Connector for a fluid dispenser

Abstract

A connector (1) for dispensing a fluid contained in a bag-in-box container is disclosed, which can be used in an automatic dosing apparatus for ingredients for cocktails, wherein the connector (1) comprises an assembly with several parts, comprising a first assembly part (4) connectable to the container and a second assembly part (5) connectable to a dispensing tube, which in turn is connected to a peristaltic pump, said assembly comprising a first check valve (6) and a second check valve (8), the first check valve (6) being opened by a pin (11) belonging to the assembly when the connector is assembled, the second check valve (8) being opened during dispensing by the vacuum effect caused by the peristaltic pump, so that even if the first valve (6) opens the dispensing circuit it remains closed due to the second valve (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for a fluid dispenser, particularly configured for connection to a fluid tank, such as a bag-type container in a box.

[0002] Specifically, but not limited to, while the invention can be applied to ingredient dispensing equipment for preparing cocktails, it can also be applied to dispensing other types of ingredients, including food and non-food ingredients.

[0003] As is well known, a bag-in-a-box container comprises a sealed bag containing liquid, housed within a box made of a rigid material. Typically, the box is constructed with a suitable lid and / or tap.

[0004] Bag-in-box containers are also known for providing a suitable connection for connectors and couplings, and include a valve that opens via a pin on the connector, such that the valve opens via the pin when adapted to a bag-in-box container connection. Background Technology

[0005] Prior art includes, for example, a “bag-in-a-box” type tap distribution shown in patent publication EP 1627850 A1, whose connector is provided with a check valve actuated by an elastic element.

[0006] However, existing bag-in-box container connectors have certain limitations and drawbacks, and need to be improved.

[0007] First, the substances present in the bag-in-box container come into contact with the air present in the valve, leading to the risk of liquid spoilage through oxidation and / or contamination.

[0008] Furthermore, existing connectors are practically impossible to clean, primarily due to the presence of springs, which are typically arranged to hold the valve's shutter disc in the closed position. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can eliminate one or more of the aforementioned limitations and disadvantages.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to manufacture a connector for a fluid dispenser that is an alternative to those prior art.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a connector suitable for a fluid dispenser of a dispensing device, particularly for a dispensing device used in the preparation of cocktails.

[0012] One advantage is that it provides a connector suitable for connecting a container containing fluid to be dispensed to a pump suitable for dispensing fluid, particularly a connector suitable for bag-in-box containers.

[0013] One advantage is that it ensures the integrity of the liquid present in the container, in particular by avoiding contact between the liquid and air, thereby reducing the risk of the liquid being spoiled by oxidation and / or contamination effects.

[0014] One advantage is that it makes the connector easy and practical to clean, especially for connectors that do not have elastic elements for shutting down the flow control switch.

[0015] One advantage is the design of a connector for dispensing fluid from a container that is simple in structure and inexpensive.

[0016] Such and other purposes and advantages are achieved by the connector described in this invention.

[0017] In one embodiment, a connector suitable for dispensing fluid contained in a container, such as a bag-in-a-box container, comprises a multi-part assembly including a first part connectable to the container and a second part connectable to a dispensing tube, which in turn connects to a peristaltic pump. The assembly includes a first valve that is opened by a pin carried by a part of the assembly when the connector is assembled, and a second valve that is opened during dispensing by a vacuum effect caused by the peristaltic pump. Thus, due to the presence of the second valve, the dispensing loop can remain closed even if the first valve is open. Attached Figure Description

[0018] This invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the connector;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Longitudinal cross-section of the connector;

[0022] Figures 4 to 6 This shows portions of individual components that form after assembly. Figure 1 The connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Referring to the above figures, the connector used for the fluid distributor is generally... Figure 1 It is indicated that it is particularly suitable for dispensing fluids contained in bag containers within a box, such as in automated cocktail dispensing equipment.

[0024] The connector 1 may include, in particular, an assembly having a first end 2 and a second end 3. The first end 2 may be, in particular, a tubular end. The second end 3 may be, in particular, a tubular end. The assembly defines a fluid passage through which fluid flows directionally from the first end 2 to the second end 3.

