Cooling equipment for beverage dispensing systems

Abstract

A cooling device (1) for a beverage dispensing system includes: a housing (2) and a pressure source (43) for applying pressure to a beverage container (15) to dispense the beverage; wherein an inlet orifice (62) and an outlet orifice (61) are arranged in a sidewall (5) of the housing (2) to allow airflow into the housing (2); and an air passage (7) extending between the inlet orifice (62) and the outlet orifice (61). A heat exchange device (8) is arranged to receive heat from the beverage container (15); and a condenser (11) is arranged in the air passage (7) and thermally connected to the heat exchange device (8) to dissipate the heat received from the beverage container (15) to the air passage (7) and provide effective cooling. The housing (2) may be laterally defined as a circular hourglass shape to achieve a compact and fail-safe form factor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system for dispensing beverages stored in beverage containers, and more specifically to a cooling device arranged in the beverage dispensing system for cooling the beverage containers. Background Technology

[0002] For example, conventional beverage dispensing systems for professional or private use, such as the DraughtMaster system manufactured for the applicant company, are described in WO 2007 / 019848, WO 2007 / 019849, WO 2007 / 019850, WO 2007 / 019851 and WO2007 / 019853.

[0003] Beverage dispensing systems are typically used in beverage dispensing facilities for the efficient dispensing of large quantities of beverages, including carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draft beer and cider, non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, and non-carbonated beverages such as wine and fruit juice. Beverage dispensing is typically achieved by placing the beverage into a pressurized beverage container called a barrel and allowing the beverage to flow through a beverage line to a dispensing section. Traditionally, steel containers connected to a carbon dioxide supply or a mixed gas supply have been used; however, collapsible polymer containers are now also available, an example of which is disclosed in the applicant's own international application WO2009 / 02414.

[0004] These beverage dispensing systems have traditionally been used by professional users in establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. However, there is also a growing demand from private individuals for beverage dispensing systems at home, such as brewing units with replaceable beer kegs, where beer is expected to be dispensed from the brewing unit at a suitable temperature, typically well below ambient temperature.

[0005] Since most beverages contain nutrients and other substances that can promote bacterial growth, it is important to cool these kegs during their use in dispensing systems. Besides the unpleasant experience of drinking beverages at uncomfortably high temperatures, insufficient cooling and excessive heat can lead to bacterial growth and health problems for beverage consumers.

[0006] An example of prior art addressing this problem is US 3,889,487, which illustrates a system in which a beverage container is connected via a flexible conduit to a faucet on a standard faucet, wherein the container is held in a refrigeration chamber and the beverage is pressurized by supplying carbon dioxide to the container. One problem with this conventional cooling solution is that maintaining a constant low temperature in the refrigeration chamber requires either a continuous supply of cooling medium or an efficient cooling system, typically employing one or more high-performance fans. These solutions are less problematic for specialized institutions due to space and industrial supply unit availability, as well as already high noise levels. However, these systems are impractical for smaller, privately owned beverage dispensing systems because they generate significant noise and / or require specialized maintenance.

[0007] Self-cooling containers offer private users an alternative based on two distinct principles. The first principle utilizes a closed system separate from the product to be cooled, initiating an endothermic reaction upon activation to cool the product. Containers based on this principle are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,266,879 and 6,178,753. The second principle is based on a closed dual-chamber system separate from the product to be cooled, where one chamber includes an evaporation unit and the second chamber includes an absorption unit. When a valve between the two chambers opens, the pressure drop causes the fluid to evaporate from the evaporation chamber, thus removing heat from the evaporator. The heat-removing material in the second chamber absorbs the heat of vaporization. U.S. Patent No. 6,829,902 describes a self-cooling container based on a phase change principle. A disadvantage associated with self-cooling containers designed according to the prior art is the need for a specially designed container containing the cooling elements. This makes the manufacturing process very expensive, as the container needs to be specially manufactured from specific materials with a specific pressurization chamber.

[0008] EP3246385A1 discloses a beer brewing machine and dispensing system intended for professional and private users. This system includes a more conventional refrigeration cycle with a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator disposed within the fermentation tank. The refrigeration cycle controls the temperature of the fermentation tank by circulating a refrigerant; and insulating walls surround the fermentation tank and evaporator. The system may also include an air pump to supply airflow into the fermentation tank; however, there is no air circulation between the interior of the equipment and the surrounding environment. This system can maintain a suitable temperature for the fermentation tank using a relatively simple structure; however, it is not designed to provide sufficient cooling to cool the beverage to a temperature suitable for consumption or preservation, i.e., to avoid high levels of biological activity in the beverage.

[0009] WO2018212660A1 describes a beverage dispensing assembly suitable for personal use, comprising a dispenser and a beverage container. The dispenser includes a housing with a receiver for receiving at least a portion of the container, with the neck and shoulder portions facing downwards. The housing includes a cooling device for cooling the walls of the receiver and, through contact cooling, cooling a portion of the beverage container. Cooling can be provided by a compressor-based cooling device, a piezoelectric-based cooling device, ice cooling, liquid cooling, etc.

