Connector for beverage dispensing line

Abstract

A connector (1) for connecting a beverage dispensing line (19) to a beverage container (40), the connector (1) comprising: a central channel (4); a flange (7); an annular first wall (8) extending from a central portion (71) of the flange (7); and a first ring (9) extending from the first wall (8) and configured to provide a fluid-tight interlocking connection with a corresponding annular baffle (37) of the closure (31) of the beverage container (40) when the connector (1) and the closure (31) are pushed together along the central axis (A). An annular skirt (11) extends from a peripheral portion (72) of the flange (7) and surrounds the first wall (8) and the first ring (9) to provide a protective and gripping surface for removing the connector (1) from the closure (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a beverage, and more particularly to a connector for connecting a beverage dispensing line to a beverage container. Background Art

[0002] Conventional beverage dispensing systems for professional or private use, such as the DraughtMaster produced by the Applicant Company, are described, for example, in WO 2007 / 019848, WO 2007 / 019849, WO 2007 / 019850, WO 2007 / 019851 and WO 2007 / 019853. TM system.

[0003] Beverage dispensing systems are typically used in beverage dispensing establishments for efficiently dispensing 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 juice. Beverage dispensing systems are primarily used by professional users in establishments such as bars, restaurants and hotels, however, private users are also increasingly using beverage dispensing systems in private homes and smaller establishments.

[0004] Some beverage dispensing systems, such as the DraughtMaster mentioned above TM The invention relates to a beverage dispensing system that uses a lightweight, foldable and disposable beverage container or bucket to contain the beverage and uses a pressurized system to allow the beverage to flow from the container to a tapping system. The foldable beverage container is typically made of a thin and flexible plastic material and can even be in the form of a plastic bag. This beverage dispensing system using a foldable beverage bucket can place the beverage bucket in a pressure chamber. Therefore, while traditional steel buckets require internal pressurization using a CO2 source, such as by pressurizing a CO2 cartridge connected to the bucket during dispensing, disposable beverage systems (such as the applicant's DraughtMaster) can be used to dispense beverages without the need for a CO2 source. TMThe tapping system (such as an air compressor) uses air from a separate pressure source (such as an air compressor) to push the beer out and collapse the barrel, which means that the beer will not be exposed to any source of contamination from the time it leaves the brewery to the time it leaves the tapping head through the spout. When performing the dispensing operation, the applied pressure causes the beverage to flow out of the beverage barrel and enter the dispensing line. The dispensing line leads to a tapping head including a tap handle. The tapping handle allows the operator to control the tapping valve and thereby control the beverage dispensing operation. Typically, the tapping handle is part of a beverage container installed in a bar, or when a smaller beverage dispensing system is used, the tapping handle is typically installed on the housing of the beverage dispensing system and is typically located in front of the barrel so that the operator can easily use the tapping handle to dispense the beverage.

[0005] For hygienic reasons, all parts of the beverage dispensing system that come into contact with the beverage must be handled in a sterile manner to avoid the entry of dirt and bacteria into the beverage. Therefore, in most beverage dispensing systems intended for private users and smaller institutions, the beverage container as well as the dispensing line and the discharge valve are for single use only. In this way, the beverage can be kept away from any possible contaminants during storage and dispensing. In order to ensure that the parts in contact with the beverage remain sterile, it is generally not recommended to disassemble the parts in contact with the beverage, i.e. disconnect the dispensing line from the container or disconnect the discharge valve from the discharge line, because such disconnection will usually damage the sterile environment of the beverage.

[0006] If the dispensing line and valve are separated from the barrel and not replaced together, a residual beverage layer may form inside after a considerable period of time. Although the spout portion is usually easier to clean because it extends from the discharge head, the residual beverage layer may solidify and eventually block the dispensing line and / or the discharge valve because they are located inside the discharge head and the container assembly, making the dispensing line and / or the discharge valve more difficult to access and clean. The accumulation of such residues may eventually destroy the beverage dispensing operation. However, even before blocking the dispensing line and / or the discharge valve, the residual beverage may also cause sanitation problems because the dispensing line and the discharge valve constitute an area that may accelerate bacterial growth due to the presence of beverage, large surface area compared to the beverage volume, lack of sufficient cooling, and proximity to the environment.

[0007] Therefore, some beverage dispensing systems use a dispensing line that is firmly attached or integrated with the keg to ensure that they are replaced together, thereby avoiding the above-mentioned hygiene and / or mechanical problems. However, such a system has certain disadvantages.

[0008] First, the need to integrate or attach the dispensing line to the keg prior to delivery to the customer reduces interchangeability between different types of kegs and dispensing lines and makes them more susceptible to problems during delivery, ultimately resulting in a damaged connection between the keg and the dispensing line.

[0009] A further problem with such integrated systems is that the beverage container needs to be installed in the beverage dispensing device with the dispensing line already attached, which can be a difficult task for a non-professional customer and can further lead to compromised system hygiene.

[0010] Some existing solutions use a detachable connection between the barrel and the dispensing line. However, these solutions usually require complex mechanical devices and separately provided tools to engage and disconnect the connection between the barrel and the dispensing line.

[0011] There is therefore a need for a beverage dispensing system in which beverage dispensing lines and beverage containers can be installed and replaced in an easy and user-friendly manner, while still ensuring a hygienic and mechanically uncomplicated connection between dispensing line and beverage container. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved beverage dispensing system which aims to address at least some of the above mentioned problems.

[0013] The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0014] According to a first aspect, there is provided a connector for connecting a beverage dispensing circuit to a beverage container, the connector comprising: a barrel connector end for connecting to a closure of a beverage container; a circuit connector end for connecting to a beverage dispensing circuit; and a central channel extending between the barrel connector end and the circuit connector end along a central axis of the connector. The barrel connector end comprises: a flange comprising: a central portion and a peripheral portion, the central portion surrounding the central channel, the peripheral portion surrounding the central portion; a fluid-tight annular first wall extending from the central portion of the flange and surrounding a first distal end of the central channel; and a fluid-tight annular first ring extending from the first wall and enclosing a disc-shaped first recess.

[0015] The connector according to this aspect enables a mechanically simple interlocking connection between a beverage dispensing line and a beverage container which can be automatically engaged by using the same pressure source from the beverage dispensing device for collapsing the beverage container and thus does not require any additional step of user intervention.

