Beverage dispensing system

By employing a detachable cooling module and conductive heat transfer design in the beverage dispensing system, the problems of bulkiness and large footprint of the system are solved, achieving flexibility and compactness in the beverage dispensing system, making it suitable for aircraft cabin service.

CN114929616BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-09微马蒂奇股份公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080091922.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-11-11
Filing Date
2020-11-06
Publication Date
2025-12-09
Estimated Expiration
2040-11-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing beverage dispensing systems are designed to be too specialized, resulting in bulky systems that occupy a large area, affecting beverage quality and system flexibility.

Method used

Featuring a largely enclosed cabinet design, it includes a removable cooling module that utilizes an evaporator as a cooling jacket. Combined with conductive heat transfer, it is equipped with a temperature sensor and a condensation unit to achieve flexible cooling and efficient dispensing of beverages.

Benefits of technology

A flexible and compact beverage dispensing system is provided, which reduces the footprint, maintains beverage quality, and is suitable for aircraft cabin service, enhancing the system's mobility and adaptability.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage dispensing system comprising: a substantially closed cabinet having a height H, a width W and a depth D and a door for access to the interior space of the cabinet, the cabinet having a top face and a bottom face; a beverage container having a cylindrical form and an outer surface, the beverage container containing a beverage to be dispensed; a dispensing head to be coupled to the beverage container; and a dispensing line extending from the dispensing head to a tapping head, the dispensing line being configured to guide the beverage from the beverage container to the tapping head for dispensing, the tapping head being arranged on the top face of the cabinet, a gas cylinder with gas being fluidly connected to the dispensing head for pushing the beverage out of the beverage container upon opening the tapping head for dispensing, wherein a cooling module is removably arranged inside the cabinet, the cooling module being configured to cool the beverage contained in the beverage container, the cooling module comprising the following components: - an evaporator formed as a cooling jacket configured to partially surround the beverage container and to be in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container for cooling the beverage, - a base plate on which the beverage container is to be arranged, - a temperature sensor arranged in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container, the temperature sensor being operably connected to a control device, and - a condensing unit comprising a compressor, a condenser and an expansion device, the condensing unit being configured to cool a coolant and to circulate the coolant for cooling the cooling jacket, the condensing unit and the control device being arranged below the base plate.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a cooled beverage such as a soft drink, a wine, a cider or a beer. BACKGROUND

[0002] Beverage dispensing systems are known. In the past decades, dispensing systems have been designed to enhance the taste experience of a beverage, for example by avoiding contamination of the dispensing line and other measures. However, beverage dispensing systems have become more specialized and have therefore become more bulky. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to wholly or partly overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved beverage dispensing system having a flexible design which does not compromise the quality of the beverage to be dispensed, while minimizing the footprint of the system.

[0004] The above-mentioned objects, as well as numerous other objects, advantages and features, will become evident to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is not an exhaustive list of all available configurations, aspects, objects, advantages and features of the present invention. The above-mentioned objects, as well as numerous other objects, advantages and features, are achieved by a solution according to the present invention, which utilizes a beverage dispensing system comprising: a substantially closed cabinet having a height, a width and a depth and a door for accessing the interior space of the cabinet, the cabinet having a top face and a bottom face; a beverage container having a cylindrical form and an outer surface, the beverage container containing a beverage to be dispensed; a dispensing head to be coupled to the beverage container; and a dispensing line extending from the dispensing head to a tapping head, the dispensing line being configured to guide the beverage from the beverage container to the tapping head for dispensing, the tapping head being arranged on the top face of the cabinet, a gas cylinder with gas being fluidly connected to the dispensing head for pushing the beverage out of the beverage container when the tapping head is opened for dispensing, wherein a cooling module is removably arranged inside the cabinet, the cooling module being configured to cool the beverage in the beverage container, the cooling module comprising:

[0005] - an evaporator formed as a cooling jacket configured to partially surround the beverage container and to be in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container for cooling the beverage,

[0006] - a base plate on which the beverage container is to be arranged,

[0007] - a temperature sensor arranged in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container, the temperature sensor being operatively connected to a control device, and

[0008] - a condensing unit comprising a compressor, a condenser and an expansion device, the condensing unit being configured to lower the temperature of a coolant and to circulate the coolant for cooling the cooling jacket, the condensing unit and the control device being arranged below the base plate.

