Cooling Device for Beverage Dispensing System

Abstract

A cooling device (1) for a beverage dispensing system, comprising a housing (2) and a pressure source (43) for applying pressure to a beverage tank (15), an intake opening (62) and an exhaust opening (61) are provided in a side wall (5) of the housing (2), an air flow path (7) exists between the intake opening (62) and the exhaust opening (61), a heat exchange means (8) for receiving heat from the beverage tank (15), and a condenser (11) in thermal communication with the heat exchange means (8) and dissipating the heat received from the beverage tank (15) to the air flow path (7), wherein the housing (2) is defined in a rounded hourglass shape in the horizontal direction for a compact and safe shape.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a beverage stored in a beverage tank, and more particularly to a cooling device provided in the beverage dispensing system for cooling the beverage tank.

[0002] Known beverage dispensing systems intended for commercial or personal use, such as the DraughtMaster system manufactured by the present applicant, are described, for example, in WO 2007 / 019848, WO 2007 / 019849, WO 2007 / 019850, WO 2007 / 019851 and WO 2007 / 019853.

[0003] Beverage dispensing systems are commonly used in beverage serving establishments to efficiently serve large quantities of beverages, such as carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draught beer and cider, non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, and non-carbonated beverages such as wine and fruit juice. The supply of beverages is usually achieved by supplying the beverages to a pressurized beverage tank called a keg and flowing the beverage through a beverage line to a beverage tap. Traditionally, steel beverage tanks connected to a carbonation or mixed gas supply have been used, but nowadays there are also collapsible polymer beverage tanks, an example of which is disclosed in the applicant's own international application WO2009 / 02414.

[0004] Beverage dispensing systems have traditionally been used by commercial users in establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. However, there is an increasing demand from private users for beverage dispensing systems for use at home, such as draft units with interchangeable beer kegs. Such draft units are generally expected to serve beer at a suitable temperature, which is much lower than the ambient temperature.

[0005] It is important to cool these kegs during their use in beverage dispensing systems because most beverages contain nutrients and other substances that can promote bacterial growth. Insufficient cooling and temperatures that are too high can allow bacteria to grow, creating health problems for beverage consumers as well as an unsatisfactory user experience of drinking a beverage at an uncomfortably high temperature.

[0006] One example of prior art addressing this problem is US 3,889,487 which discloses a system in which a beverage keg is connected by a flexible conduit to a common water tap, the keg is held in a refrigerated compartment, and the beverage is pressurized by supplying carbon dioxide into the keg. One problem with such conventional cooling solutions is that maintaining a constant low temperature in the refrigerated compartment requires either a continuous supply of cooling medium or a highly efficient cooling system, typically employing one or more powerful fans. This solution is less of a problem in professional facilities where sufficient space and industrial supplies are available and high noise levels are present. However, the above solutions are impractical for small scale beverage dispensing systems intended for personal use, as they generate significant noise and / or require specialized maintenance.

[0007] Another option for private users is the self-chilling vessel. Self-chilling vessels are based mainly on two different principles. The first principle uses a closed system isolated from the beverage to be cooled, which, upon activation, initiates an endothermic reaction to cool the beverage. Containers based on this principle are described in US Patent Nos. 6,266,879 and 6,178,753. The second principle is based on a closed two-chamber system isolated from the product to be cooled, one chamber being an evaporation unit and the second chamber being an absorption unit. When a valve between the two chambers is opened, the pressure drop causes liquid to evaporate from the evaporation chamber, removing heat from the evaporator. A heat remover in the second chamber absorbs the heat of vaporization. US Patent No. 6,829,902 describes a self-chilling can based on the phase change principle. A drawback with self-chilling vessels designed according to the prior art is the need for a specially designed vessel with a cooling element inside. The need for a specially constructed container with a special pressurized cavity with special materials inside makes the manufacturing process very expensive.

[0008] EP3246385A1 shows a beer production and supply system intended for commercial as well as private users. The system arranges a traditional refrigeration cycle device with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator in a fermentation tank. The refrigeration cycle device controls the temperature of the fermentation tank by circulating a refrigerant, and an insulated wall surrounds the fermentation tank and the evaporator. The system may include an air pump to provide an air flow inside the fermentation tank. However, the system does not intend for air circulation between the inside of the device and the surrounding environment. Although the system is relatively simple in construction and is able to maintain a suitable temperature in the fermentation tank, it is not intended for a cooling effect sufficient to cool the beverage to a temperature intended for consumption or freshness, i.e. to avoid substantial biological activity in the beverage.

[0009] WO2018212660A1 describes a beverage dispenser assembly suitable for personal use, consisting of a dispenser and a beverage tank, the dispenser comprising a housing with a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the tank arranged with its neck and shoulder facing downwards. The housing comprises a wall of the receptacle and a cooling device for cooling a portion of the beverage tank by contact cooling. The cooling can be achieved by a compression cooling device, a piezoelectric cooling device, ice cube cooling, liquid cooling, etc.

