Equipment for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products

Abstract

TITLE: Equipment for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products The present invention relates to a dispenser for liquid or semi-liquid food products, comprising a container (21) capable of containing the product, this container (21) having a bottom and side walls substantially matching the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, this container (21) containing an opening allowing the suction and / or flow of the food product. According to the invention, the dispenser comprises a cover (4), the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow the cover (4), extending substantially horizontally in the container, to be moved between the side walls of the container (21), in a substantially vertical direction, its peripheral edges sliding against the side walls of the container (21). Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Equipment for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the distribution of food products. It relates in particular to equipment for distributing liquid or semi-liquid food products, such as yogurts or creams. Prior art

[0002] There is equipment for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products. Such equipment, hereinafter referred to as dispensers, is often available in the context of collective catering facilities. It allows consumers or catering staff to fill a container such as a glass, bowl or plate with a predetermined or freely chosen quantity of the desired food product.

[0003] There are thus a very large number of dispensers for liquid food products, such as hot or cold drinks, juices, milk, etc.

[0004] In such a dispenser, the liquid food product may be contained in a reservoir, and be sucked, through an outlet orifice located at the bottom of the reservoir, into a distribution circuit. When the reservoir empties, its suction through the outlet orifice can create a vortex, which causes air to be sucked into the distribution circuit, even though there is still product in the reservoir. This air can cause the pump to lose its prime, and disrupt the dosing of product by the distribution circuit. These disruptions can sometimes lead to a premature change of reservoir, before it is completely empty, which causes losses of food product.

[0005] There are also dispensers for semi-liquid food products such as, for example, yogurts, creams, sauces, purees, etc. Such semi-liquid food products often have a high viscosity.

[0006] Dispensers of semi-liquid products often generate relatively significant losses of the product dispensed. Indeed, due to the viscosity of the product, it can adhere to the walls with which it is in contact. It adheres in particular to the walls of the tank in which it is contained. The viscosity of the product can also prevent it from flowing properly, in the tank in which it is contained, towards the outlet orifice of this tank allowing the product to be dispensed.

[0007] It is therefore necessary to provide means facilitating the flow of the product into the tank, towards its outlet orifice.

[0008] Among the dispensing equipment capable of dispensing a semi-liquid product viscous, equipment is known disclosed by document EP3442351B1. This equipment comprises a tank containing the semi-liquid product, means for controlling the temperature of this product, and a distribution circuit for dispensing the product contained in the tank. According to this document, stirring means are provided in the tank to control the viscosity of the product. These stirring means may comprise a spiral scraper, which helps to move the product, in the tank, towards the orifice allowing its dispensing. However, such stirring means complicate the dispenser, and do not prevent product losses.

[0009] Also known, for example from document EP305482B1, is a dispenser for semi-liquid food products in which the food product is contained in a flexible pouch, which is itself placed in the reservoir. In such a dispenser, the pouch retracts as the product is taken from it to be dispensed.

[0010] Another food product dispenser is also known, for example from document US9505600B2, in which a flexible pocket containing the product to be dispensed can be compressed, by suitable means, to facilitate its complete emptying.

[0011] Such dispensers require the pre-filling of flexible bags, which most often constitute waste, after their use. The generation of such waste, most often plastic products, is less and less accepted by regulations.

[0012] The known means for facilitating the flow of the viscous semi-liquid food product contained in the reservoir of a dispenser are therefore relatively complex and expensive.

[0013] There is therefore a need for means which make it possible, in a simpler manner, to facilitate the complete flow of the liquid or semi-liquid food product contained in the reservoir of a dispenser towards the outlet orifice of this reservoir, in order to avoid product losses. Statement of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] In particular, the present invention aims to provide equipment for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products which allows the dispensing of the largest possible part of the product it contains, while minimizing losses.

[0016] The invention also aims to provide such equipment which allows the efficient and rapid distribution of this product.

[0017] The invention also aims to provide such equipment which is of simple design and relatively inexpensive.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to provide such equipment which does not require the use of flexible bags, which are likely to produce waste which is difficult to recycle.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is to provide such equipment whose use, maintenance, and in particular filling with product, and cleaning, are easy.

[0020] These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly later, are achieved using a dispenser for a liquid or semi-liquid food product, comprising a container capable of containing such a product, the container having a bottom and side walls substantially matching the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, this container containing an opening allowing the suction and / or flow of the food product contained in the container.

[0021] According to the invention, this dispenser comprises a cover, the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow the cover, extending substantially horizontally in the tank, to be moved between the side walls of the tank, in a substantially vertical direction, its peripheral edges sliding against the side walls of the tank.

