Beverage dispensing nozzle

Abstract

A nozzle for dispensing a beverage includes a nozzle head having a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid and a flavoring agent inlet configured to receive a flavoring agent. The nozzle further includes a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and including a diffuser plate having a plurality of perimeter openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle further includes a receptacle in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring agent inlet. The receptacle of the nozzle includes an inner wall, and the perimeter openings of the diffuser assembly are arranged so as to direct flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle. The receptacle further includes an outlet through which the flavoring agent and the base liquid are dispensed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate generally to beverage dispensing nozzles. Specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzles configured to dispense base liquids and flavorings in a smooth, stratified flow pattern. Background Technology

[0002] Nozzles are commonly used to dispense beverages for drinking, such as in fountain-style beverage dispensers. Nozzles can be classified as premix nozzles and postmix nozzles. In a premix nozzle, the beverage is dispensed through the nozzle, while in a postmix nozzle, carbonated water or other base liquid and beverage flavorings (such as syrups) are dispensed separately from the nozzle and can be combined with each other at a dispensing point that may be inside or outside the nozzle. As the beverage container is filled, the water and flavorings can mix as they travel into or within the container.

[0003] Postmixing nozzles offer the advantage of allowing the dispensing of multiple beverages from a single nozzle. These nozzles can be connected to various flavoring sources, enabling the dispensing of multiple beverages by combining a base liquid with the desired flavoring. In this way, multiple types of beverages can be dispensed without requiring a premixed reservoir for each beverage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle for dispensing a beverage, the nozzle including a nozzle head having: a base liquid inlet configured to receive base liquid from a base liquid source; and a flavoring inlet configured to receive flavoring from a flavoring source. The nozzle may further include a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet, wherein the diffuser assembly includes at least one diffuser plate having an annular region having a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle may further include a container in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring inlet, wherein the container includes: an inner wall; and an outlet through which the base liquid and the flavoring are dispensed, wherein the peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are arranged to guide the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the container, and wherein the flavoring inlet guides the flow of the flavoring through the container in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle.

[0005] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavoring inlet may be one of a plurality of flavoring inlets, and the base liquid inlet may be one of a plurality of base liquid inlets. In some embodiments, the nozzle head may include a central section and a peripheral section surrounding the central section, and the plurality of flavoring inlets may be arranged in the central section, and the plurality of base liquid inlets may be arranged in the peripheral section.

[0006] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the diffuser assembly may include a first diffuser plate and a second diffuser plate arranged in a stacked configuration.

[0007] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the diffuser assembly may include a central opening in which the base of the nozzle head is disposed.

[0008] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the inner edge of one of the plurality of peripheral openings may be aligned with the inner wall of the accommodator.

[0009] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container may include an upper end and a lower end, wherein the nozzle head and the diffuser assembly may be disposed at the upper end of the container, and the outlet may be disposed at the lower end of the container. In some embodiments, the container may taper from the upper end to the lower end.

[0010] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the inner wall of the accommodator may have curvature.

[0011] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavoring agent and the base liquid may be blended within the container. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may be blended with the base liquid at the outlet of the container.

[0012] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, an outflow stabilizer may be disposed within the outlet of the container, and the outflow stabilizer may be configured to guide the flow of the base liquid and the flavoring agent through the outlet along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

[0013] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage dispensing nozzle may also include one or more vents disposed on the upper end of the container, the one or more vents being configured to equalize the pressure inside the container with the external pressure.

[0014] Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle having a nozzle head including a central section; a peripheral section surrounding the central section; a flavoring inlet disposed in the central section and configured to receive a flavoring; and a base liquid inlet disposed in the peripheral section and configured to receive a base liquid. The nozzle may also include a container including an upper end; a lower end; and an outlet disposed at the lower end of the container, through which the base liquid and the flavoring are dispensed from the nozzle. The nozzle may also include a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and the container, wherein the diffuser assembly includes at least one diffuser plate including an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows into the container. The flavoring inlet is in fluid communication with the container to provide a flow of the flavoring through the container in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, such that the flow of the flavoring and the flow of the base liquid merge within the container and are distributed together through the outlet.

[0015] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the plurality of peripheral openings may be arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the container, such that the diffuser assembly guides the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the container.

[0016] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavoring inlet may be located in the central section of the nozzle head such that the flow of the flavoring blends with the flow of the base liquid at the outlet of the container.

[0017] Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle having a nozzle head including: a flavoring inlet port for receiving a flavoring; and a base liquid inlet for receiving a base liquid. The nozzle may also include a diffuser assembly including at least one diffuser plate having an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle may also include a container having: an inner wall having curvature; an outlet for dispensing the base liquid and the flavoring from the nozzle; and a vent configured to equalize the pressure within the container with the pressure outside the beverage dispensing nozzle. The flavoring inlet of the nozzle head is in fluid communication with the container such that the flavoring flows through the container toward the outlet in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and wherein the diffuser assembly is in fluid communication with the container such that the base liquid flows along the inner wall of the container.