[0016] The arrangement of the connector also enables a fluid-tight connection with less complexity and less material than prior art solutions, since no separate gasket is required between the connector and the closure of the beverage container. This allows the entire connector to be easily mass-produced as a single-piece plastic element, for example by injection molding or even 3D printing.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the barrel connector end further includes an annular skirt extending from a peripheral portion of the flange and surrounding the first wall and the first ring.

[0018] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the skirt extends from the flange in a manner extending further than the first wall and the first ring.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the skirt extends from the flange to define a skirt inner wall facing the first wall and an opposite skirt outer wall, wherein at least the skirt outer wall comprises a corrugated surface.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the skirt includes a second annular member arranged at a distal end opposite to the flange, and a diameter of the second annular member is greater than a diameter of the flange.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the skirt includes at least one cut-out section and at least one solid section, and the at least one solid section is arranged in an intermittent manner with the at least one cut-out section to connect the flange with a second annular member arranged at the distal end of the skirt opposite to the flange.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first wall includes a first wall flange, which is arranged at the distal end of the first wall relative to the flange, the first wall flange has a larger outer diameter than the first wall, and wherein the first annular member extends from the periphery of the first wall flange.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the connector comprises at least one support wall extending from the first wall and between the flange and the first wall flange, the support wall being used to provide structural support to the first ring-shaped member and the first wall flange when engaging with a surface of a closure of a beverage container.

[0024] In an embodiment, a plurality of support walls extend radially from the first wall.

[0025] In an embodiment, four support walls are arranged to extend radially from the first wall at an angle of 90°.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first annular member extends from the first wall to define an annular member inner wall facing the first recess and an opposite annular member outer wall, and the annular member inner wall extends parallel to the annular member outer wall.

[0027] In an embodiment, the inner ring wall and the outer ring wall extend parallel to the central axis.

[0028] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first ring-shaped member comprises a rounded first edge for engaging with a surface of a closure of a beverage container.

[0029] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the connector further comprises at least one rib extending radially from an outer wall of the line connector end, the at least one rib comprising a rib outer surface facing radially outward from the line connector end and engaging with a corresponding support surface of the beverage dispensing device.

[0030] In an embodiment, at least one rib extends from the line connector end to the flange in a shape tapering outwardly towards the flange.

[0031] In an embodiment, the connector comprises a plurality of ribs extending radially from the outer wall.

[0032] In an embodiment, the connector comprises a plurality of ribs extending from the outer wall, wherein a first set of ribs extend parallel to each other and the first set of ribs are parallel to a mold separation direction of the connector.

[0033] In an embodiment, the further second set of ribs extends perpendicularly to the mold separation direction of the connector.

[0034] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one rib comprises snap-locking means arranged on an outer surface of the rib for achieving a snap-locking interlocking engagement with a corresponding supporting surface of the beverage dispensing device.

[0035] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first recess is arranged with a first diameter d1, and the central channel is arranged with a second diameter d2, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter, d1>d2.

[0036] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, a second distal end of the central channel at the end of the line connector is defined by a third diameter d3, which is larger than a second diameter d2 of the remainder of the central channel, d3>d2, and the first adapter recess is formed to receive a first line adapter arranged around a distal end of a beverage dispensing line having a fourth diameter d4, which is roughly equivalent to the second diameter, d4=d2.

[0037] In an embodiment, the third diameter d3 of the adapter recess is smaller than the first diameter of the first recess, d3 <d1。

[0038] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the connector is a solid, one-piece product.

[0039] In an embodiment, the connector is made of plastic, preferably recyclable polypropylene, such as PP RJ377 MO.

[0040] In an embodiment, the connector is mass-produced via injection molding.

[0041] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the connector comprises at least one annular gasket arranged on or around the flange, the first wall and / or the first ring to provide additional sealing for a fluid-tight connection with a closure of the beverage container.

[0042] According to a second aspect, there is provided a beverage dispensing circuit for a beverage container, the beverage dispensing circuit comprising:

[0043] a valve line end, the valve line end including a dispense line valve for selectively allowing or preventing beverage flow through the dispense line; and

[0044] A connector line end, the connector line end comprising any one of the connectors according to the possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the connector being used to connect a beverage dispensing line to a beverage container.

[0045] The beverage dispensing line according to this aspect allows automatic connection to the beverage container by using the same pressure source from the beverage dispensing device used to collapse the beverage container, and thus does not require any additional steps of user intervention, while allowing the beverage to be dispensed through the valve. The connection to the beverage container is strong enough to keep the dispensing line attached to the closure of the beverage container when the beverage container is removed from the beverage dispensing device, but not so strong that the dispensing line can still be removed from the beverage container in a manual manner without the need for additional tools.

[0046] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the distribution line valve is connected to the valve line end via a second line adapter, which is arranged around the valve line end and is shaped to snap-fit ​​with a second adapter recess having a corresponding shape, which is arranged in the distribution line valve.

[0047] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the connector line end includes a connector, which is connected to the connector line end via a first line adapter, the first line adapter is arranged to surround the connector line end, and the first line adapter is shaped to be snap-fitted with a first adapter recess having a corresponding shape, the first adapter recess being arranged at the line connector end of the connector.

[0048] In an embodiment, the first line adapter and the second line adapter are distinct and non-interchangeable.

[0049] In another possible implementation, the first line adapter and the second line adapter are identical and interchangeable.

[0050] According to a third aspect, there is provided a connector kit for connecting a beverage dispensing line to a beverage container, the kit comprising:

[0051] The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and

[0052] A closure for a beverage container, the closure comprising:

[0053] a coupling device for connecting the closure to the beverage container at the beverage outlet opening of the beverage container in a secure and sealed manner;

[0054] a beverage valve for selectively allowing or preventing beverage from flowing from the beverage outlet through the closure; a fluid-tight annular second wall surrounding the beverage valve and including a second edge;

[0055] A fluid-tight annular baffle extends from the outer periphery of the second edge and encloses a disc-shaped second recess; wherein the diameter of the second recess is sized to be comparable to the diameter of the first annular member of the connector to provide a fluid-tight interlocking connection when the connector and the closure are pushed together along the central axis.

[0056] The connector kit according to this aspect enables a mechanically simple interlocking connection between a beverage dispensing line and a beverage container which can be automatically engaged using the same pressure source from the beverage dispensing apparatus used to collapse the beverage container, thus not requiring any additional steps of user intervention.

[0057] The interlocking connection established between the first ring-shaped member of the connector and the annular baffle extending from the outer periphery of the second edge and surrounding the disc-shaped second recess in the closure is strong enough to keep the dispensing line attached to the closure when the beverage container is pulled, but not too strong so that the dispensing line can still be removed from the closure in a manual manner without the need for additional tools.

