EA019502B1 - A method of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system comprising a sealable pressure chamber containing a beverage, a sealable multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, a fluid pressure source connected to the pressure chamber and to the multi-chambered cartridge, a tapping device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid, a tapping line for delivering the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid to the tapping device, and a discharge valve connected to the multi-chambered cartridge, the pressure chamber and the tapping line. The method further comprises positioning the discharge valve in the rinsing position and dispensing the cleaning fluid from the tapping device.

Description

State of the art

Beverage dispensing systems are commonly used in beverage dispensers to efficiently dispense large quantities of beverages. Typically, beverage dispensing systems are used to dispense carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draft beer and cider. Although also non-alcoholic drinks, such as soft drinks, and non-carbonated drinks, such as wine and fruit juice, can be dispensed using a beverage dispensing system. Beverage distribution systems are delivered mainly for professional users, such as establishments such as bars, restaurants and hotels, but more often for private users, for example, in private homes.

Professional beverage dispensing systems typically distribute beverages delivered in large beverage kegs. Such beverage kegs can hold 20-50 liters of a beverage for a professional beverage dispensing system and allow, as a rule, 50-100 beverage dispensing operations to be performed before a keg with a beverage needs to be replaced. Typically, beverage kegs are made from hard materials such as steel and are refilled many times. Between the fillings the kegs with the drink are thoroughly cleaned. Improper cleaning can lead to a breach of hygiene in the kegs with the drink, which, in turn, can lead to health problems for the consumer of the drink. Alternatively, beverage kegs are compressible for single use only due to the above hygiene problems. An example of such a beverage dispensing system using compressible kegs with a drink is the OgaidMa ^ cr ™ system. supplied by the company filing this application. Such beverage dispensing systems using compressible beverage kegs typically have a beverage keg mounted in a pressure chamber.

When dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispensing system, the compressed fluid is able to enter a beverage keg (in the case of a metal keg) or a pressure chamber (in the case of a compressible keg). When using a metal keg, the keg itself can be considered a pressure chamber. During dispensing the beverage from the pressure chamber, the compressed fluid acts on the beverage and pushes the beverage out of the pressure chamber. If a compressible keg with a beverage is used, then the keg with the beverage is compressed during dispensing of the beverage, and the volume of the keg with the beverage is reduced in accordance with the amount of dispensed beverage. The compressible beverage kegs are preferably made of flexible and recyclable material, such as plastic.

In the dispensing operation, the pressure force forces the beverage to flow from the beverage container into the filling line. The tapping line leads to a tapping device, typically having a tapping valve and a tapping lever, allowing the operator to control the tapping valve and therefore the beverage dispensing operation. An operator, such as a bartender or waiter, uses a dispenser to control the amount of beverage dispensed. After each beverage dispensing operation, the remainder of the beverage inevitably remains in the tapping line and in the tapping device. After some time, a layer of the remaining beverage may form inside the tapping line and tapping device. Such layers of the remaining beverage may solidify and ultimately clog the tapping line and / or tapping device, thereby disrupting the beverage dispensing operation. However, long before the filling line and / or filling device is clogged, the remaining beverage will create a hygiene problem. The tapping line and tapping device are areas where bacterial growth can be accelerated due to the presence of the drink, the large surface area compared to the volume of the drink, the lack of adequate cooling and proximity to the environment. Bacterial growth due to lack of hygienic conditions inside the tapping line and tapping device can create a quality problem for the consumer of the drink. In addition, crusting of the solidified beverage within the tapping line may occur. Thus, there is a need for technologies for cleaning the tapping line and tapping device after a certain period of time or, alternatively, after a certain number of beverage dispensing operations.

For private users, the problem mentioned above can be solved by using a recyclable tapping line and tapping device designed for single use only. For the professional user, a single-use tapping line and tapping device means that the operator must regularly re-install the tapping line and tapping device. Frequent installation requires significantly more time compared with the case when there is a tapping line and tapping device, permanently installed in the institution. Some establishments may have a pressure chamber in different places, for example, in a basement below the current spill site, which requires even more effort to replace the spill line. In such establishments, the tapping device is usually made of non-disposable materials for reasons of attractive appearance.

Pending and yet unpublished European patent application 07388059.3, filed on August 20, 2007, describes a beverage distribution system having a separate rinse line. By using a specially designed outlet valve, the rinsing fluid and the beverage can alternately enter the tapping line. Rinsing fluid is supplied from a separate pressurized reservoir. Exhaust valve on

- 1 019502 provides preventative measures to prevent the mixing of rinsing fluid and drink.

\ Νϋ 2007/076584 A2 describes an automatic home dispenser for several types of beer. The above publication briefly describes that a cleaning cartridge can be used to clean a beverage dispenser. However, this publication does not describe any additional details of how the cleaning is carried out.