[0018] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the nozzle may also include a plurality of blades arranged radially on the inner wall of the accommodator.

[0019] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the vent of the nozzle may include an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is disposed within the accommodator and includes an opening on the side wall of the vent, and wherein the lower end is disposed outside the accommodator and includes an opening.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the vent pipe may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present disclosure is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and together with the specification are used to explain the principles of the disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to implement and use the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of a beverage dispensing nozzle according to one embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the beverage dispensing nozzle.

[0024] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the nozzle head of a beverage dispensing nozzle.

[0025] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Top view of the nozzle head

[0026] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the bottom of the nozzle head.

[0027] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 Bottom view of the nozzle head.

[0028] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The diffuser assembly for beverage dispensing nozzles.

[0029] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 An exploded view of the diffuser assembly.

[0030] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 7 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 7 A longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser component.

[0031] Figure 10 It shows along Figure 1 The line 10-10 cut Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the beverage dispensing nozzle.

[0032] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the container of the beverage dispensing nozzle.

[0033] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A top view of the container.

[0034] Figure 13 It shows Figure 11 Bottom view of the container.

[0035] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing nozzle with a vent is shown.

[0036] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing nozzle with vent holes is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the claims as defined in the embodiments.

[0038] Post-mix beverage dispensing nozzles can be used to dispense a variety of beverages. These nozzles typically provide a flow of base liquid and a flow of syrup or flavoring, which can be mixed at the dispensing point. By providing a separate flow of base liquid from the flavoring, a single beverage dispensing nozzle can be used to dispense multiple types of beverages by dispensing the base liquid along with the desired flavoring.

[0039] While post-mixing nozzles allow for the dispensing of multiple beverages from a single nozzle, such nozzles can have the drawback of flavor residue. For example, if a beverage dispensing nozzle is used to dispense a first beverage and subsequently used to dispense a second beverage, flavorings from the first beverage may remain in the nozzle and mix with the second beverage during dispensing. Consequently, the second beverage may be contaminated with the first flavoring, and may not have the desired flavor. Additionally, droplets of flavorings retained within or passing through lines or conduits through which the various flavorings are dispensed can be extracted when the base liquid comes into contact with or flows along such lines or conduits. Therefore, there is a need in the art for multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzles that reduce or eliminate flavor residue.

[0040] Furthermore, beverage dispensing nozzles typically use aerated or turbulent flow patterns to dispense beverages. Therefore, the dispensed beverage does not flow smoothly and consistently during dispensing and may splash or splatter. Due to aeration of the beverage during mixing of the base liquid and flavoring agent leaving the nozzle, the dispensed beverage may appear uneven and opaque. Achieving a smooth and consistent flow of beverage dispensed from the nozzle can be particularly challenging for multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzles due to the different flow paths of different flavoring agents. Therefore, there is a need in the art for beverage dispensing nozzles that provide a smooth and stratified flow pattern to reduce splashing or splattering and provide an aesthetically pleasing beverage flow.

[0041] Some embodiments described herein relate to beverage dispensing nozzles that reduce flavor residue. Beverage dispensing nozzles ensure that flavorings do not remain in the nozzle after beverage dispensing and further prevent contact between the base liquid inlet and the flavoring inlet. Therefore, beverage dispensing nozzles can dispense various types of beverages without contaminating each beverage with other flavorings. Some embodiments described herein relate to beverage dispensing nozzles configured to dispense beverages with a smooth, stratified flow pattern to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and improve the beverage dispensing experience. Thus, the beverage dispensed from the nozzle can resemble water flowing from a bottle or water dispenser.

[0042] Figure 1 The image shows a beverage dispensing nozzle 100 for dispensing beverages with a smooth and gentle flow. The beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is configured to dispense base liquids and flavorings to form a beverage. The beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is configured to dispense a variety of base liquids and a variety of flavorings, making it suitable for dispensing a wide variety of beverages.

[0043] As used herein, the term "beverage" refers to any combination of a base liquid and any flavoring agent. A "base liquid" can be a liquid such as water, carbonated water, sparkling water, chilled water, or mineral water. A "flavoring agent" can be any additive in liquid form used to sweeten, flavor, or enhance the base liquid, such as syrups, sweeteners, or concentrates, or other additives. For example, carbonated cola beverages can be produced by combining carbonated water as a base liquid with cola flavoring agents or syrups. Alternatively, iced tea beverages can be produced by combining chilled water as a base liquid with tea flavoring agents.

