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EP4638340A1 - Dispositif de distribution de fluide à vanne transparente entourée d'une lampe uv-c - Google Patents

Dispositif de distribution de fluide à vanne transparente entourée d'une lampe uv-c

Info

Publication number
EP4638340A1
EP4638340A1 EP23836429.3A EP23836429A EP4638340A1 EP 4638340 A1 EP4638340 A1 EP 4638340A1 EP 23836429 A EP23836429 A EP 23836429A EP 4638340 A1 EP4638340 A1 EP 4638340A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
outer body
valve
dispensing device
closed configuration
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23836429.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Hendrik Johan Dees
Willem Johan Plantinga
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV filed Critical Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Publication of EP4638340A1 publication Critical patent/EP4638340A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1256—Anti-dripping devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B2/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
    • A23B2/50—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by irradiation without heating
    • A23B2/53—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by irradiation without heating with ultraviolet light
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B70/00—Preservation of non-alcoholic beverages
    • A23B70/50—Preservation of non-alcoholic beverages by irradiation or electric treatment, without heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/07—Cleaning beverage-dispensing apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0878—Safety, warning or controlling devices
    • B67D1/0887—Sanitary protection means for dispensing nozzles or taps, e.g. outlet closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0058—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0878—Safety, warning or controlling devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/07—Cleaning beverage-dispensing apparatus
    • B67D2001/075—Sanitising or sterilising the apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00002—Purifying means
    • B67D2210/00013—Sterilising means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00002—Purifying means
    • B67D2210/00013—Sterilising means
    • B67D2210/00015—UV radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0058—Details
    • B67D3/0074—Safety or warning devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0058—Details
    • B67D3/0077—Electronic circuitry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid dispensing device, a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device and a method of disinfecting a valve within a fluid dispensing device.
  • Beverage dispensers typically comprise a fixed or removable packaging or container containing a beverage, or containing a liquid beverage ingredient such as milk, coffee, tea or chocolate.
  • the container or packaging normally includes an opening valve which can be actuated to allow the beverage or ingredient to flow out of the container or packaging. Opening and closing the valve or the container or packaging allows the beverage to be dispensed in desired quantities but can also allow microorganisms to enter the valve during use, which can impact the taste of the beverage and can be harmful to the consumer.
  • Beverage dispensers therefore often comprise a refrigeration unit to slow the growth of microorganisms and extend the lifetime of the beverage ingredients. The refrigeration unit can require a significant fraction of the energy requirement of a beverage dispensing apparatus.
  • Valves can be used which substantially prevent microorganisms from entering the container or packaging, however, they may still trap live microorganisms in the valve or valve complex, which may then be dispensed during the next use of the apparatus, potentially causing spoilage and or contamination of the beverage. There is also a chance that live microorganisms can enter the beverage container or packaging, even with sophisticated valves in place. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a valve in a beverage dispensing apparatus which allows liquid ingredient(s) to leave the container or packaging, but without allowing live microorganisms to enter the container or packaging. It would therefore also be advantageous to provide an aseptic valve within a fluid dispensing device which prevents the entry of live microorganisms into the aseptic beverage liquid environment of the dispensing device thereby maintaining an aseptic environment during use.
  • a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising an aseptic fluid dispensing device, which does not require a refrigeration unit to reduce the complexity of the beverage dispensing apparatus, and to reduce the energy requirements and running costs of the beverage dispensing apparatus.
  • a fluid dispensing apparatus which includes a dispensing valve, in which the valve can be treated to kill or suppress microorganisms trapped therein, without requiring treatment of other parts of the apparatus.
  • a fluid dispensing device comprising: a valve comprising a tubular UV-C penetrable outer body and an inner body located concentrically within the outer body, wherein at least part of the inner body is configured within the outer body to move between an open configuration, in which fluid can flow between the two bodies, and a closed configuration comprising a closed configuration region where fluid flow is substantially prevented; a UV-C light emitter configured to emit UV-C light through at least part of the outer body located at the closed configuration region; and a fluid source connector.
