Container for beverage-dispensing device, and associated unit and assembly method

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (20) for a beverage-dispensing device (18), the container (20) comprising: - a main body (21) having an upper opening (24), which is suitable for the consumption of a beverage contained in the container (20), and a lower face (23), which is opposite the upper opening (24) and defines a filling orifice (26); - a closing element (27) for closing the filling orifice (26), which is removably assembled in the filling orifice (26), the closing element (27) comprising a rigid ring (28), which is arranged in contact with circumferential edges of the filling orifice (26), and a flexible portion (29), which is mounted on the ring (28) and defines a valve opening.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Container for beverage dispensing device, associated assembly and method

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a container for a beverage dispensing device, an assembly comprising a beverage dispensing device and at least one such container, as well as a method of assembling such a container.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] Document WO 2016 / 166475 in the name of the Applicant discloses a beverage dispensing assembly for filling a container, in particular a glass, via a nozzle passing through a sealing element housed in the bottom of the container.

[0007] The nozzle is connected to a reservoir, for example a barrel, via a solenoid valve which can be controlled between an open position allowing the container to be filled, and a closed position.

[0008] Such a distribution set is intended for professionals and has a relatively high cost.

[0009] Document WO 2020 / 234543, also in the name of the Applicant, proposes a distribution device adapted to the needs of the general public and presenting a lower cost.

[0010] This beverage dispensing device comprises a base intended to be fixedly mounted on a reservoir containing a fluid, in particular a beverage, a fluid dispensing nozzle adapted to draw the fluid from the reservoir.

[0011] The dispensing device further comprises a lever resting on a bearing surface of the nozzle, so that pivoting the lever actuates the translational movement of the nozzle. Actuation of the lever, i.e. its rotation around the fixed axis, causes the axial translational movement of the nozzle and the opening or closing of the valve and the drawing of fluid from the reservoir. The pressure on the lever and the nozzle is generally exerted by means of a container engaged on the dispensing nozzle.

[0012] Containers compatible with this beverage dispensing device must include a valve in their underside allowing the nozzle to be inserted for filling and ensuring the underside of the container is sealed once the container is removed from the nozzle. There is therefore a need for a procedure for assembling such containers that is both simpler and faster and produces a better guaranteed seal. In addition, such containers must be able to be cleaned in order to be reused, and the filling valve requires special care during cleaning. These containers can therefore be improved by making them easier to clean, both for professional and private users.

[0013] Presentation of the invention

[0014] The invention therefore aims to provide a container compatible with a beverage dispensing device of the aforementioned type, having improved sealing, simplified assembly and easier cleaning between uses.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a container for a beverage dispensing device, said container comprising:

[0016] - a main body having an upper opening suitable for consuming a beverage contained in the container and a lower face, opposite the upper opening, defining a filling orifice,

[0017] - a filling orifice closure element, assembled in a removable manner in the filling orifice, the closure element comprising a rigid ring arranged in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice and a flexible part mounted on the ring and defining a valve opening.

[0018] Such a container allows for simplified assembly of the closure element in the filling opening, with a better seal guaranteed. In addition, the closure element can be removed from the opening for more efficient cleaning between uses of the container.

[0019] The ring may comprise a lower part and an upper part, assembled to each other, the flexible part being held tight between the lower part and the upper part. Such a feature allows simple and rapid attachment of the flexible part to the rigid ring.

[0020] One of the lower portion and the upper portion may radially surround the other of the lower portion and the upper portion as well as the flexible portion, and extend into contact with the peripheral edges of the filling port.

[0021] Such a feature helps to improve the sealing of the junction between the ring and the edges of the filling hole.

[0022] The lower and upper parts can be joined together in a removable manner, for example by plugging or screwing.

[0023] Such a feature allows complete disassembly of the sealing element for cleaning or replacing only part of it if necessary.

[0024] Alternatively, the lower part and the upper part may be assembled together in a substantially permanent manner, for example by snap-fitting or clamping. Alternatively, the rigid ring may be formed in one piece, for example by overmolding on the edges of the flexible part.