[0044] In some embodiments, nozzle 100 includes nozzle head 120, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown. Nozzle head 120 may include a flavoring inlet 124 for receiving flavoring from a flavoring source (such as a flavoring storage container, e.g., a liner box). Flavoring inlet 124 may be connected to the flavoring source via flavoring supply line 204. Nozzle head 120 also includes a base liquid inlet 122 for receiving base liquid from a base liquid source (such as a municipal water supply, liquid storage container, etc.). Base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to the base liquid source via base liquid supply line 202. Beverage dispensing nozzle 100 may also include a diffuser assembly 150 in fluid communication with base liquid inlet 122. Diffuser assembly 150 may include one or more diffuser plates 160, 170 for controlling the flow of base liquid and distributing the base liquid into a container 140 of nozzle 100. Container 140 is configured to receive a flow of base liquid from diffuser assembly 150 and a flow of flavoring directly from flavoring inlet 124. The container 140 includes an outlet 148 for dispensing a smooth, layered flow of base liquid and flavoring to provide a beverage.

[0045] Figures 3 to 4 The image shows a nozzle head 120 of a nozzle 100 according to an embodiment. The nozzle head 120 may include a base liquid inlet 122 and a flavoring inlet 124. Each base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a base liquid source. In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a different type of base liquid, such that each base liquid inlet 122 provides a different base liquid. For example, a first base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a calm water source, and a second base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a carbonated water source. It should be understood that each base liquid inlet 122 may accept any base liquid. Similarly, each flavoring inlet 124 may be connected to a flavoring source. Each flavoring inlet 124 may be connected to a flavoring source, such that the nozzle 100 can dispense a variety of different flavorings. For example, a first flavoring inlet 124 may be connected to a cola flavoring source, and a second flavoring inlet 124 may be connected to a lemon-lime flavoring source. It should be understood that any flavoring inlet 124 may accept any flavoring.

[0046] In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet 122 and flavoring inlet 124 may include an upright tubular wall 125 defining an orifice 126 extending through the nozzle head 120 to the base 130 of the nozzle head 120 and terminating at the base liquid outlet 132 and the flavoring outlet 134, respectively. Base liquid and flavoring flow through the orifice 126 of each inlet 122, 124 and into the nozzle 100. In such embodiments, the upright tubular wall 125 may be configured to engage with the inner diameter of a supply line or conduit 202, 204 supplying flavoring or base liquid to the nozzle 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet 122 or flavoring inlet 124 may receive a fitting 115 configured to facilitate connection of supply lines 202, 204 to the base liquid inlet 122 or flavoring inlet 124, such as, for example Figure 2 As shown. Fitting 115 may have a hollow tubular shape. In some embodiments, retaining plate 129 may be secured to nozzle head 120 via fitting 115 to hold fitting 115 and / or supply lines 202, 204 in place. Retaining plate 129 may be secured to nozzle head 120 via any of a variety of fastening methods, such as by using mechanical fasteners 127, including screws or bolts and other fasteners.

[0048] In some embodiments, the nozzle head 120 may include a central section 121 and a peripheral section 123 disposed outside the central section 121 and surrounding the central section, such as Figure 4 As best shown. The seasoning inlet 124 can be arranged at the central section 121 of the nozzle head 120. In this way, the seasoning inlet 124 is centrally arranged on the nozzle 100 and aligned with the outlet 148 of the nozzle 100 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 100 (see, for example). Figure 10 A first seasoning inlet 124 may be arranged at the center of the nozzle head 120, and additional seasoning inlets 124 may be arranged around the first seasoning inlet 124, such as in a circular pattern around the first seasoning inlet 124. For example, in Figure 4 In the original design, five seasoning inlets 124 are arranged around the first seasoning inlet 124. However, in some embodiments, the seasoning inlets 124 may be arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. The seasoning inlets 124 may be arranged in one or more columns or rows, and adjacent columns or rows may be staggered or offset from each other.

[0049] The base liquid inlet 122 may be arranged in the peripheral section 123 of the nozzle head 120. The base liquid inlet 122 may be arranged around the flavoring inlet 124. The base liquid inlet 122 may be radially spaced from the flavoring inlet 124 and closer to the outer periphery of the nozzle head 120 than the flavoring inlet 124. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle head 120 includes four basic liquid inlets 122. However, the nozzle head 120 may include fewer or additional basic liquid inlets 122.

[0050] The nozzle head 120 may also include a flange 128 located at the periphery of the nozzle head 120. The flange 128 may extend around the entire periphery of the nozzle head 120. The flange 128 is provided to facilitate securing the nozzle head 120 to a support structure, such as part of a beverage dispenser.