[0025] The first end 2 can be specifically configured for connection to a fluid container, for example, for connection to a bag-in-a-box type container (e.g., a known type not shown), particularly for a non-removable connection to the flexible portion (bag) of the bag-in-a-box container (removable only by breaking the container, so as to design a device to prevent tampering from being risked). An embodiment of the first end 2 is shown in the figures, which is particularly suitable for connections with or on bag-in-a-box containers.

[0026] The second tubular end 3 can be specifically configured for connection to a fluid distribution pipe (e.g., a known type, not shown). The connection between the second tubular end 3 and the fluid distribution pipe can in particular include a stable and non-removable connection (which can be removed only by breaking the pipe or the second end) in order to design tamper-proof devices free from the risk of tampering.

[0027] The component may specifically include a first component portion 4, which includes the aforementioned (tubular) first end 2. The first component portion 4 may specifically include a portion connected to the container (to a flexible part or bag within a box containing the fluid to be dispensed), which is stable and non-removable, making the assembly formed by the container and the assembly by the first portion attached to the container essentially disposable. The connection of the first component portion 4 to the container may specifically include a sealed connection.

[0028] The component may specifically include a second component portion 5, which includes the aforementioned (tubular) second end 3.

[0029] The component may specifically include a first valve 6 disposed on the first part 4. The first valve 6 may specifically include a check valve. The first valve 6 may specifically be configured to have an opening movement to the first end 2.

[0030] The first valve 6 may specifically include an on / off device 7, such as an axially movable on / off device. The on / off device 7 may specifically include a disc portion and a rod portion. The first valve 6 may specifically include an annular washer disposed on the disc portion of the on / off device 7. The first valve 6 may specifically include a base containing the on / off device 7. The base of the first valve 6 may specifically include a liner portion and a guide portion.

[0031] The rod portion of the opener / closer 7 can be slidably connected to the guide portion of the base. Specifically, the rod portion can slide within a hole obtained in the guide portion. The disc portion of the opener / closer 7 can be slidably connected to the inner surface of the lining portion of the base, having a connector with a seal, for example, due to an annular washer.

[0032] The inner surface of the lining portion may specifically include an opening / closing seat against which the opening / closing device 7 abuts in the closed position. The opening / closing device 7 is configured to have an opening movement toward the first end 2. The outer surface of the lining portion of the base may specifically include a washer seat for receiving an annular gasket, which is configured to seal in the housing seat of the valve disposed on the first portion 4, as will be better explained below.

[0033] The matrix may specifically include one or more fluid passage openings disposed between the lining portion and the guide portion.

[0034] The component may specifically include a second valve 8 disposed between the first valve 6 and the second end 3. The second valve 8 may specifically include a check valve. The second valve 8 may specifically be configured to have an opening movement toward the second end 3 and a closing movement in the opposite direction.

[0035] The second valve 8 may particularly include an on / off device 9, such as an axially movable on / off device. The on / off device 9 may particularly include a disc portion and a rod portion. The second valve 8 may particularly include an annular washer disposed on the disc portion of the on / off device 9. The second valve 8 may particularly include a base comprising the on / off device 9. The base of the second valve 8 may particularly include a liner portion and a guide portion.

[0036] The rod portion of the opener / closer 9 can be slidably connected to the guide portion of the base. Specifically, the rod portion can slide within a hole provided in the guide portion. The disc portion of the opener / closer 9 can be slidably connected to the inner surface of the lining portion of the base, for example, due to the sealing coupling provided by the annular washer.

[0037] The inner surface of the lining portion may specifically include an opening / closing seat against which the opening / closing device 9 abuts in the closed position. The opening / closing device 9 is configured to have an opening movement toward the second end. The outer surface of the lining portion of the base of the second valve 8 may specifically include a gasket seat for receiving an annular gasket, which is configured to seal in the housing seat of the second valve 8 obtained on the second portion 5, as will be better explained below. The base of the second valve 8 may specifically include one or more fluid passage openings arranged between the lining portion and the guide portion.

[0038] The opening movement of the first valve 6 can be in the opposite direction to the opening movement of the second valve 8.

[0039] The component may specifically include a third part 10 disposed between the first part 4 and the second part 5.