  • the valve is a one-way flow valve.
  • the valve may be a pressure actuated valve.
  • the pressure actuated valve may open when fluid pressure is increased and close when fluid pressure is released.
  • the pressure actuated valve may open when fluid pressure is applied to the junction between the inner and outer bodies in the closed configuration and close when fluid pressure is reduced or released, to move the inner and outer bodies to the open configuration.
  • the pressure actuated valve may open when fluid pressure is applied to the junction between the inner and outer bodies in the closed configuration and close when fluid pressure is reduced or released, to move the inner body concentrically or laterally away from the outer body to the open configuration.
  • Such a valve may create a one-way flow that substantially or completely prevents backflow. This may be advantageous because it may prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from entering the fluid dispensing device thereby maintaining an aseptic environment.
  • the tubular outer body of the valve may comprise a single wall.
  • the tubular outer body may comprise one outer wall or a plurality outer walls, which may be concentric.
  • the cross section of the tubular outer body and/or outer body wall(s) may be circular, oval or any other suitable shape.
  • the tubular outer body may comprise a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end.
  • the tubular outer body may comprise an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in contact with the fluid in use.
  • the outer body may be substantially rigid. “Rigid” is defined as unable to bend or deform under operational conditions of the fluid dispensing device. This may be advantageous because the fluid inlet end of the rigid outer body may be easily attached to the fluid source connector such that the fluid dispensing device may be easily attached and detached in use. This may be advantageous because it may allow the fluid dispensing device to be easily removable and replaceable during use for example when the fluid has been used and new fluid needs to be attached.
  • the outer body may comprise any suitable UV-C penetrable material such that UV-C light can pass through the outer body to the inner body.
  • the outer body may be UV-C transparent.
  • the outer body may be any suitable rigid UV-C penetrable or UV- C transparent material. Examples of suitable UV-C penetrable materials are a polymer or quartz glass. Suitable polymers include cyclic olefin copolymers (such as those sold under the TOPAS® brand) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) polymers.
  • UV-C light may be directed to and through the outer body to kill, inactivate and/or suppress any microorganisms between the inner and outer body in the valve and/or any microorganisms in any fluid trapped between the inner and outer body, thereby maintaining an aseptic environment.
  • the inner body may be located within the tubular outer body such that the inner body is surrounded by the outer body.
  • the inner body may be located at or near the fluid outlet end of the outer body.
  • the inner body may comprise a tubular inner body.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the inner body may be circular, oval, or any other suitable shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the inner body may be the same as the outer body but smaller such that the inner body is located concentrically within the outer body and arranged such that the inner body in the closed configuration region, at least, is in contact with a portion of the inner surface of the outer body wall when the valve is in the closed configuration and substantially no fluid or only a minuscule layer of fluid is present between the inner and outer bodies.
  • the inner body may comprise a hollow body.
  • the hollow inner body may be tubular and closed at one or both ends.
  • the inner body is a tubular body closed at an upper end thereof.
  • the closed upper end may taper outwardly to a tubular inner body wall.
  • the inner body may comprise an inverted V or U-shaped body within the outer body.
  • the inner body may be a flexible inner body. “Flexible” is defined as able to deform, stretch or bend under operational conditions.
  • the inner body may comprise any flexible material such as an elastomer.
  • the flexible inner body may move to the open configuration when fluid pressure within the valve (e.g. fluid pressure asserted between the inner and outer bodies) is increased. At least part of the flexible inner body may move to the open configuration by moving circumferentially or concentrically away from the outer body. At least part of the flexible inner body may move to the open configuration by moving laterally away from the outer body.
  • the flexible inner body may move by being deformed.
  • the flexible inner body may move by being bent or twisted.
  • the flexible inner body may be deformed to the open configuration such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the outer body and the inner body such that fluid may pass through the gap and out of the valve.
  • the flexible inner body may deform circumferentially or concentrically away from the outer body to the open configuration such that there is a circumferential gap between at least part of the the inner surface of the outer body and the inner body such that fluid may pass through the gap and out of the valve.
