Patent Description:
Conventional beverage dispensing systems intended for professional or private use such as the DraughtMaster system produced by the applicant company are described in e.g., <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Beverage dispensing systems are typically used in beverage dispensing establishments for efficiently dispensing large quantities of beverage, including carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draught beer and cider, non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and non-carbonated beverages such as wine and fruit juice. The dispensing of beverages is typically achieved by providing the beverage in a pressurized beverage container referred to as a keg and allowing the beverage to flow via a beverage line to a beverage tap. Traditionally, steel containers connected to a carbon dioxide supply or a mixed gas supply have been used; however, nowadays collapsible polymeric containers also exist, one example being disclosed in the applicant's own international application <CIT>.

These beverage dispensing systems had traditionally been used by professional users in establishments like bars, restaurants and hotels. However, there is an increasing need by private persons to also use beverage dispensing systems at home, such as beer drafting units with replaceable beer kegs from which the beer is expected to be dispensed at the right temperature that is generally much lower than the temperature of the environment.

Since most beverages include nutrients and other substances which may promote bacterial growth it is important to cool these kegs during use in the dispensing systems. Insufficient cooling and too high temperatures lead to bacterial growth causing health problems for the beverage consumer, in addition to the unsatisfactory user experience of consuming beverage at an uncomfortably high temperature.

One example from the prior art addressing this problem is <CIT> showing a system in which a beverage keg is connected by a flexible conduit to a faucet on a faucet standard, wherein the keg is kept in a refrigerated chamber and the beverage is pressurized by supplying carbon dioxide into the keg. One problem with such traditional cooling solutions is that keeping the refrigerated chamber at constant low temperatures requires either a continuous supply of cooling medium, or a high efficiency cooling system that usually employs one or more high performance fans. These solutions are less problematic for professional establishments due to the availability of space and industrial supplies, and the already high levels of noise. However, these systems are not feasible for smaller sized beverage dispensing systems intended for private use as they generate very loud noise and/or need professional maintenance.

Self-chilling vessels offer another alternative for private users, based mainly on two different principles, where the first principle uses a closed system separated from the product to be cooled and upon activation initiates an endothermic reaction, which cools the product. <CIT> and <CIT> describe containers based on this principle. The second principle is based on a closed two-chamber system separated from the product to be cooled, where one chamber comprises an evaporation unit and the second chamber comprises an absorbing unit. When a valve is opened between the two chambers a drop-in pressure causes fluid to evaporate from the evaporation chamber and thereby removing heat from the evaporator. A heat removing material in the second chamber absorbs heat of vaporisation. <CIT> describes a self-cooling can based on the phase-change principle. A drawback related to self-chilling vessels designed according to the prior art is the need of specially designed containers which containers comprise the cooling elements inside. The need of specially made containers with certain pressurized cavities with specific materials inside makes the manufacturing process very expensive.

<CIT> shows a beer maker and dispensing system intended for professional but also private users, including a more traditional refrigeration cycle apparatus with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator disposed at a fermentation tank. The refrigeration cycle apparatus controls the temperature of the fermentation tank by circulating a refrigerant; and a heat insulating wall surrounds the fermentation tank and the evaporator. The system may also include an air pump for providing an air flow to the inside of the fermentation tank, however no air circulation is intended between the inside of the device and the surrounding environment. This system can maintain a temperature suitable for a fermentation tank using a relatively simple structure, however it is not intended to provide a cooling effect sufficient for chilling a beverage to a temperature intended for consumption or keeping fresh, i.e. avoiding substantial biological activity in the beverage.

<CIT> describes a beverage dispensing assembly suitable for private use comprising a dispenser and a beverage container, wherein the dispenser comprises a housing provided with a receptacle for receiving at least part of the container positioned with the neck and shoulder portion facing downward. The housing comprises a cooling device for cooling the wall of the receptacle and, through contact cooling, a part of the beverage container. The cooling can be provided by a compressor-based cooling device, a piezo based cooling device, ice cube cooling, liquid cooling or the like.

This assembly can provide a good solution for cooling the beverage efficiently to a desired temperature for a user as it cools an area from which the beverage will generally be dispensed. However, the system only provides a limited efficiency in keeping the whole beverage container at lower temperatures.