[0058] This allows both the installation and removal of both the beverage dispensing line and the beverage containers to and from the beverage dispensing apparatus to be easy and efficient, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth or blockage in the beverage dispensing system and thereby extending the service life of the barrels in the system beyond the normal 5 to 7 days.

[0059] The connector and closure arrangement also enables a fluid-tight connection to be achieved with less material, since no separate gasket is required between the connector and the closure of the beverage container.

[0060] The option that the dispensing lines can be manufactured and shipped separately increases the flexibility of using one dispensing line and electrical connector for different beverage containers using similar types of closures.

[0061] In a possible implementation of the third aspect, the interlocking connection is an annular snap-fit ​​connection, which is provided by corresponding protrusions and recesses arranged in the mating surfaces of the first annular member and the baffle, and the annular snap-fit ​​connection is configured to offset the tension applied between the connector and the closure to a predetermined extent.

[0062] In another possible implementation of the third aspect, the interlocking connection is an annular press-fit connection or an interference fit connection, which is provided by friction between the mating surfaces of the first annular member and the baffle, and the annular press-fit connection or the interference fit connection is configured to offset the pulling force applied between the connector and the closure member to a predetermined extent.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the baffle is arranged to extend from the second edge in a shape that at least partially tapers outwardly to provide a guiding surface for the first annular member.

[0064] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the baffle includes a base portion, which extends directly from the second edge in an inwardly tapered shape to provide additional friction between the first ring-shaped member and the baffle plate.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a system for dispensing a beverage, the system comprising: a beverage dispensing line, the beverage dispensing line comprising: a dispensing line valve, the dispensing line valve being arranged at one distal end; and a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the connector being arranged at the other distal end;

[0066] a beverage container including a closure including means for providing a fluid-tight interlocking connection with the connector when the connector and the closure are pushed together along a central axis;

[0067] A beverage dispensing device comprising a receptacle for receiving and accommodating a beverage container therein,

[0068] The receiver includes a cavity for receiving a closure of a beverage container when the beverage container is received in the receiver,

[0069] The cavity comprises a seat having a through hole, the through hole being dimensioned to allow a distribution line with a distribution line valve arranged at one distal end of the distribution line to be pulled through the through hole, and the seat being dimensioned to abut a flange of the connector when the line connector end is received in the through hole.

[0070] The system according to this aspect enables a mechanically simple interlocking connection between a beverage dispensing line and a beverage container, which interlocking connection can be automatically engaged by inserting the beverage container into the beverage dispensing device and using the same pressure source as used to collapse the beverage container, thus not requiring any additional steps of user intervention to establish the connection. The connection achieved by abutting the connector against the seat of the cavity and pushing towards the closure is strong enough to keep the dispensing line attached to the closure of the beverage container when the beverage container is removed from the beverage dispensing device, but not too strong so that the dispensing line can still be removed from the beverage container in a manual manner without the need for additional tools.

[0071] This allows both the installation and removal of both the beverage dispensing line and the beverage containers to and from the beverage dispensing apparatus to be easy and efficient, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth or blockage in the beverage dispensing system and thereby extending the service life of the barrels in the system beyond the normal 5 to 7 days.

[0072] The option that the dispensing lines can be manufactured and shipped separately increases the flexibility of using one dispensing line and electrical connector for different beverage containers using similar types of closures.

[0073] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method, the method comprising:

[0074] A beverage dispensing device is provided, the beverage dispensing device comprising a receiver for receiving and accommodating a beverage container therein, the receiver comprising a cavity for receiving a closure of the beverage container, the cavity comprising a seat having a through hole;

[0075] providing a beverage dispensing line having a dispensing line valve arranged at one distal end and a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15 arranged at the other distal end;

[0076] arranging a beverage dispensing circuit in the beverage dispensing apparatus by first pulling the dispensing circuit valve and then pulling the beverage dispensing circuit through the through hole until the flange of the connector abuts the seat; providing a beverage container including a closure including means for providing a fluid-tight interlocking connection with the connector;

[0077] placing the beverage container in the receptacle such that the closure is disposed in the cavity; and

[0078] Pressure is applied to the beverage container so that the connector and closure are urged together to form an interlocking connection.

[0079] The method according to this aspect enables a mechanically simple interlocking connection between a beverage dispensing circuit and a beverage container, which can be automatically engaged by using the same pressure source from the beverage dispensing device for collapsing the beverage container, thus not requiring any additional steps of user intervention. The connection constructed is strong enough to keep the dispensing circuit attached to the closure of the beverage container when the beverage container is removed from the beverage dispensing device, but not too strong so that the dispensing circuit can still be manually removed from the beverage container without the need for additional tools. This allows both the installation of the beverage dispensing circuit and the beverage container to the beverage dispensing device and the removal of the beverage dispensing circuit and the beverage container from the beverage dispensing device to be easy and efficient, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth or blockage in the beverage dispensing system, thereby extending the service life of the barrels in the system to longer than the normal 5 to 7 days.

[0080] In a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises removing the beverage container from the receptacle, the removal comprising pulling the entire beverage dispensing line through the through hole while maintaining the interlocking connection between the connector of the beverage dispensing line and the closure of the beverage container.

[0081] In a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises manually separating the beverage dispensing line from the removed beverage container by pulling the connector away from the closure along the central axis.

[0082] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] In the following detailed section of the present disclosure, various aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to example embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] Figure 1 shows a cross section of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows bottom and top perspective views of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0086] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A 90 degree turned side view and corresponding cross section of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0087] Figure 4 shows a top view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 6 shows a cross section of a distribution line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0090] Figure 7 shows a distribution line in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] Figure 8 A side view showing a closure of a connector kit in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0092] Fig. 9 shows a cross section of a closure of a connector kit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an assembled and ready-to-ship state;

[0093] Fig.10 shows a close-up cross-section of a closure of a connector kit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0094] Fig.11 shows a close-up cross-section of a connector kit in a connected state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0095] Fig.12 shows a close-up cross-section of a connector kit in a connected state according to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0096] Fig.13 shows a cross-section of a system for dispensing a beverage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0097] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F Steps of a method for installing a beverage container in a system for dispensing beverages according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] In the illustrative embodiments described below, for simplicity, structures and features that are the same as or similar to corresponding structures and features described previously are denoted by the same reference numerals as used previously.