  • the inner body in the closed configuration region is in contact with the inner surface of the outer body in the closed configuration region such that fluid flow is substantially prevented between the inner and outer body in the closed configuration region.
  • a rigid outer body and pressure-actuated flexible inner body may be advantageous because such a configuration may prevent substantial backflow between uses which in turn prevents the entry of foreign substances into the valve in the closed configuration region thereby maintaining a substantially aseptic environment.
  • the UV-C light emitter is configured to direct UV-C light circumferentially through the surface of the outer body of the valve. In some embodiments the UV-C light emitter is configured to direct UV-C light around and through a portion of the entire circumference of the outer body of the valve, which portion includes the outer body in the closed configuration region.
  • the portion may be a band around the outer body.
  • the band may be no more than 50 mm , 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, or no more than 30 mm wide.
  • the band may be no more than 25 mm, 20 mm, 18 mm, 15 mm or no more than 12 mm wide.
  • the band may be at least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm or at least 8 mm wide.
  • the band may be between 5 mm and 50 mm wide, between 8 mm and 50 mm wide, between 8 mm and 40 mm wide, or between 8 mm and 30 mm wide.
  • a UV-C light emitter which directs UV-C light to a portion of the outer body of the valve (which includes the closed configuration region) may be advantageous because it may disinfect any residual fluid within the portion such that a disinfected barrier is formed which prevents the entry of live bacteria or any other live microorganisms further into the valve and/or fluid source connector thereby maintaining an aseptic environment within the valve and the fluid.
  • the UV-C light may be directed to the outer body of the valve by way of mirrors, light guides made of UV-C transparent material, or other reflective surfaces. This may be advantageous because the UV-C light may be accurately directed towards the targeted portion of the valve.
  • the UV-C light emitter may be fixed in place in the device. In some embodiments the UV-C light emitter may be movable up and down the outer body of the valve. In some embodiments the UV-C light emitter is configured to direct UV-C light around and through a portion of the entire circumference of the outer body of the valve (such as a band, for example), which portion includes the outer body in the closed configuration region, and the UV-C light emitter may be movable up and down the outer body of the valve. This may be advantageous such that the UV-C light emitter may be moved should the angle or the position of the valve need to be moved in use, or if the emitter is required to move to irradiate specific bands along the outer body, in use.
  • the fluid source connector is connected to the outer body of the valve.
  • the fluid source connector may be located at the fluid inlet end of the outer body.
  • the fluid source connector may connect the valve to a fluid source via any suitable connector, such as a push fit connector, screw-fit connector, or bayonet fitting, for example.
  • the fluid source connector may comprise at least one conduit.
  • a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising at least one fluid dispensing device according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus may comprise a beverage fluid source.
  • the beverage fluid source may be a beverage fluid storage container comprising a beverage liquid.
  • the fluid storage connector may be integrated with or within the beverage dispensing apparatus or may be removably connectable or connected to the apparatus.
  • the fluid storage container may be an integrated or removable pouch or bag comprising the beverage liquid.
  • the beverage liquid may be selected from the group comprising milk, plant-based milk, flavoured milk, tea, coffee, chocolate, water and any other liquid beverage or liquid beverage concentrate.
  • the beverage fluid may be aseptically stored within the beverage fluid storage container.
  • the beverage fluid within the storage container may be held at a temperature of between 3 °C and 40 °C.
  • the beverage fluid may be held at temperatures between 5 °C and 40 °C, 7 °C and 40 °C, 10 °C and 35 °C or between 12 °C and 30 °C.
  • the beverage fluid is stored at room temperature such that the beverage fluid source does not require a refrigeration device to keep the beverage fluid chilled.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus may not comprise a refrigeration device. This embodiment may be advantageous because a non-refrigerated beverage dispensing device may require less energy to run and may be cheaper to manufacture and maintain.
  • Embodiments of the invention which comprise a fluid dispensing device according to the first aspect of the invention may offer a wide range of drinks comprising ingredients which would otherwise require use of refrigeration or which otherwise would not be viable even with refrigeration.
