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WO2024261136A1 - Unité de distribution de boisson et procédé de fabrication de l'unité - Google Patents

Unité de distribution de boisson et procédé de fabrication de l'unité Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024261136A1
WO2024261136A1 PCT/EP2024/067261 EP2024067261W WO2024261136A1 WO 2024261136 A1 WO2024261136 A1 WO 2024261136A1 EP 2024067261 W EP2024067261 W EP 2024067261W WO 2024261136 A1 WO2024261136 A1 WO 2024261136A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
connecting member
dispensing
line
dispensing valve
line end
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2024/067261
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Klaus Wiemer
Kim Poul Knudsen
Original Assignee
Micro Matic A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Micro Matic A/S filed Critical Micro Matic A/S
Publication of WO2024261136A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024261136A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0829—Keg connection means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
    • B67D1/1405—Control taps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D2001/0095—Constructional details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00047—Piping
    • B67D2210/00049—Pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00047—Piping
    • B67D2210/00062—Pipe joints

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing unit for a beverage dispensing system and a method of making a beverage dispensing unit by connecting a one-way dispensing line with an outer diameter and an inner diameter to a connecting member and a dispensing valve enabling fluid communication therebetween. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing unit for a beverage dispensing system and a method of making a beverage dispensing unit by connecting a one-way dispensing line with an outer diameter and an inner diameter to a connecting member and a dispensing valve enabling fluid communication therebetween as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims.
  • a problem with the solutions of the prior art with dispensing lines or tubes made of plastic material being attached to a protruding inlet or outlet of a dispensing valve or the like by being slid with one line or tube end over the inlet or outlet to form a joint is that, if the line or tube end is not soften enough, usually by heating the plastic of the tube until it softens, cracks will occur in the joint after a while incurring leakage in and/or out of the joint meaning that any pumping or discharge function will suffer and be less efficient or even stop working.
  • Prior art dispensing spouts at taps for beverages are vented by letting air into them to not have excess beverage "sticking" therein and dripping out in an undesired manner. Examples of such prior art are disclosed in WO 2017/085261 Al and GB 1 091444 A.
  • Prior art air venting functionality depends on very narrow manufacture tolerances between sealing surfaces and moving parts making up each tapping spout to work in a sufficiently reliable way/as expected. Such narrow manufacturing tolerances are very demanding/difficult to achieve during molding, i.e., manufacturing of the plastic parts making up prior dispensing spouts incurs high costs.
  • a beverage dispensing unit comprising a one-way dispensing line with an outer diameter and an inner diameter
  • the one-way dispensing line being a flexible tube made of food-graded polymeric material having a first line end and a second line end, the first line end being configured to be connected in fluid communication with the beverage via an opening of a connecting member made of food- graded polymeric material and the second line end being configured to be connected in fluid communication with an opening of an inlet of a dispensing valve of a dispensing tap made of food-graded polymeric material
  • the connecting member opening is in fluid communication with an outlet part or end of an inner through bore or passageway through the connecting member configured to be in fluid communication with the beverage at an opposite inlet part or first end of the connecting member
  • the outlet part and the opening of the connecting member and the opening of the dispensing valve each has an inner diameter being substantially the same as the outer diameter of the one-way dispensing line, wherein the outlet part is a free protruding end
  • the beverage dispensing unit is configured to be applied in a beverage dispensing system comprising at least one beverage container to which the first line end of the dispensing line or tube is configured to be connected in fluid communication.
  • An advantage is that welding allows a perfect bonding between all parts and materials, and if the dispensing line being a flexible tube is stretched the connected line ends to the connecting member or the probe and the dispensing valve or spout are not the weakest points of the assembly anymore.
  • Another advantage is the ability of keeping the nominal inner diameter of the dispensing line, i.e., the nominal inner diameter of the line ends to avoid areas being not even or not smooth creating flow turbulence and/or dirt gaps where dirt may build up after the welding is finished.
  • the predetermined distance or length of insertion of the second line end of the one-way dispensing line into abutment with the inner circumferential shelf of the dispensing valve is less or substantially the same or equal to or larger than the predetermined distance or length of insertion of the first line end of the one-way dispensing line into abutment with the inner circumferential shelf of the connecting member.
  • An advantage is that welding allows a perfect bonding between all parts and materials, and if the dispensing line being a flexible tube is being stretched the connected line ends to the connecting member or the probe and the dispensing valve or spout is not the weakest points of the assembly anymore even though the two line ends are not inserted and welded tight with the same length inside each entity.
  • each inner circumferential shelf of the respective connecting member and the dispensing valve extends in a radial plane substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the longitudinal or axial direction of the connecting member and the inner passageway and the inlet of the dispensing valve, respectively, and each inner circumferential shelf comprises at least one inner circumferential pocket or indentation or recess or groove made in the longitudinal or axial direction of the connecting member and the dispensing valve inlet, respectively, whereby the depth of each groove extends in substantially the same and/or the same direction as the inner passageway of the connecting member and the dispensing valve inlet, respectively, away from the respective openings of the inner passageway of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve.
  • An advantage is that then any soft or molten material of the line ends during welding and/or when welded are guided into and/or received by respective groove(s)/pocket(s) instead of flowing and/or being forced inwards towards the inside of the dispensing line reducing the inner diameter, i.e., the groove(s)/pocket(s) ensure(s) that the inner diameter of each line end is maintained and not narrowed and/or deformed making the inside not as smooth as the remaining length of the dispensing line.
  • Another advantage is that when pushing each line end against the associated shelf during/when welding the line end(s) is/are not bent inwards due to their softness as being heated to the welding temperature.
  • each inner circumferential shelf of the respective connecting member and the dispensing valve extends in a radial plane substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the longitudinal or axial direction of the respective connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve from the inner diameter of the outlet part of the inner passageway and the opening of the inlet and ends at another or intermediate inner diameter forming an inner opening of an intermediate or middle section of the respective inner passageway of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve between the outlet part and the first end of the connecting member and between the opening and a valve chamber or through channel of the dispensing valve, respectively.
  • any soft or molten material of the line ends during welding/when welded are guided into and/or received by respective groove(s)/pocket(s) instead of flowing and/or being forced inwards towards the inside of the dispensing line/tube reducing the inner diameter of the line end(s), i.e. the groove(s)/pocket(s) ensure(s) that the inner diameter of each line end is maintained and not narrowed and/or deformed giving a better control of the inner diameter of each line end during and after welding to ensure that the inner diameter(s) is/are flush with the inner opening to the intermediate section to not create any steps and/or unevenness therebetween that incur flow turbulence and/or locations where dirt may build up.
  • each inner circumferential groove has a radial extension starting at/from the inner diameter and ending at an inner diameter being larger than the intermediate inner diameter forming the respective inner opening of the intermediate or middle section of the inner passageway of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve, respectively.
  • any soft or molten material and/or parts of the line ends during welding and/or when welded are guided into and/or received by respective groove(s) and/or pocket(s) instead of flowing and/or being forced inwards towards the inside of the dispensing line reducing the inner diameter of the line end(s), i.e. the groove(s)/pocket(s) ensure(s) that the inner diameter of each line end is maintained and not narrowed and/or deformed giving a better control of the inner diameter of each line end during and after welding to ensure that the inner diameter(s) is/are flush with the inner opening to the intermediate section to not create any steps and/or unevenness therebetween that incur flow turbulence and/or locations where dirt may build up.
  • the largest depth of each inner circumferential groove ends at a distance from the respective openings in the longitudinal or axial direction of the respective connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve being larger than the insertion distance or length of any of the line ends of the dispensing line.
  • the inner circumferential groove extends radially from the inner diameter of the connecting member and the dispensing valve, respectively, and ends at an inner diameter being larger than or being substantially the same or being equal to the inner diameter of the line ends of the one-way dispensing line.
  • the intermediate inner diameter forming the inner opening of the respective intermediate or middle sections of the inner passageway and the inlet of the dispensing valve is substantially equal or equal to the inner diameter of each of the line ends of the one-way dispensing line after welding.
  • the dispensing valve and at least the outlet part and fluid communicating part of the connecting member are made of the same food-graded polymeric material being a high-density polyethylene normally used in blow molding.
  • the characteristics/properties of the food-graded polymeric material making up the dispensing line differs from the characteristics/properties of the food-graded polymeric material making up the dispensing valve and the connecting member in that the dispensing line is made by extrusion and a low-density polyethylene while the dispensing valve and the connecting member are made by injection molding and the high- density polyethylene normally used in blow molding.
  • a method of making a beverage dispensing unit by connecting a one-way dispensing line with an outer diameter and an inner diameter to a connecting member and a dispensing valve enabling fluid communication therebetween, the one-way dispensing line being a flexible tube made of food-graded polymeric material having a first line end and a second line end, the first line end being configured to be connected in fluid communication with an outlet of the connecting member made of food- graded polymeric material and the second line end being configured to be connected in fluid communication with an inlet of the dispensing valve made of food-graded polymeric, the method comprising arranging the connecting member and the dispensing valve in proper orientations and positions in a welding machine to receive the line ends; inserting each line end of the dispensing line into and through a respective holder in the welding machine until each line end protrudes at least partly out of the respective holder and is in abutment with a respective end stop; pushing each protruding line end against the respective end stop until respective
  • the method comprises moving the heating device linearly into the heating position; powering the heating device to be pre-heated into welding mode in the heating position before inserting each protruding part of the line ends by linear movement into the heating device when the welding mode is reached, and moving the heating device linearly from the heating position after the heated line ends, the heated connecting member and the heated dispensing valve are moved by linear movement out of engagement with the heating device.
  • moving of the parts inside the welding machine is made linearly or by linear movement after the connecting member and the dispensing valve are arranged in proper orientations and positions in the welding machine to receive the line ends and before the separate and common beverage dispensing unit is removed from the welding machine.
  • the method comprises shutting off the heating device in case no more welding is to be done after the heating of each protruding part of each line end and the outlet of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve and the pre-determined welding temperature is reached.
