Method for cooling a container containing a beverage

Abstract

A method for cooling a beverage in a container is provided, the container being provided in contact with a cooling contact thermally coupled to the cooling element. The method includes operating the cooling element and obtaining an ambient temperature of an environment outside the container and the cooling contact. Based on the ambient temperature, a cut-on temperature is defined, and a temperature value indicative of the temperature of the beverage is obtained. If the temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature, the cooling element operates until a termination criterion is met. A higher ambient temperature may require more cooling of the beverage to ensure the temperature of the beverage is maintained between acceptable boundaries. A higher ambient temperature requires more cooling, meaning faster on or off switching. By using a switch-on temperature based on the ambient temperature, more efficient cooling can be established.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various aspects and embodiments thereof relate to a cooling system for implementation in a liquid dispensing assembly. The present invention relates to a cooling system for contact cooling a container for a liquid, particularly for contact cooling the container and the liquid contained therein to be dispensed. One aspect relates to a beverage dispensing system including such a cooling system. Another aspect relates to a method for contact cooling a liquid container, particularly a beverage container. A further aspect relates to a beverage dispensing assembly for dispensing carbonated beverages from a plastic container. [Background technology]

[0002] In U.S. Patent No. 5,623,249, a fluid dispensing system is disclosed that includes a container containing a fluid to be dispensed and a device into which the container can be at least partially inserted, the device having a contact surface for cooling the container and the fluid contained therein by contact cooling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 009065 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a beverage dispensing assembly that is an alternative to known assemblies. More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a beverage dispensing assembly that is relatively easy to use. Accordingly, a beverage dispensing assembly that is relatively easy to manufacture and maintain can be provided. And it would be desirable to provide a container suitable for the claimed dispensing assembly. One aspect and embodiments thereof aim to provide a dispensing assembly that can be used with a container that, during use, presents a pleasing appearance to users, such as the beverage purchasing public and employees, is easy to use, and / or is energy-friendly, particularly in cooling and dispensing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect provides a method for cooling a container containing a beverage, the container being provided in contact with a cooling contact that is thermally coupled to a cooling element. The method includes operating the cooling element and obtaining an ambient temperature of an environment outside the container and the cooling contact. A cut-on temperature is defined based on the ambient temperature, and a medium temperature indicative of the temperature of the beverage as a medium is obtained. If the medium temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature, the cooling element operates until a predetermined termination criterion is met.

[0006] Higher ambient temperatures may require more cooling of the beverage to ensure the beverage temperature is maintained within acceptable boundaries. Conventional cooling algorithms turn on cooling when the sensed temperature is above a certain threshold and switch off cooling when the sensed temperature is below another certain threshold. Higher ambient temperatures require more cooling, meaning faster on or off switching. It will be appreciated that by using a switch-on temperature based on ambient temperature, more efficient cooling can be established while maintaining adequate control of the temperature of the beverage or other medium.

[0007] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the cut-on temperature decreases as the ambient temperature increases. In this embodiment, the higher the ambient temperature, the lower the upper temperature limit for sensing the beverage is kept.

[0008] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the relationship between the cut-on temperature and the ambient temperature is substantially linear. This allows for relatively easy control of the cooling element, and therefore the temperature.

[0009] A further embodiment of the first aspect further includes obtaining a beverage volume stored in the container and defining a cut-on temperature based on the beverage volume. As the volume in the container decreases, additional influences affect the transfer of heat energy from the beverage to the cooling element. These influences may adversely affect the proper cooling performed by the basic algorithm. For example, as the area / volume ratio increases, a smaller volume may absorb heat energy more quickly. Therefore, it may be advantageous to take the volume of the beverage in the container into account when defining the cut-on temperature.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the cut-on temperature increases as the beverage volume decreases. As discussed above, the area / volume ratio increases, allowing smaller volumes to absorb heat energy more quickly. This embodiment ensures that temperature control is maintained at a smaller volume.

[0011] In another embodiment again, the predetermined termination criterion is at least one of a media temperature end value of the media temperature and a cooling period that has elapsed since the moment of start of operation of the cooling element, whereby the activated cooling can be terminated if either or both of the criteria are met.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the predetermined termination criterion is the cooling period that has elapsed since the start of operation of the cooling element. This embodiment further comprises obtaining the medium temperature if the cooling period has elapsed, and, if the medium temperature is equal to or greater than the cut-on temperature, continuing operation of the cooling element until the cooling period has elapsed again. This embodiment ensures that the cooling operation is only terminated if the temperature is below the cut-on temperature. This is particularly advantageous for initial operations to cool a container full of freshly received beverage at a relatively high temperature.