[0099] Figure 1 A cross section of a connector 1 for connecting a beverage dispensing line 19 to a beverage container 40 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The connector 1 comprises a barrel connector end 2 for connecting to a closure 31 of a beverage container 40, such as in Figure 8 and Fig. 9 and a line connector end 3, the line connector end 3 is used to connect to the beverage dispensing line 19, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown.

[0101] The central passage 4 extends along the central axis A of the connector 1 between the barrel connector end 2 and the line connector end 3 .

[0102] The barrel connector end 2 comprises a flange 7 having a central portion 71 surrounding the central passage 4 and a peripheral portion 72 surrounding the central portion 71 .

[0103] A fluid-tight annular first wall 8 extends from the central portion 71 of the flange 7 and surrounds the first distal end 5 of the central channel 4 .

[0104] A fluid-tight annular first ring 9 extends from the first wall 8 and encloses a disk-shaped first recess 10 .

[0105] The first wall 8 may include a first wall flange 28 arranged at its distal end from the flange 7, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first wall flange 28 has a larger outer diameter than the first wall 8 itself, and the first ring 9 may extend from the periphery of the first wall flange 28 .

[0106] In this embodiment, a support wall 29 may also be arranged, which extends from the first wall 8 and is located between the flange 7 and the first wall flange 28, and is used to provide structural support to the first ring member 9 and the first wall flange 28 when engaging with the surface of the closure member 31 of the beverage container 40.

[0107] The barrel connector end 2 further comprises an annular skirt 11 extending from the peripheral portion 72 of the flange 7 and surrounding the first wall 8 and the first ring 9. The skirt 11 comprises a second ring 14 arranged at the distal end opposite to the flange 7.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the skirt 11 extends from the flange 7 further than the first wall 8 and the first ring 9 to protect the first ring 9 , and the diameter of the second ring 14 is greater than the diameter of the flange 7 .

[0109] The connector 1 according to the illustrated embodiment is a solid, single-piece article, preferably the connector 1 is made of plastic, more preferably the connector 1 is made of recyclable polypropylene, such as PP RJ377 MO.

[0110] In the embodiment, the connector 1 is mass-produced via injection molding.

[0111] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A bottom perspective view and a top perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. As shown in these figures, the skirt 11 includes at least one cutout section 15 and at least one solid section 16, which is arranged in an intermittent manner with the at least one cutout section 15 to connect the flange 7 with a second annular member 14, which is arranged at the distal end of the skirt 11 opposite to the flange 7.

[0112] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B as well as Figure 5 As shown, the connector 1 also includes a rib 17, which extends radially from the outer wall of the line connector end 3, and the at least one rib 17 includes a rib outer surface 18, which faces radially outward from the line connector end 3, and the rib outer surface 18 is used to engage with a corresponding support surface of the beverage dispensing device 41.

[0113] like Figure 2B As shown, the rib 17 in the illustrated embodiment extends from the line connector end 3 to the flange 7 in an outwardly tapering shape towards the flange 7 .

[0114] At least one rib 17 also includes a snap-on locking device 27, which is arranged on the outer surface 18 of the rib and is used to achieve a snap-on locking interlocking engagement with a corresponding supporting surface of the beverage dispensing device 41 when the connector is placed in the seat 44 of the beverage dispensing device 41 (as described later).

[0115] Figure 3Aand Figure 3B A 90 degree turned side view and corresponding cross section of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0116] like Figure 3B As shown, the first ring 9 extends from the first wall 8 and the first ring 9 may define an inner ring wall 91 facing the first recess 10 and an opposite outer ring wall 92 .

[0117] The ring-shaped member inner wall 91 may extend parallel to the ring-shaped member outer wall 92 , and the ring-shaped member inner wall 91 and the ring-shaped member outer wall 92 may also extend parallel to the central axis A.

[0118] The first ring-shaped member 9 comprises a polished, rounded first edge 93 for better engagement with the surface of the closure member 31 of the beverage container 40 .

[0119] Also like Figure 3B As shown, the skirt 11 may extend from the flange 7 to define an inner skirt wall 12 facing the first wall 8 and an opposite outer skirt wall 13 .

[0120] like Figure 3A , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, at least the skirt outer wall 13 may include a corrugated surface for enhancing structural integrity and for providing a better gripping surface for grasping the skirt 11 when attaching or removing the connector from the closure 31 .

[0121] Figure 4 A top view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in this embodiment, a plurality of support walls 29 extend radially from the first wall 8 below the first ring 9, and in particular, four support walls 29 are arranged at an angle of 90° to extend radially from the first wall 8.

[0122] Figure 5 A bottom view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this illustrative embodiment, the connector 1 includes a plurality of ribs 17 extending from an outer wall, wherein a first set of ribs 17A extend parallel to each other, and the first set of ribs 17A are parallel to the mold separation direction of the connector 1. An additional second pair of ribs 17B extend perpendicular to the mold separation direction of the connector 1.

[0123] Figure 6 A cross section of a distribution line 19 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] The beverage dispensing line 19 comprises: a valve line end 20, wherein a dispensing line valve 22 is arranged on the valve line end 20, and the dispensing line valve 22 is used to selectively allow or prevent the beverage from flowing through the dispensing line 19; and a connector line end 21, wherein the connector line end 21 comprises a connector 1, and the connector 1 is used to connect the beverage dispensing line 19 to the beverage container 40, as described above and through Figures 1 to 5 The connector 1 is connected to the connector line end 21 via a first line adapter 25, which is arranged around the connector line end 21 and is shaped for snap-fitting into a first adapter recess 23 of a corresponding shape, which is arranged at the line connector end 3 of the connector.

[0125] The first recess 10 of the connector 1 is arranged with a first diameter d1 and the central channel 4 of the connector 1 is arranged with a second diameter d2, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter d1>d2 to create a fluid-tight enlarged space when the connector 1 is connected to the closure 31 of the beverage container 40.

[0126] The second distal end 6 of the central channel 4 located at the line connector end 3 is arranged with a third diameter d3, thereby defining a first adapter recess 23, which is larger than the second diameter d2 of the rest of the central channel 4, d3>d2, and the first adapter recess 23 is formed to receive a first line adapter 25 arranged around the distal end of the beverage dispensing line 19.

[0127] In an embodiment, the third diameter d3 of the first adapter recess 23 is smaller than the first diameter d1 of the first recess 10, that is, d3 <d1。

[0128] The beverage dispensing line 19 is arranged with a fourth diameter d4. In an embodiment, the fourth diameter substantially corresponds to the second diameter, d4 = d2.