[0022] The choice of the shape and dimensions of the cover may be the choice of a cover shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the internal section of the tank, in a horizontal plane. The dimensions of the cover may then be slightly smaller than the dimensions of the internal section of the tank, to provide clearance allowing movement of the cover in the tank, or slightly larger than the dimensions of the internal section of the tank, when the peripheral edge of the cover is formed by a flexible seal capable of retracting, without preventing movement of the cover in the tank. A person skilled in the art knows, without excessive difficulty, how to make such a choice of the shape and dimensions of the cover, so that the latter, extending substantially horizontally in the tank, can be moved between the side walls of the tank, in a substantially vertical direction, its peripheral edges sliding against the side walls of the tank.

[0023] Such a cover, placed in the tray in contact with the surface of the food product, can move in the tray following the variations in the level of the surface of the food product. It thus makes it possible to accompany the drop in the level of the food product as it is distributed, ensuring that this level drops identically over the entire surface of the tray.

[0024] This cover thus makes it possible to avoid the formation of a vortex or a depression on the surface of the product, directly above the opening, which could cause air to enter the product distribution circuit. It also makes it possible to limit or prevent the adhesion of viscous food product to the side walls of the tank. It thus makes it possible to avoid wasting part of the food product content in the bin.

[0025] Furthermore, the presence of the cover in contact with the surface of the food product advantageously prevents contact of the food product with air, which makes it possible to improve its storage conditions.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the peripheral edges of the cover are formed by a flexible seal coming into sliding contact with the side walls of the container, when the cover, extending substantially horizontally, is moved between the side walls of the container, in a substantially vertical direction.

[0027] The cover can thus effectively scrape the side walls of the tank, as the level of the product contained in the tank decreases. Due to the flexibility of the seal, this scraping can be effective even in the event of a slight variation in the cross-section of the tank.

[0028] The presence of such a seal is particularly useful when the container is filled with a viscous semi-liquid product. However, it is not essential if the container is only filled with a liquid product, which is less likely to adhere to the side walls of the container. In a particular embodiment of the invention, particularly suitable for liquid food product dispensers, the shape and dimensions of the lid can thus be chosen to allow the peripheral edges of the lid to slide against the side walls of the container thanks to a slight clearance, generally less than 5 mm, making it possible to prevent the lid from being blocked in its movement by contact with the side walls of the container. Indeed, when the container is filled with such a liquid product, the main function of the lid is to prevent the formation of a vortex in the container, which would risk introducing air into the distribution circuit.

[0029] Preferably, the cover has at least one vent allowing air to circulate from one side of the cover to the other, in the container.

[0030] Such a vent makes it easier to handle the lid and to place it in direct contact with the food product, without air accumulation.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vent comprises a hole passing through said cover, and movable closing means making it possible to open or close this hole.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, applicable when the peripheral edges of the cover are formed by a flexible seal, the vent comprises a portion of the peripheral seal, and gripping means capable of moving this portion of peripheral seal.

[0033] The movement of the peripheral seal can, in this case, allow the passage of air from one side of the cover to the other.

[0034] Advantageously, the cover has a shape and / or a density allowing it to float on the surface of the water.

[0035] Since food products generally have a density greater than that of water, the lid can therefore rest on the surface of these products.

[0036] Advantageously, the opening contained in the tray passes through the bottom of the tray.

[0037] The opening thus allows the flow by gravity of the food product, preferably towards a distribution circuit.

[0038] Advantageously, the cover has a shape which substantially matches the shape of the bottom of the container, when the cover, extending substantially horizontally in the container, is moved between the side walls of the container until it comes into contact with the bottom.

[0039] The lid can thus push all or almost all of the product contained in the container towards the opening. It thus avoids the waste of food product.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the cover has an opening capable of being connected, on the upper face of the cover, to a supply pipe.

[0041] Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to fill the container through the cover, without removing the latter.

[0042] The invention also relates to a reservoir for a liquid or semi-liquid food product, comprising a container capable of containing the product, the container having a bottom, and side walls substantially matching the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, this container containing an opening allowing the suction and / or flow of the food product contained in the container, this container comprising a cover, the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow the cover, extending substantially horizontally in the container, to be moved between the side walls of the container, in a substantially vertical direction, its peripheral edges sliding against the side walls of the container.

