DE4307415C1 - Method for operating a tapping system and associated tapping system - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved tapping system and an associated tapping and metering method are based on the fact that an automatic valve (29) is connected in series to a manual valve (7) which can be actuated by means of a tap (5). The metering process is not started until the manual valve (7), which is connected to the tap (5), is opened. The metering process can be interrupted by temporarily closing the manual valve (7). When a presettable metered quantity is reached, the automatic valve (29) can be finally closed via a control and evaluating electronic system (17), completing the metering process. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a Dispensing system and a dispensing system according to the generic term of claims 1 and 7.

Also in the bar, especially in the restaurant Automa finds tenants, restaurants and / or hotels tion more and more input. The goal here is by hand advantages in terms of time and thus saving personnel. A Automatic dosing can be used, for example, to dispense shorten. Automatic waiter identification systems (previously mostly used in the form of a specific Ken key, which is poured into an identification Detection device must be plugged in) facilitate the Identification. Computer-based billing offers a simplification and a reduction in errors Daily statement. In addition, such a processor opens supported billing the transparency regarding all pre gears and helps to significantly reduce manipulation adorn.  

Therefore, according to DE 40 04 089, an automa table dispensing system has been proposed, in which the Usually manually operated tap by a manually triggered, but then automatically controlled and reset after dispensing the metered amount of beverage Button has been replaced. It was also possible and suggested on the manually operable tap accordingly controllable actuator to build or build, so that the Originally manually operated tap by the car Manually actuated actuator convertible into a quasi-automatic system cock was changed.

After identifying the waiter could be in both Cases by pressing a start button the dosing process be initiated. Billing is done automatically by printing the data.

Such automated dispensing systems, however, have out of disadvantages.

On the one hand, the dosing process is not interruptible and runs uninfluenced at the same time. Especially with foaming beverages, such as Pils beer, this leads to significant problems that only arise through buying other disadvantages and significant technical recording wall can be solved by, for example, the Ge Soak largely foam for the easy tapping process made free and then one with a foam button so-called "crown" is put on. But this has been significant loss of quality.

A mechanism has also become known that the glass for the easier automatic dispensing process holds the glass at an angle and at the end of the dispensing process sam straightens up.  

But this last-mentioned state of the art is also required causes a considerable increase in machine and equipment wall. In particular, such techniques specifically require constructed computer dispensing systems.

A device for dispensing a liquid, for example as for refueling motor vehicles with petrol or the same fuels, especially for refueling up to a top mark is known from DE 32 28 265 A1 been. It is about the structure and the con welcome to a filling station system for automatic Filling a motor vehicle tank up to the mentioned Highest mark. The purpose of the specific refueling facility to ensure that the automatic Filling process of the tank is not ended too early.

From this designed for a different purpose Establishing it is basically known to be an automatic valve and one sitting at the end of the hose and with one manual closing mechanism provided filler neck for To be introduced into the motor vehicle tank.

Beverage dispensing machines in general are examples but also from AT-PS 275 342, DE 32 36 630 C2 as known from DE 38 16 479 C2. All of these be Known taps have problems with one Automation of the dispensing process when especially foaming beverages are used.

The object of the present invention is a method to operate a dispensing system and an automated one To create dispensing system itself, which makes comparative wise simple structure a problem-free dosed delivery of drinks is possible, being ensured should that foaming even in a reduced pressure Drinks can be served easily.

The object is achieved according to the method according to that in claim 1 and with respect to the dispensing system according to the features specified in claim 7 ge solves. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown in specified in the subclaims.

The present invention is based on a concept in which an automatically controllable valve, in short Called automatic valve, with a manual valve, d. H. regularly the manually operated tap in series is switched. The automatic valve can Function of the release of the line, for example a corresponding waiter identification as well as the Block the line after reaching the specified or accept the preset dosage.

