by moving the shutter under the effect of an external pusher, caused by the setting

  under power for a specified period of time

  magnet. In a particular embodiment of the invention,

  vention, the container of juice or concentrated extract is constituted by a flexible pouch, disposable after use, the stop valve being directly mounted at the lower end of this pocket held vertically and secured

of it.

  Thanks to these provisions and whatever the variant used, the electromagnet causes for a suitable period of time the movement of the pusher and the actuation of the shutter of the shutoff valve, with

  opening of the latter and the flow of a given quantity

  born of juice or extract. Advantageously, the shutter of the valve comprises an axial rod, provided at its end with a conical flap resting on a seat provided in the body of the valve and applied to it either under the effect of a spring, or under the effect of an elastic membrane bearing on the end of the opposite stem of the valve, so that, in the absence of control of the electromagnet, the valve is applied to its seat in

  closing the passage of juice through the valve.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention,

  the dilution liquid injector comprises an elongate body provided with a calibrated axial passage, mounted in a stepped bore, formed in the mixing head so as to abut against a shoulder of this

  bore and immobilized in position against the mixing head

  at the back of the injector. Preferably, the axial passage of the injector is connected to a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of dilution liquid under pressure, mounted on the pipe for supplying liquid to the head

mixture.

  Advantageously and according to another characteristic of the invention, the chamber o collect water and juice, comprises, downstream of its narrowing section a first elongate portion which opens into a second cylindrical portion, the latter communicating with the outside of the mixing head by a spout of conical general shape. Also and according to another characteristic of the invention, the dispenser advantageously comprises an assembly in itself known for refrigeration of the dilution liquid, comprising an exchanger-evaporator immersed in the liquid reserve, a thermostat, a condenser and a compressor. If necessary, the liquid reserve is in communication with an independent gasification device. Preferably, the dilution liquid is fed to the upper part of the reserve through a pressure regulator and a flow regulator constantly adjusting the supply of liquid, the latter being withdrawn at the bottom of the reserve through the pipeline. connected to the mixing head. An electropneumatic device with pressure switch, actuated by a push button controls a box

  programmed electronics ensuring in a defined sequence

  on the one hand, the use of the solenoid valve mounted on the supply line of the dilution liquid to the injector and on the other hand that of the solenoid

  control of the intermittent flow of juice or concentrated extract

  tré. According to another characteristic, the flow of juice or concentrated extract can be adjusted manually by a screw engaged in a conduit connecting the outlet of the shutoff valve to the mixing chamber, whose position

  partially closes the passage section.

  According to another characteristic finally of the dispenser according to the invention, the reserve of dilution liquid and the container of juice or extract are placed in a closed protective box. Preferably, the box comprises several adjacent containers for different juices and a reserve of dilution liquid common to all of these containers, each of these being

  associated with a separate mixing head.

  Other characteristics of the distributor

  considered will still appear through the description that

  follow of an exemplary embodiment, given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating all the components involved in the realization of the apparatus in question; - Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view on a larger scale of the mixing head

  used according to the invention.

  In Figure 1, 1 denotes generally a box or protective metal box, containing all the components of the dispenser of

  according to the invention, this box comprising mainly

  an upper side wall la, an inferior wall

  upper lb, and support plate lc. The casing 1 rests by means of height-adjustable feet 2 on the floor 3 or on a suitable plane support. The wall advantageously comprises a lock access door, the rear part of the box can also be dismountable to allow access for repair or maintenance, to

  control members mounted in the box.

  Inside the box 1, preferably in its

  rear part, on the left of the drawing, the distribution

  scorer features a design 4 refrigeration block

  conventional, with a reserve 5 for a suitable volume.

  of a dilution liquid 6, usually consisting of water. This reserve 5 is supplied with water by means of a conduit 7 connected to a pressure regulator 8 to adjust at will the latter according to the conditions of use of the device. The regulator 8 is in turn connected to a flow regulator 9 for continuously adjusting the flow of the liquid to a fixed value. It passes into a pipe 10, itself connected to its opposite end to a sealed passage 11

  provided for in the upper part of reserve 5, allowing

  both to continuously feed the latter so that it is always at a constant pressure determined.

