Beverage dispensing device

Abstract

Beverage Dispensing Device: A beverage dispensing device comprising: - at least one reservoir (1) containing an ingredient to be dispensed, - a pump (3) associated with a valve (4a) to control the dispensing of the ingredient from the reservoir (1), - a selector (6) controlling the pump (3) and the valve (4a), configured to allow selection of the ingredient dosage, and - an electronic device (11) configured to control the ingredient dosage by measuring the volume dispensed by the pump (3) and the valve (4a), by calculating the elapsed time. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Beverage dispensing device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dispensing beverages, in particular beverages comprising one or more ingredients. It may be necessary on the one hand to dispense a beverage in a precise quantity, and on the other hand to dose the ingredients sufficiently precisely. Prior art

[0002] Application DE 102004053088 discloses a spirits dosing system in which the dispensed volume flow rate is measured with a volume sensor. There is no pump or time-related counting.

[0003] Also known from application CN 108517278 is a dosing system which is not time-related, but which uses a level detector. This system is also without a pump.

[0004] There is a need to further improve beverage dispensing devices, both in terms of ease of use and dosage accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of this need by proposing a beverage dispensing device, comprising: - at least one tank containing an ingredient to be distributed, - a pump associated with a valve to control the distribution of the ingredient out of the tank, - a selector controlling the pump and the valve, configured to allow the dosage of the ingredient to be selected, and - an electronic device configured to control the dosage of the ingredient by measuring the volume dispensed by the pump and the valve, by calculating the elapsed time.

[0006] The device according to the invention is configured to allow the dosage of the ingredient(s) of the beverage to be dispensed. It allows the beverage to be easily dosed and the correct amount to be served. The desired quantity of ingredient is dispensed by measuring the valve opening time. Thanks to the invention, different doses of beverage can be served by quantifying them. This makes the operator's work easier.

[0007] The device according to the invention allows the sale of the drink in bulk, which is innovative and makes it possible to limit the use of packaging.

[0008] The device according to the invention can be used by a merchant such as a wine merchant, grocery store, supermarket, or in a cafe, restaurant, hotel, this list not being limited. mitative. This device can also be used for home use. Statement of the invention

[0009] The valve can be arranged downstream of the pump.

[0010] The combined presence of the pump associated with the valve makes it possible to convey the ingredient from the tank to the valve with a constant pressure at the inlet of the valve, independently of the quantity of ingredient in the tank, and therefore of the pressure in and at the outlet thereof. A constant pressure at the inlet of the valve makes it possible to calculate the flow rate as a function of the elapsed time.

[0011] On the contrary, in a system which would comprise a liquid reservoir and a valve only, without a pump, the outlet pressure would be different depending on the filling of the reservoir, for example with the reservoir full or on the verge of being empty. In this case, it is impossible to know the quantity of liquid flowed as a function of time.

[0012] The innovation of the device according to the invention is to obtain a constant pressure at the inlet of the valve thanks to a regulation of the flow rate obtained by the pump. This makes it possible to calculate the quantity of ingredient at the outlet as a function of the time elapsed.

[0013] The presence of the valve makes it possible to open or close a hydraulic circuit towards the output of the device.

[0014] The valve may be a solenoid valve.

[0015] The device may further comprise a vent downstream of the valve associated with the pump. It may prevent a suction effect at the outlet of the valve associated with the pump.

[0016] The device may further comprise a non-return valve downstream of the valve associated with the pump, in particular downstream of the vent. The non-return valve may prevent the ingredient from escaping through the vent.

[0017] The selector allows the dosage of the ingredient to be selected, by sending different electrical signals to the electronic device.

[0018] The dosage of the ingredient can be selected depending on how the selector is operated by a user, in particular the direction and / or duration of activation of the selector and / or the pressure exerted on the selector.

[0019] The device thus makes it easier to select the different quantities desired by the user by a simple action on the selector.

[0020] The selector may have in particular two or more possible positions, making it possible to select different modes of dispensing flow rate speed, allowing the user to limit the risks of splashing depending on the type of container used to receive the ingredient.