[0129] The dispensing line valve 22 is connected to the valve line end 20 of the beverage dispensing line 19 via a second line adapter 26, which is arranged around the valve line end 20 and is shaped to snap fit with a second adapter recess 24 of a corresponding shape, which is arranged in the dispensing line valve 22.

[0130] In an embodiment, the first line adapter 25 and the second line adapter 26 are identical and interchangeable.

[0131] The beverage dispensing line 19 is made of any flexible plastic material suitable for a beverage dispensing system, preferably the beverage dispensing line 19 is made of recyclable plastic.

[0132] Figure 7 A dispensing line 19 in an assembled state is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a dispensing line valve 22 is arranged on the dispensing line 19, the dispensing line valve 22 being used to selectively allow or prevent beverage flow through the dispensing line 19, and a connector 1 is arranged at the connector line end 21, the connector 1 being used to connect the beverage dispensing line 19 to the closure 31 of the beverage container 40, as shown below Fig.11 The dispensing line 19 is designed to be transported in this assembled state, for example by placing it in the closure 31 of a beverage container 40, as shown. Fig. 9 shown.

[0133] Figure 8 A side view of a closure 31 of a connector kit for connecting a beverage dispensing line 19 to a beverage container 40 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] The closure 31 comprises a beverage valve 34 for selectively allowing or preventing beverage from flowing through the closure 31 from the beverage outlet, and an annular second wall 35 surrounding the beverage valve 34 , wherein a fluid-tight annular baffle 37 extends from the annular second wall 35 .

[0135] Fig. 9 A cross section of a closure 31 of a connector kit as described above is shown in an assembled and ready-to-ship condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] The closure 31 comprises a coupling device 32 for connecting the closure 31 to the beverage container 40 at the beverage outlet opening 33 of the beverage container 40 in a secure and sealed manner, such as Fig.12 and Fig.13 as mentioned above, the beverage valve 34; and an annular second wall 35, the annular second wall 35 surrounding the beverage valve 34 and the annular second wall 35 includes a second edge 36.

[0137] A fluid-tight annular baffle 37 extends from the outer periphery of the second edge 36 and encloses a disk-shaped second recess 39 .

[0138] The diameter of the second recess 39 is sized to be comparable to the diameter of the first annular member 9 of the connector to provide a fluid-tight interlocking connection when the connector and closure 31 are pushed together along the central axis A, as shown below. Fig.11 shown.

[0139] Fig.10A close-up cross-section of a closure 31 of a connector kit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in this embodiment, the baffle 37 is arranged to extend from the second edge 36 in an at least partially outwardly tapered shape to provide a guide surface for the first annular member 9, as shown below Fig.11 shown.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 37 includes a base portion 38 extending directly from the second edge 36 in an inwardly tapered shape to provide additional friction between the first ring 9 and the baffle 37 .

[0141] Fig.11 A close-up cross-section of a connector kit in a connected state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which includes the connector assembly shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 5 The connector 1, and as previously described Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the interlocking connection between the connector 1 and the closure is an annular press-fit connection or an interference fit connection provided by friction between the engaging surfaces of the first annular member 9 and the second edge 36 and the baffle 37, the amount of friction generated by the engaging surfaces being configured to counteract the pulling force applied between the connector 1 and the closure 31 to a predetermined degree, so that when the closure 31 is lifted together with the beverage container 40 during removal of the beverage container 40 from the beverage dispensing device 41, the connection is maintained and causes the entire dispensing line 19 to be pulled together with the beverage container 40 for simultaneous replacement without any additional action from the user of the device 41.

[0142] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the interlocking connection is an annular snap-fit ​​connection provided by corresponding protrusions and recesses arranged in the engaging surfaces of the first annular member 9 and the baffle 37, and the annular snap-fit ​​connection is configured to offset the tensile force applied between the connector 1 and the closure member 31 to a similar predetermined degree as explained above.

[0143] Once the beverage container 40 is removed from the beverage dispensing device 41 , the user can grasp the protective skirt 11 and detach the dispensing line 19 from the closure 31 of the beverage container 40 without having to access the inner parts of the connector, such as the first wall 8 or the first ring 9 .

[0144] Fig.12 A close-up cross-section of a connector kit in a connected state according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the connector 1 includes at least one annular gasket 45 arranged on or around the flange 7, the first wall 8 and / or the first ring 9 to provide additional sealing for the fluid-tight connection between the connector 1 and the closure 31 of the beverage container.

[0145] like Fig.12 As shown, the seat 44 of the cavity 43 in the beverage dispensing device 41 is shaped as an annular funnel to provide a corresponding surface to the line connector end 3 of the connector, in particular to cooperate with the rib outer surface 18 of the rib 17 extending radially from the outer wall of the line connector end 3. Therefore, when the closure 31 is pressed against the connector 1, the seat 44 provides a firm support for the connector 1, thereby producing an interlocking connection as described above.

[0146] Fig.13 A cross section of a system for dispensing a beverage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.The beverage may be, for example, beer, a carbonated malt-based beverage (including non-alcoholic beer), or cider.

[0147] The tapping head for dispensing beverages is supported on the beverage container 47 or can be directly arranged on the body of the beverage dispensing system (not shown) that can hold the beverage container. The tapping head is provided with a tapping handle, which is configured to be operably connected to the replaceable dispensing line valve 22 inserted therein, and the tapping handle is used to control the opening and closing of the dispensing line valve 22, and thus ultimately used to control the flow of beverages from the dispensing line 19 through the tapping head. The tapping head can also be provided with a tapping display arranged on the top to display information about the ready-made beverages at each tapping head.

[0148] The system comprises a (replaceable) beverage container 40 for containing a beverage, comprising a beverage outlet 33 fitted with a closure 31. The beverage container 40 may be returnable or disposable after being exchanged from an empty container for a new beverage container 40. The beverage dispensing line 19 extends from the connector 1 arranged in the seat 44 of the cavity 43 through a channel arranged in the beverage dispensing device 41 and along the rear side of the beverage holder 47 to the discharge head.

[0149] The beverage dispensing device 41 also has a drain hole (not shown) leading from the lowest point of the channel to an opening at the bottom of the device 41 to drain residual beer from the channel after the dispensing line 19 is removed.

[0150] The body of the beverage dispensing device 41 comprises a cavity 43 and a receiver 42, which is arranged in a cover 46, and the two are together configured to receive a beverage container 40. The cavity 43 is designed and shaped to receive at least a portion of a beverage container 40, preferably a smaller portion of a beverage container 40, the beverage container 40 including the closure 31 in an inverted position; and the cover 46 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the beverage container 40, preferably a larger portion of the beverage container 40 when the at least one beverage container 40 is installed in the beverage dispensing device 41.