Now to solve the problem that in unpressurized or pressure reduced state of foaming beverages such as wise beer in general or Pils beer in particular tapped easily in the next tap can now be provided that the automatic ven til after reaching a dispensed dosage for a minimum period of time is closed. For a subsequent one Bridging time, this automatic valve is short again open. Is after completion of the previous off dispensing and dosing process and switching the car Matikventils in the closed position within or before expiration in the meantime the manual valve closes or will closed again during this time, reports the through flow measuring sensor that no amount of beverage is dispensed, So the manual valve is closed. In this condition the automatic valve becomes after the short bridging time closed again.

By briefly opening the car Matikventils is in the line branch between the car matic valve and tap, d. H. the pressure in the manual valve again increased to the usual level, so that a  Decarbonization of the beverage can be avoided.

Should the manual valve in the bypass time after the brief closing of the automatic valve again have been opened or not closed at all when the automatic valve is opened via the measuring sensor recognized that a next tap begins, so that the automatic valve remains in the open state.

The automatic valve takes over the function of Line release after a waiter identification, and can also - if desired - the portion perform the task. After removing a unit closes the automatic valve, the units on the Account of the respective waiter can be booked. The hand cal valve is used to start metering and for any frequent interruption of dosing, with the possibility these continue or end at a later time to lead.

The dosage is therefore not preferred by pressing initiated a dosing button without interruption, but can preferably be carried out directly via the tap den (of course, a continuously pressable Dosing button, which releases the tapping process under breaks, be used; in this case it is not, as in the prior art, a pure "trigger button ", but a continuously operable and thus continuously influencing the dosing process Dose button).

The delivery of the desired quantity can be done by automatic dosing or based on the change game between hand valve, i.e. the tap, the Automa tic valve and the (time independent) impulses in connection with the counting of the  Servings are done.

It is also possible, however, to submit the registration of the the amount, i.e. the automatic dosing, on the basis the interplay between the manual valve, the Automatic valve and the artificially generated by the processor Impulses in connection with the counting of the portions takes place, but here, for example, on the measuring turbine NEN measuring principle based flow measuring sensor provided is, but the time is determined. Given through flow cross-section and given flow rate can depend on the time and a corresponding Calibration at least indirectly flow through each flow rate calculated and at the dose tion are processed (this measuring principle is given if anything less precise than using a direct measuring flow measuring sensor).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the required additional dosing quantities Input fields, for example in the form of a keyboard and / or personnel readers for personnel identification in a separate small housing near the tap bar kens be housed, which preferably on one correspondingly easily adjustable and ergonomically favorable and correctly positioned gooseneck can.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention result from the following based on drawings illustrated embodiment. Show in the individual:

Fig. 1: a schematic perspective presen- tation of an automated dispensing system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart illustrating an inventive method for operation of such a dispensing system.

As can be seen from the schematically reproduced illustration according to FIG. 1, the dispensing system is divided into three areas, which can also be spatially separated from one another.

It is the so-called counter area A, the cold room area B and the office or computer and Evaluation area C.

In the actual counter area A, a conventional bar counter 1 installed a long time ago can be provided with a bar 3 , on which, for example in the exemplary embodiment shown, four adjacent and manually operated taps are provided. Via each manually operated tap 5 , a so-called manual valve 7 , shown schematically in FIG. 1, is actuated only on the rightmost tap 5 .

In this respect, it is the conventional structure tra traditional bar counters.  

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a so-called dosing quantity selector switch 9 and a so-called waiter recognition or personnel reading device 11 are additionally provided.

Although the metering quantity selector switch 9, but also the waiter recognition or personnel reading device 11 could be accommodated on the bar bar 3 actually, a preferred spatial accommodation is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown. The Dosiermen gene selector switch 9 and the waiter detection device 11 are housed in a small on a bendable gooseneck 12 before seen housing 13 . This offers a more universal use because the housing 13 can be brought into the desired ergonomic position by the flexible gooseneck 12 , in which the gooseneck 12 then remains rigid and sufficiently stable.