[0013] Yet another embodiment further includes, when the predetermined defrost period has elapsed, not operating the cooling element if the media temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature until a predetermined defrost criterion is met, thereby preventing freezing of a container secured to the device.

[0014] A second aspect provides a cooling system for contact cooling of a beverage container. The system includes a cooling element, a cooling contactor thermally connected to the cooling element and configured to be in thermal contact with the container, and a temperature sensing module configured to sense a temperature of at least one of the cooling contactor, the container, and the beverage. The system further includes a processing unit configured to: obtain an ambient temperature of an environment outside the container and the cooling contactor; define a cut-on temperature based on the ambient temperature; obtain a medium temperature indicative of the temperature of the beverage; and operate the cooling element until a predetermined termination criterion is met if the medium temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature. Various embodiments of the first aspect can also be implemented in the second aspect.

[0015] To further elucidate the present invention, embodiments thereof are disclosed and discussed hereinafter with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the beverage dispensing assembly from the operating side of the dispensing assembly, with the branded container visible through the lid. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a dispensing assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a dispensing assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a dispensing unit of an assembly for dispensing a beverage. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the first aspect. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph illustrating possible relationships between cut-on temperature, ambient temperature, and beverage volume remaining in the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In this description, embodiments of the present invention are shown and disclosed by way of example only. They should not be interpreted or understood as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. In this description, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or similar reference symbols. In this description, embodiments of the present invention are discussed with reference to carbonated beverages, particularly beer. However, other beverages can also be used with the present invention.

[0018] In this description, references to up and down, top and bottom, etc., shall be considered the normal orientation of the dispensing unit, unless specifically stated otherwise. The back of the dispensing unit shall be referred to as the side on which a tap handle or the like is provided for operating the system, particularly for dispensing beverages contained in containers provided in and / or on the unit. The container may have a bottom and a neck region including an orifice for filling and / or dispensing. The neck region may be an integral part of the container or may be assembled into the container. During use in embodiments, the orifice in the assembly may be substantially downward, upward, or sideways. The downward orientation is shown, for example, in the drawings, particularly FIG. 1A, where top, bottom, top, and bottom are indicated by arrows and appropriate representations for illustrative purposes only. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in which the tapping device of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, must be used. The normal position for a container may be with the bottom facing downward and the neck portion facing upward. The bottom of the container in the tapping assembly of the present disclosure can be up, down and / or sideways.

[0019] In the present disclosure, a bag-in-container (BIC) is described as an example, which is blown and stacked from a preform set including two plastic preforms, which are then blown together in a known manner into a BIC. In an embodiment, a closure ring is fitted onto the preforms prior to the blow molding, connecting them together to close the space between the preforms, which may also be called the interface or intermediate space, so that, at least after blow molding, the space communicates or can communicate with the environment only through one or more openings, particularly outward-facing openings, provided in the neck region of the container, which extend through the wall of the outer preform and / or the neck region of the container. The at least one opening can be provided during the manufacture of the preform, particularly during its injection molding, but can also be provided later, during or after blow molding, by, for example, punching, drilling, or otherwise machining the container.

[0020] In this description, the tapping assembly can include a housing that holds the cooling device and a pressure device for supplying pressurized gas, such as air, to the container. The container can be a plastic beverage container, preferably a BIC-type container. The system further includes a lid, preferably an at least partially transparent lid, that fits over the container when properly positioned in the housing. The lid provides visibility of the container within the dispensing device, including the housing and lid, allowing, for example, the fill level to be confirmed and the brand name of the container to be visible from the outside.

[0021] In this description, the dispensing assembly, which may also be referred to as a tapping assembly, can be designed to allow a container to be placed in an "upside-down" position on and / or into the housing of the dispensing unit, so that at least a portion of the container, in particular at least a portion of the shoulder portion of the container, is introduced into a receptacle on the housing, the neck portion including the downward-facing outlet opening. Preferably, the portion of the container extending into said receptacle is close to or at least partially in contact with the wall of the receptacle, so that the wall of the receptacle is cooled, in particular actively cooled. In said "upside-down" position, this can be, for example, a portion of the shoulder portion of the container. In the "upright position," the shoulder portion can, for example, be facing upwards, so that the bottom portion can be received in the receptacle, in particular for cooling. In the recumbent or tilted position, the side portion of the container can be received in the receptacle for cooling.

