Beverage dispensing apparatus with cleaning valve

Abstract

A cleaning valve for cleaning a beverage dispensing device is provided. The cleaning valve can include a valve body having a valve opening, a valve stem coupled to the valve body and configured to move the valve body between a product dispensing position and a sanitizing position, a product port configured to alternately output a beverage product and a sanitizing agent based on a position of the valve stem, and a sanitizing agent port configured to receive the sanitizing agent from a sanitizing agent reservoir. The valve opening can be configured to create a first fluid communication path when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position to allow the beverage product to be output from the product port, and can be configured to create a second fluid communication path when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position to allow the sanitizing agent to be output from the product port.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 685,686, filed March 3, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 156,323, filed March 3, 2021, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a device for dispensing a beverage, and more particularly to a beverage dispensing device that allows for easier cleaning of the beverage path. BACKGROUND

[0004] Many beverage dispensing devices are bag-in-box (BIB) systems that produce a beverage by mixing a product, typically in the form of a syrup, with a base liquid such as water. The product syrup is typically provided in a bag, often made of flexible plastic or other material, contained in a box that can be made of paperboard or other material. Such devices typically use a pump to draw the syrup from the BIB and mix the syrup with the liquid and / or gas to form a beverage that is dispensed via an outlet port.

[0005] The BIB typically includes a coupler by which the BIB can be coupled to a pump and a product line through which the product syrup is delivered to a mixer where it is mixed with the base liquid. The product syrup path from the BIB to the outlet is often required to be sanitized to prevent bacterial growth. To sanitize the product path, the BIB is decoupled from the sanitizing path and a sanitizing device is coupled to the sanitizing path. A sanitizing agent is then circulated through the product path and discarded through the outlet. However, decoupling the BIB and connecting the sanitizing device is inconvenient, especially for a dispensing device that can have several BIBs and associated product paths that need to be sanitized. Decoupling and recoupling the BIBs can be messy and time consuming. In addition, the sanitizing device is typically separate from the beverage dispensing device and requires components in addition to the beverage dispensing components, such as a sanitizing agent container, an adapter hose, and various couplers to couple the sanitizing device to the product path. Overcoming these challenges and others is required when dispensing various products. SUMMARY

[0006] According to one aspect of the one or more example embodiments, a cleaning valve can be provided that can include a valve body having a valve opening, a valve stem coupled to the valve body and configured to move the valve body between a product dispensing position and a sanitizing position, a product port configured to alternately output a beverage product and a sanitizing agent based on a position of the valve stem, and a sanitizing agent port configured to receive the sanitizing agent from a sanitizing agent reservoir. The valve opening can be configured to create a first fluid communication path when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position to allow the beverage product to be output from the product port, and the valve opening can be configured to create a second fluid communication path when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position to allow the sanitizing agent to be output from the product port. The valve body can prevent the sanitizing agent from being output from the product port when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position. The valve body can prevent the beverage product from being output from the product port when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position. The valve body can be configured to rotate between the product dispensing position and the sanitizing position. The dispensing position can be located approximately 90 degrees rotated relative to the sanitizing position.

[0007] According to one aspect of the one or more example embodiments, a beverage dispensing device can be provided that can include a shuttle configured to receive a bag-in-box (BIB) container containing a beverage product, a sanitizing agent reservoir configured to contain a sanitizing agent, a cleaning valve coupled to the shuttle and in fluid communication with the BIB container and the sanitizing agent reservoir, wherein the cleaning valve can include a valve stem configured to switch between a product dispensing position and a sanitizing position. The beverage dispensing device can further include an actuator configured to cause the beverage product to be output when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position, and configured to cause the sanitizing agent to be output when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position. The beverage dispensing device can further include an outer housing and an internal compartment contained within the outer housing. The shuttle can be configured to be disposed in a first position at least partially within the internal compartment when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position. The valve stem can be configured to engage an edge portion of the internal compartment when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position and to maintain the shuttle in a second position when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position. The beverage dispensing device can further include a cap. At least one of the shuttle and the BIB container can be configured to prevent the cap from being fully closed when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position. The shuttle can be hingedly coupled to the outer housing and can be configured to rotate between the first position and the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A A top view of a cleaning valve of a beverage dispensing device in a product dispensing position is shown in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0009] Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of an example cleaning valve of Figure 1A

[0010] ​Figure 2A A top view of the cleaning valve of a beverage dispensing device in the sterilization position, according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown.

[0011] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cleaning valve taken along line BB.

