Apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, comprising: - a manifold (2) comprising a plurality of inlet mouths (2a) and a plurality of outlet mouths (2b), a plurality of conduits (3) each extending between an inlet mouth (2a) and an inlet mouth (2b), - a dispensing unit (4) positioned downstream of the manifold (2) and in fluid communication with it; - a suction pump (5) for each conduit (3), said suction pump (5) being operatively associated with the manifold (2) so as to generate a flow of ingredients from the inlet mouth (2a) to the outlet mouth (2b) towards the dispensing unit (4); - a flow meter (6) for each conduit (3), said flow meter (6) being interposed between the manifold (2) and the dispensing unit (4); - electronic control means (7) configured to enable or disable the operation of each suction pump (5) based on an ingredients recipe selectable by a user.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A particular sector of application of the present invention is the dosing of ingredients to prepare both alcoholic and nonalcoholic mixed beverages of various type, including, but not limited to, cocktails.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Currently, for the creation of mixes and the mixing of beverages, there is various equipment that exploits different technologies for the management of liquids. Few of these allow both still and sparkling beverages to be prepared.

[0007] The alternative is the so-called “on tap” dispensing with a technology that is known in use for beer, but, in this case, the product is already mixed and ready to be served, and no mixing by the machine takes place.

[0008] Among the aforesaid known solutions, problems exist that are linked to measuring of the ingredients and cleaning of the internal components of the machine.

[0009] There is therefore a need for a new solution that addresses these unsolved problems in the prior art.

[0010] Aim of the invention

[0011] In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is that of proposing an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, which obviates the drawbacks of the prior art cited above. In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that is simple to manage in both the installation step and during use by the final customer, compared to the known solutions.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fordispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that is more simple to maintain from an operational and functional standpoint compared to the known solutions.

[0013] The stated technical task and specified aims are substantially achieved by an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, comprising:

[0014] a manifold comprising:

[0015] - a plurality of inlet mouths and a plurality of outlet mouths;

[0016] - a plurality of conduits developing each between an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth,

[0017] said plurality of inlet mouths being connectible upstream with ingredient distribution means;

[0018] a dispensing unit positioned downstream of the manifold and in fluid communication with it;

[0019] a suction pump for each conduit, said suction pump being operatively associated with the manifold so as to generate a flow of ingredients from the inlet mouth to the outlet mouth towards the dispensing unit;

[0020] a flow meter for each conduit, said flow meter being interposed between the manifold and the dispensing unit;

[0021] electronic control means configured to enable or disable the operation of each suction pump based on an ingredients recipe selectable by a user. In accordance with an embodiment, the electronic control means is configured to receive from the flow meter a quantity value of an ingredient passed towards the dispensing unit and, on reaching a pre-set threshold value for that ingredient, to disable operation of the suction pump.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment, the electronic control means are configured to:

[0023] in the case of total or partial failure to dispense one or more selected ingredients, memorise a dispensing status of the requested beverage and, in response to a signal, complete dispensing of the beverage requested with the quantities of missing ingredients.In accordance with an embodiment, the manifold comprises a common inlet for a cleaning fluid and a plurality of cleaning mouths arranged each at a conduit;

[0024] said manifold being shaped so that the common inlet is in fluid communication with each cleaning mouth.

[0025] Preferably, the common inlet is connected to a cleaning fluid supply tube; said apparatus comprising a solenoid valve operatively active to place the supply tube in selective communication with the manifold.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and hence non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0028] - figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the present invention (the view is partial, as the casing and irrelevant components have been omitted);

[0029] - figure 2 shows a perspective view of a part (manifold, supply pumps unit and flow meters unit) of the dispensing apparatus of figure 1 ;

[0030] - figure 3 shows a front perspective view of a part (manifold and supply pumps unit) of the dispensing apparatus of figure 1;

[0031] - figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of a part (manifold and supply pumps unit) of the dispensing apparatus of figure 1 , in which the conduit is shown in an ingredient flow condition;

[0032] - figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of a part (manifold) of the dispensing apparatus of figure 1, in a cleaning configuration in which the manifold is shown being crossed by the cleaning fluid;

[0033] - figure 6 shows a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus of figure 1 , with the addition of a schematic flow of an ingredient.

[0034] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the inventionWith reference to the figures, number 1 indicates in its entirety an apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

[0035] The apparatus 1 comprises a manifold 2. The manifold 2 in turn comprises a plurality of inlet mouths 2a and a plurality of outlet mouths 2b.

[0036] The manifold 2 comprises a plurality of conduits 3 developing each between an inlet mouth 2a and an outlet mouth 2b. In other words, the conduits 3 place the inlet mouth 2a and the respective outlet mouth 2b in fluid communication.

[0037] Each inlet mouth 2a is connectible upstream with ingredient distribution means.

[0038] In particular, each inlet mouth 2a is intended in use to receive a specific ingredient. Preferably, a plurality of tanks is present, each of which is intended to contain at least one ingredient (intended as a single ingredient or a mixture of ingredients, for example a pre-mix). It is also possible to provide, for example, for the apparatus 1 to comprise two or more tanks to contain a first type of ingredients (for example, alcoholic ingredients for cocktails, in this case the tanks are bottles for example) and two or more tanks to contain a second type of ingredients (for example non-alcoholic, in this case the tanks are hermetic containers under vacuum, for example of the bag-in-box type).