<CIT> describes a beverage dispensing system with an air-cooled refrigerator wherein air is taken in and passed by cooling means using a fan and is forced to flow around beverage containers disposed in the housing for cooling. The refrigerator is arranged under a tapping platform such that air can be sucked in along the upper side and the back of the refrigerator and can be discharged along an evaporator arranged under the refrigerator. This solution carries disadvantages inherent in traditional refrigerators as well, namely that the intake or the outflow channels, or even both, tend to get blocked over time by accumulated dirt, dust, and other contaminants. A further issue with such solutions is inherent in their rectangular shape, which allows these refrigerators to be placed close to walls, or even in corners, where air circulation is limited from the start of their operation and is only further limited by any blockage over time. Although <CIT> addresses this issue by providing a bottom designed to be opened for cleaning, this still requires frequent manual maintenance, which is often neglected in both private or professional context, and can lead to lowered performance or malfunction, affecting the quality or even safety of the beverage for consumption.

<CIT> describes a mobile beverage dispenser with a wheelable platform having mounted thereon a chillable chamber connected to a refrigerated cooling coil for removing heat from a beverage container placed therein, and a beverage dispensing tap connectable to the container, whereby the chamber when chilled removes heat from the dispenser in preparation for dispensing of the beverage, by virtue of the conductive relationship. Ventilation grilles are provided on either side of the housing, however, these grilles are arranged in straight wall sections, leading to inefficient circulation and higher maintenance due to possible clogging of the inlet and outflow apertures when the dispenser is arranged close to a wall.

Consequently, there is still a need for an efficient cooling solution for beverage dispensing systems that are suitable for private use, require low or no maintenance for long periods, and can keep beverage containers at desired low temperatures in order to keep the beverage therein fresh, both to prevent microbiological growth and to enable desired consumption temperatures.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved beverage dispensing system that solves at least one of the problems present in the prior art.

According to the invention, there is provided a beverage dispensing system comprising a housing with a bottom, a top, and a continuous side wall together defining an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of a beverage container. A pressure source is provided for applying pressure on the beverage container to dispense a beverage. The housing further comprises an inlet aperture arranged in the side wall for allowing airflow from a space outside the housing into the enclosure; and an outlet aperture arranged in the side wall downstream from the inlet aperture for allowing airflow from the enclosure to a space outside the housing, with an air channel extending between the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture. The system is provided with a cooling arrangement comprising heat exchange means arranged in the housing for receiving heat from the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the housing; and a condenser arranged in the air channel and in thermal connection with the heat exchange means, for emitting heat received from the beverage container to the air channel. The side wall comprises at least one curved segment, wherein at least one of the inlet aperture or the outlet aperture is arranged in a curved segment, and wherein at least a portion of the condenser is arranged in the air channel along said curved segment, the condenser comprising curved ducts corresponding to the shape of a respective curved segment.

The disclosed beverage dispensing system allows for a compact design which, through the combination of the air channel and the cooling arrangement can efficiently provide sufficiently low temperatures for any beverage container inserted therein to keep the beverage fresh for long term. The system also requires low maintenance due to the inlet and outlet apertures both arranged in the side walls, thereby reducing the accumulation of dust and other contaminants that would block the flow of air through the housing.

The curved shapes provide a form factor for the beverage dispensing system that ensures proper clearance between the housing of the system and any wall or obstacle that the housing is placed next to. This in turn ensures proper air circulation both into and out from the housing, thereby ensuring efficient cooling and avoiding clogging of the inlet and outflow apertures.

In a possible implementation form the heat exchange means comprise a heat sink wall arranged in thermal connection with the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the housing, and an evaporator arranged in thermal connection with the heat sink wall. The cooling device further comprises a compressor; and the evaporator, the compressor, and the condenser is interconnected through a cooling duct for circulating a cooling substance. The duct further comprises an expansion valve being arranged in the duct between the condenser and the evaporator to provide a vapor-compression cycle for cooling the beverage container.

In a further possible implementation form the beverage container comprises a closure with a beverage outlet, and the housing comprises a cavity designed to accommodate the closure and at least a portion of the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the housing. The cavity is delimited at least partially by the heat sink wall with the evaporator arranged at least partially surrounding the heat sink wall for cooling the beverage container.

