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(11) | EP 1 120 377 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A container device, a plant and a method for the distribution of fluids |
| (57) The invention refers to a container device (3), with a first space (4), which is
arranged to house a first fluid, and a second space (5), which is defined by a wall
member (22) and is separated from the first space. The wall member permits storing
of a second fluid at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the second
space. The container device (3) is designed as an integrated unit and includes separate,
openable access passages (31, 32) to the first space and the second space. The invention
also refers to a plant for the distribution of a mixture of fluids and with a distribution
device (26) and at least such a container device (3). |
THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
[0001] The present invention refers to a container device including a first space, which is arranged to house a first fluid, and a second space, which is arranged to house a second fluid. The invention also refers to a plant for the distribution of a mixture of fluids, including at least one container device and a distribution device, and a method for the distribution of fluids.
[0002] Various systems for the distribution of beverages are used today. According to a first distribution system, beverages are distributed in small packages, such as metal sheet cans, preferably of aluminum, plastic bottles and glass bottles. Such a distribution system has several obvious disadvantages. One such package is a relatively large part of the total product, which means that the package together with the beverage contain therein is relatively space requiring. In the cases of glass bottles the distributed product in addition becomes relatively heavy. This distribution system also means that the beverage is ready for use when it is filled in the package. Also this fact contributes to the space requiring character of the product. In addition, the costs for the package is relatively high in relation to the total costs for the product. Frequently, the beverage may be produced to lower costs than the package in which the beverage is distributed. According to another distribution system, the beverage is delivered as a concentrate, often called syrup. The main part of the liquid content of the ready beverage is thereby obtained in situ, i.e. where the beverage is served, such as tap water via the municipal water conduit system. In addition, such beverages frequently contain carbon dioxide, which according to the first distribution system is supplied to the beverage already when it is packed. According to the second distribution system, carbon dioxide is added in connection with the serving opportunity and this carbon dioxide is provided in pressure vessels which thus must be located where the beverage is to be served.
[0003] The second distribution system thus requires a plant which permits mixing of at least three included beverage components, namely water, carbon dioxide and concentrate. Consequently, the plant has to be able to receive a plurality of containers for concentrate of various beverages of the type soft drinks and mineral water, and a pressure vessel for carbon dioxide. Such plants available today are relatively complex and dimensioned for the distribution of relatively large quantities of beverages. The available plants are thus in the first place intended for restaurants and larger serving locations. One example of such a plant according to the second distribution system is disclosed in EP-A-802 253. This known plant operates completely according to the principles described above but has the design in such a way that it has a low weight and is to be used at smaller serving locations.
[0004] DE-A-31 34 359 proposes the use of one single distribution container for concentrate and carbon dioxide. This container is thus designed as a pressure vessel. During the serving event, concentrate and carbon dioxide are mixed with tap water. According to the knowledge of the applicant, this product has not been commersialised and it has several disadvantages. It is difficult to dissolve a sufficient quantity of carbon dioxide in concentrate. This is due to the fact that carbon dioxide is more difficult to dissolve in a sugar solution than in water at low temperatures. The product requires a relatively large pressure container since also the concentrate is stored therein. If one starts from a ready beverage containing 20% concentrate and 80% tap water, in the order of 40-50 g carbon dioxide per liter concentrate is required in the pressure container. This quantity of carbon dioxide leads to pressures in the proposed pressure container which are not desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device, which offers an efficient manner of distributing a mixture of fluids. In particular, it is aimed at a device permitting distribution of beverages in an efficient manner and having a compact construction suitable for smaller serving locations.
[0006] This object is obtained by a container device including a first space, which is arranged to house a first fluid, and a second space, which is arranged to house a second fluid, wherein the second space is defined by a wall member and is separated from the first space, wherein the wall member is designed to permit storing of the second fluid at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the second space, and wherein the container device is designed as an integrated unit and includes separate, openable access passages to the first space and the second space.
[0007] Such a container device permits the distribution and transport of, for instance, beverage concentrate and carbon dioxide in one single container unit. At the serving location, the concentrate, the carbon dioxide and locally available tap water may then be mixed to the ready product. By such a container device, it is thus possible to obtain the same efficiency in the distribution as in the second distribution system described above, and at the same time such a container device is suitable for the distribution of beverages at smaller serving locations, such as for instance at smaller working places, in shops, at home, etc. Since no additional pressure container with carbon dioxide is required, the distribution may be significantly simplified. Such a container device is suitable for reuse. By such a manner of distributing beverages, no large quantities of packages are required, which previously had to be deposited as waste, washed and reused, or reused by for instance melting and production of new packages. By the proposed manner of distribution beverages, the number of containers in recirculation may be reduced significantly.
