EP0322729B1 - Apparatus for dispensing beverages, especially beverages under pressure - Google Patents

Apparatus for dispensing beverages, especially beverages under pressure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0322729B1
EP0322729B1 EP88121365A EP88121365A EP0322729B1 EP 0322729 B1 EP0322729 B1 EP 0322729B1 EP 88121365 A EP88121365 A EP 88121365A EP 88121365 A EP88121365 A EP 88121365A EP 0322729 B1 EP0322729 B1 EP 0322729B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
level
valve
valves
switch
leading
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EP88121365A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0322729A1 (en
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Richard Wachter
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Huber Karl
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Huber Karl
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/04Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08Details
    • B67D1/12Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1245Change-over devices, i.e. connecting a flow line from an empty container to a full one

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for serving drinks, in particular beverages under pressure, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such devices are known from US-PS 4 305 527 and AT-PS 369 712. They are used in restaurants and restaurants, preferably in connection with those beverages which are under pressure and in which gases are dissolved, such as beer or lemonades, which are supplied by the producer in storage containers. Barrels made of wood or other suitable materials serve as storage containers. Since these storage containers have to be manipulated, they have to be loaded, unloaded into the basement or into a cold store, etc. and this is usually only done with manual force, so they are limited in size. The volume of such storage containers is usually 40-50 liters.
  • a storage container If such a storage container is "tapped", it is connected to a line which leads to a tap and the storage container is also connected to a compressed gas source, usually with compressed carbonic acid, which on the one hand has the task of dissolving the gas dissolved in the drink to maintain a state of equilibrium, which prevents foaming in the storage container and on the other hand, this pressurized gas source has the task of transporting the beverage located in the storage container to the tap when it is opened.
  • a storage container with the specified volume is quickly emptied; it must then be tapped again. This tapping requires a certain amount of time and is also associated with corresponding troubles, which occur especially when the restaurant staff is urgently needed because of the busy bar operation.
  • Devices have also already been developed and used in practice, which also have an intermediate container with a level switch, which on the one hand can be connected to several storage containers for the beverage via lines, non-return valves being provided in these lines, and on the other hand leading to a tap Line can be connected and the level switches are in the control circuit of valves, and the storage container and the intermediate container can be connected to a pressure-maintaining pressure gas source.
  • a level switch which on the one hand can be connected to several storage containers for the beverage via lines, non-return valves being provided in these lines, and on the other hand leading to a tap Line can be connected and the level switches are in the control circuit of valves, and the storage container and the intermediate container can be connected to a pressure-maintaining pressure gas source.
  • two reservoirs are always tapped at the same time.
  • the line that leads from the intermediate container to the paired storage containers is branched, a switchover valve being provided in the branching area, which either connects one storage container to the intermediate container or
  • the first reservoir is tapped until it is empty, the liquid level in the intermediate container drops, the level switch there responding and the switchover valve actuated, so that the beverage can now be removed from the second reservoir.
  • the empty storage container can be exchanged for a full one.
  • the main disadvantage of this known device is that the the device connected and tapped storage containers are constantly exposed to the pressure of the pressurized gas source, even those from which no drink is being removed for the time being. If the drinks are sensitive, especially beer, this not only dissolves gas in the beer, it also absorbs carbonic acid so that it foams particularly strongly when poured out, but the additional absorption of carbonic acid can also affect the taste of the beer, in addition, the multi-part and seal valve is flowed through by beer.
  • Beer tends to build up so that the parts of the system through which beer flows must be cleaned.
  • the cleaning of such changeover valves is much more complex than that of a simple line.
  • the purity regulations required here are difficult to achieve with such changeover valves, since the beer does not flow through such a changeover valve in a direct flow, but also settles in construction joints, seals, etc., which then have to be included in the cleaning.
  • This problem associated with the cleaning of the system parts is also to be considered in connection with the previously known and previously discussed devices according to US Pat. No. 4,305,527 and AT-PS 369,712.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object, based on a device of the type mentioned, to improve it in such a way that only the reservoir from which it is drawn is under pressure, furthermore valves in the lines through which the beverage flows are to be avoided as far as possible and moreover the device should be designed so that it can be expanded as desired.
  • This complex problem is now solved according to the invention by those measures which are the subject and content of the characterizing part of patent claim 1.
  • the device according to EU-OS 138 718 is to be mentioned, with which a treatment liquid is fed to a manufacturing facility in which semiconductor parts are manufactured. To transport the liquid, it is pressurized with a nitrogen gas.
  • the treatment liquid is in any case more than a glass bottle in a reusable container, which can hold a significant amount of this liquid, but the fill level of the liquid cannot be monitored in such a reusable container, because of the material from which it is made this recyclable container is made.
  • an intermediate container is provided here, via which this treatment liquid is fed to the manufacturing device for the semiconductor parts, with an intermediate container in this Level monitor is provided, which triggers an alarm signal when the level in the intermediate container falls below a predetermined level and which also switches or opens or closes valves in the supply lines, so that the container, which has meanwhile been emptied, can be separated from the intermediate container and replaced by a new full container , wherein the manufacturing device is supplied with the treatment liquid from the intermediate container during this exchange process, so that the manufacturing process is not interrupted.
  • the invention is not about the supply of a treatment liquid to a manufacturing facility, nor about the replacement of a storage container.
  • the device according to the invention relates to a dispensing device for beverages, preferably to beverages in which gases are dissolved, the storage containers in which these beverages are stored being of relatively small dimensions, since they generally have to be manipulated by hand.
