Methods and Apparatus for Beverage Dispensing

A nozzle (10) and associated methods are provided in which a base fluid flows by a check valve (22) and is directed by a plurality of flow directors (42) into a diluent flow path. The check valve (22) closes the flow of base fluid when the base fluid is no longer demanded.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to beverage dispensing, and in particular to nozzles and associated methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In post-mix beverage dispensing, a diluent, such as, without limitation, plain or carbonated water, is mixed with one or more base fluids to form a drink. Base fluids may be syrups, flavors, concentrates, or any other fluids. The diluent and base fluid(s) are dispensed through a nozzle, and mix in or outside the nozzle.

In some instances, only the diluent is to be dispensed, for example when a customer desires only water. If residual base fluids are present in the nozzle (for example, from previous dispenses), they may be inadvertently mixed with the diluent, resulting in the presence of undesirable ingredients in the drink, including, without limitation, sweeteners or flavorings. These problems often present as color and taste issues.

Also, when dispensing drinks that may foam, such as carbonated drinks, it is desirable to limit foaming, because excess foaming may result in drinks that are less than full when presented to a customer, or in greater dispensing time (because of the need to wait for the foaming to subside and top-off the drink).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention a nozzle and associated method are provided.

In one embodiment, a nozzle is provided which comprises a diluent inlet coupled to a diluent supply, a diluent outlet in fluid communication with the diluent inlet, the diluent flowing out of the diluent outlet in a diluent flow path when diluent is demanded, a base fluid inlet coupled to a base fluid supply, a base fluid outlet in fluid communication with the base fluid inlet, a check valve proximate the base fluid outlet and operable to open when base fluid is demanded and to close the base fluid outlet if base fluid is not demanded, and a plurality of flow directors through which base fluid flows when the check valve is open, the flow directors directing the base fluid to merge into the diluent flow path at an angle that is less than 90 degrees.

In a particular embodiment, each of the flow directors creates a respective stream of base fluid when the check valve is open.

In a particular embodiment, the check valve comprises an umbrella valve.

In a particular embodiment, a recessed seat is provided on which the base fluid outlet is located and against which the check valve closes. In an embodiment, the recessed seat is defined by a recessed wall, and the flow directors are located along the recessed wall.

In a particular embodiment, the nozzle further comprises a static mixer downstream of the base fluid outlet.

In a particular embodiment, the nozzle further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending downward, each of the protrusions located between respective flow directors

Also provided is a method of mixing a diluent and a base fluid which comprises receiving the diluent, directing the diluent into an outlet diluent flow path, receiving the base fluid, directing the base fluid to a base fluid outlet, closing the base fluid outlet when base fluid is not demanded, opening the base fluid outlet when base fluid is demanded, and when base fluid is demanded, directing the base fluid to merge into the outlet diluent flow path at an angle that is less than 90 degrees through a plurality of flow directors.

In a particular embodiment of the method, each of the flow directors creates a respective stream of base fluid when the check valve is open.

In a particular embodiment, closing and opening the base fluid outlet is performed with an umbrella valve.

In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises statically mixing the diluent and base fluid downstream of the base fluid outlet.

In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises blocking flow of base fluid between each of the flow directors.

Important technical advantages are provided by the present invention. In particular, and without limitation, by providing flow directors in combination with a check valve, inadvertent dispensing of base fluids is reduced, and foaming is reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although this invention is particularly suited for beverage dispensing, and will be discussed in connection with beverage dispensing embodiments, it may be implemented on any fluid dispenser in which one fluid and more than one fluid may be dispensed.

FIG.1is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a nozzle10and valve housing12according to the teachings of the present invention. Nozzle10includes an outer nozzle body14to be discussed in more detail below.