[0151] The cavity 43 is arranged at the bottom of the beverage dispensing device 41 below the receiver 42. The cavity 43 comprises a seat 44 having a through hole and adapted to receive at least one type of closure 31 of a replaceable beverage container 40 and to allow the passage of a replaceable dispensing line 19, as will be explained below. The seat 44 may be interchangeable to adapt the beverage dispensing system to a replaceable dispensing line 19 or a fixed dispensing line, respectively.

[0152] The closure 31 of a suitable beverage container 40 can be inserted into the bucket closure cavity 43 and can be fixed to the seat 44 in a sealed and pressure-tight fit. Preferably, the closure 31 is fixed to the seat 44 by means of, for example, a threaded fit, a bayonet fit, or the like.

[0153] The beverage container 40 for the system can be blow-moulded and adapted in shape and volume to the volume of the pressure chamber realized by the receiver 42 and the cavity 43. This allows mass production of both the beverage container and the beverage dispensing system. The pressure housing of the beverage dispensing system and the corresponding beverage container can be provided in different sizes.

[0154] The closure 31 can seal the pressure chamber and can provide a flange on which the beverage container 40 can rest and which can also be used to carry the beverage container 40. The mouth of the beverage container 40 (on which the closure 31 is fixed in a fluid-tight, stable and permanently connected manner) is typically the same for all sizes of kegs, and therefore, the only difference between the variants 33 of the closure may be whether an integrated dispensing line, a connectable dispensing line, or an openable closure is used. Thus, the same standardized closure 33 with a mouth can be produced that can be connected to a standardized neck component of a beverage container 40 that can have different sizes.

[0155] The seat 44 can be permanently mounted in the barrel closure cavity 43 so that the beverage dispensing system is permanently used with a specific barrel type. Alternatively, the user can be provided with different types of seats 44, thereby allowing the user to change the seat type on the spot to be able to modify the beverage dispensing system to be used with different types of barrels according to the consumption of specific beverages.

[0156] The pressure inlet may be adapted to receive a pressure medium and deliver the pressure medium to a gap between the outer wall of the beverage container 40 and the inner wall of the cover 46. The gap is typically as small as possible, for example a few millimeters in width, to allow a close fit between the beverage container 40 and the pressure chamber. The pressure inlet may form, for example, part of the receptacle 42, the cover 46 or the seat 44, and the pressure inlet may optionally include a one-way valve and / or an overpressure valve. The pressure medium is typically air; however, any fluid is feasible, such as CO2, N2, water, etc.

[0157] The beverage dispensing system may include a compressor and / or a gas cylinder that may be selectively connected to a pressure inlet for providing a pressure medium to the void. To make the system more modular, the pressure inlet and the beverage dispensing system may be compatible with different pressurizing units. The compressor may be used when a main power source or a battery power source may be accessed to power the compressor, allowing the compressor to pressurize the pressure chamber by inhaling atmospheric air from the outside, pressurizing it and injecting the pressurized air into the void of the pressure chamber. In the event that the absence of a main power source and / or a battery is considered inconvenient, a gas cylinder may be used. The gas cylinder is preloaded with a pressurized gas, such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.

[0158] The separation of the cover 46 from the body of the beverage dispensing device 41 may depend on tilting the beverage container 47 forwards towards its front side, such as Fig.14A As shown, the locking device is released to connect the body and the cover 46 together in a pressure-resistant connection. The tilting of the beverage container 47 can also depend on engaging a pressure release device, such as a pressure release button arranged on the front side of the beverage container 47, which triggers the pressure release in the pressure chamber, thereby allowing the cover 46 to be separated from the body by balancing the pressure in the pressure-tight sealable enclosure formed by the body and the cover 46.

[0159] In some embodiments, the body and the cover 46 are only partially separable, so that the cover 46 remains connected to the body, for example by a hinge. The sealable enclosure may define a volume between 2 liters and 100 liters, preferably between 5 liters and 50 liters, and more preferably between 10 liters and 25 liters. The above volumes constitute typical volumes of the pressure chamber. The beverage container has corresponding dimensions, slightly smaller, so as to fit tightly within the pressure chamber.

[0160] According to a further embodiment, the beverage dispensing system may include an additional housing part, which serves as a replacement for the cover 46, has an additional volume and can be connected to the base of the beverage dispensing device 41 to construct a sealable enclosure serving as a pressure chamber. In this way, the same base body can be used with further different housing parts of different sizes, so that the beverage dispensing system can be modified for a specific beverage container size, such as 5 liters, 10 liters or 20 liters. The user can replace the additional housing part, for example by providing a screw mount.

[0161] The pressure chamber created by the receptacle 42 may be thermally insulated. The thermal insulation may be used in conjunction with a cooling device for cooling the at least one bucket 40 and any beverage contained therein, or alternatively, the cooling device may be omitted and the thermal insulation may be used in conjunction with a pre-cooled beverage container to reduce the weight of, for example, carry-on equipment.

[0162] The beverage dispensing system may also include: a first power unit, the first power unit including a main supply; and a second power unit, the second power unit including a battery supply; and an optional third power supply, the third power supply including a solar power supply. In order to further enhance the modularity of the system, the system can be compatible with different power supplies. For fixed indoor installations, a main power supply, such as a 115V or 230V AC household supply, is preferred because it provides essentially unlimited power to the system for powering the cooling unit and the booster unit and other functions such as lighting. The battery can be advantageously used for mobile equipment. For example, the battery can be charged by using a main supply and a power converter. Solar energy can be used to directly power the beverage dispensing system, however, due to the limited output of solar cells when no direct sunlight is available, it is mainly considered as an auxiliary power unit used with a rechargeable battery.

[0163] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F Steps of a method for installing a beverage container in a system for dispensing beverages according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0164] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F The embodiment shown may correspond to Fig.13 implementation method.

[0165] like Fig.14A As shown, the beverage container 47 can be moved from an upright operating position to an inclined service position, preferably by tilting the beverage container 47 toward the front side, for example, around a hinge arranged at the base of the beverage container. This tilt can preferably be between 0 and 90 degrees from the vertical around the hinge, and more preferably this tilt is at least 45 degrees from the vertical. Fig.14F The rear side of the beverage container 47 is shown obscured in the operating position. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14E The serving position is shown exposed to enable the beverage container 40 and beverage dispensing line 19 to be inserted or removed, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0166] like Fig.14A As shown, when the beverage holder 47 is tilted forward 90 degrees, it can rest on the base portion of the beverage dispensing system. The contact surface between the beverage holder assembly 1 and the base portion can be a surface including a drip tray, which is suitable for placing a beverage cup to receive beverage from the pouring head.