[0021] For example, a short press of the selector in a first direction A, for example less than a second, allows the delivery of a first dose of ingredient, for example 2 cL.

[0022] A short press of the selector in a second direction B, for example less than one second, makes it possible to deliver a second dose of ingredient, for example 4 cL.

[0023] A long press of the selector in a third direction C, in particular continuously, makes it possible to deliver a dose of ingredient continuously. The third direction C can be parallel to the first direction A.

[0024] A stronger pressure of the selector in a fourth direction D, makes it possible to deliver a dose of ingredient more quickly. The fourth direction D can be parallel to the first direction A.

[0025] The device may comprise a dispensing head, which comprises the selector and an outlet nozzle for the ingredient, supplied from the reservoir.

[0026] The outlet nozzle may be supplied from the reservoir by a supply hose, for example made of silicone. The supply hose may be held in the outlet nozzle by a retaining screw.

[0027] The outlet nozzle can further slide up and down, by a movement E, allowing the containers to slide under the dispensing head without hitting the outlet nozzle. To this end, once the outlet nozzle is in contact with the neck of the container, it slides by a movement E, preventing it from hitting the selector. Once the neck of the container is removed, the outlet nozzle returns to its initial position, preventing the container from coming out and thus facilitating the pouring of the ingredient into it.

[0028] The container can be a shaker, a bottle or even a glass.

[0029] The device may comprise an indicator, in particular a light indicator, of the level remaining in a tank. The device may, for example, comprise an indicator, in particular a light indicator, of the level remaining per tank of the device. It may comprise one indicator per tank. It may, for example, comprise two indicators.

[0030] The indicator can be arranged near the ingredient dispensing head. This makes it possible to transmit information on the level remaining in the tank to the user in a simple and visual manner.

[0031] The device may comprise a tank weight sensor. The weight sensor may be used to weigh the tank and to assess the quantity of ingredient remaining in the tank. This information may be transmitted to the electronic device, for example to control the lighting of the indicator light depending on the weight of the tank. The percentage of ingredient remaining is assessed.

[0032] The electronic device may also be configured to control the pump and the valve(s).

[0033] The reservoir may have a flexible wall. The presence of the flexible wall allows the reservoir to deform as the ingredient is dispensed. This can be referred to as a bag-in-box in English. The device may also have a fixed reservoir that can be supplied by an external refill.

[0034] The tank may also have an outlet tap.

[0035] The tank can be connected to the rest of the device by an adapter allowing transfer its contents to the pump.

[0036] The device may comprise several reservoirs, for example two, three or more. The device may be configured to dispense several different ingredients, for example two, three or more. In one embodiment, the device may comprise two reservoirs for two different ingredients.

[0037] The ingredient(s) are liquid. They may, for example, be chosen from the following list, which is not exhaustive: alcoholic beverage, spirits, wine, non-alcoholic beverage, fruit juice, fermented beverage, water, cocktail mix, ready-to-use cocktail, liquid sugar.

[0038] The device may comprise one dispensing head per reservoir. The device may comprise as many dispensing heads as there are reservoirs.

[0039] The dispensing head may include an indicator of correspondence with an adapter among one or more adapters of the device, to which a reservoir can be connected. An indicator may also be present on the corresponding adapter. This makes it possible to clearly differentiate the different dispensing heads of the device.

[0040] Furthermore, an identifier of the ingredient may be present on the reservoir. A corresponding identifier may also be present on the corresponding adapter, as well as on the dispensing head. These identifiers may give an indication of the ingredient contained in the corresponding reservoir and dispensed by the corresponding dispensing head.

[0041] The ingredient identifier may be disposed on a magnetic token indicating a nature of ingredient. The magnetic token may be retained on the dispensing head by means of a magnet placed on a cap of the dispensing head.

[0042] The device may comprise one selector per reservoir. The device may comprise as many selectors as there are reservoirs.