[0040] The third part 10 may in particular include a pin 11 protruding to the tubular first end 2. In the assembly configuration of the aforementioned components (see...), Figure 1 and Figure 3This allows pin 11 to interact with the first valve 6, for example, by pushing the opener 7 to bring the first valve 6 to the open position.

[0041] Part 5 may specifically include a hose retainer 12 element. Part 5 may specifically include a hose locking device related to the operation of the hose retainer 12 element.

[0042] The pipe locking device may specifically include a cap 13 connected to the first part 4 via a connector. The cap-first part connector may specifically include a screw connector. The pipe locking device may specifically include a pipe locking spring M configured to cooperate with the cap 13 to lock the end of the dispensing tube onto the second end 3 of the hose retainer 12 element, such that the end of the dispensing tube remains clamped between the pipe locking spring M and the second end 3, thereby forming a fluid-tight connector.

[0043] The hose retainer 12 element may specifically include a second end 3 on the first side of the hose retainer element. The second (e.g., tubular) end 3 on the hose retainer 12 element may specifically be a convex end. The hose retainer 12 element may specifically include a tubular wall 14 on the second side of the hose retainer element opposite to the first side, the interior of which is defined to provide a valve seat for receiving the second valve 8.

[0044] The tubular wall 14 may specifically include tapered side surfaces, particularly the outer surface, which are connected to the tapered side surfaces of the inner surface of the third portion 10, in particular. Specifically, the third portion 10 may include a cup body, which wholly or partially comprises the tubular wall 14. The aforementioned tapered side surfaces of the third portion 10 may be particularly arranged on the inner side of the aforementioned cup body.

[0045] The second part 5 may specifically include a fastening ring 15 or a locking ring, which is arranged axially and contacts the cover 13 on a first side of the fastening ring, wherein axial refers to the axis relative to the cover-first part connector.

[0046] The fastening ring 15 may be arranged in particular in the axial direction, contacting the flange portion 16 on the second side opposite to the first side, and protruding radially to the outside of the hose retainer 12 element, wherein radial refers to the axis relative to the aforementioned cover-first part connector.

[0047] The second part 5 can be specifically configured to secure the dispensing tube to the second end 3 and make it non-removable without damaging or cutting the tube itself, thereby designing an anti-tampering device that is protected from the risk of being tampered with.

[0048] The first part 4 may specifically include a tubular wall 17 on a first side of the first part, the interior of which a valve seat is defined to receive the first valve 6. The first part 4 may specifically include a tubular body 18 on a second side of the first part opposite to the first part. A cap-first part connector (which is a screw connector in this specific embodiment) may specifically be arranged between the outer surface of the tubular body 18 and the inner surface of the cap 13. The tubular body 18 may specifically be formed and arranged to wholly or partially encompass the third part of the cup body 10.

[0049] The first part 4 may specifically include an annular protrusion 19 on the second side of the first part, which includes a tapered side surface, particularly the inner side surface, connected to a tapered side surface, particularly the outer side surface, of the third part 10.

[0050] The third part 10 may specifically include a radially outwardly projecting flange 20, where radial refers to the axis relative to the cover-first part connector.

[0051] Flange 20 may be specifically arranged axially, contacting one end of pipe body 18 on one side and contacting second part 5 on the other side. Flange 20 may also be specifically arranged axially, contacting the fastening ring 15 of second part 5.

[0052] The third part 10 may specifically include an annular protrusion 21 that axially projects to the second end 3 of the connector 1, wherein axial refers to the axis relative to the cover-first part connector.

[0053] The annular protrusion 21 can be inserted, at least partially, into the connector located in the annular groove provided on the hose retainer element 12. The annular groove can be opened to the first end 2 of the connector and can be provided between the tubular wall 14 of the hose retainer element and the annular edge 22 of the hose retainer element, which is arranged radially outward relative to the tubular wall 14.

[0054] The third part 10 may specifically include a plurality of ribs 23, for example, radially outwardly projecting and axially extending. For example, three ribs 23 are arranged at an angle to each other. The ribs 23 may specifically project from the outer surface of the cup body of the third part 10. The ribs 23 may be formed and arranged, in particular to facilitate the central placement of the cup body of the third part 10 of the tubular body 10 inside the tubular body 18 of the first part 4.

