A DISPENSING DEVICE FOR A DISPENSING SYSTEM

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device according to the preamble of claim 1 and as known from US 2002/0189276 A1.

[0002] The present invention furthermore relates to a system for dispensing of a beverage, a dispensing line for the dispensing device as well as use of said dispensing device.

Background Art

[0003] Dispensing of beverage, such as beer, has become more in focus of the consumer due to the fact that the consumer of the beer has become increasingly more aware of the quality of the beer and tend to chooses the beer label from the view of the final impression, i.e. the dispensed beer.

[0004] The impression of a newly dispensed beer is influenced by the taste and how it appears to the consumer. Also the taste of the beer may change as the temperature of the beer vary. In view of this, it is of high importance that the dispensing devices serve the purpose of dispensing beer at only the right temperature range and also at the right amount of CO₂ in the beer.

[0005] The amount of CO₂ in a newly dispensed beer is influenced by the amount of CO₂ applied to the beer at the time of manufacture and under which circumstance the beer has been stored. The amount of CO₂ applied to the beer will migrate out of the beer if the beer is not kept under pressure in the beer keg. Therefore, it is very important that the pressure of the CO₂ besides being sufficient for dispensing the beer also is sufficient to keep the pressure balance in the beer keg and thereby keep the beer fizzy and foamy after dispensing.

[0006] Furthermore, the beer dispensing devices have become in the reach of more consumers to have in their homes, in their firms, at the sports facility etc., where no trained personal is operating the dispensing devices. Thus, the safety of the user of the dispensing device and the hygiene of the device has likewise become very important.

[0007] When dispensing beverage, such as beer, in a bar facility it may sometimes be of difficulty for the personal to clean the device properly or it might just be given a low priority in the daily routines.

[0008] Thus, there is a need of a safety and easily operated device which still observes and fulfils the hygiene and safety regulations fixed by law.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a need of a device which dispenses the beverage at a right temperature and helps the dispensing system to keep the beverage fizzy, and when dispensing the beverage gives the beverage a fizzy and foaming character.

Summery of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide a dispensing device which dispenses the beverage at a predetermined temperature and provide the beverage with a fizzy and foaming character when dispensed.

[0011] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device, wherein there is provided a high security in relation to unintended handling of the dispensing device.

[0012] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device which is able to secure that the quality of the beverage when dispensed substantially is as intended by the supplier of the beverage.

[0013] Additionally, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the work necessary for keeping the dispensing device substantially clean and thereby increase the hygiene of the device.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an dispensing device which is easy to use in relation to mounting and dismounting of the device to the dispensing system as well as to replacing the beverage container when this is empty.

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device which is compact and easily may be used in a compact dispensing system.

[0016] The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by a dispensing device according to claim 1.

[0017] Hereby, a dispensing device for dispensing beverage in a predetermined temperature range for a particular beverage is obtained. This temperature control means ensures that the device only dispenses the beverage at the predetermined temperature range and that the dispensed beverage, such as beer, soft drinks, ice tea etc. is not giving the end user bad taste impression as regards to a too warm newly dispensed beverage. The temperature range may easily be adjusted to each beverage type and it is hereby obtained that the device may be used to dispense several beverage types or labels.

[0018] According to the invention the temperature control means comprise a valve means, which is adapted to close a connection between the device and the outlet of the container, when the beverage has reached a predetermined temperature. Hereby is obtained that the valve means ensures that the device is unable to dispense beverages having a temperature higher than intended by the supplier, since the valve means disconnects the connection for dispensing beverage when the temperature of the beverage and thereby the pressure of the beverage rises above a predetermined value.

[0019] The device according to the invention may advantageously comprise pressure connection means, which is arranged for connecting the pressure medium and a pressure control means may be arranged for enabling dispensing of the beverage when the pressure of the pressure medium is above a predetermined value. During operation it is secured that the beverage is not dispensed if the pressure of the pressure medium is to low or that the pressure medium is not correctly connected to the device through the pressure connection means to the pressure medium.

[0020] According to the invention the pressure control means may expediently comprise valve means which is adapted to open the connection between the extractor tube and the beverage when the pressure medium has a pressure above a predetermined value. This enables that the beverage is only dispensed when a pressure medium is available for dispensing the beverage otherwise the valve means will not open to make the dispensing possible.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the valve means of the temperature control means and the pressure control means may be a one double functional valve. By including the valve means of both the temperature control means and pressure control means, a compact design of the device is facilitated.

