Container for beverage dispensing device, assembly and associated assembly method

Abstract

Container for a beverage dispensing device, assembly and associated assembly method. Container (20) for a beverage dispensing device (18), said container (20) comprising: - a main body (21) having an upper opening (24) adapted for consuming a beverage contained in the container (20) and a lower face (23), opposite the upper opening (24), defining a filling orifice (26), - a sealing element (27) for the filling orifice (26), assembled in a removable manner within the filling orifice (26), the sealing element (27) comprising a rigid ring (28) disposed in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice (26) and a flexible portion (29) mounted on the ring (28) and defining a valve opening. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Container for a beverage dispensing device, assembly and associated assembly method Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a container for a beverage dispensing device, an assembly comprising a beverage dispensing device and at least one such container, as well as a method for assembling such a container. Prior art

[0002] Document WO 2016 / 166475 on behalf of the Applicant discloses a beverage dispensing assembly for filling a container, in particular a glass, by means of a nozzle passing through a sealing element housed in the bottom of the container.

[0003] The nozzle is connected to a reservoir, for example a drum, via a solenoid valve that can be controlled between an open position allowing the container to be filled, and a closed position.

[0004] Such a distribution system is intended for professionals and has a relatively high cost.

[0005] Document WO 2020 / 234543, also in the name of the Applicant, proposes a distribution device adapted to the needs of the general public and presenting a lower cost.

[0006] This beverage dispensing device includes a base intended to be fixedly mounted on a reservoir containing a fluid, in particular a beverage, and a fluid dispensing nozzle adapted to draw the fluid from the reservoir.

[0007] The distribution device further includes a lever bearing on a support surface of the nozzle, so that the pivoting of the lever actuates the translational movement of the nozzle.

[0008] Actuating the lever, that is, rotating it around the fixed axis, causes the nozzle to move axially in translation, opening or closing the valve and drawing fluid from the reservoir. Pressure on the lever and the nozzle is generally exerted by means of a container attached to the dispensing nozzle.

[0009] Containers compatible with this beverage dispensing device must include a valve on their underside allowing the nozzle to be inserted for filling and ensuring the sealing of the underside of the container once the container has been removed from the nozzle.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a procedure for assembling such containers, which is both simpler and faster and which produces a better guaranteed seal.

[0011] Furthermore, such containers must be able to be cleaned in order to be reused, and the filling valve requires particular care during cleaning. These containers can therefore be improved by making them easier to clean, for both professional and private users. Presentation of the invention

[0012] The invention therefore aims to provide a container compatible with a beverage dispensing device of the aforementioned type, featuring improved sealing, simplified assembly and easier cleaning between uses.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a container for a beverage dispensing device, said container comprising:

[0014] - a main body having a top opening adapted for the consumption of a beverage contained in the container and a lower face, opposite the upper opening, defining a filling orifice,

[0015] - a filling orifice sealing element, assembled in such a way removable in the filling orifice, the sealing element comprises a rigid ring disposed in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice and a flexible part mounted on the ring and defining a valve opening.

[0016] Such a container allows for simplified assembly of the sealing element in the filling opening, with improved sealing. Furthermore, the sealing element can be removed from the opening for more effective cleaning between uses of the container.

[0017] The ring may comprise a lower part and an upper part, assembled to each other, the flexible part being held tightly between the lower part and the upper part.

[0018] Such a feature allows for a simple and quick fixing of the flexible part onto the rigid ring.

[0019] One of the lower and upper parts can radially surround the other of the lower and upper parts as well as the flexible part, and extend into contact with the peripheral edges of the filling orifice.

[0020] Such a feature makes it possible to improve the sealing of the junction between the ring and the edges of the filling orifice.

[0021] The lower part and the upper part can be assembled to each other in a detachable manner, for example by interlocking or screwing.

[0022] Such a feature allows complete disassembly of the sealing element for cleaning or replacement of only a part of it if necessary.

[0023] Alternatively, the lower part and the upper part can be assembled together in a substantially permanent manner, for example by snapping or tightening.