[0025] The flexible portion may define two slots that intersect near a center of the flexible portion, preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0026] Such a feature makes it possible to form a valve that facilitates the introduction of the nozzle and is capable of closing tightly when the nozzle is removed.

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

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

[0029] The main body may be substantially cylindrical or truncated conical, with the upper opening being substantially circular.

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

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

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

[0033] The outer circumferential wall of the ring may define an outer annular groove which opens opposite the side walls of the filling orifice, said outer annular groove being shaped to receive a sealing O-ring, said O-ring being arranged to come into radial abutment with the side walls of the filling orifice.

[0034] Such a feature helps to improve the seal between the walls of the filling hole and the ring.

[0035] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a fluid reservoir and a beverage dispensing device assembled on the reservoir, said beverage dispensing device comprising a base, a dispensing nozzle projecting substantially vertically from the base and means for switching circulation of the fluid through the nozzle, the assembly also comprising at least one container as above.

[0036] The invention further relates to a method of assembling a container as above, comprising the following steps:

[0037] - provision of a main body having an upper opening suitable for the consumption of a beverage contained in the container and a lower face, opposite the upper opening, defining a filling orifice, a rigid ring and a flexible part defining a valve opening,

[0038] - mounting the flexible part on the rigid ring and obtaining a closure element, and - assembly of the closure element, in a removable manner, in the filling orifice, the rigid ring being arranged in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice.

[0039] Brief description of the figures

[0040] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a beverage dispensing assembly according to the invention.

[0041] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of a container according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a closure member of the container of Figures 2 and 3.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the closure member.

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible portion of the sealing element.

[0045] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the container of Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] Figure 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the bottom of a container according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Detailed description of the invention

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a beverage dispensing assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Said assembly 1 comprises a tank 2 intended to house a commercial reservoir 3, for example a substantially cylindrical barrel 3 containing beer.

[0050] The tank 2 comprises a cylindrical side wall 4 and a bottom 5. The side wall 4 and the bottom 5 comprise, in their thickness, a material forming a thermal insulator.

[0051] Blocks of heat transfer material 7, 8, comprising a casing or a reservoir containing a heat transfer liquid such as water, are housed in the tank 2. The blocks 7, 8 are pre-cooled before insertion into the tank 2.

[0052] In particular, a block 7 of generally circular shape is mounted at the bottom of the tank 2, the bottom of the reservoir 3 bearing on the upper surface of the circular block 7.

[0053] Furthermore, peripheral blocks 8 of concave shape are mounted in the tank 2, between the side wall 4 of the tank 2 and the side wall of the reservoir 3.

[0054] The side wall 4 of the tank 2 is equipped with a handle 9 fixed to studs 10 of the tank 2. The handle 9 makes it easier to transport the assembly 1.

[0055] The assembly 1 also comprises a cover 11 for closing the open upper end of the tank 2. The cover 11 comprises two lateral gripping zones 12 or handles, formed here by diametrically opposed hollow zones 12 of the cover 11. The cover 11 comprises a central circular housing or opening 13 oriented axially. Orifices 14 are formed around the central opening 13, the orifices opening 14 into the internal volume of the tank 2.

[0056] The assembly 1 further comprises a beverage dispensing device 18, located in the internal volume of the tank 2, assembled on the reservoir 3.

[0057] The beverage dispensing device 18 is in particular of the type described in document WO 2020 / 234543.

[0058] The beverage dispensing device 18 comprises a base comprising means for fixing the dispensing device 18 to the reservoir 3, a dispensing nozzle 19 projecting substantially vertically from the base and means for switching the circulation of the fluid through the nozzle 19.

[0059] The dispensing device 18 further comprises means for drawing fluid from the reservoir 3, for example a drawing rod extending from the base into the reservoir 2, in fluid communication with the nozzle 19.