[0009] Thus a flexible beverage dispensing system is obtained, wherein the cabinet can be used for other purposes, since the cooling module can easily be detached from the cabinet. Further, by using the evaporator as a cooling jacket and mainly using conductive heat transfer, it is an advantage that a standard cabinet can be used as a housing for the beverage dispensing system, without the need for an insulated cooling chamber. Moreover, a compact beverage dispensing system is obtained, which does not take up too much space.

[0010] Further, the evaporator can be a brazed evaporator having one or more coolant channels distributed along the extension of the evaporator. Thereby a flexible evaporator is obtained, which can be formed according to the intended beverage container.

[0011] Further, the evaporator can have a cover made of a polymeric material / polymer material. Thereby an easy cleaning of the evaporator and a uniform distribution of the low temperature on the surface of the evaporator is achieved. Further, the surface temperature on the polymer cover can prevent ice formation inside the beverage container and compensate for the anomaly of water at 4 degrees Celsius.

[0012] Advantageously, the components are connected to each other to form a single unit, which will facilitate the attachment and detachment of the cooling module to / from the interior of the cabinet.

[0013] Further, the condensing unit and the control unit can be arranged within a compartment. Preferably, the compartment is liquid tight, so that the condensing unit and the electronic equipment can be protected from any spillage of beverage from the beverage container and / or condensation from the evaporator, if any.

[0014] Further, the cabinet can be an aircraft cabin service trolley, which ensures a minimum footprint and maximum mobility of the beverage dispensing system. Moreover, by using an aircraft cabin service trolley, a new design of the beverage dispensing system is obtained, which is attractive to many people, since the aircraft cabin service trolley is well known to many people. However, due to the size of the aircraft cabin service trolley, the inventor had to completely redesign, especially the position of the different components of the cooling module.

[0015] In order to provide mobility of the beverage dispensing system, the cabinet can have wheels arranged below the bottom surface.

[0016] Further, the top surface can have an opening, opposite to which the tap is arranged.

[0017] In order to further provide flexibility to the beverage dispensing system, the tap can be detachably connected to the cabinet, so that it can be detached during periods of non-use of the beverage dispensing system.

[0018] The tap can comprise a tower having an internal passage, in which the dispensing line can be guided from the beverage container to the tap.

[0019] The internal passage can have dimensions that enable the dispensing line to be guided through the internal passage from the tap or from the cabinet. This is particularly advantageous in the case where the dispensing line is a one-way dispensing line that should be replaced each time the beverage container is replaced. For example, the beverage dispensing concept sold under the trade name FlexiDraft TM The beverage dispensing concept sold under the trade name FlexiDraft

[0020] Furthermore, the tap can be connected with a plate that can be arranged on the top surface of the cabinet. This can also enhance the flexibility of the beverage dispensing system, while providing a support surface for the tap, thereby providing stability for the tap. A further advantage is that the top surface of the cabinet does not necessarily need to be reinforced. The plate can also have recesses, for example for a drip tray. Moreover, the plate can have substantially the same width as the cabinet.

[0021] The base plate can comprise one or more gaskets arranged around the edge of the base plate for increasing the tightness of the entire cabinet.

[0022] Moreover, a plurality of fastening means can be arranged on the top surface, which fastening means are configured to hold the plate in place on the top surface. Thereby, a simple and flexible way is obtained to secure the plate, and thereby the tap, to the top surface of the cabinet.

[0023] Furthermore, the cabinet has inner walls, at least two opposite inner walls having a plurality of holders arranged at a mutual distance from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0024] In addition, the plate and the tap can be arranged inside the cabinet when not in use, with the plate resting on the two opposite holders.