[0022] Additionally, the pressure connection means may comprise an assembly for absorption of a force supplied for the connection to the pressure medium when an erroneously connection is made. It is hereby obtained that this connection force will not destroy the technical features of the device and the connection may be reiterated.

[0023] Furthermore, the dispensing device according to the invention may comprise a lid and that the connection to the pressure medium is provided when closing the lid. When closing the lid the user closing this lid is no longer able to observe if the connection has failed. Therefore, the force of the user may be supplied without knowing that the pressure connection means is not able to connect due to an erroneously fitting has been made.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention a disposable dispensing line may be arranged between the extractor tube and an outlet of the device, so that the beverage is dispensed from the container. The cleaning operation of the dispensing device mentioned above is then no longer necessary due to the disposable dispensing line. This dispensing line is used only once, i.e. only to one beverage container, and the beverage is only in contact with the inside of the dispensing line when dispensed from the container to e.g. a drinking glass.

[0025] Furthermore, when using the one and the same device for different labels of beverages or different beverages types, the disposable dispensing line may be used as one dispensing line for each beverages without cleaning the device between the change in beverages.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention the disposable dispensing line may comprise an outlet which is the outlet of the device. The fact that this outlet is the outlet of the device ensures that the dispensing device has no direct contact with the beverage. This ensures that the disposable dispensing line alone has contact with the beverage and that a cleaning operation is no longer necessary if the dispensing line is changed when changing the container with beverage.

[0027] Advantageously, the disposable dispensing line may comprise a connection means for firmly attachment to said extractor tube.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the connection means of the disposable dispensing line may comprise a non-reattachment means which is adapted to disengage the connection when disposable dispensing line is detached from the extractor tube, so that the dispensing line cannot be reused. This ensures that the disposable dispensing line cannot be reused when changing the beverage container and that proper hygiene is maintained.

[0029] Additionally, the non-reattachment means of the disposable dispensing line may comprise sealing means. When the sealing means is destroyed (during the detachment), the disposable dispensing line cannot be reused since the connection to the extractor tube will be leaky.

[0030] In yet another embodiment of the present invention the disposable dispensing line may comprise means which is connected to a handle for opening and closing the dispensing line.

[0031] According to the invention the dispensing device may comprise a regulation means for regulating the pressure of the pressure medium from approximately 7 bar to approximately 1.5 bar.

[0032] Furthermore, the dispensing device may comprise safety means for disconnection of the pressure medium when unintended opening or handling of the device. It is hereby secured that the pressure of the pressure medium does not endanger the user of the device when opening the same.

[0033] Advantageously, the safety means may comprise a releasing means for controlled releasing of the pressure medium between safety means and the means for disconnection of the pressure medium. This controlled releasing of the pressure ensures that the pressure above the ambient pressure is released under control without endangering the user and at the same time releasing the confined pressure.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention the extractor tube may comprise attachment means which is adapted to receive the connection means of the disposable dispensing line.

[0035] The invention further relates to a dispensing system as well as to an use of the dispensing device as stated in the attached claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

Fig. 1 shows the dispensing device placed on top of a beer keg,

Fig. 2 shows the dispensing device in perspective,

Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the dispensing device placed on top of a beer keg,

Fig. 4 shows a perspective of the device in an open position,

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged section B of the device shown in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 shows a view of the disposable dispensing line seen from above,

Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the disposable dispensing line shown in Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 shows an enlarged section of the cross-section of the dispensing line shown in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 shows an enlarged section of the cross-section of the dispensing line shown in Fig. 7,

Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of the double functional valve of the dispensing device,

Fig. 11 shows in a side view a cross section of the dispensing device according to the invention,

Fig. 12 shows a view of the extractor tube according to the present invention, and

Fig. 13 shows a perspective of the extractor tube shown in Fig. 12.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0037] The dispensing device 1 according to the invention is shown schematic in Fig. 1 mounted on a beverage container 2, here in the form of a beer keg 2, inside a housing 3 where only a handle 4 for dispensing the beverage as well as the outlet of the dispensing device is projecting out from the housing 3. Inside the housing 3 the beer keg 2 is cooled by use of a cooling device (not shown).

[0038] In Fig. 2 the dispensing device 1 is shown in perspective before mounting of the device 1 onto a beverage container 2. For dispensing of beverage out from the outlet 5 the handle 4 has to be pulled downwards for opening the connection to the beverage inside the dispensing device. The beverage is dispensed quickly when pulling the handle since the beverage is forced from the container to the handle 4 which in closed position merely holds back the beverage which is a well-known method within the prior art.