  • the fluid source connector may connect the valve to the beverage fluid source by pushing, screwing or clipping.
  • the fluid dispensing device comprises an aseptic valve which prevents the entry of live bacteria and other live microorganisms or foreign substances into the beverage fluid or into the beverage fluid source connecter which may then enter the beverage fluid. If bacteria or other microorganisms are entrained in beverage fluid trapped in the valve, for example in a thin layer between the inner and outer bodies of the fluid dispensing device in the closed configuration region, the UV-C emitter is able to kill or supress the microorganism, so that in the event they enter the fluid source connector and/or the fluid source container, they are not able to multiply and cause spoilage.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus according to the invention which does not require a refrigeration unit is advantageous because it reduces the energy requirements of the beverage apparatus and may also reduce the complexity of the beverage apparatus.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus may comprise a pump located between the beverage fluid source and the fluid dispensing device.
  • the pump may increase the pressure of the beverage fluid when the beverage fluid is transferred from the fluid source to the valve.
  • the pump may also control the dosing volume of the beverage fluid.
  • the pump may be controlled externally by a computer or by any other suitable mechanical and/or electronic means within the beverage apparatus. This may be advantageous because the dosing volume of the beverage fluid can be controlled such that beverages of different types or of a consistent type may be made by the beverage dispensing apparatus.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4 or at least 5 fluid dispensing devices.
  • each fluid dispensing device is connected to a separate beverage fluid source (such as separate fluid storage containers).
  • multiple fluid dispensing devices are connected to the same beverage fluid source.
  • the beverage fluid source, the fluid source connector and the fluid dispensing device are all removable from the beverage apparatus, which may make it more convenient to change the beverage fluid source when required or desired.
  • a method of disinfecting a valve within a fluid dispensing device wherein the valve comprises a tubular UV-C penetrable outer body and an inner body located concentrically within the outer body, wherein at least part of the inner body is configured within the outer body to move between an open configuration, in which fluid can flow between the two bodies, and a closed configuration comprising a closed configuration region where fluid flow is substantially prevented, the method comprising the steps a) moving the inner body or part of the inner body to the closed configuration to form the closed configuration region, and b) directing UV-C light through at least part of the outer body located in the closed configuration region.
  • the fluid dispensing device may be according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the fluid dispensing device may be within a beverage dispensing apparatus of the second aspect of the invention.
  • the fluid may be a beverage fluid, which may be as described hereinabove for the second aspect of the invention.
  • the beverage fluid is a beverage liquid, which may be selected from milk, a milk-based beverage, coffee, chocolate, tea, soup or the like, for example.
  • step a) may comprise transporting a fluid through the valve when the outer and inner bodies are in the open configuration, then moving the inner body into the closed configuration and trapping a layer of fluid between the outer and the inner body of the valve in the closed configuration region.
  • step a) may comprise transporting a fluid through the valve when the outer and inner bodies are in the open configuration, then moving the inner body concentrically or laterally into the closed configuration and trapping a layer of fluid between the outer and the inner body of the valve in the closed configuration region.
  • step b) may comprise directing the UV-C light to through the outer body and through the layer of fluid.
  • the fluid may be a liquid.
  • the fluid may preferably be a liquid beverage.
  • the UV-C light emitter is configured to direct UV-C light around and through the entire circumference of the outer body of the valve.
  • the UV-C light emitter is configured to direct UV-C light around and through an annular portion of the entire circumference of the outer body of the valve, which portion includes the outer body in the closed configuration region.
  • the portion may be a band around the circumference of the outer body.
  • the band may be no more than 50 mm , 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, or no more than 30 mm wide.
  • the band may be no more than 25 mm, 20 mm, 18 mm, 15 mm or no more than 12 mm wide.
  • the band may be at least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm or at least 8 mm wide.
  • the band may be between 5 mm and 50 mm wide, between 8 mm and 50 mm wide, between 8 mm and 40 mm wide, or between 8 mm and 30 mm wide.