[0010] This component offers a good solution for effectively cooling beverages to the user's desired temperature because it can cool the area from which the beverage is typically dispensed. However, the system offers only limited efficiency in keeping the entire beverage container at a low temperature.

[0011] EP1289874B1 describes a beverage dispensing system with an air-cooled refrigerator, in which a fan draws in air and passes it through a cooling unit, forcing the air to circulate around a beverage container housed within a casing for cooling. The refrigerator is positioned below the dispensing platform, allowing air to be drawn in along the upper side and rear of the refrigerator and discharged along an evaporator positioned below it. This solution also suffers from the inherent drawbacks of conventional refrigerators, namely that the inlet or outlet channels, or both, tend to become clogged over time by accumulated dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Another problem with this solution is its inherent rectangular shape, which forces these refrigerators to be placed close to walls or even in corners, restricting air circulation from the start of operation, and any blockages further restrict air circulation over time. While EP1289874B1 addresses this issue by providing an openable, clean bottom design, this still requires frequent manual maintenance, often neglected in both private and professional settings, which can lead to performance degradation or malfunction, affecting the quality and even safety of the beverage consumed.

[0012] Therefore, there is still a need for an effective cooling solution for beverage dispensing systems suitable for private use that requires little or no maintenance in the long term and can keep beverage containers at the required low temperatures to keep the beverages inside fresh, preventing microbial growth while maintaining the desired consumption temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an improved beverage dispensing system that solves at least one of the problems existing in the prior art. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementations will become apparent from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0014] According to a first aspect, a beverage dispensing system is provided, comprising a housing having a bottom, a top, and continuous sidewalls that together define an enclosure structure for receiving at least a portion of a collapsible beverage container. A pressure source is provided for applying pressure to the collapsible beverage container to at least partially fold the container, thereby ejecting and dispensing a beverage from within the container. The housing further includes: an inlet orifice disposed in a sidewall for allowing airflow from a space outside the housing into the enclosure structure; an outlet orifice disposed in a sidewall downstream of the inlet orifice to allow airflow from the enclosure structure to a space outside the housing; and an air passage extending between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice. The system is equipped with a cooling device, which includes a heat exchanger and a condenser. The heat exchanger is arranged in the housing to receive heat from the beverage container when it is received in the housing. The condenser is arranged in the air passage and is thermally connected to the heat exchanger to dissipate the heat received from the beverage container to the air passage.

[0015] The disclosed beverage dispensing system allows for a compact design, which, through a combination of air channels and cooling equipment, can effectively provide a sufficiently low temperature to any beverage container inserted therein to keep the beverage fresh for an extended period. Because both the inlet and outlet ports are located on the sidewalls, the system has low maintenance costs, thereby reducing the accumulation of dust and other contaminants that could clog the flow of air through the housing.

[0016] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the heat exchange device includes a radiator wall and an evaporator, the radiator wall being arranged to be thermally connected to the beverage container when it is received in the housing; the evaporator is arranged to be thermally connected to the radiator wall. The cooling device also includes a compressor; and the evaporator, compressor, and condenser are interconnected via cooling conduits for circulating the cooling substance. The conduits also include an expansion valve arranged in the conduit between the condenser and the evaporator to provide a vapor compression cycle for cooling the beverage container.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the beverage container includes a closure having a beverage outlet, and the housing includes a cavity designed to accommodate at least a portion of the beverage container and the closure when the beverage container is received within the housing. The cavity is at least partially defined by a radiator wall, wherein an evaporator is arranged at least partially around the radiator wall for cooling the beverage container.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the housing may include: a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion being for receiving a beverage container; the second housing portion being arranged laterally relative to the first housing portion and connected to the first housing portion via a sidewall. An outlet port is arranged in the sidewall of the first housing portion; and an inlet port is arranged in the sidewall of the second housing portion, thereby allowing guided airflow to be formed between the outer side of the first housing portion and the outer side of the second housing portion via an air passage.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, both the heat exchanger and the condenser are arranged in the first housing portion; and the compressor is arranged in the second housing portion.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the sidewall includes: an inlet section including a set of inlet holes; an outlet section including a set of outlet holes; and at least one continuous section not interrupted by holes, the at least one continuous section being arranged between the inlet section and the outlet section.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the condenser is arranged in the air passage and in front of the outlet section so that heat can be effectively dissipated through the sidewalls.

[0022] In this embodiment, the condenser and the outlet section are arranged in parallel, and a gap is provided between the condenser and the outlet section.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sidewall includes an inner side facing the enclosure structure and an outer side facing the space outside the housing, wherein an air passage extends along the inner side of the sidewall.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one fan is arranged in an air duct to provide forced airflow in the air duct, thereby achieving a more effective cooling effect.

[0025] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least two fans are arranged in the air passage along opposite sides of the casing to achieve a more efficient cooling effect.

[0026] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the fans are arranged in parallel to provide unilateral airflow, wherein air flows from the inlet orifice through all the fans to the outlet orifice.

[0027] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one partition wall is arranged in the air passage and on the outflow side of at least one ventilator, each partition wall is arranged to fill the cross section of the air passage, and each partition wall includes an opening for restricting and guiding the airflow from the respective ventilator through the partition wall.