In a further possible implementation form the housing comprises a first housing portion for receiving the beverage container; a second housing portion arranged laterally to the first housing portion and connected to the first housing portion through the side wall. The outlet aperture is arranged in the side wall of the first housing portion; and the inlet aperture is arranged in the side wall of the second housing portion, thereby allowing a channeled airflow between an outer side of the first housing portion and an outer side of the second housing portion through the air channel.

In a further possible implementation form both the heat exchange means and the condenser is arranged in the first housing portion; and a compressor is arranged in the second housing portion.

In a further possible implementation form the side wall comprises an inlet segment comprising a set of inlet apertures including the inlet aperture; an outlet segment comprising a set of outlet apertures including the outlet aperture; and at least one continuous segment uninterrupted by apertures arranged between the inlet segment and the outlet segment.

In a further possible implementation form the condenser is arranged in the air channel in front of the outlet segment for enabling efficient heat emission through the side wall.

In an embodiment the condenser is arranged in parallel to the outlet segment, with a clearance arranged between the condenser and the outlet segment.

In an embodiment the side wall comprises an inner side towards the enclosure and an outer side towards a space outside the housing, wherein the air channel extends along the inner side of the side wall.

In a further possible implementation form at least one ventilator is arranged in the air channel for providing forced air flow in the air channel for a more efficient cooling effect.

In a further possible implementation form at least two ventilators are arranged in the air channel, along opposite sides of the housing, for an even more efficient cooling effect.

In a further possible implementation form the ventilators are arranged in parallel to provide a unilateral air flow, wherein air flows through all the ventilators from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture.

In a further possible implementation form at least one partition wall is arranged in the air channel on an outflow side of the at least one ventilator, each partition wall arranged to fill the cross-section of the air channel, and each partition wall comprising a hole for restricting and channeling air flow from the respective ventilator through the partition wall.

In a further possible implementation form at least one partition wall further comprises flow directing means for directing air flow from the partition wall within the air channel, the flow directing means being arranged on an opposite side of the at least one partition wall to the ventilator.

In a further possible implementation form the housing comprises a receptacle for receiving the beverage container, the receptacle comprising a base portion and an at least partially removable lid portion. The receptacle further comprises an additional heat sink layer, arranged in at least one of the base portion or the lid portion, for providing additional cooling when the beverage container is received in the receptacle.

In a further possible implementation form at least a portion of the additional heat sink layer is arranged in the lid portion, the heat exchange means being arranged in the base portion; and the housing further comprising a thermal bridge arranged between the base portion and the lid portion, providing a thermally conductive connection between the additional heat sink layer and the heat exchange means.

In a further possible implementation form the receptacle defines a sealable pressure chamber when the lid portion is attached to the base portion, and wherein pressurized fluid from the pressure source can be applied to the pressure chamber for pressurizing the beverage container to dispense a beverage.

In a further possible implementation form the beverage container comprises a beverage filled bag inside an outer shell, wherein pressurized fluid from the pressure source can be applied to a space between the outer shell and the bag for pressurizing the beverage container to dispense a beverage.

In a further possible implementation form the beverage dispensing system comprises a beverage dispensing line connected on one end to a beverage outlet of the beverage container and arranged at least partially within the housing when the beverage container is received in the housing. The cooling device in this implementation comprises a compressor and a heat insulation layer arranged between at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line and the compressor.

In a further possible implementation form a heat sink layer is arranged in the housing for providing additional cooling for the beverage container; and at least one portion of the beverage dispensing line is disposed in thermal connection with the heat sink layer when the beverage container is received in the housing for providing additional cooling for a beverage flowing in the beverage dispensing line.

In an embodiment the curved segment is shaped as a half cylinder, and the condenser is arranged along at least a portion of the curved segment, preferably the entirety of the curved segment, with the condenser in some embodiments even extending over the curved segment on at least on one end.

In an embodiment the side wall only comprises curved segments.

In an embodiment the housing has a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape defined by an oval, circular, or elliptical cross section.

In a further possible implementation form the side wall comprises at least two curved segments arranged at opposite sides of the housing, wherein the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture are arranged in different ones of the at least two curved segments; and wherein a compressor is arranged in the housing at a curved segment opposite to the condenser.