[0025] The plate and the tap can be turned upside down before being arranged inside the cabinet. Thereby, the beverage dispensing system can be stored in a simple manner when not in use, while ensuring that all the different components are protected inside the cabinet.

[0026] The beverage container can be made of metal or polymeric material.

[0027] Advantageously, the cooling jacket can cover more than 60% of the outer surface of the beverage container, preferably more than 70% of the outer surface. Thereby, the cooling capacity of the cooling module is enhanced.

[0028] Furthermore, the cooling jacket can have a U-shape or an Ω-shape when seen from the top.

[0029] Furthermore, a tensioning means can be arranged in connection with the cooling jacket, which / which tensioning means is / are configured to tighten the cooling jacket around the beverage container, thereby ensuring a good contact between the cooling jacket and the outer surface of the beverage container in order to obtain the intended cooling of the beverage. In addition, by using the tensioning means, the beverage container is properly secured inside the cabinet.

[0030] The height of the cabinet can be at least approximately twice the width of the cabinet.

[0031] Furthermore, the height of the cabinet can be approximately 925 mm and the width of the cabinet can be approximately 301 mm, which are standard dimensions for a trolley for serving passengers in an aircraft.

[0032] In addition, the gas bottle can be arranged in connection with the door.

[0033] Furthermore, the gas regulator can be connected to the gas bottle.

[0034] In addition, the cooling jacket can have a cooling surface facing the outer surface of the beverage container, a plurality of blocks being arranged on the cooling surface such that the thermal contact resistance between the beverage container and the cooling jacket of the evaporator is low. In addition, the gap between the cooling jacket of the evaporator and the beverage container is reduced.

[0035] The blocks can be made of metal, preferably of aluminium.

[0036] Furthermore, the blocks can be distributed so as to cover a major part of the cooling surface.

[0037] In addition, a fan can be arranged in the cabinet for providing an air flow in the cabinet.

[0038] A sealing strip can be arranged in connection with the door frame of the cabinet for increasing the sealing of the cabinet. Condensation on the door and the cabinet walls is avoided due to the higher temperature of the cabinet.

[0039] The base plate can substantially separate the cooling module from the air circulation below the base plate by means of an insulating frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] The application and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic drawings, which show some non-limiting embodiments for illustrative purposes, in which

[0041] Figure 1 a beverage dispensing system according to the application is shown,

[0042] Figures 2-4 a beverage dispensing system is shown in different views, Figure 1 a beverage dispensing system is shown in different views,

[0043] Figures 5-8 a cooling module of a beverage dispensing system is shown,

[0044] Figures 9-10 a beverage container in the cabinet and a door closed are shown,

[0045] Figures 11-12 a beverage dispensing system in a storage state is shown,

[0046] Figure 13a cross-sectional view of a beverage container with an extraction tube and a dispensing head coupled to the extraction tube is shown,

[0047] Figure 14 one embodiment of a dispensing head coupled to an extraction tube is shown, and

[0048] Figure 15 a beverage dispensing system according to the present invention is shown, Figure 1 wherein a beverage container is arranged within the cabinet.

[0049] All figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the present invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 A beverage dispensing system 1 according to the present invention is shown. The beverage dispensing system comprises a substantially closed cabinet 2 having a height, a width and a depth, and a door 3 which can be used to access the interior space 4 of the cabinet 2. The cabinet 2 has a top face 5 and a bottom face 6. In the present embodiment, the cabinet 2 is an aircraft cabin service trolley, which ensures a minimum footprint and maximum mobility of the beverage dispensing system. Moreover, by using an aircraft cabin service trolley, a new design of a beverage dispensing system has been achieved which is attractive to many people, since aircraft cabin service trolleys are well known to many people. However, due to the dimensions of an aircraft cabin service trolley, the inventors had to completely redesign, inter alia, the position of different components of the cooling module - which will be described further below. The present invention will be described and shown in the embodiment where the cabinet is an aircraft cabin service trolley, however, the cabinet can have other forms and designs.