[0039] Each tank can be placed in selective fluid communication with a corresponding inlet mouth 2a of the manifold 2.

[0040] The apparatus 1 comprises at least one dispensing unit 4 placed in fluid communication upstream with the manifold 2, in particular with the outlet mouths 2b to receive the ingredients from them. As will be clearer below, the apparatus 1 is used for the dispensing of dosed mixtures (cocktails) by means of dispensing, simultaneously by the same dispensing unit, of various ingredients, following a pre-set recipe.

[0041] The apparatus 1 comprises a suction pump 5 for each conduit 3. The suction pump 5 is operatively associated with the manifold 2 so as to generate an ingredient flow through the conduit 3 towards the dispensingunit 4.

[0042] Preferably, the suction pump is the peristaltic type. In the preferred embodiment, the suction pump is a gear pump.

[0043] The apparatus 1 comprises a flow meter 6 for each conduit 3. The flow meter 6 is interposed between the manifold 2 and the dispensing unit 4. As known, the flow meter measures the flow rate.

[0044] An exemplifying description of functioning of the apparatus 1 is provided below, with reference to the flow shown in figure 6. Due to the action of the respective suction pumps, the ingredients selected reach the manifold 2, enter from the respective inlet mouth 2a, cross the conduits 3, exit from the respective outlet mouth 2b, pass through the flow meters 6 and then reach the dispensing unit 4.

[0045] It should be noted that along its entire conveyance path, each ingredient remains isolated from the others, avoiding pre-contamination. Mixing between the ingredients is only obtained on exiting from the apparatus 1 during dispensing.

[0046] In particular, the apparatus 1 comprises tubes through which the ingredients move between the components, starting from the tank and as far as the dispensing unit.

[0047] In detail, the inlet mouths 2a are operatively associated with inlet tubes that carry the ingredients to them.

[0048] In detail, the outlet mouths 2b are placed in fluid communication with the dispensing unit 4 by means of tubes.

[0049] The apparatus 1 comprises electronic control means 7 configured to control operation of the suction pumps 5 based on ingredients recipes selectable by a user. The term recipe here means both a list of ingredients and preloaded quantities and also a selection of ingredients and quantities made on the spot by the user.

[0050] In this regard, the apparatus 1 can comprise a user interface by means of which it is possible to select the desired recipe. The user interface can comprise, for example, the user interface of an electronic device, such asa tablet or similar, for example, which may also include the aforesaid programmable electronic control means, together with the appropriate computer program instructions for automatic operation of the dispensing apparatus.

[0051] In detail, the electronic control means 7 is configured to control in operation the suction pumps 5 operatively active on the conduits 3 communicating upstream (by means of the inlet mouths 2a) with the tanks of ingredients to be dispensed in accordance with the recipe selected. Flows of the correct ingredients, i.e. those required by the recipe, towards the dispensing unit 4, are thus generated. These ingredients pass through the flow meters 6, which measure the quantity thereof that is sent to the dispensing unit 4.

[0052] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the suction pumps 5 have the task of generating or not the flow of a corresponding ingredient, without any control on flow rate or quantity. This task is performed, as will be described below, by the flow meters 6 that are located downstream.

[0053] The electronic control means 7 is configured to receive from the flow meters 6 information on a quantity of an ingredient that has passed towards the dispensing unit 4 and, on reaching a threshold value for that ingredient according to the recipe, to block operation of the corresponding suction pump 5.

[0054] In other words, the electronic control means 7 comprises means of comparison between a quantity value of an ingredient received from the flow meter and a threshold value established by the recipe. For as long as the value detected by the flow meter is below the threshold value, the suction pump 5 continues to operate. Upon reaching the threshold value, they intervene to block operation of the suction pump 5.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the tanks comprises a connector of the type described in WO2022185137A1 , the entire disclosure of which is referenced here and to be considered as an integralpart of this description.

[0056] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the factory calibration is performed with water for all the flow meters during the construction step and a viscosity ratio is entered for the ingredients already known. In the installation step, when the ingredients connected to the individual pump are registered, if the ingredient is already registered the flow meter is automatically calibrated based on the pre-registered viscosity ratio.

[0057] For ingredients that are not registered, on the other hand, it is possible to perform a manual procedure: the machine provides for the theoretical dispensing of 50ML of the individual ingredient, the actual quantity dispensed is measured and registered and, based on the ratio between theoretical dispensed quantity and actual dispensed quantity, the flow meter is automatically calibrated.

[0058] In accordance with an embodiment, in the case of total or partial failure to dispense the ingredients, the electronic control means 7 is configured to memorise a dispensing status of the beverage requested and, once the ingredients have been reloaded, to complete dispensing with the quantities of missing ingredients.

[0059] In particular, the total or partial failure to dispense is identifiable from the failure to reach the threshold value in the flow meter reading.