[0039] In the beverage container 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the beverage is located in the bottom section 6 of the container as shown in Fig. 3. In the top section 7 of the container a pressure medium, such as for instance CO₂, is located for dispensing the beverage out of the outlet at a pressure of approximately 7 bar.

[0040] In use the pressure medium confined in top part 7 of the container 2 together with the beverage, is regulated from a pressure approximately 7 bar to 1.2-1.8 bar. The regulated pressure at 1.2-1.8 bar is used as an operating pressure inside the dispensing device 1. This regulation from 7 bar to 1.2-1.8 bar is executed in the regulating means 8. The operating pressure can be from 1.2 to 1.8 bar depending on have much froth the consumer wants in the beverage e.g. a beer as well as the flow rate, i.e. the dispensing rate of the beverage, the consumer desire.

[0041] The beverage is dispensed when pulling the handle 4 of the device 1 as previously mentioned. When pulling the handle 4 the beverage is dispensed due to the operating pressure is pressing against the beverage in the container from above. The matter is that after the CO₂ has been regulated to the operating pressure it is led down into the top of the container via an extractor tube 15. The extractor tube 15 is an valve arrangement and will be explained further in relation with Figs. 12 and 13 below. The beverage is then by the CO₂ forced up into a down tube 30 of the extractor tube 15 and further into a dispensing line 16. Said dispensing line 16 is ending in the outlet 5 of the dispensing device 1 wherefrom the beverage is dispensed into a receptacle, such as a glass.

[0042] The pressure medium in the container in this embodiment is regulated in the regulating means 8 as described above. The pressure medium is connected by a pressure connection means 22, shown in Fig. 4, which connection means is engaging the container 2 in the top section 7.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4 the dispensing device 1 according to the invention comprises two parts, a first top part, a lid 19, and a second bottom part 20. In Fig. 4 the dispensing device is shown in an open position. The device 1 may be opened by pulling the handle 17 located in the top part of the lid 19. By pulling the handle 17 grapping means 18 is disengaging the bottom part 20 of the device 1. The connection to the pressure medium is executed when closing the lid 19 and vice versa when opening the lid 19.

[0044] When closing the lid 19 of the device 1 the connection means 22 is connected to the pressure medium of the container, but in case of the this connecting fails, the connection means 22 is arranged with an assembly for absorption of the closing force. The force is in this embodiment absorbed in a spring member 31 (shown in Fig. 11) so that the force is not imposed into the functional parts of the device 1 and thereby destroying the same.

[0045] During operation it may happen that an user of the dispensing device 1 unintended opens the lid 19 of the device 1 for some reason. When opening the device 1 safety means 21 disconnects the connection to the pressure medium. At the same time the safety means 21 releases confined pressure medium under control, which pressure medium has an pressure above ambient pressure and is confined between the actual place of disconnection of the pressure medium and the safety means 21. This safety means 21 is in this embodiment in the form of an two-step valve 21, which in a first step is open for passage of pressure medium and in a second step closes this passage, and has recesses for releasing the confined pressure. The safety means 21 and the connection means 22 are shown in an enlarged view in Fig. 5.

[0046] In the centre of the device, shown in Fig. 4, a disposable dispensing line 16 is mounted, which is shown in detail in Figs. 6-9. In Fig. 6 the dispensing line is seen from above and in cross-section in Fig. 7. The dispensing line 16 comprises a connection part 23, a tube part 24 and a dispensing part 25, i.e. the outlet. The connection part 23 is arranged in connection with the extractor tube 15 so as to provide a hermetical connection for dispensing beverage. The dispensing part 25 is arranged in the handle 5 of the device 1 so to engage with the handle to open and close the dispensing of beverage.

[0047] A sector of the connecting part 23 is shown in Fig. 8 in which cross-section sealing means 26 can be seen. These sealing means 26 enables hermetically connection to the extractor tube 15, and which sealing means or non-reattachment means either is detached, broken off or destroyed when detaching the connecting part 23 form the extractor tube 15. It is hereby secured that the dispensing line is for one single use only, i.e. the dispensing line may be disposable or even a one-way part.

[0048] In Fig. 9 an enlarged view of the dispensing part 25 is shown. The dispensing of beverage is carried out, as previously mentioned, by pulling the handle 4 of the device 1. This handle 4 is engaging the catch 27 of the dispensing part of the dispensing line 16 to open and close the dispensing of beverage. The catch 27 is in this embodiment covered with a sealing layer 28, 29 which extends further along a part of the dispensing part. The catch 27 as seen in Fig. 9 has neutrally open position, and when engaging with the handle 4 is forced more open or forced to close the dispensing of beverage. When the catch 27 is closing the dispensing of the beverage the sealing means ensures a hermetically closure.