[0051] The beverage dispensing system further comprises a beverage container (not shown) having a cylindrical form and an outer surface, which beverage container contains a beverage to be dispensed. Furthermore, a dispensing head (not shown) can be coupled to the beverage container and a dispensing line (not shown) extending from the dispensing head to a tapping head 7. The dispensing line is configured to guide the beverage from the beverage container to the tapping head for dispensing, the tapping head 7 being arranged on the top face 5 of the cabinet 2.

[0052] Furthermore, a gas cylinder 8 with gas is fluidly connected to the dispensing head for pushing the beverage out of the beverage container when the tapping head 7 is opened for dispensing.

[0053] The beverage dispensing system further comprises a cooling module 9 which is detachably arranged within the cabinet 2, the cooling module 9 being configured to cool the beverage contained in the beverage container. The cooling module 9 will be described further below.

[0054] In order to provide mobility to the beverage dispensing system 1, the cabinet 2 can have wheels 10 arranged below the bottom face 6.

[0055] Furthermore, the top surface 5 can have an opening (not shown) opposite which the tap 7 is arranged. The dispensing line can extend from inside the cabinet up into the tap 7.

[0056] To further provide flexibility to the beverage dispensing system 1, the tap 7 can be detachably connected to the cabinet 2, such that it can be detached during periods of non-use of the beverage dispensing system 1. This will be further described below in connection with Figures 11-12 Further description.

[0057] The tap 7 can comprise a tower 11 having an internal passage (not shown) in which the dispensing line can be guided from the beverage container to the tap 7.

[0058] The internal passage can have dimensions enabling the dispensing line to be guided through the internal passage from the tap or from the cabinet. This is particularly advantageous in case the dispensing line is a one-way dispensing line that should be replaced each time the beverage container is replaced. For example, the beverage dispensing concept sold under the trade name FlexiDraft TM WO2013 / 000932 is incorporated by reference.

[0059] The tap 7 is connected with a plate 12 that is arranged on the top surface 5 of the cabinet 2. This can also enhance the flexibility of the beverage dispensing system 1, while providing a support surface for the tap 7, thereby providing stability to the tap 7. Yet another advantage is that the top surface 5 of the cabinet does not necessarily need to be reinforced. The plate can also have recesses for example for a drip tray 13. Moreover, the plate 12 can have substantially the same width as the cabinet.

[0060] In Figure 2 , the beverage dispensing system 1 is shown in an elevation view with the door 3 open. The cabinet 2 has a height H and a width W and a depth D (shown in Figure 3 ). As Figure 2 indicated, the height H of the cabinet 2 can be at least substantially twice the width W of the cabinet 2.

[0061] Moreover, the height H of the cabinet can be about 925 mm and the width W of the cabinet about 301 mm, which are standard dimensions for an aircraft cabin service trolley.

[0062] As Figure 2 indicated, the cabinet 2 has inner walls 14, at least two opposite inner walls 14 having a plurality of holders 15 arranged at a mutual distance from the bottom surface 6 to the top surface 5.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the gas cylinder 8 is arranged in connection with the door 3. The gas cylinder 8 is connected with a gas regulator 16 configured to provide a desired gas pressure to the beverage container to push the beverage out of the beverage container.

[0064] In Figure 3 a side view the beverage dispensing system 1 is shown.

[0065] In Figure 4 a top view the beverage dispensing system 1 is shown.

[0066] Figures 5-8 The cooling module 9 is shown. In Figure 5 a perspective view the cooling module 9 is shown. In Figure 6 a top view the cooling module 9 is shown. In Figure 7 a front view the cooling module 9 is shown, Figure 8 is a side view of the cooling module 9. The cooling module 9 comprises the following components: an evaporator 17 formed as a cooling jacket 18, the cooling jacket 18 being configured to partially surround a beverage container (not shown) and to be in contact with an outer surface of the beverage container for cooling the beverage. The outer surface is a side of the beverage container.