[0010] This assembly generally cools the area where the beverage is dispensed and therefore can provide a good solution for efficiently cooling the beverage to a user's desired temperature, however, this system offers limited efficiency in keeping the entire beverage tank cool.

[0011] EP1289874B1 describes a beverage dispensing system with an air-cooled refrigerator. To cool a beverage tank arranged in a housing, air is taken in and passed by cooling means using a fan, so that the cooled air flows around the beverage tank. The refrigerator is arranged below a beverage supply platform, so that air can be sucked in along the top and back side of the refrigerator and expelled along an evaporator arranged below the refrigerator. This solution has the same drawbacks as existing refrigerators: the intake and / or outlet channels tend to become blocked over time by accumulated dirt, dust and other contaminants. A further problem with such a solution is due to its rectangular shape. Due to this shape, these refrigerators can be placed against a wall or even in a corner, where air circulation is limited from the start of operation and further limited by blockages over time. EP1289874B1 addresses this issue by providing a base designed to be open for cleaning, but still requires frequent manual maintenance that is often neglected in both personal and commercial use, leading to poor performance or failure, which may even affect the quality or safety of the beverage for consumption.

[0012] Due to these circumstances, there is a need for an efficient cooling solution for beverage dispensing systems suitable for private use, which requires little or no maintenance over a long period of time, is capable of maintaining the beverage tank at a desired low temperature, prevents microbiological growth, and keeps the beverage therein fresh to enable a desired consumption temperature.

[0013] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved beverage dispensing system which solves at least one of the problems existing in the prior art. The above-mentioned problems and others are solved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementations will become apparent from the dependent claims, the detailed description and the drawings.

[0014] According to a first aspect, there is provided a beverage dispensing system comprising a housing having a bottom, a top and a continuous sidewall, the bottom, the top and the sidewall defining an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of a collapsible beverage tank. A pressure source is provided for applying pressure to the collapsible beverage tank to at least partially collapse the beverage tank and thereby force and dispense a beverage from an interior of the beverage tank. The housing also comprises: an intake opening disposed in the side wall for allowing air to flow into the enclosure from a space outside the housing; an exhaust opening disposed in the side wall downstream of the intake opening for allowing air to flow out of the enclosure to a space outside the housing; an air flow path existing between the intake opening and the exhaust opening; The system also includes: a cooling device having heat exchange means disposed within the housing to receive heat from the beverage tank when the beverage tank is received in the housing; a condenser arranged in the air flow path and configured to transfer heat between the condenser and the heat exchange means, the condenser for discharging heat received from the beverage tank to the air flow path; Equipped with.

[0015] The disclosed beverage dispensing system allows for a compact design, which, in combination with the air flow path and the cooling device, efficiently provides a sufficiently low temperature for any beverage tank contained in the system to keep the beverage fresh for an extended period of time, and the system also requires less maintenance as both the intake and exhaust openings are located in the side wall, resulting in less accumulation of dust and other contaminants that can obstruct the air flow through the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchange means includes a heat sink wall configured to transfer heat between the beverage tank and the heat sink wall when the beverage tank is received in the housing, and an evaporator arranged to transfer heat between the heat sink wall and the evaporator. The cooling device further includes a compressor.

[0017] The evaporator, the compressor and the condenser are interconnected through a cooling duct for circulating a cooling substance, the cooling duct including an expansion valve disposed in the cooling duct between the condenser and the evaporator to provide a vapor compression cycle for cooling the beverage tank.

[0018] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the beverage tank comprises a closure having a beverage outlet, the housing comprises a cavity designed to accommodate the closure and at least a portion of the beverage tank when the beverage tank is received within the housing, the cavity is at least partially bounded by the heat sink wall, and the evaporator is disposed at least partially surrounding the heat sink wall to cool the beverage tank.

[0019] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the housing includes a first housing portion for receiving the beverage tank; a second housing portion disposed laterally of the first housing portion and coupled to the first housing portion via the side wall; the exhaust opening is disposed in the side wall of the first housing portion; The air intake opening is disposed in the sidewall of the second housing portion, thereby providing an airflow path between an exterior of the first housing portion and an exterior of the second housing portion through the air flow passage.

[0020] In one further implementation of the first aspect, both the heat exchange means and the condenser are disposed in the first housing portion; The compressor is disposed in the second housing portion. In one further implementation of the first aspect, the side wall includes: an intake section having a set of intake openings including the intake opening; an exhaust section having a set of exhaust openings including the exhaust opening; at least one continuous portion uninterrupted by an opening, disposed between the intake portion and the exhaust portion; Equipped with.

[0021] In one example of a further implementation of the first aspect, the condenser is positioned in the air flow path before the exhaust section to enable efficient heat dissipation through the sidewall.

[0022] In some embodiments, the condenser is disposed parallel to the exhaust, with a clearance between the condenser and the exhaust.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sidewall has an inner side facing the housing and an outer side facing a space outside the housing, the air flow path being along the inner side of the sidewall.