[0051] The nozzle head 120 may also include a base 130, such as Figures 5 to 6 As shown. The seasoning inlet 124 terminates at a seasoning outlet 134 on the base 130 of the nozzle head 120. The seasoning inlet 124 (and its orifice) is arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100, and therefore, the outlet 134 on the base 130 of the nozzle head 120 is also arranged in the central section of the nozzle head 120. The seasoning inlet 124 communicates with the container 140 of the nozzle 100, such that seasoning passes through the seasoning inlet 124 and exits from the outlet 134 on the base 130 and enters the container 140. The flow of seasoning flows through the container 140 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 100. Similarly, the base liquid inlet 122 may terminate at a base liquid outlet 132 on the base 130. However, the outlet 132 supplies the base liquid to the diffuser assembly 150 of the nozzle 100, as discussed further in detail herein, rather than directly to the container 140.

[0052] The base 130 of the nozzle head 120 may include one or more recesses 139 extending partially around the periphery of the base 130 and grooves 135 extending around the periphery of the base 130. The recesses 139 may be configured to secure the receiver 140 to the nozzle head 120 of the nozzle 100. The receiver 140 may include one or more tabs 143 arranged around the periphery of the receiver 140 and configured to engage with the recesses 139 of the nozzle head 120. The receiver 140 may be secured to the nozzle head 120 by placing the receiver 140 over the nozzle head 120 and rotating the receiver 140 such that the tabs 143 are inserted into the recesses 139 of the nozzle head 120. The receiver 140 may be rotated until the tabs 143 reach the maximum rotational travel allowed by the recesses 139. This mechanical engagement longitudinally fixes the position of the receiver 140 along the X-axis of the nozzle 100 and establishes the rotational orientation of the receiver 140 relative to the nozzle head 120 about the X-axis of the nozzle. The groove 135 can be configured to receive the sealing ring 137. This occurs when the base 130 of the nozzle head 120 is received within the upper end 144 of the receiver 140 (see, for example...). Figure 10 The sealing ring 137 can be fixed to the base 130 to form a seal with the container 140. The sealing ring 137 helps prevent liquid from escaping from the container 140 or from entering the container 140 from outside the nozzle 100.

[0053] Nozzle head 120 may be disposed at and surround the upper end 144 of the container 140 of nozzle 100. The base liquid inlet 122 of nozzle head 120 is in fluid communication with diffuser assembly 150, such that base liquid supplied from a fluid source to base liquid inlet 122 flows through diffuser assembly 150 and into container 140 (see, for example...). Figure 10(B) The base 130 of the nozzle head 120 may extend through the central opening 151 of the diffuser assembly 150, so that the flavoring inlet 124 is in fluid communication with the container 140.

[0054] In some embodiments, nozzle 100 includes diffuser assembly 150, such as Figures 7 to 9 As shown. The diffuser assembly 150 and the container 140 are in fluid communication, allowing a base liquid to flow through the diffuser assembly 150 and into the container 140. The diffuser assembly 150 may be disposed below a portion of the nozzle head 120 and at the upper end 144 of the container 140. The diffuser assembly 150 is configured to provide a smooth and stratified flow of the base liquid into the container 140. The diffuser assembly 150 may include a first diffuser plate 160 and a second diffuser plate 170 arranged in a stacked configuration. The first diffuser plate 160 is shown disposed on top of the second diffuser plate 170; however, in some embodiments, the second diffuser plate 170 may alternatively be disposed on top of the first diffuser plate 160. In some embodiments, the diffuser assembly 150 may include a single diffuser plate or three or more diffuser plates.

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, the first diffuser plate 160 includes an annular region 164 defining a central opening 165. The annular region 164 also defines a plurality of peripheral openings 162 arranged around the periphery of the first diffuser plate 160. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the peripheral openings 162 has the same shape and size. However, in some embodiments, the size or shape of the peripheral openings 162 may be different. Additionally, the peripheral openings 162 are shown as having a circular shape. However, in some embodiments, the peripheral openings 162 may have a square, rectangular, triangular, or elliptical shape, etc.

[0056] In operation, the base liquid flows through the base liquid inlet 122 and onto the annular region 164 of the first diffuser plate 160 of the diffuser assembly 150. The base liquid is dispersed around the annular region 164 of the first diffuser plate 160 and flows into the container 140 through the peripheral opening 162 or onto another diffuser plate (e.g., a second diffuser plate 170), depending on the number of diffuser plates in the diffuser assembly 150.

[0057] In embodiments having a second diffuser plate 170, the second diffuser plate 170 may similarly include an annular region 174 defining a central opening 175 and also defining a plurality of peripheral openings 172 arranged around the periphery of the second diffuser plate 170. In some embodiments, the second diffuser plate 170 may include an upright flange 176 adjacent to the central opening 175. The flange 176 may be substantially perpendicular to the annular region 174. The flange 176 may be configured to engage with the inner edge 161 of the first diffuser plate 160 adjacent to the central opening 165 to secure the first diffuser plate 160 to the second diffuser plate 170.