  • the subject matter of the invention includes therefore, to connect several such storage containers, which are already connected to a dispensing device, with this device in such a way that they can be stored by the conveying gas without additional pressure. In such a dispenser arrangement, care must be taken to ensure that only the storage container from which it is being tapped is under pressure, as few valves as possible should be provided in the lines and, furthermore, the device should be able to be expanded as desired.
  • the beverage to be poured out for example it is beer, is in the storage containers 1, 2 and 3, usually it is a matter of barrels.
  • Each barrel 1, 2 and 3 is connected via a line 4, 5 and 6 to an intermediate container 7, the volume of which has only a fraction of the volume of such a storage container, usually 2 to 3 liters are sufficient.
  • the lines 4, 5 and 6 open into the upper part of the intermediate container 7.
  • conventional check valves 8, 9 and 10 are also provided.
  • a dispensing line 11 leads, possibly via a cooling device 12, to a dispensing tap 13 with which the beverage is poured out.
  • a float 14 is mounted in the intermediate container 7 and actuates the level switches 24, 25 and 30 depending on its position. These level switches 24, 25 and 30 are operatively connected to an electronic program control 15.
  • the level switch 25 is arranged at the top, the level switch 24 at the bottom and the level switch 30 a few centimeters below the upper level switch 25.
  • a pressurized gas source (not shown here) (for example CO2) is connected via a manifold 16 and via lines 17, 18, 19 and 26 to containers 1, 2, 3 and 7, in which to containers 1, 2, 3 and 7 leading lines 17, 18, 19 and 26 electrically controllable two-way valves 20, 21, 22 and 23 are provided, in line 26, which leads to the intermediate container 7, a vent valve 27 is switched on, in the discharge opening which can be connected to the atmospheric sphere, a preferably controllable outlet opening Throttle 28 is provided.
  • lines 4, 5 and 6 and lines 17, 18 and 19 are individually connected to the individual storage containers 1, 2 and 3.
  • the two lines 4 - 19, 5 - 18 and 6 - 17 leading to a storage container are combined with one another in a common connection coupling.
  • the state is considered at which the device is connected for the first time, so to speak, that is, with its terminals 29 to the voltage of a supply network is created.
  • the intermediate container 7 is initially empty, the two-way valve 23 is open, ie it connects the lines 16 and 26.
  • the two-way valves 20, 21, 22 are closed.
  • the compressed gas from the compressed gas source flows via lines 16 and 26 into the intermediate container 7 and also fills the lines 4, 5 and 6, up to the check valves 8, 9 and 10.
  • the filled storage containers 1 to 3 are tapped, ie with lines 4 - 19, 5 - 18 and 6 - 17 connected.
  • the device is now ready for use. It is connected to the supply voltage.
  • the valve 23 is closed and the valve 22 is opened so that the compressed gas can flow into the storage container 1. So that the beverage located in this storage container 1 can flow into the intermediate container which is already pressurized, the intermediate container is vented via the valve 27. Relative to the actuation of the valve 22, the vent valve 27 is switched into its vent position with a slight delay and now the beverage flows from the storage container 1 via the line 4 into the intermediate container 7, whereby the float 14 is raised by the increasing liquid level until it reaches the upper one Level switch 25 actuated, which now closes the vent valve 27. Now the system is “ready to tap”.
  • the tap 13 is opened and the beverage is removed from the storage container 1 via the line 4 and the intermediate container 7.
  • the valve 22 is now open, the other valves 20, 21 and 23 are closed, the ventilation valve 27 is switched to the open position, i.e. not connected to the atmosphere, the intermediate container 7 remains filled, the float 14 in its upper limit position (max.) .
  • the level in the intermediate container 7 drops and thus the float switch 14, which in its lower limit position (min.) Actuates the level switch 24, whereby the program control device 15 is activated, with the result that the valve 22 is closed , the valve 21 is opened; the vent valve 27 is also opened, whereby the intermediate container 7 is connected to the atmosphere via the preferably controllable throttle 28.
  • the reservoir 2 is now connected to the dispenser.
  • the drink in the storage container 2 which is exposed to the pressure of the compressed gas source via the open valve 21, now rises in line 5 and again fills the intermediate container 7 until it Float 14 has reached its upper limit position (max.), In which it actuates the level switch 25 with the result that the controller 15 now switches the vent valve 27 to the open position or closes and thus ends the ventilation of the intermediate container 7.
  • the level switch 30 lies in a circuit which actuates the vent valve 27 and has a timing element.
  • the level switch 30 When one of the reservoirs 1 to 3 is emptied, the level switch 30 is actuated by the sinking float 14 and the vent valve 27 is switched to the venting position, but since the intermediate container 7 is quickly emptied and the lower level switch 24 is actuated, the vent valve 27 is immediately closed again , so that the vent valve 27 is only open for a very short time, for example 1 second, during this operational emptying of the intermediate container.
  • This level switch 30 now actuates the vent valve 27 and now keeps it open, since neither of the two other level switches 24 or 25 is actuated until the necessary pressure equalization has occurred and the liquid in the intermediate container 7 has reached its upper level (max.) Again, in which case the vent valve 27 is in turn closed or switched to the through position.
  • the valve 23 serves to prestress the container 7 with compressed gas when the system is started up.
  • the vent valve 27 is shown as a 3-way valve, which in its one position (vent position) connects the intermediate container 7 to the atmosphere via the preferably adjustable throttle 28, or which is switched to line passage in its other position.
  • a line outlet can be connected in this line branch via a T-piece, in which a simple two-way valve as a vent valve can then be connected is arranged.
  • valves 20, 21, 22 and 27 now remain in the position mentioned until the storage container 2 is emptied, whereupon the described interplay is initiated again by the actuation of the level switch 24, caused by the lowered float switch 14.
  • the program control 15 is designed so that in this interplay the subsequent valve in the row formed by the valves 20, 21 and 22 is always opened, with only one valve being open from this row, whereas the other two valves are closed .
  • the system or device described can be expanded as desired with regard to the storage containers 1, 2 and 3, then a further connecting line to the compressed gas source with a two-way valve must then be provided for each additional storage container. During operation of the system, all of these two-way valves are then closed except for the one in the feed line to the reservoir from which it is currently being tapped.
  • the device according to the invention is only that drink under additional gas pressure that is being tapped, in the lines through which beer flows, apart from the usual check valves 8 to 10, no further valves are provided, and that this device according to the invention can be expanded as required without any particular effort already explained above.
  • the facility is intended in particular for beer.
  • it can also be used for other beverages, namely those in which gases are dissolved, which are therefore under pressure, as well as those without dissolved gases.
  • Signal devices such as lamps or the like can also be connected to the individual actuators in the device, which illustrate the operating state of the system in the region of the tap, in particular from which storage container is currently being drawn off.