[0043] Such a reservoir is advantageously used in the dispenser described above. It may have each of the characteristics mentioned above in relation to the dispenser. Description of figures

[0044] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: - [Fig.l] is a perspective representation of a liquid or semi-liquid food product dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention. - [Fig.2] is a front view of the distributor of [Fig.l]. - [Fig.3] is a sectional view of the distributor of [Fig.l]. - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a reservoir of the dispenser of Figures 1 to 3, in which the cover is in a high position. - [Fig.5] is a sectional view of this reservoir of [Fig.4]. - [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the tank of [Fig.2], in which the cover is in a low position. - [Fig.7] is a sectional view of this tank, in the configuration of [Fig.6]. - [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the tank cover of Figures 4 to 7. - [Fig.9] is a perspective view of another cover that can be implemented in the tank of figures 4 to 7. Description of the embodiments

[0045] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of a dispenser 1 for liquid or semi-liquid food products according to one embodiment of the invention. This same dispenser 1 is represented in front view by [Fig. 2] and in sectional view by [Fig. 3]. This dispenser 1 advantageously comprises a refrigerated compartment 11, and a dispensing location 12. The refrigerated compartment 11 contains at least one reservoir 2, containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product, and at least one dispensing circuit 3.

[0046] The dispensing location 12 is a location located outside the refrigerated compartment 11, where containers can be placed so that they are filled, by the dispensing circuit 3, with the food product contained in the tank 2.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the dispenser 1 contains two separate reservoirs 2, each of these reservoirs 2 being associated with a dispensing circuit 3. It is thus possible to place a container in the dispensing location 12, in a first position allowing it to be filled with a liquid or semi-liquid food product from one of the reservoirs 2, in a second position allowing it to be filled with a liquid or semi-liquid food product from the other reservoir 2, or even in a third position allowing it to be filled simultaneously with the food products from both reservoirs 2. In the remainder of the description, only one of the reservoirs 2 and the dispensing circuit 3 associated with it will be described, the second reservoir and the second dispensing circuit being substantially identical.

[0048] In the present description, it is considered that an axis or a plane is substantially vertical when it forms an angle of less than 10° with the vertical, and that an axis or a plane is substantially horizontal when it forms an angle of less than 10° with the horizontal.

[0049] The reservoir 2 comprises a tank 21 having a substantially horizontal bottom 210 and side walls 211 substantially taking the shape of a cylinder, not necessarily circular, with a substantially vertical axis. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the section of this cylinder has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. The junctions between the bottom 210 and the side walls 211 form a fillet. The top of the tank 21, forming the end of the cylinder which is opposite the bottom 210, is open.

[0050] Containers of this shape, conventionally used in catering, have the advantage of being easy to store and clean. They can also be manufactured easily, for example by stamping.

[0051] In practice, the method of manufacturing these containers does not necessarily allow the side walls 211 to strictly follow the shape of a cylinder. For example, manufacturing by stamping imposes on these side walls a slightly flared shape, which means that the section has slightly smaller dimensions near the bottom of the container than near its upper opening. These slight dimensional variations do not, however, prevent the side walls of such a container from being considered as substantially following the shape of a cylinder, within the meaning of the present description.

[0052] An opening 25, provided in the bottom 210 of the tank, allows the suction or flow by gravity of the contents of the tank 21. In the embodiment shown, this opening 25 passes through the bottom 210 of the tank and is equipped with a nozzle 250 extending below the tank 21. The reservoir 2 comprises a base 22 supporting the tank 21, so as to keep the bottom 210 of the tank 21 at a distance from the surface on which the tank 21 is placed. Access to the lower surface of the bottom 210 and to the nozzle 250 is thus facilitated.

[0053] In other embodiments, the opening provided in the tank, to allow the suction or flow of the contents of the tank, may not be an opening passing through the bottom of the tank. This opening may for example be constituted by the end, placed in the tank, of a suction pipe intended to allow the suction or flow of the contents of the tank.

[0054] This tank 2 is designed to be placed in a removable manner in the refrigerated compartment 11. It can thus be removed from the refrigerated compartment 11, for example to be cleaned or to be filled.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment shown, a first end of a flexible pipe 31 of the distribution circuit 3 is fitted onto the end piece 250 extending below the tank 21. This flexible pipe 31 passes through a peristaltic pump 32, placed in a lower part of the refrigerated compartment 11, which acts on the flexible pipe 31 to carry out suction at its first end, and discharge towards its second end. This second end of the flexible pipe 31 is connected to a dispensing nozzle 33 placed above the dispensing location 12. The operation of the peristaltic pump 32 of the dispensing circuit 3 thus makes it possible to suck up the contents of the reservoir 2 to dispense them into the containers placed on the dispensing location 12.

[0056] The semi-liquid food products that can be contained in the reservoir 2 are fluid but can have a relatively high viscosity. These food products can, for example, be yogurts, creams, white cheeses, sauces, purees, etc. Due to their viscosity, these food products can adhere, in large quantities, to the walls of the tank 21, without flowing correctly by gravity through the opening 25. There is therefore a risk of significant waste of food products that cannot be distributed.