In an embodiment the side wall only comprises two curved segments, the two curved segments being connected by straight segments, providing a straight slot shape for the housing.

In a further possible implementation form the housing is defined horizontally by a rounded hourglass shape, the side wall comprising four curved segments, the four curved segments comprising two concave curved segments and two convex curved segments arranged intermittently; and wherein the condenser and the compressor are arranged at respective concave curved segments.

In an embodiment the first housing portion is larger than the second housing portion, and the condenser is arranged in the first housing portion, at a side of the first housing portion facing away from the second housing portion.

In an embodiment the second housing portion is larger than the first housing portion, and the condenser is arranged in the second housing portion, at a side of the second housing portion facing away from the first housing portion.

In an embodiment the cooling substance is a refrigerant comprising at least one of hydrocarbon and hydrofluoroolefin, such as R-<NUM>, R-<NUM>, R-600a, R-454b, R-1234yf, R-514A, R-<NUM>,R-1234ze and R-1233zd, most preferably R-600a.

These and other aspects will be apparent from and the embodiment(s) described below.

<FIG> shows a vertical cross-section along the axis S1 (as shown in <FIG>) of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling arrangement <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing system is configured for dispensing a beverage from a beverage container <NUM> arranged therein. The beverage may be include but not limited to beer, a carbonated malt-based beverage, non-alcoholic beer, or cider.

The beverage container <NUM> may be a lightweight, collapsible and disposable beverage container (keg). The collapsible beverage container <NUM> can be made of thin and flexible plastic material or may even be in the form of a plastic bag.

While performing a dispensing operation, pressure is applied that causes the beverage to flow out of the beverage container <NUM> and through a dispensing line <NUM> that leads to a tapping head equipped with a tap handle. The tap handle allows the operator to control the tapping valve and thereby the beverage dispensing operation. Typically, the tap handle is a part of a beverage font mounted in a bar, such as shown in e.g. <FIG>, or when using a smaller beverage dispensing system, the tap handle may be mounted on a housing <NUM> of the beverage dispensing system, and typically in front of the beverage container <NUM>, as shown in e.g. <FIG>, so that the tap handle may be easily used by the operator to dispense the beverage.

The beverage thus is dispensed from the beverage container <NUM> through a beverage dispensing line <NUM> connected on one end to a beverage outlet <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> and arranged at least partially within the housing <NUM> and optionally also in drawn through beverage font assembly, when the beverage container <NUM> is received in the housing <NUM>, as shown in more detail in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the beverage dispensing system comprises a housing <NUM> with a bottom <NUM>, a top <NUM>, and a continuous side wall <NUM> together defining an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of a beverage container <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> comprises an inner side <NUM> towards the enclosure and an outer side <NUM> towards a space outside the housing <NUM>. At least one inlet aperture <NUM> is arranged in the side wall <NUM> for allowing airflow from a space outside the housing <NUM> into the enclosure (illustrated by the arrows on the left); while a further at least one outlet aperture <NUM> is also arranged in the side wall <NUM> downstream from the inlet aperture <NUM> for allowing airflow from the enclosure to a space outside the housing <NUM> (illustrated by the arrows on the right).

An air channel <NUM> is arranged in the housing <NUM> to extend at least between the inlet aperture <NUM> and the outlet aperture <NUM> (better shown in the horizontal cross-sections of <FIG> and <FIG>). The air channel <NUM> extends along the inner side <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>.

The system further comprises heat exchange means <NUM> arranged in the housing <NUM> for receiving heat from the beverage container <NUM> when the beverage container <NUM> is received housing <NUM> as part of a cooling arrangement <NUM>. As a further part of the cooling arrangement <NUM> a condenser <NUM> is arranged in the air channel <NUM> and in thermal connection with the heat exchange means <NUM>, so that the condenser <NUM> can emit heat received from the beverage container <NUM> to the air channel <NUM>.

The heat exchange means <NUM> may be a heat sink wall <NUM> arranged in thermal connection with the beverage container <NUM> when the beverage container <NUM> is received in the housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and better illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. An evaporator <NUM> may also be arranged in thermal connection with the heat sink wall <NUM>.