[0022] In this context, a relatively short distance between the receptacle wall and the associated container portion should be understood as a distance small enough to allow efficient cooling of said portion of the container and its contents. Preferably, the beverage is dispensed from an area of ​​the container adjacent to said portion of the cooled wall. Preferably, the portion of the cooling receptacle wall is the lower portion of the container in these embodiments. In such an embodiment, even if the container is partially empty, the contents of the container will be at least in the area cooled by the receptacle wall, and the cooled contents will be advantageously close to, and particularly directly adjacent to, the outlet opening, or at least in the portion from which the beverage is dispensed. Thus, even if the portion of the container extending outside the receptacle is not or only poorly cooled, excellent control of the temperature of the dispensed beverage is possible.

[0023] When the container is placed in the receptacle, at least one line contact is preferably obtained between the container and the wall of the receptacle for contact cooling. Such line contact can be formed, for example, by a circular or elliptical line or any line, depending, for example, on the shape of the container and the receptacle and the orientation of the container. Preferably, a bottom or wall of the container is established over a relatively large portion of the container, such as a shoulder portion, that extends inward of the contact point of the receptacle or is at least close to the wall of the container relative to the wall of the receptacle. The distance between the relevant portion of the container and the receptacle, measured as the smallest distance between adjacent surfaces, is preferably between 0 and 1 mm, more preferably between 0 and 0.5 mm, even more preferably between 0 and 0.25 mm, averaged over at least a portion of the circumferential surface area of ​​the receptacle, having a height measurement along the vertical axis of the receptacle, which may be, for example, at least about ¼ of the height or diameter of the portion of the container extending in said receptacle. For example, in an inverted orientation, at least about one-quarter of the axial height of the shoulder portion of the container, measured immediately adjacent to the neck portion, can extend into the receptacle, for example, between one-quarter of the shoulder portion and the entire height of the shoulder portion.

[0024] 1 and 1A illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 1 of the present disclosure, including a dispenser 2 and a beverage container 3. The dispenser 2 may also be referred to as, for example, a unit, a dispensing unit, a tapping device, or similar terms. The dispenser 2 includes a housing 4. The housing 4 is provided with a receptacle 5 for receiving at least a portion 6 of a container 3. The beverage container 3 has a neck portion 7 and a shoulder portion 8 adjacent to the neck portion 7. The neck portion 7 is provided with at least an outlet opening 8A and at least one gas inlet opening 9 (see, for example, FIG. 3B ). In the disclosed embodiment, the container may be a blow-molded plastic container 3, preferably a bag-in-container (BIC) type container. The container 3 is positioned in the dispenser 2 with the neck portion 7 and shoulder portion 8 facing downward, such that at least a portion of the neck portion 7 and shoulder portion 8 is received in the receptacle 5. This is referred to as an upside-down orientation. A portion 10 of the shoulder portion 8 extends near and / or contacts a wall 11 of the receptacle 5.

[0025] The orientation of the container 3 in the dispensing device can be defined at least based on the orientation of the longitudinal axis XX of the container, which in the inverted and upright positions is substantially vertical, in the recumbent position is substantially horizontal, and in the tilted position, including at an angle, is both horizontal and vertical. In the upright position, the container can be bottom-down, in the inverted position the container can be bottom-up, and in the recumbent position it can be sideways.

[0026] In different orientations of the container, the shape of the receptacle may be different. When the container is in a recumbent position, the receptacle may be provided as a tank, as specified immediately above. In another embodiment in which the container has a recumbent position, the receptacle may be provided as a cylinder, surrounding the container. In cases where visibility of the container is preferred, the receptacle may be implemented by one or more rings configured to surround the container when placed in the receptacle, and thus be supported by the rings. A portion of the container may be visible between the rings. Whatever the shape of the receptacle, it is preferable that there is sufficient thermally conductive contact between the receptacle and the container.

[0027] The dispensing assembly 1 is illustratively positioned on the top 75 of the bar 74 so that the portion 13 of the container 3 extending above the housing 4 and, if present, the lid 12, are at approximately eye level for an average adult, as symbolically indicated by eye 76 in FIG. 1A . The top 75 of the bar may be, for example, approximately 100 to 130 cm in front of the customer-accessible area, but is by no means limited thereto. By positioning the tapping assembly 1 on the bar 74 so that it is visible to at least customers standing or seated at the bar and preferably to customers standing or seated at the bar and employees standing behind the bar, the visibility of the system, and particularly the relevant portion 13 of the container, is increased. Particularly when a brand name 22 is provided on the portion 13 of the container 3, this enhances the appeal of the system 1 and particularly the beverage enclosed within the container 3. This has been found to increase beverage sales, further enhancing the appeal of the bar. A lid is preferably provided over container portion 13 and is sufficiently transparent to provide visibility of container portion 13 from at least the front and back of bar 74, i.e., for patrons and bar staff, and preferably provides approximately a 360 degree view of container portion 13. The top of lid 12 may be less transparent, for example, opaque.