[0024] In one further implementation of the first aspect, at least one ventilation device is disposed in the air flow path to provide forced airflow in the air flow path for more efficient cooling effect.

[0025] In one further implementation of the first aspect, at least two ventilators are disposed in the air flow path along opposing sides of the housing to provide a more efficient cooling effect.

[0026] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the at least two ventilation devices are arranged in parallel to generate a unilateral airflow, with air flowing through all of the ventilation devices from the intake opening to the exhaust opening.

[0027] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, at least one partition wall is provided in the air flow path on the outlet side of the at least one ventilation device, each of the partition walls being arranged to block a cross-section of the air flow path, and each of the partition walls being provided with holes for restricting air flow from a respective ventilation device and for flowing through the partition wall.

[0028] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the at least one partition wall further comprises a flow guiding means for guiding air flow from the partition wall into the air flow path, the flow guiding means being arranged on an opposite side of the at least one partition wall relative to the ventilation device.

[0029] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the housing comprises a receptacle for receiving the beverage tank, the receptacle comprising a base and an at least partially removable lid, the receptacle further comprising an additional heat sink layer disposed on at least one of the base or the lid to provide additional cooling when the beverage tank is received in the receptacle.

[0030] In one example of a further implementation of the first aspect, at least a portion of the additional heat sink layer is disposed on the lid portion and the heat exchange means is disposed on the base portion, and the housing further comprises a thermal bridge between the base portion and the lid portion, the thermal bridge providing a thermally conductive connection between the additional heat sink layer and the heat exchange means.

[0031] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the receiver defines a sealable pressure chamber when the lid is attached to the base, and pressurized fluid from a pressure source can be applied to the pressure chamber to pressurize the beverage tank and dispense a beverage.

[0032] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the beverage tank comprises a bag filled with beverage inside an outer shell, and pressurized fluid from a pressure source can be applied to the space between the shell and the bag to pressurize the beverage tank and eject the beverage.

[0033] In one embodiment of a further implementation of the first aspect, the beverage dispenser system includes a beverage pipe connected at one end to a beverage outlet of the beverage tank and disposed at least partially within the housing when the beverage tank is received within the housing. The cooling device in this embodiment includes a compressor and a thermal insulation layer disposed between at least a portion of the beverage pipe and the compressor.

[0034] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the heat sink layer is disposed within the housing to provide additional cooling to the beverage tank; At least a portion of the beverage pipe is arranged in thermal communication with the heat sink layer when the beverage tank is received in a housing to provide additional cooling to the beverage flowing through the beverage pipe. In one further implementation of the first aspect, the sidewall has at least one curved segment; at least one of the intake opening or the exhaust opening is disposed in the curved segment; At least a portion of the condenser is disposed in the air flow path along the curved segment, the condenser having a plurality of curved ducts corresponding to the shape of the curved segment.

[0035] This and the corresponding curved shapes described in the implementations below provide a form factor for the beverage dispensing system that ensures adequate clearance between the system's housing and any walls or obstacles located adjacent to the housing, thereby ensuring adequate air circulation in and out of the housing, ensuring efficient cooling and avoiding clogging of the intake and exhaust openings.

[0036] In some embodiments, the curved segment is semi-cylindrical and the condenser is disposed along at least a portion of the curved segment, preferably along the entirety of the curved segment, and in some embodiments, the condenser even extends beyond the curved segment at least at one end.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sidewall consists entirely of curved segments.

[0038] In some embodiments, the housing has a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape being defined by an elliptical, circular, or oval cross-section.

[0039] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the sidewall has at least two curved segments disposed on opposite sides of the housing, and the intake opening and the exhaust opening are disposed separately in the at least two curved segments; A compressor is disposed within the housing on an opposite curved segment from the condenser.

[0040] In some embodiments, the side wall has two curved segments connected by a non-curved segment that provides a linear slot shape in the housing.

[0041] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the housing is defined in a rounded hourglass shape in the horizontal direction, the side wall has four curved segments, the four curved segments consisting of two concave curved segments and two convex curved segments arranged in a staggered manner, and the condenser and the compressor are arranged in each concave curved segment.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first housing part is larger than the second housing part, and the condenser is located on a side of the first housing part facing away from the second housing part.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second housing part is larger than the first housing part, and the condenser is located on a side of the second housing part facing away from the first housing part.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cooling substance is a refrigerant comprising at least one of a hydrocarbon and a hydrofluoroolefin, such as R-32, R-290, R-600a, R-454b, R-1234yf, R-514A, R-744, R-1234ze, and R-1233zd, most preferably R-600a.

