WATER DISPENSER WITH BAG-PIERCING MECHANISM

[0001] The present invention relates to the sector of dispensing drinking water through dedicated dispensers, of the "domestic" type, capable of dispensing water directly into a glass. In particular, the present invention relates to a water dispenser for supplying drinking water contained in a flexible and collapsible bag .

[0002] It is known to provide containment systems for natural water (or in any case drinking water) in rigid containers, such as the so-called "dispenser bottles", sealed and designed to be inserted in a water dispenser to supply water directly into a glass. Typically, the above-mentioned dispensers provide a dispenser bottle arranged upside down over a water dispenser, which dispenses the water directly into a glass or into a jug or bottle drawing it from the dispenser bottle and possibly cooling it.

[0003] However, the systems of the known art suffer from some drawbacks. Firstly, the rigid containers such as tanks and bottles and, consequently, the known dispensing systems suffer from some problems connected with transportation and storage, as they are bulky, inflexible for storage in small environments and also difficult to handle. Secondly, bacterial proliferation is facilitated around the mouth of the dispenser bottles and around the mouth housing seat on the water dispensers. In fact, the bacteria find an ideal environment between the ridges and recesses both of the mouth of the bottle and in the mouth housing seat on the dispenser.

[0004] Not only this, in order to balance the pressure inside the dispenser bottle with that outside, during the delivery of water from the dispenser bottle air from the outside environment is drawn in. This causes the entry of environmental pollutants and airborne bacteria into the dispenser bottle, contaminating the water contained therein and further contributing to the proliferation of bacteria .

[0005] Furthermore, the bottles of the known art made of polycarbonate run the risk of releasing bisphenol A (BPA) , a well-known toxicity risk.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known that loading heavy and bulky bottles into dispensers is a somewhat awkward and unergonomic operation.

[0007] The present invention lies within the preceding context, proposing to provide a water dispenser capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular designed to enable simplicity of use by the final user, ease of handling and at the same time an improved hygienic aspect.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a water dispenser, a method for dispensing water and a method for loading a bag, according to the accompanying independent claims. The claims dependent thereon describe preferred variations .

[0009] The subject matter of the present invention will now be described in detail with the help of the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the water dispenser of Figure 1, wherein some components have been artificially removed for the purpose of clearer illustration;

[0012] - Figure 3 is a detail of a cross-sectional view of a container of a bag and of a bag opening device in an extracted configuration inside the bag of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] - Figures 4 to 6 show three configurations of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention and, in particular, Figure 4 shows the water dispenser in which the support frame is extracted from the support base, Figure 5 shows the water dispenser in which the support frame is arranged completely on the support base within a virtual volume V with the bag opening device in the retracted configuration and Figure 6 shows the water dispenser in which the support frame is arranged completely on the support base within a virtual volume V with the bag opening device in the extracted configuration;

[0014] - Figures 7 to 9 show three configurations of a water dispenser according to another variation of the present invention, wherein some components have been artificially removed for the purpose of clearer illustration; in particular, Figure 7 shows the water dispenser in which the support frame is extracted in relation to the support base, Figure 8 shows the water dispenser in which the support frame is arranged completely on the support base within a virtual volume V with the bag opening device in the retracted configuration and Figure 9 shows the water dispenser in which the support frame is arranged completely on the support base within a virtual volume V with the bag opening device in an extracted configuration;

[0015] - Figures 10 to 12 show a side elevation corresponding to Figures 7 to 9;

[0016] - Figure 13 is a perspective view of a water dispenser according to an additional embodiment of the present invention, in which the support frame is extracted from the support base;

[0017] - Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the water dispenser in Figure 13 in the configuration in which the support frame is arranged completely on the support base and with the bag opening device in the extracted configuration .

[0018] With reference to the above-mentioned Figures, reference numeral 1 indicates a water dispenser 1 for dispensing drinking water from a bag 2. In particular, the bag 2 is of the flexible and collapsible type, i.e. it comprises a thin, flexible and collapsible bag wall 21. The bag 2 contains drinking water, i.e. natural water or water treated so as to be drinkable or in any event water subjected to a treatment capable of conferring upon it specific organoleptic qualities. Clearly, instead of water, the bag can contain any edible liquid substance, for example a beverage or a juice.