Landscapes

  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Tea And Coffee (AREA)

Abstract

The apparatus serves for dispensing beverages under pressure. An intermediate container (7) with level switch (24, 25, 30) is connected to a plurality of storage containers (1, 2, 3) for the beverage and to a line (11) leading to a dispensing tap (13). The level switches (24, 25, 30) lie in the control circuit of valves. The storage containers and intermediate containers are connected to a compressed-gas source. The valves (20, 21, 22) controlled by the level switches (24, 25) are arranged in the lines (17, 18, 19) connecting the compressed-gas source to the storage containers (1, 2, 3). In the line (26) connecting the compressed-gas source to the intermediate container (7), a ventilating valve (27) is provided. The control circuit, which is operatively connected to the valves (20, 21, 22, 27), is designed as a programme-control system. During the tapping operation, only the through-way valve (20, 21, 22) of that line (17, 18, 19) leading from the compressed-gas source to that storage container (1, 2, 3) being tapped is open. During the switching of a through-way valve (20, 21, 22) to a subsequent through-way valve, the ventilation valve (27) is switched to the ventilation position. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Einrichtung zum Ausschank von Getränken, insbesondere von unter Druck stehenden Getränken nach den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffes des Patentanspruches 1.The invention relates to a device for serving drinks, in particular beverages under pressure, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Solche Einrichtungen sind aus der US-PS 4 305 527 und der AT-PS 369 712 bekannt. Sie werden in Gaststätten und Restaurationsbetrieben verwendet, und zwar vorzugsweise in Verbindung mit solchen Getränken, die unter Druck stehen und in welchen Gase gelöst sind, wie beispielsweise Bier oder Limonaden, die in Vorratsbehältern vom Erzeuger angeliefert werden. Als Vorratsbehälter dienen hier Fässer aus Holz oder anderen geeigneten Werkstoffen. Da diese Vorratsbehälter manipuliert werden müssen, sie müssen aufgeladen, abgeladen in den Keller oder in einen Kühlraum gebracht werden usw. und dies in der Regel nur mit manuellem Krafteinsatz, sind sie in ihrer Größe beschränkt. Das Fassungsvolumen solcher Vorratsbehälter beträgt in der Regel 40 - 50 Liter. Wird ein solcher Vorratsbehälter "angezapft", so wird er mit einer Leitung verbunden, die zu einem Schankhahn führt und ferner wird der Vorratsbehälter verbunden mit einer Druckgasquelle, in der Regel mit verdichteter Kohlensäure, die einerseits die Aufgabe hat, das im Getränk gelöste Gas in einem Gleichgewichtszustand zu halten, wodurch das Aufschäumen im Vorratsbehälter vermieden wird und andererseits hat diese Druckgasquelle die Aufgabe, das im Vorratsbehälter befindliche Getränk zum Schankhahn zu transportieren, wenn dieser geöffnet wird. Bei regem Schankbetrieb ist ein Vorratsbehälter mit dem genannten Volumen rasch geleert, es muß dann neu angezapft werden. Dieses Anzapfen bedingt einen gewissen Zeitaufwand und ist auch mit entsprechenden Mühen verbunden, die gerade dann anfallen, wenn das Gaststättenpersonal wegen des regen Schankbetriebes dringend benötigt wird. Diese bekannten Einrichtungen weisen eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Ventile auf, nämlich Regelventile, Absperrventile, Druckreduzierventile und Schnüffelventile, sowie Füllstandssensoren und einen Zwischenbehälter, aus welchem abgezapft wird und der diskontinuierlich gefüllt und geleert wird, d.h. dieser Behälter wird gefüllt, dann wieder leergefahren, dann wiederum gefüllt und wiederum geleert und so fort, wobei das Fassungsvermögen dieses Zwischenbehälters ca. 19 l beträgt, damit evtl. mehrere Zapfstellen gleichzeitig versorgt werden können. Dieser Zwischenbehälter ist also relativ groß, zu groß, um im unmittelbaren Schankbereich ohne weiteres untergebracht zu werden. Der mit diesen zahlreichen Ventilen und Sensoren verbundene apparative Aufwand ist erheblich.Such devices are known from US-PS 4 305 527 and AT-PS 369 712. They are used in restaurants and restaurants, preferably in connection with those beverages which are under pressure and in which gases are dissolved, such as beer or lemonades, which are supplied by the producer in storage containers. Barrels made of wood or other suitable materials serve as storage containers. Since these storage containers have to be manipulated, they have to be loaded, unloaded into the basement or into a cold store, etc. and this is usually only done with manual force, so they are limited in size. The volume of such storage containers is usually 40-50 liters. If such a storage container is "tapped", it is connected to a line which leads to a tap and the storage container is also connected to a compressed gas source, usually with compressed carbonic acid, which on the one hand has the task of dissolving the gas dissolved in the drink to maintain a state of equilibrium, which prevents foaming in the storage container and on the other hand, this pressurized gas source has the task of transporting the beverage located in the storage container to the tap when it is opened. When the bar is busy, a storage container with the specified volume is quickly emptied; it must then be tapped again. This tapping requires a certain amount of time and is also associated with corresponding troubles, which occur especially when the restaurant staff is urgently needed because of the busy bar operation. These known devices have a variety of different valves, namely Control valves, shut-off valves, pressure reducing valves and snifting valves, as well as level sensors and an intermediate container, from which is tapped and which is filled and emptied discontinuously, i.e. this container is filled, then emptied again, then again filled and emptied again and so on, the capacity of which Intermediate container is approx. 19 l, so that several taps can be supplied at the same time. This intermediate container is therefore relatively large, too large to be easily accommodated in the immediate dispensing area. The expenditure on equipment associated with these numerous valves and sensors is considerable.