  Inside the reserve 5 is mounted the serpen-

  tin 12 of a heat exchanger-evaporator whose detail of the embodiment does not matter in itself to the invention. This coil is joined by a pipe 13 to a compressor 14. In addition, the installation comprises, mounted under the

  reserve 5, a condenser 15, cooled by means of a fan

  The installation also comprises an adjusting thermostat 18 and a control unit 18.

  thermometric measuring device 19. An electrical box

  tronic 20 ensures the control and the control of the various functions of the apparatus of the

described later.

  Inside the box 1 are also mounted a plurality of containers 21 (only one of which appears in FIG. 1, the others being preferably arranged next to it and at the same level), these containers each containing a volume 22 of a juice or a concentrated fruit or other extract, the dispenser according to the invention is arranged to carry out the dilution at each withdrawal with an appropriate amount of chilled water from the reserve 5. Each of these containers 21 may in particular be constituted by a flexible pouch, made of plastic or other, mounted in the casing I and fixed therein to

  suitable height by any appropriate means.

  For this purpose, the reserve 5 on the one hand, the (or) container 21 on the other hand, are connected to a mixing head 23, by means of pipes 24 and 25 respectively, opening one and the other. other at the bottom

  of the reserve and the container. In case of parallel mounting

  leles several containers similar to that designated 21 in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises as many mixing heads 23 as such containers, the reserve 5 being however common to all of them and comprising a

  corresponding number of pipes 24 in parallel.

  Each mixing head 23, the detail of which will be described in connection with FIG. 2, finally comprises a spout 26 through which the mixture of water and concentrated juice flows, this mixture being produced in the head according to FIG. proportions maintained always equal to themselves, but which can nevertheless be adjusted prior to the will of the user, depending on the nature of juices, characteristics of use

  established by the manufacturer and the consumer's taste.

  Thus, in FIG. 2, but on a larger scale, the mixing head 23 connected by its lines 24 and 25 respectively to the water reserve

  and the container of juice or extract to be mixed.

  The head 23 is, for this purpose, joined to the channeling

  25 through a stop valve 27 whose body 28 is extended by a connecting piece 29, coming to fit or screw into the end facing the pipe 25. Alternatively, could provide that the valve 27 is directly attached to the lower end of the reserve 21 and supplied therewith by the manufacturer

  or the supplier of the juices to use. This mouthpiece 29

  in the valve body 28 with a transverse passage

  sal 30 inside which is mounted a shutter com-

  taking an axial rod 31, provided at one of its extremes

  tees of a conical valve 32 bearing against a seat 32a of the same profile of the body 28. At its opposite end, the rod 31 is in contact with a plate 33, glued or attached against the inner face of an elastic membrane

  34 closing the rear portion of the valve body 28. Even

  if the elasticity of the membrane is not suf-

  alone to ensure the maintenance of the valve on its seat and the return of it after being deformed, it can be arranged to place against the plate 33 a spring 35 pushing it to the right of the drawing, in a position where the conical valve 32 of the rod 31 is supported on its seat 32a in the body 28. The body penetrates by fitting or other means of connection inside an open housing 37, provided in the part

  facing 38 of the mixing head 23.

  On its face opposite the rod 31, the plate 33 is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the end of a rod 39 carried by the core 40 of an electromagnet 41, immobilized by means (not shown) against the face corresponding to a plate 42 secured to the head 23. The core 40 has outside the electromagnet 41 a shoulder 43 adapted, when it is energized, to come against a bearing 44 , forming a stop and limiting the travel of the rod 39 which, relying on the plate 33 against the spring

  moves the tapered flap 32 to the left, releasing

  thus passing the momentary passage for a quantity

  appropriate juice or concentrated extract from the recipe

  21 the juice thus delivered then escapes from the valve body 28 to spread in a space 45 formed in the bottom of the housing 37, this space 45 communicating in turn by a hole 46 with a vertical duct 47. A set-point needle screw 48 engages in the duct 47, making it possible to close more or less the passage at the outlet.

  of the hole 46, thus limiting the flow of juice or extract.