The cooling device <NUM> can further comprise, as part of the cooling arrangement <NUM>, a compressor <NUM> which can provide a fix or adjustable pressure.

In the examples shown in <FIG>, the evaporator <NUM>, the compressor <NUM>, and the condenser <NUM> is interconnected through a cooling duct <NUM> for circulating a cooling substance; the duct further comprising an expansion valve <NUM> being arranged in the duct between the condenser <NUM> and the evaporator <NUM> to provide a vapor-compression cycle for cooling the beverage container <NUM>. The cooling substance may be a refrigerant comprising at least one of hydrocarbon and hydrofluoroolefin, such as R-<NUM>, R-<NUM>, R-600a, R-454b, R-1234yf, R-514A, R-<NUM> CO2,R-1234ze and R-1233zd, most preferably R-600a.

A pressure source <NUM> can be further arranged in the housing <NUM> for providing an elevated pressure from a gas supply and for applying this pressure on the beverage container <NUM> to dispense a beverage. The pressure source <NUM> is in fluid communication with an inner space of the housing <NUM> for pressurizing and applying a force onto the beverage container <NUM>, collapsing the beverage container <NUM> and forcing the beverage through the beverage dispensing line <NUM> and out through the tapping head.

<FIG> shows a schematic horizontal cross-section along the axis S2 of the beverage dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this and other exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures, structures and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described or shown herein are denoted by the same reference numeral as previously used for simplicity.

As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may comprise a first housing portion <NUM> for receiving the beverage container <NUM>; and a second housing portion <NUM> arranged laterally to the first housing portion <NUM> and connected to the first housing portion <NUM> through the side wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the outlet apertures <NUM> are arranged in the side wall <NUM> of the first housing portion <NUM>; and the inlet apertures <NUM> are arranged in the side wall <NUM> of the second housing portion <NUM>, thereby allowing a channeled airflow between an outer side <NUM> of the first housing portion <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the second housing portion <NUM> through the air channel <NUM>. According to a specific example, both the heat exchange means <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> is arranged in the first housing portion <NUM>; while the compressor <NUM> is arranged in the second housing portion <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, at least one ventilator <NUM> is arranged in the air channel <NUM> for providing forced air flow in the air channel <NUM> at a fixed or adjustable speed. In preferred examples at least two ventilators <NUM> are arranged in the air channel <NUM>, along opposite sides of the housing <NUM>, the at least two ventilators <NUM> being arranged in parallel to provide a unilateral air flow, wherein air flows through all the ventilators <NUM> from the inlet aperture <NUM> to the outlet aperture <NUM>.

The first housing portion <NUM> may be larger than the second housing portion <NUM>, and the condenser <NUM> may be arranged in the first housing portion <NUM> so that it can provide a larger surface. The condenser <NUM> may be arranged at a side of the first housing portion <NUM> facing away from the second housing portion <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the second housing portion <NUM> is larger than the first housing portion <NUM>, and the condenser <NUM> is arranged in the second housing portion <NUM>, at a side of the second housing portion <NUM> facing away from the first housing portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a detailed horizontal cross-section along the axis S2 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this cross-section the arrangements of parts of the beverage dispensing system are more resembling specific working embodiments. In this and further preferred examples shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is defined horizontally by a rounded hourglass shape, the side wall <NUM> comprising four curved segments <NUM> (explained in more detail at <FIG>), the four curved segments <NUM> comprising two concave curved segments <NUM> and two convex curved segments <NUM> arranged intermittently. The condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> in these embodiments are arranged at respective concave curved segments <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of a beverage dispensing system cut at a horizontal plane in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, and in more detail in <FIG>, at least one partition wall <NUM> may further be arranged in the air channel <NUM> on an outflow side of the at least one ventilator <NUM>. Each partition wall <NUM> can be arranged to fill the cross-section of the air channel <NUM>, comprising a hole for restricting and channeling air flow from the respective ventilator <NUM> through the partition wall <NUM>.

As illustrated below in <FIG>, at least one partition wall <NUM> may further comprise flow directing means <NUM> for directing air flow from the partition wall <NUM> within the air channel <NUM>, the flow directing means <NUM> being arranged on an opposite side of the at least one partition wall <NUM> to the ventilator <NUM>. The flow directing means <NUM> may be in the form of a tapered spout of an adjustable or fixed direction, with a fixed or adjustable diameter.