[0045] These and other aspects will become more apparent from the examples described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] Various aspects, embodiments and implementations are described in detail below with reference to example embodiments illustrated in the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a vertical cross section along axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] A schematic horizontal cross-sectional view along axis S2 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3]A detailed horizontal cross-sectional view along axis S2 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an isometric view of a beverage dispensing system cut along a horizontal plane according to an embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a beverage dispensing system according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing system having a cooling device according to another possible embodiment. [Figure 7] A detailed vertical cross-sectional view along axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] A partial vertical cross-sectional view along axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system having a cooling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A partial isometric cross-sectional view along axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a partial isometric side view of a beverage dispensing system with the housing and some components removed, according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a beverage dispensing system according to an alternative embodiment; [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a beverage dispensing system according to another alternative embodiment; Detailed explanation

[0047] 1 illustrates a vertical cross-section along an axis S1 (shown in FIG. 2) of a beverage dispensing system having a cooling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing system is configured to dispense a beverage from a beverage tank 15 disposed therein. The beverage may be, but is not limited to, beer, a carbonated malt-based beverage, a non-alcoholic beer, cider, etc.

[0048] The beverage tank 15 may be a lightweight, collapsible, disposable beverage tank (keg). The collapsible beverage tank 15 is made of a thin, flexible plastic material and may be in the form of a plastic bag.

[0049] During a beverage dispensing operation, pressure is applied which causes the beverage to flow out of the beverage tank 15 and is dispensed through a beverage pipe 29 which leads to a dispense head equipped with a tap handle. The tap handle allows an operator to control the tap valve and thereby the operation of pouring the beverage. Typically the tap handle is part of a counter mounted draft tower in the restaurant, as shown for example in FIG. 1, or, when using smaller beverage dispensing systems, the tap handle is mounted on the housing 2 of the beverage dispensing system, typically the front of the beverage tank 15, as shown for example in FIG. 11. The operator can then simply use the tap handle to dispense the beverage.

[0050] The beverage is delivered to the beverage tank 15 through a beverage outlet 17 connected at one end thereof.

[0051] The beverage is dispensed from the beverage tank 15 through a beverage dispenser conduit 29 which is at least partially disposed within the housing 2 when the beverage tank 15 is received therein and which in some embodiments passes through a beverage dispenser assembly, as shown in more detail in Figures 7 and 8.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the beverage dispensing system comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 has a bottom 3, a top 4 and a continuous side wall 5. The bottom 3, the top 4 and the side wall 5 together define an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of a beverage tank 15. The side wall 5 has an inner surface 51 facing towards the enclosure and an outer surface 52 facing towards the space outside the housing 2. At least one air intake opening 62 is provided in the side wall 5 to allow air to flow from the space outside the housing 2 into the enclosure (illustrated by the left arrow).

[0053] At least one exhaust opening 61 is also provided in the side wall 5 to allow air to flow out of the enclosure (as indicated by the arrow on the right) into the space outside the housing 2. The exhaust opening 61 is provided downstream of the intake opening 62.

[0054] Within the housing 2, there is an air flow passage 7 (best seen in the horizontal cross-sections of Figures 2 and 3) between at least the intake opening 62 and the exhaust opening 61. The air flow passage 7 extends along the inner surface 51 of the side wall 5.

[0055] The system further comprises heat exchange means 8 for receiving heat from the beverage tank 15 when the beverage tank 15 is accommodated in the housing. The heat exchange means 8 is part of the cooling device 1 and is arranged within the housing 2.

[0056] As a further part of the cooling device 1, a condenser 11 is arranged in the air flow path 7. The condenser 11 is arranged to be in thermal communication with the heat exchange means 8, such that the condenser 11 can release heat received from the beverage tank 15 to the air flow path 7.

[0057] The heat exchange means 8 may be a heat sink wall 9 arranged to transfer heat to and from the beverage tank 15 when the beverage tank 15 is received in the housing 2, as shown in Figure 2. The heat sink wall 9 is shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 9. An evaporator 10 may also be arranged to transfer heat to and from the heat sink wall 9.

[0058] The cooling device 1 may further comprise, as part of the cooling device 1, a compressor 12 capable of providing a fixed or adjustable pressure.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the evaporator 10, the compressor 12 and the condenser 11 are interconnected through a cooling duct 13 for circulating a refrigerant.

[0060] The cooling duct 13 is equipped with an expansion valve 14 to provide a vapor compression cycle for cooling the beverage tank 15. The expansion valve 14 is disposed in the cooling duct 13 between the condenser 11 and the evaporator 10. The cooling substance may be a refrigerant including at least one of a hydrocarbon and a hydrofluoroolefin, such as R-32, R-290, R-600a, R-454b, R-1234yf, R-514A, R-744, CO2, R-1234ze and R-1233zd, most preferably R-600a.

[0061] A pressure source 43 may further be arranged within the housing 2 for providing high pressure from a gas source and applying this pressure to the beverage tank 15 to dispense the beverage. The pressure source 43 is in fluid communication with the interior space of the housing 2 for pressurizing the beverage tank 15 and applying a force to the beverage tank 15 to collapse the beverage tank 15 and force the beverage out of the dispense head through the beverage line 29.