  The conduit 47 opens at its lower end into a chamber 50, having downstream a section 51 progressively decreasing playing the role of a Venturi, the chamber 50 extending beyond this section 51 by a first portion shaped elongated conduit 52. It communicates with a second cylindrical portion 53, open downwards and in the orifice of which is screwed or fits the nozzle 26, having for this purpose a flange 54 extended by a conical nozzle

  provided with a transverse shoulder 56.

  Inside the chamber 50 is mounted according to the invention an injector 57, comprising three successive portions, cylindrical respectively 58, 59 and 60, of decreasing sections from one to the other and a passage

  axial calibrated comprising two butted portions 61 and 62.

  The injector 57 is engaged in a bore 63 provided in the mixing head 23 so as to abut by a shoulder 64 against a facing bearing face 65 formed in the bottom of this bore. A seal 66 is disposed between the body of the injector and the wall of the bore 63. At its end opposite the chamber 50, the injector 57 has a transverse rim 67 locked against the face opposite the head. 23 by means

  a stop plate 68, immobilized by screws 69.

  Finally, in the extension of the passage 61 is embedded or screwed the end of the tip 70 of a solenoid valve 71, comprising a body 72 and a control electromagnet 73, this solenoid valve being connected to the opposite to the pipe 24 of water inlet, and allowing

  order the flow of the latter delivered in the chamber 50.

  Returning to Figure 1, we see that the

  tif is completed by means of a pneumatic pressure switch 74, controlled by a push button 75 and able to deliver, when the button is pressed, a control signal transmitted by a connection means 76 to the electronic control unit.

  than 20, so as to allow, according to a predetermined sequence

  completed, the control of the solenoid valve 71 and the electromagnet 41, the push button 75 can be actuated to choose is manually by maintaining this

  button pressed until the amount of

  Hitherto is delivered or automatically, a single pulse provided by the push button 74 triggering the sequence of operations until the end of the cycle. Alternatively, the push button 75 could be replaced by a pivoting lever mounted on the mixing head and arranged to directly control the opening of the solenoid valve 71 and

  simultaneously of the electromagnet 41.

  In one case as in the other in fact, the control of the button causes firstly the opening of the solenoid valve 71 and the admission through the pipe 24,

  a suitable refrigerated water flow into the injector 57.

  The pressurized water thus delivered then enters the chamber 50 and, as a result of the narrowing of the section 51 of the latter, is set in speed in the conduit 52 at the same time as it determines in the chamber 50, an appropriate depression effect . Simultaneously, the electromagnet 41 controls the displacement of the rod 39 and consequently that of the valve 32 which is disengaged from its seat by opening the passage for a given quantity of Juice or concentrated extract. Due to the depression created by the flow of water, this quantity of juice is immediately sucked up and mixes intimately with the water in the duct 52 and then beyond the latter, in the cylindrical portion 53,

  before being finally delivered by the spout 26.

  A very simple dispenser of beverages is thus produced which makes it possible to obtain a precisely determined programmed mixture of a quantity of water and

  an additional proportion of juice or extract

  This is exactly measured by the flow rate from the shut-off valve during the period of time corresponding to the opening thereof. In the same way, the quantity of water supplied is strictly limited to that which flows

  during the opening phase of the solenoid valve.

  electropneumatic triggering device. In addition, the structure of the apparatus is such that it avoids the complicated systems of the prior systems necessary to clean the pipes. In particular, the electronic control can be programmed to control the solenoid valve for the passage of a flow of water alone, automatically performing the cleaning of the mixing head. The apparatus under consideration can of course be adapted to the widest range of operation, using a battery of different containers, each containing a separate juice and an associated mixing head, for which the electronic cabinet can program different operating parameters, depending on nature

  Juice and the proposals of the mixture to achieve.

  Advantageously and as a general rule, the water pressure is regulated by the regulator at around 2.5 bars for a city water pressure of between 3 and bars, the injector supplying a calibrated water flow set at 2 , 5 1 / min. The depression in the mixing chamber

is chosen close to 0.8 bar.

  Of course, it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment more specifically described and shown above; on the contrary, it embraces all variants. In particular, one could without departing from the scope of the invention, add to the apparatus a gasification device, for mixing with the juice or concentrated extract, gaseous water. In the same manner, for other uses, the refrigeration device could be omitted, for example in the case of mixtures not requiring a cooled dilution liquid. In addition, the structure of the valves used, as well as the arrangement of the electronic control system could undergo many variants without changing the

features of the invention.