[0167] like Fig. 14B As shown, when the beverage container 47 is tilted forward, a portion of the body of the beverage dispensing system, such as defined by the cover 46, can be at least partially separated from the lower portion of the body including the cavity 43, thereby allowing the replaceable beverage container 40 and the beverage dispensing line 19 to be inserted or removed and replaced, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0168] like Fig. 14C As shown, after removing the cover 46 in the service position, the beverage dispensing line 19, which includes the dispensing line valve 22 arranged at one distal end and the connector 1 arranged at the other distal end, can be inserted into the cavity 43. In particular, the beverage dispensing line 19 is inserted into the beverage dispensing device 41 by first pulling the dispensing line valve 22 and then passing the beverage dispensing line 19 through the through hole of the seat 44 arranged at the bottom of the cavity 43 and the channel arranged in the body of the beverage dispensing device 41, ending at the base of the container 47, until the flange 7 of the connector 1 abuts the seat 44. Once the connector 1 is in place at the seat 44, the dispensing line valve 22 can be inserted in a discharge head (using, for example, a filler), and the rest of the dispensing line 19 can be inserted into a channel or recess, which is arranged at the rear of the container 47.

[0169] like Fig.14D As shown, once the dispensing line 19 is fully arranged in place in the body and container 47 of the beverage dispensing device 41, a beverage container 40 including a closure 31 compatible with the connector 1 and the seat 44 can be placed so that the closure 31 is received in the cavity 43 and aligned with the connector 1 placed on the seat 44.

[0170] like Fig.14EAs shown, after the beverage container 40 is in place, the cover 46 can be slid back into position on the body of the beverage dispensing device 41 and locked. When the two parts are connected together using a pressure-resistant connection, preferably using a bayonet-type mounting, a sealable enclosure is constructed that acts as a pressure seal for the pressure chamber. The shell of the body is preferably made of pressure proof materials, such as metal or hard plastic, so that a pressure chamber can be constructed therein.

[0171] like Fig.14F As shown, once the cover 46 is in place, the container 47 can be tilted back to the operating position and pressure can be applied to the beverage container 40 from a pressure source so that the connector 1 and the closure 31 are pushed together to form a fluid-tight interlocking connection and once the valve 22 is opened, the beverage can be dispensed from the container 40.

[0172] To remove or replace the beverage container 40, follow the FIG. 14F to FIG. 14A When the beverage container 40 is removed from the cavity 43 corresponding to step 14D and step 14C, the entire beverage dispensing line 19 together with the dispensing line valve 22 is pulled through the through hole while maintaining the interlocking connection between the connector 1 of the beverage dispensing line 19 and the closure 31 of the beverage container 40.

[0173] The beverage dispensing line 19 can then be manually disconnected from the removed beverage container 40 by pulling the connector 1 away from the closure 31 along the central axis A.

[0174] Various aspects and implementations are described herein in conjunction with various embodiments. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement the functions of several articles described in the claims. The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be fully utilized. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0175] Reference symbols used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings should be read together with the specification (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportions, extent, etc.), and the drawings should be considered part of the entire written description of the present disclosure. The terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" and their adjective and adverb derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.) as used in the specification refer only to the direction of the structure shown when a particular drawing faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. A connector (1) for connecting a beverage dispensing line (19) to a beverage container (40), the connector (1) comprising: a keg connector end (2) for connecting to a closure (31) of a beverage container (40); a line connector end (3) for connecting to a beverage dispensing line (19); a central channel (4), the central channel (4) extending along the central axis (A) of the connector (1) between the barrel connector end (2) and the line connector end (3); wherein, The barrel connector end (2) comprises: A flange (7), the flange (7) comprising a central portion (71) and a peripheral portion (72), the central portion (71) surrounding the central channel (4), the peripheral portion (72) surrounding the central portion (71); a fluid-tight annular first wall (8) extending from the central portion (71) of the flange (7) and surrounding the first distal end (5) of the central passage (4); and A fluid-tight annular first ring (9) extends from the first wall (8) and encloses a disc-shaped first recess (10).

2. The connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The barrel connector end (2) further comprises an annular skirt (11) extending from the peripheral portion (72) of the flange (7) and surrounding the first wall (8) and the first ring (9).

3. The connector (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The skirt (11) extends from the flange (7) in such a way that it extends further than the first wall (8) and the first ring (9).

4. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein: The skirt (11) extends from the flange (7) to define an inner skirt wall (12) facing the first wall (8) and an opposite outer skirt wall (13), wherein at least the outer skirt wall (13) comprises a corrugated surface.

5. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The skirt (11) comprises a second annular piece (14) arranged at the distal end opposite to the flange (7), the diameter of the second annular piece (14) being greater than the diameter of the flange (7).

6. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The skirt (11) comprises at least one cutout section (15) and at least one solid section (16), wherein the at least one solid section (16) and the at least one cutout section (15) are arranged in an intermittent manner to connect the flange (7) with a second annular member (14) arranged at a distal end of the skirt (11) opposite to the flange (7).

7. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first wall (8) comprises a first wall flange (28) which is arranged at a distal end of the first wall (8) relative to the flange (7), the first wall flange (28) having a larger outer diameter than the first wall (8), and wherein the first ring (9) extends from the periphery of the first wall flange (28).

8. The connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The connector (1) includes at least one support wall (29) extending from the first wall (8) and between the flange (7) and the first wall flange (28), the support wall (29) being used to provide structural support to the first ring member (9) and the first wall flange (28) when engaged with the surface of the closure member (31) of the beverage container (40).

9. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first ring (9) extends from the first wall (8) to define an inner ring wall (91) facing the first recess (10) and an opposite outer ring wall (92), the inner ring wall (91) extending parallel to the outer ring wall (92).

10. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first ring-shaped member (9) comprises a rounded first edge (93) for engaging with a surface of a closure member (31) of a beverage container (40).

11. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The connector (1) further comprises at least one rib (17), at least one of the ribs (17) extending radially from an outer wall of the line connector end (3), at least one of the ribs (17) comprising a rib outer surface (18), the rib outer surface (18) facing radially outward from the line connector end (3) and engaging with a corresponding support surface of the beverage dispensing device (41).