[0019] For simplicity of illustration, the accompanying Figures do not show the typical devices included in water dispensers that enable the water to be dispensed directly into a glass, i.e. the nozzle that dispenses water into the glass and/or the pushbutton panel and any electronics to control the supply and/or means of pumping the water drawn from the bag towards the nozzle for dispensing water into the glass or the glass housing base. Furthermore, water cooling means, adapted to cool the water drawn from the bag 2, are not shown but are intended to be optionally included in the water dispenser 1. Clearly, each of the above-mentioned typical devices included in the water dispenser are intended to be operationally included in the water dispenser 1 according to the present invention depending on the specific embodiment of dispenser that is intended to be produced.

[0020] According to the present invention, the water dispenser 1 comprises a bag seat 10 adapted to removably receive the bag 2 containing drinking water.

[0021] Preferably, the bag seat 10 is a compartment 10' in a container 11, 11' that contains the bag. Furthermore, preferably, the container 11, 11' comprises side walls shaped in such a way that the bag wall 21 is in contact with said side walls, which also perform a containment function .

[0022] The water dispenser 1 comprises a bag opening device

3, configured to at least partially damage the bag wall 21 to allow the water to escape from the bag 2.

[0023] In one preferred embodiment, the bag opening device 3 comprises at least one piercing element 32 suitable for piercing the bag wall 21 and at least partially penetrating the bag 2.

[0024] According to the invention, the bag opening device 3 comprises means 31 for conveying the water from the bag towards a water drawing duct 4. The water drawing duct 4 is adapted to be fluidically connected with water pumping means and/or the nozzle dispensing water into a glass.

[0025] Preferably, the conveying means 31 comprise an opening 31' adapted to enable the passage of water from the bag 2 towards the water drawing duct 4. For example, the opening 31' is made directly in the piercing element 32, so that after piercing the bag 2, the water is conveyed through the opening towards the water drawing duct. Preferably, the piercing element 32 is a hollow punch, for example a needle or suchlike, provided with the opening 31' so that the water passes through the opening 31' directly in the internal cavity of the hollow punch, the latter being fluidically connected to the water drawing duct 4.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, shown for example in the accompanying Figures, the water dispenser comprises at least two bag opening devices 3, each associated with a respective bag 2 to be damaged. In this variation, therefore, the water dispenser 1 comprises at least two bag seats 10, preferably two bag compartments 10' .

[0027] According to the invention, the water dispenser 1 comprises a movement device 5, configured to cause a relative movement between the bag opening device 3 and the bag 2, so that due to the activation of the movement device 5 the bag opening device 3 at least partially damages the bag wall 21.

[0028] In particular, preferably, the bag opening device 3 is suitable to be moved by the movement device 5 into a retracted position R, in which the bag opening device 3 is not in contact with the bag 2. Furthermore the bag opening device 3 is adapted to be moved by the movement device 5 into an extracted position E, in which the bag opening device 3 is in contact with the bag wall 21 so as to compromise the integrity thereof in order to allow the passage of water from the bag 21 into the conveying means 31, for example by piercing or tearing the bag by means of the bag opening device 3.

[0029] In one embodiment, the piercing element 32 is translatable in movement along a vertical translation direction X from the retracted position R in which the piercing element is arranged outside the bag 2 to the extracted position E, in which the piercing element is at least partially inserted in the bag 2, after having pierced it, and vice versa.

[0030] Preferably, the movement device 5 is configured to activate the translation of the piercing element 32 along said vertical translation direction X

[0031] Preferably, the water dispenser 1 comprises a support base 100 adapted to rest on a support surface, for example on the floor, and a support frame 7 that supports the bag seat 10 in a spaced manner with respect to the support frame 100.

[0032] Preferably, the direction of vertical translation X is a direction perpendicular to the support surface on which the support base 100 is supported.

[0033] Preferably, the movement device 5 is interposed between the support base 100 and the bag seat 10, along the vertical direction X.

[0034] In one embodiment, shown for example in Figures 1, 2 and from 4 to 12, the movement device 5 comprises an articulated mechanical system 51 operable by an operator and mechanically connected to the bag opening device 3.