[0043] The reservoir may include a seal to guarantee the origin of the ingredient. The seal may be placed on the rear of the reservoir. The device may include a reader configured to read the seal and verify the authenticity of the container by reading the seal. The reader may include a color sensor for example or an NFC / RFID sensor. The seal may include an NFC / RFID element.

[0044] The device may include a reader placed at the rear of each tank, in order to read the color of the seal printed on the tank. If the color does not correspond to that previously recorded in the electronic device, then the device according to the invention may not work, and may send a light signal, for example flashing red, to the light indicator.

[0045] The device may comprise a reader placed at the rear of each tank, in order to read the information contained on the NFC / RFID element arranged on the tank. If this information does not correspond to that previously recorded in the electronic device, then the device according to the invention may not operate, and may send a light signal, for example flashing red, to the light indicator.

[0046] The device may comprise a box in which the reservoir(s) are arranged. The box may be rigid. In the box, the reservoirs may be arranged one above the other, or alternatively next to each other, or alternatively a combination of the two. Brief description of the drawings

[0047] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0048] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically represents, in perspective, an example of a distribution device according to the invention.

[0049] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the device of [Fig.l] in position open.

[0050] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a detail of the device of [Fig.l].

[0051] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a detail of the device of [Fig.l].

[0052] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing head of [Fig.l].

[0053] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the longitudinal section of [Fig.5].

[0054] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the use of the dispensing device of [Fig.l].

[0055] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the use of the dispensing device of [Fig.l].

[0056] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the use of the dispensing device of [Fig.l].

[0057] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the use of the dispensing device of [Fig.l].

[0058] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view with longitudinal section.

[0059] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view similar to [Fig.4] with an exploded view.

[0060] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a detail of the device of [Fig.l].

[0061] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the device electronics of the distribution device of [Fig.l]. Detailed description

[0062] Figures 1 to 14 illustrate a beverage dispensing device, comprising two reservoirs 1 each comprising an ingredient to be dispensed, visible in [Fig.2].

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.3], each reservoir 1 is associated with a pump 3 associated with a valve 4a for controlling the distribution of the ingredient out of the reservoir 1, as well as with a selector 6 controlling the pump 3 and the valve 4a, configured to allow the dosage of the ingredient to be selected.

[0064] The device further comprises an electronic device 11 configured to control the dosage of the ingredient by measuring the volume dispensed by the pump 3 and the valve 4a, by calculating the elapsed time.

[0065] The device according to the invention allows the dosage of the ingredients of the beverage to be dispensed. It allows the beverage to be easily dosed and the correct desired measure to be served. The desired quantity of ingredient is dispensed by measuring the opening time of the valve 4a.

[0066] The valve 4a is arranged downstream of the pump 3. This provides a constant pressure at the inlet of the valve 4a thanks to a regulation of the flow rate obtained by the pump 3. This makes it possible to calculate the quantity of ingredient at the outlet, as a function of the time elapsed.

[0067] The presence of the valve 4a makes it possible to open or close a hydraulic circuit towards the outlet of the device.

[0068] The device further comprises a vent 4b downstream of the valve 4a associated with the pump 3. It makes it possible to prevent a suction effect at the outlet of the valve 4a.

[0069] The device further comprises a non-return valve 4c downstream of the valve 4a associated with the pump 3, downstream of the vent 4b. It makes it possible to prevent the ingredient from escaping through the vent 4b.

[0070] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the device comprises a dispensing head 5, comprising the selector 6 and an outlet nozzle 7 for the ingredient, supplied from the reservoir 1.

[0071] The selector 6 makes it possible to select the dosage of the ingredient, by sending different electrical signals to the electronic device 11. The dosage of the ingredient is selected depending on how the selector is operated by a user, depending on the direction and / or duration of activation of the selector and / or the pressure exerted on the selector.

[0072] The selector has in the example described two possible positions, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, allowing two modes of dispensing flow rate speed to be selected, allowing the user to limit the risks of splashing depending on the type of container used to receive the ingredient.