[0057] The risk of wasting product adhering to the walls of the reservoir is less significant for liquid food products. However, when the reservoir 2 contains a liquid food product, the suction of this product through the opening 25 can generate a vortex, which causes air to enter the opening 25, and therefore into the distribution circuit 3, while there is still product in the reservoir 2. This entry of air can disrupt the operation of the distribution circuit 3, in particular by distorting the dosage of the product dispensed. It can, consequently, lead to the premature replacement of the reservoir, before it is completely empty, which results in product wastage.

[0058] To avoid such waste and to allow the distribution in good conditions of almost all of the food product contained in the reservoir 2, this reservoir 2 has a movable cover 4, placed in the tub 21. This movable cover 4 is advantageously substantially flat and extends, in use, substantially horizontally. It is placed in the cylindrical portion defined by the side walls 211 of the tub 21, its lower face 41 being in direct contact with the surface of the product contained in this tub 21.

[0059] In order to be able to be placed in the container 21, the substantially flat cover 4 has dimensions allowing it to be inserted and to slide in this container 21, and a shape corresponding substantially to an internal section of the container 21 in a horizontal plane. This shape and these dimensions allow the peripheral edges of the cover 4 to slide against the side walls of the container 21, during its sliding in the container 21 in a vertical direction.

[0060] It is considered, in the present description, that the peripheral edges of the cover 4 slide against the side walls 211 of the container 21 when these peripheral edges are in sliding contact with the side walls 211, or are located in the immediate vicinity of these peripheral walls, during the sliding of the cover 4 in the container 21. The cover can thus cover all or almost all of the surface of the product contained in this container 21, regardless of the quantity of this product contained in the container.

[0061] Furthermore, in the advantageous embodiment shown, the contours of this cover 4 are formed by a flexible peripheral seal 43, having a lip capable of coming into contact with the internal surface of the side walls 211 of the tank 21. When the cover 4, extending substantially horizontally, moves vertically in the tank 21, this peripheral seal 43 scrapes the internal surface of the side walls 211.

[0062] Preferably, the lid 4 is designed to float on the surface of the food product contained in the container 21. It can thus, for example, be formed from a material having a density lower than that of water. In the embodiment shown, the lid 4 is thus formed from a plastic material having a density lower than 1. In other embodiments, the lid 4 can be formed from a material having a higher density, for example a metallic material, but have a shape allowing it to float on the surface of the water or the food product.

[0063] The upper face 42 of the cover 4 advantageously has a handling handle 44. Furthermore, the cover 4 advantageously has a vent 45, constituted by a hole passing through the cover 4, which can be closed by closing means comprising a movable plug placed on the upper face 42 of the cover 4. These closing means can be actuated by an operator, between a closed position of the vent 45 in which the movable plug closes the hole and an open position of the vent 45 in which the hole is open. In the preferred embodiment shown, the closing means comprise a spring which returns the movable plug to the closed position of the vent 45, in the absence of action by the user on the closing means.

[0064] To feed the dispenser 1, an operator can fill the tray 21 of the reservoir 2, after the cover 4 has been removed therefrom. After filling this tray 21, he can place the cover 4 in this tray 21, on the surface of the food product. The tray 21 being full of food product, the cover 4 is then in a high position, similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0065] To slide the cover 4 in the container, until this cover 4 comes into contact with the food product, it acts on the vent 45 to place it in the open position, which then allows the air contained in the container 21, between the food product and the cover 4, to escape. When the cover 4 comes into contact with the food product, the operator can stop his action on the vent 45 so that it returns to the closed position, in order to prevent the escape of food product and the entry of air through this vent 45. The cover 4 thus prevents the contact of the food product with air, which improves its storage conditions.

[0066] When the food product contained in the container 21 is sucked up by the distribution circuit 3, the level of food product in the container 21 decreases. The cover 4 placed on the surface of this food product is then sucked down, to follow the level of this food product. By being sucked down, its peripheral seal 43 scrapes the internal surface of the side walls 211 of the container 21, preventing the food product from adhering to this surface.

[0067] Furthermore, the cover 4 forces the level of the food product to decrease homogeneously in the container 21. It thus prevents the formation of a vortex or a depression on the surface of the product, directly above the opening 25. The risk of air being introduced into the distribution circuit 3 before the container 21 is completely emptied is therefore greatly reduced.