[0012] Figure 3 A bottom view of a cleaning valve of a beverage dispensing device in the product dispensing position, according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 A perspective view of a cleaning valve of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment, in the product dispensing position, is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 A perspective view of the cleaning valve of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment, in the sterilization position, is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 A perspective view of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 A top view of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 An alternative perspective view of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to the following exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Exemplary embodiments may be embodied in various forms and are not limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. For clarity, descriptions of well-known components have been omitted.

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 3 Top and bottom views of the cleaning valve of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment are shown respectively. (Reference) Figure 1A and Figure 3The cleaning valve of the exemplary embodiment includes a valve base 5, a valve body 6 disposed within the valve base 5, a valve stem 6A extending beyond the valve base 5, a shaft 7 about which the valve body 6 is rotatable, and a valve cover 4 connected to the valve base 5 via two bolts 9 and two nuts 8, the two nuts 8 being configured to be respectively connected to the two bolts 9. The cleaning valve may also include a product port 3A having a first end disposed within the valve base 5 and a second end extending beyond the valve base 5. The product port 3A may be configured to allow the flow of a beverage product, such as concentrated syrup. For example, the product port 3A may be in fluid communication with a pump that delivers the beverage product, allowing it to be mixed with a base liquid such as water. The cleaning valve of the exemplary embodiment may also include a disinfectant port 3B having a first end located within the valve base 5 and a second end extending beyond the valve base 5. The disinfectant port 3B may be in fluid communication with a disinfectant reservoir and may be configured to allow the flow of a disinfectant, such as a liquid disinfectant.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of the cleaning valve may include a beverage connector 10 configured to receive a beverage product. For example, the beverage connector 10 may be a BIB fitting configured to receive beverage syrup from a BIB. The beverage connector 10 may include a beverage opening 10A, which may be located near the bottom of the beverage connector 10 and allow beverage product to flow out of the beverage connector 10, as referenced below. Figure 1B A more detailed explanation.

[0021] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cleaning valve taken along line AA. Figure 1B As shown, beverage opening 10A is in fluid communication with channel 13, which allows beverage product to flow into lower compartment 12. Beverage product is then drawn from lower compartment 12 through product port 3A via vacuum force provided by a pump (not shown). When valve stem 6A is in the product dispensing position (e.g....), Figure 1A , 1B As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the valve opening 6B contained within the valve body 6 is in fluid communication with the beverage opening 10A and the lower compartment 12 to allow beverage product to flow through a first fluid communication path, which includes the beverage opening 10A, a passage 13, the valve opening 6B, the lower compartment 12, and the product port 3A. A pump (not shown) can draw beverage product from the lower compartment 12 and through the product port 3A, after which the beverage product can be mixed with a base liquid (such as water or coffee) and dispensed through the outlet port.

[0022] When the valve stem 6A rotates, as Figure 2A , 2BAs shown in Figure 5, the valve opening 6B is moved approximately 90 degrees to substantially align with the disinfectant opening 11 located at the first end of the disinfectant port 3B, thus forming a fluid communication path with the disinfectant opening 11. This is achieved by rotating the valve opening 6B to... Figure 5 In the sterilization position shown (by moving the valve stem 6A), the valve body 6 prevents beverage products from passing through the beverage opening 10A and the passage 13 to the lower compartment 12. Conversely, as... Figure 2B As shown, valve opening 6B forms a second fluid communication path with disinfectant port 3B and lower compartment 12 to allow disinfectant to enter lower compartment 12 from disinfectant port 3B. Then, disinfectant is further pumped out from lower compartment 12 through product port 3A to disinfect valve opening 6B, lower compartment 12 and product port 3A.

[0023] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A perspective view of a cleaning valve according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the valve stem 6A is in the product dispensing position and the sterilization position, respectively. Figure 4 As shown, the valve stem 6A is rotated to the right, so that it substantially abuts the side of the valve base 5 and the valve cover 4. In this position, the valve opening 6B is in fluid communication with the beverage opening 10A, allowing beverage product to be conveyed from the BIB connected to the beverage connector 10 through the beverage opening 10A, the passage 13, and the valve opening 6B to the lower compartment 12, as shown. Figure 1B As shown. A pump (not shown) provides vacuum to draw beverage product from the lower compartment 12 through product port 3A, after which the beverage product is finally mixed with the base liquid and discharged via the outlet port. At the product dispensing position, valve body 6 prevents disinfectant from entering the product path by blocking the fluid communication path from disinfectant port 3B to the lower compartment 12.