[0035] Preferably, the articulated mechanical system comprises a maneuvering lever 510, rotatable in relation to the support frame 7 about an axis of rotation K, preferably an axis of rotation perpendicular to the vertical direction X. Furthermore, preferably, the maneuvering lever is rotatable in a plane parallel to the vertical direction X.

[0036] The articulated mechanical system 5 also comprises a piercing support element 520, for example a support plate, onto which the piercing element 31 is fixed. The maneuvering lever 510 is mechanically connected to the piercing support element 520 so that, following a rotation of the maneuvering lever 510, the piercing support element 520 is translated along the vertical direction X, consequently translating the piercing element 31 in the same vertical direction X.

[0037] This enables, with a single and simple movement of rotation of the maneuvering lever and, therefore in an ergonomic way, the translation of the piercing element.

[0038] In another variation of the movement device 5 shown, for example, in Figures 13 and 14, this movement device comprises an electromagnetic linear actuator 550, for example a solenoid actuator, suitable for assuming an activated configuration in which the electromagnetic linear actuator 550 moves the bag opening device 3 into the retracted position R, and a deactivated configuration in which the electromagnetic linear actuator 550 moves the bag opening device to the extracted position E, or vice versa.

[0039] In another variation, not shown, the movement device 5 comprises a linear electric actuator, for example an electric motor with linear transmission or a piezoelectric actuator, suitable for moving the bag opening device 3 into the retracted position R or into the extracted position E. In association with any of the above-mentioned variations of the movement device 5, preferably the movement device 5 comprises an automatic extraction device 6 suitable for automatically moving the bag opening device 3 from the retracted position R to the extracted position E or vice versa.

[0040] Preferably, the automatic extraction device 6 is suitable for moving the bag opening device 3 automatically only from the retracted position R to the extracted position E, enabling a precise and fixed calibration of the force and/or speed of extraction of the bag opening device.

[0041] In particular, in one advantageous embodiment, the automatic extraction device 6 comprises at least one elastic element 61, for example a spring, suitable for storing elastic energy during the movement of the bag opening device 3 in the retracted position R and for releasing the stored elastic energy to move the bag opening device 3 automatically until it reaches the extracted position E.

[0042] In this way, it is possible to pre-calibrate the return elastic force of the elastic element and/or the number of elastic elements and, consequently, the force and/or speed of movement of the bag opening device 3. If the opening device is a piercing element 31, the force and/or speed of penetration of the piercing element 31 will always be pre-established and independent of the actuation movement performed by the operator by means of the maneuvering lever 510, thus enabling a reliable opening of the bag in a controlled manner, so reducing the risk of leakage due to inadequate piercing of the bag .

[0043] In one variation, the articulated mechanical system 5 comprises a handle 52, mechanically connected to the maneuvering lever 510 suitable for being directly maneuvered by an operator. In the variation shown in Figures 1 and 2 and from 4 to 6, the handle 52 is connected rotatably in relation to the maneuvering lever 510 so that, due to the effect of a translation movement along the vertical direction X of the handle 52, a corresponding movement of rotation occurs about the axis of rotation K of the maneuvering lever 510.

[0044] Preferably, the water dispenser 1 comprises a maneuvering lever locking device 8, suitable for locking the maneuvering lever 510 in a maneuvering position corresponding to the position in which the bag opening device 3 is in the retracted position R.

[0045] In one embodiment, the maneuvering lever 8 comprises an element 81 projecting from the maneuvering lever 510 or from the handle 52 and a locking seat 82, connected to the support frame 7, on which the projecting element 81 engages in order to lock the position of the maneuvering lever. For example, in the case of the variation shown in Figures 4 to 6, the maneuvering lever locking device 8 prevents the translation along the vertical direction X of the handle 52, in the direction that runs from top to bottom, towards the support base 100. In this variation, in order to release the movement of the maneuvering lever, the operator must first perform the upward translation movement of the handle so as to distance the projecting element 81 from the locking seat 82.