[0055] In use, during the assembly configuration of the components, the first valve 6 is kept open by the thrust of the first valve 6's opener 7 via pin 11. The second valve 8 is normally closed and will be opened by the vacuum generated by the distribution pump connected to the distribution pipe applied to the second end of the connector 3.

[0056] The first valve 6 (check valve) is a valve located on the side of the connector 1 facing the container of fluid to be dispensed, i.e., the side of the bag-in-a-box container according to the specific non-limiting embodiment shown herein. The first valve 6 essentially allows the container (bag-in-a-box) to be opened when the assembled connector 1 is applied to the container.

[0057] The second valve 8 (check valve) is a valve located on the side of connector 1 facing the fluid distribution area (in practice, the distribution pipe is connected to the distribution pump), such that the second valve 8 is located downstream of the first valve 6, where "downstream" refers to the flow direction relative to the distributed liquid. The second valve 8 is essentially connected to the side of the distribution pump (peristaltic pump) and is configured to open by the vacuum generated by the pump when the pump is driven.

[0058] The presence of two valves arranged in series in the liquid distribution circuit significantly reduces the contact between the liquid and air. It is particularly important to note that the distribution circuit remains closed, at least when the distribution pump is not activated, even when the first valve 6 is open.

[0059] It can be observed that when the first part 4 of connector 1 is installed onto the bag-in-box container, the first valve 6 is normally closed. The first valve 4 is opened by the thrust provided on the third part 10 of connector. When the second part 5 is connected to the first part 4 during the assembly step, the third part 10 is inserted between the first part 4 and the second part 5, especially when the cap 13 of the second part 5 is screwed onto the thread provided on the first part 4.

[0060] It can also be seen that there is no need to use any spring-loaded valves or other elastic elements when operating the opener / closer. In fact, the implementation shown in the figure can use two springless check valves, such as those with discs or other types of openers / closers (easy to clean and reuse). Of course, spring-loaded check valves can also be used.

[0061] Connector 1 can be used in dispensing devices (i.e., not shown), for example, for cocktails. The dispensing device may specifically include two or more containers, each containing at least one ingredient (e.g., a cocktail). For example, the dispensing device may be provided to include two or more containers (e.g., bottles) to contain a first type of ingredient (e.g., an alcoholic ingredient for a cocktail), and two or more sealed, airtight vacuum containers that are empty (e.g., bag-in-box type) to contain a second type of ingredient (e.g., a non-alcoholic ingredient).

[0062] The dispensing device may specifically include at least one dispensing unit (e.g., including a single tap) connected to the aforementioned container to display ingredients (e.g., ingredients for forming a cocktail). This dispensing device can, in particular, dispense ingredients for preparing a mixture (cocktail), while simultaneously connecting all containers as dispensing units, producing selected ingredients (cocktails) from various ingredients (e.g., alcoholic and / or non-alcoholic).

[0063] The dispensing equipment may specifically include, for each of the aforementioned containers, at least one dispensing pump for generating a dispensing flow from the respective container to the dispensing unit. The dispensing pump may specifically include a peristaltic pump.

[0064] At least one dispensing device for the aforementioned containers (particularly bag-in-box containers) may be equipped with the connectors disclosed above to connect the containers to the corresponding dispensing pumps.

[0065] The first part 4 can be configured to (sealedly) connect to the flexible part (bag) of the bag container in the box. The remaining parts of the assembly (parts 5 and 10 in particular) can be assembled onto the first part 4 that is already attached to the container.

[0066] The mixture (cocktail) can be prepared particularly automatically by this dispensing device. For this purpose, the device may specifically include a programmable electronic control unit for operator control of various dispensing pumps according to selectable recipes. The device may also specifically include a user interface through which the desired recipe can be selected. This user interface may include, for example, an electronic device's user interface, such as a tablet computer, and may also include the aforementioned programmable electronic control unit with computer-programmed instructions suitable for automated operation of the dispensing device.