[0067] The cooling module 9 further comprises a base plate 19 on which the beverage container is to be arranged and a temperature sensor 20 arranged in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container, the temperature sensor 20 being operatively connected to a control device 21. By using a temperature controller with an input signal from a temperature sensor in direct contact with the beverage container the risk of freezing of the beverage is mitigated. The temperature control has embedded parameters which together with the system design allow for tuning in such a way that the beverage does not freeze.

[0068] Further, the cooling module comprises a condensing unit 22 comprising a compressor 23, a condenser 24 and an expansion device (not shown), the condensing unit 22 being configured to cool a coolant and to circulate the coolant for cooling the cooling jacket 18. The condensing unit 22 and the control device 21 are arranged below the base plate.

[0069] Thereby a flexible beverage dispensing system 1 is obtained, wherein the cabinet 2 can be used for other purposes, since the cooling module can easily be detached from the cabinet 2. In addition, by using the evaporator 17 as a cooling jacket and mainly using conductive heat transfer, it is an advantage that a standard cabinet can be used as a housing for the beverage dispensing system 1 without the need for an insulated cooling chamber.

[0070] Further, the evaporator 17 can be a roll bond evaporator having one or more coolant channels distributed along the extension of the evaporator 17. Thereby a flexible evaporator 17 is obtained which can be formed according to the intended beverage container.

[0071] Furthermore, the evaporator 17 can have a cover made of a polymeric material. Thereby an easy cleaning of the evaporator 17 and a low temperature of the evaporator surface is achieved. In addition, the temperature on the polymeric cover prevents ice formation inside the beverage container and compensates for the abnormal water at 4 degrees Celsius.

[0072] Advantageously, the attachment of the cooling module 9 to the interior of the cabinet or the detachment of the cooling module 9 from the interior of the cabinet is facilitated by the components of the cooling module 9 being connected to each other to form a single unit.

[0073] In addition, the condensing unit 22 and the control unit 21 can be arranged within a compartment 26. Preferably, the compartment 26 is liquid tight, so that the electronic equipment in the form of the condensing unit 22 and the control unit 21 can be protected from any beverage spillage out of the beverage container and / or condensation from the evaporator 17, if any.

[0074] The base plate 19 can be arranged to have a small inclination, preferably an inclination of less than 3 degrees, so that if any liquid ends up on the base plate, it can be guided into a condensation tray 39 located inside the condensing unit. The condensation tray 39 is shown in Figure 8 .

[0075] In addition, the base plate has an edge around the periphery of the base plate. By avoiding a fluid communication between the evaporator space and the condensing unit space, one or more gaskets can be arranged at the edge to increase the sealing of the cabinet.

[0076] Advantageously, the cooling jacket 18 can cover more than 60% of the outer surface of the beverage container, preferably more than 70% of the outer surface. Thereby the cooling capacity of the cooling module 9 is enhanced.

[0077] Furthermore, the cooling jacket 18 can have a U-shape or an omega-shape when seen in a top view as shown in Figure 6 .

[0078] Furthermore, the cooling jacket 18 can have a cooling surface 27 facing the outer surface of the beverage container, on which a plurality of blocks 28 are arranged, so that the thermal contact resistance between the beverage container and the cooling jacket 18 of the evaporator 17 is low. In addition, the gap between the cooling jacket 18 of the evaporator 17 and the beverage container is reduced.

[0079] The blocks 28 can be made of metal, preferably of aluminum.

[0080] Furthermore, the blocks 28 can be distributed to cover a major part of the cooling surface 27.

[0081] In addition, a fan can be arranged within the cabinet to provide an air flow within the cabinet.

[0082] In addition, a sealing strip can be arranged in connection with the door frame of the cabinet to increase the sealing of the cabinet. Due to the higher temperature of the cabinet, condensation on the door and the cabinet walls is avoided.

[0083] The base plate 19 can be used to separate the cooling module 9 substantially from the air circulation below the base plate 9 by means of an insulating frame.

[0084] In Figure 9 the beverage dispensing system 1 a beverage container 29 is arranged within the cabinet 2. The beverage container 29 is placed on the base plate 19 and is surrounded by the evaporator.