  • the UV-C light emitter emits UV-C light intermittently during step b). In some embodiments the UV-C light emitter emits light over a period of at least 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, or at least 30 seconds, and in some embodiments may emit light intermittently over this period.
  • the UV-C light emitter emits light over a period of no more than 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, or no more than 5 minutes, and in some embodiments may emit light intermittently over this period.
  • the presence of a UV-C light emitter which directs UV-C light to a portion of the outer body of the valve (which includes the closed configuration region) may be advantageous because it may disinfect any residual fluid within the portion of the band such that a disinfected barrier is formed which prevents the entry of live bacteria or any other live microorganisms further into the valve and/or fluid source connector thereby maintaining an aseptic environment within the valve and the fluid.
  • the layer of fluid may be no more than 1 mm thick.
  • the layer of fluid may be no more than 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or no more than 0.1 mm thick. In some embodiments the layer of fluid may be no more than 0.08 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.03 mm, 0.02 mm or no more than 0.01 mm thick. This may be advantageous because the UV-C light may penetrate and disinfect all of the entire thickness of the layer of fluid such that it is creates a disinfected barrier which may prevent or slow the growth of bacteria within the valve. This may in turn be advantageous because it may prevent the entry of live bacteria or fungus into the beverage liquid connected to the fluid dispensing device which in turn may extend the shelf life of the fluid.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a fluid dispensing device of the first aspect of the invention in a closed configuration
  • Figure 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment of a fluid dispensing device of the first aspect of the invention as shown in figure 1, in an open configuration
  • Figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing apparatus of the second aspect of the invention
  • a first embodiment of a fluid dispensing device (1) of the first aspect of the invention is illustrated by way of figure 1 and figure 2.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the fluid dispensing device (1) in a closed configuration.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the fluid dispensing device (1) in an open configuration.
  • the fluid dispensing device (1) comprises a valve (2) wherein the valve comprises an outer body (3).
  • the outer body (3) comprises a wall (4) arranged in a tubular shape with a circular cross section.
  • the wall comprises an outer surface (6) and an inner surface (8).
  • the inner surface (8) is in contact with a fluid when fluid enters the outer body (3).
  • the tubular outer body (3) comprises a rigid, UV-C penetrable material such as a UV-C penetrable polymer or quartz glass.
  • the tubular outer body (3) comprises two ends: the fluid outlet end (7) and a fluid inlet end (9).
  • the fluid inlet end (9) is connected to a fluid source by way of a fluid source connector (11). In use, fluid travels through the valve from the fluid inlet end (9) to the fluid outlet end (7) where it exits the valve (2).
  • the valve (2) further comprises an inner body (10) located concentrically within the tubular outer body (3) such that the outer body (3) surrounds the inner body (10).
  • the inner body (10) is located at or near the fluid outlet end (7) of the outer body (3).
  • the inner body (10) comprises a wall (12) arranged in a tubular shape with a circular cross-section.
  • the inner body wall (12) comprises an inner surface (14) and an outer surface (16).
  • the inner body (10) comprises two ends (18, 20): the fluid outlet end (18) located within the fluid outlet end (7) of the outer body (3) and the inner end (20) inserted within the outer body (3).
  • the inner end (20) comprises a top (22).
  • the top (22) is circular, such that the inner body wall (12) extends from the top (22).
  • the top (22) and the wall (12) of the inner body (10) may comprise one, moulded piece without any joints.
  • the inner body (10) comprises a flexible polymer material suitable for moving or deforming in use.
  • the top (22) forms a cover over the inner body wall to prevent beverage liquid flowing into the cavity of the inner body wall (12) during use, and ensures beverage liquid flows between the inner body wall (12) and outer body (3) during fluid flow, in use.
  • the valve is movable between an open configuration shown in figure 2, and a closed configuration, shown in figure 1.
  • the outer surface (16) of the inner body wall (12) of the inner body (10) abuts the inner surface (8) of the outer body wall (4) and creates a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween, which forms a closed configuration region.
