Tri-mix sugar based dispensing system

The invention relates to a device for dispensing nachgemischten beverages according to the preamble of claim.

In a device known from US-PS 29 49 993 generic type are the various components mixed the mixed drink in a funnel-shaped nozzle and output through the neck of the funnel. The well-known Device for dispensing a coffee beverage with or determined without cream and with or without sugar. The device Although could also to issue nachgemischten beverages different flavors are used, Here, however, taste transfers would take place, if some of the flavor concentrate in the output hopper stuck. Furthermore, the device should regularly and be thoroughly cleaned.

From DE-OS 33 46 240 a device for dispensing a Beverage known from the carbonated water and a mixing of said selectable plurality of flavor concentrates. The mixing also takes place already in the nozzle, so that taste transfers can take place and cleaning problems occur.

From US-PS 45 23 697 a beverage dispenser is known in which the concentrate and the carbonated water come together not within the nozzle, but below the nozzle. is The separate issue of both components While avoiding a transfer of taste. Since the concentrate container is intended for single use only, consist no cleaning problems. The output of the concentrate is, however, by its own weight, so that only low-viscosity Concentrates are suitable, ie concentrates a relatively high water content. Characterized in that the concentrate and the carbonated water in a simple beam meet, there will be no good mixing.

The invention has the object of providing an apparatus outputting nachgemischten beverages to provide, at of preventing a transfer of taste and not Cleaning problems exist.

This object is achieved by the features of characterizing Part of claim resolved.

Characterized in that the water tangentially into the first toroidal Chamber is initiated, it flows along the inner wall of the Nozzle in a helical path down below and forms the nozzle has a rotating, tapered tube, of the effluent and the effluent concentrate sweetener surrounds and because of its rotational movement with these well mixed. The thorough mixing also allows the use of concentrates with a high return dilution ratio.

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing explained. It shows

<b>Fig.</b> 1 is a block diagram of an output device post-mix beverage of three components,

<b>Fig.</b> 2 in a sectional view the construction of the nozzle,

<b>Fig.</b> 2A is a plan view of the nozzle according to <b>Fig.</b> 2,

<b>Fig.</b> 2B is a sectional view taken along line <b>2</b><i>B</i>-<b>2</b><i>B</i> after <b>Fig.</b> 2,

<b>Fig.</b> 2C is a sectional view taken along line <b>2</b><i>C</i>-<b>2</b><i>C</i> after <b>Fig.</b> 2,

<b>Fig.</b> 3 is a schematic view of the Süßungsmengensteuereinrichtung after <b>Fig.</b> 1,

<b>Fig.</b> 4 is a block diagram of an output device post-mix beverage several flavors using Dosing pump according to a multi-channel <b>Fig.</b> 1, and

<b>Fig.</b> 5 a side view of a Concentrate feeder and an associated three-way valve in Partial cross-sectional view at the output device post-mix beverage with many Flavors to <b>Fig.</b> 4 use find.

The device for outputting subsequently mixed drinks includes for each different by more concentrates flavors a concentrate container <b>10</b> to which via a valve <i>V</i> with a flexible concentrate line <i>CN</i> connected is. The flexible concentrate lines<i>CN</i> are operatively connected to a common peristaltic pump <i>P</i> connected. More flexible concentrate lines<i>CNO</i> lead from the pump <i>P</i> to a nozzle <i>N</i>,

The concentrate supply means contains in the embodiment, three concentrate container <b>10-1</b>. <b>10-2</b>. <b>10-3</b> to the selectively supplying a to three flavor concentrates the nozzle <i>N</i> a multi-channel metering pump <i>P</i>, Although only three concentrate container <b>10</b> in <b>Fig.</b> 1 are shown, can also more or less of such concentrate container <b>10</b> scheduled be.

The supply means for carbonated water to <b>Fig.</b> 1 includes a source <i>CW</i> carbonated Water and a flow control device <i>FC</i><b>1</b>. which carbonated water with an adjustable flow rate the nozzle <i>N</i> supplies.

It is a further source <i>SWS</i> for universal Sugar / water syrup (sweetener) provided that a flow control device <i>FC</i><b>2</b> in fluid communication with the nozzle <i>N</i> stands. As in<b>Fig.</b> represented 1 is, it is the embodiment of a Plant for three mixed components at the unsweetened flavor concentrate, Sweeteners and carbonated water using the nozzle <i>N</i> are mixed to a subsequently mixed to provide carbonated beverage.