[0028] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one partition wall further includes a fluid guiding device for guiding airflow from the partition wall into the air passage, the fluid guiding device being arranged on the side of at least one partition wall opposite to the ventilator.

[0029] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the housing may include a receiver for receiving a beverage container, the receiver including a base portion and a cap-like portion that is at least partially removable. The receiver also includes an additional heat sink layer disposed in at least one of the base portion or the cap-like portion to provide additional cooling when the beverage container is received in the receiver.

[0030] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least a portion of the additional heat sink layer is arranged in the cover portion, the heat exchange device is arranged in the base portion, and the housing further includes a thermal bridge arranged between the base portion and the cover portion, thereby providing a thermal conductive connection between the additional heat sink layer and the heat exchange device.

[0031] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, where the cap portion is attached to the base portion, the receiver defines a sealable pressure chamber, wherein pressurized fluid from a pressure source can be applied to the pressure chamber to pressurize the beverage container, thereby dispensing the beverage.

[0032] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the beverage container includes a beverage filling pouch located inside the housing, wherein pressurized fluid from a pressure source can be applied to the space between the housing and the pouch to pressurize the beverage container, thereby dispensing the beverage.

[0033] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispensing line connected at one end to a beverage outlet of the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the housing, and the beverage dispensing line is at least partially disposed within the housing; the cooling device in this implementation includes a compressor and a heat insulation layer disposed between at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line and the compressor.

[0034] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, a heat sink layer is arranged in the housing to provide additional cooling for the beverage container; and at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line is configured to be thermally connected to the heat sink layer when the beverage container is received in the housing to provide additional cooling for the beverage flowing in the beverage dispensing line.

[0035] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the sidewall includes at least one curved section; wherein at least one of the inlet or outlet orifice is arranged in the curved section; and wherein at least a portion of the condenser is arranged along the curved section in an air passage, the condenser including a curved duct corresponding to the shape of the corresponding curved section.

[0036] This shape, and the corresponding curved shape described in the following implementations, provides a shape factor for the beverage dispensing system that ensures adequate clearance between the system housing and any walls or obstructions against which the housing rests. This, in turn, ensures proper air circulation inside and outside the housing, thereby ensuring effective cooling and preventing blockage of the inlet and outlet orifices.

[0037] In some embodiments, the curved section is shaped as a semi-cylindrical section, and the condenser is arranged along at least a portion of the curved section, preferably along the entire curved section, wherein in some embodiments the condenser even extends beyond the curved section at at least one end.

[0038] In this implementation, the sidewalls only include curved sections.

[0039] In one embodiment, the housing has a cylindrical shape, which is defined by an elliptical cross-section, a circular cross-section, or an elliptical cross-section.

[0040] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the sidewall includes at least two curved sections arranged on opposite sides of the housing, wherein the inlet and outlet ports are arranged in different curved sections of the at least two curved sections; and wherein the compressor is arranged in a curved section of the housing opposite to the curved section in which the condenser is located.

[0041] In one implementation, the sidewall includes only two curved sections connected by a straight section to provide a straight groove shape for the housing.

[0042] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the housing is defined laterally as a rounded hourglass shape, the sidewalls comprising four curved sections, the four curved sections comprising two recessed curved sections and two convex curved sections, the two recessed curved sections and the two convex curved sections being arranged intermittently; and wherein the condenser and the compressor are arranged at the respective recessed curved sections.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first housing portion is larger than the second housing portion, and the condenser is arranged in the first housing portion and located on the side of the first housing portion opposite to the second housing portion.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second housing portion is larger than the first housing portion, and the condenser is arranged in the second housing portion and located on the side of the second housing portion opposite to the first housing portion.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cooling substance is a refrigerant comprising at least one of hydrocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins, such as R-32, R-290, R-600a, R-454b, R-1234yf, R-514A, R-744, R-1234ze, and R-1233zd, with R-600a being the most preferred refrigerant.

[0046] These and other aspects will become apparent from the implementation methods described below. Attached Figure Description

[0047] In the following detailed sections of this disclosure, aspects, implementation methods, and methods of implementation will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 A vertical cross-section of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment is shown along axis S1;

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic horizontal cross-section along axis S2 is shown of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment;

[0050] Figure 3 A detailed horizontal cross-section of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment is shown along axis S2;

[0051] Figure 4 An isometric view of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment is shown cut across a horizontal plane;

[0052] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An additional isometric view of a beverage dispensing system according to another embodiment is shown;

[0053] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic horizontal cross-section of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to another possible embodiment is shown;

[0054] Figure 7 A detailed vertical section of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment is shown along axis S1;

[0055] Figure 8 A partial vertical cross-section of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment is shown along axis S1;

[0056] Figure 9 A partial equidistant cross section along axis S1 is shown of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment;

[0057] Figure 10 A partial isometric side view of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment is shown, with its housing and some additional components removed;

[0058] Figure 11 A schematic vertical cross-section of a beverage dispensing system according to an alternative embodiment is shown; and

[0059] Figure 12A and Figure 12B A schematic horizontal cross-section of a beverage dispensing system according to an alternative embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 A beverage dispensing system with a cooling device 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown along axis S1 (e.g., Figure 2 The vertical cross-section is shown in the diagram. The beverage dispensing system is configured to dispense beverages from a beverage container 15 disposed therein. Beverages may include, but are not limited to, beer, carbonated malt-based beverages, non-alcoholic beer, or cider.

