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) adapted to hold the product, this container (21) having a base and side walls substantially in the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, this container (21) containing an opening allowing the aspiration and / or discharge of the food product. According to the invention, the dispenser comprises a lid (4), the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow the lid (4), extending substantially horizontally within 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 the invention

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

[0002] Equipment exists for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products. Such equipment, hereafter referred to as dispensers, is often found in 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 therefore a very large number of distributors of 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 drawn, through an outlet located at the bottom of the reservoir, into a distribution circuit. When the reservoir empties, its suction through the outlet can create a vortex, which draws air into the distribution circuit, even though some product remains in the reservoir. This air can cause the pump to lose its prime and disrupt the product dosing by the distribution circuit. These disruptions can sometimes lead to a premature change of reservoir, before it is completely empty, resulting in food product losses.

[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 for semi-liquid products often generate relatively significant losses of the dispensed product. Indeed, due to the product's viscosity, it can adhere to the surfaces with which it comes into contact. In particular, it adheres to the walls of the reservoir in which it is contained. The product's viscosity can also impede its proper flow from the reservoir to the outlet of that reservoir, which is responsible for dispensing the product.

[0007] It is therefore necessary to provide means to facilitate the flow of the product in the reservoir, towards its outlet.

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

[0009] A dispenser for semi-liquid food products is also known, for example from document EP305482B1, 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 drawn from it for dispensing.

[0010] Another food product dispenser is known, for example from document US9505600B2, in which a flexible pouch 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 pouches, which most often constitute waste, after use. The generation of such waste, most often plastic products, is increasingly less acceptable under regulations.

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

[0013] There is therefore a need for means which make it easier to facilitate the complete flow of the liquid or semi-liquid food product contained in the reservoir of a dispenser towards the outlet of that reservoir, in order to avoid product losses. Description 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 liquid or semi-liquid food product distribution equipment that allows the distribution of the greatest 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 further 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 that is difficult to recycle.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is to provide such equipment which is easy to use, maintain, and in particular fill with product, and clean.

[0020] These objectives, as well as others which will become clearer later, are achieved using a liquid or semi-liquid food product dispenser, comprising a container suitable for containing such a product, the container having a base and side walls substantially conforming to the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, this container containing an opening allowing the aspiration and / or flow of the food product contained in the container.

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

[0022] The choice of the shape and dimensions of the lid may involve selecting a lid shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the internal cross-section of the container in a horizontal plane. The dimensions of the lid may then be slightly smaller than the dimensions of the internal cross-section of the container, to allow clearance for movement of the lid within the container, or slightly larger than the dimensions of the internal cross-section of the container, when the peripheral edge of the lid is formed by a flexible seal capable of retracting without hindering the movement of the lid within the container. Those skilled in the art know, without undue difficulty, how to choose such a shape and dimensions for the lid so that, extending substantially horizontally within the container, it can 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.

[0023] Such a lid, placed in the container in contact with the surface of the food product, can move within the container following variations in the level of the food product's surface. It thus allows the level of the food product to decrease as it is dispensed, ensuring that this level decreases uniformly across the entire surface of the container.

[0024] This cover thus prevents 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 helps to limit or to prevent viscous food products from sticking to the side walls of the tank. This helps avoid wasting some of the food contained in the container.

[0025] Furthermore, the presence of the lid in contact with the surface of the food product advantageously prevents the contact of the food product with air, which improves its storage conditions.

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

[0027] The lid can thus effectively scrape the side walls of the container as the level of the product inside the container decreases. Due to the flexibility of the seal, this scraping can be effective even in the event of slight variations in the cross-section of the container.

[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 filled only with a liquid product, which is less likely to adhere to the container's side walls. In a particular embodiment of the invention, especially suited to liquid food dispensers, the shape and dimensions of the lid can be chosen to allow the peripheral edges of the lid to slide against the container's side walls with a slight clearance, generally less than 5 mm, thus preventing the lid from being blocked in its movement by contact with the container's side walls. Indeed, when the container is filled with such a liquid product, the lid's primary function is to prevent the formation of a vortex within the container, which could introduce air into the dispensing circuit.

[0029] Preferably, the lid has at least one vent allowing air to circulate from one side of the lid 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 accumulation of air.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vent includes a hole through said cover, and movable closing means allowing this hole to be opened or closed.

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

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

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

[0035] Since food products generally have a higher density than 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 food product to flow by gravity, preferably towards a distribution circuit.