[0062] 2 shows a schematic horizontal cross-section along axis S2 of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, features and functions similar to those already described or illustrated are provided with the same reference numerals as previously used.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 2 comprises a first housing part 21 for receiving the beverage tank 15 and a second housing part 22 arranged laterally of the first housing part 21 and connected to the first housing part 21 via a side wall 5. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, an exhaust opening 61 is arranged in the side wall 5 of the first housing part 21 and an intake opening 62 is arranged in the side wall 5 of the second housing part 22, thereby realizing a path for the air flow through the air flow passage 7 between the outside 52 of the first housing part 21 and the outside 52 of the second housing part 22.

[0064] In one specific embodiment, both the heat exchange means 8 and the condenser 11 are arranged in the first housing part 21 and the compressor 12 is arranged in the second housing part 22 .

[0065] As further shown in Figure 2, at least one ventilator 1 is disposed within the air flow path 7. The ventilator 1 provides a forced airflow into the air flow path 7 at a constant or adjustable speed. In a preferred embodiment, a ventilator 19 is disposed along each of opposite sides of the housing 2, i.e., at least two ventilators 19 are disposed in parallel in the air flow path 7. The ventilators 19 provide a unilateral airflow, with air flowing through all of the ventilators 19 from the intake opening 62 to the exhaust opening 61.

[0066] The first housing part 21 may be larger than the second housing part 22, and the condenser 11 may be arranged in the first housing part 21 so as to provide a larger surface. The condenser 11 may be arranged in the first housing part 21 on a side facing away from the second housing part 22.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second housing part 22 is larger than the first housing part 21 and the condenser 11 is arranged on the side of the second housing part 22 facing away from the first housing part 21.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a detailed horizontal section along axis S2 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this section, the arrangement of the components of the beverage dispensing system is similar to a more practical embodiment. In this and further preferred examples shown in FIGS. 2-4, the housing 2 is defined in a rounded hourglass shape in the horizontal direction, and the side wall 5 has four curved segments 31 (described in more detail in FIG. 6), which are composed of two concave curved segments 34 and two convex curved segments 35 arranged in a staggered manner. In these embodiments, the condenser 11 and the compressor 12 are arranged in separate concave curved segments 34.

[0069] 4 is an isometric view of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along a horizontal plane. As shown in FIG. 4 and in more detail in FIG. 10, at least one partition wall 20 may be disposed in the air flow path 7 on the outlet side of at least one ventilation device 19. Each partition wall 20 may be disposed to block a cross section of the air flow path 7. Each partition wall 20 may also include holes for restricting airflow from the respective ventilation device 19 and for allowing airflow through the partition wall 20.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the at least one partition wall 20 may further comprise a flow guiding means 23 for directing the air flow from the partition wall 20 into the air flow passage 7. The flow guiding means 23 is arranged on the at least one partition wall 20 on an opposite side to the ventilation device 19. The flow guiding means 23 may be in the form of an adjustable or fixed direction tapered outlet having a fixed or adjustable diameter.

[0071] 5A and 5B, the cooling device 1 may comprise an additional heat sink layer 27 made from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, to provide additional cooling when the beverage tank 15 is received in the receptacle 24. The heat sink layer 27 may be located in the base part 25 or in the lid part 26 of the housing 2. The choice of where to place it depends on the location of the connection between the base part 25 and the lid part 26, i.e. which part has the larger area.

[0072] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the side wall 5 may comprise an inlet section 38 with a set of inlet openings including an inlet opening 62 and an outlet section 36 with a set of exhaust openings including an exhaust opening 61. In these exemplary embodiments, there is also at least one continuous section 37 between the inlet section 38 and the exhaust section 36 that is not interrupted by an inlet or exhaust opening. However, it is also possible to provide openings throughout the entire side wall. The condenser 11 may be located in front of the exhaust section 36 in the air flow path 7 to allow efficient heat release through the side wall 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the condenser 11 is located parallel to the exhaust section 36 with a clearance between the condenser 11 and the exhaust section 36.

[0073] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B in particular, but also in many more embodiments throughout Figures 1-5, 10, and 12A, the sidewall 5 has at least one curved segment 31. As shown in these examples, at least one of the intake openings 62 or the exhaust openings 61 is disposed within such curved segment 31, and at least a portion of the condenser 11 is disposed within the air flow path 7 along the curved segment 31. The condenser 11 also has one or more curved ducts 32 that match the shape of the corresponding curved segment 31.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 6A, there are a plurality of curved segments 31, at least some of which are semi-cylindrical.

[0075] In the examples shown in Figures 2-4, 5A, 5B, and 6A, the side wall 5 has at least two curved segments 31, which are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 2, and the intake opening 62 and the exhaust opening 61 are arranged in separate curved segments 31.

[0076] The compressor 12 is disposed in the housing 2 on the opposite curved segment 31 to the condenser 11 .

