Device for storing and dispensing liquids

Abstract

Device for storing and dispensing liquids, in particular beverages, comprising a housing (2) in the form of a battery, in particular a car battery, with a plurality of chambers for receiving the liquid and at least one dispensing device (5) arranged on the housing (2) for selectively dispensing the liquid from the chambers.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for storing and dispensing liquids, in particular beverages, comprising a housing with a plurality of chambers for receiving the liquid and at least one dispensing device arranged on the housing for selectively dispensing the liquid from the chambers.

[0002] Various devices for storing and dispensing liquids are known in the state of the art. These devices serve to ensure safe storage, controlled dispensing, and precise dosing of liquids. They are intended primarily for use in the catering industry and / or in private households.

[0003] The housing of the device essentially serves as a protective and supporting element for the liquid chamber and can be made of different materials depending on the application. In the beverage industry, stainless steel, food-safe plastics, and / or glass are regularly used to comply with hygiene regulations and prevent any impairment of the flavor of the stored liquid. The chambers within the housing serve to hold at least one liquid and can be designed in different volumes depending on the required storage capacity. A dispensing device ensures simple and efficient handling. The dispensing device enables targeted and controlled withdrawal of the liquid. This can be implemented in the form of a simple drain tap, a ball valve, or a more complex system with pumps or dosing controls. In pressureless systems, dispensing is usually done by gravity.Modern dispensing devices feature electronic controls that enable precise dosing and are integrated into industrial process control systems. These devices include sensors and flow controllers to precisely regulate the dispensed amount of liquid and monitor the liquid level in the chambers.

[0004] However, many conventional devices for storing and dispensing liquids are difficult to handle, require regular maintenance and cleaning, or are not easy to transport due to their size and the resulting limited mobility.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a device for storing and dispensing liquids of the type mentioned above in such a way that simple and reliable handling is possible. Furthermore, a device with a compact design is to be provided. Furthermore, the device is to be distinguished from competitive products.

[0006] The above object is achieved with regard to the container according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the device in question for storing and dispensing liquids, in particular beverages, comprises a housing in the form of a car battery with a plurality of chambers for receiving the liquid and at least one dispensing device arranged on the housing for selectively dispensing the liquid from the chambers.

[0007] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that the above object is achieved in a surprisingly simple manner by a clever design of the device.

[0008] Specifically, the housing of the device for storing and dispensing liquids is designed in the form of a battery, in particular a car battery. The geometry of a car battery is defined by standardized dimensions. The housing therefore has a rectangular, compact geometry, ensuring efficient use of space and high stability. The chambers are arranged inside the housing, and the at least one dispensing device provided for dispensing the liquid is accessible from the outside and arranged on the housing, in particular on a side wall of the housing.

[0009] The predefined and defined geometry, shaped like a car battery, provides a device with a compact design that can be transported by a single person. The placement of the dispensing device on the housing also ensures simple and reliable handling.

[0010] The term "housing in the form of a car battery" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to the design of all known motor vehicle batteries, in particular starter batteries and / or 12-volt batteries, which are preferably installed in vehicles for internal combustion engines to provide the necessary power for the starting process and the on-board electronics. In particular, the "shape" refers to the external dimensions of the battery, the dimensions of which are generally standardized.

[0011] Preferably, the housing has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the length of the housing is between 170 and 550 mm and / or the width of the housing is between 127 and 280 mm and / or the height of the housing is between 150 and 250 mm.

[0012] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0013] According to an advantageous development of the invention, at least a first chamber is independent of the other chambers, so that there is no fluidic connection between the first chamber and the other chambers. Since the liquids are stored independently of one another, no mixing occurs. This provides a device that allows for greater flexibility in beverage preparation, higher customer satisfaction, and varied enjoyment.

[0014] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a plurality of dispensing devices are arranged on the housing, wherein each dispensing device is preferably designed to dispense the liquid from a chamber assigned to the respective dispensing device. With dispensing devices operating independently of one another, there is no transfer of flavor between different liquids. Furthermore, parallel dispensing of liquids is possible. Finally, each dispensing device can be clearly assigned to at least one chamber by labeling, so that the operator can easily find the corresponding dispensing device. This ensures greater customer satisfaction and more efficient processes. Multiple separate dispensing devices for different chambers or liquids thus offer hygienic, operational, and economic advantages.

[0015] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the dispensing device comprises a tap for regulating the liquid flow, a liquid outlet for dispensing the liquid into a container positioned below the dispensing device, and / or a supply line for transporting the liquid from the chamber to the tap. This enables controlled dispensing of the liquid from the chamber into a container. One of the advantages achieved is an improved user experience, comfortable operation, and ergonomics.

[0016] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the dispensing device comprises at least one dosing unit, so that the liquid is automatically dispensed when the dispensing device is activated. Preferably, the amount or volume of liquid to be dispensed is adjustable. This enables faster provision of the liquid and optimizes consumption. The advantage of this is improved user-friendliness, sustainability, and user experience.

[0017] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least one pressure generation system for automatically and / or manually building up pressure in the chamber, in particular a gas cartridge, electric liquid pump and / or hand pump, is arranged in and / or on the housing, and / or the housing has a connection for an external pressure source for building up pressure in at least one chamber. A pressure generation system ensures a constant and controlled flow of liquid from the chamber to the dispensing device, regardless of the fill level of the respective chamber. This enables a constant and / or fast dispensing rate. Furthermore, a pressure generation system ensures that the entire contents of the chamber are usable and no liquid remains in the chamber. One of the advantages achieved is simple and quick handling and more efficient and sustainable use.