Valve housing12houses one or more valves (not shown) which control the flow of various fluids. In post-mix beverage dispensing, the fluids comprise a diluent, such as, without limitation, plain or carbonated water, and base fluids, such as, without limitation, syrups, flavors, or concentrates, and any combination thereof. In response to a request for a beverage, the valves operate to allow the flow of diluent and one or more base fluids through nozzle10into a cup. In some instances, only the diluent is to be dispensed, for example in response to a request for water only. Nozzle10couples to fluid outlets of the valves in any suitable way.

FIG.2is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG.1with the outer nozzle body14removed, and illustrates one embodiment of a nozzle diffuser16, in its position in which it is coupled to valves of valve housing12.

Nozzle diffuser16is described in connection withFIGS.3-6.FIGS.3A-3Cprovide top perspective views, withFIG.3Ashowing an exploded view,3B a partially exploded view, and3C an assembled view.FIGS.4A-4Cprovide corresponding bottom perspective views.FIG.5is a bottom view.

Diffuser16includes an upper diffuser body18, a lower diffuser body20, and a check valve22. Upper and lower diffuser bodies18and20may be joined in any suitable way, including, without limitation, by sonic welding, press-fit, or screwing. Also, upper and lower diffuser bodies18and20may be formed as one unit. Check valve22is preferably an umbrella valve, which may be pressed in place, for example by pressing its securing post24into receiving receptacle26(best seen inFIGS.3A,3B,4A, and4B). For typical beverage dispensing applications, the umbrella check valve may be made of any suitable material, including, without limitation, silicone or other rubber materials, and open at a pressure of about 1 PSI. However, any suitable check valve may be used.

Upper diffuser body18includes a base fluid inlet28for receiving base fluid. Lower diffuser body20includes one or more base fluid outlets30(best seen inFIGS.4A and4B) in fluid communication with base fluid inlet28. In the particular embodiment shown, base fluid outlets30are arranged in a ring; however, other arrangements, and more or fewer outlets, may be used.

Upper diffuser body18also includes diluent ports32through which a diluent flows. In the particular embodiment shown, diluent ports32are arranged in a ring; however, other arrangements, and more or fewer ports, may be used. Lower diffuser body20includes diluent outlets34in fluid communication with diluent ports32. In the particular embodiment shown, diluent outlets34are arranged in a ring; however, other arrangements, and more or fewer outlets, may be used.

As best seen inFIGS.4A and4B, lower diffuser body20includes a recessed seat36against which check valve22seals. Base fluid outlets30emerge at recessed seat36. Recessed seat36is recessed with respect to surface38(at which diluent outlets34emerge). As seen inFIGS.4A-4C and6, recessed seat36is recessed from surface38at a recess wall40. Flow directors42are provided along recess wall40and provide angled openings along the recess wall40. Flow directors42may be any suitable shape, such as, without limitation, wedge-shaped or scallop-shaped, and, as will be discussed below, create flow paths for base fluid flowing out of base fluid outlets30.

FIG.5is a bottom view of diffuser16.

FIG.6is an enlarged bottom perspective of the diffuser16shown inFIG.4C.

FIGS.7A-7Cpresent views of one embodiment of an outer nozzle body14according to the teachings of the present invention.FIGS.7A and7Bare perspective top views at different angles, andFIG.7Cis a top view. Outer nozzle body14includes tabs44, shoulders46, and sealing surface48for engagement with housing12. To engage outer nozzle body14with housing12, tabs44are passed through matching voids46(seeFIG.2), and as outer nozzle body14is then rotated, tabs14engage with ramps (not shown) to pull shoulders46and sealing surface48into engagement with housing12. This particular approach for engaging outer nozzle body14with valve housing12is one example, and it may be engaged in any suitable way. Also, outer nozzle body14includes a static mixer50, which serves to enhance mixing of the diluent and base fluid and to retain check valve22if it is inadvertently dislodged. Static Mixer is shown as a three-legged cross bar, but other structures may be used (for example, and without limitation, a lattice structure).