[0028] The container 3 is preferably substantially barrel- or bottle-shaped, has the neck portion 7 and shoulder portion 8, and further has a body portion 23 and a bottom 24. The bottom may have any suitable shape, and in the illustrated embodiment is substantially spherical, more particularly substantially hemispherical, or it may have a shape such that the container can stand on the bottom 24, for example, petal-shaped.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, a lid 12 is provided on the container 3 and surrounds a portion 13 of the container 3 that extends outside the receptacle 5. However, the assembly can also operate without the lid 12 in some embodiments. The lid 12 can be substantially dome-shaped, at least to the extent that it has an inner surface 14 that extends along the outer surface of the portion 13 of the container 3 that extends outside the housing 4, preferably at a substantially regular, equal distance. This provides a space 15 between the inner surface 14 of the lid 12 and the outer surface portion of the container. In some embodiments, the lid can have a substantially spherical top portion 16 and a body portion 17 that is preferably substantially cylindrical. The lid 12 can be made of plastic, preferably transparent plastic, so that the container 3 can be observed through at least a portion of the lid 12. In some embodiments, the lid 12 can be double-walled, having an inner wall 18A and an outer wall 18B, and an enclosed space 19, preferably isolated from its surroundings, such as the region 20 in which the assembly is located and the space 15. In embodiments, space 19 may be at a lower pressure than the pressure inside region 20 and / or space 15, e.g., a vacuum may be drawn to reduce heat transfer through lid 12. In embodiments, lid 12 may rest on seal 21 of housing 4, and / or a seal 21 may be provided for resting on housing 4 such that space 15 is isolated from region 20 when lid 12 is properly positioned on and / or in and / or over the housing. In embodiments, this may provide a layer of substantially stagnant air in said space 15. In other embodiments, a fan or similar means may be provided for providing a flow of preferably cooled air through said space 15 to cool the container and the beverage contained therein. The lid may also be made partially or entirely of glass.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the container 3 is provided with a brand name 22 on at least the portion 13 of the container 3 that extends outside the housing 4. The brand name 22 is preferably provided so that at least a portion of it is in an upside-down orientation when the container 3 is placed on its bottom 24. Thus, when the container 3 is placed in an upside-down position in the dispenser 2, the neck portion 7 faces downward and the brand name is in a suitable orientation for readability and visibility. Obviously, when the container 3 is intended for use in an upright orientation, i.e., with the bottom facing downward in the dispensing device 1, the brand name can be in a normal position for readability and visibility. Similarly, such brand name can be adjusted on the container for use in other orientations, such as landscape orientation.

[0031] 1 and 1A, 3A and 3B, the housing 4 includes a cooling device 26 for cooling at least a portion 27 of the wall 11 of the receptacle 5. The same or similar cooling devices may be provided in other embodiments as well. The receptacle 5 and cooling device 26 are preferably designed for contact cooling of a portion 6 of the container 3, e.g., at least a shoulder portion 8 of the container 3 in an inverted orientation, or, e.g., the bottom portion in an upright orientation.

[0032] As is evident from the exemplary embodiment, this results in cooling of the beverage at least in an area proximate the receptacle, such as near the neck portion 7 from which the beverage is dispensed, so that the beverage is cooled to the desired temperature. Preferably, this area is at the lower end of the container during use, so that the coldest beverage naturally flows toward that area. Cooling of the receptacle can be provided by any suitable means, such as a compressor-based chiller, a piezoelectric-based chiller, ice cube chilling, liquid chilling, or similar systems known in the art. By way of example, a compressor-based chiller 26 will be described as one advantageous embodiment.