[0024] Alternatively, the rigid ring can be formed in one piece, for example by overmolding on the edges of the flexible part.

[0025] The flexible part can define two slots which intersect in the vicinity of a center of the flexible part, preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0026] Such a feature makes it possible to form a valve which facilitates the introduction of the nozzle and is designed to close tightly when the nozzle is removed.

[0027] The ring can be made of an opaque plastic material, in particular a semi-crystalline polymer, for example poly(butylene terephthalate).

[0028] Such a feature makes it possible to improve the appearance of the container and the ring as well as their resistance.

[0029] The main body can be substantially cylindrical or frustoconical, the upper opening being substantially circular.

[0030] Such a feature simplifies the manufacture, handling and storage of the container.

[0031] The main body can be made from a transparent plastic material, in particular a co-polyester, for example a copolymer of dimethyl terephthalate, cyclohexanedimethanol and 2,2,4,4-teramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

[0032] Such a characteristic gives the container a good surface appearance close to glass, while offering good mechanical and thermal resistance.

[0033] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a fluid reservoir and a beverage dispensing device mounted on the reservoir, said beverage dispensing device comprising a base, a dispensing nozzle extending substantially vertically from the base and means for switching the circulation of the fluid through the nozzle, the assembly also comprising at least one container as above.

[0034] The invention further relates to a method for assembling a container as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0035] - supply of a main body having a top opening adapted for the consumption of a beverage contained in the container and a lower face, opposite the upper opening, defining a filling orifice, of a rigid ring and a flexible part defining a valve opening,

[0036] - mounting the flexible part onto the rigid ring and obtaining an element of obturator, and

[0037] - assembly of the sealing element, in a removable manner, in the orifice of filling, the rigid ring being positioned in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice. Brief description of the figures

[0038] [Fig-1] is an exploded, perspective view of a beverage dispensing assembly according to the invention,

[0039] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] are perspective views of a container according to the invention,

[0040] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a lower part of a sealing element of the container of Figures 2 and 3,

[0041] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of an upper part of the shutter element, and

[0042] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of a flexible part of the sealing element. Detailed description of the invention

[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates a beverage distribution assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Said assembly 1 includes a tank 2 intended to house a commercial reservoir 3, for example a substantially cylindrical keg 3 containing beer.

[0045] The tank 2 comprises a cylindrical side wall 4 and a bottom 5. The side wall 4 and the bottom 5 comprise, within their thickness, a material forming a thermal insulator.

[0046] Blocks of heat transfer material 7, 8, comprising a shell or a reservoir containing a heat transfer liquid such as water, are housed in the tank 2. The blocks 7, 8 are pre-cooled before insertion into the tank 2.

[0047] In particular, a block 7 of generally circular shape is mounted at the bottom of the tank 2, the bottom of the tank 3 resting on the upper surface of the circular block 7.

[0048] Furthermore, peripheral blocks 8 of concave shape are mounted in the tank 2, between the side wall 4 of the tank 2 and the side wall of the reservoir 3.

[0049] The side wall 4 of the tank 2 is equipped with a handle 9 fixed on studs 10 of the tank 2. The handle 9 makes it easier to transport the assembly 1.

[0050] The assembly 1 also includes a cover 11 for closing the open upper end of the tank 2. The cover 11 has two lateral gripping areas 12 or handles, formed here by diametrically opposed recessed areas 12 of the cover 11. The cover 11 has a central, axially oriented circular recess or opening 13. Orifices 14 are formed around the central opening 13, the orifices opening 14 into the internal volume of the tank 2.

[0051] Assembly 1 further comprises a beverage distribution device 18, located in the internal volume of the tank 2, assembled on the reservoir 3.

[0052] The beverage distribution device 18 is in particular of the type described in document WO 2020 / 234543.

[0053] The beverage dispensing device 18 includes a base comprising means for fixing the dispensing device 18 to the reservoir 3, a dispensing nozzle 19 extending substantially vertically from the base and means for switching the circulation of the fluid through the nozzle 19.