[0068] When all of the food product contained in the container 21 has been removed by the distribution circuit 3, the cover 4 has been sucked up until it comes into contact with the bottom of the container 21. This cover 4 is then in a low position, similar to that shown in Figures 6 and 7. Preferably, the lower face 41 of the cover 4 has a shape matching the shape of the bottom 210 of the container 21. Thus, the cover 4 has the effect of pushing all or almost all of the food product contained in the container 21 towards the opening 25.

[0069] To remove the cover 4 from the tank 21, for example to fill or clean the tank 21 when it is empty, an operator can pull it upwards by its handle 44, acting on the vent 45 to place it in the open position, in order to allow the introduction of air under the cover 4.

[0070] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, the cover 4 may have a feed opening equipped with a nozzle projecting from the upper face 42 of the cover 4, and capable of being closed by a cap. The nozzle of this feed opening may, when the cap is removed, be connected to a feed pipe through which the food product can be injected into the container 21, through the cover 4. The cover 4 is then pushed upwards by the pressure of the food product contained in the container 21. In this way, the container 21 can be filled with food product without the cover 4 being removed from the container 21.

[0071] [Fig. 9] shows another movable cover 5 which can be implemented in the tank of figures 4 to 7, in place of the cover 4. This movable cover 5 is substantially flat. Like the cover 4, it is intended to be placed substantially horizontally in the tank 21, its lower face 41 being in direct contact with the surface of the product contained in this tank 21.

[0072] For this, the contours of the cover 5 have a shape intended to follow the side walls of the container 21, and dimensions allowing it to slide in this container 21. Furthermore, these contours are equipped with a peripheral seal 53 having a lip capable of coming into contact with the internal surface of the side walls 211 of the tank 21.

[0073] The upper face 52 of the cover 5 advantageously has a handling handle 54. Furthermore, this cover 5 advantageously has two vents 55 allowing air to circulate between the upper face 52 and the lower face 51 of the cover 5, when the latter is placed in the container 21. Advantageously, these vents 55 are constituted by portions of the peripheral seal 53, which are linked to tabs 551. When the cover 5 is placed in the container 21, these tabs 551 are accessible on the upper face of the cover 5 and form gripping means allowing the portions of the peripheral seal 53 which form the vents 55 to be moved. Pulling on these tabs 551 allows the portions of the peripheral seal 53 which form the vents 55 to be detached from the side walls 211. The air can thus circulate between the upper face 52 and the lower face 51 of the cover 5.

Claims

Claims

1. Dispenser (1) of liquid or semi-liquid food product, comprising a container 21 capable of containing said product, said container (21) having a bottom (210), and side walls (211) substantially conforming to the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, said container (21) containing an opening (25) allowing the suction and / or flow of said food product contained in said container (21), characterized in that it comprises a cover (4, 5), the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow said cover (4, 5), extending substantially horizontally in said container (21), to be moved between said side walls (211) of said container (21), in a substantially vertical direction, its peripheral edges sliding against said side walls (211) of said container (21).

2. Food product dispenser according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said peripheral edges of said cover (4, 5) are formed by a flexible seal (43, 53) coming into sliding contact with said side walls (211) of said container (21), when said cover (4, 5), extending substantially horizontally, is moved between said side walls (211) of said container (21), in a substantially vertical direction.

3. Food product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (4, 5) has at least one vent (45, 55) allowing air to circulate from one side of said cover (4, 5) to the other, in said container.

4. Food product dispenser according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said vent (45) comprises a hole passing through said cover (4), and movable closing means making it possible to open or close said hole.

5. Food product dispenser according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said vent (55) comprises a portion of said peripheral seal (53), and gripping means capable of moving said portion of peripheral seal (53).

6. Food product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (4, 5) has a shape and / or a density allowing it to float on the surface of the water.

7. A food product dispenser according to any one of the claims- preceding indications, characterized in that said opening (25) contained in said container passes through said bottom (210) of said container (21).

8. Food product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (4, 5) has a shape substantially matching the shape of said bottom (210) of said container, when said cover (4, 5), extending substantially horizontally in said container (21), is moved between said side walls (211) of said container (21) until it comes into contact with said bottom (210).

9. Food product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (4, 5) has an opening capable of being connected, on the upper face (42, 52) of said cover (4, 5), to a supply pipe.

10. Reservoir (2) for liquid or semi-liquid food product, comprising a container (21) capable of containing said product, said container (21) having a bottom, and side walls (211) substantially conforming to the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, said container (21) containing an opening (25) allowing the suction and / or flow of said food product contained in said container (21), characterized in that it comprises a cover (4, 5), the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow said cover (4, 5), extending substantially horizontally in said container (21), to be moved between said side walls (211) of said container (21), in a substantially vertical direction, its peripheral edges sliding against said side walls (211) of said container (21).

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