[0060] As specified above, the dispensing device 18 comprises means for switching the flow of liquid through the nozzle 19, comprising for example a lever actuated by engagement of a container on the nozzle 19.

[0061] The assembly 1 also comprises at least one container 20, visible in FIG. 1, intended to receive the fluid delivered by the nozzle 19 and to contain it during its consumption by a user.

[0062] Each container 20 is for example a glass suitable for use with the dispensing device 18.

[0063] For this purpose, the container 20 comprises a main body 21, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, comprising side walls 22 as well as a lower face 23, or bottom, said lower face 23 being for example substantially circular.

[0064] The main body 21 is for example made from a transparent plastic material, in particular a co-polyester, for example a copolymer of dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. This material is an amorphous thermoplastic, also known under the brand name Tritan (registered trademark).

[0065] Alternatively, other types of polymers may be used to make the main body 21.

[0066] The side walls 22 define an upper opening 24 suitable for the consumption of a beverage contained in the container 20, on the side opposite the lower face 23.

[0067] The side walls 22 and the lower face 23 together define an internal space for receiving the liquid, which opens out through the upper opening 24. The side walls 22 give the container 20, for example, a substantially cylindrical or substantially truncated cone-shaped shape.

[0068] Advantageously, the side walls 22 define a guide groove 25 adapted to cooperate with a guide defined by the cover 11 in order to facilitate the positioning of the container 20 relative to the beverage dispensing device for filling.

[0069] The lower face 23 defines a filling orifice 26 of the container 20, for example substantially circular and offset relative to the axis of the container 20 (not shown).

[0070] The filling orifice 26 is a circular hole passing through the lower face 23 and opening into the internal space of the container 20.

[0071] The container 20 comprises a self-sealing type closure element 27, engaged in the filling orifice 26, partially shown in FIG. 3.

[0072] The closure element 27 is removably assembled in the filling orifice 26, i.e. it can be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled without significant damage or wear to the closure element 27 or the main body 21.

[0073] The closure element 27 comprises a rigid ring 28, arranged in contact with the lateral edges of the filling orifice 26, and a flexible part 29 mounted on the ring 28 and defining a valve opening, comprising for example at least one self-sealing filling slot 30.

[0074] The ring 28 is made of an opaque plastic material, in particular a semi-crystalline polymer, for example poly(butylene terephthalate), or PBT.

[0075] This makes it possible to mask any possible infiltration of liquid into the closure element 27, improving the external appearance of the container 20.

[0076] The flexible part 29 is for example made of silicone.

[0077] Advantageously, the ring 28 comprises a lower part 28a, shown in figure 4, and an upper part 28b, shown in figure 5.

[0078] The lower part 28a and the upper part 28b are assembled to each other, the flexible part 29 being held tight between the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b.

[0079] The lower part 28a has, for example, an annular shape, and comprises an upper rim 21 and a lower rim 32 arranged to come into contact on either side of the lower face 23 of the main body, so as to keep the ring 28 engaged in the filling orifice 26.

[0080] The upper part 28b has for example an annular shape and has an external diameter substantially equal to an internal diameter of the lower part 28a, so that the upper part can be assembled nested in the lower part, over the flexible part 29, so as to hold the flexible part 29 in the ring 28 by tightening.

[0081] The lower part 28a thus radially surrounds the upper part 28b and the flexible part 29. Alternatively, the upper part 28b can radially surround the lower part 28a and the flexible part 29.

[0082] Alternatively, the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b may have complementary screw threads and be assembled together by screwing.

[0083] The ring 28 is shown in section in Figure 7, engaged in the filling orifice 26 and comprising the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 7, an external circumferential wall 36 of the ring 28, defined by the lower part 28a, is in sealed radial contact with the walls of the filling orifice 26.

[0085] The outer circumferential wall may alternatively be defined by the upper portion 28b in other embodiments.

[0086] Advantageously, the external circumferential wall 36 defines at least one shoulder 37 for locking the ring 28 in the filling orifice 26.