  • the method comprises opening a lid or door or shutter into the welding machine before the connecting member and the dispensing valve are arranged in proper orientations and positions in the welding machine to receive the line ends; closing the shutter of the welding machine after the connecting member and the dispensing valve are arranged in proper orientations and positions in the welding machine to receive the line ends, and opening the shutter of the welding machine after the welding of the dispensing line together with the connecting member and the dispensing valve is finalized to remove the thereby manufactured separate beverage dispensing unit out of the welding machine.
  • the method comprises pushing each protruding line end of the dispensing line against the respective end stop until a predetermined time/force is reached.
  • the method comprises inserting the protruding part of the first line end into the heating device being in the welding mode; inserting the protruding part of the second line end into the heating device being in the welding mode; inserting the outlet of the connecting member into the heating device being in the welding mode, and inserting the inlet of the dispensing valve into the heating device being in the welding mode after moving each holder with the line end to the heating position of the heating device and before heating each protruding part of each line end and the outlet of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve by means of the heating device to the pre-determined welding temperature.
  • the method comprises moving the heated line ends, connecting member and dispensing valve out of engagement with the heating device after heating each protruding part of each line end and the outlet of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve by means of the heating device to the pre-determined welding temperature.
  • the method comprises inserting the heated protruding part of the first line end into the outlet of the connecting member until the whole protruding part of the first line end is received in the outlet of the connecting member; inserting the heated protruding part of the second line end into the inlet of the dispensing valve until the whole protruding part of the second line end is received in the inlet of the dispensing valve; holding the heated protruding part of the first line end inside the outlet of the connecting member the pre-determined time to have the weld between the dispensing line and the connecting member sufficiently cooled, and holding the heated protruding part of the second line end inside the inlet of the dispensing valve the pre-determined time to have the weld between the dispensing line and the dispensing valve sufficiently cooled.
  • the method comprises using one and the same heating device for heating the first line end and the outlet of the connecting member simultaneously to their pre-determined welding temperature, and using one and the same other heating device for heating the second line end and the inlet of the dispensing valve simultaneously to their pre-determined welding temperature.
  • the method comprises inserting the first line end and the second line end, respectively, into the respective openings/out-/inlets of the connecting member and the dispensing valve and through the openings and into the connecting member and the dispensing valve a predetermined distance or length to connect the first line end to the connecting member and the second line end to the dispensing valve when each line end abuts against a respective inner circumferential shelf or projection, and welding each line end fixedly and leakproof to the respective inner circumferential shelf and the inside of the outlet part of the connecting member and the inlet of the dispensing valve, respectively.
  • An advantage with the welding method is that it allows a perfect bonding between all parts and materials as the pushing of the line ends into the welding machine ensures a correct positioning and force between the dispensing line ends, the connecting member and the dispensing valve during welding to ensure that when the dispensing line being a flexible tube is stretched after welding the connection between the line ends, the connecting member or the probe and the dispensing valve or spout is not the weakest points of the assembly anymore.
  • Another advantage is the ability of controlling the force when pushing the line ends and the connecting member and dispensing valve together for welding inside the welding machine enabling keeping the nominal inner diameter of the dispensing line, i.e., the nominal inner diameter of the line ends to avoid areas being not even or not smooth creating flow turbulence and/or dirt gaps where dirt may build up.
  • Another advantage is that a common and separate beverage dispensing unit is formed that is easily replaced by a new one and disposable.
  • Figure 1 shows a beverage dispensing unit when mounted in a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage container in an exemplary pressurized gas driven beverage dispense system in side view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 shows a beverage dispensing unit in cross-section when mounted in a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage container in an exemplary pressurized gas driven beverage dispense system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 shows an enlargement of a part of the beverage dispensing system visualized by a circle A shown in dashed line in figure 2 in a cross-sectional view when not activated and/or deactivated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 shows an enlargement of a part of the beverage dispensing system visualized by the with dashed line shown circle A in figure 2 in a cross-sectional view when activated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage dispensing unit shown in fig. 3 in a closed state, i.e., not in operation, i.e., deactivated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5A shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the parts of the beverage dispensing unit shown in fig. 5 according to a cutout F.
  • Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage dispensing unit shown in fig. 4 in an open state, i.e., in operation or activated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7A shows an enlarged top view of the part of the beverage dispensing unit in figs. 5 and 5A taken from above according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 8 shows in perspective the part of the beverage dispensing unit shown in fig. 6 after activation as shown in fig. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 9 shows a cutout enlarged cross-section of a part of the beverage dispensing unit corresponding to the with dashed line shown oval B from fig. 2 when assembled into a tapping font according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 10 and 11 show cross-sectional views in perspective taken according to the oval cut-out C in fig. 9 shown in dashed line of a dispensing or tapping part of a beverage dispensing unit when assembled in a font and in a non-activated or non-tapping mode in fig. 10 and during operation in fig. 11, i.e., when dispensing or tapping beverage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 12 and 13 show in partly disassembled state and part views the dispensing or tapping part of the beverage dispensing unit of figs. 10 and 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 14 and 15 show cutout enlarged cross-sectional views according to the part of the beverage dispensing unit shown figs. 5 and 6 when being assembled to another part of the beverage dispensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 16 shows a cutout enlarged cross-sectional view D from fig. 14 of those parts of the beverage dispensing unit to be assembled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 16A shows a cutout enlarged cross-sectional view from fig. 16 of only the lower part of the beverage dispensing unit in this fig. 16.
  • Figure 17 shows a cutout enlarged cross-sectional view E from fig. 15 of those parts of the beverage dispensing unit during the last step of assembly/after assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 18 shows in perspective and exploded view a part of the beverage dispensing unit with a separate and detachable part before or during assembly or after disassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 19 to 23 shows in cross-sectional views those parts of the beverage dispensing unit in fig. 18 - assembled together - in a beverage dispensing state, i.e., in operation when tapping beverage, in fig. 19, and in closed state, i.e., when not dispensing beverage, in figs. 20 to 23, and shown before or during or after assembly to another part making up the beverage dispensing unit in figs. 22 and 23 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 24 to 27 shows a welding machine in different stages of making a beverage dispensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 28 shows in perspective a beverage dispensing unit after manufacture in the welding machine of figs. 24 to 27 and after removal out of the welding machine and before this final and separate beverage dispensing unit is assembled into a beverage dispensing system to use for dispensing beverage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 29 shows in perspective a beverage dispensing unit after activation/use and disassembly from a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
  • Fig. 1 shows a dispensing system 100 for dispensing beverages.
  • the dispensing system 100 comprises a beverage container 1 comprising a valve 2 arranged in an outlet 3 of the beverage container 1.
  • the dispensing system 100 may comprise a gas container or gas supply 4, a dispensing valve 5 of a dispensing tap 20, and a dispense head 6 of the beverage container 1.
  • the gas supply 4 is connected with a gas inlet 7 of the dispense head 6 via a gas regulator 8 and a gas supply line 9. From the dispense head 6 to the dispensing valve 5 and dispensing tap 20, a one-way dispensing line 10 extends.
  • the dispensing line 10 may be configured to be guided from the dispense head 6 to the dispensing valve 5 via the tower or font or tapping head 50 or from the dispensing valve 5 via the tower 50 to the dispense head 6, so that the one-way dispensing line 10 is replaceable each time the beverage container 1 is replaced.
  • the one-way dispensing line 10 will be further described below.
  • the beverage container 1 may be fully or partly made of a polymeric material.
  • the beverage container 1 may comprise a flexible bag made of plastic foil, which bag is configured to contain a beverage, and the beverage in the bag is configured to be expelled by pressurising a container space between the bag and an inner container face of the beverage container.
  • FIG. 2 another example of a dispensing system 101 for liquid, e.g., water and/or other beverages, is shown in a cross-sectional side view.
  • the dispensing system 101 comprises a housing 110 adapted to house a beverage container 1.
  • the housing 110 is in some embodiments provided with a cooling unit 120 for keeping the beverage at a predetermined temperature and is further provided with circulating means for circulating the cool air in the housing 110.
  • the housing 110 may also comprise propelling means, or propelling means may be connected to the beverage container 1 in the housing.
  • the propelling means may be a gas, such as CO2, or it may be a pressure chamber utilising a pneumatic or mechanical pressure means to force beverage through the valve 2 by operating it and further out of the outlet 3 of the beverage container 1.
  • the propelling means is a gas contained in a gas cylinder 4, which is connected via a gas line 9 to a dispense head 6 to be connected with the beverage container 1.
  • a dispensing line 10 extends from beverage container 1 up through a guide channel 51 of a font or tapping head 50.
  • the tapping head 50 comprises a dispensing valve 5 and a dispensing tap 20 with a spout 21 and a tapping handle 30 configured to open and close the dispensing valve 5 of the dispensing tap 20 when correctly positioned in the font or tapping head 50 and the dispensing tap 20.
  • the tapping handle 30 comprises an actuation member 31 configured to operationally engage a piston 600 of the dispensing valve 5 to open and close the dispensing valve 5 by moving the piston 600 up and down within the dispensing valve 5.
  • actuation member 31 configured to operationally engage a piston 600 of the dispensing valve 5 to open and close the dispensing valve 5 by moving the piston 600 up and down within the dispensing valve 5.
  • the dispensing line 10 is made of a non-rigid material to facilitate handling and guiding.
  • the dispensing line 10 is preferably made of a polymeric and/or flexible food-graded material.
  • the dispensing line 10 is preferably made of a polymeric and flexible food-graded material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and is preferably a hollow and flexible tube.
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • LDPE low-density polyethylene
  • An example of a suitable low-density polyethylene is SABIC® LDPE 2600H0 among others of low-density polyethylene materials that could be used.
  • the one-way dispensing line 10 comprises a first line end 11 and a second line end 12.
  • the first line end 11 is configured to be connected in fluid communication with the beverage container 1 and the second line end 12 is configured to be connected in fluid communication with the dispensing valve 5 as shown in figs. 1 to 4, 28 and 29.
  • the first line end 11 of the oneway dispensing line 10 is configured to be attached to a connecting member 40 configured to - in turn - providing an ability to open the beverage container 1.