[0033] The container 3 in the embodiment as shown is provided with a dispensing unit 34 including at least a dispensing line 35 for dispensing a beverage. The housing 4 includes a tap 29 for connecting to and / or cooperating with the dispensing line 35 for opening and / or closing the dispensing line 35. The dispensing line is preferably a disposable line, which should be understood to mean that it is designed and intended for limited use, e.g. with only one container 3 or a limited number of containers. Preferably, the dispensing unit 34 is designed such that the mouth of the container 3 can be opened with it, after which the dispensing unit 34 and / or the dispensing line 35 cannot be removed again without damaging the unit 34 and / or the container 3.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the tap 29 includes an operating mechanism 30 for opening and / or closing a valve 31 provided in the dispensing unit 34, in particular a valve provided in or at one end of a dispensing line 35. The dispensing line 35 may be made of plastic and may be flexible so that it can be bent as shown. The valve 31 is fixedly connected to the tapping line 35 and is adapted to be placed and removed, i.e., replaced, along with the dispensing line 35. The valve 31 may have a spout 32 extending outside the housing 4, the spout 32 being the last point of contact for the beverage to be dispensed. By providing such a valve 31 that is disposable, further contact between the beverage and the dispensing assembly 1 can be prevented. Therefore, cleaning of the dispensing assembly may be less frequent.

[0035] Alternatively, other means for opening and / or closing the dispensing line 35 can be provided, such as, but not limited to, means for throttling the tapping line closed. A permanent valve can be used as part of the tapping apparatus 2, to which the tapping line 35 can be connected when the container is placed. Alternatively, or in addition, the tapping line can be permanent or semi-permanent, and the container, particularly an adapter 38 as discussed, can be connected to said tapping line.

[0036] 3A and 3B, the receptacle 5 can be, for example, substantially bowl-shaped, e.g., hemispherical, such that the container 3 can be supported by at least a portion of the shoulder portion 8 in an inverted position, or by the wall 11 of said receptacle 5 in an upright position by its bottom, preferably in intimate contact for contact cooling. At the lower end of the receptacle 5, a recess 36 can be provided for receiving the neck portion 7 of the container, and when using the container in the inverted position, a dispensing unit 34, or at least a portion thereof, can be provided on the neck 7, or, for example, such unit 34 can be connected to the bottom 24, in particular the inlet opening 9 of the container 3 in the upright position, for connecting a gas line. In an embodiment, the recess 36 can prevent the neck 7 and / or the dispensing unit 34 from resting on the bottom 37 of the recess 36. In an embodiment using the upright position, for example, a gas line connector can be placed in such a recess.

[0037] As discussed, a cooling system 26, shown here as a compressor and evaporator-based cooling system, is provided in the housing 4, having cooling lines 95 or the like extending adjacent to or within the wall 11 and possibly the recess 36 of the receptacle 5 for cooling the wall 11 or at least relevant portions thereof. The cooling device 26 is preferably designed to maintain the wall 11 at a predetermined temperature, or at least to cool the wall so that the beverage near the outlet opening, i.e., the neck 7 and possibly the shoulder portion 8, is at or as close as possible to a desired temperature. Depending on the beverage and the user's preferences, this temperature can preferably be set, for example, but not limited to, between about 4 and 9 degrees Celsius, e.g., approximately 6 degrees Celsius. Other temperatures or temperature ranges can be set, with another preferred range being between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius. Other ranges can be defined starting at any value of 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 degrees Celsius or any value between these values ​​up to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 degrees Celsius or any value between these values, preferably at least 1 degree between the lower and upper values ​​of the control period.

[0038] For example, as can be seen in Figure 3B, the shoulder portion 8 of the container can fit closely against the wall 11 of the receptacle, while the inner container 3B at the shoulder portion can fit snugly along the inner surface of the outer container. Thus, contact cooling between the wall 11 and the shoulder portion of the container 3 has surprisingly proven to be very effective.

[0039] It should be noted that receptacle 5 can be shaped differently to accommodate types of containers other than that shown by FIG. 3B.

[0040] If the temperature sensor 42 is configured to sense the temperature of the container 3, the temperature sensor 42 is preferably isolated from the wall 11 and protrudes from the wall 11 to ensure contact with the wall of the container 3. Optionally, the temperature sensor 42 may be resiliently suspended so as to fit the receptacle 5 as best as possible without obstructing the wall of the container 3 and to ensure good contact with the wall 11.

[0041] If the temperature sensor 42 is configured to sense the temperature of the wall 11, the temperature sensor 42 is positioned such that it cannot contact the container 3 when the container 3 is positioned in the receptacle 5. In another implementation, additional temperature sensors are provided, with the temperature sensor 42 sensing a first temperature of the wall 11 and the container 3 and the additional temperature sensor sensing a second temperature of the wall 11 and the container 3.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the temperature of the beverage in the container 3 is taken at a specific location in the container, i.e., at the top of the container, the bottom of the container, the middle of the container, etc., or a combination thereof. Thus, a temperature sensor may be provided in the container 3 in wired or wireless communication with the controller.