In some examples, as illustrated in <FIG>, the cooling arrangement <NUM> may further comprise an additional heat sink layer <NUM>, made from a material of high thermal conductivity such as aluminium, for providing additional cooling when the beverage container <NUM> is received in the receptacle <NUM>. The heat sink layer <NUM> may be arranged in a base portion <NUM> or a lid portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, depending on location of the connection between the base <NUM> and the lid <NUM>, i.e. which portion has larger surface area.

As shown in <FIG> the side wall <NUM> may comprise an inlet segment <NUM> comprising a set of inlet apertures including the inlet aperture <NUM>; and an outlet segment <NUM> comprising a set of outlet apertures including the outlet aperture <NUM>. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is not according to the invention and is present for illustration purposes only.

In these exemplary embodiments at least one continuous segment <NUM> uninterrupted by apertures is also arranged between the inlet segment <NUM> and the outlet segment <NUM>. However, it is also possible that the side wall is apertured all along. The condenser <NUM> can be arranged in the air channel <NUM> in front of the outlet segment <NUM> for enabling efficient heat emission through the side wall <NUM>. In the embodiments illustrated, the condenser <NUM> is arranged in parallel to the outlet segment <NUM>, with a clearance arranged between the condenser <NUM> and the outlet segment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> specifically, but also in more embodiments throughout <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the side wall <NUM> comprises at least one curved segment <NUM>. As shown in these examples, at least one of the inlet apertures <NUM> or the outlet apertures <NUM> is arranged in such a curved segment <NUM>; and at least a portion of the condenser <NUM> is arranged in the air channel <NUM> along a curved segment <NUM>, the condenser <NUM> comprising curved ducts <NUM> corresponding to the shape a respective curved segment <NUM>.

In the embodiments as shown in e.g. <FIG>, <FIG>, at least some of the curved segments <NUM> are shaped as a half cylinder. In examples shown in e.g. <FIG>, <FIG> the side wall <NUM> comprises at least two curved segments <NUM> arranged at opposite sides of the housing <NUM>, wherein the inlet aperture <NUM> and the outlet aperture <NUM> are arranged in different ones of the at least two curved segments <NUM>; and wherein a compressor <NUM> is arranged in the housing <NUM> at a curved segment <NUM> opposite to the condenser <NUM>.

The condenser <NUM> may be arranged along at least a portion of the curved segment <NUM>. In other possible embodiments the condenser <NUM> is arranged along the entirety of the curved segment <NUM>, or the condenser <NUM> may even be extending over the curved segment <NUM> on at least on one end, as shown in <FIG>.

In examples such as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape may be defined by an oval, circular, or even elliptical cross section.

In an embodiment such as shown in <FIG>, the side wall <NUM> only comprises curved segments <NUM>.

In other embodiments such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the side wall <NUM> does not comprise any curved segments. These embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG> are not according to the invention and are present for illustration purposes only.

In some embodiment such as shown in <FIG>, the side wall <NUM> only comprises two curved segments <NUM>, the two curved segments <NUM> being connected by straight segments <NUM>, providing a straight slot shape for the housing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, which is a more detailed cross-section corresponding to the embodiment of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may comprise a receptacle <NUM> for receiving the beverage container <NUM>, the receptacle <NUM> comprising a base portion <NUM> and an at least partially removable lid portion <NUM>.

The receptacle <NUM> can define a sealable pressure chamber <NUM> when the lid portion <NUM> is attached to the base portion <NUM>, and pressurized fluid from the pressure source <NUM> can be applied to the pressure chamber <NUM> for pressurizing the beverage container <NUM> to dispense a beverage.