[0087] The lower part 28a and the upper part 28b together define an annular groove 34 opening towards the inside of the ring 28. The annular groove 34 has, for example, a substantially circular cross-section.

[0088] Advantageously, as shown in Figure 6, the flexible part 29 comprises a thickened part 33 along its periphery, the lower part 28a and the upper part 28b of the ring 28 defining complementary portions of the annular groove 34, which is shaped to receive the thickened part 33, so as to improve the retention of the flexible part 29.

[0089] The flexible part 29 also comprises a substantially flat central part 35, in which at least one slot 30 is defined, for example two slots 30 perpendicular to each other forming the valve opening for the introduction of the nozzle 19.

[0090] The slot(s) 30 are advantageously defined around the center of the flexible part 29. According to another embodiment not shown in the figures, the ring 28 is formed in a single piece, for example by overmolding on the flexible part 29.

[0091] According to another embodiment shown in Figure 8, the external circumferential wall 36 defines an external annular groove 38 which opens opposite the side walls of the filling orifice 26, shaped to receive a sealing O-ring 39, so as to improve the sealing between the walls of the filling orifice 26 and the ring 28.

[0092] The O-ring 39 protrudes from the outer circumferential wall 36 so as to bear against the walls of the filling orifice when the ring 28 is engaged in the filling orifice.

[0093] According to a variant, not shown, the O-ring 39 is not engaged in an external annular groove 38 but directly bears against the side wall 36 of the ring 28, for example against the shoulder 37. The seal may for example have the form of a ring clamped around the ring 28 or overmolded onto the ring 28.

[0094] A method of assembling the container 20 comprises, for example, a step of providing the main body 21 of the ring 28, in particular its lower part 28a and its upper part 28b, and the flexible part 29, a step of mounting the flexible part 29 on the ring 28, for example between the lower part 28b and the upper part 28a fitted together, and obtaining a closure element 27, and a step of assembling the closure element 27, in a removable manner, in the filling orifice 26, the ring 28 being arranged in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice 26.

[0095] The step of assembling the closure element 27 in the filling orifice 26 can be done from the inside or the outside of the main body 21, that is to say from each side of the lower face.

[0096] The assembly is for example carried out with a press and / or on a vibrating table, which allows a rapid and simple assembly of several containers 20 simultaneously, and thus a satisfactory production speed. In addition, such an assembly method makes it possible to guarantee good sealing of the containers 20.

[0097] Finally, the assembly of the closure element 27 is reversible, that is to say that it is possible to remove the closure element 27 from the orifice 26 to clean it or replace it, without having to replace the entire container in this case.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Container (20) for a beverage dispensing device (18), said container (20) comprising: - a main body (21) having an upper opening (24) suitable for consuming a beverage contained in the container (20) and a lower face (23), opposite the upper opening (24), defining a filling orifice (26), - a closing element (27) for the filling orifice (26), assembled in a removable manner in the filling orifice (26), the closing element (27) comprising a rigid ring (28) arranged in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice (26) and a flexible part mounted (29) on the ring (28) and defining a valve opening.

2. Container (20) according to claim 1, in which the ring (28) comprises a lower part (28a) and an upper part (28b), assembled to each other, the flexible part (29) being held tight between the lower part (28a) and the upper part (28b).

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

4. Container (20) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the lower part (28a) and the upper part (28b) are assembled to each other in a removable manner, for example by fitting or by screwing.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Method for assembling a container (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - provision of a main body (21) having an upper opening (24) suitable for the consumption of a beverage contained in the container (20) and a lower face (23), opposite the upper opening (24), defining a filling orifice (26), a rigid ring (28) and a flexible part (29) defining a valve opening, - mounting the flexible part (29) on the rigid ring (28) and obtaining a sealing element (27), and - assembly of the closure element (27), in a removable manner, in the filling orifice (26), the rigid ring (27) being arranged in contact with peripheral edges of the filling orifice (26).

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