[0043] As the beverage cools, the temperature sensor 42 sensing the container temperature senses a decrease in the rate of temperature rise over time. The rate of temperature rise can be defined as the time period between switching on cooling or reducing the operating level and reaching the maximum allowable temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 42. Alternatively, or in addition, the rate of temperature rise can be defined as the amount of sensed temperature increase per hour. In such cases, the rate of temperature rise can be defined instantaneously and calculated over a very small amount of time, optionally nearly infinitesimal, or over a longer period on the order of seconds, minutes, or hours. In another embodiment, the derivative of the temperature versus time function is defined as the rate of temperature rise, calculated either analytically, numerically, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In this implementation, the temperature sensor 42 that senses the container temperature is located on the wall of the container 3, near the wall 11 of the receptacle 5 that is being cooled by the cooling system 26. Thus, the sensed temperature of a beverage located near the wall of the receptacle 5 will be lower than the temperature of a beverage higher up in the container 3. When the cooling system 26 is switched off, no more heat energy is drawn from the wall 11, and less or no heat energy is drawn from the beverage in the container 3, moving the temperature distribution within the beverage toward equilibrium. As a result, the temperature of the beverage near the temperature sensor 42 increases.

[0045] According to basic principles of thermodynamics, the rate at which the temperature increases after the cooling system 26 is switched off depends on the temperature gradient within the beverage. If the instantaneous average temperature of the beverage within the container 3 is relatively low, the temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor 42 will increase at a slower rate than if the instantaneous average temperature of the beverage within the container 3 is relatively high. The reason is that if the instantaneous average temperature of the beverage is relatively high, the heat energy will flow faster to the cooling wall 11 due to the well-known diffusion laws that govern the diffusion-induced flow of heat energy.

[0046] The operation of the cooling system is further elucidated in conjunction with flowchart 500, which illustrates one implementation of the first aspect. This procedure can be controlled by a processing unit included by the beverage dispensing assembly 1. Such a processing unit can be a microprocessor, microcontroller, PLD, FPGA, or other electronic or electrical computing module configured to fulfill this task. The various portions of flowchart 500 can be summarized as follows: 502 Start procedure 504 Receive container 506 Determining the volume of beverage in a container 508 Determine the ambient temperature 510 Define cut-on temperature 512 Operate the cooling element 514 Has the operating time elapsed? 516 Temperature below cutoff temperature? 518 Reduce or stop the operation of the cooling element 522 Is the temperature above the cut-on temperature? 524 Has the defrost time limit expired? 526 Defrost temperature reached? 528 Reduce or stop the operation of the cooling element

[0047] The procedure begins at start symbol 502 and continues to step 504, where a container 3 is received in a receptacle 5 so as to contact the receptacle wall 11. Such contact may be over substantially the entire surface of the wall 11, or it may be over one or more portions of the wall.

[0048] In step 506, the beverage volume in the container 3 is determined. The beverage volume is preferably based on an initial beverage volume that the container 3 is configured to hold, i.e., 2 liters, 3 liters, 4 liters, 5 liters, 6 liters, 8 liters, 10 liters, etc. If no beverage is drawn from the container 3, the amount of beverage is determined to be equal to the initial amount.

[0049] If beverage has been drawn from container 3, it can be determined how much beverage has left container 3. To that end, it can be determined how much beverage has been dispensed from container 3. This can be determined by applying a flow meter to dispense line 35 or other conduit in the dispensing flow path between container 3 and spout 32. The flow meter can be configured to determine the flow rate and / or volume of beverage that has passed through it. Based on this data and the initial amount of beverage in container 3, the current amount of beverage in the container can be determined.

[0050] In another embodiment, the flow rate of beverage through the flow path between containers 3 is constant or assumed to be constant. In such an embodiment, the time that valve 31 is open is determined and that time is multiplied by the flow rate to obtain the volume of beverage that has left container 3. With that information and the initial volume, the amount of beverage remaining in container 3 can be determined.

[0051] In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, the weight of the container 3 is measured by a weight module included by the beverage dispensing assembly 1. The amount of beverage in the container 3 can be determined by taking the weight of the container 3 and the beverage stored therein and subtracting the weight of the (empty) container and, optionally, any other non-beverage elements.

[0052] Next, in step 508, the ambient temperature of the beverage dispensing assembly 1 may be determined. This is the temperature outside of the beverage dispensing assembly 1, in the immediate vicinity of the beverage dispensing assembly 1.