[0046] In the variation shown in Figures 7 to 12, by contrast, the locking seat 82 is made in a movable portion 54, for example a lever, connected to the support frame 7. In this variation, in order to enable the movement of the maneuvering lever (after it has been locked), the operator actuates the movable portion 54, for example by a rotation (preferably without performing any operation on the maneuvering lever) , so as to disengage the projecting element 81 from the locking seat 82.

[0047] Preferably, the water dispenser 1 comprises a collection tray 8 arranged below the bag opening device 3, suitable for collecting any water leakages from the bag opening device. [0048] As can be appreciated from the accompanying Figures, preferably the support frame 7 is engaged with the support base 100 in a sliding manner. In this way, the support frame can assume an operating configuration F in which the support frame is mainly contained in a virtual volume V resulting from the projection of the perimeter P of the support base 100 axially in the vertical direction X. Furthermore, the support frame 7 can assume a bag loading configuration C, in which the support frame 7 is at least partially extracted from the support base 100; i.e. the support frame 7 is mainly outside the virtual volume V resulting from the projection of the perimeter P of the support base 100 axially in the vertical direction X. This facilitates loading of the bag 2 into the bag seat 10.

[0049] Preferably, the support base 100 comprises at least one inclined surface 101, for example a ramp, on which the support frame 7 is suitable for sliding in the switching from the operating configuration F to the bag loading configuration C, or vice versa.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, at least one locking element, connected to the support frame 7 or to the support base 6, is suitable for engaging with a corresponding engagement element on the support base 6 or on the support frame 7, so that during the extraction movement of the support frame 7, i.e. in the switching of the support frame 7 from the operating configuration F to the bag loading configuration C, the locking element is suitable for engaging against the corresponding engagement element in order to prevent the support frame 7 from coming completely out of the virtual volume V.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the water dispenser 1 comprises at least one pair of side walls 103, 104, preferably connected to the support base 6 and extending perpendicularly thereto in the vertical direction X.

[0052] Yet more preferably, the water dispenser 1 comprises an external case 200 that totally surrounds the support frame and the container 11, 11', which are thus housed inside the external case. In this case, the pair of side walls 103, 104 coincides with two side walls of the external case and the support base 100 coincides with a base wall of the external case.

[0053] Preferably, at least one frame locking device 70 is connected to the movement device 5 so as to be moved in a locking configuration B in which the frame locking device 70 interacts with one or both of the pair of side walls 103, 104 to prevent the extraction movement of the support frame 7, and a release configuration S in which the frame locking device 70 does not interact with either wall of the pair of side walls 103, 104 and allows the extraction movement of the support frame 7. In particular, in the locking configuration B, the bag opening device 3 is in the extracted position E, while in the release configuration S, the bag opening device 3 is in the retracted position R.

[0054] Advantageously, this prevents the support frame 7 from being extracted from the support base 6 without first having checked that the bag opening device 3 has been positioned in the retracted position R. In the variation comprising the piercing element 32 and the articulated mechanical system 51, this means that an operator is prevented from gaining access to the bag 2 without the piercing elements having been first retracted .

[0055] In a particularly advantageous variation, the water dispenser 1 does not comprise a device or means for introducing air into the bag 2 when drawing water from the bag 2. In other words, the water dispenser 1 is provided only with water pumping means (i.e. preferably means for the drawing or suction of water from the bag 2) and not provided with a device for re-introducing air into the bag 2, for example a valve device or a tap configured to introduce air depending on the variation in volume or pressure in the bag 2.

[0056] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of dispensing water from the water dispenser 1 comprises the steps of:

[0057] a) violating the thin wall of the bag 2;

[0058] b) drawing water contained in the bag 2 by means of drawing and conveying the water to a water drawing duct 4, to allow dispensing towards a dispensing nozzle directly into a glass or a jug;

[0059] during step b) , not introducing air (or a gas) into the bag 2.

[0060] Clearly, during step c) the bag 2, being made of a flexible and collapsible material, as the water is drawn, collapses on itself.

[0061] This therefore means that it is not necessary to introduce air into the bag in order to balance the amount of water drawn, as occurs by contrast in bottles of the known art .