[0008] It is to be noted that the container device according to the invention is not only suitable for distribution and transport of beverage concentrate and carbon dioxide, but also for distribution and transport of many various fluids, where one of the fluids is a pressurised gas and the other fluid preferably is a liquid.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the wall member, and thus the second space, is at least partly enclosed in the first space. In such a way, the pressure container, required for the pressurised gas, may be housed in the first space and consequently within the limiting walls defining the first space. In such a way, the outer contour of the container device may in an easy manner be designed in a desired way.
[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the volume of the first space is larger than the volume of the second space. In the case that the device is utilised for distribution of beverages, it is advantageous if the spaces are dimensioned in such a way that the beverage concentrate is consumed before the carbon dioxide is consumed. In connection with reuse of the container device, it is not necessary to emptying surcharge carbon dioxide, but carbon dioxide needs only to be filled to the second space to a desired pressure. However, it is advantageous if the beverage concentrate is consumed since the first space advantageously is washed before new beverage concentrate is supplied.
[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the container device is arranged to be located in one of a passive state, suitable for transport of the container device, and an active state, in which the container device is connected to a receiving device. Thereby, the openable access passages may be open in the active state and closed in the passive state. The container device advantageously includes a connecting member for each access passage, wherein each connecting member is arranged to engage a respective receiving connecting member of the receiving device. In such a way it is possible to connect the container device to a receiving device for mixing and discharge of the two fluids. Preferably, said connecting devices are designed to permit said engagement by means of a displacing movement. In such a way, the container device may in a very easy manner be attached to the receiving device and the replacement of container devices are thus facilitated. Advantageously, the receiving device includes a distribution device for the discharge of the first fluid and the second fluid.
[0012] The object is also obtained by the initially defined plant for the distribution of a mixture of fluids, including at least a container device and a distribution device,
wherein said container device includes a first space, which is arranged to house a first fluid, and a second space, which is defined by a wall member and is separated from the first space, which wall member is designed to permit storing of a second fluid at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the second space, wherein the container device is designed as an integrated unit and includes separate, openable access passages to the first space and the second space, and
wherein the distribution device is arranged to receive said container device and includes conduit members for the discharge of said fluids from said spaces via said access passages.
[0013] By such a plant, the fluids stored in the container device may be distributed and discharged to a user. Such a plant may have a compact design suitable for the distribution of relatively small quantities of fluids, for instance in smaller serving locations, work places and at home.
[0015] Advantageously, the first space may be arranged to house a concentrated substance, for instance, beverage concentrate, and the second space may be arranged to house pressurised carbon dioxide. Preferably, the distribution device includes a source for the supply of water to a tank. Thereby, said conduit members may be arranged to permit the supply of carbon dioxide from the first space to said tank and arranged to permit discharge and mixing of the carbonised water and the concentrated substance.
[0016] The object is also obtained by the initially defined method including the steps of:
providing a container device with a first space and a second space,
filling of a first fluid in the first space,
filling of a second fluid in the second space until a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure prevails in the second space,
discharging and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of a description of an embodiment and with reference to the drawings attached, in which
Fig 1 discloses schematically a plant for the distribution of beverages according to the invention,
Fig 2 discloses schematically a sectional view of a container device according to the invention,
Fig 3 discloses a sectional view along the line III-III in Fig 2, and
Fig 4 discloses a front view of a distribution device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Fig 1 discloses a plant for the distribution and discharge of a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid. In the embodiment described, the first fluid is a beverage concentrate for soft drinks or the like and the second fluid is pressurised carbon dioxide for this beverage. Although the embodiment describes the invention in connection with these two fluids, it is to be noted that the invention also is applicable to other fluids.
[0019] The plant in Fig 1 includes a tank 1, for the storing of water. The tank 1 is supplied with tap water from the municipal water conduit system via a conduit 2. The plant disclosed also includes three container devices 3. Each container device 3 includes a first space 4, which is arranged to house the concentrate at atmospheric pressure, and a second space 5, which is arranged to house the carbon dioxide at a pressure which is substantially higher than the atmospheric pressure. The construction of the container device 3 is to be described more closely below.