[0053] In step 510, a cut-on temperature is determined at which the temperature of the beverage in the container 3 or the temperature of the container 3 or wall 11 causes the cooling device 26 to switch on or increase operation. The cut-on temperature is preferably determined based on at least one, and preferably both, of the amount of beverage remaining in the container 3 and the ambient temperature of the beverage dispensing assembly 1. A possible relationship between the amount of beverage remaining in the container 3 and the ambient temperature of the beverage dispensing assembly 1 is shown in Figure 6.

[0054] Figure 6 illustrates a linear relationship between the cut-on temperature, on the one hand, and the ambient temperature and the amount of beverage in the container, on the other hand. Alternatively, at least one or both of these relationships may be nonlinear or may include a nonlinear portion. The relationship between the cut-on temperature, on the other hand, and the ambient temperature and the amount of beverage in the container, on the other hand, may be stored in a memory coupled to a processing unit as discussed above. The values ​​and relationship curves illustrated by Figure 6 are provided merely as one embodiment, and other relationships may be implemented as well.

[0055] In step 512, the cooling device 26 operates to cool the wall 11 of the receptacle 5. The cooling device 26 operates while monitoring at least one of the duration of operation and a sensed temperature of at least one of the beverage, the container 3, and the wall 11. In step 514, the duration of operation of the cooling device 26 is compared to a predetermined duration for operating the cooling device 26. In step 516, the monitored temperature of at least one of the beverage, the wall 11 of the container 3, and the wall 11 is compared to a predetermined cutoff temperature. Steps 516 and 514 can be performed in parallel or in series. Alternatively, only steps 516 and 514 are performed.

[0056] 5, if at least one of the tested criteria is met, the procedure continues to step 518. In step 518, the operation of the cooling device 26 is reduced, and preferably stopped. Step 518 may include a wait loop before proceeding to the next step.

[0057] In step 522, the sensed temperature is compared to the cut-on temperature defined as discussed above. If the sensed temperature is below the cut-on temperature, the procedure returns to step 518. If the sensed temperature is above the cut-on temperature, the procedure continues to step 524, where the defrost duration since the previous defrost operation is tested against the defrost time limit. If this is longer than the defrost time limit, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 hours or more, operation of the cooling device 26 is still stopped until the defrost temperature is reached. The latter is checked in step 526.

[0058] If the defrost time limit has not yet been reached, and the cut-on temperature has been reached or exceeded, the procedure branches from step 524 to step 506. Alternatively, the procedure can return to step 512.

[0059] If the defrost time limit has elapsed, the sensed temperature is tested. If the defrost temperature has not yet been reached, the procedure continues to step 528, where further operation of the cooling device 26 is halted. Step 528 may include a wait loop. After step 528, the sensed temperature is again compared to the defrost temperature. If the defrost temperature has been reached, the procedure returns to step 506. Alternatively, the procedure may return to step 512. The defrost subroutine may prevent any beverage in the dispense line 35 from freezing or otherwise solidifying. Additionally, this may prevent the container 3 from freezing to the wall 11, such that the container 3 becomes attached to the wall 11 and may therefore be very difficult for a person to remove.

[0060] The various steps of the method illustrated by flowchart 500 may be performed in the order as illustrated by flowchart 500. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the steps, including but not limited to steps numbered 506, 508, and 510, may be performed continuously or periodically at some point in time, regardless of the steps of flowchart 500 being performed at a particular moment in time.

[0061] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed and discussed herein above. Many variations thereof are possible, including, but not limited to, combinations of parts of the illustrated and described embodiments. For example, at least one opening 9 can be provided at different locations, e.g., through the closure ring 47, preferably extending substantially radially outward, e.g., through the inner surface or wall of the ring, into the space between the containers, and the adapter 38 can extend into the ring to appropriately communicate with the at least one opening 9. The container can be provided with only one opening in the neck or several such openings. In embodiments, the container can be a single-walled container, allowing gas, e.g., CO2 or nitrogen gas, to be inserted directly into the beverage. In embodiments, the container can be compressible by pressurizing the space within the lid. In embodiments, the closure ring 47 and adapter 38 can be integrated. These can then be directly connected onto the container 3 as a stopper, making them suitable as an adapter. In embodiments, the dispensing adapter and the adapter can be integrated with each other and / or with the closure ring. A different stopper can be used instead of the valve in the container, for example a pierceable stopper that can be penetrated by the adapter and / or dispensing adapter, or a removable stopper that can then be replaced with the adapter and / or dispensing adapter for cooperation with a tapping device.

