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EP-4387923-B1 - COMPACT BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH UMBILICAL SUPPLY LINE

EP4387923B1EP 4387923 B1EP4387923 B1EP 4387923B1EP-4387923-B1

Inventors

  • WALTON, PHILIP ANDREW
  • SONZOGNI, SERGIO

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20220816

Claims (13)

  1. A beverage dispenser: - a dispensing unit (1) which includes a source of pressurised gas and a dispensing font (5), - a dispensing coupler (9) configured to engage a two-port valve closure (8) of a beverage container, - a first passage (25) to conduct pressurised gas from the dispensing unit to the dispensing coupler, - a second passage (26) to conduct beverage from the dispensing coupler to the dispensing unit; characterised in that - the dispensing coupler (9) is connected to the dispensing unit (1) by an umbilical (3); - the umbilical (3) has an outer wall (10) extending from the dispensing coupler (9) to the dispensing unit (1); - the first and second passages (25, 26) both travel within said outer wall (10) throughout the length of the umbilical.
  2. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional area of the first passage (25) is less than the cross-sectional area of the second passage (26).
  3. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the first passage (25) is defined by an inner wall (24) which is located within the outer wall (10).
  4. A beverage dispenser according to claim 3 wherein the inner wall (24) is not connected to the outer wall (10) along the length of the umbilical.
  5. A beverage dispenser according to claim 3 wherein the thickness of the inner wall (24) is less than the thickness of the outer wall (10).
  6. A beverage dispenser according to claim 3 wherein the second passage (25) is defined by and between the inner and outer walls (24, 10).
  7. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the umbilical (3) is connected to the dispensing coupler (9) by a releasable connector (11, 12), the releasable connector (11, 12) contains the first and second passages (25, 26) and is configured to connect said passages with corresponding ports (44, 45) of the dispensing coupler (9) such that the connections between the said ports and passages are non-reversible.
  8. A beverage dispenser according to claim 7 wherein the releasable connector (11, 12) includes latching means (21, 22) to releasably engage the dispensing coupler (9).
  9. A beverage dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the latching means (21, 22) comprise spring-loaded latches.
  10. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the umbilical (3) is connected to the dispensing unit (1) by a releasable connector (12, 11), the releasable connector (11, 12) contains the first and second passages (25, 26) and is configured to connect said passages with corresponding ports of the dispensing unit (1) such that the connections between the said ports and passages are non-reversible.
  11. A beverage dispenser according to claim 10 wherein the releasable connector (11, 12) includes latching means (21, 22) to releasably engage the dispensing unit (1).
  12. A beverage dispenser according to claim 11 wherein the latching means (21, 22) comprise spring-loaded latches.
  13. A beverage dispenser according to claim 11 wherein the dispensing unit (1) includes a cover (51) which can operate to prevent disengagement of the latching means (21, 22).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a beverage dispenser of the kind which includes a source of pressurised gas, a dispensing font, and a dispensing coupler which is configured to engage a beverage container with a two-port valve. BACKGROUND Carbonated beverages such as beer are generally dispensed from pressurized containers, e.g. kegs, by supplying a pressurized gas such as CO2 to the head space of the container whilst drawing liquid from the bottom of the container. If the beverage is required to be served chilled a cooling device may also be used between the container and the dispensing tap (often referred to as a "font"). Various two-port keg valves and dispensing couplers have been developed to facilitate simultaneous connection of these two separate paths, examples of which are described in WO 2020 141 320-A1. Such valves and couplers are widely used to connect the pressured gas supply and beverage feed lines to beer kegs and other beverage containers. In recent years so-called bag-in-keg containers have been introduced. Since the pressurized gas does not come into direct contact with the beverage it is practical to dispense oxygen-sensitive beverages, e.g. beer, using compressed air instead of CO2, and small air compressors can be used instead of a gas cylinder. These developments have made it possible to have draft beer installations in places where previously it was not thought practical, including smaller restaurants, retail outlets, and homes. This has in turn led to the introduction of compact dispensers and smaller kegs, e.g. 5, 8, 12 litres. A typical compact dispenser, an example of such a dispenser is shown in EP 2 228 336, includes a main dispensing unit which combines the source of pressurised gas, a dispensing font, and a cooling system. However, the keg coupling system still uses the same couplers as those used in professional establishments such as bars and public houses, which are connected to the dispensing unit by two separate tubes. The connecting pipework therefore tends to be bulky and unsightly. Furthermore, installation requires making two separate connections (air and beverage) from the dispensing equipment to the keg coupler. The tube connections on the existing couplers typically use individual push-in tube connectors. These may be the same diameter, so it is easy to reverse the connections causing dispensing problems. They can also be disconnected while the coupler is connected to the keg with potential uncontrolled high pressure beer discharge. Similar push-in connectors are generally used on the dispensing unit so that problems with reverse-connection and uncontrolled discharge can potentially occur at this position also. From time to time it may be necessary to change the connecting tubes, e.g. when it is desired to fit a larger keg or locate the keg further away from the dispensing unit. Hygiene considerations also make it desirable that the tubes should be washed out and cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial contamination, which is again very inconvenient with the need to undo and remake four separate tube connections. An objective of present invention is to provide a new and inventive form of beverage dispenser in which the size of the pipework connecting the beverage container and the dispensing unit can be significantly reduced to achieve a neater and uncluttered appearance whilst maintaining the flexibility of the interconnection and a sufficient flow of beverage. A further objective is to prevent, or at least reduce, the risk of accidental disconnection of the interconnecting pipework which could result in unintended spillage. An additional objective is to enable the interconnecting pipework to be easily removed and re-connected when required, to facilitate cleaning or replacement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION When viewed from one aspect the present invention proposes a beverage dispenser with a dispensing unit which includes a source of pressurised gas and a dispensing font. A dispensing coupler, which is configured to engage a two-port valve closure of a beverage container, is connected to the dispensing unit by an umbilical having an outer wall, and first and second passages both travel within the outer wall. The first passage conducts pressurised gas from the dispensing unit to the dispensing coupler and the second passage conducts beverage from the dispensing coupler to the dispensing unit. In a preferred embodiment the first passage is defined within an inner wall, which may be concentric with the outer wall and relatively thin. The second passage is defined between the inner and outer walls. Preferably the umbilical is connected to the dispensing coupler by a releasable connector. The connector may be non-reversible and may include spring-loaded latches which can be prevented from unlatching when the dispensing coupler is operated to open a two-port valve closure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description and the accomp