In the exemplary embodiment shown serves for personnel identification, a wrist in the form of a watch is used as a personal recognition unit that sends signals that can be received in a closer range, for example, from 10 to 20 cm, to the personnel reader integrated in the housing 13 when an operator with the personnel identification transmitter at least briefly gets close enough to the personnel reader. The personnel reader 11 is e.g. B. constructed so that the head on the upper bracket of the gooseneck is only attached and secured with a screw. This ensures a quick exchange of the electronics.

The received signals are sent via a line or a line bus 15 to a control and evaluation electronics 17 in the office area C.

The control and evaluation electronics 17 preferably works on the basis of a microprocessor or PC's and can also be provided spatially separate from the actual dispensing system at any suitable location, for example in a wall-mounted housing in a neighboring room.

The actual control and evaluation electronics 17 in the so-called office or computer, ie evaluation and control area C is also an input and operator console 19 and an output unit 21, for example in the form of a printer, screen or other displays. Using the input and operator console 19, it is possible to use the associated keyboard to prepare and print an evaluation (settlement), to delete individual accounts (setting a deadline), to enter text (for naming the line, entering prices, entering the time, etc.). ) perform etc.

Finally, one or more beverage containers 25 , which are preferably accommodated in a so-called cooling space B, corresponding lines 27 to the taps 5 .

An automatic valve 29 and a flow measurement sensor 31 are connected in series in each of the lines 27 at a suitable point.

The automatic valves 29 as the flow measuring sensors 31 in the line 27 can be provided at any point in the lines Lei, that is either closer to the actual union taps 5 or further away, that is closer to the beverage containers 25 .

The automatic valves 29 such as the flow measuring sensors 31 are connected via further lines or line buses 33 if again to the computer-aided control and evaluation electronics 17 .

The operation and the mode of operation of the dispensing system explained above will be discussed below with reference to the flow chart according to FIG. 2.

At the beginning of a dispensing process, the respective manual valve 7 assigned to a tap 5 , as well as the automatic valve 29, are closed. After the personal identification, the automatic valve 29 opens. As explained in the preferred embodiment, an operator needs to briefly pass the transmitter housed in a housing in the form of an arm only in the vicinity of the personnel reading device 11 .

By actuating the tap 5 , the metering is started ge. The start of metering is detected by the flow measuring sensor 31 , with a corresponding start or measurement signal from the control and evaluation electronics 17 being fed. It is not necessary to operate a separate electrical start button.

_It is now possible to wait for the start of the dispensing process within an adjustable lead time T _before . However, if the lead time T _before set to 10 seconds in the exemplary embodiment shown has expired, the automatic valve 29 is automatically closed again via the control and evaluation unit 17 . A new start is only possible by entering a new personnel identification and identification.

If after the personnel detection and opening of the automatic valve 29 within the preset lead time T _before (in the exemplary embodiment shown is the lead time T _before 10 seconds) the tapping process is started, the flow measuring sensor 31 is thereby activated and the dosing started. The flow measurement sensor 31 therefore sends a corresponding measurement and start signal to the control and evaluation electronics 17 . There is no need to press an electrical start button.

The metering process can now be interrupted several times by closing the manual valve 7 .

Is as in the embodiment shown without closing the manual valve, that is, without bringing the tap 5 in the closed position, the preset dosage amount is reached and dispensed (which can be determined by evaluating the flow measuring sensor 31 and the control signals sent to the control and evaluation electronics 17) is), the relevant automatic valve 29 is automatically closed (AUTO CLOSE).

As mentioned, the dispensing tap 5 , i.e. the manual valve 7 , can be closed as often as required before reaching the dosage amount (HAND CLOSED). If the dispensing process is continued within a preset time T _CL of, for example, 10 seconds and the manual valve 7 is opened, the metering process is continued until the command "metering reached" is issued again by the control and evaluation electronics 17 and the automatic valve 29 is closed becomes. Is closed during the Dosiervor ganges the manual valve 7 for a period that is longer than the pre-settable time T _ON, the automatic valve 29 is also closed even before reaching the dosed. The dispensed quantity that has already been dispensed and / or the remaining quantity that has not yet been dispensed is stored in the control and evaluation electronics 17 , even if the waiter identification expires in the meantime and another waiter has the system or is performing a dispensing operation .