[0061] The beverage container 15 can be a lightweight, collapsible, and disposable beverage container (bucket). The collapsible beverage container 15 can be made of a thin and flexible plastic material, or it can even be in the form of a plastic bag.

[0062] During the dispensing operation, pressure is applied to cause the beverage to flow from the beverage container 15 and through the dispensing line 29 leading to the dispensing head device equipped with a dispensing handle. The dispensing handle allows the operator to control the dispensing valve and thus control the beverage dispensing operation. Typically, the dispensing handle is part of the beverage serving container installed in a bar, such as in, for example... Figure 1 As shown, or when using a smaller beverage dispensing system, the dispensing handle can be mounted on the housing 2 of the beverage dispensing system, and the dispensing handle is typically mounted on the front of the beverage container 15, such as, for example... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, this allows the operator to easily use the dispensing handle to dispense the beverage.

[0063] Therefore, when the beverage container 15 is received in the housing 2, the beverage is dispensed from the beverage container 15 via the beverage dispensing line 29, which is connected at one end to the beverage outlet 17 of the beverage container 15, and which is at least partially disposed within the housing 2. The beverage dispensing line 29 can also optionally be extracted via a beverage container assembly, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shown in more detail.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the beverage dispensing system includes a housing 2 having a bottom 3, a top 4, and continuous sidewalls 5, which together define an enclosure structure for receiving at least a portion of a beverage container 15. The sidewalls 5 include an inner side 51 facing the enclosure structure and an outer side 52 facing a space outside the housing 2. At least one inlet orifice 62 is arranged in the sidewall 5 to allow airflow from the space outside the housing 2 into the enclosure structure (as indicated by the left arrow); simultaneously, at least one additional outlet orifice 61 is arranged in the sidewall 5 downstream of the inlet orifice 62 to allow airflow from the enclosure structure to the space outside the housing 2 (as indicated by the right arrow).

[0065] Air passage 7 is arranged in housing 2 to extend at least between inlet port 62 and outlet port 61 (in Figure 2 and Figure 3 (As better shown in the horizontal cross-section). The air passage 7 extends along the inner side 51 of the sidewall 5.

[0066] The system also includes a heat exchange device 8 disposed in the housing 2 for receiving heat from the beverage container 15 when the beverage container 15 is received in the housing 2 as part of the cooling device 1. As another part of the cooling device 1, a condenser 11 is disposed in the air passage 7 and is thermally connected to the heat exchange device 8, such that the condenser 11 can dissipate the heat received from the beverage container 15 to the air passage 7.

[0067] The heat exchange device 8 can be a radiator wall 9, which is arranged to be thermally connected to the beverage container 15 when the beverage container 15 is received in the housing 2. Figure 2 As shown, and in Figure 4 and Figure 9 The evaporator 10 can also be arranged to be thermally connected to the radiator wall 9.

[0068] The cooling device 1 may also include a compressor 12 as part of the cooling device 1, which can provide a fixed or adjustable pressure.

[0069] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the evaporator 10, compressor 12, and condenser 11 are interconnected via a cooling conduit 13 for circulating a cooling substance; this conduit also includes an expansion valve 14 disposed in the conduit between the condenser 11 and the evaporator 10 to provide a vapor compression cycle for cooling the beverage container 15. The cooling substance can be a refrigerant including at least one of hydrocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins, such as R-32, R-290, R-600a, R-454b, R-1234yf, R-514A, R-744CO2, R-1234ze, and R-1233zd, most preferably R-600a.

[0070] Pressure source 43 may also be arranged in housing 2 to provide increased pressure from gas supply device and apply that pressure to beverage container 15 to dispense beverage. Pressure source 43 is fluidly connected to the interior space of housing 2 to pressurize and apply force to beverage container 15, causing beverage container 15 to fold and force beverage through beverage dispensing line 29 and out through dispensing head device.

[0071] Figure 2 A schematic horizontal cross-section along axis S2 of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment and other exemplary embodiments shown in the figures below, structures and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described or shown herein are indicated using the same reference numerals as previously used for simplification.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 2 may include: a first housing portion 21 and a second housing portion 22, the first housing portion 21 being for receiving a beverage container 15; the second housing portion 22 being arranged laterally with respect to the first housing portion 21, and the second housing portion 22 being connected to the first housing portion 21 via a side wall 5. Figure 2In the example shown, the outlet hole 61 is arranged in the side wall 5 of the first housing portion 21; the inlet hole 62 is arranged in the side wall 5 of the second housing portion 22, thereby allowing a guided airflow to be formed between the outer side 52 of the first housing portion 21 and the outer side 52 of the second housing portion 22 through the air passage 7.