[0062] These and many other modifications, including but not limited to all combinations of elements of the invention as disclosed, within the scope of the invention as presented, are considered to be disclosed herein.

[0063] In summary, a method for cooling a beverage in a container is provided, the container being provided in contact with a cooling contact thermally coupled to the cooling element. The method includes operating the cooling element and obtaining an ambient temperature of an environment outside the container and the cooling contact. Based on the ambient temperature, a cut-on temperature is defined, and a temperature value indicative of the temperature of the beverage is obtained. If the temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature, the cooling element operates until a termination criterion is met. A higher ambient temperature may require more cooling of the beverage to ensure the temperature of the beverage is maintained between acceptable boundaries. A higher ambient temperature requires more cooling, meaning faster on or off switching. By using a switch-on temperature based on the ambient temperature, more efficient cooling can be established. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Beverage dispensing assembly, tapping assembly 2 Dispenser, tapping device 3 beverage containers 4. Housing 5 Receptacles 6 Part of a container 7 Neck 8 Shoulder part 10 Part of the shoulder 11 Wall 12 Lid 13 Container section 14 Inner surface 15 Space 16 Top 17 Main body part 18A Inner wall 18B Exterior wall 19 Space 20 areas 21 Seal 22 Brand Name 23 Main body part 24 Bottom 26 Cooling equipment, cooling systems 27 Part of the wall 29 Taps 30 Operating mechanism 31 Valve 32 Spout 34 Dispensing Unit 35 Dispensing line, tapping line 36 hollow 37 Bottom 38 Adapter 42 Temperature Sensor 74 Bar 75 Top 76 eyes

Claims

1. 1. A method of cooling a container containing a beverage, the container being provided in contact with a cooling contact thermally conductively coupled to a cooling element, the method comprising: operating the cooling element; obtaining an ambient temperature of an environment outside the container and the cooling contact; defining a cut-on temperature based on the ambient temperature; obtaining a medium temperature indicative of a temperature of the beverage; if the medium temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature, operating the cooling element until a predetermined termination criterion is met; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cut-on temperature decreases as the ambient temperature increases.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the relationship between the cut-on temperature and the ambient temperature is substantially linear.

4. obtaining a beverage volume stored in the container; defining the cut-on temperature also based on the beverage volume; The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the cut-on temperature increases as the beverage volume decreases.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the relationship between the cut-on temperature and the beverage volume is substantially linear.

7. Determining the volume of beverage stored in the container comprises: receiving an initial value for an initial volume of beverage stored in the container; tracking a withdrawal volume of beverage removed from said container; subtracting the withdrawal volume from the initial volume; The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising:

8. The step of acquiring a volume of beverage stored in the container includes: determining the amount of beverage dispensed; determining a weight of the container with the volume of beverage stored therein; The method of claim 4 , comprising at least one of:

9. The predetermined termination criterion is: a medium temperature end value of the medium temperature; and the cooling period that has elapsed since the moment of the start of the operation of the cooling element The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method is at least one of:

10. At least one of the media temperature end value and the cooling period is The medium temperature, the ambient temperature, a volume of beverage stored in said container; The method of claim 9, wherein the method is based on at least one of:

11. the predetermined termination criterion being the cooling period elapsed from the moment of start of the operation of the cooling element, acquiring the medium temperature if the cooling period has elapsed; if the medium temperature is equal to or greater than the cut-on temperature, continuing operation of the cooling element until the cooling period has again elapsed. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

12. 12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: if a predetermined defrost period has elapsed, if the media temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature, not operating the cooling element until a predetermined defrost criterion is met.

13. The predetermined defrosting standard is a media temperature defrost value of the media temperature; and the cooling period that has elapsed since the moment of the start of the operation of the cooling element The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one of

14. The medium temperature is: a container temperature of said container; the beverage temperature of said beverage; The cooling contact temperature of the cooling contact The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method is at least one of:

15. 1. A cooling system for contact cooling of a container containing a beverage, comprising: A cooling element; a cooling contact configured to be thermally conductively connected to the cooling element and in thermal conductive contact with the container; a temperature sensing module configured to sense a temperature of at least one of the cooling contact, the container, and the beverage; obtaining an ambient temperature of an environment outside the container and the cooling contact; defining a cut-on temperature based on said ambient temperature; obtaining a medium temperature indicative of the temperature of the beverage; and If the media temperature is greater than the cut-on temperature, operate the cooling element until a predetermined termination criterion is met. A processing unit configured as follows: a cooling system.

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