[0077] Condenser 11 may be disposed along at least a portion of curved segment 31. In some embodiments, condenser 11 is disposed along the entirety of curved segment 31. Or, in some embodiments, condenser 11 even extends beyond curved segment 31 at least at one end, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0078] 12A, the housing 2 has a cylindrical shape, which may be defined by an elliptical, circular or oval cross section.

[0079] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12A, the side wall 5 consists of curved segments 31 only.

[0080] In another possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 6B and 12B, the side wall 5 does not have any curved segments.

[0081] In an embodiment of the type shown in Figure 6A, the side wall 5 has two curved segments 31 connected by a non-curved segment 33. The non-curved segment 33 provides the housing 2 with a linear slot shape.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, which is a more detailed cross-section corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 1, the housing 2 may comprise a receptacle 24 for receiving the beverage tank 15. The receptacle 24 comprises a base portion 25 and an at least partially removable lid portion 26.

[0083] The receiver 24 may define a sealable pressure chamber 44 when the lid 26 is attached to the base 25. Pressurized fluid from a pressure source 43 may be applied to the pressure chamber 44 to pressurize the beverage tank 15 and dispense the beverage.

[0084] As shown in partial cross section in Fig. 8, the beverage tank 15 may be provided with a closure 16 having a beverage outlet 17. In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the housing 2 comprises a cavity 18 designed to accommodate the closure 16 and at least a part of the beverage tank 15 when the beverage tank 15 is received in the housing 2. The cavity 18 is at least partially bounded by a heat sink wall 9. Also, the lines of the evaporator 10 are arranged to at least partially spirally surround the heat sink wall 9 in order to cool the beverage tank 15.

[0085] Further, as shown in Fig. 8, the heat exchange means 8 comprising an evaporator 10 arranged to transfer heat to and from the heat sink wall 9 may be arranged in the base part 25. At least a part of the additional heat sink layer 27 mentioned above may be arranged in the lid part 26. In such an embodiment, the housing 2 may further comprise a thermal bridge 28 between the base part 25 and the lid part 26. The thermal bridge 28 provides a thermally conductive connection between the additional heat sink layer 27 and any of the heat exchange means 8. The thermal bridge 28 may be any suitable existing means.

[0086] As further shown in Figure 8, the beverage pipe 29 is connected at one end to the beverage outlet 17. The cooling device 1 also comprises a compressor 12. The compressor 12 may emit heat. A thermal insulation layer 30 may be arranged between at least a portion of the beverage pipe 29 and the compressor 12 to insulate the heat emitted from the compressor 12 and keep the beverage to be served at a low temperature.

[0087] 7 and 8, in order to provide additional cooling to the beverage flowing in the beverage pipe 29, at least a portion of the beverage pipe 29 may be arranged in thermal communication with the heat sink layer 27 when the beverage tank 15 is received in the housing 2. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging a portion of the beverage pipe 29 to pass close to the beverage tank 15 and using a metal-based thermal bridge between the heat sink layer 27 and that portion of the beverage pipe 29.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows a partial isometric cross section along axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, a thermal insulation layer 30 is arranged between a portion of the beverage pipe 29 and the compressor 12. Also shown in the figure is an intake section 38 with a set of flat intake openings 62 and an exhaust section 36 with a set of flat exhaust openings 61. As shown on the right side of FIG. 9 (and in FIG. 10), the condenser 11 is arranged in the air flow path 7 along the curved rear side of the housing. The condenser 11 has a number of curved ducts 32 that correspond to the shape of the curved segments 31. As also seen in FIG. 9, the air flow path 7 has a space between the compressor 12 and the intake section 38.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a partial isometric side view of a beverage dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the housing and some parts removed to allow a better view of the various components of the cooling device 1. In particular, a partition wall 20 is shown, which is arranged in the air flow path 7 on the outlet side of the ventilation device 19. The partition wall 20 is arranged to fill the cross section of the air flow path 7. The partition wall 20 also has holes for restricting the air flow from the ventilation device 19 and for allowing the air to flow through the partition wall 20. FIG. 10 further shows a practical arrangement of the cooling ducts connecting the compressor 12 and the evaporator 10 (not shown in FIG. 10). Also shown in the figure is the arrangement of a base part 25 and a removable lid part 26. The lid part 26 is attached to the base part 25 to define a sealable pressure chamber 44.

[0090] The condenser 11 has a number of curved ducts 32 which correspond to the shape of the curved segments 31 (not depicted in FIG. 10) of the side wall 5 .

[0091] 11 shows a schematic vertical cross-section of a beverage dispensing system according to a further possible embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the dispense head is directly attached to the body 5 of the beverage dispensing system. In such an exemplary embodiment, the beverage tank 15 may comprise a bladder 40 filled with the beverage within an outer shell 41, and pressurized fluid from a pressure source 43 may be applied to a space 42 between the outer shell 41 and the bladder 40 to pressurize the beverage tank 15 and dispense the beverage.

[0092] Apart from the above, this alternative embodiment has corresponding structures and features that are the same or similar to those previously described, and these same or similar corresponding structures and features are designated with the same reference numerals as used above, such as evaporator 10, condenser 11, and compressor 12.