[0018] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the pressure generation system can be actuated, in particular controlled, from outside the housing. One of the advantages achieved thereby is easier handling.

[0019] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the housing comprises at least one pressure relief valve. This provides a cost-effective, automatic, reliable, and low-maintenance safety feature to prevent unwanted overpressure in at least one chamber and / or damage or destruction of the device due to bursting.

[0020] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the device comprises a level indicator, a temperature indicator, and / or a pressure indicator. Such status indicators provide visual and / or acoustic information about the current system status. One of the advantages achieved is an improved user experience and convenient operation through clear feedback.

[0021] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the housing has at least one closable opening which can be closed with at least one lid, wherein a seal is preferably arranged between the lid and the housing. The removable lid allows the chambers inside the housing to be exposed so that the chambers can be filled and / or the device can be cleaned. A seal between the lid and the housing, which at least makes it difficult, and preferably prevents, the liquid from leaking out of the device, is for example in the form of an annular seal and / or flat seal surrounding the opening, preferably made of food-safe rubber. One of the advantages achieved thereby is easier handling and improved ease of maintenance and cleaning.

[0022] Alternatively, the cells can be filled via a screw connection that is tightly screwed into the lid. The connection between the housing and lid is made by means of a sealed, permanent joint, particularly an adhesive and / or welded joint. One of the advantages achieved is simpler manufacturing and safe, leak-free handling of the device.

[0023] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least one chamber is removable from the housing. The chamber comprises, for example, a chamber housing that can be inserted or pushed into a slot formed in the housing and is fluidically connected to the dispensing device. Alternatively or additionally, the chamber comprises a flexible composite packaging that can be received in a recess formed in the housing and is fluidically connected to the dispensing device. One of the advantages achieved in this way is the simple and quick exchange of different chambers or the liquids contained in the chambers, which improves adaptability to user-specific requirements.

[0024] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the housing and / or the dispensing device is made of plastic and / or food-safe and / or pressure-resistant material. This results in a reduced weight and improved hygiene. The device is easier to clean and more durable than comparable devices.

[0025] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a spatial representation of the device according to the invention in a perspective front view; and Fig. 2 a spatial representation of the device from Fig. 1 in a perspective side view.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a perspective front view of the device 1 according to the invention for storing and dispensing liquids. The housing 2 of the device 1 has the shape of a car battery. The housing 2 has four rectangular, circumferential housing walls 2a, a housing base, and a removable cover 2b. Two ergonomically shaped handles 3 and two poles 4 are arranged on the cover 2b. A total of six dispensing devices 5 are arranged on a housing wall 2a, each individual dispensing device 5 comprising a tap 5a and a liquid outlet 5b. The tap serves for the controlled and selective dispensing of the liquid. This is stored within the housing in a plurality of chambers (not shown).

[0027] Fig. 2 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a perspective side view.

[0028] In detail, Fig. 2 the device from Fig.1. The housing 2 of the device is shaped like a car battery. Therefore, the housing 2 has a rectangular, compact geometry that ensures efficient use of space and high stability. The length of the housing 2 is between 170 and 550 mm and / or the width of the housing 2 is between 127 and 280 mm and / or the height of the housing 2 is between 150 and 250 mm.

[0029] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0030] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described embodiments of the device according to the invention serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 housings 2a Housing wall 2b Lid 3 handle 4 pole 5 dispensing device 5a Tap 5b Fluid outflow

Claims

[1] Device for storing and dispensing liquids, in particular beverages, comprising a housing (2) in the form of a battery, in particular a car battery, with a plurality of chambers for receiving the liquid and at least one dispensing device (5) arranged on the housing (2) for selectively dispensing the liquid from the chambers. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that at least a first chamber is independent of the other chambers, so that there is no fluidic connection between the first chamber and the other chambers. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a plurality of dispensing devices (5) are arranged on the housing, wherein the dispensing devices (5) are preferably each designed to dispense the liquid from a chamber assigned to the respective dispensing device (5). [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the dispensing device (5) comprises a tap (5a) for regulating the liquid flow, a liquid outlet (5b) for dispensing the liquid into a vessel positioned below the dispensing device and / or a supply line for transporting the liquid from the chamber to the tap (5a). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the dispensing device (5) comprises at least one dosing unit, so that the liquid is dispensed automatically when the dispensing device (5) is actuated. [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that in and / or on the housing (2) at least one pressure generating system for automatically and / or manually building up a pressure in at least one chamber, in particular a gas cartridge, electric liquid pump and / or hand pump, is arranged and / or the housing (2) has a connection for an external pressure source for building up a pressure in the chamber. [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that the pressure generation system can be actuated, in particular controlled, from outside the housing (2). [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the housing (2) comprises at least one pressure relief valve. [9] Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the device comprises a level indicator, a temperature indicator and / or a pressure indicator. [10] Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the housing (2) has at least one closable opening which can be closed with at least one cover (2b), wherein a seal is preferably arranged between the cover (2b) and the housing (2) or that the cover (2b) is arranged on the housing (2) by means of a non-detachable, sealing connection, in particular an adhesive and / or welded connection. [11] Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized bythat at least one chamber can be removed from the housing (2). [12] Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the housing (2) and / or the dispensing device is made of plastic and / or is made of food-safe and / or pressure-resistant material.

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