FIG.8is a sectional view of one embodiment of a nozzle10with a closed check valve22according to the teachings of the present invention. Base fluid inlet28of upper diffuser body18couples with member52of a valve assembly, for example with a friction fit or any suitable engagement approach, and is in fluid communication with a supply56of base fluid. Outer nozzle body14secures diffuser16in place by engagement of annular shoulder54with lower diffuser body20. Diluent ports32are in fluid communication with diluent supply58.

FIG.9is the same sectional view asFIG.8, except that check valve22is open, andFIG.9includes fluid flow arrows. Check valve22opens when the base fluid is demanded, and lifts from recessed seat36, allowing base fluid to flow. Flow directors42direct the flow at any desired exit angle. The exit angle may be any suitable angle or angles. One range of angles found to be effective is (and including) 30 to 60 degrees from horizontal for diluent flow streams such as shown inFIG.9. The exit angle is determined by the shape and angle of the flow directors42.

FIG.10is an enlarged view of the embodiment ofFIG.5with the check valve22open, and with flow arrows.

As seen inFIGS.9and10, the base fluid flowing from the flow directors42intersects and mixes with the diluent flow below the lower diffuser body20. Flow directors42direct the base fluid flow so that it merges with the diluent flow stream at an angle that reduces agitation. The angle at which the streams merge is a function of the diluent flow direction (which may flow straight down or at a slanted angle) and the base fluid flow direction (directed by the flow directors42). Agitation is highest if the base fluid flow direction and the diluent flow direction are opposed (that is, if they have vertical flow components that are in opposition), and relatively high if they merge perpendicularly. With the present invention, the flow directors42direct the base fluid to merge with the diluent flow at an angle that is not opposed and not perpendicular (i.e., at an angle that is less than 90 degrees (seeFIG.9)—as used herein, an opposed merging angle is one that is more than 90 degrees). This results in less agitation of at the point of intersection, and therefore, for diluents such as carbonated water, less foaming. Less foaming is desirable because it allows for faster dispensing. Also, use of a plurality of flow directors42creates a plurality of respective streams of base fluid flow, rather than a solid disc of flow (see, for example, the flow arrows ofFIG.10). Each of these streams has a relatively large cross-sectional area, thereby resulting in relatively lower base fluid velocity which in turn results in less agitation at the point of fluid intersection with the diluent.

The flow directors42are preferably spaced apart in an annular arrangement along the full circumference of the recess wall40, but may be located as appropriate for the application, for example, and without limitation, on less than the full circumference. Furthermore, the flow directors42may have any suitable shape, and other features may be included to direct the base fluid streams as desired. For example, without limitation, another embodiment is shown inFIGS.11A-F, in which protrusions60extend downward from surface38of diffuser16.

FIGS.11A and11Bpresent a bottom view of this embodiment, withFIG.11Bshowing base fluid flow arrows.FIGS.11C and11Dare sectional views taken on the sections indicated inFIG.11A.FIG.11Eis a bottom perspective view of this embodiment, andFIG.11Fis a side view of this embodiment. In this embodiment, flow directors42are located between the protrusions60and function as described above, with protrusions60acting to further block base fluid flow between the flow directors42.

In any of the embodiments, when the base fluid is not demanded, check valve22closes and seals off base fluid outlets30, thereby stopping base fluid from dripping and covering the outlets30. Because of this sealing, when only diluent is demanded (for example, a customer desires plain or carbonated water only), ingredient carryover from base fluid dripping or from diluent contact with the base fluid outlets30is eliminated or greatly reduced.

Although the nozzle has been discussed in connection with a single base fluid inlet, it may be implemented in a multi-flavor nozzle. With a multi-flavor embodiment, multiple base fluid inlets are provided, each with its own outlet, with the above-described check valve and flow directors provided on one or more of such outlets.

As used herein, coupled includes direct connection or indirect connection through one or more intermediate members.

Particular features of the example embodiments may be used with, added to, or substituted in the other example embodiments.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, alterations, substitutions, additions, and modifications could be made without departing from the intended scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.