[0038] Advantageously, the lid has a shape that substantially follows the shape of the bottom of the container, when the lid, 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 prevents food waste.

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

[0041] Such an embodiment advantageously allows the container to be filled through the lid, without removing the lid.

[0042] The invention also relates to a liquid or semi-liquid food product reservoir, comprising a container suitable for containing the product, the container having a bottom and side walls substantially conforming to the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, this container having an opening allowing the aspiration and / or flow of the food product contained in the container, this container comprising a lid, the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow the lid, 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 distributor described above. It can have each of the characteristics mentioned above in relation to the distributor. Description of the figures

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

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser 1 for liquid or semi-liquid food products according to an embodiment of the invention. This same dispenser 1 is shown in front view by Figure 2 and in cross-section by Figure 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 outside the refrigerated compartment 11, where containers can be placed so that they can be filled, via 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 food products from both reservoirs 2. In the following description, only one of the reservoirs 2 and the dispensing circuit 3 which are associated with it will be described, the second reservoir and the second distribution circuit being substantially identical.

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

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

[0050] Containers of this shape, commonly 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 manufacturing method of these containers does not necessarily ensure that the side walls 211 strictly conform to the shape of a cylinder. For example, deep drawing gives these side walls a slightly flared shape, resulting in slightly smaller cross-sectional dimensions near the bottom of the container than near its upper opening. These slight dimensional variations, however, do not prevent the side walls of such a container from being considered as substantially conforming to the shape of a cylinder, within the meaning of this description.

[0052] An opening 25, provided in the bottom 210 of the container, allows the contents of the container 21 to be drawn in or drained by gravity. In the embodiment shown, this opening 25 passes through the bottom 210 of the container and is equipped with a nozzle 250 extending below the container 21. The reservoir 2 includes a base 22 supporting the container 21, so as to keep the bottom 210 of the container 21 away from the surface on which the container 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 container, to allow the suction or drainage of the container's contents, may not be an opening passing through the bottom of the container. This opening may, for example, be constituted by the end, placed in the container, of a suction pipe intended to allow the suction or drainage of the container's contents.

[0054] This reservoir 2 is intended 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, one end of a flexible hose 31 of the distribution circuit 3 is fitted onto the nozzle 250 extending below the container 21. This flexible hose 31 passes through a peristaltic pump 32, located in a lower part of the refrigerated compartment 11, which acts on the flexible hose 31 to create suction at its first end and discharge at its second end. This second end of the flexible hose 31 is connected to a dispensing nozzle 33 located above the dispensing point 12. The operation of the peristaltic pump 32 of the distribution circuit 3 thus makes it possible to draw the contents of the reservoir 2 and dispense them into the containers located on the dispensing point 12.

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

[0057] The risk of product waste due to adhesion to the tank walls is less significant for liquid food products. However, when tank 2 contains a liquid food product, drawing this product through opening 25 can generate a vortex, causing air to enter opening 25 and thus the distribution circuit 3, even though some product remains in tank 2. This air intake can disrupt the operation of the distribution circuit 3, particularly by distorting the dosing of the dispensed product. Consequently, it can lead to premature tank replacement before it is completely empty, resulting in product waste.

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

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

[0060] In the present description, it is assumed that the peripheral edges of the lid 4 slide against the side walls 211 of the bin 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 lid 4 in the bin 21. The lid can thus cover all or almost all of the surface of the product contained in this bin 21, regardless of the quantity of this product contained in the bin.

[0061] Furthermore, in the advantageous embodiment shown, the contours of this cover 4 are formed by a flexible peripheral seal 43, having a lip adapted to come into contact with the internal surface of the side walls 211 of the container 21. When the cover 4, extending substantially horizontally, moves vertically in the container 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 therefore, for example, be made of a material with a density lower than that of water. In the embodiment shown, the lid 4 is thus made of a plastic material with a density less than 1. In other embodiments, the lid 4 can be made of a material with a higher density, for example a metallic material, but have a shape that allows 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, consisting of a hole passing through the cover 4, which can be closed by closing means comprising a movable plug located 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 include a spring that returns the movable plug to the closed position of the vent 45 when the user does not act on the closing means.

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

[0065] To slide the lid 4 into the container until it comes into contact with the food product, the operator acts on the vent 45 to open it, allowing the air contained in the container 21, between the food product and the lid 4, to escape. When the lid 4 comes into contact with the food product, the operator can stop acting on the vent 45 so that it returns to the closed position, thus preventing the food product from escaping and air from entering through the vent 45. The lid 4 therefore prevents the food product from coming into contact with the air, thereby improving its storage conditions.