  • the one-way dispensing line 10 is configured to fixedly and in a sealed manner couple the beverage container connecting member 40 together with the dispensing valve 5 to form one and the same entity to be an easily stored, separate and replaceable beverage dispensing unit 200.
  • the dispensing valve 5 comprises a housing 500 and is in fluid communication with a spout 21 of the dispensing tap 20.
  • Figs. 2, 9, 10 -13, 18 - 23, 28 and 29 show the dispensing valve 5 in more detail, wherein fig. 18 shows the dispensing valve 5 in exploded view with the piston 600 before or during assembly into the valve housing or after disassembly from the valve housing 500.
  • the dispensing valve 5 has an outer face and an outer diameter.
  • the dispensing valve 5 comprises a valve housing 500 having an inner face and a longitudinal extension and an inner diameter and/or space and/or cavity forming a valve chamber 501.
  • the valve housing 500 has a first or top housing end 510 and a second or bottom housing end 520 as seen in detail in figs. 18 to 23.
  • the valve housing 500 comprises an intermediate or middle section/part 530 arranged between the top and bottom ends 510, 520.
  • the valve housing 500 provides the valve chamber 501 (with the inner face) inside which a first closing member or piston 600 is configured to be movably and detachably arranged in a leakproof way.
  • the piston 600 has a first or top end 601 and a second or bottom end 602.
  • the top housing end 510 comprises an end opening facing in the upward direction in figs.
  • the housing 500 with the valve chamber 501 comprises an inlet 502 in fluid communication with the beverage, i.e., the beverage container 1, and an outlet 503 being in fluid communication with the dispensing tap 20 and its spout 21.
  • the inlet 502 leads into the valve chamber 501 being in fluid communication with the outlet 503 leading to the spout 21 of the dispensing tap.
  • the piston 600 provides a venting function in the dispensing valve 5, so that the spout 21 can be vented and thereby emptied by enabling for excess fluid and/or liquid and/or beverage to flow out of the dispensing valve 5 and thereby the spout 21 when the dispensing valve 5 is closed as shown in figs. 9, 10, 20 - 23, 28 and 29 (figs. 11 and 19 show the dispensing valve 5 when opened/open/fully open, i.e. when the piston 600 is moved upwards/in a top position and no venting occurs).
  • This venting is achieved in that the piston 600 comprises an inner through bore or channel 603 as seen in figs. 9 - 11 and 18 - 23.
  • the through channel 603 extends in radial and longitudinal directions between one, two or more openings 604 to the surroundings arranged at the first piston end 601 and the second end 602 to enable letting air into the opening(s) 604 and through the channel 603 to achieve the venting of the spout 21.
  • the piston 600 comprises in one embodiment two openings 604 at the top end 601 and one opening 604 at the bottom end 602. In a shown embodiment of the disclosure in figs. 19 to 21, the valve housing has only one opening 505.
  • the piston 600 is configured to be movable inside the valve chamber 501 between a first position enabling flow of beverage into an opening 504 of the inlet 502 and through the valve chamber 501 and out through the outlet 503 and the spout 21 - as shown in figs. 11 and 19 - and a second position hindering flow of beverage and dispensing of beverage through these parts as shown in figs. 9, 10, 12 and 20 - 23 but enabling venting.
  • the valve housing 500 comprises only the one opening 505 into the valve chamber 501 to enable the venting of the spout 21 when the piston 600 is in the second position as shown in figs. 9, 10, 12 and 20 - 23.
  • the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 is arranged at the middle section 530.
  • the piston 600 is configured to be slidably arranged inside the valve chamber 501. At least one of the openings 604 of the piston 600 is in alignment with the only one opening 505 in the housing 500 when the piston 600 is in the top/second position hindering dispensing but allowing venting.
  • the only one opening 505 of the housing 500 of the dispensing valve 5 is a hole through the side, i.e. through the whole thickness of the side walls of the housing as seen in fig. 21.
  • at least one of the two openings 604 of the piston 600 or preferably both openings are arranged in/at the side of the piston and leads out of the piston side at the top end 601 of the piston.
  • the opening 505 of the housing 500 is arranged at/in/on/through a side wall of the top end 510 of the housing as seen in fig. 21.
  • the two piston openings 604 are arranged in/at/on opposite sides of the piston 600 as shown in fig.
  • the two openings 604 at the piston top end 601 face radially away from opposite sides of the piston.
  • the third opening 604 leading into the inner channel 603 of the piston 600 at the bottom end 602 faces axially, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the piston body 607 away from the top end 601 of the piston, and towards the outlet 503 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • the valve chamber 501 has a first inner diameter.
  • the valve housing 500 has one or more radial inlets 502 in relation to the longitudinal extension of the valve housing 500 and one or more outlets 503 arranged in the longitudinal extension of the valve housing 500.
  • the dispensing system 100, 101 when operated dispenses fluid or liquid, preferably beverage, out of the outlet 3 of the beverage container 1 and into the connecting member or probe 40 and out of the outlet 48 and further into the first line end 11 of the dispensing line 10 and through the dispensing line 10 and out of the second line end 12 into an inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5, i.e., an inlet 502 of the housing 500 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • the spout 21 of the dispensing tap 20 is arranged in fluid communication with the outlet 503 downstream of the same outlet 503 to form the actual last fluid outflow.
  • valve piston 600 has been moved to the second position in which the dispensing valve 5 and thereby also the dispensing tap 20 and the spout 21 are closed. In this circumstance, residue beverage may be present in the outlet 503 and/or the dispensing tap 20 and/or the outlet or spout 21.
  • Figs. 20, 22, and 23 enlarged views are shown in which the valve piston 600 is brought into the second position in which the second or bottom end 602 end is at and/or abuts an inner lower face and/or the outlet 503 of the valve housing 500.
  • valve housing 500 is not moved downwards within the tap 20, so that one of the openings 604 is arranged opposite the only side opening 505 in the valve housing 500 as seen in fig. 21 when a projection 606 at the top end 601 of the piston 600 is abutting an upper edge of the valve housing 500 - this projection 606 on the piston 600 acts as an end stop for the downwards movement of the piston inside the valve chamber 501 of the valve housing 500, whereby air may be led through the opening 505 in the valve housing and further into the opening 604 and into the through channel 603 at the top of the piston 600 and down to the opening 604 at the valve chamber 501, so that the dispensing valve 5 and the spout 21 may be vented, allowing residue beverage to be emptied out of the spout 21.
  • valve piston 600 is movable in the longitudinal extension in the valve chamber 501.
  • the valve piston 600 is configured to open and close the outlet 503 of the dispensing valve 5 and thereby the dispensing tap 20 and its spout 21 by moving the valve piston 600 between a first position being the open state of the dispensing valve 5 and thereby the dispensing tap 20 and its spout 21, i.e. the position shown in Fig. 19, and a second position being the closed state of the dispensing valve 5 and thereby the dispensing tap 20 and its spout 21, i.e. the position shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 20 -23.
  • the valve piston 600 has the first or top piston end 601 and the second or bottom piston end 602 and the body 607 extending between the first piston end 601 and the second piston end 602.
  • the body 607 has a length which is preferably between 10 - 40 mm and an outer upper piston face 608 to be engaged with a tapping handle 30, the first end 601 of the valve piston 600 is configured to be connected with the outer upper piston face 608 to an activation element or member 31 of the tapping handle 30 for moving the valve piston 600 between the first position and the second position, i.e., by lifting the piston 600 up and down inside the valve chamber 501 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • the valve piston 600 has an outer piston diameter fitted to the inner diameter of the valve chamber 501 to enable moving the piston therein.
  • the inner valve chamber diameter of the valve chamber 501 is larger than the outer piston diameter of the bottom end 602 of the piston 600 in order to provide a flow passage between the outer piston face or surface of the bottom end 602 and the inner face of the valve chamber 501 and valve housing 500 in the first position of the valve piston 600 shown in fig. 19.
  • Figs. 20 - 23 the dispensing valve 5 is shown in the second position of the valve piston 600 being moved downwards in the valve chamber 501, thereby closing the outlet 503, the dispensing tap 20 and the spout 21, so that no dispensing is possible.
  • the piston 600 comprises one, preferably two, three or more circumferential sealings 605 at/adjacent the bottom end 602 in the form of O-rings 605, see figs. 19 - 23, but could in other aspects be of labyrinth-type.
  • the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 comprises an opening 504 that in some embodiments comprises a chamfered inner edge 509 as an orifice.
  • a dispense head 6 is coupled, i.e., arranged opposite the beverage container valve 2, to the beverage container 1 as shown in figs. 1 to 4.
  • the function of the dispense head 6 is well- known and will not be described in detail.
  • the dispense head 6 is configured to receive the beverage container connecting member 40 in a hollow housing 60 having a through-going inner channel or bore 61 into which the connecting member 40 is to be fitted.
  • the connecting member 40 comprises a first upper part 41 and a second part 42.
  • the first part 41 - in turn - comprises two parts 410 and 411 being separable from each other.
  • These parts 410, 411 of the first part 41 are an inner centre hub part 410 with a protrusion and an outer rim part 411 configured to be fixedly attached to the second part 42 as shown in figs. 3 to 8, 14 to 16A, 28 and 29.
  • the connecting member 40 is of a more or less rotary symmetrical shape.
  • the second part 42 is configured to protrude with a second end or outlet part 48 through the inner centre hub part and protrusion 410 of the first part 41 and be welded with the outlet part 48 to the first line end 11 of the one-way dispensing line or tube 10 (as shown in figs. 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6, 8, 15, 17, 28 and 29), which tube 10 in turn is welded to the dispensing valve 5 to form the beverage dispensing unit 200.
  • This unit 200 has in some embodiments the dispensing valve 5 welded tight and sturdy to the other end 12 of the oneway dispensing line or tube 10 as shown in figs. 2, 9 to 13, 18 to 23, 28 and 29.