As shown in the partial cross-section of <FIG>, the beverage container <NUM> may comprise a closure <NUM> with a beverage outlet <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> designed to accommodate the closure <NUM> and at least a portion of the beverage container <NUM> when the beverage container <NUM> is received in the housing <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is delimited at least partially by the heat sink wall <NUM> with evaporator <NUM> lines arranged in a spiral to at least partially surround the heat sink wall <NUM> for cooling the beverage container <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the heat exchange means <NUM> comprising the evaporator <NUM> arranged in thermal connection with the heat sink wall <NUM> may be arranged in the base portion <NUM>, and at least a portion of the additional heat sink layer <NUM> as described before can be arranged in the lid portion <NUM>. In such embodiments, the housing <NUM> may further comprise a thermal bridge <NUM> of any known and suitable means, arranged between the base portion <NUM> and the lid portion <NUM>, providing a thermally conductive connection between the additional heat sink layer <NUM> and any of the heat exchange means <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the beverage dispensing line <NUM> connected on one end to a beverage outlet <NUM>, and the cooling arrangement <NUM> comprises a compressor <NUM> that can emit heat. For keeping the beverage being dispensed at a lower temperature, shielded from the heat emitted by the compressor <NUM>, a heat insulation layer <NUM> may be arranged between at least a portion of the beverage dispensing line <NUM> and the compressor <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, at least one portion of the beverage dispensing line <NUM> may be disposed in thermal connection with the heat sink layer <NUM>, when the beverage container <NUM> is received in the housing <NUM>, for providing additional cooling for the beverage flowing in the beverage dispensing line <NUM>. This can be achieved by for example arranging the portion of the beverage dispensing line <NUM> to run close to the beverage container <NUM> and using a metal-based thermal bridge between the heat sink layer <NUM> and the portion of the beverage dispensing line <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a partial isometric cross-section along the axis S1 of a beverage dispensing system with a cooling arrangement <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in the figure, a heat insulation layer <NUM> is arranged between a portion of the beverage dispensing line <NUM> and the compressor <NUM>. The figure also illustrates the inlet segment <NUM> comprising a set of horizontal inlet apertures <NUM>; and an outlet segment <NUM> comprising a set of horizontal outlet apertures <NUM>. The condenser <NUM> as shown in the right side of the figure is arranged in the air channel <NUM> along a curved back side of the housing, the condenser <NUM> comprising curved ducts <NUM> corresponding to the shape a respective curved segment <NUM>. As also can be seen in <FIG>, the air channel <NUM> extends between the compressor <NUM> and the inlet segment <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a partial isometric side view of a beverage dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the housing and some further parts are removed for better visibility of parts of the cooling arrangement <NUM>. In particular, a partition wall <NUM> is shown arranged in the air channel <NUM> on an outflow side of a ventilator <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM> is be arranged to fill the cross-section of the air channel <NUM>, comprising a hole for restricting and channeling air flow from the ventilator <NUM> through the partition wall <NUM>. <FIG> furthers shows a practical arrangement of the cooling duct connecting the compressor <NUM> with the evaporator <NUM> (now shown). The figure also shows the arrangement of the base portion <NUM> and the removable lid portion <NUM> defining a sealable pressure chamber <NUM> as the lid portion <NUM> is attached to the base portion <NUM>.

Finally, as also shown in <FIG>, similarly as in <FIG>, the condenser <NUM> comprises curved ducts <NUM> corresponding to the shape a respective curved segment <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> (not shown).

<FIG> show a schematic vertical cross-section of a beverage dispensing system in accordance with further possible embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the tapping head is directly mounted on a body <NUM> of the beverage dispensing system. In such exemplary embodiments the beverage container <NUM> may comprise a beverage filled bag <NUM> inside an outer shell <NUM>, wherein pressurized fluid from the pressure source <NUM> can be applied to a space <NUM> between the outer shell <NUM> and the bag <NUM> for pressurizing the beverage container <NUM> to dispense a beverage.

Apart from the above, this alternative embodiment comprises corresponding structures and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described and are shown herein denoted by the same reference numeral as previously used for simplicity, such as an evaporator <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, and a compressor <NUM>.

In particular, the housing <NUM> comprises evaporator <NUM> lines arranged in a spiral to surround the lower portion of the beverage container <NUM>, which is arranged with a beverage outlet <NUM> connected to a beverage dispensing line <NUM> that leads to a tapping head.

Also similarly as described before, the housing <NUM> may comprise a receptacle <NUM> for receiving the beverage container <NUM>, the receptacle <NUM> comprising a base portion <NUM> and an at least partially removable lid portion <NUM>.