[0054] The distribution device 18 further includes means for sampling the fluid in the reservoir 3, for example a sampling rod extending from the base in the reservoir 2, in fluidic communication with the nozzle 19.

[0055] As specified above, the distribution device 18 includes means for switching the flow of liquid through the nozzle 19, including for example a lever actuated by engaging a container on the nozzle 19.

[0056] The assembly 1 also includes at least one container 20, visible in [Fig.1], intended to receive the fluid delivered by the nozzle 19 and to contain it during its consumption by a user.

[0057] Each container 20 is for example a glass adapted to be used with the dispensing device 18.

[0058] For this purpose, the container 20 comprises a main body 21, shown in Figures 2 and 3, having side walls 22 and a bottom face 23, or base, said bottom face 23 being for example substantially circular.

[0059] The main body 21 is, for example, made from a transparent plastic material, in particular a copolyester, for example a copolymer of dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. This material is an amorphous thermoplastic, also known by the brand name Tritan (registered trademark).

[0060] Alternatively, other types of polymers can be used to produce the main body 21

[0061] The side walls 22 define a top opening 24 suitable for consuming a beverage contained in the container 20, on the side opposite the bottom face 23.

[0062] The side walls 22 and the lower face 23 together define an internal space for receiving the liquid, which opens through the upper opening 24.

[0063] The side walls 22 for example give the container 20 a substantially cylindrical or substantially frustoconical shape.

[0064] Advantageously, the side walls 22 define a guide groove 25 adapted to cooperate with a guide defined by the cover 11 in order to facilitate the positioning of container 20 in relation to the beverage dispensing device for filling.

[0065] The lower face 23 defines a filling orifice 26 of the container 20, for example substantially circular and offset with respect to the axis of the container 20 (not shown).

[0066] The filling orifice 26 is a circular hole passing through the lower face 23 and opening into the internal space of the container 20.

[0067] The container 20 includes a sealing element 27, of the self-sealing type, engaged in the filling orifice 26, partially shown in [Fig.3].

[0068] The sealing element 27 is assembled in a detachable manner in the filling orifice 26, i.e. it can be disassembled and reassembled repeatedly, without significant damage or wear to the sealing element 27 or the main body 21.

[0069] The sealing element 27 comprises a rigid ring 28, disposed in contact with the lateral edges of the filling orifice 26, and a flexible part 29 mounted on the ring 28 and defining a valve opening, comprising for example at least a self-sealing filling slot 30.

[0070] The ring 28 is made of an opaque plastic material, in particular a semi-crystalline polymer, for example poly(butylene terephthalate), or PBT.

[0071] This makes it possible to mask any possible liquid infiltrations into the sealing element 27, improving the external appearance of the container 20.

[0072] The flexible part 29 is for example made of silicone.

[0073] Advantageously, the ring 28 comprises a lower part 28a, shown [Fig.4], and an upper part 28b, shown [Fig.5].

[0074] The lower part 28a and the upper part 28b are assembled together, the flexible part 29 being held tightly between the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b.

[0075] The lower part 28a has, for example, an annular shape, and includes an upper rim 21 and a lower rim 32 arranged to bear on either side of the lower face 23 of the main body, so as to keep the ring 28 engaged in the filling orifice 26.

[0076] The upper part 28b has, for example, an annular shape and an external diameter substantially equal to an internal diameter of the lower part 28a, so that the upper part can be assembled fitted into the lower part, over the flexible part 29, so as to hold the flexible part 29 in the ring 28 by clamping.

[0077] The lower part 28a thus radially surrounds the upper part 28b and the flexible part 29.

[0078] Alternatively, the upper part 28b can radially surround the lower part 28a and the flexible part 29.

[0079] Alternatively, the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b may have complementary screw threads and be assembled together by screwing.