2590184.

Claims (11)

  Automatic beverage dispenser comprising a pressurized reserve (5) of a dilution liquid, preferably water, and at least one sealed container (21) containing a juice or concentrated extract, to be mixed with the liquid determined proportions in a mixing head (23) connected by separate ducts (24-25) respectively to the water supply and the juice or extract container, characterized in that it comprises an injector (57) extending As far as in the mixing head (23) the dilution liquid supply duct and opening axially in a chamber (50) presenting in front of the end of the injector a progressive narrowing of its section (51), playing the role of a Venturi for speeding up the dilution liquid, the supply line (25) of juice or concentrated extract being joined to the chamber so that the depression created by the speeding up of the liquid aspires a quantity of finished with juice coming mix with this liquid.   2 - Automatic beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply line (25) of the Juice or extracted from the container to the mixing chamber o occurs its suction by the dilution liquid comprises a valve d stop (27) comprising a shutter (31) with axial displacement, closing the passage of the juice in this pipe, the opening of the valve being made by moving this shutter under the effect of an external pusher (39) caused by powering on for a period of time   determined from an electromagnet (41).   3 - automatic beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the Juice or concentrated extract container is constituted by a flexible bag,   Disposable after use, the stop valve being direct-   mounted at the lower end of this pocket held vertically and secured thereto. 4 - Automatic drink dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the shutter of the valve (27) comprises an axial rod (31) provided at its end with a conical valve (32) resting on a seat (32a) provided in the body (28) of the valve and applied to it either under the effect of a spring (35) or under the effect of an elastic membrane bearing on the end of the opposite to the valve, so that, in   the absence of impulses on the electromagnet (41), the   pet (32) applies to his seat by closing the passage Juice through the valve.   Automatic beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dilution liquid injector (57) comprises an elongated body provided with a calibrated axial passage (61-62) mounted in a stepped bore (63) formed in the mixing head (23) so that it abuts against a shoulder (64) of said bore and is immobilized in position   attached to the mixing head At the back of the inJec- tor.   6 - automatic drink dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the axial passage   (61-62) of the injector (57) is connected to an electro-   control valve (71) of the pressure dilution liquid flow, mounted on the supply line (24) of the   liquid at the mixing head (23).   7 - Automatic drink dispenser according to   any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that   the chamber (50) has a first elongated portion (52) downstream of its section narrowing (51) which opens into a second cylindrical portion (53), the latter communicating with the outside of the mixing head by a pouring spout (26) general conic.   8 - Automatic drink dispenser according to   any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that   it comprises an assembly (4) known per se, of refrigeration of the dilution liquid, comprising an exchanger-evaporator (12) immersed in the liquid reserve (5), a thermostat (18), a condenser ( 15) and a compressor (14).   9 - automatic drink dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the liquid reserve (5) is in communication with a gasification device.   - Automatic drink dispenser according to   one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the   liquid is fed to the upper part of the reserve (5) by means of a pressure regulator (8) and a flow regulator (9) constantly adjusting the flow rate of the liquid,   the latter being withdrawn from the lower part of the   via the pipe (24) connected to the mixing head.   11 - Automatic drink dispenser according to   any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that   it comprises an electropneumatic device - pressure switch (74), actuated by a pusher (75) controlling a programmed electronic box (20) ensuring in a specific sequence, on the one hand the implementation of the solenoid valve (71) mounted on the line for supplying the dilution liquid and the injector and secondly   that of the electro-magnet (41) of control of the inter-   mittent juice or concentrated extract.   12 - Automatic drink dispenser according to   any of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that   the juice flow or concentrated extract is manually adjusted by a screw (48) engaged in a duct (47) connecting the outlet of the shut-off valve To the mixing chamber (50), whose position progressively closes the passage section.   13 - Automatic drink dispenser according to   any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that   the dilution liquid supply (5) and the juice or extract container (21) are placed in a closed box (1).   14 - Automatic drink dispenser according to claim 13, characterized in that the box comprises several adjacent containers for different juices and a reserve of dilution liquid common to all of these containers, each of them being   associated with a separate mixing head.