[0024] like Figure 5 As shown, the valve stem 6A is rotated to the left, extending substantially perpendicular to the valve base 5 and valve cover 4. When the valve stem 6A is in this position, the valve opening 6B provides a fluid communication path from the disinfectant port 3B to the lower compartment 12, as... Figure 2B As shown. In this position, disinfectant can be supplied from the disinfectant storage section through disinfectant port 3B and further through valve opening 6B to the lower compartment 12, from which the disinfectant is pumped through product port 3A. After leaving product port 3A, the disinfectant continues along the product path through the section where the beverage product is mixed with the base liquid and is dispensed through the outlet port. Thus, the disinfectant can traverse and disinfect the entire product path that the beverage product comes into contact with during dispensing. When valve stem 6A is in the disinfection position, valve body 6 prevents beverage product from entering the product path by blocking the fluid communication between beverage opening 10A (and passage 13) and lower compartment 12.

[0025] Figure 6A beverage dispensing apparatus 600 according to exemplary embodiments is depicted, which can include a cleaning valve according to Figures 1A-5 The cleaning valve of the exemplary implementation is shown in reference to Figure 6 The exemplary beverage dispensing apparatus 600 can include an outer housing 605, a cap 610 hingedly coupled to the outer housing 605, a drip tray 615 removably coupled to the outer housing 605, a plurality of outlet ports 625 coupled to a front face of the outer housing, a splashback 620 coupled to the front face of the outer housing between the drip tray 615 and the plurality of outlet ports 625. The beverage dispensing apparatus 600 can further include a plurality of actuators 655, which can be respectively coupled to the plurality of outlet ports 625 and configured to activate a pump to draw beverage product or sanitizer from a lower compartment 12 of the cleaning valve. The beverage dispensing apparatus 600 can include an internal compartment 635 configured to include one or more shuttles 640, each configured to receive a BIB containing beverage product. A cleaning valve, such as the exemplary cleaning valve shown in Figure 1A , can be coupled to a bottom of each of the one or more shuttles 640, such that a beverage coupler 10 of each cleaning valve can be coupled to an output fitting of the BIB. The internal compartment 635 can further include a sanitizer reservoir 650 configured to contain a sanitizer, such as a liquid sanitizer, which can be provided to a sanitizer port 3B of the one or more cleaning valves via one or more tubes.

[0026] In operation, when the valve stem 6A is in a product dispensing position (see Figure 4 ), the one or more shuttles 640 fit within the internal compartment 635, such that the cap 610 can be closed. For example, as shown in Figure 8 , the beverage dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of shuttles 640, each containing a BIB 645, and each shuttle is disposed in a first position within the internal compartment 635 to allow the cap 610 to be closed. Although the shuttles 640 are described as being disposed “within” the internal compartment 635, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the shuttles 640 can not be completely enclosed by the internal compartment 637, as shown in Figure 8 When the one or more actuators 655 are engaged, for example, by being pulled towards a user facing the beverage dispensing apparatus 600, the pump is activated to provide a vacuum force that draws beverage product from the BIB 645 through the beverage coupler 10, the beverage opening 10A, and the valve opening 6B into the lower compartment 12. The vacuum force further draws the beverage product through the product port 3A, where it mixes with a base liquid, and through an output port 625 corresponding to the engaged actuator 655.

[0027] The drip tray 615 may include a perforated top surface that allows excess beverage to enter a discharge section located at the bottom of the drip tray 615. The drip tray 615 may be removably coupled to a discharge line (not shown), which may be contained within a housing 605 that discharges excess beverage to a sink or other discharge line or receiver. A splash guard 625 may be magnetically coupled to the front surface of the housing 605 and may include a bottom lip portion extending outward from the housing 605 to guide any liquid contacting the splash guard 625 to the bottom lip portion of the drip tray 615. The internal compartment 635 may also include a discharge section located at the bottom surface of the internal compartment 635. The internal compartment discharge section may also be coupled to a discharge line contained within the housing 605, which allows for easier cleaning of the internal compartment 635 and the components contained therein.

[0028] Figure 7 A top view of the internal compartment 635 of a beverage dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 7 As shown, valve stem 6A is in the sterilization position (see also...) Figure 5 The shuttle 640 extends substantially vertically relative to BIB 645 and the cleaning valve below BIB 645. The shuttle 640 can be hingedly coupled to the back of the inner compartment 635, allowing the shuttle 640 to rotate to allow the front end of BIB 645 to rise upwards, partially disengaging from the inner compartment 635. When the valve stem 6A is in the sterilization position, the valve stem 6A contacts the edge portion 660 of the inner compartment 635, which prevents the shuttle 640 from descending into the dispensing position within the inner compartment 637. Therefore, according to the exemplary embodiment, the valve stem 6A prevents the shuttle 640 from descending into the inner compartment 635, which in turn prevents the cap 610 from closing. Thus, if the cap 610 is open and the shuttle 640 is partially outside the inner compartment 635, a user attempting to dispense a beverage will be more likely to notice that the valve stem 6A is not in the product dispensing position.