[0073] According to a specific example, both the heat exchanger 8 and the condenser 11 are arranged in the first housing portion 21; while the compressor 12 is arranged in the second housing portion 22.

[0074] As in Figure 2 As further shown, at least one fan 19 is arranged in the air passage 7 to provide forced airflow in the air passage 7 at a fixed or adjustable speed. In a preferred example, at least two fans 19 are arranged in the air passage 7 along opposite sides of the housing 2, the at least two fans 19 being arranged in parallel to provide unilateral airflow, wherein air flows from the inlet port 62 through all the fans 19 to the outlet port 61.

[0075] The first housing portion 21 may be larger than the second housing portion 22, and the condenser 11 may be arranged in the first housing portion 21 so that it can provide a larger surface area. The condenser 11 may be arranged on the side of the first housing portion 21 opposite to the second housing portion 22.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second housing portion 22 is larger than the first housing portion 21, and the condenser 11 is arranged in the second housing portion 22 and the condenser 11 is located on the side of the second housing portion 22 opposite to the first housing portion 21.

[0077] Figure 3 A detailed horizontal cross-section along axis S2 is shown of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this cross-section, the arrangement of the components of the beverage dispensing system more closely resembles a specific operational implementation. In this example and... Figures 2 to 4 In another preferred example shown, the housing 2 is laterally defined as a rounded hourglass shape, and the sidewall 5 includes four curved sections 31 (explained in more detail in FIG. 6). These four curved sections 31 include two recessed curved sections 34 and two raised curved sections 35, arranged intermittently. In these embodiments, the condenser 11 and compressor 12 are arranged at the corresponding recessed curved sections 34.

[0078] Figure 4 An isometric view of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut across a horizontal plane, is shown. Figure 4 As shown, and in Figure 10As shown in more detail, at least one partition wall 20 may also be arranged in the air passage 7 and on the outflow side of at least one fan 19. Each partition wall 20 may be arranged to fill the cross-section of the air passage 7, and each partition wall 20 includes an opening for restricting and guiding the airflow from the respective fan 19 through the partition wall 20.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6 below, at least one partition wall 20 may further include a fluid guiding device 23 for guiding airflow from the partition wall 20 into the air passage 7. The fluid guiding device 23 is arranged on the side of at least one partition wall 20 opposite to the ventilator 19. The fluid guiding device 23 may be in the form of a tapered nozzle with an adjustable or fixed direction and having a fixed or adjustable diameter.

[0080] In some examples, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the cooling device 1 may also include an additional heat sink layer 27 made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, to provide additional cooling when the beverage container 15 is received in the receiver 24. The heat sink layer 27 may be arranged in the base portion 25 or the cover portion 26 of the housing 2, depending on the location of the connection between the base 25 and the cover 26, i.e., which portion has a larger surface area.

[0081] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the sidewall 5 may include an inlet section 38 and an outlet section 36. The inlet section 38 includes a set of inlet holes, including an inlet hole 62; the outlet section 36 includes a set of outlet holes, including an outlet hole 61. In these exemplary embodiments, at least one continuous section 37 not interrupted by holes is also arranged between the inlet section 38 and the outlet section 36. However, the sidewall may also always have holes. The condenser 11 may be arranged in the air passage 7 and in front of the outlet section 36 to effectively dissipate heat through the sidewall 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the condenser 11 and the outlet section 36 are arranged in parallel, and a gap is provided between the condenser 11 and the outlet section 36.

[0082] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B Specifically shown, and throughout Figure 1 To Figure 5, Figure 10 , Figure 12AIn other embodiments, the sidewall 5 includes at least one curved section 31. As shown in these examples, at least one of the inlet or outlet orifice 62 is arranged in such a curved section 31; and at least a portion of the condenser 11 is arranged along the curved section 31 in the air passage 7, the condenser 11 including a curved conduit 32 corresponding to the shape of the corresponding curved section 31.

[0083] In example Figure 3 , Figure 6A In the embodiment shown, at least some of the curved sections 31 are shaped as semi-cylindrical sections.

[0084] In example Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6A In the example shown, the sidewall 5 includes at least two curved sections 31 arranged on opposite sides of the housing 2, wherein the inlet port 62 and the outlet port 61 are arranged in different curved sections of the at least two curved sections 31; and wherein the compressor 12 is arranged in the curved section 31 opposite to the condenser 11 in the housing 2.

[0085] The condenser 11 may be arranged along at least a portion of the curved section 31. In other possible embodiments, the condenser 11 may be arranged along the entire curved section 31, or the condenser 11 may even extend beyond the curved section 31 at at least one end, such as... Figure 6A As shown.

[0086] In such Figure 12A In the example shown, the housing 2 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape can be defined by an elliptical cross section, a circular cross section, or even an elliptical cross section.

[0087] In such Figure 12A In the embodiment shown, the sidewall 5 includes only the curved section 31.

[0088] In such Figure 6B and Figure 12B In other possible implementations shown, the sidewall 5 does not include any curved sections.