[0049] The dispensing line 16 further comprises an outlet 32 which in this embodiment is the outlet of the device so as to ensure that the device 1 has no contact with the beverage. The fact that the dispensing line is the only means which has contact with the beverage in the device and that the non-reattachment means renders the reuse of the dispensing line impossible, it is ensured that a high hygiene is present in the device also after replacing of the beverage container.

[0050] The dispensing line 16 may advantageously be made of plastic but may as well be made of other flexible materials which enables a safe passage of beverage. A further advantage is that the dispensing line is inexpensive.

[0051] In Figs. 10 and 11 the valve means 10 of the temperature control means is shown, which may control the dispensing of beverage from the temperature of the beverage. This is due the fact, that the pressure rises in the beverage due to the increase in temperature. When the temperature rises, and thereby the pressure, beyond a predetermined value, the force of this pressure increases the forces on a piston 9, comprised in the valve means 10. Said piston 9 is pushed upwards towards the top 12 of the dispensing device 1. This movement of the piston 9 results in releasing of the pressure towards the extractor tube 15 and thereby the force which holds the connection to the beverage open. The temperature increase results therefore in a disconnection of the connection between the outlet 5 of the device 1 and the beverage in the container 2.

[0052] As also can be seen from Fig. 11 the valve means 10 of the pressure control means 10 controls the dispensing of beverage out from the pressure of the pressure medium of container. This valve means 10 comprises a piston 9 which is pushed downwards towards the extractor tube 15 when the pressure of the pressure medium is sufficiently high. When the piston 9 has reached the bottom 13 of the valve means 10 the connection to the beverage is open and the beverage may be dispensed. When the pressure of the pressure medium is too low for dispensing beverage without too much froth, the pressure of the pressure medium cannot force the piston 9 down to the position in which the connection to the beverage opens.

[0053] The existence of pressure medium is important for the beverage to be dispensed properly. If the pressure is too low the beverage will be dispensed making to much froth, which does not give the end consumer a good impression of the beverage. Though, the amount of froth can vary from one geographic place to another and from one consumer to another as well as in relation to a label or type.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention the valve means is a double functional valve. The double functional valve means 10 is shown in Fig. 10 in an exploded view. The valve means 10 comprises a piston 9 which is surrounded by a sealing means 11. The top part 12 is mounted together with the bottom part 13 for enclosing the piston 9 with sealing means 11. The operating pressure is imposed through the valve 14. The double functional valve means 10 is placed in the top of the dispensing device as shown in Fig. 5.

[0055] In this previously mentioned embodiment the piston 9 as described above forces the connection to the beverage open. The piston 9 is given this force by the pressure of the pressure medium. If the temperature of the beverage has increased above the predetermined temperature, the pressure from the beverage will overcome this pressure and the piston 9 can no longer hold the connection to the beverage open. And likewise if the pressure of the pressure medium is too low the piston cannot force the connection to open the beverage. Thereby, the piston 9 of this valve means 10 has a double function in that the valve both controls the dispensing of beverage at the temperature and only when sufficient pressure of the pressure medium is present for dispensing of the beverage.

[0056] Assembling of a preferred dispensing system for dispensing of beverage is carried out by fitting the dispensing device, i.e. the coupling device, on top of the extractor tube. Subsequently, the disposable dispensing line is then fitted into the device and onto the extractor tube, for instance by way of snap or click attachment. Finally, the device is closed whereby a connection to the pressure medium is executed, which pressure medium executes the double functional valve by forcing the piston downwards for opening the beverage passage of the extractor tube. Hereby, the beverage is dispensable by activating the handle of the device.

[0057] When replacing the beverage container the dispensing device is opened by opening the lid. This opening action shuts off the pressure medium and the confined pressure is then released through the safety means. Hereinafter, the disposable dispensing line is detached from the extractor tube. During this detachment the connection means of the dispensing line is damaged so that it not is able to be reused in connection with another extractor tube or container. Accordingly, it is secured that the dispensing line is replaced every time the container is changed, whereby a high hygiene of the device is obtained. Subsequently, the dispensing device is detached from the extractor tube and afterwards the device may be used to another container.

[0058] As mentioned above the beverages are today kept in and dispensed from containers pressurized by a propelling gas. For this objective each container is provided with a valve arrangement, i.e. an extractor tube 15 with two passages, one for gas inlet and one for pressing the beverage out of the container by the gas pressure. The extractor tube 15, is normally arranged into a neck secured in the outlet opening in the container.