If the same waiter identification is entered again via the personnel reading device 11 , the remaining quantity still stored is called up again, so that the dispensing and dosing process can be resumed and continued at the aborted point. Here, too, the manual valve can be closed for a time shorter or greater than the time T _CL until the dosage is sufficient and the automatic valve 29 is finally closed.

If no further metering is subsequently required, the manual valve 7 is closed. If in return a further dosage is desired, the manual valve 7 remains open. The control process is as follows.

After the previously completed metering (in Fig. 2 at "dispensing finished") opens z. B. after a pre-adjustable time of T _Neu, for example three seconds, the automatic valve 29 again. The further process is dependent on the position of the tap 5 and thus of the manual valve 7 .

If the manual valve 7 is closed (this is recognized by the flow measuring sensor 31 , which signals no flow to the control and evaluation electronics 17 ), the automatic valve 29 closes again after a short bridging time T _over of, for example, one second.

This brief opening of approximately one second is necessary to restore the pressure in the line between the manual valve 7 and the automatic valve 29 . If a foaming medium such as beer were poured out via this line, which is in the line for a long time without pressurization, this would result in the undesired decarbonization, ie the undesirable foaming.

In contrast, after the completion of a previous dosing process, the tap 5 and thus the manual valve 7 has been opened again within the preselected and set time T _New or has remained open (which is also recognized again by the flow measuring sensor 31 and the control and evaluation electronics 17 is reported), the automatic valve 29 remains open and the next metering (return loop S) is carried out. It is then not necessary to re-enter personnel identification.

The personnel identification can be held during the entire process over a freely adjustable time of, for example, T _Ident of approximately 10 seconds. If there is no flow within this time, the personnel identification is canceled and the automatic valve 29 closes automatically. Access to the dispensing system is only possible again after new personnel identification. If another personnel ID is entered within the presettable time of T _Ident, for example about 10 seconds, while the personnel identification is being held, the existing one is deleted. So you can switch from one waiter to another without waiting.

Otherwise, in the context of automated operation Dispensing system also easily the desired Thu quantity can be set, calibrated and monitored.

The exemplary embodiment has been explained in the case of dispensing a preset dispensing or metering quantity for a line 27 . The example can be expanded as required, depending on the number of taps 5 . In this case, a desired dosing quantity can be permanently set via the dosing selector switch 9 or other values that have already been stored can be called up. Any changes are possible here at any time.

The present dispensing system and the associated dispensing and dosing process are shown using the example of a dispensing bar 3 , above which beer or non-alcoholic beverages in particular, which tend to decarbonize when the pressure is released, can be served.

With the dispensing system and the associated dispensing and Dosing methods can be done using a computer or Mi croprocessor at the same time over several bars watches and be controlled.

Claims (19)

1. A method for operating a beverage dispensing system, wherein the beverage via a feed line (27) a provided with a manual valve (7) output station (3) is fed, via a vorgese in the feed line (27) Henen flow-through Measuring sensor ( 31 ) measures the flow rate and, when a metering amount is reached, the automatic valve ( 29 ) located in the feed line ( 27 ) is activated and closed accordingly, characterized in that the automatic valve ( 29 ) after reaching a dispensed metering amount and switching over to The closed position is opened again after an intermediate time (T _New ) and remains open for a subsequent bridging time (T _Over ) and then closed again when the previous dispensing and dosing process has been completed and the automatic valve ( 29 ) has been switched over Close position within or before the interval (T _new ) the manual valve ( 7 ) g is or will be closed. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that after expiry of the bridging time (T _over ) the Automatikven valve ( 29 ) is reversed into the open position if it is opened again within the meantime (T _new ) or remains open. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized net gekennzeich that the dispensing and dosing process is interrupted as often as desired, wherein the automation (29) remains open at break below a preferably presettable time period (T _ZU) tikventil until the final preset dosage has been reached and dispensed. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dispensing and metering process is interrupted arbitrarily often, the automatic valve ( 29 ) being automatically closed and the further dispensing process in the event of an interruption over a preferably presettable time period (T _CLOSE ) is interrupted even when the manual valve ( 7 ) is open. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that in the event of an interruption of the dispensing process for a period of time greater than the preferably pre-settable time (T _CL ) a renewed continuation of the dispensing and metering process only if existing or newly entered ben personnel identification ID is carried out. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that with the serving even when the manual valve ( 7 ) is only started after the Personali identification detection is triggered or carried out. 7. Dispensing system with the following features