[0058] In some implementations, the first diffuser plate 160 can be snap-fitted to the second diffuser plate 170. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the flange 176 of the second diffuser plate 170 may define a groove 178 to receive a protrusion 166 of the first diffuser plate 160, so as to secure the first diffuser plate 160 and the second diffuser plate 170 to each other. However, in some embodiments, the first diffuser plate 160 and the second diffuser plate 170 may be secured by press fit, friction fit, interference fit, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flange 176 of the second diffuser plate 170 may include threads to engage with threads on the inner edge 161 of the first diffuser plate 160. In some embodiments, the flange 176 of the second diffuser plate 170 may receive and support a sealing ring 177 to form a seal with the inner wall 119, which surrounds the central section 121 and separates it from the peripheral section 123 of the nozzle head 120 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 A sealing ring 167 may be arranged around the periphery of the first diffuser plate 160 to provide a seal with the diffuser assembly 150 of the nozzle head 120 and the peripheral section 123. Both sealing rings 177 and 167 help ensure that the base liquid flows only through the peripheral opening 162. Sealing ring 167 helps ensure that no base liquid flows through the central opening 151 and helps ensure that no base liquid flows onto the flavor outlet 134. Base liquid flowing over the flavor outlet 134 may cause flavor residue, which is undesirable.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first diffuser plate 160 may include a first number n1 of peripheral openings 162 of diameter d1, and the second diffuser plate 170 may include a second number n2 of peripheral openings 172 of diameter d2. In some embodiments, the second number of peripheral openings is greater than the first number of peripheral openings (n2 > n1). In some embodiments, the diameter of the peripheral openings 162 may be less than the diameter of the peripheral openings 172 (d1 < d2). The first diffuser plate 160 having a relatively small number of peripheral openings 162 may help to limit the flow of local concentration of the base liquid from one or more of the base liquid outlets 132 into the diffuser assembly 150, thereby causing the base liquid to completely fill the volume defined by the annular region 164, and the second diffuser plate 170 having a relatively large number of peripheral openings 172 may help to evenly disperse the base liquid within the volume defined by the annular region 174 such that the flow of the base liquid is evenly dispersed peripherally when the base liquid flows into the container 140. The pressure drop across the second diffuser plate 170 may be lower than the pressure drop across the first diffuser plate 160. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number and size and spacing and location of the peripheral openings 162 and 172 on the first diffuser plate 160 and the second diffuser plate 170 and the location for directing the flow of the base liquid into the container 140 may be specified to suit the nozzle size and the desired nozzle flow rate of a particular beverage dispensing nozzle application.

[0060] In some embodiments, the diffuser assembly 150 may be configured to provide a flow rate of about 2 ounces per second or 1 gallon per minute. This flow rate may provide a smooth, stratified flow within the container 140 of the nozzle 100 and help to prevent turbulence and splashing within the container 140 of the nozzle 100. Turbulence and splashing may cause flavor residue and may result in turbulence of the beverage through the outlet 148 of the nozzle 100. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, if the diameter of the outlet 148 of the nozzle 100 is also increased, the flow rate may be increased above 2 ounces per second. Increasing the flow rate without increasing the diameter of the outlet 148 may cause the base liquid to recede within the container 140, which may also result in turbulence and the base liquid entering the dry zone 149, which is undesirable.

[0061] The container 140 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly 150 and the flavorant inlet 124, as Figure 10As shown. The diffuser assembly 150 is configured to provide a stratified flow of base liquid into the container 140 along the inner wall 141 of the container 140. Seasoning flows directly into the container 140 through the seasoning inlet 124 of the nozzle head 120. The seasoning flows along the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100 through the open central portion of the container 140. The container 140 guides the flow of base liquid and seasoning to the outlet 148, such that the base liquid and seasoning are distributed in a stratified flow pattern through the nozzle outlet 148.

[0062] To maintain stratified flow through the container 140 and prevent splashing or turbulence within the container 140, the peripheral opening 172 of the second diffuser plate 170 may be arranged to guide the base liquid along the inner wall 141 of the container 140. In some embodiments, the inner edge 173 of the peripheral opening 172 is aligned with the inner wall 141 of the container, such as... Figure 10 As best shown. In this way, the flow of the base liquid makes a smooth transition from the diffuser assembly 150 to the container 140. The flow of the base liquid can travel along a line tangent to the curvature of the inner wall 141 of the container 140. The flow of the base liquid remains attached to the inner wall 141 of the container 140. However, in some embodiments, the inner edge 173 of the peripheral opening 172 may be spaced inward from the inner wall 141 and guide the base liquid along the inner wall 141. In such embodiments, the inner edge 173 of the peripheral opening 172 may be spaced 0.1 mm to 5 mm from the inner wall 141 at the upper end 144 of the container 140.