[0093] In particular, the housing 2 has an evaporator 10 line arranged in a spiral shape around the bottom of the beverage tank 15. This evaporator 10 line is arranged with a beverage outlet 17 connected to a beverage line 29 leading to a dispense head.

[0094] Also as above, the housing 2 comprises a receptacle 24 for receiving the beverage tank 15, the receptacle 24 comprising a base portion 25 and a lid portion 26 which is at least partially removable.

[0095] In all of the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 11, 12A and 12B, as described above, at least one air intake opening 62 is disposed in the side wall 5 of the housing 2 to allow air flow (shown by the arrow on the left) from the space outside the housing 2 into the enclosure.

[0096] At least one exhaust opening 61 is also provided in the side wall 5 to allow air to flow out of the enclosure (as indicated by the arrow on the right) into the space outside the housing 2. The exhaust opening 61 is provided downstream of the intake opening 62.

[0097] The air flow path 7 extends in all embodiments of the housing 2 at least between the inlet opening 62 and the exhaust opening 61. The air flow path 7 extends in each case along the inside of the side wall 5. The side wall 5 may have an inlet section 38 with a set of inlet openings 62 and an exhaust section 36 with a set of exhaust openings 61. In these exemplary embodiments, at least one continuous section 37 is also provided between the inlet section 38 and the exhaust section 36, which is not interrupted by an opening. However, embodiments are also possible in which openings are provided over the entire side wall. The illustrated condenser 11 can be arranged in front of the exhaust section 36 in the air flow path 7 to allow efficient heat release through the side wall 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the condenser 11 is arranged parallel to the exhaust section 36, either in a straight line (FIG. 12B) or in a curved line (FIG. 12A), depending on the shape of the corresponding segment. A clearance is also provided between the condenser 11 and the exhaust section 36.

[0098] 12A and 12B are schematic horizontal cross-sectional views of a beverage dispensing system according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 11 using a dual-structure beverage tank 15. In FIG.

[0099] As mentioned above, in the embodiment as shown in Figure 12A, the housing 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, which may be defined by an elliptical, circular or oval cross-section.

[0100] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12A, the side wall 5 consists of curved segments 31 only.

[0101] In another possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, the side wall 5 does not have any curved segments.

[0102] The beverage dispensing system may have a first power supply unit including a main power supply, a second power supply unit including a battery power supply, and in some embodiments may further have a third power supply unit including a solar power supply. To further increase the modularity of the system, it may be made compatible with various power sources. For fixed indoor installations, a main power supply, for example a 115V AC or 230V AC domestic power supply, is preferred as it provides the system with virtually unlimited power. Such a power supply powers both the cooling and pressurizing units, as well as other functions such as lighting. Batteries are advantageous for use in mobile devices. The batteries may be rechargeable, for example, by using a main power supply and a power converter. Solar power can be used to directly power the beverage dispensing system, but due to the limited output of solar cells in the absence of direct sunlight, it is mostly considered an auxiliary power unit to be used in combination with rechargeable batteries.

[0103] Various ways of thinking and implementation of the invention have been described with some examples. However, upon reviewing the specification, drawings, and claims of this application, a person skilled in the art will understand and be able to embody many variations in addition to the described examples in implementing the claimed invention. The words "comprise", "have", and "include" in the claims do not exclude the presence of elements or steps not recited. The absence of a plurality of elements recited in the claims does not exclude the presence of a plurality of the elements. The functions of several elements recited in the claims may be performed by a single processor or other unit. The fact that several items are recited in separate dependent claims does not exclude them from being implemented in combination, and may be implemented to advantage in combination. The computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0104] Reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise noted, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are an integral part of this disclosure. In the specification, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and adjectival and adverbial forms thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "rightwardly," "upwardly," etc.) merely refer to the orientation of the structures illustrated in the drawings in the direction of the reader's view. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to a longitudinal axis or axis of rotation, depending on the context.

Claims

1. 1. A beverage dispensing system comprising: and a housing having a bottom, a top and a continuous sidewall, the bottom, the top and the sidewall defining an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of a collapsible beverage tank, the beverage dispensing system further comprising: a pressure source for applying pressure to the beverage tank to at least partially collapse the beverage tank and expel the beverage; an intake opening disposed in the side wall for allowing air to flow into the enclosure from a space outside the housing; an exhaust opening disposed in the side wall downstream of the intake opening for allowing air to flow out of the enclosure to a space outside the housing; an air flow path existing between the intake opening and the exhaust opening; A cooling device; The cooling device comprises: heat exchange means disposed within the housing to receive heat from the beverage tank when the beverage tank is received in the housing; a condenser arranged in the air flow path and configured to transfer heat between the condenser and the heat exchange means, the condenser for discharging heat received from the beverage tank to the air flow path; A beverage dispensing system comprising:

2. the heat exchange means comprising a heat sink wall configured to transfer heat to and from the beverage tank when the beverage tank is received within the housing, and an evaporator arranged to transfer heat to and from the heat sink wall; the cooling device comprises a compressor; the evaporator, the compressor, and the condenser being interconnected through a cooling duct for circulating a cooling substance; the cooling duct includes an expansion valve disposed within the cooling duct between the condenser and the evaporator to provide a vapor compression cycle for cooling the beverage tank; The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 .