Es wurden auch bereits Einrichtungen entwickelt und in der Praxis eingesetzt, die ebenfalls einen Niveauschalter aufweisenden Zwischenbehälter besitzen, der einerseits über Leitungen mit mehreren Vorratsbehältern für das Getränk verbindbar ist, wobei in diesen Leitungen Rückschlagventile vorgesehen sind, und der andererseits an einer zu einem Schankhahn führenden Leitung anschließbar ist und die Niveauschalter im Steuerkreis von Ventilen liegen, und die Vorratsbehälter und der Zwischenbehälter mit einer den Druck aufrechterhaltenden Druckgasquelle verbindbar sind. Bei dieser bekannten Einrichtung sind stets zwei Vorratsbehälter gleichzeitig angezapft. Die Leitung, die vom Zwischenbehälter zu den paarweise vorhandenen Vorratsbehältern führt, ist verzweigt, wobei im Verzweigungsbereich ein Umschaltventil vorgesehen ist, das entweder den einen Vorratsbehälter mit dem Zwischenbehälter oder den anderen Vorratsbehälter mit dem Zwischenbehälter verbindet. Der Zwischenbehälter und die beiden Vorratsbehälter stehen dabei ständig unter Druck. Vorerst wird aus dem ersten Vorratsbehälter solange abgezapft, bis dieser leer ist, dabei sinkt das Flüssigkeitsniveau im Zwischenbehälter ab, wobei der dortige Niveauschalter anspricht und das Umschaltventil betätigt, so daß nun in der Folge das Getränk aus dem zweiten Vorratsbehälter entnommen werden kann. Während dieser Zeit kann dann der leere Vorratsbehälter gegen einen vollen ausgetauscht werden. Der Nachteil dieser bekannten Einrichtung liegt vor allem darin, daß die an die Einrichtung angeschlossenen und angezapften Vorratsbehälter ständig dem Druck der Druckgasquelle ausgesetzt sind, auch jene, aus welchen vorerst kein Getränk entnommen wird. Handelt es sich um empfindliche Getränke, hier ist vor allem Bier zu nennen, so wird dadurch im Bier nicht nur zusätzlich Gas gelöst, es nimmt also Kohlensäure zusätzlich auf, so daß es beim Ausschenken besonders stark schäumt, die zusätzliche Aufnahme von Kohlensäure kann aber auch den Geschmack des Bieres beeinträchtigen, darüber hinaus wird das vielteilige und mit Dichtungen ausgestattete Umschaltventil von Bier durchflossen. Bier neigt zu Ablagerungen, so daß die von Bier durchströmten Anlageteile gereinigt werden müssen. Die Reinigung solcher Umschaltventile ist viel aufwendiger als die einer einfachen Leitung. Die hier geforderten Reinheitsvorschriften sind bei solchen Umschaltventilen nur schwer zu erreichen, da ja das Bier ein solches Umschaltventil nicht im direkten Durchfluß durchströmt, sich vielmehr auch in Konstruktionsfugen, Dichtungen usw. absetzt, die in die Reinigung dann einbezogen werden müssen. Dieses mit der Reinigung der Anlagenteile verbundene Problem ist auch im Zusammenhang mit den vorbekannten und vorbesprochenen Einrichtungen nach der US-PS 4 305 527 und der AT-PS 369 712 zu bedenken.Devices have also already been developed and used in practice, which also have an intermediate container with a level switch, which on the one hand can be connected to several storage containers for the beverage via lines, non-return valves being provided in these lines, and on the other hand leading to a tap Line can be connected and the level switches are in the control circuit of valves, and the storage container and the intermediate container can be connected to a pressure-maintaining pressure gas source. In this known device, two reservoirs are always tapped at the same time. The line that leads from the intermediate container to the paired storage containers is branched, a switchover valve being provided in the branching area, which either connects one storage container to the intermediate container or the other storage container to the intermediate container. The intermediate container and the two storage containers are constantly under pressure. For the time being, the first reservoir is tapped until it is empty, the liquid level in the intermediate container drops, the level switch there responding and the switchover valve actuated, so that the beverage can now be removed from the second reservoir. During this time, the empty storage container can be exchanged for a full one. The main disadvantage of this known device is that the the device connected and tapped storage containers are constantly exposed to the pressure of the pressurized gas source, even those from which no drink is being removed for the time being. If the drinks are sensitive, especially beer, this not only dissolves gas in the beer, it also absorbs carbonic acid so that it foams particularly strongly when poured out, but the additional absorption of carbonic acid can also affect the taste of the beer, in addition, the multi-part and seal valve is flowed through by beer. Beer tends to build up so that the parts of the system through which beer flows must be cleaned. The cleaning of such changeover valves is much more complex than that of a simple line. The purity regulations required here are difficult to achieve with such changeover valves, since the beer does not flow through such a changeover valve in a direct flow, but also settles in construction joints, seals, etc., which then have to be included in the cleaning. This problem associated with the cleaning of the system parts is also to be considered in connection with the previously known and previously discussed devices according to US Pat. No. 4,305,527 and AT-PS 369,712.

Die Erfindung hat sich daher die Aufgabe gestellt, ausgehend von einer Einrichtung der eingangs genannten Art diese dahingehend zu verbessern, daß nur jener Vorratsbehälter unter Druck steht, aus welchem abgezapft wird, ferner sollen Ventile in den vom Getränk durchströmten Leitungen möglichst vermieden werden und darüber hinaus soll die Einrichtung so gestaltet sein, daß sie beliebig erweiterbar ist. Die Lösung dieses komplexen Problems gelingt nun erfindungsgemäß durch jene Maßnahmen, die Gegenstand und Inhalt des kennzeichnenden Teiles des Patentanspruches 1 sind.The invention is therefore based on the object, based on a device of the type mentioned, to improve it in such a way that only the reservoir from which it is drawn is under pressure, furthermore valves in the lines through which the beverage flows are to be avoided as far as possible and moreover the device should be designed so that it can be expanded as desired. This complex problem is now solved according to the invention by those measures which are the subject and content of the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

In diesem Zusammenhang ist die Einrichtung nach der EU-OS 138 718 zu erwähnen, mit welcher eine Behandlungsflüssigkeit einer Fertigungseinrichtung zugeleitet wird, in welcher Halbleiterteile hergestellt werden. Zum Transport der Flüssigkeit wird diese unter Druck gesetzt, und zwar mit einem Stickstoffgas. Die Behandlungsflüssigkeit ist dabei in einem wiederverwendbaren Container, der zwar eine erhebliche Menge dieser Flüssigkeit aufzunehmen vermag, auf jeden Fall mehr als eine Glasflasche, doch kann in einem solchen wiederverwendbaren Container der Füllstand der Flüssigkeit nicht überwacht werden, und zwar wegen des Materials, aus dem dieser wiederverwertbare Container gefertigt ist. Um den Container austauschen zu können, der sich beim bestimmungsgemäßen Einsatz bei der Herstellung der Halbleiterteile allmählich leert, ohne daß der Fertigungsprozeß unterbrochen wird, ist hier ein Zwischenbehälter vorgesehen, über welche diese Behandlungsflüssigkeit der Fertigungseinrichtung für die Halbleiterteile zugeleitet wird, wobei in diesem Zwischenbehälter ein Niveauwächter vorgesehen ist, der beim Absinken des Füllstandes im Zwischenbehälter unter ein vorgegebenes Maß ein Alarmsignal auslöst und der ferner Ventile in den Zuleitungen umschaltet bzw. öffnet oder schließt, so daß der inzwischen entleerte Container vom Zwischenbehälter abgetrennt und durch einen neuen vollen Container ersetzt werden kann, wobei während dieses Austauschvorganges die Fertigungseinrichtung aus dem Zwischenbehälter mit der Behandlungsflüssigkeit versorgt wird, so daß der Fertigungsprozeß nicht unterbrochen wird. Bei der Erfindung hingegen handelt es sich nicht um die Zufuhr einer Behandlungsflüssigkeit zu einer Fertigungseinrichtung, noch um den Austausch eines Vorratsbehälters. Die erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung bezieht sich auf eine Zapfeinrichtung für Getränke, vorzugsweise auf solche Getränke, in welchen Gase gelöst sind, wobei die Vorratsbehälter, in welchen diese Getränke gelagert sind, relativ klein bemessen sind, da sie ja in der Regel händisch manipuliert werden müssen. Es geht beim Erfindungsgegenstand u.a. darum, mehrere solcher Vorratsbehälter, die bereits an eine Ausschankeinrichtung angeschlossen sind, so mit dieser Einrichtung zu verbinden, daß sie ohne zusätzliche Druckbelastung durch das Fördergas bevorratet werden können. Bei einer solchen Schankanordnung ist dafür Sorge zu tragen, daß nur jeweils jener Vorratsbehälter unter Druckbelastung steht, aus welchem gerade abgezapft wird, ferner sollen möglichst wenig Ventile in den Leitungen vorgesehen sein und darüberhinaus soll die Einrichtung beliebig erweitert werden können.In this context, the device according to EU-OS 138 718 is to be mentioned, with which a treatment liquid is fed to a manufacturing facility in which semiconductor parts are manufactured. To transport the liquid, it is pressurized with a nitrogen gas. The treatment liquid is in any case more than a glass bottle in a reusable container, which can hold a significant amount of this liquid, but the fill level of the liquid cannot be monitored in such a reusable container, because of the material from which it is made this recyclable container is made. In order to be able to replace the container that gradually empties when used in the manufacture of the semiconductor parts without interrupting the production process, an intermediate container is provided here, via which this treatment liquid is fed to the manufacturing device for the semiconductor parts, with an intermediate container in this Level monitor is provided, which triggers an alarm signal when the level in the intermediate container falls below a predetermined level and which also switches or opens or closes valves in the supply lines, so that the container, which has meanwhile been emptied, can be separated from the intermediate container and replaced by a new full container , wherein the manufacturing device is supplied with the treatment liquid from the intermediate container during this exchange process, so that the manufacturing process is not interrupted. The invention, on the other hand, is not about the supply of a treatment liquid to a manufacturing facility, nor about the replacement of a storage container. The device according to the invention relates to a dispensing device for beverages, preferably to beverages in which gases are dissolved, the storage containers in which these beverages are stored being of relatively small dimensions, since they generally have to be manipulated by hand. The subject matter of the invention includes therefore, to connect several such storage containers, which are already connected to a dispensing device, with this device in such a way that they can be stored by the conveying gas without additional pressure. In such a dispenser arrangement, care must be taken to ensure that only the storage container from which it is being tapped is under pressure, as few valves as possible should be provided in the lines and, furthermore, the device should be able to be expanded as desired.

Anhand einer schematischen Darstellung wird im folgenden die Erfindung näher erläutert, wobei vorausgeschickt wird, daß die aus der Schemazeichnung ersichtlichen Größenverhältnisse der einzelnen Behälter hier nur der Übersichtlichkeit wegen so gewählt wurden, in der praktischen Ausführung der Erfindung ist das Fassungsvolumen des Zwischenbehälter mit den Niveauschaltern auf wenige Liter beschränkt.The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a schematic illustration explained, it being foretold that the size ratios of the individual containers shown in the schematic drawing were chosen here only for the sake of clarity, in the practical embodiment of the invention the volume of the intermediate container with the level switches is limited to a few liters.

Das auszuschenkende Getränk, es handelt sich hier beispielweise um Bier, ist in den Vorratsbehältern 1, 2, und 3, üblicherweise handelt es sich hier um Fässer. Jedes Faß 1, 2 und 3 ist über eine Leitung 4, 5 und 6 mit einem Zwischenbehälter 7 verbunden, dessen Fassungsvolumen nur einen Bruchteil des Fassungsvolumen eines solchen Vorratsbehälters aufweist, in der Regel genügen 2 bis 3 Liter. Die Leitungen 4, 5 und 6 münden dabei in den oberen Teil des Zwischenbehälters 7. In den erwähnten Verbindungsleitungen 4, 5 und 6 sind ferner herkömmliche Rückschlagventile 8, 9 und 10 vorgesehen. Vom Zwischenbehälter 7, und zwar aus dessen unteren Bereich, führt eine Zapfleitung 11, eventuell über eine Kühleinrichtung 12 zu einem Zapfhahn 13, mit dem das Getränk ausgeschenkt wird. Im Zwischenbehälter 7 ist ein Schwimmer 14 gelagert, der in Abhängigkeit seines Standes die Niveauschalter 24, 25 und 30 betätigt. Diese Niveauschalter 24, 25 und 30 stehen mit einer elektronischen Programmsteuerung 15 in Wirkverbindung. Im Zwischenbehälter 7 ist der Niveauschalter 25 oben, der Niveauschalter 24 unten und der Niveauschalter 30 wenige Zentimeter unterhalb des oberen Niveauschalters 25 angeordnet. Eine hier nicht dargestellte Druckgasquelle (beispielsweise CO₂) ist über eine Sammelleitung 16 und über die Leitungen 17, 18, 19 und 26 mit den Behältern 1, 2, 3 und 7 verbunden, wobei in den zu den Behältern 1, 2, 3 und 7 führenden Leitungen 17, 18, 19 und 26 elektrisch steuerbare Durchgangsventile 20, 21, 22 und 23 vorgesehen sind, in der Leitung 26, die zum Zwischenbehälter 7 führt ist noch ein Entlüftungsventil 27 eingeschaltet, in dessen mit der Atmospähre verbindbaren Ausströmmündung noch eine vorzugsweise regelbare Drossel 28 vorgesehen ist. In der Schemazeichnung sind die Leitungen 4, 5 und 6 sowie die Leitungen 17, 18 und 19 an den einzelnen Vorratsbehältern 1, 2 und 3 einzeln angeschlossen. In der Praxis sind jeweils die beiden zu einem Vorratsbehälter führenden Leitungen 4 - 19, 5 - 18 und 6 - 17 miteinander in einer gemeinsamen Anschlußkupplung vereint.The beverage to be poured out, for example it is beer, is in the storage containers 1, 2 and 3, usually it is a matter of barrels. Each barrel 1, 2 and 3 is connected via a line 4, 5 and 6 to an intermediate container 7, the volume of which has only a fraction of the volume of such a storage container, usually 2 to 3 liters are sufficient. The lines 4, 5 and 6 open into the upper part of the intermediate container 7. In the connection lines 4, 5 and 6 mentioned, conventional check valves 8, 9 and 10 are also provided. From the intermediate container 7, namely from the lower region thereof, a dispensing line 11 leads, possibly via a cooling device 12, to a dispensing tap 13 with which the beverage is poured out. A float 14 is mounted in the intermediate container 7 and actuates the level switches 24, 25 and 30 depending on its position. These level switches 24, 25 and 30 are operatively connected to an electronic program control 15. In the intermediate container 7, the level switch 25 is arranged at the top, the level switch 24 at the bottom and the level switch 30 a few centimeters below the upper level switch 25. A pressurized gas source (not shown here) (for example CO₂) is connected via a manifold 16 and via lines 17, 18, 19 and 26 to containers 1, 2, 3 and 7, in which to containers 1, 2, 3 and 7 leading lines 17, 18, 19 and 26 electrically controllable two-way valves 20, 21, 22 and 23 are provided, in line 26, which leads to the intermediate container 7, a vent valve 27 is switched on, in the discharge opening which can be connected to the atmospheric sphere, a preferably controllable outlet opening Throttle 28 is provided. In the schematic drawing, lines 4, 5 and 6 and lines 17, 18 and 19 are individually connected to the individual storage containers 1, 2 and 3. In practice, the two lines 4 - 19, 5 - 18 and 6 - 17 leading to a storage container are combined with one another in a common connection coupling.

So weit zum Aufbau und den wesentlichen Teilen der Einrichtung. Vorerst wird der Zustand betrachtet, zu welchem die Einrichtung sozusagen erstmals angeschlossen wird, d.h. mit ihren Klemmen 29 an die Spannung eines Versorgungsnetzes angelegt wird. Der Zwischenbehälter 7 ist vorerst leer, das Durchgangsventil 23 geöffnet, d.h. es verbindet die Leitungen 16 und 26. Die Durchgangsventile 20, 21, 22 sind geschlossen. Das Druckgas der Druckgasquelle strömt über die Leitungen 16 und 26 in den Zwischenbehälter 7 und füllt auch die Leitungen 4, 5 und 6, und zwar bis zu den Rückschlagventilen 8, 9 und 10. Nun werden die gefüllten Vorratsbehälter 1 bis 3 angezapft, d.h. mit den Leitungen 4 - 19, 5 - 18 und 6 - 17 verbunden. Die Einrichtung ist damit betriebsbereit. Sie ist an die Versorgungsspannung angeschlossen.So far for the structure and the essential parts of the facility. For the time being, the state is considered at which the device is connected for the first time, so to speak, that is, with its terminals 29 to the voltage of a supply network is created. The intermediate container 7 is initially empty, the two-way valve 23 is open, ie it connects the lines 16 and 26. The two-way valves 20, 21, 22 are closed. The compressed gas from the compressed gas source flows via lines 16 and 26 into the intermediate container 7 and also fills the lines 4, 5 and 6, up to the check valves 8, 9 and 10. Now the filled storage containers 1 to 3 are tapped, ie with lines 4 - 19, 5 - 18 and 6 - 17 connected. The device is now ready for use. It is connected to the supply voltage.

Wird nun die so angeschlossene Einrichtung auf "Betrieb" geschaltet, so laufen folgende Vorgänge ab: Das Ventil 23 wird geschlossen und das Ventil 22 geöffnet, so daß das Druckgas in den Vorratsbehälter 1 strömen kann. Damit das in diesem Vorratsbehälter 1 befindliche Getränk in den bereits druckbeaufschlagten Zwischenbehälter strömen kann, wird dieser über das Ventil 27 entlüftet. Gegenüber der Betätigung des Ventiles 22 wird das Entlüftungsventil 27 zeitlich etwas verzögert in seine Entlüftungsstellung geschaltet und nun strömt das Getränk aus dem Vorratsbehälter 1 über die Leitung 4 in den Zwischenbehälter 7, wodurch der Schwimmer 14 durch das ansteigende Flüssigkeitsniveau angehoben wird, bis er den oberen Niveauschalter 25 betätigt, der nun das Entlüftungsventil 27 schließt. Nun ist die Anlage "zapfbereit".If the device connected in this way is now switched to "operation", the following processes take place: the valve 23 is closed and the valve 22 is opened so that the compressed gas can flow into the storage container 1. So that the beverage located in this storage container 1 can flow into the intermediate container which is already pressurized, the intermediate container is vented via the valve 27. Relative to the actuation of the valve 22, the vent valve 27 is switched into its vent position with a slight delay and now the beverage flows from the storage container 1 via the line 4 into the intermediate container 7, whereby the float 14 is raised by the increasing liquid level until it reaches the upper one Level switch 25 actuated, which now closes the vent valve 27. Now the system is "ready to tap".

Soll nun die Einrichtung bestimmungsgemäß verwendet werden, also ein Getränk abgezapft werden, so wird der Zapfhahn 13 geöffnet, das Getränk wird dem Vorratsbehälter 1 über die Leitung 4 und den Zwischenbehälter 7 entnommen. Das Ventil 22 ist nun offen, die anderen Ventile 20, 21 und 23 sind geschlossen, das Enlüftungsventil 27 ist auf Durchgangsstellung geschaltet, also nicht mit der Atmosphäre verbunden, der Zwischenbehälter 7 bleibt gefüllt, der Schwimmer 14 in seiner oberen Grenzlage (max.). Ist der Vorratsbehälter 1 leer, so sinkt im Zwischenbehälter 7 das Niveau ab und damit der Schwimmerschalter 14, der in seiner unteren Grenzlage (min.) den Niveauschalter 24 betätigt, wodurch die Programmsteuereinrichtung 15 aktiviert wird, mit der Folge: das Ventil 22 wird geschlossen, das Ventil 21 wird geöffnet; das Entlüftungsventil 27 wird ebenfalls geöffnet, wodurch der Zwischenbehälter 7 über die vorzugsweise regelbare Drossel 28 mit der Atmosphäre verbunden ist. Damit ist nun der Vorratsbehälter 2 an die Zapfanlage angeschlossen. Das Getränk im Vorratsbehälter 2, das über das offene Ventil 21 dem druck der Druckgasquelle ausgesetzt ist, steigt nun in der Leitung 5 hoch und füllt neuerlich den Zwischenbehälter 7, bis dessen Schwimmer 14 seine obere Grenzlage (max.) erreicht hat, in welcher er den Niveauschalter 25 betätigt mit der Folge, daß die Steuerung 15 nun das Entlüftungsventil 27 auf Durchgangsstellung umschaltet oder schließt und somit die Belüftung des Zwischenbehälters 7 beendet. Der Niveauschalter 30 liegt in einem, das Entlüftungsventil 27 betätigenden Schaltkreis mit einem Zeitglied. Beim Leerfahren eines der Vorratsbehälter 1 bis 3 wird vom sinkenden Schwimmer 14 der Niveauschalter 30 zwar betätigt und dabei das Entlüftungsventil 27 auf Entlüftungsstellung geschaltet, da sich der Zwischenbehälter 7 jedoch rasch entleert und dabei den unteren Niveauschalter 24 betätigt, wird das Entlüftungsventil 27 gleich wieder geschlossen, so daß bei diesem betriebsmäßigen Leerfahren des Zwischenbehälters das Entlüftungsventil 27 nur ganz kurzzeitig, beispielsweise 1 Sekunde, offen ist.If the device is now to be used as intended, that is to say a beverage is tapped, the tap 13 is opened and the beverage is removed from the storage container 1 via the line 4 and the intermediate container 7. The valve 22 is now open, the other valves 20, 21 and 23 are closed, the ventilation valve 27 is switched to the open position, i.e. not connected to the atmosphere, the intermediate container 7 remains filled, the float 14 in its upper limit position (max.) . If the storage container 1 is empty, the level in the intermediate container 7 drops and thus the float switch 14, which in its lower limit position (min.) Actuates the level switch 24, whereby the program control device 15 is activated, with the result that the valve 22 is closed , the valve 21 is opened; the vent valve 27 is also opened, whereby the intermediate container 7 is connected to the atmosphere via the preferably controllable throttle 28. The reservoir 2 is now connected to the dispenser. The drink in the storage container 2, which is exposed to the pressure of the compressed gas source via the open valve 21, now rises in line 5 and again fills the intermediate container 7 until it Float 14 has reached its upper limit position (max.), In which it actuates the level switch 25 with the result that the controller 15 now switches the vent valve 27 to the open position or closes and thus ends the ventilation of the intermediate container 7. The level switch 30 lies in a circuit which actuates the vent valve 27 and has a timing element. When one of the reservoirs 1 to 3 is emptied, the level switch 30 is actuated by the sinking float 14 and the vent valve 27 is switched to the venting position, but since the intermediate container 7 is quickly emptied and the lower level switch 24 is actuated, the vent valve 27 is immediately closed again , so that the vent valve 27 is only open for a very short time, for example 1 second, during this operational emptying of the intermediate container.

Hat die Einrichtung jedoch von einem Vorratsbehälter auf den anderen umgeschaltet, beispielsweise vom Vorratsbehälter 1 auf den Vorratsbehälter 2, wie oben bereits erläutert, so herrscht vorerst im Behälter 1 ein Druck, der zumindest um die Höhe der Flüssigkeitssäule in der Leitung 4 größer ist als der Druck im Zwischenbehälter 7. Beim nachfolgenden Abzapfen kann infolge des im Zwischenbehälter herrschenden und wirksamen überhöhten Druckes aus dem Vorratsbehälter 2 nicht jene Flüssigkeitsmenge nachfließen, die abgezapft wird, mit der Folge, daß das Niveau im Zwischenbehälter 7 etwas absinkt und vorerst auf diesem abgesenkten Zustand verharrt, wobei der Niveauschalter 30 durch den nun absinkenden Schwimmer betätigt wird. Dieser Niveauschalter 30 betätigt nun das Entlüftungsventil 27 und hält dieses nun offen, da vorerst keiner der beiden anderen Niveauschalter 24 oder 25 betätigt wird, bis der notwendige Druckausgleich eingetreten ist und die Flüssigkeit im Zwischenbehälter 7 wieder ihr oberes Niveau (max.) erreicht hat, wobei dann das Entlüftungsventil 27 wiederum geschlossen bzw. auf Durchgangsstellung geschaltet wird.However, if the device has switched from one storage container to the other, for example from storage container 1 to storage container 2, as already explained above, there is initially a pressure in container 1 that is at least greater than the height of the liquid column in line 4 Pressure in the intermediate container 7. During subsequent tapping, as a result of the effective and excessive pressure prevailing in the intermediate container, the amount of liquid which is drawn off cannot flow in from the reservoir 2, with the result that the level in the intermediate container 7 drops somewhat and initially remains in this lowered state , wherein the level switch 30 is operated by the now sinking float. This level switch 30 now actuates the vent valve 27 and now keeps it open, since neither of the two other level switches 24 or 25 is actuated until the necessary pressure equalization has occurred and the liquid in the intermediate container 7 has reached its upper level (max.) Again, in which case the vent valve 27 is in turn closed or switched to the through position.

Das Ventil 23 dient dazu, den Behälter 7 mit Druckgas vorzuspannen, wenn die Anlage in Betrieb genommen wird. In der Zeichnung ist das Entlüftungsventil 27 als 3-Wege-Ventil dargestellt, das in seiner einen Stellung (Entlüftungsstellung) den Zwischenbehälter 7 über die vorzugsweise regelbare Drossel 28 mit der Atmosphäre verbindet oder das in seiner anderen Stellung auf Leitungsdurchgang geschaltet ist. Anstelle eines solchen 3-Wege-Ventils als Entlüftungsventil kann in diesem Leitungszweig über ein T-Stück ein Leitungsausgang angeschlossen werden, in welchem dann ein einfaches Durchgangsventil als Entlüftungsventil angeordnet wird.The valve 23 serves to prestress the container 7 with compressed gas when the system is started up. In the drawing, the vent valve 27 is shown as a 3-way valve, which in its one position (vent position) connects the intermediate container 7 to the atmosphere via the preferably adjustable throttle 28, or which is switched to line passage in its other position. Instead of such a 3-way valve as a vent valve, a line outlet can be connected in this line branch via a T-piece, in which a simple two-way valve as a vent valve can then be connected is arranged.

Die Ventile 20, 21, 22 und 27 verharren nun in der erwähnten Stellung so lange, bis der Vorratsbehälter 2 geleert ist, worauf das geschilderte Wechselspiel aufs neue durch die Betätigung des Niveauschalters 24, verursacht durch den abgesunkenen Schwimmerschalter 14 eingeleitet wird. Die Programmsteuerung 15 ist dabei so ausgelegt, daß in diesem Wechselspiel stets das nachfolgende Ventil in der durch die Ventile 20, 21, und 22 gebildeten Reihe geöffnet wird, wobei aus dieser Reihe immer nur ein Ventil offen ist, wogegen die anderen beiden Ventile geschlossen sind.The valves 20, 21, 22 and 27 now remain in the position mentioned until the storage container 2 is emptied, whereupon the described interplay is initiated again by the actuation of the level switch 24, caused by the lowered float switch 14. The program control 15 is designed so that in this interplay the subsequent valve in the row formed by the valves 20, 21 and 22 is always opened, with only one valve being open from this row, whereas the other two valves are closed .