In all of the alternative embodiments shown in <FIG>, similarly as described before, at least one inlet aperture <NUM> is arranged in the side wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> for allowing airflow from a space outside the housing <NUM> into the enclosure (illustrated by the arrows on the left); while a further at least one outlet aperture <NUM> is also arranged in the side wall <NUM> downstream from the inlet aperture <NUM> for allowing airflow from the enclosure to a space outside the housing <NUM> (illustrated by the arrows on the right).

An air channel <NUM> is arranged in the housing <NUM> of all embodiments to extend at least between the inlet aperture <NUM> and the outlet aperture <NUM>. The air channel <NUM> in all cases extends along an inner side of the side wall <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> may comprise an inlet segment <NUM> comprising a set of inlet apertures <NUM>; and an outlet segment <NUM> comprising a set of outlet apertures <NUM>. In these exemplary embodiments at least one continuous segment <NUM> uninterrupted by apertures is also arranged between the inlet segment <NUM> and the outlet segment <NUM>, however it is also possible that the side wall is apertured all along. The condenser <NUM> as shown can be arranged in the air channel <NUM> in front of the outlet segment <NUM> for enabling efficient heat emission through the side wall <NUM>. In the embodiments illustrated, the condenser <NUM> is arranged in parallel to the outlet segment <NUM>, in a curved shape, with a clearance arranged between the condenser <NUM> and the outlet segment <NUM>.

<FIG> show schematic horizontal cross-sections of beverage dispensing systems, corresponding to the embodiment of <FIG> using a double-layered beverage container <NUM>. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is not according to the invention and is present for illustration purposes only.

As described before, in embodiments such as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape may be defined by an oval, circular, or even elliptical cross section.

In the embodiments such as shown in <FIG>, the side wall <NUM> only comprises curved segments <NUM>.

In other illustrated embodiments such as shown in <FIG>, present for illustration purposes only and not according to the invention, the side wall <NUM> does not comprise any curved segments.

The beverage dispensing system may further comprise a first electric power unit including a mains supply and a second power unit including a battery supply, and, optionally, a third power supply including a solar power supply. In order to further enhance the modularity of the system, it may be compatible with different power supplies. For fixed indoor installations, a mains power supply, e.g. 115V or 230V AC household supply, is preferred since it offers essentially unlimited power to the system for powering both cooling and pressurization units as well as other features such as lighting etc. Batteries may advantageously be used in mobile appliances. The batteries may e.g. be rechargeable by the use of a mains supply and a power converter. Solar power may be used for directly powering the beverage dispensing system, however, due to the limited output of solar cells when no direct sunlight is available it is mostly considered an auxiliary power unit to be used in conjunction with rechargeable batteries.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claim 1:
A beverage dispensing system comprising
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a bottom (<NUM>), a top (<NUM>), and a continuous side wall (<NUM>) together defining an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of a beverage container (<NUM>), the side wall (<NUM>) comprising at least one curved segment (<NUM>) ;
a pressure source (<NUM>) for applying pressure on said beverage container (<NUM>) to dispense a beverage;
an inlet aperture (<NUM>) arranged in the side wall (<NUM>) for allowing airflow from a space outside the housing (<NUM>) into said enclosure;
an outlet aperture (<NUM>) arranged in the side wall (<NUM>) downstream from said inlet aperture (<NUM>) for allowing airflow from said enclosure to a space outside the housing (<NUM>) ;
an air channel (<NUM>) extending at least between said inlet aperture (<NUM>) and said outlet aperture (<NUM>); and
a cooling arrangement (<NUM>) comprising:
heat exchange means (<NUM>) arranged in the housing (<NUM>) for receiving heat from the beverage container (<NUM>) when the beverage container (<NUM>) is received in the housing (<NUM>); and
a condenser (<NUM>) arranged in the air channel (<NUM>) and in thermal connection with said heat exchange means (<NUM>), for emitting heat received from the beverage container (<NUM>) to the air channel (<NUM>), characterized in that:
at least one of said inlet aperture (<NUM>) or said outlet aperture (<NUM>) is arranged in the at least one curved segment (<NUM>); and
wherein at least a portion of said condenser (<NUM>) is arranged in the air channel (<NUM>) along the at least one curved segment (<NUM>), said condenser (<NUM>) comprising curved ducts (<NUM>) corresponding to the shape of a respective curved segment (<NUM>).