  • the closed configuration region may consist of the whole inner body (10) and the area of the outer body (3) abutting the inner body (10).
  • the inner body (10) may abut the outer body (3) along a portion of the inner body (10) only, in the closed configuration region.
  • Figure 2 shows the valve (2) in an open configuration, wherein the outer surface (16) of the inner body wall (12) is spaced apart from the inner surface (8) of the outer body wall (4), creating a circumferential gap to allow fluid to pass through the valve (2) along the gap formed between the walls of the inner body (10) and outer body (3).
  • the fluid dispensing device (1) further comprises a UV-C light emitter (24) which surrounds the outer body (3) of the valve (2).
  • the UV-C light emitter (24) comprises a UV-C light emitting bulb (26).
  • a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing apparatus (30) of the second aspect of the invention is illustrated in figure 3.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus (30) comprises a fluid dispensing device (1) according to the first aspect of the invention and as shown in figures 1 and 2.
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus (30) comprises a fluid source (32) in the form of a storage container or storage pouch (33) wherein a bulk fluid in the form of a beverage liquid (34) is stored.
  • the beverage liquid (34) may, for example, be milk, plant-based milk, flavoured milk, tea, coffee, water or any other beverage or concentrate.
  • the beverage liquid (34) is milk.
  • the fluid dispensing device (1) is connected to the fluid source (32) by at least one pipe (36).
  • the beverage dispensing apparatus (30) further comprises a pump (38) located between the fluid source (32) and the fluid dispensing device (1).
  • a pump (38) located between the fluid source (32) and the fluid dispensing device (1).
  • Each of the fluid dispensing device (1), the pipe (36), the pump (38) and the storage pouch (33) are removable and replaceable portions of the beverage dispensing apparatus (30) such that when beverage liquid (34) in the storage pouch (33) is expended, or it is desired to change the storage pouch (33), the storage pouch (33) and if required, one or more of the pipe (36), the pump (38) and the fluid dispensing device (1) can be replaced.
  • beverage liquid (34) is transported from the storage pouch (33) through the at least one pipe (36) to the pump (38) wherein the pressure of the fluid is increased.
  • the beverage liquid (34) is then transported to the fluid dispensing device (1).
  • the beverage liquid (34) enters the fluid dispensing device (1) into the outer body (3) at the fluid inlet end (9).
  • the beverage liquid (34) is then transported through the tubular outer body (3) towards the inner body (10) where it comes into contact with the top (22) of the inner body and also into contact with the abutting region of the inner (10) and outer (3) body.
  • the pressure of the beverage liquid (34) in contact with the inner body (10) results in the inner body (10) moving from the closed configuration shown figure 1 to the open configuration shown in figure 2.
  • the inner surface (8) of the outer body of the valve (2) and the outer surface (16) of the inner body are substantially in contact such that substantially no beverage liquid (34) may pass through the valve (2).
  • the inner body (10) moves away from the outer body (3) such that a circumferential gap (19) is formed between the wall of the inner body (12) and the wall of the outer body (4).
  • the inner body (10) moves by being deformed under fluid pressure.
  • the beverage liquid (34) then passes through the circumferential gap (19) and out of the fluid dispensing device (1) via the fluid outlet end (7).
  • the pump (38) controls the dosage of the beverage liquid (34). Once the required dosage of beverage liquid (34) is ejected out of the valve (2), the fluid pressure is reduced, and the valve (2) returns to the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the wall of the inner body (12) and the wall of the outer body (4) in the closed configuration region are essentially in contact such that the gap (19) does not substantially exist. The closed configuration also prevents backflow of the beverage liquid (34) which may still be present at the outlet end (7), for example adhering to the outlet end (7).
  • the layer of beverage liquid may be between 0.03 mm and 0.05 mm thick, for example, but the thickness will depend on the configuration of the device (1) and the abutment of the inner body (10) and outer body (3) in the closed configuration.
  • the UV-C light emitter (24) can be activated.