  • the dispense head 6 may open the beverage container valve 2 by moving an activation handle 62 (see arrows 300 in figs. 3 and 4 visualising the movements), e.g. by pushing downwards on the inner centre hub part with the protrusion 410 of the first part 41 of the connecting member 40 by means of the activation handle 62 towards the beverage container 1 moving or urging the connecting member 40 from a deactivated position to an activated position.
  • an activation handle 62 see arrows 300 in figs. 3 and 4 visualising the movements
  • the second part 42 of the connecting member 40 has been moved axially, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member 40, with the second part 42 into the beverage container valve 2 for opening the valve 2 as shown in figs. 4, 6 and 7B.
  • the first part 41 of the connecting member 40 is fenestrated. This is achieved by the inner centre hub part 410 with protrusion being separable connected to the outer rim part 411 by means of a frangible connection 70.
  • the frangible connection 70 is breakable meaning that a pre-determined force is able to break this connection physically separating the inner centre hub part with the protrusion 410 from the outer rim part 411, i.e., wherein the inner centre hub part 410 comes loose from the outer rim part 411 as shown in figs. 8 and 29.
  • the connecting member 40 has an axial extension as shown in figs. 3 to 6, 8, 14, 15, 28 and 29.
  • the second part 42 has a first outer face 43 at a first or lower or bottom end 44 forming the first end of the connecting member 40 with a first outer part diameter with a mantle surface comprising one or more sealings 414, e.g., O-rings, configured to be operatively and leakproof connected to the beverage container valve 2 of the beverage container 1 shown in figs. 1 to 4.
  • sealings 414 e.g., O-rings
  • the connecting member 40 comprises the first part 41 with the inner centre hub part 410 and the outer rim part 411 forming part of a second outer face 45 and a second or upper or top end 46 of the connecting member 40 together with the second end or outlet part 48 of the second part 42 as shown in figs. 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6, 8, 14 to 17, 28 and 29.
  • the first part 41 and the outlet part 48 of the second part 42 together form the second outer face 45 of the connecting member 40 opposite the first outer face 43 as seen in fig. 7A from above (in fig. 7A, the frangible connection 70 could be intact or broken as the inner centre hub part 410 is arrange in a correct position to be slid into the cavity 47 of the second part 42, this position also being shown in fig. 7B).
  • the second part 42 comprises a centre through bore or channel 49 enabling beverage to flow through the connecting member 40 and into the dispensing line 10 for further lead out of the dispensing valve 5.
  • the second part 42 comprises an inner recess or cavity 47 at the outlet part 48 configured to receive the inner centre hub part 410 of the first part 41 when the dispense head 6 has activated the connecting member 40 as shown in figs. 4, 6 and 7B to enable liquid/beverage to flow out of the beverage container valve 2 of the beverage container 1 through the inner bore 49 into the first line end 11 of the dispensing line 10 and through the dispensing line 10 to the dispensing valve 5 and out of the dispensing tap 20 and spout 21.
  • the frangible connection 70 is breakable in response to a vertical or axial force urged by the activation handle 62 from above in fig. 3 and onto the protrusion 410 of the inner centre hub of the first part 41 as seen in fig. 4 towards the second part 42 forcing the inner centre hub 410 at least partly into the recess 47 of the second part 42. Thereafter and/or at the same time, the inner centre hub with the protrusion 410 moves axially along the longitudinal extension and in parallel with the through-going bore 49 of the connecting member 40 and the through-going bore 61 of the dispense head 6 downwards, see the bent/curved white arrow 300 in fig.
  • the centre hub part with the protrusion 410 of the first part 41 is shown separated from the outer rim part 411 of the second part 42, i.e. the centre hub part and protrusion 410 is fully separated and has come loose from the outer rim part 411 still being fixedly attached to the second part 42 and the centre hub part and protrusion 410 may be slid up and down/along the dispensing line 10 as visualised by arrow 300.
  • This separation of the inner centre hub part and protrusion 410 of the first part 41 from the other and outer rim part 411 of the first part 41 makes the connecting member 40 made up of one loose part, i.e. the inner centre hub part and protrusion 410, and one fixed part, i.e.
  • this also makes the beverage dispensing unit 200 more tamper-proof when the connecting member 40 with the parts 41, 42 is welded tight and sturdy to the first line end 11 of the dispensing line 10 and the second line end 12 is welded tight and sturdy to the dispensing valve 5.
  • the deactivated position of the connecting member 40 is shown.
  • the connecting member 40 has an outer diameter Do corresponding to the outer diameters of the first and the second part 41, 42 as shown in fig. 5A.
  • the outer diameter Do of the connecting member 40 corresponds to the outer diameter of the second part 42 and/or the outer diameter of the outer rim part 411 of the first part 41 being fixedly connected to the second end or outlet part 48 of the second part 42 as shown in fig. 5A.
  • the frangible connection 70 of the connecting member 40 is arranged circumferentially between the inner centre hub part 410 and the outer rim part 411 of the first part 41 of the connecting member 40 at an area or location visualized by diameter Ds - shown in fig.
  • the frangible connection 70 of the connecting member 40 physically connects the outer diameter of the inner centre hub part 410 with the inner diameter of the outer rim part 411 of the first part 41 at the location and area and diameter Ds in fig. 5A.
  • the frangible connection 70 of the connecting member 40 is arranged circumferentially between the outer diameter of the inner centre hub part 410 and the inner diameter of the outer rim part 411 of the first part 41 at the location visualised by the diameter Ds in fig. 5A between the outer diameter Do of the connecting part 40 and the outer diameter De of the inner centre protrusion 410 as seen in figs. 3 to 8, 14 to 17, 28 and 29, in particular clearly shown in figs. 5A and 7A.
  • the cavity 47 of the second part 42 has an outer or largest diameter being larger than the diameter Ds where the frangible connection 70 is located.
  • the frangible connection 70 comprises a plurality of radially short and thin spokes holding the inner centre hub with protrusion 410 physically but detachably together with the outer rim 411 of the first part 41 after manufacture of the first part 41 and before the frangible connection 70 is broken as shown in figs. 8 and 29.
  • the frangible connection 70 comprises spokes with one or a first end attached at or on or to or integrated in the outer diameter or periphery of the inner centre hub 410 and extends unbroken between the first end and another end being attached at or on or to or integrated in the inner diameter or inner periphery of the outer rim 411 of the first part 41 before the frangible connection 70 is broken as seen in figs. 8 and 29.
  • the frangible connection 70 is a weakening of the physical connection between the inner centre hub 410 and the outer rim 411 of the first part 41.
  • spoke-like bridging parts of the frangible connection 70 has one end attached to or on or at or being part of the outer diameter or periphery of the inner centre hub 410 - when unbroken - and the other end is attached to or on or at or being part of the inner diameter or inner periphery of the outer rim 411 of the first part 41 are thinner or have a shorter extension in the axial, i.e. the longitudinal direction of the connecting member 40 and/or are thinner in the radial direction, i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the axial or longitudinal direction of the connecting member 40 at the diameter Ds, wherefore when the activation handle 62 (see the movement of this handle 62 according to arrows 300 in figs.
  • the protrusion 410 is a circumferential flange around the outlet part 48 of the second part 42 with an upper edge onto which the handle 62 is configured to abut/engage for activation of the connecting member 40, whereby the vertical force from the handle exerts a shear force on the frangible connection 70, which shear force after the connecting member 40 and the second part 42 have been moved into and stopped in the correct position inside the valve 2 in the outlet 3 of the beverage container 1 is then fully transferred to the frangible connection 70 as the inner centre hub part with the protrusion 410 is still to be moved further down vertically as shown in figs.
  • the joint, i.e., the frangible connection 70 between the inner centre hub part 410 and the outer rim part 411 of the first part 41 being a cover over the second part 42 that together form the whole connecting member 40 is in some aspects designed with vertical rips and/or ribs.
  • the frangible connection 70 - see fig. 7A - comprises or is made of twelve rips and/or ribs, which have a size and/or thickness and/or width configured to provide sufficient durability of the rips/ribs during assembly until a certain force shears/rips them off, but the number of rips/ribs could be changed to a lower or higher one as well as the shape of the rips and/or ribs.
  • the frangible connection 70 could be a thin layer of plastic linking the inner centre hub part or body 410 with the outer rim part or body 411 like a film or foil hinge with a thickness configured to break under a certain axial force from the activation handle 62 as in the other aspects shearing off the film/foil.
  • weakening by indents or cutouts at the lower side of the frangible connection 70 i.e., the opposite side of where the arrow heads of numerals 70 point facing towards the lower or first end 44 of the second part 42.
  • the connecting member 40 comprises key and locking parts 412 and 413 that further facilitate that the connecting member 40 is tamperproof.
  • the inner centre hub part 410 comprises at least two keying and rotary locking parts 413 and the second end and face 45, 46, 48 of the second end 42 and the connecting member 40 comprises at least two complementary keying and rotary locking parts
  • the parts 412 and 413 are protrusions being gap-toothed to fit together in the correct position shown in figs. 6, 7A and 7B) that enable the inner centre hub part 410 to only fit into the cavity 47 of the second part 42 - when forced or moved or slid therein axially after the frangible connection 70 is broken - in a certain rotary position or orientation as shown in figs. 4, 6, 7 and 28.
  • This keying function is achieved by means of the locking parts 412 protruding upwards from the second part 42 and having a certain shape, length and number to work as axial stops against the complementary keying parts 413 protruding downwards from the inner centre hub part 410 if the inner centre hub part 410 is rotated around a centre axis in parallel with centre axis of the connecting member 40 and the longitudinal direction of the inner channel 49 of the second part 42.
  • the activation handle 62 is unable to push the inner centre hub part 410 sufficiently deep into the cavity 47 of the second part 42 if the connecting member 40 as part of the dispensing unit 200 is to be reinstalled into the valve 2 of the beverage container 1 as the keying parts 412 and
  • the inner centre protrusion 410 also acts as an anvil or stop for further movement of the activation handle 62 downwards towards the beverage container 1 and the activation of the connecting member and valve 2 of the beverage container 1 is not possible to achieve as then the activation handle 62 cannot be closed and locked/bolted in the correct use and safe ready position for allowing dispensing of beverage as the inner centre protrusion 410 acts as a stop, this is not shown.