Die geschilderte Anlage bzw. Einrichtung kann hinsichtlich der Vorratsbehälter 1, 2 und 3 beliebig erweitert werden, für jeden zusätzlichen Vorratsbehälter ist dann eine weitere Verbindungsleitung zur Druckgasquelle mit einem Durchgangsventil vorzusehen. Im Betrieb der Anlage sind dann von diesen Durchgangsventilen alle geschlossen bis auf jenes in der Zuführleitung zu jenem Vorratsbehälter, aus dem gerade abgezapft wird.The system or device described can be expanded as desired with regard to the storage containers 1, 2 and 3, then a further connecting line to the compressed gas source with a two-way valve must then be provided for each additional storage container. During operation of the system, all of these two-way valves are then closed except for the one in the feed line to the reservoir from which it is currently being tapped.

Dank der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung steht nur jenes Getränk unter zusätzlichem Gasdruck, das gerade abgezapft wird, in den vom Bier durchströmten Leitungen sind außer den hier üblichen Rückschlagventilen 8 bis 10 keine weiteren Ventile vorgesehen, und daß diese erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung ohne besonderen Aufwand beliebig erweiterbar ist, wurde schon oben erläutert. Einleitend wurde erwähnt, daß die Einrichtung insbesondere für Bier gedacht ist. Sie kann aber auch für andere Getränke verwendet werden, und zwar für solche, in welchen Gase gelöst sind, die also unter Druck stehen, wie auch für solche ohne gelöste Gase. Mit den einzelnen Betätigungsgliedern in der Einrichtung können auch Signaleinrichtungen wie Lampen od. dgl. verbunden sein, die im Bereich des Zapfhahnes dem Bedienungspersonal den Betriebszustand der Anlage veranschaulichen, insbesondere, aus welchem Vorratsbehälter gerade abezapft wird.Thanks to the device according to the invention is only that drink under additional gas pressure that is being tapped, in the lines through which beer flows, apart from the usual check valves 8 to 10, no further valves are provided, and that this device according to the invention can be expanded as required without any particular effort already explained above. In the introduction it was mentioned that the facility is intended in particular for beer. However, it can also be used for other beverages, namely those in which gases are dissolved, which are therefore under pressure, as well as those without dissolved gases. Signal devices such as lamps or the like can also be connected to the individual actuators in the device, which illustrate the operating state of the system in the region of the tap, in particular from which storage container is currently being drawn off.

Claims (2)

  1. A device for dispensing beverages, particularly beverages under pressure, having an intermediate receptacle (7) which on the one hand is connected to fluid lines (4, 5, 6) containing valves (8, 9, 10) and leading to a plurality of storage receptacles (1, 2, 3) for the beverage and is connected to a line (11) leading to a bar tap (13) and on the other hand is connected to a pressure source via a line (16, 26) having a valve (23) and is attached to a vent valve (27), the pressure gas source being connected to the storage receptacles (1, 2, 3) too via lines (17, 18, 19) containing control valves (20, 21, 22), the device also having a program control (15) which can be activated by a first (lower) level-switch (24) associated with the intermediate receptacle (7) and which controls control valves (20, 21, 22) in alternation in such a manner that in each case only one thereof is operable and the others are closed, characterised in that the valves (8, 9, 10) in the fluid lines (4, 5, 6) leading to the storage receptacles (1, 2, 3) are non return valves, in that the vent valve (27) and the valve (23) in the pressure gas line (16, 26) leading to the intermediate receptacle (7) are also valves reversed by the program control, in that the program control is designed in such a manner that during normal tap operation the valve (23) in the pressure gas line (16, 26) leading to the intermediate receptacle (7) is constantly closed and the control valve being controlled in the instance in question is constantly open until activation of the first (lower) level-switch (24) due to a falling fluid level in the intermediate receptacle (7) activates the program control and the latter produces the closure of this valve and the opening of the next as well as the opening of the vent valve (27), and in that above the lower level-switch (24) there are arranged two additional level-switches, an upper level-switch (25) and a middle level-switch (30) adjacent to the latter, the middle level-switch (30) producing temporary opening of the vent valve (27) in the event of a falling fluid level in the intermediate receptacle (7) and the upper level-switch (25) producing closure of the vent valve (27) in the event of a rising fluid level when the highest intended fluid level has been reached.
  2. A device in accordance with Claim 1, characterised in that the vent valve (27) is equipped with an adjustable discharge nozzle (28).
EP88121365A 1987-12-31 1988-12-21 Apparatus for dispensing beverages, especially beverages under pressure Expired - Lifetime EP0322729B1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT0345887A AT391310B (en) 1987-12-31 1987-12-31 DEVICE FOR DRINKING PRESSURE BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR BEER
AT3458/87 1987-12-31

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EP0322729A1 EP0322729A1 (en) 1989-07-05
EP0322729B1 true EP0322729B1 (en) 1994-01-19

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US3305132A (en) * 1965-03-30 1967-02-21 Coja Felix Victor Automatic device for dispensing beverages
US4305527A (en) * 1977-06-13 1981-12-15 The Cornelius Company Method of dispensing a carbonated beverage
US4143793A (en) * 1977-06-13 1979-03-13 The Cornelius Company Apparatus and method for dispensing a carbonated beverage
DE3311844A1 (en) * 1983-03-31 1984-10-11 Bartholomäus 8024 Deisenhofen Gmeineder METHOD FOR TAPING BEER, ESPECIALLY WHITE BEER, IN DRINKING VESSELS
GB8405849D0 (en) * 1984-03-06 1984-04-11 Tri Vac Dispense Ltd Liquid transfer and dispensers
AT383797B (en) * 1985-11-11 1987-08-25 Walla Maschinen Kg BEER DISPENSER

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6354341B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-03-12 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Co., Inc. Rapid comestible fluid dispensing apparatus and method
US6354342B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-03-12 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Hand-held rapid dispensing apparatus and method
US6360556B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-03-26 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Apparatus and method for controlling fluid delivery temperature in a dispensing apparatus
US6443335B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-09-03 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Rapid comestible fluid dispensing apparatus and method employing a diffuser
US6449970B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-09-17 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Refrigeration apparatus and method for a fluid dispensing device
US6695168B2 (en) 1999-11-10 2004-02-24 Shurflo Pump Mfg. Co., Inc. Comestible fluid dispensing apparatus and method
EP4011251A4 (en) * 2019-08-06 2022-09-28 Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co., Ltd Modular beverage distribution assembly for refrigeration appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3887306D1 (en) 1994-03-03
ATE100417T1 (en) 1994-02-15
EP0322729A1 (en) 1989-07-05
ATA345887A (en) 1990-03-15
AT391310B (en) 1990-09-25

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