[0029] refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 6 and Figure 7When the valve stem 6A is in the sanitizing position and the shuttle 640 is partially raised away from the interior compartment, the valve opening 6B forms a fluid communication path between the sanitizer port 3B and the lower compartment 12. When the actuator 655 is engaged (e.g., by a user pulling the actuator 655 away from the outer housing 605), the pump is engaged to provide a vacuum force that draws sanitizer from the sanitizer reservoir 650 and through the valve opening 6B, into the lower compartment 12, through the product port 3B, out through the mixing location where the beverage product is typically mixed with a base liquid (not shown), and through the outlet port 625. By incorporating the sanitizer reservoir 650 within the beverage dispensing device 600, and including a clean valve that can be switched between allowing beverage product flow and sanitizer flow, the product path can be sanitized each time the beverage dispensing device needs to be sanitized without the need to connect and disconnect sanitizing equipment.

[0030] While the inventive concept of the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A cleaning valve comprising: a valve body comprising a valve opening; a valve stem coupled to the valve body and configured to move the valve body between a product dispensing position and a sanitizing position; a product port configured to alternately output a beverage product and a sanitizing agent based on the position of the valve stem; and a sanitizing agent port configured to receive sanitizing agent from a sanitizing agent reservoir; wherein the valve opening is configured to create a first fluid communication path to allow the beverage product to be output from the product port when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position, wherein the first fluid communication path comprises a first end configured to be coupled to a container for the beverage product and a second end coupled to the product port; wherein the valve opening is configured to create a second fluid communication path to allow the sanitizing agent to be output from the product port when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position; and the second fluid communication path allows the sanitizing agent to flow from the first end of the first fluid communication path to the second end of the first fluid communication path. The valve body prevents the sanitizing agent from being output from the product port when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position.

2. The clean valve of claim 1, wherein, The valve body prevents the beverage product from being output from the product port when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position.

3. The clean valve of claim 1, wherein, The valve body is configured to rotate between the product dispensing position and the sanitizing position.

4. The clean valve of claim 1, wherein, The dispensing position is located approximately 90 degrees of rotation relative to the sanitizing position.

5. The clean valve of claim 4, wherein, 6. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a shuttle configured to receive a carton beverage container containing a beverage product; a sanitizing agent reservoir configured to contain a sanitizing agent; a cleaning valve coupled to the shuttle and in fluid communication with the carton beverage container and the sanitizing agent reservoir, the cleaning valve comprising a valve stem configured to switch between a product dispensing position and a sanitizing position; and an actuator configured to output the beverage product via a first fluid communication path when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position and configured to output the sanitizing agent via a second fluid communication path when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position, wherein the second fluid communication path allows sanitizing agent to flow from a first end of the first fluid communication path coupled to the carton beverage container to a second end of the first fluid communication path from which the beverage product is output. further comprising: an outer housing; 7. The beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that and an internal compartment within the outer housing; wherein the shuttle is configured to be disposed in a first position at least partially within the internal compartment when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position. The valve stem is configured to engage an edge portion of the internal compartment when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position and to maintain the shuttle in a second position when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position. further comprising a cap; 8. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 7, wherein, ​ 9. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein, ​ wherein at least one of the shuttle and the carton beverage container is configured to prevent the cap from being fully closed when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position.

10. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The shuttle is hingedly coupled to the outer housing and is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position.

11. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a shuttle configured to receive a carton beverage container containing a beverage product; a sanitizer reservoir configured to contain a sanitizer; a cleaning valve coupled to the shuttle and in fluid communication with the carton beverage container and the sanitizer reservoir, the cleaning valve including a valve stem configured to switch between a product dispensing position and a sanitizing position; an actuator configured to cause the beverage product to be output when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position and configured to cause the sanitizer to be output when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position; an outer housing; and an internal compartment within the outer housing; wherein the shuttle is configured to be disposed in a first position at least partially within the internal compartment when the valve stem is in the product dispensing position; and wherein the valve stem is configured to engage an edge portion of the internal compartment when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position and to maintain the shuttle in a second position when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position.

12. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 11, wherein, a cap is also included; wherein at least one of the shuttle and the carton beverage container is configured to prevent the cap from being fully closed when the valve stem is in the sanitizing position.

13. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The shuttle is hingedly coupled to the outer housing and is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position.

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