  • any reuse of an already used and broken connecting member 40 i.e. with a broken frangible connection 70 and a loose inner centre hub part 410 is made impossible or at least very demanding as the correct rotary position of a loose inner centre hub part 410 is then very difficult to "find" to enable the activation of the connecting member 40 and thereby the dispensing of beverage from the container 1.
  • the upper part of the connecting member 40 i.e., the inner centre hub part 410 of the first part 41 - after breaking the frangible connection 70 - can be turned stepless into any position but will only fit into one position in the cavity 47 of the second part 42 and be slid into the correct depth with a correct height Hi as shown in figs.
  • the inner centre hub part 410 could be cut in different sizes as a 3D-puzzle or varying cake-/piece-sizes to make it difficult for a user to find the right location to be able to achieve the lower height Hi and thereby reuse the one-way dispensing line 10.
  • the inner centre hub part 410 could be cut or punched into circular segments located on/at different diameters to also make it difficult for a user to tamper by trying to find the right location and achieve the lower height Hi to reuse the one-way dispensing line 10.
  • an advantage is that at every change of the beverage container 1 the connecting member 40 is being exchanged. This process avoids any need for cleaning of the connecting member 40. This process avoids any need for cleaning of the connecting member 40 and any dispensing line 10 when connected together This process avoids any need for cleaning of the connecting member 40; any dispensing line 40 and any dispensing valve 5 when connected together.
  • an advantage is that the activation handle 62 is able to push on an inner centre hub part 410 having a frangible connection 70 at a smaller diameter requiring a lower breaking force by acting on a smaller circumference.
  • an advantage is that the activation handle 62 pushes on an inner centre hub part 410 with a frangible connection 70 having an adaptable size and shape as being made of a variable number of breakable spokes enabling adapting the breaking force to different sizes of the connecting member 40.
  • an advantage is that a loose inner centre hub part 410 - after breaking the frangible connection 70 - makes any tampering of the connecting member 40 more difficult and cumbersome as this loose inner centre hub part 410 - as shown in figs. 8 and 29 - then must be kept track of and moved into a correct position to achieve activation of the connecting member 40.
  • an advantage is that the locking and keying parts 412, 413 that have to fit together - as shown in figs. 6 and 7B - by means of moving and orientating a loose inner centre hub part 410 makes any tampering of the connecting member 40 even more difficult and cumbersome as this loose inner centre hub part then must be held and moved and turned into a correct position to achieve the activation of the connecting member 40.
  • an advantage of such locking and keying parts 412, 413 that have to fit together radially and axially by means of orientating a loose inner centre hub part 410 radially and moving the loose inner centre hub part axially into the cavity 47 of the other second part 42 at a correct depth makes the tampering of the connecting member 40 much more difficult and time-consuming as this loose inner centre hub part then must be held, turned radially into a correct position and then moved, i.e. slid axially into the cavity 47 to achieve the activation of the connecting member 40.
  • the dispense head 6 comprises the housing 60 having a through-going bore 61, and an activation handle 62 pivotally mounted to the housing 60 and movable between at least the deactivated position (see figs. 3 and 5) and the activated position (shown in figs. 4 and 6).
  • Each dispensing system 100, 101 comprises a beverage container connecting member 40 being configured to be inserted into the beverage container valve 2 for opening the beverage container valve 2 so that beverage present in the beverage container 1 may be dispensed via the one-way dispensing line 10.
  • the connecting member 40 comprises an inner centre through bore or channel 49 being in fluid communication with the second or top end or outlet part 48 and the first or bottom or inlet end 44 being configured to receive beverage first in the flow path when beverage is dispensed out of the beverage container 1.
  • one or more beverage dispensing units 200 is/are configured to be applied in one or more beverage dispensing systems 100, 101 comprising one or more beverage container 1 as explained above and shown in figs. 1 to 4.
  • the beverage dispensing unit 200 comprises one one-way dispensing line 10 with an outer diameter Di and an inner diameter D3, e.g., shown in figs. 1, 2, 16, 17, 22, 23, 28 and 29.
  • the one-way dispensing line 10 is preferably a flexible tube having the first line end 11 being configured to be connected in fluid communication with the beverage container 1 via an outlet 48 and an opening 400 of the connecting member 40.
  • the connecting member 40 is made of the same food-graded polymeric material as the dispensing valve 5.
  • the second line end 12 of the flexible dispensing line 10 is configured to be connected in fluid communication with the opening 504 of the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • the dispensing tap 20 is made of food-graded polymeric material being - in some embodiments - the same food-graded polymeric material as for the connecting member 40 and/or the dispensing valve 5.
  • the connecting member opening 400 is configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet part or end 48 of the inner through bore or passageway 49 through the connecting member 40 as shown in figs. 3 to 8, 14 to 17, 19 to 23, 28 and 29.
  • the inner passageway 49 of the connecting member 40 is configured to be in fluid communication with the beverage container 1 at the opposite inlet part or first end 44 of the connecting member.
  • the outlet part 48 and the opening 400 of the connecting member 40 has an inner diameter Di being substantially the same as the outer diameter Di of the one-way dispensing line 10, e.g., shown in figs. 14 to 17.
  • the opening and inlet 502, 504 of the dispensing valve 5 have an inner diameter Di being substantially the same as the outer diameter Di of the one-way dispensing line 10 but of course somewhat larger as otherwise the tube 10 would not fit into it and also to be able to receive it when its end 12 is heated, e.g. shown in figs. 19 to 23.
  • the outlet part 48 and the opening 400 of the connecting member 40 and the opening and the inlet 502, 504 of the dispensing valve 5 each has an inner diameter Di being substantially the same as the outer diameter Di of the one-way dispensing line 10, e.g. shown in figs. 14 to 17, and 19 to 23.
  • the outlet part 48 is a free protruding end extending a distance or length Li from the second end 46 and the protrusion 410 of the connecting member 40 opposite the first end 44 of the connecting member.
  • the inner diameter Di of the outlet part 48 ends inside the inner passageway 49 at or against or in contact with an inner circumferential shelf or projection 401.
  • the inner diameter Di of the dispensing valve inlet 502 ends inside the inlet 502 at or against or in contact with an inner circumferential shelf or projection 506.
  • Each inner circumferential shelf or projection 401, 506 is configured to act as an abut or end stop for the respective first line end 11 and the second line end 12 when the first line end and the second line end are introduced or slid or inserted into the respective openings 400, 504 of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 and further into the connecting member and the dispensing valve a predetermined distance or length L2, L4 to connect the first line end 11 to the connecting member 40 and to connect the second line 12 to the dispensing valve 5. This is done when each line end 11, 12 abuts against the associated inner circumferential shelf 401, 506.
  • each line end is fixedly and leakproof connected to the respective inner circumferential shelf 401, 506 and the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 and the inlet/opening 502, 504 of the dispensing valve 5, respectively, by welding to form the separate and common beverage dispensing unit 200.
  • the predetermined distance or length L4 of insertion of the second line end 12 of the one-way dispensing line 10 into and through the opening and the inlet 502, 504 of the dispensing valve 5 is less or substantially the same or equal to the predetermined distance or length L2 of insertion of the other or first line end 11 of the one-way dispensing line 10 into and through the outlet part 48 and the opening 400 of the connecting member 40.
  • the inner circumferential shelf 401 of the connecting member 40 extends in a radial plane substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the longitudinal, i.e. the axial direction of the connecting member 40 and the inner passageway 49.
  • the inner circumferential shelf 506 of the dispensing valve 5 extends in a radial plane substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the longitudinal, i.e., the axial direction of the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • each inner circumferential shelf 401, 506 of the connecting member 40 and/or the dispensing valve 5 extends in a radial plane substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the longitudinal, i.e. the axial direction of the connecting member 40 and the inner passageway 49 and to the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5, respectively.
  • each inner circumferential shelf 401, 506 comprises at least one inner circumferential pocket or indentation or recess or groove 402, 507 made in the longitudinal, i.e. the axial direction of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve inlet 502.
  • the depth of a groove 402, 507 extends in substantially the same and/or the same direction as the inner passageway 49 of the connecting member 40 or the dispensing valve inlet 502 away from the respective openings 400, 504 of the inner passageways of the connecting member and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • each inner circumferential shelf 401, 506 of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 extends in a radial plane substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the longitudinal, i.e.
  • each inner circumferential shelf 401, 506 of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 ends at another or intermediate inner diameter D2 forming an inner opening 405, 508 of an intermediate or middle section of the respective inner passageway 49 and the inlet 502 between the outlet part 48 and the first end 44 of the connecting member 40 and between the opening 504 and the valve chamber 501 of the dispensing valve 5, respectively.
  • the inner circumferential groove 402 has a radial extension starting from the inner diameter Di and ending at an inner diameter D4 being larger than the intermediate inner diameter D2 forming the inner opening 405 of the intermediate or middle section of the inner passageway 49 of the connecting member 40.
  • the inner circumferential groove 507 has a radial extension starting from the inner diameter Di and ending at an inner diameter D4 being larger than the intermediate inner diameter D2 forming the inner opening 508 of the intermediate or middle section of the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5.
  • the largest depth of the inner circumferential groove 402 ends at a distance L3 from the openings 400 in the longitudinal, i.e.
  • the axial direction of the connecting member 40 being larger than the insertion distance or length L2, L4 of each of the line ends 11, 12 of the dispensing line 10.
  • the largest depth of the inner circumferential groove 507 ends at a distance L3 from the opening 504 in the longitudinal or axial direction of the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 being larger than the insertion distance or length L2, L4 of each of the line ends 11, 12 of the dispensing line 10.
  • the beverage dispensing unit 200 by connecting the one-way dispensing line 10 to the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 by welding in and by a welding machine 140 as shown in figs. 24 to 27.
  • This enables tight and leakproof fluid communication therebetween.
  • This also achieves a sturdier and more tamper-proof unit as the different parts, i.e., the connecting member 40, the dispensing valve 5 and the flexible dispensing line or tube 10, are much more difficult to separate, in fact, these parts must - after being welded together - be separated by destruction.