[0059] Figs. 12 and 13 shows the extractor tube 15 according to the invention. In Fig. 12 the extractor tube 15 is shown partly in sectional view. The extractor tube 15 comprises a skirt 40 surrounding the down tube 30. Furthermore an external pressure spring 41 is arranged around the down tube 30 inside the skirt 40. At its upper end the pressure spring 41 abuts a conical extension of the down tube 30, which again abuts a sealing element 42. In this embodiment the pressure spring 41 is shown as a helical spring. At the top of the extractor tube 15 attachment means 43 is adapted to receive the connection means of the dispensing line. Advantageously, the top of the extractor tube 15 is extended relative to the conventionally extractor tubes for facilitating the connection between the dispensing line and the extractor tube.

[0060] In Fig. 13 is shown a perspective view of the extractor tube 15 according to the invention. From this figure the attachment means 43 is clearly shown.

[0061] The present invention furthermore relates to a system for dispensing beverage. Said system comprising a beverage container, said container comprising an outlet wherein an extractor tube is arranged, a pressure medium, such as CO₂, which is adapted to force the beverage via the extractor tube out of the container. The system furthermore comprises a cooling device adapted to cool the beverage in the container. The system also comprises the dispensing device according to the invention.

[0062] Advantageously, the pressure medium may be contained in a separate compartment in the container. An especially compact and effective system is obtained if the container is made of metal and the cooling device is in contact with the container so that the container is directly cooled by this contact.

[0063] By using the dispensing device, the dispensing system as well as the dispensing line according to the invention it is obtained that the beverage may be dispensed at a predetermined temperature and provide the beverage with a fizzy and foaming character when dispensed. Furthermore, a high security in relation to unintended handling of the dispensing device is obtained. Additionally, when beverage is dispensed the quality of the beverage is substantially as intended by the supplier of the beverage. Also the work necessary for keeping the dispensing device substantially clean and thereby increase of the hygiene of the device is improved. A dispensing device which is easy to use in relation to mounting and dismounting of the device to the dispensing system as well as to replacing the beverage container when this is empty is obtained.

[0064] Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing device (1) for a dispensing system to be used in connection with dispensing of a beverage, said system comprising a beverage container (2), said container comprising an outlet wherein an extractor tube (15) is arranged, a pressure medium, such as CO₂, which is adapted to force the beverage via the extractor tube (15) out of the container (2), a cooling device adapted to cool the beverage in the container (2), wherein said dispensing device (1) comprises temperature control means, which is adapted to disconnect dispensing of the beverage when the temperature of the beverage exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the temperature control means comprises a valve means (10) which is adapted to close a connection between the device and the outlet of the container when the beverage has reached a predetermined temperature, characterized in that the dispensing device is so adapted that, when the temperature in the beverage rises, and thereby the pressure, to beyond a predetermined value, the force of this pressure increases the forces on a piston (9), comprised in the valve means (10), so that said piston (9) is pushed upwards towards a top (12) of the dispensing device (1), whereby this movement of the piston (9) results in releasing of the pressure towards the extractor tube (15) and thereby releasing the force which holds the connection to the beverage open, so that the temperature increase results in a disconnection of the connection between an outlet (5) of the device (1) and the beverage in the container (2).

2. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure connection means (22) is arranged for connecting the pressure medium and a pressure control means is arranged for enabling dispensing of beverage when the pressure of the pressure medium is above a predetermined value.

3. Dispensing device as claimed in claim the 2, wherein the pressure control means comprises a valve means (10) which is adapted to open the connection between the outlet (5) and the beverage when the pressure medium has a pressure above a predetermined value.

4. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve means (10) of the temperature control means and the pressure control means is one double functional valve, wherein the valve means of the double functional valve comprises the piston (9) adapted to force the connection to the beverage open, whereby the piston (9) is given this force by the pressure of the pressure medium.

5. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 2-4, wherein the pressure connection means (22) comprises an assembly for absorption of a force supplied for the connection to the pressure medium in case of an erroneously connection is made.

6. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said device comprises a lid (19) and that the connection to the pressure medium is provided when closing the lid.

7. Dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a disposable dispensing line (16) is arranged between the extractor tube (15) and an outlet (5) of the device (1), so that the beverage is dispensed from the container (2).

8. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the disposable dispensing line (16) comprises an outlet (5) which is the outlet of the device.

9. Dispensing device as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the disposable dispensing line (18) comprises a connection means for attachment to said extractor tube (15).

10. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the connection means comprises a non-reattachment means which is adapted to disengage the connection when the disposable dispensing line (16) is detached from the extractor tube (15), so that the dispensing line cannot be reused.

11. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the non-reattachment means of the dispensing line (16) comprises sealing means (26).

12. Dispensing device as claimed in claims 7-11, wherein the dispensing line (16) comprises means which is connected to a handle (4) for opening and closing the dispensing line.

13. Dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a regulation means is arranged for regulating the pressure of the pressure medium from approximately 7 bar to approximately 1.5 bar.

14. Dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a safety means (21) is arranged for disconnection of the pressure medium at unintended opening/handling of the device (1).

15. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the safety means (21) comprises a releasing means for controlled releasing of the pressure medium between safety means and the means for disconnection of the pressure medium.

16. Dispensing device as claimed in any one of the claims 9-12, wherein the extractor tube (15) comprises attachment means which is adapted to receive the connection means of the disposable dispensing line (16).

17. A system for dispensing beverage, comprising a beverage container, said container comprising an outlet wherein an extractor tube is arranged, a pressure medium, such as CO₂, which is adapted to force the beverage via the extractor tube out of the container, a cooling device adapted to cool the beverage in the container, wherein said system further comprises a dispensing device according to claims 1-16.

18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pressure medium is contained in a separate compartment in the container.

19. A system as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the container is made of metal and the cooling device is in contact with the container so that the container is cooled by this contact.

20. Use of the dispensing device according to claims 1-16 for dispensing a beverage such as beer from a keg.

Ansprüche

1. Abgabevorrichtung (1) für ein Abgabesystem, das in Verbindung mit der Abgabe eines Getränks zu verwenden ist, wobei das System aufweist: einen Getränkebehälter (2), wobei der Behälter einen Auslass aufweist, in dem ein Extraktionsrohr (15) angeordnet ist, ein Druckmedium, wie etwa CO₂, das geeignet ist, das Getränk über das Extraktionsrohr (15) aus dem Behälter (2) zu zwingen, eine Kühlvorrichtung, die geeignet ist, das Getränk in dem Behälter (2) zu kühlen, wobei die Abgabevorrichtung (1) eine Temperatursteuereinrichtung aufweist, die geeignet ist, abgabe des Getränks zu unterbrechen, wenn die Temperatur des Getränks einen vorgegebenen Wert übersteigt, wobei die Temperatursteuereinrichtung eine Ventileinrichtung (10) aufweist, die geeignet ist, eine Verbindung zwischen der Vorrichtung und dem Auslass des Behälters zu schließen, wenn das Getränk eine vorgegebene Temperatur erreicht hat, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abgabevorrichtung derart angepasst ist, dass, wenn die Temperatur in dem Getränk und dadurch der Druck über einen vorgegebenen Wert hinaus steigt, die Kraft dieses Drucks die Kräfte auf einen in der Ventileinrichtung (10) beinhalteten Kolben (9) erhöht, so dass der Kolben (9) nach oben in Richtung einer Oberseite (12) der Abgabevorrichtung (1) geschoben wird, wobei diese Bewegung des Kolbens (9) zur Freisetzung des Drucks in Richtung des Extraktionsrohrs (15) führt und wodurch die Kraft, die die Verbindung zu dem Getränk offen hält, gelöst wird, so dass die Temperaturzunahme zu einer Unterbrechung der Verbindung zwischen einem Auslass (5) der Vorrichtung und dem Getränk in dem Behälter (2) führt.

2. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei eine Druckverbindungseinrichtung (22) zum Verbinden des Druckmediums eingerichtet ist und eine Drucksteueremrichtung eingerichtet ist, um das Abgeben des Getränks zu ermöglichen, wenn der Druck des Druckmediums über einem vorgegebenen Wert ist.

3. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die Drucksteuereinrichtung eine Ventileinrichtung (10) aufweist, die geeignet ist, um die Verbindung zwischen dem Anslass (5) und dem Getränk zu öffnen, wenn das Druckmedium einen Druck über einem vorgegebenen Wert hat.

4. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei die Ventileinrichtung (10) der Temperatursteuereinrichtung und der Drucksteuereintichtung ein Doppelfunktionsventil ist, wobei die Ventileinrichtung des Doppelfunktionsventils den Kolben (9) aufweist, der geeignet ist, die Verbindung zu dem Getränk auf zu zwingen, wobei dem Kolben (9) diese Kraft durch den Druck des Druckmediums verliehen wird.

5. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 2 - 4, wobei die Druckverbindungseinrichtung (22) eine Anordnung für die Aufnahme einer Kraft aufweist, die für die Verbindung zu dem Druckmedium geliefert wird, falls eine fehlerhafte Verbindung hergestellt wird.

6. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei die Vorrichtung einen Deckel (19) aufweist und die Verbindung zu dem Druckmedium bereitgestellt wird, wenn der Deckel geschlossen wird.

7. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Anspruche, wobei eine Einwegabgabeieitung (16) zwischen dem Extraktionsrohr (15) und einem Auslass (5) der Vorrichtung (1) angeordnet ist, so dass das Getränk von dem Behälter (2) abgegeben wird.

8. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Einwegabgabeieitung (16) einen Auslass (5) aufweist, welcher der Auslass der Vorrichtung ist.

9. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 7 oder 8, wobei die Einwegabgabeleitung (16) eine Verbindungseinrichtung für die Befestigung an dem Extraktionsrohr (15) aufweist.

10. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei die Verbindungseinrichtung eine Wiederbefestigungsunterbindungseinrichtung aufweist, die geeignet ist, die Verbindung zu lösen, wenn die Einwegabgabeleitung (16) von dem Extraktionsrohr (15) gelöst wird, so dass die Einwegleitung nicht wiederverwendet werden kann.

11. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei die Wiederbeiestigungsunterbindungseinnchtung der Abgabeleitung (16) Abdichtungseinrichtungen (26) aufweist.

12. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß den Ansprüchen 7 - 11, wobei die Abgabeleitung (16) eine aufweist, die mit einem Griff (4) zum Öffnen und Schließen der Abgabeleitung verbunden ist.

13. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine Regulierungseinrkhtung eingerichtet ist, um den Druck des Druckmediums von etwa 7 Bar bis ungefähr 1,5 Bar zu regulieren.

14. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine Sicherheitseinrichtung (21) für die Trennung des Druckmediums bei unbeabsichtigtem Öffnen/Handhaben der Vorrichtung (1) eingerichtet ist.

15. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 14, wobei die Sicherheitseinrichtung (21) eine Freigabeeinrichtung zum gesteuerten Freigeben des Druckmediums zwischen der Sicherheitseinrichtung und der Einrichtung zur Trennung des Druckmediums aufweist.

16. Abgabevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 9 - 12, wobei das Extraktionsrohr (15) eine Befestigungseinrichtung aufweist, die geeignet ist, die Verbindungseinrichtung der Einwegabgabeleitung (16) aufzunehmen.

17. System zur Abgabe eines Getränks, das aufweist, einen Getränkebehälter, wobei der Behälter einen Auslass aufweist, in dem ein Extraktionsrohr angeordnet ist, ein Druckmedium, wie etwa CO₂, das geeignet ist, das Getränk über das Extraktionsrohr aus dem Behälter zu zwingen, eine Kühlvorrichtung, die geeignet ist, das Getränk in dem Behälter zu kühlen, wobei das System ferner eine Abgabevorrichtung gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 - 16 aufweist.

18. System gemäß Anspruch 17, wobei das Druckmedium in einer getrennten Kammer in dem Behälter enthalten ist.

19. System gemäß Anspruch 17 oder 18, wobei der Behälter aus Metall gefertigt ist und die Kühlvorrichtung in Kontakt mit dem Behälter ist, so dass der Behälter durch diesen Kontakt gekühlt wird.

20. Verwendung der Abgabevorrichtung gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 - 16 zum Abgeben eines Getränks, wie etwa Bier, aus einem Fass.

Revendications

1. Dispositif distributeur (1) pour un système distributeur à utiliser en association avec la distribution d'une boisson, ledit système comprenant un conteneur à boisson (2), ledit conteneur comprenant une sortie dans laquelle est agencé un tube extracteur (15), un agent sous pression, comme du CO₂, qui est adapté à forcer la boisson via le tube extracteur (15) hors du conteneur (2), un dispositif de refroidissement adapté à refroidir la boisson dans le conteneur (2), dans lequel ledit dispositif distributeur (1) comprend des moyens de commande de température, qui sont adaptés à déconnecter la distribution de la boisson quand la température de la boisson excède une valeur prédéterminée, dans lequel les moyens de commande de température comprennent un moyen formant valve (10) qui est adapté à fermer une connexion entre le dispositif et la sortie du conteneur quand la boisson a atteint une température prédéterminée, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif distributeur est adapté de telle manière que, quand la température dans la boisson augmente, et ainsi la pression, jusqu'au-delà d'une valeur prédéterminée, la force de cette pression augmente les forces sur un piston (9), compris dans le moyen formant valve (10), de sorte que ledit piston (9) est poussé vers le haut en direction d'un sommet (12) du dispositif distributeur (1), grâce à quoi ce mouvement du piston (9) a pour résultat un relâchement de la pression vers le tube extracteur (15) et ainsi un relâchement de la force qui tient ouverte la connexion vers la boisson, de sorte que l'augmentation de température a pour résultat une déconnexion de la connexion entre une sortie (5) du dispositif (1) et la boisson dans le conteneur (2).

2. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un moyen de connexion de pression (22) est agencé pour connecter l'agent sous pression, et un moyen de commande de pression est agencé pour permettre la distribution de la boisson quand la pression de l'agent sous pression est au-dessus d'une valeur prédéterminée.

3. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le moyen de commande de pression comprend un moyen formant valve (10) qui est adapté à ouvrir la connexion entre la sortie (5) et la boisson quand l'agent sous pression a une pression au-dessus d'une valeur prédéterminée.

4. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le moyen formant valve (10) des moyens de commande de température et le moyen de commande de pression forment une valve à double fonction, dans laquelle les moyens formant valve de la valve à double fonction comprennent le piston (9) adapté à forcer ouverte la connexion vers la boisson, grâce à quoi le piston (9) reçoit cette force par la pression de l'agent sous pression.

5. Dispositif distributeur selon les revendications 2 à 4, dans lequel les moyens de connexion de pression (22) comprennent un ensemble pour l'absorption d'une force appliquée pour la connexion à l'agent sous pression dans le cas où l'on effectue une connexion erronée.

6. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit dispositif comprend un couvercle (19), et en ce que la connexion à l'agent sous pression est assurée quand on ferme le couvercle.

7. Dispositif distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une ligne de distribution à jeter (16) est agencée entre le tube extracteur (15) et une sortie (5) du dispositif (1), de sorte que la boisson est distribuée hors du conteneur (2).

8. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la ligne de distribution à jeter (16) comprend une sortie (5) qui est la sortie du dispositif.

9. Dispositif distributeur selon les revendications 7 ou 8, dans lequel la ligne de distribution à jeter (16) comprend un moyen de connexion pour l'attachement audit tube extracteur (15).

10. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 9, dans lequel les moyens de connexion comprennent des moyens empêchant un réattachement, qui sont adaptés à dégager la connexion quand la ligne de distribution à jeter (16) est détachée du tube extracteur (15), de sorte que la ligne de distribution ne peut pas être réutilisée.

11. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel les moyens empêchant un réattachement de la ligne de distribution (16) comprennent des moyens d'étanchement (26).

12. Dispositif distributeur selon les revendications 7 à 11, dans lequel la ligne de distribution (16) comprend des moyens qui sont connectés à une poignée (4) pour ouvrir et fermer la ligne de distribution.

13. Dispositif distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel des moyens de régulation sont agencés pour réguler la pression de l'agent sous pression depuis approximativement 7 bar à approximativement 1,5 bar.

14. Dispositif distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un moyen de sécurité (21) est agencé pour la déconnexion de l'agent sous pression lors d'une ouverture/manipulation involontaire du dispositif (1).

15. Dispositif distributeur selon la revendication 14, dans lequel le moyen de sécurité (21) comprend un moyen de relâchement pour un relâchement contrôlé de l'agent sous pression entre des moyens de sécurité et les moyens pour la déconnexion de l'agent sous pression.

16. Dispositif distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12, dans lequel le tube extracteur (15) comprend des moyens d'attache qui sont adaptées à recevoir les moyens de connexion de la ligne de distribution à jeter (16).

17. Système pour distribuer une boisson, comprenant un conteneur à boisson, ledit conteneur comprenant une sortie dans laquelle est agencé un tube extracteur, un agent sous pression, comme du CO₂, qui est adapté à forcer la boisson via le tube extracteur hors du conteneur, un dispositif de refroidissement adapté à refroidir la boisson dans le conteneur, dans lequel ledit système comprend encore un dispositif distributeur selon les revendications 1 à 16.

18. Système selon la revendication 17, dans lequel l'agent sous pression est contenu dans un compartiment séparé dans le conteneur.

19. Système selon la revendication 17 ou 18, dans lequel le conteneur est réalisé en métal et le dispositif de refroidissement est en contact avec le conteneur, de sorte que le conteneur est refroidi par ce contact.

20. Utilisation du dispositif de distribution selon les revendications 1 à 16 pour la distribution d'une boisson comme une bière depuis un tonnelet.

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