[0085] Further, a tensioning device 30 is arranged in connection with the cooling jacket, the tensioning device 30 being configured to tension the cooling jacket around the beverage container 29, as Figure 9 is shown, thereby ensuring a good contact between the cooling jacket and the outer surface 31 of the beverage container 29, thereby obtaining the intended cooling of the beverage. In addition, by using the tensioning device 30, the beverage container is properly fixed within the cabinet. In the present embodiment, the tensioning device 30 is a belt which is connected to the cooling jacket at each end.

[0086] The beverage container 29 can be made of metal or polymeric material.

[0087] In Figure 10 the beverage container system 1 is shown with the door 3 closed. As mentioned above, the plate 12 is arranged on the top surface of the cabinet 2. On the top surface a number of fastening devices 32 are arranged, the fastening devices 32 being configured to hold the plate 12 in place on the top surface. Thereby a simple and flexible way of fixing the plate 12 and thereby the tap 7 to the top surface of the cabinet is obtained.

[0088] In Figure 11 and 12 the cabinet 2 is shown in a storage position, which means that the tap has been detached from the cabinet 2. In Figure 11 the door 3 is closed, so that also the interior of the cabinet 2 is enclosed.

[0089] In Figure 12 the door 3 is open, whereby the plate 12 and the tap 7 can be seen arranged within the cabinet 2 when not in use. The plate 12 is resting on two opposite holders 15.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the plate 12 and the tap 7 have been inverted before being arranged within the cabinet 2. Thereby the beverage dispensing system 1 can be stored in a simple way when not in use, while at the same time ensuring that all the different components are protected within the cabinet. Thus, when not in use, the tap and the plate are mounted within the cabinet. The advantage is that the cabinet, which is designed as a trolley for the service of the passenger cabin of an aircraft, looks like just a trolley and not a beverage dispensing system.

[0091] Figure 13A cross-sectional view of the beverage container 29 is shown with the extraction tube 33 or spike arranged in the collar 34 of the beverage container 29 and a dispensing head 35 coupled to the extraction tube 33. The extraction tube and dispensing head and their function are well known and will therefore not be described in detail here. The dispensing head 35 has a gas inlet 36 in fluid connection with a gas cylinder (not shown). Further, a dispensing line 37 is in fluid connection with the dispensing head 35. In the present embodiment, the dispensing line 37 comprises a probe 38 which can be inserted into an internal bore in the dispensing head 35. The probe is used to activate the double valve of the extraction tube. In the present embodiment, the probe and the dispensing line are configured to be replaced each time the beverage container is replaced. Thus, both the probe and the dispensing line can be made of a polymeric material and can be discarded after use.

[0092] Figure 14 An embodiment of the dispensing head 35 coupled to the extraction tube 33 is shown with the dispensing line 37 connected to the dispensing head 35 as described above. Since there are many different beverage containers, extraction tube / spike systems and thus also dispensing heads coupled to the extraction tube, the present invention can be used with any known system and will therefore not be described here. Figure 14 The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is just one example of a dispensing head which can be used in connection with the present invention.

[0093] Figure 15 A beverage dispensing system 1 according to the present invention is shown with a beverage container 29 arranged inside the cabinet 2. Figure 1 The beverage dispensing system 1 is shown in an elevation view.

[0094] As described above, the beverage dispensing system 1 comprises a beverage container 29 having a cylindrical form and an outer surface 31, the beverage container 29 containing a beverage to be dispensed. Further, a dispensing head 35 is coupled to the beverage container 29 and a dispensing line 37 extends from the dispensing head 35 to a tap 7. The tap 7 comprises a tower 11 which in Figure 15 The dispensing line 37 is shown in a cut-out in Fig. 6, showing the dispensing line 37 placed in the internal passage 40.

[0095] The dispensing line 37 is configured to guide the beverage from the beverage container 29 to the tap 7 for dispensing, the tap 7 being arranged on the top surface of the cabinet 2. The tap 7 comprises a tap handle 41 for opening and closing the beverage dispensing from the spout 42.