[0063] Because the base liquid is configured to flow along the inner wall 141 of the container 140 and the flavoring agent flows through the open central portion of the container 140, a drying zone 149 can be formed within the container 140, such as... Figure 10 As shown. The drying zone 149 can be the area within the container 140 surrounding the outlet 134 of the flavoring inlet 124 of the nozzle head 120, where no liquid exists at any time during the operation of the nozzle 100. If the base liquid comes into contact with the outlet 134 in the container 140, droplets of residual flavoring in the flavoring inlet 124 may be drawn into the container 140, thereby contaminating the beverage being dispensed with flavoring that may not have been selected for dispensing. Therefore, it is important to minimize or prevent splashing from inside the container 140 into the drying zone 149.

[0064] The seasoning flows from the seasoning outlet 134 on the base 130 of the nozzle head 120 through the interior of the container 140. The seasoning outlet 134 can be longitudinally aligned with the outlet 148 of the container 140, so that the seasoning flows directly to the outlet 148. The seasoning F merges with the base liquid B within the container 140 at a fusion point I located at or immediately adjacent to the outlet 148, such as, for example... Figure 10As shown. The flow of the seasoning is interrupted at the point where the seasoning merges with the base liquid, which could cause splashing or turbulence. Therefore, the seasoning merges with the base liquid at outlet 148 to minimize such effects within the container 140.

[0065] For example Figures 11 to 13 The image shows a container 140 of nozzle 100. Container 140 directs base liquid and flavoring towards outlet 148 for dispensing from nozzle 100. The base liquid and flavoring merge at a melting point I within container 140 and exit together from outlet 148. Container 140 includes an open upper end 144 and a lower end 142 open at outlet 148. Outlet 148 may be centrally positioned on container 140, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown optimally, the container 140 tapers from the upper end 144 to the lower end 142, such that the diameter D1 of the upper end 144 is larger than the diameter D2 of the lower end 142 at the outlet 148, as... Figure 12 As best shown. In some embodiments, D2 can be 0.200 inches to 0.800 inches, 0.300 inches to 0.700 inches, or 0.400 inches to 0.600 inches. In some embodiments, the receiver 140 may taper linearly, such that the receiver 140 has a generally conical shape. However, in some embodiments, the receiver 140 may have curvature, such as... Figure 11 As shown.

[0066] In some embodiments, the container 140 may also include blades 146, such as, for example Figure 12 As shown. Blades 146 may be disposed on the inner wall 141 of the container 140 and may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner wall 141. Blades 146 may be arranged radially around the outlet 148 of the container 140 and may extend from the lower end 142 toward the upper end 144 of the container 140. Blades 146 may be evenly spaced around the outlet 148 and may be arranged at fixed intervals. When viewed from top to bottom, blades 146 may be arranged symmetrically, such as... Figure 12As shown. In some embodiments, each blade 146 may have the same shape and size. Blades 146 define flow channels 147 for the base liquid to flow within the container 140 toward the outlet 148. Blades 146 may help prevent eddies of the base liquid within the container 140, which could cause the base liquid to exit through the outlet 148 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100. Although the diffuser assembly 150 is configured to uniformly distribute the base liquid around the container 140, a slightly larger flow rate of base liquid may be present in a portion of the container 140, which could cause the base liquid to swirl within the container 140 or cause streamlines of the base liquid flowing along the inner wall 141 to split or separate and re-merge without the blades 146. Streamline splitting may also cause the manifold to split or deflect through the outlet 148. Therefore, blades 146 help control the flow direction of the base liquid within the container 140, guide the base liquid toward the outlet 148, and help form a uniform and stratified flow from the outlet 148.

[0067] In some embodiments, the container 140 of nozzle 100 may have 4 to 20 blades, 8 to 18 blades, or 12 to 16 blades. In some embodiments, container 140 may include 14 blades. The inventors of this application have found that, given an outer diameter D2 in the range of 0.500 inches to 0.600 inches and a flow rate of about 2.0 ounces / second, and a given overall nozzle size characterized by a diameter D1 of about 1.900 inches, using 14 blades produces the most uniform and stratified flow from outlet 148. Different numbers of blades may be appropriate depending on the size of the nozzle assembly (e.g., D1 and D2) and the nozzle flow rate. Generally, nozzles with a relatively small outlet diameter D2 and a relatively small overall size D1, as well as a larger base liquid flow rate, will require fewer blades, and nozzles with a relatively large outlet diameter D2 and an overall size D1, as well as a smaller base liquid flow rate, will require more blades.