Claims

1. A connector (1) for a fluid dispenser, comprising an assembly having a first end (2) and a second end (3), the first end (2) configured to connect to a liquid reservoir and the second end (3) configured to connect to a fluid dispensing tube, the assembly defining a fluid passage from the first end (2) to the second end (3), the assembly comprising: The first part (4) includes the first end (2), and the second part (5) includes the second end (3); The first valve (6) is a check valve configured to open toward the first end (2); The second valve (8) is a check valve, which is disposed between the first valve (6) and the second end (3) and configured to open toward the second end (3); A third part (10), which is arranged between the first part (4) and the second part (5), includes a pin (11) protruding toward the first end (2), whereby, in the assembly configuration of the component, the pin (11) interacts with the first valve (6) to place the first valve (6) in the open position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The second part (5) includes a hose retainer (12) and a hose locking device operatively associated with the hose retainer (12), the hose locking device including a cap (13) connected to the first part (4) via a connector, the hose retainer (12) including a second end (3) on a first side and a tubular wall (14) on a second side opposite to the first side, the tubular wall (14) internally defining a valve seat for accommodating the second valve (8), the tubular wall (14) including a tapered side surface connected to the tapered side surface of the third part (10); the second end (3) on the hose retainer (12) is a convex end.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The second part (5) includes a fastening ring (15) arranged to contact the cover (13) axially on a first side of the fastening ring (15) and to contact a flange portion (16) that protrudes radially from the hose retainer (12) on a second side of the fastening ring (15) opposite to the first side, wherein radial means relative to the axis of the cover-first part connector.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The cover-first part connector includes a screw connector.

5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The first part (4) includes a tubular wall on a first side internally defined for accommodating a valve seat for the first valve (6) and a tubular body (18) on a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the cap-first part connector is arranged between the outer surface of the tubular body (18) and the inner surface of the cap (13).

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The first part (4) includes an annular protrusion (19) on the second side, the annular protrusion (19) including a tapered side surface which is connected to the tapered side surface of the third part (10).

7. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The third part (10) includes an outwardly radially projecting flange (20), wherein radial refers to the axis relative to the cover-first part connector, the flange (20) being arranged to contact one end of the tubular body (18) axially on a first side of the flange (20) and to contact the second part (5) on a second side of the flange (20) opposite to the first side.

8. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The third part (10) includes an annular protrusion (21) that protrudes axially toward the second end (3), wherein axial refers to the axis relative to the cover-first part connector, and the annular protrusion (21) is at least partially inserted into an interlocking connector in an annular groove on the hose holder (12); the annular groove is formed between the tubular wall (14) of the hose holder (12) and the annular edge (22) of the hose holder (12) which is arranged radially further out than the tubular wall (14).

9. A combination of a bag-in-a-box container and a connector, wherein, The connector (1) includes an assembly having a first end (2) and a second end (3), the first end (2) being configured to connect to a liquid reservoir and the second end (3) being configured to connect to a fluid distribution tube, the assembly defining a fluid passage from the first end (2) to the second end (3), the assembly including: The first part (4) includes the first end (2), and the second part (5) includes the second end (3); The first valve (6) is a check valve configured to open toward the first end (2); The second valve (8) is a check valve, which is disposed between the first valve (6) and the second end (3) and configured to open toward the second end (3); A third part (10) is arranged between the first part (4) and the second part (5), the third part (10) including a pin (11) protruding toward the first end (2), whereby, in the assembly configuration of the component, the pin (11) interacts with the first valve (6) to place the first valve (6) in the open position; The first part (4) is fluid-sealed to a flexible component of the bag-in-box container, the flexible component containing the fluid to be dispensed.

10. A dispensing device, comprising: Two or more containers, each containing at least one ingredient; At least one dispensing unit is connected to the two or more containers to dispense ingredients, thereby forming a mixture; For each of the two or more containers, at least one dispensing pump is provided to generate a dispensing flow from the respective container toward the dispensing unit; The feature is that at least one of the two or more containers is provided with a connector (1) according to any one of claims 1-8 to connect the container itself to the corresponding dispensing pump.

11. A method for preparing a mixture, characterized in that, Using the device according to claim 10, wherein the first valve (6) is kept open by the pin (11) in the assembly configuration of the components, and wherein the second valve (8) is opened due to the vacuum generated by the corresponding dispensing pump.

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