[0060] The term “dispensing status” means the values detected by the flow meters compared with the threshold values of the recipe. The missing difference will be dispensed once the ingredients have been reloaded. In this manner, wastes of ingredients are considerably reduced.

[0061] In accordance with an embodiment, the manifold 2 comprises a common inlet 8 for a cleaning fluid and a plurality of cleaning mouths 2c arranged each at a conduit 3. In other words, the cleaning mouth 2c is a third mouth of the conduit 3, in addition to the inlet mouth 2a and to the outlet mouth 2b.

[0062] The manifold 2 is shaped so that the common inlet 8 is in fluidcommunication with each cleaning mouth 2c. In this manner, the cleaning fluid enters from the common inlet 8 and is distributed towards all the cleaning mouths 2c and through them enters into the conduits 3.

[0063] The common inlet 8 is connected to a cleaning fluid supply tube.

[0064] In this manner, the dispensing apparatus 1 proposed here can manage automatic cleaning.

[0065] Preferably, the supply tube is selectively communicating with the manifold 2 by means of a solenoid valve 9.

[0066] In particular, the cleaning fluid can be water or soda or detergent.

[0067] In particular, the supply tube can be connected upstream with a cleaning fluid tank or with a network, for example a water network.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of a cleaning condition of the manifold 2.

[0069] In this embodiment, the electronic control means 7 is also configured to enable or to disable communication between the supply tube and the manifold 2 by means of the solenoid valve.

[0070] When the operator requests cleaning, the solenoid valve is activated and adjusts the flow of cleaning fluid inside the manifold itself and consequently inside the ingredients circuit.

[0071] The pressure exerted allows opening of the non-return valves of the manifold and passing of the cleaning fluid inside all the couplings of the manifold, the pumps, the flow meters, the dispenser and the connection tubes. This is possible thanks to the presence of the manifold according to the present invention.

[0072] Opportunely, the manifold is shaped so that the cleaning fluid does not exit in the opposite direction from the inlet mouths 2a. This occurs as a result of the pressure and the presence of the non-return valve between the ingredient tank and the inlet mouth 2a.

[0073] At the end of automatic cleaning, the solenoid valve interrupts the flow of cleaning fluid, causing closure of the non-return valves. The pumps completely reload each ingredient into its own line, returning the apparatus to operate in standard mode.In accordance with an embodiment, the manifold 2 comprises one or more common conduits 10 communicating with the common inlet 8 and a plurality of branches 11 that originate from the common conduit 10 and end at a cleaning mouth 2c. In other words, the branch 11 carries the cleaning fluid from the common conduit 10 to a conduit 3.

[0074] Therefore, the apparatus 1 is configurable in a standard operating condition, in which a flow of ingredients is established along the conduits 3 towards the dispensing unit 4, and a cleaning condition, in which a flow of cleaning fluid is established along the conduits 3.

[0075] Following in-depth studies and numerous tests, the Applicant has found as a preferred embodiment a manifold with eight channels (i.e. connected upstream to eight tanks and downstream to the same number of suction pumps).

[0076] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises several manifolds in parallel with each other. In the embodiment shown, two eight-channel manifolds are present, for a total of 16 dispensable ingredients.

[0077] From the description given, the features of the apparatus for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to the present invention appear clear, as do the advantages thereof.

[0078] In particular, the presence of the manifold allows the apparatus to be structured into various groups of components that are connected to it, resulting in easier management, quicker use, fewer errors by personnel, higher speed of service, less waste and a level of efficiency of the machine that is always high.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1) for dispensing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, comprising:a manifold (2) comprising a plurality of inlet mouths (2a) and a plurality of outlet mouths (2b), a plurality of conduits (3) each extending between an inlet mouth (2a) and an inlet mouth (2b),said plurality of inlet mouths (2a) being connectible upstream with ingredient distribution means;a dispensing unit (4) positioned downstream of the manifold (2) and in fluid communication with it;a suction pump (5) for each conduit (3), said suction pump (5) being operatively associated with the manifold (2) so as to generate a flow of ingredients from the inlet mouth (2a) to the outlet mouth (2b) towards the dispensing unit (4);a flow meter (6) for each conduit (3), said flow meter (6) being interposed between the manifold (2) and the dispensing unit (4);electronic control means (7) configured to enable or disable the operation of each suction pump (5) based on an ingredients recipe selectable by a user.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control means (7) is configured to receive from the flow meter (6) a quantity value of an ingredient passed towards the dispensing unit (4) and, on reaching a pre-set threshold value for that ingredient, to disable operation of the suction pump (5).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic control means (7) is configured, in the case of total or partial failure to dispense one or more selected ingredients, to memorise a dispensing status of the requested beverage and, in response to a signal, complete dispensing of the beverage requested with the quantities of missing ingredients.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the manifold (2) comprises a common inlet (8) for a cleaning fluid and a plurality of cleaning mouths (2c) arranged each at a conduit (3); said manifold (2) being shaped so that the common inlet (8) is in fluid communication with each cleaning mouth (2c).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein said common inlet (8) is connected to a cleaning fluid supply tube; said apparatus (1) comprising a solenoid valve (9) operatively active to place the supply tube in selective communication with the manifold (2).

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