[0066] When the food product contained in the container 21 is drawn through the distribution circuit 3, the level of food product in the container 21 decreases. The lid 4, positioned on the surface of this food product, is then drawn downwards to follow the level of the food product. As it is drawn downwards, its peripheral seal 43 scrapes the inner surface of the side walls 211 of the container 21, preventing the food product from adhering to this surface.

[0067] Furthermore, the lid 4 forces the level of the food product to decrease uniformly in the tray 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 introducing air into the distribution circuit 3 before the tray 21 is completely emptied is therefore greatly reduced.

[0068] When all the food product contained in the container 21 has been removed by the distribution circuit 3, the lid 4 is drawn down until it comes into contact with the bottom of the container 21. This lid 4 is then in a lowered position, similar to that shown in Figures 6 and 7. Preferably, the lower face 41 of the lid 4 has a shape conforming to the shape of the bottom 210 of the container 21. Thus, the lid 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 bin 21, for example to fill or clean the bin 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 air to be introduced under the cover 4.

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

[0071] Figure 9 shows another movable cover 5 that can be implemented in The reservoir shown in Figures 4 to 7 replaces the lid 4. This movable lid 5 is substantially flat. Like the lid 4, it is intended to be placed substantially horizontally in the container 21, with its lower face 41 in direct contact with the surface of the product contained in this container 21.

[0072] For this purpose, the contours of the lid 5 have a shape designed to follow the side walls of the container 21, and dimensions enabling it to slide in this container 21. Furthermore, these contours are equipped with a peripheral seal 53 having a lip adapted to come into contact with the internal surface of the side walls 211 of the container 21.

[0073] The upper face 52 of the lid 5 advantageously has a handling handle 54. Furthermore, this lid 5 advantageously has two vents 55 allowing air to circulate between the upper face 52 and the lower face 51 of the lid 5 when it is placed in the container 21. Advantageously, these vents 55 are formed by portions of the peripheral seal 53, which are connected to tabs 551. When the lid 5 is placed in the container 21, these tabs 551 are accessible on the upper face of the lid 5 and form gripping means for moving the portions of the peripheral seal 53 that form the vents 55. Pulling on these tabs 551 detaches the portions of the peripheral seal 53 that form the vents 55 from the side walls 211. Air can thus circulate between the upper face 52 and the lower face 51 of the lid 5.

Claims

Demands

1. Dispenser (1) for liquid or semi-liquid food product, comprising a container (21) suitable for containing said product, said container (21) having a bottom (210), and side walls (211) substantially in the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, said container (21) containing an opening (25) allowing the suction and / or discharge of said food product contained in said container (21), said dispenser comprising a lid (5), the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow said lid (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), said peripheral edges of said lid (5) being formed by a flexible seal (53) entering into sliding contact with said side walls (211) of said container (21),when said cover (5), extending substantially horizontally, is moved between said side walls (211) of said container (21), in a substantially vertical direction, said cover (5) having at least one vent (55) allowing air to circulate from one side of said cover (5) to the other, in said container, 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).

2. Food product dispenser according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said lid (4, 5) has a shape and / or density enabling it to float on the surface of the water.

3. Food product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening (25) contained in said tray passes through said bottom (210) of said tray (21).

4. A food dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lid (4, 5) has a shape substantially conforming to the shape of said bottom (210) of said container, when said lid (4, 5), extending substantially horizontally into said container (21), is moved between said walls lateral (211) of said tray (21) until they come into contact with said bottom (210).

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

6. A liquid or semi-liquid food product reservoir (2), comprising a container (21) adapted to contain said product, said container (21) having a bottom and side walls (211) substantially in the shape of a cylinder with a substantially vertical axis, said container (21) containing an opening (25) allowing the suction and / or discharge of said food product contained in said container (21), said dispenser comprising a lid (5), the shape and dimensions of which are chosen to allow said lid (5), extending substantially horizontally within 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), said peripheral edges of said lid (5) being formed by a flexible seal (53) entering into sliding contact with said side walls (211) of said container (21), when said lid (5),extending substantially horizontally, is moved between said side walls (211) of said container (21), in a substantially vertical direction, said cover (5) having at least one vent (55) allowing air to circulate from one side of said cover (5) to the other, in said container, 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).

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