[0073] By way of example, a short press of the selector in a first direction A, for example less than one second, makes it possible to deliver a first dose of ingredient in Dl, for example 2 cL, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0074] A short press of the selector in a second direction B, for example less than one second, makes it possible to deliver a second dose of ingredient in D2, for example 4 cL, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0075] A long press of the selector in a third direction C, in particular continuously, makes it possible to deliver a dose of ingredient continuously in D3, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. The third direction C can be parallel to the first direction A.

[0076] Furthermore, the outlet nozzle 7 is supplied from the reservoir 1 by a supply pipe 26, for example made of silicone. The supply pipe 26 is held in the outlet nozzle by a retaining screw 25.

[0077] The outlet nozzle 7 can further slide up and down, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, by a movement E, allowing the containers to slide under the dispensing head 5 without hitting the outlet nozzle 7. For this purpose, once the outlet nozzle 7 is in contact with the neck of the container, it slides by a movement E, preventing it from hitting the selector. Once the neck of the container is removed, the outlet nozzle 7 returns to its initial position, preventing the container from coming out and thus facilitating the pouring of the ingredient into it.

[0078] The device further comprises a light indicator 12 of the remaining level per reservoir 1 of the device. The light indicator 12 is arranged near the ingredient dispensing head 5. This makes it possible to transmit information on the remaining level in the reservoir to the user in a simple and visual manner.

[0079] In this embodiment and by way of example:

[0080] - if the light indicator is green, the container is filled to a minimum of 40%,

[0081] - if the indicator light is blue, the container is filled to a minimum of 20%,

[0082] - if the indicator light is red, the container is filled to a maximum of 20%.

[0083] The device further comprises a weight sensor 10 of the tank, in order to allow to weigh the tank, and to assess the quantity of ingredient remaining in the tank. This information can be transmitted to the electronic device 11, for example to control the lighting of the indicator light accordingly. Depending on the weight of the tank, the percentage of ingredient remaining is assessed.

[0084] The tanks 1 are each connected to the rest of the device by an adapter 2 allowing their contents to be transferred to pump 3.

[0085] As illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the dispensing head 5 includes an indicator 8 of correspondence with an adapter 2 among the adapters of the device, to which a reservoir 1 can be connected. An indicator 9 is also present on the corresponding adapter 2. This makes it possible to clearly differentiate the different dispensing heads 5 of the device.

[0086] Furthermore, an identifier 27 of the ingredient is present on the reservoir 1. A corresponding identifier 9 is also present on the corresponding adapter, as well as on the dispensing head 5 at 8. These identifiers 8, 9, 27 give an indication of the ingredient contained in the corresponding reservoir 1 and dispensed by the corresponding dispensing head 5.

[0087] The identifier 8 of the ingredient is in this example arranged on a magnetic token 24 indicating a type of ingredient. The magnetic token can be retained on the dispensing head 5 by means of a magnet 23 placed on a cap 22 of the dispensing head 5.

[0088] The reservoir may include a seal 13 to guarantee the origin of the ingredient. The seal may be placed on the rear of the reservoir. The device may include a reader 14 configured to read the seal and verify the authenticity of the container by reading the seal. The reader 14 may include a color sensor or an NFC / RFID sensor for example. The seal 13 may include a color element or an NFC / RFID chip. It may be in the form of a sticker that sticks to the reservoir 1.

[0089] The device may comprise a reader 14 placed at the rear of each tank 1, in order to read the color of the seal 13 printed on the tank 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. If the color or the information contained on the NFC / RFID element does not correspond to that previously recorded in the electronic device 11, then the device according to the invention may not operate, and may send a light signal, for example flashing red, to the light indicator 12. The reader 14 is connected by a cable 17 to the electronic device 11.

[0090] The electronic device 11 is also configured to control the pump 3 and the valves 4a, 4b, 4c. For this purpose, it comprises connection cables 16 to 21.