12. The connector (1) according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the ribs (17) comprises a snap-locking device (27) arranged on the rib outer surface (18) for achieving a snap-locking interlocking engagement with a corresponding supporting surface of a beverage dispensing device (41).

13. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The first recess (10) is arranged with a first diameter d1, and the central channel (4) is arranged with a second diameter d2, and wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter, d1>d2.

14. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: A second distal end (6) of the central channel (4) at the line connector end (3) is arranged with a third diameter d3, thereby defining a first adapter recess (23), wherein the third diameter d3 is greater than a second diameter d2 of the remainder of the central channel (4), d3>d2, and the first adapter recess (23) is shaped to receive a first line adapter (25) arranged around a distal end of a beverage dispensing line (19) of a fourth diameter d4, the fourth diameter being substantially equivalent to the second diameter, d4=d2.

15. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The connector (1) is a solid single-piece product. Preferably, the connector (1) is made of plastic. More preferably, the connector (1) is made of recyclable polypropylene, such as PP RJ377 MO.

16. A beverage dispensing circuit (19) for a beverage container (40), the beverage dispensing circuit (19) comprising: a valve line end (20), the valve line end (20) comprising a dispensing line valve (22), the dispensing line valve (22) being used to selectively allow or prevent beverage from flowing through the dispensing line (19); as well as A connector line end (21) comprising a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for connecting the beverage dispensing line (19) to a beverage container (40).

17. Beverage dispensing circuit (19) according to claim 16, wherein The distribution line valve (22) is connected to the valve line end (20) via a second line adapter (26), which is arranged around the valve line end (20) and is shaped to snap-fit ​​with a second adapter recess (24) of corresponding shape, which is arranged in the distribution line valve (22).

18. Beverage dispensing circuit (19) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein The connector line end (21) comprises a connector (1) according to claim 12, the connector being connected to the connector line end (21) via the first line adapter (25), the first line adapter being arranged around the connector line end (21), and the first line adapter being shaped to snap-fit ​​with a first adapter recess (23) having a corresponding shape, the first adapter recess (23) being arranged at the line connector end (3) of the connector.

19. A connector kit (30) for connecting a beverage dispensing line (19) to a beverage container (40), the kit comprising: The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15; as well as A closure (31), the closure (31) being used for a beverage container (40), the closure (31) comprising: a coupling device (32) for connecting the closure (31) to a beverage container (40) at a beverage outlet opening (33) of the beverage container (40) in a secure and sealed manner; a beverage valve (34), the beverage valve (34) being used to selectively allow or prevent beverage from flowing from the beverage outlet through the closure member (31); a fluid-tight annular second wall (35), the annular second wall (35) surrounding the beverage valve (34) and the annular second wall (35) comprising a second edge (36); A fluid-tight annular baffle (37) extends from the outer periphery of the second edge (36) and encloses a disc-shaped second recess (39); wherein the diameter of the second recess (39) is sized to be comparable to the diameter of the first annular member (9) of the connector to provide a fluid-tight interlocking connection when the connector and the closure member (31) are pushed together along the central axis (A).

20. The connector kit (30) of claim 19, wherein: The interlocking connection is an annular snap-fit ​​connection, which is provided by corresponding protrusions and recesses arranged in the engaging surfaces of the first annular member (9) and the baffle (37), and is configured to offset the tensile force applied between the connector (1) and the closure member (31) to a predetermined extent.

21. The connector kit (30) of claim 19, wherein: The interlocking connection is an annular press-fit connection or an interference fit connection, which is provided by friction between the engaging surfaces of the first annular member (9) and the baffle (37), and is configured to offset the tensile force applied between the connector (1) and the closure member (31) to a predetermined extent.

22. The connector kit (30) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The baffle (37) is arranged to extend from the second edge (36) in an at least partially outwardly tapering shape to provide a guiding surface for the first ring (9).

23. The connector kit (30) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: The baffle (37) includes a base (38) extending directly from the second edge (36) in an inwardly tapered shape to provide additional friction between the first ring (9) and the baffle (37).

24. A system for dispensing a beverage, the system comprising: A beverage dispensing line (19) comprising a dispensing line valve (22) arranged at one distal end and a connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, arranged at the other distal end; A beverage container (40) comprising a closure (31), the closure (31) comprising means for providing a fluid-tight interlocking connection with the connector (1) when the connector (1) and the closure (31) are pushed together along a central axis (A); A beverage dispensing device (41), comprising a receiver (42) for receiving and accommodating the beverage container (40) in the receiver (42), The receiver (42) includes a cavity (43) for receiving the closure (31) of the beverage container (40) when the beverage container (40) is received in the receiver (42), The cavity (43) comprises a seat (44) having a through hole, the through hole being sized to allow a dispensing line (19) with the dispensing line valve (22) arranged at one distal end of the dispensing line (19) to be pulled through the through hole, and The seat (44) is dimensioned to abut the flange (7) of the connector (1) when the line connector end (3) is received in the through hole.

25. A method comprising: A beverage dispensing device (41) is provided, the beverage dispensing device (41) comprising a receiver (42), the receiver (42) being used to receive and accommodate a beverage container (40) in the receiver (42), the receiver (42) comprising a cavity (43), the cavity (43) being used to receive a closure (31) of the beverage container (40), the cavity (43) comprising a seat (44) having a through hole; providing a beverage dispensing line (19) having a dispensing line valve (22) arranged at one distal end and a connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 arranged at the other distal end; Arranging the beverage dispensing line (19) in the beverage dispensing device (41) by first pulling the dispensing line valve (22) and then pulling the beverage dispensing line (19) through the through hole until the flange (7) of the connector (1) abuts the seat (44); A beverage container (40) is provided, the beverage container (40) comprising a closure (31), the closure (31) comprising means for providing a fluid-tight interlocking connection with the connector (1); placing the beverage container (40) in the receiver (42) such that the closure (31) is disposed in the cavity (43); as well as Pressure is applied to the beverage container (40) so that the connector (1) and the closure (31) are pushed together to form an interlocking connection.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: The beverage container (40) is removed from the receiver (42), the removal comprising pulling the entire beverage dispensing line (19) through the through hole while maintaining the interlocking connection between the connector (1) of the beverage dispensing line (19) and the closure (31) of the beverage container (40).

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: The beverage dispensing line (19) is manually disconnected from the removed beverage container (40) by pulling the connector (1) and the closure (31) apart along the central axis (A).

Images