[0089] In such Figure 6A In some embodiments shown, the sidewall 5 includes only two curved sections 31 connected by a straight section 33 to provide a straight groove shape for the housing 2.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 To and Figure 1In a more detailed section corresponding to the embodiment, the housing 2 may include a receiver 24 for receiving a beverage container 15, the receiver 24 including a base portion 25 and at least a partially removable cap portion 26.

[0091] When the cap portion 26 is attached to the base portion 25, the receiver 24 can define a sealable pressure chamber 44, and pressurized fluid from the pressure source 43 can be applied to the pressure chamber 44 to pressurize the beverage container 15, thereby dispensing the beverage.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown in a partial cross-section, the beverage container 15 may include a closure 16 having a beverage outlet 17. In this exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, the housing 2 includes a cavity 18 designed to accommodate at least a portion of the beverage container 15 and the closure 16 when the beverage container 15 is received in the housing 2. The cavity 18 is at least partially defined by a radiator wall 9, wherein evaporator 10 tubing is arranged in a spiral configuration to at least partially surround the radiator wall 9 for cooling the beverage container 15.

[0093] like Figure 8 As further shown, a heat exchange device 8, including an evaporator 10 arranged to be thermally connected to the radiator wall 9, may be arranged in the base portion 25, and at least a portion of the additional radiator layer 27, as previously described, may be arranged in the cover portion 26. In this embodiment, the housing 2 may also include a thermal bridge 28 of any known and suitable manner, arranged between the base portion 25 and the cover portion 26, thereby providing a thermally conductive connection between the additional radiator layer 27 and any of the heat exchange devices 8.

[0094] like Figure 8 As also shown, the beverage dispensing line 29 is connected to the beverage outlet 17 at one end, and the cooling device 1 includes a compressor 12 that can dissipate heat. In order to keep the dispensed beverage at a low temperature and avoid the effects of the heat dissipated by the compressor 12, an insulation layer 30 may be arranged between at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line 29 and the compressor 12.

[0095] For example Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, when the beverage container 15 is received in the housing 2, at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line 29 can be configured to be thermally connected to the heat sink layer 27 to provide additional cooling for the beverage flowing in the beverage dispensing line 29. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging a portion of the beverage dispensing line 29 close to the beverage container 15 and using a metal-based thermal bridge between the heat sink layer 27 and the portion of the beverage dispensing line 29.

[0096] Figure 9 A portion of an equidistant cross-section along axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, a heat insulation layer 30 is arranged between a portion of the beverage dispensing conduit 29 and the compressor 12. The figure also shows an inlet section 38 and an outlet section 36, the inlet section 38 including a set of horizontal inlet holes 62 and the outlet section 36 including a set of horizontal outlet holes 61. A condenser 11, shown on the right side of the figure, is arranged in an air passage 7 along the curved rear side of the housing. The condenser 11 includes a curved conduit 32, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the respective curved section 31. Figure 9 It can also be seen that the air passage 7 extends between the compressor 12 and the inlet section 38.

[0097] Figure 10 A partial isometric side view of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the housing and some other components have been removed to better observe the components of the cooling device 1. In particular, a partition wall 20 is shown, which is arranged in the air passage 7 and located on the outflow side of the fan 19. The partition wall 20 is arranged to fill the cross-section of the air passage 7 and includes holes for restricting and guiding airflow from the fan 19 through the partition wall 20. Figure 10 The actual arrangement of the cooling pipes connecting the compressor 12 and the evaporator 10 (not shown) is also shown. The figure also shows the arrangement of the base portion 25 and the removable cover portion 26, which define a sealable pressure chamber 44 when the cover portion 26 is attached to the base portion 25.

[0098] Finally, as well as Figure 10 As shown, with Figure 9 Similarly, the condenser 11 includes a curved conduit 32, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the respective curved sections 31 of the sidewall 5 (not shown).

[0099] Figure 11A schematic vertical cross-section of a beverage dispensing system according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the dispensing head device is directly mounted on the body 5 of the beverage dispensing system. In this exemplary embodiment, the beverage container 15 may include a beverage filling bag 40 inside the housing 41, wherein pressurized fluid from a pressure source 43 may be applied to the space 42 between the housing 41 and the bag 40 to pressurize the beverage container 15 to dispense the beverage.

[0100] In addition to the above, this alternative embodiment includes corresponding structures and features that are the same or similar to those previously described, and for simplicity, they are referred to herein by the same reference numerals as previously used, such as evaporator 10, condenser 11, and compressor 12.

[0101] Specifically, the housing 2 includes an evaporator 10 pipe arranged in a spiral around the lower portion of the beverage container 15, which has a beverage outlet 17 connected to a beverage dispensing pipe 29 leading to a dispensing head device.

[0102] Similarly, as previously described, housing 2 may include a receiver 24 for receiving beverage container 15, the receiver 24 including a base portion 25 and a cap-like portion 26 that is at least partially removable.

[0103] exist Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B In all the alternative embodiments shown, similar to those previously described, at least one inlet hole 62 is arranged in the side wall 5 of the housing 2 to allow airflow from the space outside the housing 2 into the enclosure structure (as shown by the left arrow); at the same time, at least one additional outlet hole 61 is also arranged in the side wall 5 downstream of the inlet hole 62 to allow airflow from the enclosure structure to the space outside the housing 2 (as shown by the right arrow).