[0091] As illustrated in [Fig.14], the electronic device 11 comprises in the example described a flow rate selector 29, and a reset button 'resef' 30 allowing the electronic device 11 to be reset in the event of a problem. It also comprises a USB port 31 allowing the code programmed in the electronic device 11 to be modified from a computer. Finally, it comprises a power supply tip 32 for its power supply.

[0092] We will now describe the operation of the device according to the invention.

[0093] The electronic device 11 makes it possible to collect all of the information generated in the device, to process the information according to the algorithm contained in the memory of the electronic device 11, then to return instructions to the valves 4a, 4b, 4c and pump 3.

[0094] The operating process from powering on to dosing the desired amount of beverage is as follows:

[0095] 0. Before switching on, it is important not to place the tanks 1 in the device.

[0096] 1. Powering up allows the electronic device 11 to be powered by the current supply through the power supply tip 32.

[0097] 2. The electronic device 11 collects the value of the weight sensors 10 and initializes this value as being a zero weight.

[0098] 3. The electronic device 11 sends a light signal by flashing the indicator light 12 to indicate that initialization is complete.

[0099] 4. The user places the tanks 1 in the device.

[0100] 5. The reader 14 analyzes the NFC / RFID information of the seal 13. This information is predefined so that only certified tanks can be used in the device:

[0101] - If the information matches then the device moves to the next step.

[0102] - If the information does not correspond, the indicator light 12 flashes red and prevents the device from functioning.

[0103] 6. The electronic device 11 collects information from the weight sensors 10 and calculates the quantity of liquid present in the tanks 1, then retransmits the information using the light indicator 12.

[0104] - If the light indicator is green, the container is filled to a minimum of 40%.

[0105] - If the indicator light is blue, the container is filled to a minimum of 20%.

[0106] - If the indicator light is red, the container is filled to a maximum of 20%.

[0107] 7. When the selector 6 is activated, the electronic device 11 collects the position in which it is located and the time during which it was activated, then it sends the following information:

[0108] - Selector 6 in position A (ignition time < 1 second): ignition of pump I wait 1 tenth of a second I open the valve I wait 6 tenths of a second I close the valve and stop the motor.

[0109] - Selector 6 in position B (any ignition time): ignition of pump I wait 1 tenth of a second I open the valve I wait 9 tenths of a second I close the valve and stop the motor.

[0110] - Selector 6 in position C (ignition time > 1 second): ignition of pump I wait for 1 tenth of a second I open the valve I wait for the selector returns to its initial position I closing the valve and stopping the motor.

[0111] The electronic device 11 is designed as a support for accommodating different electronic components 18 so that only one part of the electronic device 11 needs to be changed if it should have a problem.

Claims

Claims

1. Beverage dispensing device, comprising: - at least one reservoir (1) comprising an ingredient to be dispensed, - a pump (3) associated with a valve (4a) for controlling the dispensing of the ingredient from the reservoir (1), - a selector (6) controlling the pump (3) and the valve (4a), configured to allow the dosage of the ingredient to be selected, - an electronic device (11) configured to control the dosage of the ingredient by measuring the volume dispensed by the pump (3) and the valve (4a), by calculating the elapsed time, and - a dispensing head (5) per reservoir (1).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, the valve (4a) being arranged downstream of the pump (3).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vent (4b) downstream of the valve (4a) associated with the pump (3).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, further comprising a non-return valve (4c) downstream of the valve (4a) associated with the pump (3), in particular downstream of the vent (4b).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the dosage of the ingredient being selected according to the way in which the selector (6) is actuated by a user, in particular the direction and / or duration of activation of the selector (6) and / or the pressure exerted on the selector (6).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a dispensing head (5), which comprises the selector (6) and an outlet nozzle (7) for the ingredient, supplied from the reservoir.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims comprising an indicator (12), in particular a light indicator, of the level remaining in a tank (1).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a weight sensor (10) of the tank (1).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the reservoir (1) comprising a flexible wall.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two reservoirs (1) for two different ingredients.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a selector (6) per reservoir (1).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the device comprising a box in which the reservoir(s) (1) are arranged.

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