[0068] In some embodiments, the outflow stabilizer 190 may be arranged within the outlet 148 of the container 140 to facilitate the dispensing of beverage from the nozzle 100 in a direction along the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100, such as... Figure 12As best shown. As the base liquid flows along the inner wall 141 of the container 140, the flow of the base liquid can cause it to flow at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100 through the outlet 148. Although the diffuser assembly 150 is configured to distribute the base liquid uniformly throughout the container 140, the flow of the base liquid may not always be uniform across the container 140, and if the flow of the base liquid is greater in a portion or side of the container 140, the flow of the base liquid through the outlet 148 may flow at a small angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 100. The outflow stabilizer 190 helps prevent the base liquid flowing along the inner wall 141 of the container 140 from colliding at the outlet 148, which could otherwise deflect the flow of base liquid and flavoring agent through the outlet 148. The outflow stabilizer 190 may have an X-shaped or cross-shaped configuration and be arranged to divide the outlet into multiple outflow zones 192. In some implementations, the outflow stabilizer 190 may have other shapes to divide the outlet 148 into various numbers of outflow zones 192. Beverages flowing through the outflow stabilizer 190 form a uniform and aesthetically pleasing flow.

[0069] In some embodiments, nozzle 100 may be operated by a control system. To dispense beverage from the nozzle, the control system may cause a selected base liquid (such as carbonated water) to flow through the nozzle, and the control system may also cause a selected flavoring agent to flow through the nozzle. For example, the control system may actuate one or more pumps to cause the base liquid and flavoring agent to flow from a base liquid source or flavoring agent source to the nozzle. The base liquid and flavoring agent may combine "in flight" as they flow from the nozzle into the beverage container. The base liquid and flavoring agent may be further mixed and combined within the beverage container. In some embodiments, after the flavoring agent dispensing stops, the base liquid may continue to dispense for a period of time. For example, this period may be from 100 ms to 400 ms, and in some embodiments it may be 200 ms. In this way, any flavoring agent that may remain in the container 140 of nozzle 100 may be flushed away by the base liquid.

[0070] In some embodiments, the container 140 may further include a vent for equalizing the pressure within the nozzle 100 and the external air pressure. In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 may include a vent 180, such as, for example... Figure 14As shown. The size of the outlet 148 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 can be configured to slightly restrict the flow rate at the outlet 148, which helps to provide a substantially cylindrical flow of the base liquid through the outlet 148 without ripples. However, due to the flow restriction, the base liquid may back up at the outlet 148 and may be trapped in the container 140 at the end of the dispensing operation. Back up of the base liquid may result in flavor residue. The vent 180 is used to equalize the internal air pressure within the nozzle with the external air pressure, thereby allowing the base liquid to be completely discharged and preventing the base liquid from being trapped in the container 140 at the end of the dispensing operation. The vent 180 also helps to facilitate a smooth liquid flow through the outlet 148.

[0071] The vent 180 may include a hollow tubular member configured to provide fluid communication between the interior of the container 140 and a region outside the beverage dispensing nozzle 100. The vent 180 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100 (and the container 140). The vent 180 may also be offset from the center of the container 140 such that flavoring flowing through the central portion of the nozzle 100 does not contact the vent 180. The vent 180 includes an upper end 184 disposed within the container 140 and a lower end 182 disposed outside the container 140 and adjacent to an outlet 148 of the container 140, such that the lower end 182 is open to the environment. The vent 180 may include an opening 181 at the upper end 184 and may include an open lower end 182. In this way, air can flow from the outside of the container 140 to the inside of the container 140 (and the nozzle 100), or air can flow from the inside to the outside in the opposite direction, so as to equalize the internal and external pressures. An opening 181 at the upper end 184 can be arranged on the side wall of the vent 180, and thus can extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis X to prevent liquid from escaping from the nozzle 100 through the vent 180.

[0072] In some embodiments, the container 140 alternatively or additionally includes a vent 188, such as Figure 15 As shown. Vent 188 can be connected to... Figure 14 The vent 180 similarly functions and can be used to equalize the internal air pressure within the nozzle with the external air pressure. In this way, the vent 188 can help allow the base liquid 300 to be completely discharged, thereby preventing the base liquid 300 from being trapped within the container 140 at the end of the dispensing operation. In some embodiments, one or more vents 188 may be formed around the periphery of the container 140. The vent 188 may be laterally oriented and therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100. The vent 188 may be located at the upper end 144 of the container 140 and may be positioned such that the orifice is not in the direct flow path of the base liquid flow from the diffuser assembly 150 to the inner wall 141 of the container 140.

[0073] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary of the Invention section and the Abstract of the Specification section, is intended to interpret the claims. The Detailed Description section and the Abstract of the Specification section may provide one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as conceived by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0074] The invention has been described above using functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as the specific functions and their relationships are properly performed.

[0075] The above description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the invention, enabling others to easily modify and / or adjust such specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the overall concept of the invention, by applying knowledge of the art, without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance given herein, such modifications and adjustments are intended to be within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive and not limiting purposes, and that the terminology or terminology of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings and guidance herein.