  • the method comprises a step of arranging the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 in proper orientations and positions in respective jigs 141 of the welding machine 140 in fig. 24 to be able to receive each of the line ends 11, 12 correctly as in fig. 26.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 each line end 11, 12 of the dispensing line 10 into and through a respective holder 142 in the welding machine 140 until each line end protrudes at least partly out of the respective holder as shown in fig. 24.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 each line end 11, 12 of the dispensing line 10 into abutment with a respective movable end stop 143 of the welding machine 140 as shown in fig. 24.
  • the method comprises a step of pushing each protruding line end 11, 12 against a respective end stop 143 until respective holder 142 securely clamps/grips the concerned line end as shown in fig. 24.
  • the method comprises a step of moving 300 each of the end stops 143 out of engagement with each of the line ends 11, 12 as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of moving 300 each of the holders 142 with a line end 11, 12 to a heating position of a heating device 144 as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 each protruding part of each of the line ends 11, 12 into a heating device 144 for heating each line end to a welding temperature as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 into a heating device 144 for heating the outlet part 48 to a welding temperature shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the dispensing valve inlet 502 into a heating device 144 for heating the inlet 502 to a welding temperature shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the first line end 11 into a heating device 144 for heating therein as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the second line end 12 into a heating device 144 for heating therein as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the first line end 11 and the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 into one and the same heating device(s) 144 for heating as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the second line end 12 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 into one and the same heating device(s) 144 for heating as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the first line end 11 and the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 into one heating device 144 and inserting the protruding part of the second line end 12 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 into another heating device 144 for heating as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the first line end 11 and the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 into one and the same heating device 144 but from opposite sides of the same heating device for heating as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the protruding part of the second line end 12 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 into one and the same heating device 144 but from opposite sides of the same heating device 144 (here, this is not the same heating device 144 as used for the connecting member 40 and its outlet part 48 but in other embodiments the same heating device(s) 144 could be used for heating both the parts 48, 502 of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 together with the parts 11, 12 of the tube 10) for heating as shown in fig. 25.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 - in and by the welding machine 140 - the heated protruding part of the first line end 11 into the heated outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 until the whole protruding part of the first line end 11 is received inside the hot outlet part 48 of the connecting member.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting 300 the heated protruding part of the second line end 12 into the heated inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 until the whole protruding part of the second line end is received inside the hot inlet 502 of the dispensing valve.
  • the method comprises a step of holding - in and by the welding machine 140 - the heated protruding part of the first line end 11 inside the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 a pre-determined time to cool the weld between dispensing line 10 and the outlet part of the connecting member (sufficiently, i.e., to a temperature that does not incur burns).
  • the method comprises a step of holding the heated protruding part of the second line end 12 inside the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 a pre-determined time to cool the weld between the dispensing line 10 and the inlet of the dispensing valve (sufficiently) as shown in fig. 26.
  • This cooling is in some embodiments made quicker by blowing air onto the heated parts at the same time. This cooling reduces the manufacturing time as then the finished beverage dispensing unit 200 can be removed out of the welding machine quicker and earlier while incurring less risk of burns for any operator handling the unit 200 after welding.
  • the method comprises moving 300 one, two or more heating devices 144 linearly into the heating position(s) inside the welding machine 140.
  • the method comprises powering - in and by the welding machine 140 - the heating device(s) 144 to be pre-heated into welding mode in the heating position(s) before inserting each protruding part of the line ends 11, 12 by linear movement into an associated heating device 144 when the welding mode is reached.
  • the powering of the heating device(s) 144 is preferably made by use of electricity but could be achieved in other ways.
  • the method comprises moving 300 - in and by the welding machine 140 - each heating device 144 linearly from the heating position after the heated line ends 11, 12, the heated connecting member 40 and the heated dispensing valve 5 are moved by linear movement out of engagement with the associated one or more heating devices 144.
  • the method comprises pushing each protruding dispensing line end 11, 12 against the respective end stop 143 until a predetermined time/force is reached. This function is achieved by using load cells in the end stops 143 or use of end stops being load cells.
  • the method comprises inserting 300 - in and by the welding machine 140 - the protruding part of the first line end 11; the protruding part of the second line end 12; the outlet 48 of the connecting member 40, and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 into the associated heating device(s) 144 being in the welding mode after performing the step of moving each holder 142 with a line end 11, 12 to the correct heating position of the associated heating device(s) 144 in fig. 25 and before performing the step of heating each protruding part of each line end 11, 12 and the outlet 48 of connecting member 40 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 by means of the associated heating device(s) 144 to the pre-determined welding temperature in fig.
  • the method comprises heating the first line end 11 and the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 simultaneously to their pre-determined welding temperature in one and the same heating device 144, and heating the second line end 12 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 simultaneously to their pre-determined welding temperature in one and the same other heating device 144.
  • the method comprises heating the first line end 11 and the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 simultaneously to their predetermined welding temperature in one and the same heating device 144 at the same time as the second line end 12 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 are heated simultaneously to their pre-determined welding temperature in one and the same other heating device 144.
  • the welding machine 140 comprises one or more jigs 141, preferably one jig 141 for each item, to correct receive, place and hold the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 in the welding machine; one or more holders 142 for insertion and secure holding of the line end(s) 11, 12 of the dispensing line 10, and one or more end stops 143 comprising one or more load cells or being load cells or working as load cells 143.
  • the welding machine 140 comprises one or more heating devices 144 in the form of one or more plates; one or more track or rail guides 145 for control of linear movement of each holder 142 of a line end 11, 12; one or more track or rail guides 146 for moving each or all end stops 143 linearly inside the welding machine 140; one or more rails or tracks or slide-bars 147 configured to control linear movement of both the guides 145 for the holder(s) 142 with the line or tube end(s) 11, 12 and the respective jig(s) 141 of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 inside the welding machine 140 along the same and common path(s) or rail(s); one or more track or rail guides 148 for control of the linear movement of respective jig(s) 141 along the common rail(s) 147, and one or more safety doors or lids or shutters 149 slidable arranged on/to/in the welding machine 140 to eliminate damages to any operator during operation.
  • an operator (not shown) of the welding machine 140 selects a program for the welding machine from a display (not shown) in a first step.
  • the operator inserts a pre-assembled dispensing valve 5 and a connecting member 40 into the welding machine 140, i.e., in correct positions and orientations in a respective jig 141 for each item.
  • the operator closes the welding machine 140 by moving a tool lid or safety door or shutter 149 from an open position giving access to the inside of the welding machine into a closed position for safety. Then, the welding machine 140 will start automatically if the program is loaded, and the welding temperature is inside/within a correct/predetermined tolerance(s).
  • one, two or more heating devices 144 (in the form of one or more plates) are moved to respective stop position according to the chosen program - see fig. 25 - and the end stops 143 being or comprising one or more load cells are slid into respective positions to be prepared for abutting against the respective line ends 11, 12 when introduced into the welding machine 140.
  • load cell(s) 143 measure(s) the pressure/force with which the line ends 11, 12 are pushed against the end stops 143 and thereby the distance or length of the protruding parts of the line ends 11 and 12 are known to enable the correct pressing force when inserted into the inlet 502 and against the shelf 506 of the dispensing valve 5 and into the outlet part 48 and against the shelf
  • step - shown in fig. 25 - performed by the welding machine 140 the protruding parts of the tube line ends 11, 12 are moved into the respective heating device(s) 144 (L & R), the same goes for the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 and the outlet 48 of the connecting member 40 (those parts are then heated up simultaneously/at the same time).
  • step - shown in fig. 25 - performed by the welding machine 140 the protruding parts of the tube line ends 11, 12 are moved into the respective heating device(s) 144 (L & R), the same goes for the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 and the outlet 48 of the connecting member 40 (those parts are then heated up simultaneously/at the same time).
  • step - shown in fig. 25 - performed by the welding machine 140 the protruding parts of the tube line ends 11, 12 are moved into the respective heating device(s) 144 (L & R), the same goes for the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 and the outlet 48 of the connecting member 40 (
  • the protruding parts of the line ends 11, 12 are moved out from the heating device(s) 144 (L&R), the same goes for the parts 48, 502 of the dispensing valve 5 and the connecting member 40 at the same time as the heating device(s) 144 heat(s) both the line/tube ends 11, 12 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 and the outlet part/end 48 of the connecting member 40 simultaneously, i.e. the heating is performed by one and the same heating device(s) or plate(s) 144 for each entity, i.e. one and the same heating plate 144 for the first line end 11 and the connecting member 40 and another one and the same heating plate 144 for the second line end 12 and the dispensing valve 5.
  • Heating plate(s) 144 slide(s) back to the start position (from the heating position).
  • the heated protruding parts of the line ends 11, 12 are linearly moved into the welding zone, i.e., into the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 and into the outlet 48 of the connecting member 40, respectively, and held in place a certain/sufficient/pre-determined time.
  • L&R air blow
  • the holders 142 of the line ends 11, 12 will open releasing the line 10 together with the dispensing valve 5 and the connecting member 40 now being welded together as one unit, i.e., the whole beverage dispensing unit 200 (L&R).
  • each holder 142 moves back to the starting position and closes.
  • each holder 142 opens in a mechanical middle position to be able to receive new line ends 11, 12.
  • the safety door or shutter 149 will open giving access to the inside of the welding machine.
  • grippers of the dispensing valve 5 and the connecting member 40 will open/are opened to release the final welded together product, i.e., the beverage dispensing unit 200 comprising the dispensing line 10 coupling the connecting member 40, which preferably comprises the frangible connection 70, in a sturdier and tight way to the dispensing valve 5, which preferably comprises the detachable piston 600 enabling the venting.
  • the dispensing line 10 could be welded tight to a connecting member 40 without the frangible connection 70 according to the disclosure and/or be welded tight to a dispensing valve 5 without a piston 600 that enable the venting according to the disclosure.