[0062] Clearly, the present invention also relates to a system of dispensing water that comprises a water dispenser 1, described in the preceding paragraphs, and a bag comprising a thin, flexible and collapsible bag wall, preferably made of polyethylene, housed in the bag seat.

[0063] The bag 2 preferably comprises a thin, flexible and collapsible plastic wall 21 that encloses an inner chamber 210, which contains the water (or a beverage) .

[0064] The thin wall 21 comprises a pierceable region 220, facing the opposite side with respect to the inner chamber and covered by a pull-tab (not shown in the accompanying drawings), removable to expose the pierceable region 220.

[0065] The bag 1 is adapted to assume an intact configuration, in which the pull-tab covers the pierceable region 20, and a pre-piercing configuration with no pull-tab.

[0066] In the pre-piercing configuration, the pierceable region 220 is intact so as not to allow the beverage to escape .

[0067] Preferably, the thin wall 21 is made entirely of polyethylene, more preferably of extruded polyethylene, yet more preferably of coextruded polyethylene.

[0068] In one advantageous embodiment, the pull-tab is fixed to the thin wall 21 in a peelable manner only in one fixing region 231 arranged peripherally in relation to the pierceable region 220.

[0069] Preferably, the pull-tab is fixed by an adhesive or thermowelded in a peelable manner to the thin wall 10.

[0070] For example, the fixing region 231 is an annular region around the pierceable region 220.

[0071] This prevents contamination of the pierceable region, particularly if the pull-tab is fixed to the thin wall 21 by means of an adhesive. [0072] In one variation, the thin wall 21 comprises an external, plastic, flexible, collapsible thin wall 21 ^,f , that envelops an internal thin wall 21' . The internal thin wall 21' encloses the inner chamber 210 that contains the beverage, preferably water only. The internal thin wall 21' thus comprises the region of pierceable wall 220.

[0073] In this variation, the bag 1, in its pre-pierced configuration, provides that the internal thin wall 21' at the pierceable region 220 is intact so as not to allow the beverage to escape.

[0074] A further aspect of the present invention, therefore, consists of a method of loading the bag 2 into the water dispenser 1, that comprises the steps of:

[0075] removing the pull-tab to expose the pierceable region 220;

[0076] inserting the bag 2 into the bag seat in such a way as to make the pierceable region 220 correspond to a region where the piercing element 32 is intended to emerge;

[0077] activating the movement device 5, so as to determine a relative movement between the piercing element 32 and the bag 2, so that due to the activation of the movement device 5 the piercing element at least partially compromises the bag wall 21 and penetrates into the bag 2.

[0078] Innovatively, the water dispenser according to the present invention resolves the drawbacks associated with the known art, on the one hand by improving the handling and flexibility of use of the dispensers of the known art and, on the other, guaranteeing an improvement of the aspects of hygiene safety.

[0079] In particular, thanks to the piercing of flexible, collapsible bags, the water dispenser 1 does not require the introduction of ambient air when drawing water in the step of supply from the dispenser, always guaranteeing optimum quality of the water and avoiding the risk of contamination by pollutants and/or bacteria.

[0080] Furthermore, thanks to the possibility of dispensing water by means of the automatic compromise of flexible water bags, there is no need to move and store the heavy water bottles of the known art.

[0081] Furthermore, advantageously, thanks to the possibility of arranging the bag opening device in a retracted configuration and in an extracted configuration, it is possible to keep the water drawing point isolated in relation to the external environment both in the step of loading the bag and in the step of drawing the water from inside the bag, reducing the risks of bacterial proliferation. [0082] Furthermore, thanks to the presence of an automatic extraction device, an adequate and calibrated compromise of the flexible wall of the bag is guaranteed, reducing the risks of incorrect piercing of the bag with consequent possible leakage of water.

[0083] Also advantageously, the articulated mechanical system enables a simple and ergonomic switch from the retracted configuration to the extracted configuration of the piercing elements, guaranteeing both simplicity of construction and optimum space-saving, and maneuverability and reliability over time.

[0084] A person skilled in the art, in order to meet specific requirements, could introduce to the embodiments of the water dispenser variations or replacements of elements with others that are operationally equivalent.

[0085] These variations are all covered by the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

[0086] Furthermore, each variation described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be made independently from the other variations described.