  • the UV-C light emitter (24) directs UV-C light to the valve (2) in a 30 mm height circumferential band around an area of the valve (2) in the closed configuration region formed where the inner body wall (12) and outer body wall (4) abut.
  • the UV-C light penetrates the wall (4) of the outer body (3) of the valve (2) and the layer of beverage liquid trapped between the walls (4, 12).
  • the layer of beverage liquid is disinfected by the UV-C light emitted by the UV-C light emitter (24).
  • the emitted UV-C light has a wavelength of between 200 nm and 300 nm.
  • the UV-C light is emitted in a band wherein the width of the band is between 12 mm and 30 mm.
  • the layer of beverage liquid having a thickness of 0.03 mm and 0.05 mm is particularly advantageous for milk or milk-containing beverage layers trapped between the walls (4, 12) because the penetration distance of UV-C light in milk is approximately 0.035-0.05 mm, and therefore the UV-C light will penetrate the entire thickness of the layer of milk or milk-containing beverage and create a disinfected band of milk. This creates a barrier of inactivated microorganisms within the valve (2) in the layer of milk trapped in the closed configuration area.
  • the barrier also prevents or reduces the entry of further microorganisms into the beverage liquid and especially into the beverage liquid upstream of the valve (2), for example which may be in the fluid source connector (11), pipe (36) and storage pouch (33), enabling the beverage liquid to be stored at room temperature without, or reducing the requirement for, refrigeration, whilst still maintaining food safety and maintaining the desired taste of the beverage liquid.
  • This is advantageous because it reduces energy used by the beverage dispensing apparatus (3) therefore the beverage dispensing apparatus (3) is more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run due to the lower energy requirements.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution de fluide (1) comprenant : une vanne (2) comprenant un corps externe tubulaire perméable aux UV-C (3) et un corps interne (10) situé de manière concentrique à l'intérieur du corps externe, au moins une partie du corps interne étant conçue à l'intérieur du corps externe pour se déplacer entre une configuration ouverte, dans laquelle un fluide peut s'écouler entre les deux corps, et une configuration fermée comprenant une région de configuration fermée où l'écoulement de fluide est sensiblement empêché ; un émetteur de lumière UV-C (24) conçu pour émettre une lumière UV-C à travers au moins une partie du corps externe dans la région de configuration fermée ; et un raccord de source de fluide (11).
EP23836429.3A 2022-12-19 2023-12-19 Dispositif de distribution de fluide à vanne transparente entourée d'une lampe uv-c Pending EP4638340A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2219145.6A GB2625530A (en) 2022-12-19 2022-12-19 Fluid dispensing device
PCT/EP2023/086663 WO2024133279A1 (fr) 2022-12-19 2023-12-19 Dispositif de distribution de fluide à vanne transparente entourée d'une lampe uv-c

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4638340A1 true EP4638340A1 (fr) 2025-10-29

Family

ID=85035894

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23836429.3A Pending EP4638340A1 (fr) 2022-12-19 2023-12-19 Dispositif de distribution de fluide à vanne transparente entourée d'une lampe uv-c

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4638340A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2625530A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024133279A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007055449A1 (de) * 2007-05-29 2008-12-04 Lutz Ehrlich Zapfstelle
KR101213436B1 (ko) * 2011-12-02 2013-01-10 임일선 자외선 살균 정수기 꼭지
JP6117586B2 (ja) * 2013-03-27 2017-04-19 株式会社コスモライフ ウォーターサーバー
CN107922178B (zh) * 2015-08-25 2020-01-14 雀巢产品有限公司 用于包装件的配件和用于由通过装置供应至包装件的液体制备饮料的包装件
JP6878795B2 (ja) * 2016-08-31 2021-06-02 東芝ライテック株式会社 殺菌装置
WO2020198439A1 (fr) * 2019-03-26 2020-10-01 Mag Aerospace Industries, Llc Unité uv à del en anneau pour désinfection de l'eau

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2024133279A1 (fr) 2024-06-27
GB2625530A (en) 2024-06-26
GB202219145D0 (en) 2023-02-01

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