Claims

1. A nozzle for dispensing beverages, the nozzle comprising: Nozzle head, the nozzle head comprising: A base liquid inlet, configured to receive base liquid from a base liquid source. Seasoning inlet, the seasoning inlet being configured to receive seasoning from a seasoning source; and The seasoning inlet terminates at the seasoning outlet; A diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet, wherein the diffuser assembly includes at least one diffuser plate having an annular region having a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. A container, in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring inlet, wherein the flavoring outlet opens into the container, the container comprising: Inner wall, and The container outlet through which the base liquid and the flavoring agent are dispensed; One or more vent openings are arranged on the container and downstream of the flavoring outlet, wherein the one or more vent openings are configured to equalize the pressure inside the container with the external pressure. The peripheral opening of the diffuser assembly is arranged to guide the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the container, and the flavoring inlet guides the flow of the flavoring through the container in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle.

2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the flavoring inlet is one of a plurality of flavoring inlets, and wherein the base liquid inlet is one of a plurality of base liquid inlets.

3. The nozzle of claim 2, wherein the nozzle head includes a central section and a peripheral section surrounding the central section, and wherein the plurality of flavoring inlets are arranged in the central section and the plurality of base liquid inlets are arranged in the peripheral section.

4. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the diffuser assembly comprises a first diffuser plate and a second diffuser plate arranged in a stacked configuration.

5. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the diffuser assembly includes a central opening, and the base of the nozzle head is disposed in the central opening.

6. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the inner edge of one of the plurality of peripheral openings is aligned with the inner wall of the receiver.

7. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the container includes an upper end and a lower end, wherein the nozzle head and the diffuser assembly are disposed at the upper end of the container, and wherein the container outlet is disposed at the lower end of the container.

8. The nozzle of claim 7, wherein the receiver tapers from the upper end toward the lower end.

9. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the accommodator includes curvature.

10. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the flavoring agent and the base liquid are blended within the container.

11. The nozzle of claim 10, wherein the flavoring agent is blended with the base liquid at the outlet of the container.

12. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the outflow stabilizer is disposed within the container outlet, and wherein the outflow stabilizer is configured to guide the flow of the base liquid and the flavoring agent through the container outlet along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

13. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the vent opening comprises one or more vent holes disposed on the upper end of the container.

14. A nozzle, the nozzle comprising: Nozzle head, the nozzle head comprising: Central section; The surrounding section, which surrounds the central section; A flavoring inlet is disposed in the central section and configured to receive a flavoring agent; A flavoring agent outlet, wherein the flavoring agent inlet terminates at the flavoring agent outlet; and A base liquid inlet, which is disposed in the peripheral section and configured to receive base liquid; A container, configured to allow seasoning exiting the seasoning outlet to enter the container, the container comprising: Top end; lower end; and An outlet, wherein the outlet of the container is disposed at the lower end of the container, and the base liquid and the flavoring agent are dispensed from the nozzle through the outlet of the container; A diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and the container, wherein the diffuser assembly includes at least one diffuser plate, the at least one diffuser plate including an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows into the container; A vent, configured to equalize the pressure inside the container with the pressure outside the nozzle, the vent including a plurality of holes defined through the wall of the container; The flavoring inlet is in fluid communication with the container to provide a flow of the flavoring through the container in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, such that the flow of the flavoring and the flow of the base liquid merge within the container and are distributed together through the outlet of the container.

15. The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the plurality of peripheral openings are arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the container such that the diffuser assembly guides the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the container.

16. The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the flavoring inlet is disposed at the central section of the nozzle head such that the flow of the flavoring and the flow of the base liquid merge at the outlet of the container.

17. A nozzle, the nozzle comprising: Nozzle head, the nozzle head comprising: A flavoring inlet for receiving flavorings; A flavoring agent outlet, wherein the flavoring agent inlet terminates at the flavoring agent outlet; and A base liquid inlet, which is used to receive base liquid; A diffuser assembly, comprising at least one diffuser plate having an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base fluid flows; and The container includes: Inner wall, the inner wall having curvature; An outlet, the outlet being used to dispense the base liquid and the flavoring agent from the nozzle; and A vent pipe is configured to equalize the pressure inside the container with the pressure outside the nozzle, wherein the vent pipe includes an upper end disposed inside the container and a lower end disposed outside the container, and the upper end of the vent pipe is disposed between the flavoring outlet and the outlet of the container. The flavoring inlet is in fluid communication with the container such that the flavoring flows through the container toward the outlet of the container in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and the diffuser assembly is in fluid communication with the container such that the base liquid flows along the inner wall of the container.

18. The nozzle of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of blades radially arranged on the inner wall of the accommodator.

19. The nozzle of claim 17, wherein the upper end of the vent pipe includes an opening on the side wall of the vent pipe.

20. The nozzle of claim 17, wherein the vent pipe is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

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