[0020] The second space 5 of each container device is, via a respective conduit 6, connected to the tank 1 for the supply of carbon dioxide from the second space 5 to the tank 1. Each conduit 6 is provided with an openable closing valve 7. The opening and closing of the clsoing valves 7 may be controlled by means of a control unit. By opening of one of the normally closed closing valves 7, the water present in the tank 1 will be carbonated.
[0021] Furthermore, the plant includes a mixing nozzle 10, in which carbonated water from the tank 1 may be mixed with concentrate from the first space 4 of one of the container devices 3. The mixing nozzle 10 is connected to the first space 4 of each of the container devices 3 via a respective conduit 12. Each conduit 12 includes a closing valve 13, the opening and closing of which may be controlled by means of the control unit 8. The mixing nozzle 10 is also connected to the tank 1 via a water conduit 15, which also is provided with a closing valve 16 that may be controlled by means of the control unit 8. The plant also includes a discharge area 17 in which a glass 18 or the like may be placed for receiving the beverage discharged through the mixing nozzle 10.
[0022] Furthermore, the plant disclosed includes three manouvering keys 20, one for each container device 3. By manouvering one of the manovering keys 20, one of the container devices 3 is activated, wherein the closing valve 7 in question, the closing valve 13 in question and the closing valve 16 are opened. By opening these three valves 17, 13, 16, carbon dioxide will be fed from the second space 5 to the tank 1, wherein carbonated water is fed from the tank 1 to the mixing nozzle 10 via the water conduit 15 at the same time as concentrate is fed from the first space 4 of the container device 3 in question to the mixing nozzle 10 via one of the conduits 12. In the mixing nozzle 10 concentrate is mixed with the carbonated water, wherein the mixture is discharged to the glass 18.
[0023] It is to be noted that the plant is merely schematically disclosed and that the plant within the scope of the invention may include many various technical solutions. For instance, the nozzle 10 may only be arranged to discharge carbonated water and concentrate, respectively, wherein the mixing takes place in the glass 18. The tank 1 may advantageously have a size which is adapted to the quantity of beverage to be discharged at each occasion. Furthermore, the plant may include means for cooling the bevarage. Such means may for instance be provided at the tank 1.
[0024] Fig 2 and 3 discloses more closely how the container device 3 may be constructed. As appears from Fig 2, the first space 4 is defined by an outer casing 21 and the second space 5 by a wall member 22. In the embodiment disclosed, the wall member 22 and thus the second space 5 is completely enclosed in the first space 4. Of course, it is also possible to provide the second space 5 in such a way that it is not enclosed in the first space 4, wherein the wall member 22 of the second space 5 may form at least a part of the outer casing of the container device 3. In the embodiment disclosed, the second space 5 and the wall member 22 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, which is favourable from the point of view of the strength and makes the second space 5 suitable for receiving a pressurised gas. By means of the wall member 22, a pressure container may thus be obtained.
[0025] The container device 3 is arranged to be received in a space 25 of a distribution device 26 which is disclosed more closely in Fig 4. The container device 3 is replaceable in an easy manner. The container device 3 is thereby displaceable into the space 25 and removable therefrom in connection with replacement. The replacement of the container device 3 may be facilitated by means of a handle 27.
[0026] Each of the first space 4 and the second space 5 includes a separate access passage, which form a connecting member 31 and 32, respectively. Through these passages, concentrate and carbon dioxide may be fed into and be discharged from the first space 4 and the second space 5, respectively. The connecting members 31 and 32 are arranged to operate with a respective connecting member 33 and 34, respectively, of the distribution device 26. The connecting member 33 is directly connected to the conduit 12 and the connecting member 34 is directly connected to the conduit 6. In Fig 2, the connecting members 21-34 are disclosed schematically as a simple example of how these may be designed. In the example disclosed, the connecting members 33 and 34 are designed as pipe connections which are intended to be introduced into corresponding pipes of the connecting members 31 and 32, respectively. Consequently, the connection of the first space 4 and the second space 5 to the respective conduit 12 and 6 may be obtained by a simple insertion of the container device 3 into the space 25, wherein the connecting members 33 and 34 are inserted in the connecting members 31 and 33, respectively. In order to prevent a possible leakage, sealing elements (not disclosed) may suitable be provided between the connecting members 31, 33 and 32, 34, respectively. As appears from Fig. 2, the first space 4 has a bottom surface 23 which slopes downwardly towards the connecting member 31 in order to permit proper emptying of the first space 4 before replacement of the container device 3.