• - For dispensing drinks, a dispensing station ( 3 ), preferably in the form of a bar, is provided,
• - An automatic valve ( 29 ) is provided in a feed line ( 27 ) to the dispensing station ( 3 ) and can be controlled via control and evaluation electronics ( 17 ),
• - The automatic valve ( 29 ) is connected in series with a hand valve ( 7 ) which can be actuated by means of a tap ( 5 ),
• - A flow measuring sensor ( 31 ) is also connected in series in the feed line ( 27 ),
• - After reaching the dosing quantity, the automatic valve ( 29 ) can be closed via the control and evaluation electronics ( 17 ),

characterized in that a control circuit is provided which, after the dosing process has ended and the automatic valve ( 29 ) has automatically closed, opens it again after an intermediate time (T _Neu ) and after a further bridging time which closes the intermediate time (T _Neu ) (T _Over ) automatically switches back to the closed position when the manual valve ( 7 ) is closed after the intermediate time (T _New ). 8. dispensing system according to claim 7, characterized in that a control circuit is provided what is being reversed again in the open position after the expiry of the backup time (T _over) the automatic valve (29) when intra-half the meantime (T _Neu) the manual valve (7 ) is opened again or has remained open. 9. dispensing system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that in the from a beverage container ( 25 ) to the manual valve ( 7 ) leading line ( 27 ) first the automatic valve ( 29 ) and this downstream of the flow measuring sensor ( 31 ) is installed. 10. Dispensing system according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the automatic valve ( 29 ) and / or the flow measuring sensor ( 31 ) from the bar ( 3 ) or the bar counter ( 1 ) spatially separated in a separate cooling area (B) is housed. 11. Dispensing system according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the triggering and actuating unit consists of a personnel identification device ( 11 ), which preferably responds to transmission signals carried by an operator and at least briefly and in close proximity to one another Personalidentification device ( 11 ) passable personal identification transmitter are deliverable. 12. Dispensing system according to claim 11, characterized in that that the personal identification transmitter in a watch-like Chen housing can be carried on the wrist. 13. Dispensing system according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the personnel identification device ( 11 ) and preferably a metering quantity selector switch ( 9 ) are housed in a housing ( 13 ) which is separate from a dispensing bar ( 3 ). 14. Dispensing system according to claim 13, characterized in that the personnel identification device ( 11 ) and preferably the metering quantity selector switch ( 9 ) in an on a fle xible and in a different spatial position an adjustable gooseneck construction ( 12 ) preferably in the vicinity of a Bar ( 3 ) are placed horizontally. 15. Dispensing system according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the automatic valve ( 29 ) can be automatically closed when the metering process is interrupted for a time greater than a pre-adjustable interruption time (T _CLOSE ). 16. Dispensing system according to claim 15, characterized in that after interruption of the metering process after exceeding the pre-settable interruption time (T _CLOSE ) and closure of the automatic valve ( 29 ), the continuation of the metering process is provided only after activation of the preferably in the form of the personal identification device ( 11 ) Triggering and actuating unit can be carried out, the further metering process taking into account the metering quantity previously measured and already served by the flow measuring sensor ( 31 ) can be continued. 17. Dispensing system according to claim 15, characterized in that upon interruption of the metering process for a time shorter remains as a presettable preferably interrup monitoring time (T _ZU) the automatic valve (29) in the open state. 18. Dispensing system according to one of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the closed position of the Handven valve ( 7 ) after the interval (T _new ) by means of the flow measuring sensor ( 31 ) can be determined.