<b>Fig.</b> 5 shows the interaction of the peristaltic pump <i>P</i> and the flexible concentrate lines <i>CN</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>2</b> and <i>CN</i>-<b>3</b>, Each concentrate container <b>10-1</b>. <b>10-2</b>. <b>10-3</b> has a rigid outer shell <b>10</b><i>B</i> and an inner collapsible bag <b>10</b><i>A</i>, The rigid outer shell <b>10</b><i>B</i> is also provided with a venting device <b>10</b><i>C</i> provided. The collapsible bag<b>10</b><i>A</i> contains the unsweetened flavor concentrate and is on the periphery of the bottom <b>12</b> the container <b>10</b> with this -tight manner, so that the therein Concentrate in fluid communication with a flexible conduit <i>CN</i> is. The flexible cables<i>CN</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>2</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>3</b> have a first end fixed to the rigid casing <b>10</b>-<i>B</i> connected , and a second end fixed to a valve <b>34</b> connected is. The flexible cables<i>CNO</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>CNO</i>-<b>2</b>. <i>CNO</i>-<b>3</b> have a first end fixedly connected to the valve <b>34</b> is connected, and a second end fixed with an injector <b>16</b> connected is coupled to the nozzle <i>N</i> after <b>Fig.</b> 2 by means of a snap connection be engaged, as explained in more below will be. As in<b>Fig.</b> 5 is shown, extends the line <i>CN</i> between a curved surface <b>12</b><i>A</i> in the bottom of the container <b>10</b> and the extent of impeller <i>PW</i>When the concentrate container <b>10</b> in the dispenser is used. If the impeller<i>PW</i> rotates, the flexible Leitungn be <i>CN</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>2</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>3</b> against the curved surface <b>12</b><i>A</i> pressed and the concentrate pump to the injector <b>16</b>, The surface<b>12</b><i>A</i> in the ground <b>12</b> the container <b>10</b> is complementary to the peripheral surface of the peristaltic pump <i>P</i> educated.

<b>Fig.</b> 2 and <b>Fig.</b> 2A to 2C show the structure of the nozzle <i>N</i>, The nozzle <i>N</i> Has a frustoconical housing <b>18</b> the an inlet end a first toroidal chamber <b>20-1</b> has the an axial bore <b>28</b> surrounds, which extends through the nozzle <i>N</i> extends. A second toroidal chamber<b>20-2</b> is above and concentric with the chamber <b>20-1</b> arranged. Carbonated water or carbonated water from the source <i>CW</i> after <b>Fig.</b> 1 for carbonated Water is a tangential inlet pipe <b>22-1</b> in the first chamber <b>20-1</b> initiated to swirl of water to effect. The water flows down through crossings <b>26</b>Between radial subdivisions <b>24</b> are formed, and exits from the outlet port <b>30</b> of the nozzle <i>N</i> to an isolated, outlying mixing region <b>32</b> out. The sweetening syrup from the source<i>SWS</i> is an inlet conduit <b>22-2</b> in the second chamber <b>20-2</b> initiated. Concentrate is via the injectors <b>16-1</b><b>16-2</b>. <b>16-3</b> supplied coaxially to the bore <b>28</b> at the inlet end the nozzle <i>N</i> are arranged so that the concentrate no surface of the housing <b>18</b> touched. The concentrate and the water are in the isolated region <b>32</b> mixed, immediately before the mixture as a mixed drink in a Trinkbecher <i>BC</i> (<b>Fig.</b> 1) flows.

The nozzle <i>N</i> further includes an annular chamber <b>21</b> on, which second of the chamber <b>20-2</b> to the outlet <b>30</b> extends, so that the sweetener from the chamber <b>20-2</b> the carbonated Water in an area <b>31</b> downstream and inside the nozzle <i>N</i> is mixed.

The nozzle design by <b>Fig.</b> 2 is particularly useful because neither the above, the flexible hoses <i>CN</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>2</b>. <i>CN</i>-<b>3</b> fed concentrate nor the sweetening syrup any of the surfaces of the housing <b>18</b> contacts, so that it is not necessary to frequently hygienic cleaning the housing <b>18</b> make. Also is hereby a taste transitional prevented.

In the <b>Fig.</b> 5 concentrate feed device shown is, apart from the impeller <i>PW</i> and the solenoid <i>SN,</i> discarded after a single use. Therefore there are no problems related to sanitize and the flavor transition.

<b>Fig.</b> 3 shows a possible embodiment the flow control device <i>FC</i><b>2</b> from <b>Fig.</b> 1, between the source <i>SWS</i> for the Sweeteners and the nozzle <i>N</i> is provided and the illustrated Example three parallel branches has. Each branch has a conventional in-line flow control <i>C</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>C</i>-<b>2</b>. <i>C</i>-<b>3</b> and a solenoid valve <i>SV</i>-<b>1</b>. <i>SV</i>-<b>2</b>. <i>SV</i>-<b>3</b>, the are set so as that they each flavor concentrates provide assigned flow, since different Flavor concentrates different require Süßungsmittelmengen.

<b>Fig.</b> 4 illustrates the operation of the multi-channel metering pump <i>P</i> after <b>Fig.</b> 1 for feeding the desired, unsweetened flavor concentrate of the concentrate containers <b>10-1, 10-2, 10-3</b> to the nozzle <i>N</i> together with the Sweeteners from the source <i>SWS</i>,

A three-way valve <b>34</b> is on the expenditure side of the impeller <i>PW</i> in the flexible concentrate line <i>CN-</i><b>1</b> arranged. The Dreiweige valve<b>34</b> has an inlet connected to said flexible conduit <i>CN</i>-<b>1</b> is connected, and two outlets, of which a in connection with the concentrate line <i>CNO</i>-<b>1</b> is complementary to the nozzle <i>N</i> lead, and the other with a concentrate circulation line <i>CNR</i>₁ is connected to the interior of the collapsible bag <b>10</b><i>A</i> in the concentrate container <b>10</b> leads. The impeller <i>PW</i> (please refer <b>Fig.</b> 5) and the associated motor (not shown) from a power source <i>PS</i> by operating a Produktwählschalters <i>SB</i> fed. An engine with a variable resistor<i>PC</i> or any other suitable speed controller is provided to the speed of the adjust the pump motor and thus the rotational speed of the impeller <i>PW</i> for selective for which Concentrate volume of a given subsequently mixed beverage during the time period to control, during the Produktwählschalter <i>SW</i> is pressed. The concentration of the finished Beverage can be adjusted in this way. is for reasons of clarity in <b>Fig.</b> 4 only a concentrate feeder shown. However, additional similar concentrate feeders the additional flexible pipes <i>CN</i>-<b>2</b> . <i>CN</i>-<b>3</b> etc. to the nozzle <i>N</i> be connected.

Several concentrate feeders for different concentrates flavors have a common cylindrical impeller <i>PW</i>Which always all flexible concentrate lines <i>CN-</i><b>1</b>. <i>CN-</i><b>2</b>. <i>CN-</i><b>3</b> is engaged. The selection of the concentrate is carried out by the magnetic three-way valves <b>34th</b>

According to <b>Fig.</b> 5, each Three-way valve <b>34</b> two valve elements <b>38, 40</b>, On a common shaft <b>36</b> sit and with the inlet cooperate of the concentrate line <i>CN</i> is connected, as well as with Outlets, with the flexible concentrate lines <i>CNO</i> or. <i>CNR</i> are connected. If, as in<b>Fig.</b> represented 5 , the valve <b>34</b> is in the appropriate position and the impeller <i>PW</i> rotates, the Concentrate through the flexible conduit <i>CN</i> to the Inlet valve <b>34</b> and from the circulation line <i>CNR</i> associated outlet in the Interior of the flexible bag <b>10</b><i>A</i> pressed. When the valve<b>34</b> is in this position, the concentrate circulates in a closed loop and will not have the flexible conduit <i>CNO</i> to the injector <b>16</b> promoted. But when the three-way valve <b>34</b> is switched so that the shaft <b>36</b> upward against the force of a spring <b>42</b> is pressed, until the valve element <b>40</b> on a par <b>43</b> seated, close the valve element <b>38</b> the outlet belonging to the circulation pipe <i>CNR</i> leads, and opens the valve element <b>40</b> the Outlet to the concentrate line <i>CNO</i> leads. In this position therefore concentrate flows to injector <b>16</b>, Thus acts a single peristaltic pump <i>P</i> with a single cylindrical impeller <i>PW</i> a plurality of flexible lines <i>CN</i> one that each of the concentrate container <b>10</b> are connected. The desired concentrate is pressing the relevant Produktwählschalters selected, the the corresponding three-way valve <b>34</b> switches.

Although the appropriate impeller <i>PW</i> in operating the rigid bottom <b>12</b> of concentrate container <b>10</b> is associated with a complementarily this shaped surface <b>12</b><i>A</i> has, for example, can the curved surface on a separate block <i>PB</i> scheduled be as in <b>Fig.</b> 5 is shown. Also, the Water supply means may be adapted to selectively either chilled still water or chilled aerated Water is supplied. As in<b>Fig.</b> 5 is shown, chilled still water via a solenoid valve <i>SVW</i> the nozzle <i>N</i> are supplied, or alternatively may chilled carbonated water from a carbonator <i>CT</i> via a solenoid valve <i>SVC</i> and a flow control <i>FC</i> the nozzle <i>N</i> are supplied. The water supply device for carbonated water in <b>Fig.</b> 4 is shown, from the carbonator <i>CT</i>, A CO₂ bottle <i>CB</i> and a pressure regulator <i>R</i> fed.

The beverage dispenser shown can used to issue dietetic soft drinks will. Artificial sweetener is then in the Concentrate contain. If the diet beverage selected is only the artificially sweetened concentrate mixes with carbonated water, without sugar syrup to the nozzle <i>N</i> flows, while the beverage is dispensed.

An alternative application of the beverage dispenser for the manufacture of diet beverages is the use of an artificial sweetener for the sweetener, so that the label "Sweeteners" sugar, Corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and the like dietary includes.