[0027] The connecting members 31 and 32 include a schematically disclosed one way valve 35 and 36, respectively, which is closed in a rest state. By inserting the connecting members 33 and 34 in the respective connecting members 31 and 32, the valves 35 and 36 will be opened. When the container device 3 is not inserted in the space 25 and connected to the distribution device 26, and thus may be said to be located in a passive state, the valves 35 and 36 may keep the first space 4 and the second space 5, respectively, closed. However, when the container device 3 is completely inserted in the space 25, the container device 3 will be in its active state, whereby the access passages are open.
[0028] Fig. 4 discloses schematically an example of a distribution device 26, which includes three container devices 3 for three different beverage concentrates. Of course, the distribution device 26 may be arranged to receive less or more than three such container devices 3.
1. A container device including a first space (4), which is arranged to house a first
fluid, and a second space (5), which is arranged to house a second fluid,
wherein the second space (5) is defined by a wall member (22) and is separated from the first space (4),
wherein the wall member (22) is designed to permit storing of the second fluid at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the second space (5), and
wherein the container device (3) is designed as an integrated unit and includes separate, openable access passages (31, 32) to the first space (4) and the second space (5).
2. A container device according to claim 1, wherein the wall member (22), and thus the
second space (5), is at least partly enclosed in the first space (4).
3. A container device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the volume of the
first space (4) is larger than the volume of the second space (5).
4. A container device according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to be located
in one of a passive state, suitable for transport of the container device (3), and
an active state, in which the container device is connected to a receiving device
(26).
5. A container device according to claim 4, wherein the openable access passages (31,
32) are open in the active state and closed in the passive state.
6. A container device according to any one of claims 4 and 5, including a connecting
member (31, 32) for each access passage, wherein each connecting member (31, 32) is
arranged to engage a respective receiving connecting member (33, 34) of the receiving
device (26).
7. A container device according to claim 6, wherein said connecting members (31-34) are
designed to permit said engagement by means of a displacing movement.
8. A container device according to claim 7, wherein said displacing movement is substantially
linear.
9. A container device according to any one of claims 4-8, wherein the receiving device
includes a distribution device (26) for the discharge of the first fluid and the second
fluid.
10. A plant for distribution of a mixture of fluids, including at least a container device
(3) and a distribution device (26),
wherein said container device (3) includes a first space (4), which is arranged to house a first fluid, and a second space (5), which is defined by a wall member (22) and is separated from the first space (4), which wall member (22) is designed to permit storing of a second fluid at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the second space (5), wherein the container device (3) is designed as an integrated unit and includes separate, openable access passages to the first space (4) and the second space (5), and
wherein the distribution device (26) is arranged to receive said container device (3) and includes conduit members (6, 12, 15) for the discharge of said fluids from said spaces (4, 5) via said access passages.
11. A plant according to claim 10, wherein the wall member (22), and thus the second space
(5), is at least partly enclosed in the first space (4).
12. A plant according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the volume of the first
space (4) is larger than the volume of the second space (5).
13. A plant according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein said container device (3) is
arranged to be located in a passive state, suitable for transport, and an active state,
in which said container device (3) is connected to the distribution device (26).
14. A plant according to claim 13, wherein the openable access passages (31, 32) are open
in the active state and closed in the passive state.
15. A plant according to any one of claims 13 and 14, including a connecting member (31,
32) for each access passage, wherein each connecting member (31, 32) is arranged to
engage a respective receiving connecting member (33, 34) of the distribution device
(26).
16. A plant according to claim 15, wherein said connecting members (31-34) are designed
to permit said engagement by means of a displacing movement of said container device
(3).
17. A plant according to claim 16, wherein said displacing movement is substantially linear.
18. A plant according to any one of claims 10-17, wherein the first space (4) is arranged
to house a concentrated substance and a second space (5) is arranged to house pressurized
carbon dioxide.
19. A plant according to claim 18, wherein the distribution device (26) includes a source
for the supply of water to a tank (1).
20. A plant according to claim 19, wherein said conduit members (6, 12, 15) are arranged
to permit the supply of carbon dioxide from the second space (5) to said tank (1)
and arranged to permit discharge and mixing of the carbonated water and the concentrated
substance.
21. A plant according to claim 20, wherein the concentrated substance includes flavouring
substances for a beverage.
22. A method for the distribution of fluids, including the steps of:
providing a container device with a first space and a second space,
filling of a first fluid in the first space,
filling of a second fluid in the second space until a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure prevails in the second space,
discharging and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid.