DE102010044549A1 - Automatic dispensing equipment for beverage i.e. beer, has compensator for adjusting flow rate of beverage flowing through tap, and sensor, regulation algorithm, actuator and compensator for regulating flow rate - Google Patents

Abstract

The equipment has a tap (1) and a compensator (7) for adjusting flow rate of beverage flowing through the tap. A sensor (13), a regulation algorithm (16), an actuator (4) i.e. electric motor, and the compensator regulate the flow rate. The sensor is arranged in a line (12) or in the tap. The compensator is controlled by the actuator over a gear pinion (5) and a gear wheel (6). A container carrier moves containers from an initial position into a tilted position and vice-versa. Rotary movement of the gear wheel is transformed into longitudinal movement of the compensator.

Description

The invention relates to an automatic dispensing system for qAusschenken of drinks, such as. As beer, with at least one tap according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

For the serving of beverages, such as beer, dispensing systems of various designs are used, including automatic dispensing systems with which drinking vessels can be filled semi-automatically or fully automatically. Known automatic dispensers usually include a dispensing computer that controls the dispensing process. After pressing a button by the operator, a main valve in the selected tap is opened, which releases the flow of the beverage. The drink then flows out of the storage container, through a supply line and the selected tap into a drinking vessel. Once the desired amount is reached, the valve is closed and the dispensing interrupted. The dispensing quantity is usually set by means of time or quantity control. In the case of a quantity control z. B. a flow meter for measuring the flow rate, which is connected to the dispensing computer. The dispensing computer thus receives up-to-date information about the drafted amount of beverage and can control the tapping process.

Some models of automatic dispensers are additionally equipped with a swiveling vessel support for holding one or more vessels. With the help of the vessel carrier, the vessels can first be held in an inclined position with respect to the tap and pivoted back into the upright position in the course of the dispensing operation. This makes it possible to fill the beverage foam-free in a first phase of the dispensing operation and to produce a foam crown in a later phase, in which the vessel is already almost full.

From the EP 0 424 682 A1 For example, an automatic dispensing system for CO ₂ -containing liquids is known which is equipped with a pivotable vessel carrier. As long as the glass is in the oblique position, in which the filler neck of the tap is near the inside of the glass or rests against the inside of the glass, the beverage can be tapped relatively foam-free. At the end of the dispensing process, the vessel is then brought into the upright position and operated the tap in the foam position, so that on the liquid a foam crown is generated. This is especially important when pouring beer.

In order to obtain an optimal appearance of the drink with a well-proportioned head of foam, the movement of the vascular carrier must be adjusted to the flow rate of the beverage. For example, if the beverage flows quickly out of the tap, the glass must be moved back to the upright position earlier, otherwise it will overflow. On the other hand, if the drink flows rather slowly, the glass should only be moved back into the upright position later, as otherwise it would form too much foam. When commissioning an automatic dispensing system with a swiveling vessel carrier, the movement sequence of the vessel carrier must be adapted by hand to the dispensing rate of the dispensing system. However, this is relatively expensive. In addition, the brewing speed varies during operation, as it depends on various factors, such as the temperature of the beverage and the pressure prevailing in the reservoir. These factors usually change during operation. The dispensing system must therefore be readjusted from time to time. However, this is relatively expensive.

In the case of automatic dispensing systems with several dispensing taps and a pivotable vessel carrier for several vessels, there is also the problem that the individual dispensing taps usually have a different dispensing rate. The glass, which is filled by the tap with the highest dispensing speed, can therefore already overflow, while another glass, which is filled by a tap with a lower dispensing speed, only half filled. Although the dispensing speed or flow rate of the individual dispensing taps can be adapted to each other, but this each tap must be adjusted by hand, which is relatively complex and time consuming. In addition, the dispensing behavior of the individual taps may change during operation, so that a readjustment is required, to which the system must be stopped. The system is not usable during this time.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system for drinks, with which the glasses can be filled evenly without the system would have to be readjusted constantly. A dispensing system with several taps should also be able to be set up with little effort so that all glasses can be filled synchronously.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

According to the invention, it is proposed to equip an automatic beverage dispensing system, which has at least one dispensing tap, with a regulating device for regulating the flow rate. The actuator of the control device is an adjustable valve, the z. B. can be arranged in a connecting line to a tap or in the tap itself. By controlling the flow rate can be achieved that a foaming beverage such. As beer, regardless of the pressure in the reservoir, always has a defined body and a defined foam crown. In the case of an automatic dispensing system with several dispensing taps, there is no longer any drifting apart of the dispensing behavior of the individual dispensing taps. Thus, several vessels can be poured synchronously, in an identical amount and with the same visual appearance.

The said regulating device for regulating the flow rate preferably comprises a flow meter, a regulator for regulating the flow rate to a predetermined desired value and an actuator for actuating the valve. The controller is preferably a software algorithm that may be stored, for example, in the dispensing computer of the dispensing system.

In principle, any type of drive can be used as the actuator. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is an electric motor, but optionally also pneumatic or mechanical drive can be used. In the case of an electric motor, a transmission is preferably provided, via which the electric motor actuates the valve.

The flow meter of the control device may be arranged in a connecting line to a tap or in a tap itself.

For example, the flowmeter may include an impeller with magnets and a Hall sensor that generates electrical impulses as a Manget passes the sensor. Depending on the flow rate of the beverage, the number of pulses per unit time is different. The signal from the flow meter therefore provides information about the flow rate and the flow rate. The signal is preferably evaluated by the dispensing computer.

The valve for changing the flow rate is preferably a compensator. Known compensators usually consist of a conical part, which is arranged with its narrower end against the flow direction in a line movable. The inner contour of the line is adapted to the outer contour of the cone, wherein an annular gap remains between the line and the cone, whose cross section is variable by moving the cone in or opposite to the flow direction. This allows the flow rate to be adjusted.

In dispensing systems with several dispensing taps, with which several drinking vessels can be filled at the same time, each of the dispensing taps preferably comprises its own control device and its own valve for adjusting the flow rate.

To set all taps on the same setpoint, preferably only a single input of the setpoint to the system is necessary. The dispensing computer is set up so that all controllers are set to the specified setpoint. This allows the taps to be synchronized by means of a single input on a control panel.

The automatic dispensing system according to the invention preferably also comprises a vessel carrier for swiveling and / or lowering the or the drinking vessels arranged thereon. The timing of the pivoting process is preferably carried out purely controlled.

According to the invention can be dispensed with an additional foam filling, in which the drink by a special foam position of the tap 1 extra foam is added. The beverage is preferably tapped exclusively in the normal dispensing position of the tap. In doing so, while the jar (s) are being filled, the jar carrier is moved back to the upright position.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a dispensing tap of an automatic dispensing system with a control device for controlling the flow rate in a closed position;

2 the tap of 1 in an open position; and

3 a part of an automatic dispensing system with a tap after 1 or 2 and a vascular carrier disposed under the faucet for pivoting the vessels thereon.

1 shows a tap 1 an automatic dispensing system for dispensing beer, with the dispensing lever 3 in a closed position. The tap 1 consists essentially a body 15 with a pipe inside, through which the beer flows, a dispensing nozzle 2 , and an actuator with a lever 3 for opening or closing a shut-off valve 17 ,

The tap 1 is via a supply line 12 on a reservoir, not shown, such. B. a beer keg, connected. The back connection to the pipe 12 includes a screw connection 11 with a union nut 11 attached to the body 15 of the tap 1 trained external thread attacks.

The actuating device for opening or closing the tap 1 is in the front of the tap 1 , above the dispensing nozzle 2 arranged and essentially comprises a lever 3 from a pneumatic cylinder 9 is driven and is pivotable in the direction of arrow A. The tap 3 protrudes at its lower end into the main body 15 of the tap in and is there with an actuator 23 pointing to the check valve 17 acts, articulated. In the opened state, in which the lever 3 is pivoted forward (see 2 ), the beverage flows out of the reservoir, through the pipe 12 and the tap 1 in a below the dispensing nozzle 2 arranged glass. In the in 1 position shown is the valve 17 closed and the inflow interrupted.

The tap 1 further includes a compensator 7 for adjusting the flow rate through the tap 1 , The compensator is a conically shaped piece, with its narrower end counter to the direction of flow in the interior of the body 15 is arranged. The main body 15 of the tap 1 has a complementary conical inner surface 10 , which roughly matches the outer contour of the compensator 7 is adjusted so that between the compensator 7 and the inner surface 10 an annular gap remains free, through which the beverage in the direction of the Schanzstutzens 2 can flow. The free flow cross section of this annular gap can be changed by the compensator 7 is moved in its longitudinal direction to the left or right.

At the in 1 illustrated tap 1 the flow rate of the beverage is regulated. For this purpose, a control device is provided, which is essentially a control unit 14 with a control algorithm 16 , a sensor 13 for measuring the flow rate and an actuator 4 for actuating the compensator 7 includes. The actuator of the control here forms the compensator 7 ,

The sensor 13 For example, it may have an impeller with magnets passing by one or more Hall sensors. Depending on the flow velocity, the sequence of these pulses is more or less fast, so that the flow rate or flow rate can be determined therefrom. The sensor 13 For example, generates a square wave signal to the controller 14 transmitted and evaluated by this.

The regulator 16 Now, try the sensor 13 supplied actual value to a target value, z. B. 200 pulses / s, and controls in the event of a control deviation, the actuator 4 for actuating the compensator 7 accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator is an electric motor 4 with a pinion arranged on the motor shaft 5 that with a gear 6 engaged. A rotating movement of the gear 6 is doing in a longitudinal movement of the compensator 7 changed.

2 shows the tap 1 from 1 in the open position. The lever 3 is pivoted forward in this state and the valve 17 open.

3 shows an automatic dispensing system with a vessel carrier 22 , by means of which one or more glasses can be tilted simultaneously. The vascular carrier 22 includes a bottom part 19 on which the glasses or glasses 18 stand, and approximately at right angles to the bottom part 19 extending side part 20 , The vessel carrier is powered by a drive 21 driven to tilt the glasses or the glasses. In the tilted position is the free end of the dispensing nozzle 2 near a side wall of the glass 18 , The dispensing nozzle 2 is in the glass 18 immersed. A carbonated beverage, especially beer, can be poured relatively foam free. In the lowered starting position, in which the glasses are upright, is the dispensing nozzle 2 but outside the glass 18 ,

A dispensing process essentially proceeds as follows: first, one or more jars are placed on the vessel carrier 22 transported and the vascular carrier is brought into the tilted position. After pressing one or more start buttons, not shown, on which those glasses can be selected, which are to be filled, the check valve 17 the relevant taps automatically by means of the pneumatic cylinder 9 Open, leaving the drink in the previously selected glasses 18 flows. During the dispensing process, the amount of beverage dispensed and the flow rate of the beverage are constantly measured. After a predetermined period of time, the drive starts 21 to move the vessel carrier back to its original position. This will be the glasses 18 still filled. Due to the increasing distance of the dispensing nozzle 2 from the glass inner wall or the surface of the drink takes the foam to. Therefore, a defined foam hood forms on the beverage.

Depending on the vote of the movement of the vessel carrier 22 The height of the foam hood can be adjusted in relation to the flow rate of the beverage. The regulation of the flow rate has the effect that the system must not be readjusted even with fluctuating pressure in the reservoir or with increasing temperature and the drinks poured out always has the same reproducible appearance.

If in an automatic dispensing system with several taps 1 the flow rate of each tap 1 is set to the same value, you can also fill several glasses almost identically, without one of the glasses overflowing, while another glass is not full. At the end of the dispensing process, all glasses contain a beverage with a nearly identical appearance.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0424682 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Automatic dispenser for drinks with a tap ( 1 ) and a valve ( 7 ) for adjusting the flow rate of a through the tap ( 1 ) flowing beverage, characterized by a control device ( 13 . 16 . 4 . 7 ) for controlling the flow rate whose actuator is the valve ( 7 ). Dispensing installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve ( 7 ) is the compensator of a compensator tap. Dispensing installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regulating device ( 13 . 16 . 4 . 7 ) a flow meter ( 13 ), a controller ( 16 ) for controlling the flow rate to a predetermined set point and an actuator ( 4 ) for actuating the valve ( 7 ) having. Dispensing installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuator ( 4 ) is an electric motor, a pneumatic or a mechanical drive. Dispensing installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow meter ( 13 ) in a to tap ( 1 ) leading line ( 12 ) or in the tap ( 1 ) is arranged by itself. Dispensing installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow meter ( 13 ) generates a square wave signal. Dispensing installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve ( 7 ) from a motor ( 4 ) via a transmission ( 5 . 6 ) is driven. Dispensing installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several dispensing taps ( 1 ) are provided, with which several drinking vessels ( 18 ) can be filled simultaneously, with the taps ( 1 ) one controller each ( 16 ) exhibit. Dispensing installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vessel carrier ( 19 ), by means of which one or more vessels ( 18 ) are movable from an initial position to a tilted position and back. Dispensing installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control is provided which the vessel carrier ( 19 ), while the at least one glass is still being filled, is moved back from the tilted position towards the starting position.

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