[0104] In all embodiments, an air passage 7 is arranged in the housing 2 to extend at least between the inlet port 62 and the outlet port 61. In all cases, the air passage 7 extends along the inner side of the sidewall 5. The sidewall 5 may include an inlet section 38 including a set of inlet ports 62; the outlet section 36 includes a set of outlet ports 61. In these exemplary embodiments, at least one continuous section 37 uninterrupted by the holes is also arranged between the inlet section 38 and the outlet section 36; however, the sidewall may also always have holes. The illustrated condenser 11 may be arranged in the air passage 7 in front of the outlet section 36 to effectively dissipate heat through the sidewall 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the condenser 11 and the outlet section 36 are arranged in parallel, and the condenser 11 is in a straight shape. Figure 12B ) or for a curved shape ( Figure 12A Depending on the shape of the corresponding section, a gap is arranged between the condenser 11 and the outlet section 36.

[0105] Figure 12A and Figure 12B A schematic horizontal cross-section of a beverage dispensing system according to another alternative embodiment of this disclosure is shown, which is in contrast to... Figure 11 This corresponds to the implementation method using a double-walled beverage container 15.

[0106] As mentioned earlier, in such Figure 12A In the embodiment shown, the housing 2 has a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape can be defined by an elliptical cross-section, a circular cross-section, or even an elliptical cross-section.

[0107] In such Figure 12A In the embodiment shown, the sidewall 5 includes only the curved section 31.

[0108] In such as Figure 12B In other possible implementations shown, the sidewall 5 does not include any curved sections.

[0109] The beverage dispensing system may also include: a first power unit comprising a main power supply device; a second power unit comprising a battery power supply device; and optionally, a third power supply device comprising a solar power supply device. To further enhance the modularity of the system, it can be compatible with different power supply devices. For fixed indoor installations, a main power supply device, such as a 115V or 230V AC household power supply, is preferred because it provides virtually unlimited power to the system for both cooling and pressurization units, as well as other functions such as lighting. Batteries can advantageously be used in mobile devices. For example, batteries can be charged using the main power supply device and a power converter. Solar energy can be used to directly power the beverage dispensing system; however, since the output of solar cells is limited in the absence of direct sunlight, it is primarily considered an auxiliary power unit used in conjunction with rechargeable batteries.

[0110] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, upon studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several articles recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be fully utilized. Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media supplied with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0111] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings are intended to be read in conjunction with the specification (e.g., crosshairs, arrangement of parts, scale, extent, etc.) and should be considered part of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the specification, “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” as well as their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “to the right,” “upward,” etc.), refer only to the orientation of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of extension or axis of rotation (as the case may be).

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing system comprising: The housing (2) includes a bottom (3), a top (4) and a continuous sidewall (5), the bottom (3), the top (4) and the continuous sidewall (5) together defining a sealing structure for receiving at least a portion of a collapsible beverage container (15); Pressure source (43) for applying pressure to the beverage container (15) to at least partially fold the beverage container (15) to dispense the beverage; An inlet hole (62) is arranged in the continuous sidewall (5) to allow airflow to enter the enclosure structure from the space outside the housing (2); An outlet hole (61) is arranged in the continuous sidewall (5) and downstream of the inlet hole (62) to allow airflow from the enclosure structure to the space outside the housing (2); An air passage (7) extends at least between the inlet hole (62) and the outlet hole (61); as well as Cooling device (1), the cooling device (1) comprising: A heat exchange device (8), arranged in the housing (2), is provided for receiving heat from the beverage container (15) when the beverage container (15) is received into the housing (2); and A condenser (11) is arranged in the air passage (7) and is thermally connected to the heat exchange device (8) for dissipating heat received from the beverage container (15) to the air passage (7), characterized in that: The continuous sidewall (5) includes at least one curved section (31); Wherein, at least one of the inlet hole (62) or the outlet hole (61) is arranged in the curved section (31); and At least a portion of the condenser (11) is arranged in the air passage (7) along a curved section (31), the condenser (11) including a curved pipe (32) corresponding to the shape of the corresponding curved section (31).

2. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange device (8) includes a radiator wall (9) and an evaporator (10), wherein the radiator wall (9) is arranged to be thermally connected to the beverage container (15) when the beverage container (15) is received in the housing (2); and the evaporator (10) is arranged to be thermally connected to the radiator wall (9). The cooling device (1) further includes a compressor (12); The evaporator (10), the compressor (12), and the condenser (11) are interconnected via cooling pipes (13) for circulating the cooling substance; and The pipeline also includes an expansion valve (14) arranged in the pipeline between the condenser (11) and the evaporator (10) to provide a vapor compression cycle to cool the beverage container (15).

3. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 2, wherein, The beverage container (15) includes a closure (16) having a beverage outlet (17). The housing (2) includes a cavity (18) designed to accommodate at least a portion of the beverage container (15) and the closure (16) when the beverage container (15) is received in the housing (2). The cavity (18) is at least partially defined by the radiator wall (9), and the evaporator (10) is arranged at least partially around the radiator wall (9) for cooling the beverage container (15).

4. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (2) includes: A first housing portion (21) is used to receive the beverage container (15); A second housing portion (22) is arranged laterally relative to the first housing portion (21), and the second housing portion (22) is connected to the first housing portion (21) via the continuous sidewall (5); and wherein, The outlet hole (61) is arranged in the continuous sidewall (5) of the first housing portion (21); and The inlet hole (62) is arranged in the continuous sidewall (5) of the second housing part (22), thereby allowing a guided airflow to be formed between the outer side (52) of the first housing part (21) and the outer side (52) of the second housing part (22) through the air passage (7).

5. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 4, wherein, Both the heat exchange device (8) and the condenser (11) are arranged in the first housing portion (21); as well as The cooling device (1) further includes a compressor (12) which is arranged in the second housing portion (22).

6. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The continuous sidewall (5) includes: An inlet section (38) includes a set of inlet holes, the set of inlet holes including the inlet hole (62); An outlet section (36) comprising a set of outlet holes, the set of outlet holes including the outlet hole (61); and At least one continuous section (37) is not interrupted by a hole, and the at least one continuous section (37) is arranged between the inlet section (38) and the outlet section (36).

7. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 6, wherein, The condenser (11) is arranged in the air passage (7) and in front of the outlet section (36) so that heat can be effectively dissipated through the continuous sidewall (5).

8. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one ventilator (19) is arranged in the air passage (7) to provide forced airflow in the air passage (7).

9. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein, At least two fans (19) are arranged in the air passage (7) along opposite sides of the housing (2).

10. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 9, wherein, At least two of the ventilators (19) are arranged in parallel to provide unilateral airflow, wherein air flows from the inlet port (62) through all of the ventilators (19) to the outlet port (61).

11. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein, At least one partition wall (20) is arranged in the air passage (7) and on the outflow side of at least one of the ventilators (19), each partition wall (20) is arranged to fill the cross section of the air passage (7), and each partition wall (20) includes a hole for restricting and guiding the airflow from the corresponding ventilator (19) through the partition wall (20).

12. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 11, wherein, At least one partition wall (20) further includes a fluid guiding device (23) for guiding airflow from the partition wall (20) into the air passage (7), the fluid guiding device (23) being arranged on the side of the at least one partition wall (20) opposite to the ventilator (19).

13. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (2) includes a receiver (24) for receiving the beverage container (15), the receiver (24) including a base portion (25) and a cap-like portion (26) that is at least partially removable; and The receiver (24) further includes an additional heat sink layer (27) disposed in at least one of the base portion (25) or the cap portion (26) to provide additional cooling when the beverage container (15) is received in the receiver (24).

14. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein, At least a portion of the additional heat sink layer (27) is disposed in the cover portion (26). The heat exchange device (8) is arranged in the base portion (25); and The housing (2) further includes a thermal bridge (28) disposed between the base portion (25) and the cover portion (26) to provide a thermally conductive connection between the additional radiator layer (27) and the heat exchange device (8).

15. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein, With the cap portion (26) attached to the base portion (25), the receiver (24) defines a sealable pressure chamber (44), wherein pressurized fluid from the pressure source (43) can be applied to the pressure chamber (44) to pressurize the beverage container (15) and thereby dispense the beverage.

16. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The beverage container (15) includes a beverage filling pouch (40) located inside the housing (41), wherein pressurized fluid from the pressure source (43) can be applied to the space (42) between the housing (41) and the pouch (40) to pressurize the beverage container (15) and thereby dispense the beverage.

17. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispensing line (29) that is connected at one end to a beverage outlet (17) of the beverage container (15) when the beverage container (15) is received in the housing (2), and the beverage dispensing line (29) is arranged at least partially within the housing (2). The cooling device (1) includes a compressor (12); and The cooling device (1) further includes a heat insulation layer (30), which is arranged between at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line (29) and the compressor (12).

18. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 17, wherein, A heat sink layer (27) is arranged in the housing (2) to provide additional cooling for the beverage container (15); Furthermore, at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line (29) is configured such that, when the beverage container (15) is received in the housing (2), the at least portion of the beverage dispensing line (29) is thermally connected to the heat sink layer (27) to provide additional cooling for the beverage flowing in the beverage dispensing line (29).

19. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein, The continuous sidewall (5) includes at least two curved sections (31) arranged on opposite sides of the housing (2), wherein the inlet hole (62) and the outlet hole (61) are arranged in different curved sections of the at least two curved sections (31); and wherein the cooling device (1) further includes a compressor (12) arranged in the housing (2) at a curved section (31) opposite to the curved section (31) where the condenser (11) is located.

20. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 19, wherein, The housing (2) is laterally defined as a rounded hourglass shape, the continuous sidewall (5) includes four curved sections (31), the four curved sections (31) including two recessed curved sections (34) and two raised curved sections (35), the two recessed curved sections (34) and the two raised curved sections (35) are arranged intermittently; and wherein the condenser (11) and the compressor (12) are arranged at the corresponding recessed curved sections (34).

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