3. the beverage tank comprises a closure having a beverage outlet; the housing includes a cavity designed to receive the closure and at least a portion of the beverage tank when the beverage tank is received within the housing; the cavity is at least partially bounded by the heat sink wall, and the evaporator is disposed at least partially surrounding the heat sink wall to cool the beverage tank; The beverage dispensing system of claim 2 .

4. the housing comprises a first housing part for receiving the beverage tank and a second housing part arranged laterally of the first housing part and connected to the first housing part via the side wall; the exhaust opening is disposed in the sidewall of the first housing portion; the air intake opening is disposed in the sidewall of the second housing portion, thereby providing an air flow path between an exterior of the first housing portion and an exterior of the second housing portion through the air flow passage; A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. both said heat exchange means and said condenser are disposed in said first housing portion; the compressor is disposed in the second housing portion; The beverage dispensing system of claim 4.

6. The side wall is an intake section having a set of intake openings including the intake opening; an exhaust section having a set of exhaust openings including the exhaust opening; at least one continuous portion uninterrupted by an opening, the continuous portion being disposed between the intake portion and the exhaust portion; 6. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The beverage dispenser system of claim 6 , wherein the condenser is positioned in the air flow path before the exhaust to allow efficient heat dissipation through the sidewall.

8. 8. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein at least one ventilation device is disposed in the air flow path to provide a forced air flow through the air flow path.

9. The beverage dispensing system of claim 8 , wherein at least two ventilators are disposed in the air flow path along opposing sides of the housing.

10. 10. The beverage dispenser system of claim 9, wherein the at least two ventilators are arranged in parallel to generate a unilateral airflow, with air flowing through all of the ventilators from the intake opening to the exhaust opening.

11. A beverage dispenser system as described in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one partition wall is provided in the air flow path on the outlet side of the at least one ventilation device, each of the partition walls being arranged to block a cross-section of the air flow path, and each of the partition walls being provided with holes for restricting the air flow from the respective ventilation device and for flowing through the partition wall.

12. 12. The beverage dispenser system of claim 11, wherein the at least one partition further comprises a flow directing means for directing air flow from the partition into the air flow path, the flow directing means being positioned on an opposite side of the at least one partition relative to the ventilation device.

13. the housing comprises a receptacle for receiving the beverage tank, the receptacle comprising a base and an at least partially removable lid; the receptacle further comprising an additional heat sink layer disposed on at least one of the base or the lid to provide additional cooling when the beverage tank is received in the receptacle; A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. At least a portion of the additional heat sink layer is disposed on the lid; the heat exchange means is disposed on the base; the housing further comprising a thermal bridge between the base and the lid, the thermal bridge providing a thermally conductive connection between the additional heat sink layer and the heat exchange means; 14. The beverage dispensing system of claim 13.

15. 15. A beverage dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the receiver defines a sealable pressure chamber when the lid is attached to the base, and pressurised fluid from a pressure source can be applied to the pressure chamber to pressurise the beverage tank and dispense the beverage.

16. 15. A beverage dispenser system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the beverage tank comprises a bag filled with a beverage inside an outer shell, and pressurised fluid from a pressure source can be applied to the space between the shell and the bag to pressurise the beverage tank and dispense the beverage.

17. a beverage pipe connected at one end to a beverage outlet of the beverage tank and disposed at least partially within the housing when the beverage tank is received within the housing; the cooling device comprises a compressor; The cooling apparatus further comprises an insulating layer disposed between at least a portion of the beverage line and the compressor; 17. A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. the heat sink layer is disposed within the housing to provide additional cooling to the beverage tank; at least a portion of the beverage pipe is disposed in thermal communication with the heat sink layer when the beverage tank is received within the housing to provide additional cooling to a beverage flowing within the beverage pipe; 20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 17.

19. the sidewall having at least one curved segment; At least one of the intake opening or the exhaust opening is disposed in the curved segment; at least a portion of the condenser is disposed in the air flow path along the curved segment, the condenser having a plurality of curved ducts corresponding to the shape of the curved segment; 19. A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. the sidewall has at least two curved segments disposed on opposite sides of the housing; the intake opening and the exhaust opening are disposed separately in the at least two curved segments; the compressor is disposed within the housing on an opposite curved segment from the condenser; 20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 19.

21. the housing is horizontally defined in a rounded hourglass shape, the sidewall having four curved segments, the four curved segments consisting of two alternating concave curved segments and two convex curved segments; the condenser and the compressor are disposed in respective concave curved segments; 21. The beverage dispensing system of claim 20.

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