  • the method of making a beverage dispensing unit 200 comprises inserting the first line end 11 and the second line end 12, respectively, into the respective openings 400, 504 of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 and through the openings and into the connecting member and the dispensing valve - when using the welding machine 140 - the predetermined distance or length L2, L4 to connect the first line end 11 to the connecting member 40 and the second line end 12 to the dispensing valve 5 when each line end abuts against the respective inner circumferential shelf or projection 401, 506, and then welding each line end 11, 12 fixedly and leakproof to the respective inner circumferential shelf 401, 506 and the inside of the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 and the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5, respectively.
  • step - shown in fig. 27 - performed by the operator (not shown): Removing the welded assembly in the form of the beverage dispensing unit 200 from inside the welding machine 140.
  • An advantage is that welding allows a perfect bonding between all parts and materials, and if the dispensing line 10 is stretched the line ends 11, 12 connected to the connecting member or the probe 40 and the dispensing valve or spout 5 are not the weakest points of the beverage dispensing unit 200 and the assembly anymore.
  • Another advantage is the ability of keeping the nominal inner diameter D3 of the dispensing line 10, i.e., the nominal inner diameter of the line ends 11, 12 to avoid areas being not even or not smooth creating flow turbulence and/or dirt gaps where dirt may build up during use, i.e., during and after dispensing.
  • An advantage is that welding achieves this even though the two line ends 11, 12 are not inserted and welded tight with the same length L2, L4 inside each entity, i.e., the connecting member 40 and/or the dispensing valve 5.
  • An advantage is that then any soft or molten material of the line ends 11, 12 during welding and/or when welded are guided into and/or received by respective groove(s)/pocket(s) 402, 507 instead of flowing and/or being forced radially inwards towards the inside of the dispensing line 11, 12 reducing the inner diameter D3, i.e., the groove(s)/pocket(s) ensure(s) that the inner diameter D3 of each line end is maintained and not narrowed and/or deformed making the inside not as smooth as the remaining length of the dispensing line.
  • Another advantage is that when pushing each line end 11, 12 against the associated shelf 401, 506 during/when welding the line end(s) is/are not bent inwards due to their softness as being heated to the welding temperature.
  • An advantage is that then any soft or molten material of the line ends 11, 12 during welding/when welded are guided into and/or received by respective groove(s)/pocket(s) 402, 507 instead of flowing and/or being forced inwards towards the inside of the dispensing line/tube reducing the inner diameter D3 of the line end(s), i.e.
  • the groove(s)/pocket(s) ensure(s) that the inner diameter D3 of each line end is maintained and not narrowed and/or deformed giving a better control of the inner diameter of each line end during and after welding to ensure that the inner diameter(s) is/are flush with the inner opening 405, 508 to the intermediate section to not create any steps and/or unevenness therebetween that incur flow turbulence and/or locations where dirt may build up.
  • any soft or molten material and/or parts of the line ends 11, 12 during welding and/or when welded are guided into and/or received by respective groove(s)/pocket(s) 402, 507 instead of flowing and/or being forced inwards towards the inside of the dispensing line 10 reducing the inner diameter D3 of the line end(s) 11, 12, i.e.
  • the groove(s)/pocket(s) ensure(s) that the inner diameter of each line end is maintained and not narrowed and/or deformed giving a better control of the inner diameter of each line end during and after welding to ensure that the inner diameter(s) D3 is/are flush with the inner opening 405, 508 to the intermediate section to not create any steps and/or unevenness therebetween that incur flow turbulence and/or locations where dirt may build up.
  • An advantage with the welding method is that it allows a perfect bonding between all parts and materials as the pushing of the line ends 11, 12 into the welding machine 140 ensures a correct positioning and abut force between the dispensing line ends, the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 during welding to ensure that when the dispensing line 10 being a flexible tube is stretched after welding the connection between the line ends, the connecting member or the probe 40 and the dispensing valve or spout 5 is not the weakest point of the assembly anymore.
  • Another advantage is the thereby achieved ability of controlling the force when pushing the line ends 11, 12, and the connecting member 40 and dispensing valve 5 together for welding inside the welding machine 140 enabling keeping, i.e., maintaining the nominal inner diameter D3 of the dispensing line 10, i.e., the nominal inner diameter D3 of the line ends 11, 12 to avoid areas being not even or not smooth after welding creating flow turbulence and/or dirt gaps where dirt may build up.
  • the welding of the outlet part 48 of the second part 42 of the connecting member 40 together with the first line end 11 of the dispensing line 10 and the welding of the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 together with the second line end 12 of the dispensing line 10 in order to achieve tight, secure and durable welds between these parts are achieved by optimizing the use of different types of plastic materials for manufacture of each of these three different parts 11, 12, 48 and 502; the design of these three different parts; heating time and temperature to achieve the desired welding temperature and welding state in regard of softness and degree of molten plastic material and the force used to push these parts together when being welded.
  • the cooling of these hot parts 5, 11, 12, 40, 48 and 502 after welding is important but not mandatory as the waiting time after welding for sufficient cooling of these parts can vary/be varied, the active cooling by air is preferred to speed up the cooling and to decrease the waiting time before the parts are cold enough to be handled without risking burns. In some aspects, the cooling of these hot parts after welding is important to not risking deformation of the welded together parts when being removed from the welding machine 140.
  • the connecting member 40 is made of the same food-graded polymeric material as the dispensing valve 5.
  • the connecting member 40 i.e., at least the outlet part 48 to be welded is preferably made of a polymeric food-graded material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • the dispensing valve 5, i.e., at least the inlet 502 to be welded is preferably made of a polymeric food-graded material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • the food-graded HDPE used to make at least the outlet part 48 of the connecting member 40 and at least the inlet 502 of the dispensing valve 5 by injection molding is not a standard HDPE normally used in injection molding, instead this HDPE used according to the disclosure is a standard HDPE normally used in blow molding, which is in the same material group but has properties differing from standard HDPE normally being used in injection molding. This incurred a lot of effort by the inventor to achieve a welding method and welds that provide a tight and durable connection of the connecting member 40 and the dispensing valve 5 via the dispensing line 10 as the common beverage dispensing unit 200.
  • this food-graded HDPE is used to make the whole connecting member 40 including the second part 42 and the whole dispensing valve 5 including the inlet 502.
  • the outlet part 48 and the inlet 502 incur longer heating time and/or higher temperature to reach welding state but this also depend on the length and/or thickness of the dispensing line ends 11, and 12 (longer length and/or greater thickness may need more time than shorter length and/or thinner walls to be heated); the protruding length of the outlet part 48 and the inlet 520 to be heated as a longer length and/or greater thickness require longer heating time and/or higher temperature compared to a shorter length and/or thinner walls.
  • the force of pushing the parts together also depends on the size of the different parts as larger and/or thicker parts may require higher force to enable the welding to be adequate, which force is measured by the load cells 143 to be able to control that the forces are within the correct interval and/or are correct values.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 show gas consuming systems as possible embodiments of beverage dispensing systems 100, 101 for dispensing beverages.
  • Each beverage dispensing system 100, 101 comprises a gas delivering system.
  • the gas delivery system comprises a CO2 cylinder 4 having a valve assembly and a gas pressure regulation device 8.
  • the gas delivery system is configured to deliver a predetermined gas pressure to a beverage container 1 having an extractor tube (not shown).
  • a dispense head 6 is coupled to the extractor tube and is configured to lead CO2, from the gas cylinder 4 through the valve assembly and the gas pressure regulation device 8 to and through a gas supply line 9 into beverage container 1 wherein CO2 is used to expel beverage from the beverage container 1 into the dispensing line 10 via the dispense head valve 2 and the connecting member 40, the first line end 11 through the dispensing line 10 to the second line end 12 and into the dispensing valve inlet 502 and further out through the spout 21 when tapping the beverage by operating the handle 30 that enable opening and closing the dispensing valve 5 having a more reliable and more effective and much quicker effected venting when stopping the dispensing.
  • an advantage of this venting is that it eliminates any beverage and/or product rest or remains inside the dispensing valve 5 or outlet, i.e., the tapping spout 21, then no remains are left - after dispensing - that can dry out over time and no creation of any hygienic area of concern due to bacteria growth over time is possible.
  • An empty and clean nozzle achieved by this solution will avoid bacteria growth in the dispensing valve and its outlet, i.e., spout.
  • this enables good venting as the opening 505 in the housing 500 is not easily obstructed.
  • this makes manufacture simpler, i.e., injection molding of the housing 500 and reduces related costs.
  • the welding of the dispensing line 10 is in some aspects configured to connect a connecting member 40 without a frangible connection 70 as disclosed, but a welded connection to such a connecting member 40 with a frangible connection 70 is preferred.
  • the welding of the dispensing line 10 is in some aspects configured to connect a dispensing valve 5 without a piston 600 having a venting by means of an inner channel 603 and one or more openings 604 configured to align with an opening 505 of the dispensing valve housing 500 as disclosed, but a welded connection to such a dispensing valve 5 with a venting piston 600 and valve housing 500 as disclosed is preferred.
  • the welding of the dispensing line 10 is in some aspects configured to connect the first line end 11 by welding to a connecting member 40 without a frangible connection 70 as disclosed and to connect the second line end 12 by welding to a dispensing valve 5 without a piston 600 having a venting by means of an inner channel 603 and one or more openings 604 configured to align with an opening 505 of the dispensing valve housing 500 as disclosed, but a welded connection between the first line end 11 and a connecting member 40 with a frangible connection 70 as disclosed and a welded connection between the second line end 12 and a dispensing valve 5 with a venting piston 600 and valve housing 500 as disclosed are preferred as a beverage dispensing unit 200.
  • a beverage dispensing valve 5 comprising a housing 500 with a valve chamber 501 and an inlet 502 in fluid communication with the beverage and an outlet 503 being in fluid communication with a dispensing tap 20 having a spout 21, which inlet 502 leads into the valve chamber 501 being in fluid communication with the outlet 503 leading to the spout 21 of the dispensing tap 20, wherein the dispensing valve 5 comprises a piston 600 configured to be movable inside the valve chamber 501 between a first position enabling flow of beverage into an opening 504 of the inlet 502 and through the valve chamber 501 and out through the outlet 503 and the spout 21 and a second position hindering flow of beverage and dispensing of beverage through these parts of the dispensing valve 5, wherein the valve housing 500 comprises at least one opening 505 into the valve chamber 501 to enable venting of the spout 21 when the piston 600 is in the second position, and the piston 600 comprises a top end 601 and a bottom end 602, which
  • This solution eliminates any beverage and/or product rest or remains inside the dispensing valve or outlet, i.e., the tapping spout, then no remains are left - after dispensing - that can dry out over time and no creation of any hygienic area of concern due to bacteria growth over time is possible.