[0096] Further, a gas cylinder 8 with gas is in fluid connection with the dispensing head 35 for pushing the beverage out of the beverage container 29 when the tap 7 is opened for dispensing.

[0097] The beverage dispensing system further comprises a cooling module 9 arranged detachably inside the cabinet 2, the cooling module 9 being configured to cool the beverage contained in the beverage container.

[0098] Although the application has been described in connection with a cooling module inserted in a cabinet, several cooling modules can be arranged in a cabinet, whereby several beverage containers in the same cabinet can be cooled, the different beverage containers having different intended dispensing temperatures. Thus, by means of the cooling modules, different beverage containers can be cooled independently of each other, and thus the beverages therein.

[0099] Although the application has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system (1) comprising a substantially closed cabinet (2) having a height H, a width W and a depth D and a door (3) for access to an interior space (4) of the cabinet (2), the cabinet having a top surface (5) and a bottom surface (6), a beverage container (29) having a cylindrical form and an outer surface (31), the beverage container containing a beverage to be dispensed, a dispensing head (35) to be coupled to the beverage container and a dispensing line (37) extending from the dispensing head to a tapping head (7), the dispensing line being configured to guide the beverage from the beverage container to the tapping head for dispensing, the tapping head being arranged on the top surface (5) of the cabinet, a gas cylinder (8) having a gas in fluid connection with the dispensing head for pushing the beverage out of the beverage container when the tapping head is opened for dispensing, wherein a cooling module (9) removably arranged within the cabinet (2), the cooling module (9) being configured to cool the beverage contained in the beverage container, the cooling module comprising - an evaporator (17) formed as a cooling jacket (18) configured to partially surround the beverage container and to be in contact with the outer surface (31) of the beverage container for cooling the beverage, - a base plate (19) on which the beverage container is to be arranged, - a temperature sensor (20) arranged in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container, the temperature sensor being in operable connection with a control device (21), and - a condensing unit (22) comprising a compressor (23), a condenser (24) and an expansion device, the condensing unit (22) being configured to lower the temperature of a coolant and to circulate the coolant for cooling the cooling jacket (18), the condensing unit (22) and the control device (21) being arranged below the base plate (19), the tapping head (7) being in connection with a plate (12) which can be arranged on the top surface (5) of the cabinet, the cabinet (2) having inner walls (14), at least two opposite inner walls (14) having a plurality of shelves (15) arranged at a mutual distance from the bottom surface to the top surface, the plate (12) and the tapping head (7) can be arranged inside the cabinet (2) when not in use, wherein the plate (12) rests on two opposite shelves (15).

2. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The evaporator (17) is a brazed evaporator having coolant channels distributed along the extension of the evaporator.

3. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The evaporator (17) has a cover made of a polymeric material.

4. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The components are connected to each other so as to form a single unit.

5. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The cabinet (2) is an aircraft passenger cabin service trolley.

6. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The tapping head (7) is removably connected to the cabinet (2).

7. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The tapping head (7) comprises a tower (11) having an internal passage in which the dispensing line can be guided from the beverage container to the tapping head.

8. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The cooling jacket (18) covers more than 60% of the outer surface of the beverage container.

9. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 8, wherein The cooling jacket (18) covers more than 70% of the outer surface of the beverage container.

10. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein A tensioning device (30) is arranged in connection with the cooling jacket (18), which is configured to tension the cooling jacket around the beverage container in order to ensure that the cooling jacket is in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container.

11. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The height H of the cabinet (2) is at least approximately twice the width W of the cabinet (2).

12. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The gas cylinder (8) is arranged in connection with the door (3).

13. The beverage dispensing system (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The cooling jacket (18) has a cooling surface (27) facing the outer surface (31) of the beverage container, on which a plurality of blocks (28) are arranged, so that the thermal contact resistance between the beverage container (29) and the cooling jacket (18) of the evaporator (17) is low.

Citation Information

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