[0080] Advantageously, as shown in [Fig.6], the flexible part 29 includes a thickened part 33 along its periphery, the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b of the ring 28 defining complementary grooves 34 for receiving the thickened part 33, so as to improve the retention of the flexible part 29.

[0081] The flexible part 29 also includes a substantially flat central part 35, in which is defined at least one slot 30, for example two slots 30 perpendicular to each other forming the valve opening for the introduction of the nozzle 19.

[0082] The slot(s) 30 are advantageously defined around the center of the flexible part 29.

[0083] According to another embodiment not shown in the figures, the ring 28 is formed in one piece, for example by overmolding on the flexible part 29.

[0084] A method for assembling the container 20 includes, for example, a step of supplying the main body 21 of the ring 28, in particular its lower part 28a and its upper part 28b, and the flexible part 29, a step of mounting the flexible part 29 on the ring 28, for example between the lower part 28b and the upper part 28a fitted together, and obtaining a sealing element 27, and a step of assembling the sealing element 27, in a detachable manner, in the filling orifice 26, the ring 28 being disposed in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice 26.

[0085] The step of assembling the sealing element 27 in the filling orifice 26 can be done from the inside or outside of the main body 21, i.e. from each side of the lower face.

[0086] The assembly is carried out, for example, using a press and / or on a vibrating table, which allows for quick and easy assembly of several containers 20 simultaneously, and thus a satisfactory production speed. Furthermore, such an assembly method ensures a good seal for the containers 20.

[0087] Finally, the assembly of the sealing element 27 is reversible, that is to say, it is possible to remove the sealing element 27 from the orifice 26 to clean or replace it, without having to replace the entire container in this case.

Claims

Demands

1. A container (20) for a beverage dispensing device (18), said container (20) comprising: - a main body (21) having an upper opening (24) adapted for consuming a beverage contained in the container (20) and a lower face (23), opposite the upper opening (24), defining a filling orifice (26), - a sealing element (27) for the filling orifice (26), assembled in a detachable manner within the filling orifice (26), the sealing element (27) comprising a rigid ring (28) disposed in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice (26) and a flexible portion (29) mounted on the ring (28) and defining a valve opening, wherein the ring (28) comprises a lower portion (28a) and an upper portion (28b) assembled together, the flexible portion (29) being held tightly between the lower portion (28a) and the upper part (28b).

2. Container (20) according to claim 1, wherein one of the lower part (28a) and the upper part (28b) radially surrounds the other of the lower part (28a) and the upper part (28b) as well as the flexible part (29), and extends into contact with the peripheral edges of the filling orifice (26).

3. Container (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower part (28a) and the upper part (28b) are assembled to each other in a detachable manner, for example by interlocking or screwing.

4. Container (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible part (29) defines two slots (30) which intersect in the vicinity of a center of the flexible part (29), preferably perpendicular to each other.

5. Container (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ring (28) is made of an opaque plastic material, in particular a semi-crystalline polymer, for example poly(butylene terephthalate).

6. Container (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body (21) is substantially cylindrical or frustoconical, the upper opening (24) being substantially circular.

7. Container (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main body (21) is made from a transparent plastic material, in particular a co-polyester, for example a copolymer of dimethyl terephthalate, cyclohexanedimethanol and 2,2,4,4-teramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

8. Assembly (1) comprising a fluid reservoir (3) and a beverage dispensing device (18) assembled on the reservoir (3), said beverage dispensing device (18) comprising a base, a dispensing nozzle (19) extending substantially vertically from the base and means for switching the circulation of the fluid through the nozzle (19), the assembly also comprising at least one container (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Method of assembling a container (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - providing a main body (21) having a top opening (24) adapted for consuming a beverage contained in the container (20) and a bottom face (23), opposite the top opening (24), defining a filling orifice (26), a rigid ring (28) and a flexible part (29) defining a valve opening, - mounting the flexible part (29) on the rigid ring (28) and obtaining a sealing element (27), and - assembling the sealing element (27), in a detachable manner, in the filling orifice (26), the rigid ring (27) being disposed in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice (26).

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