  • An empty and clean nozzle achieved by this solution will avoid bacteria growth in the dispensing valve and its outlet, i.e., spout.
  • the position of the piston 600 can be varied to open the dispensing valve 5 and tap 20 fully by pulling the piston upwards and allowing the beverage to flow unrestricted out of the dispensing valve and spout or nozzle 21 or pull the piston 600 up slightly to create and/or let in a little air or gas between the dispensing valve inlet 502, outlet 503 and spout 21. In this condition only foam will be dispensed to enable creating a foam head on the beverage if required.
  • the opening 505 of the housing 500 of the dispensing valve 5 is a hole through the side of the housing. This enables good venting as the opening 505 is not obstructed. This also simplifies manufacture, such as injection molding of the housing 500. Another advantage is that different sizes of the hole 505 is possible to provide depending on the inner diameter of the dispensing line 10 that has been selected.
  • At least one of the openings 604 of the piston 600 is arranged in/at the side of the piston. This simplifies manufacturing of the piston 600.
  • the piston 600 comprises two openings 604 at the top end 601. This enhances venting further by increasing the "breathing" area in piston 600.
  • the opening 505 of the valve housing 500 is arranged at the top end 510 of the housing 500. This enhances venting further by separating opening 505 further from the outlet 503 of the dispensing valve 5 to reduce the risk of leakage.
  • only one of the openings 604 of the piston 600 is in alignment with the opening 505 in the housing 500 of the dispensing valve 5 when the piston 600 is in the second position. This allows - in the aligned position - air to enter the dispensing valve 5 unrestricted through the dispensing valve and chamber 501 and piston 600 as this is critical in the closed position of the piston.
  • the venting opening(s) 604 of this solution enables to seal against the inner surface of the dispensing valve chamber 501 and the critical sealing zone is around the venting inlet openings into the piston 600 and this sealing zone is thus able to design as a raised surface around the inlet 502 and the opening of the valve housing 500 to allow compression of this surface for sealing. This also simplifies manufacturing, e.g., by injection molding of the housing 500.
  • At least two of the piston openings 604 are arranged in/at the side of the piston top end 601. This enhances the venting further by increasing the "breathing" area/openings in the piston 600 and improves sealing.
  • the piston 600 comprises two openings 604 at the top end 601 and one opening 604 at the bottom end 602. This enhances venting further by increasing the "breathing" area/openings in the piston 600 and reduces the risk of leakage by enhancing the sealing.
  • At least two of the piston openings 604 are arranged in/at opposite sides of the piston 600. This enhances the venting further by aligning the "breathing" area/openings in the piston 600 and improves the sealing.
  • the two openings 604 at the piston top end 601 faces radially away from opposite sides of the piston 600. This enhances the venting further by aligning the "breathing" area/openings 604 in the piston 600 and improves the sealing.
  • the opening 604 of the piston 600 at the bottom end 602 faces axially/in the longitudinal direction of the piston body 607 away from the top end 601 of the piston. This enhances venting further by arranging the bottom "breathing" opening 604 downwards in the piston 600 and reduces the risk of leakage by improving the sealing.
  • the opening 505 of the valve housing 500 is the one and only opening of the valve housing that is being configured to be in alignment with at least one of the openings 604 leading into the through channel 603 of the piston 600.
  • End stop(s) comprising load cell(s).
  • Heating device(s) comprising load cell(s).
  • Rail(s)/Track(s)/Slide-bar(s) configured to control linear movement of both guides 145 with tube end(s) 11, 12 and respective jig(s) of connecting member 40 and dispensing valve 5 inside welding machine 140 along the same and common path(s).
  • 148 Track/Rail guide(s) for linear control of movement of respective jig 141 along the common rail(s) 147.
  • White bent/curved/straight arrows visualize movement and the directions of movements of entities and steps of welding method.
  • 401 Circumferential inner shelf or projection.
  • 402 Indent or pocket or depression or recess or circumferential groove.
  • Protrusion of inner centre part being a hub of first part 41 at second end 46 of the beverage container connecting member 40 configured to be engaged and moved axially by activation handle 62 of dispense head 6.
  • Outer part being a rim of first part 41 at second end 46 of the beverage container connecting member 40 configured to surround the centre part with protrusion 410 and be fixedly attached to the second end 48 of the second part 42.
  • Locking parts of the second part 42 configured to fit/key into keying parts 413 of the first part 41 in only one certain rotary orientation.
  • 414 Sealing(s) in the form of O-rings at the outer surface of connecting member 40.
  • 502 Inlet for fluid/liquid/beverage into the dispensing valve housing 500.
  • valve 505 Opening(s) in side/outer face of valve housing configured to be aligned with opening(s) 604 of piston 600.
  • valve housing 500 First/Top end of valve housing 500 with opening to detachably receive piston 600.
  • valve housing Second/Bottom end of valve housing with outlet 503 and spout 21.
  • 601 First/Top end of piston.
  • 602 Second/Bottom end of piston.
  • valve housing 500 Sealing(s) on piston for leakproof movements inside valve housing 500.
  • 607 Body of piston 600.
  • B Line in fig. 7A visualising a possible shear cut when breaking frangible connection 70.
  • Do Outer diameter of connecting member 40 and first part 41 and/or second part 42 and/or outer rim part 411 of first part 41.
  • Di Inner diameter of outlet part 48 of inner passageway 49 and opening 504 and inlet 502 and also outer diameter of one-way dispensing line 10.
  • D2 Another/lntermediate inner diameter forming inner opening 405 of intermediate or middle section of inner passageway 49 and inner opening 508 of inlet 502.
  • D4 Inner diameter where radial extension of inner circumferential groove 402,507 ends on circumferential inner shelf 401,506 inside inner passageway 49 and inlet 502.
  • D5 Outer diameter of inner hub part 410 and inner diameter of outer rim part 411 - where frangible connection 70 is arranged - adapted to let inner hub part 410 fit into cavity 47 of second part 42 after breaking the frangible connection.
  • Li Free protruding length or distance or height of outlet part 48 as measured from protrusion 410.
  • L2 Distance or length of insertion of first line end 11 into outlet part 48 as measured from opening 400.
  • L3 Distance or length from opening 400 to bottom of pocket(s) 402 and/or from opening 504 to bottom of pocket(s) 507
  • L4 Distance or length of insertion of second line end 12 into inlet 502 as measured from opening 504.
  • Left L: Position or area in welding machine 140 where steps for second line end 12 and dispensing valve 5 are performed until welding procedure is finalised.

Landscapes

  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La divulgation concerne une unité de distribution de boisson (200) configurée pour être appliquée dans un système de distribution de boisson comprenant au moins un récipient de boisson. L'unité de distribution de boisson (200) comprend une ligne de distribution unidirectionnelle (10) qui est un tube flexible constitué d'un matériau polymère de qualité alimentaire ayant une première extrémité de ligne (11) et une seconde extrémité de ligne (12). La première extrémité de ligne est configurée pour être connectée en communication fluidique avec le récipient de boisson par l'intermédiaire d'un élément de connexion (40) constitué d'un matériau polymère de qualité alimentaire et la seconde extrémité de ligne est configurée pour être connectée en communication fluidique avec une valve de distribution (5) pour un robinet de distribution constitué d'un matériau polymère de qualité alimentaire. La divulgation concerne en outre un procédé de fabrication d'une unité de distribution de boisson (200) en reliant une ligne de distribution unidirectionnelle (10) à un élément de raccordement (40) et une valve de distribution (5) permettant une communication fluidique entre eux.
PCT/EP2024/067261 2023-06-21 2024-06-20 Unité de distribution de boisson et procédé de fabrication de l'unité WO2024261136A1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA202370325 2023-06-21
DKPA202370327 2023-06-21
DKPA202370325 2023-06-21
DKPA202370327 2023-06-21

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WO2024261136A1 true WO2024261136A1 (fr) 2024-12-26

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1091444A (en) 1965-01-08 1967-11-15 Chadburns Liverpool Ltd Improvements in or relating to fluid and more particularly liquid dispensing valves
US20040226967A1 (en) * 2000-05-31 2004-11-18 Heineken Technical Services Drink dispenser assembly and container for drink and drink dispensing line
EP2179961A1 (fr) * 2008-10-22 2010-04-28 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Élément de soupape pour ensemble distributeur de boissons
EP2391572B1 (fr) * 2009-01-29 2014-06-25 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Élément de soupape pour ensemble distributeur de boissons
WO2017085261A1 (fr) 2015-11-19 2017-05-26 Micro Matic A/S Unité de distribution de boisson avec une soupape de distribution ayant un piston
US9896323B2 (en) * 2014-05-23 2018-02-20 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Beverage dispensing assembly with flexible valve

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1091444A (en) 1965-01-08 1967-11-15 Chadburns Liverpool Ltd Improvements in or relating to fluid and more particularly liquid dispensing valves
US20040226967A1 (en) * 2000-05-31 2004-11-18 Heineken Technical Services Drink dispenser assembly and container for drink and drink dispensing line
EP2179961A1 (fr) * 2008-10-22 2010-04-28 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Élément de soupape pour ensemble distributeur de boissons
EP2391572B1 (fr) * 2009-01-29 2014-06-25 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Élément de soupape pour ensemble distributeur de boissons
US9896323B2 (en) * 2014-05-23 2018-02-20 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Beverage dispensing assembly with flexible valve
WO2017085261A1 (fr) 2015-11-19 2017-05-26 Micro Matic A/S Unité de distribution de boisson avec une soupape de distribution ayant un piston

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