Pending and still unpublished European patent application 08388029.4, filed September 11, 2008, describes a cleaning and rinsing cartridge for internal use. The cleaning and rinsing cartridge is installed in the pressure chamber like a keg with a drink, and the distribution of it is carried out in the same way as the distribution of the drink.

However, it may be advantageous to create an external system for cleaning and rinsing, which can be operated while the keg with the drink or, alternatively, the drink is still inside the pressure chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide technologies for cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system using an external cleaning and flushing unit. Other objects of the present invention include the development of technologies for cleaning and rinsing a beverage dispensing system by using an external cleaning and rinsing cartridge.

When using a cleaning fluid to rinse the tapping line and the tapping device, it is important to ensure that the cleaning fluid is properly removed from the beverage distribution system before the beverage dispensing operations begin. Thus, it is another object of the present invention to provide technologies for removing cleaning fluid from a beverage dispensing system. Practice has shown that for guaranteed removal of the cleaning fluid, it is necessary to allow a certain minimum amount of washing fluid to pass through the beverage dispensing system.

The above need and the above tasks, together with many other needs and tasks that will be apparent from the following detailed description in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, are solved by a method for cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system, comprising the steps that provide for a tightly closed chamber a pressure containing a beverage configured to seal the multi-chamber cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cleaning fluid cartridge and a second washing fluid cartridge, a compressed fluid source coupled to the pressure chamber and to the multi-chamber cartridge for generating pressure in the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge using the compressed fluid, a beverage dispenser, a cleaning fluid and a flushing fluid, a dispensing line for delivering a beverage, a cleaning fluid and a flushing fluid to the tapping device, an exhaust valve connected to nogokamernomu cartridge, the pressure chamber and the dispensing line, wherein the exhaust valve has a dispensing position beverage rinsing position and a closed position; wherein the dispensing position of the beverage allows dispensing the beverage from the tapping device when the pressure chamber is under pressure, while preventing the dispensing of cleaning and flushing fluids from the tapping device, the rinsing position allows the dispensing of cleaning and flushing fluids from the tapping device when the multi-chamber cartridge is under pressure while preventing the dispensing of the beverage from the tapping device, and the closed position prevents the dispensing of the beverage, cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid from the dispensing device, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: positioning the discharge valve in the rinsing position;

dispensing the cleaning fluid from the tapping device by allowing the cleaning fluid to flow from the first cartridge through an exhaust valve through the tapping line and exiting the tapping device;

the subsequent distribution of the washing fluid from the tapping device by allowing the washing fluid to flow from the second cartridge through the outlet valve through the tapping line and leaving the tapping device.

The beverage distribution system may preferably be a professional system, which is preferably installed in an establishment such as a bar, restaurant, or the like. The method according to the first aspect of the present invention is preferably used when replacing a keg with a drink, i.e. after removing an empty keg with a drink and before installing a new keg with a drink. The method according to the first aspect of the present invention can, alternatively, be used between keg replacements with a drink

- 2 019502 com, for example, if a significant period of time has passed since the last cleaning, since in this case it is not necessary to open the pressure chamber to carry out the cleaning and flushing operations. The pressure chamber configured to be hermetically sealed may itself be a beverage keg, or, alternatively, a compressible keg is installed in the pressure chamber.

The multi-chamber cartridge, which is capable of hermetically closing, is located outside the pressure chamber and is intended to allow rinsing of the tapping line or tapping device while the beverage is still in the pressure chamber. The sealed multi-chamber cartridge may preferably be reused and refilled by the user, and may preferably be made of metal or hard plastic. The first and second cartridges containing the cleaning and rinsing fluid, respectively, can usually be made significantly smaller than the keg with the drink, since usually the required volume of the cleaning and rinsing fluids is less than the volume that a typical keg with a drink can accommodate. The first cartridge containing the cleaning fluid is preferably marked to distinguish it from the second cartridge containing the washing fluid. Such markings may include yellow and black stripes, which represent a warning indicator.

Both the first and second cartridges must have an outlet connector that must be in fluid communication with the first connector of the pressure chamber in such a way that the outlet connector is hermetically connected to the first connector. The cartridge outlet connector and the first pressure chamber connector are preferably located at the lower end of the cartridge and pressure chamber, respectively. The compressed fluid may preferably be able to interact with the cleaning and flushing fluids at the fluid interface located at the opposite upper end of the cartridge, ensuring that the cleaning and flushing cartridges are empty before the compressed fluid enters the filling line.

The first and second cartridges of the multi-chamber cartridge must be configured so that the first cartridge is empty earlier than the second cartridge. This can be achieved by introducing a control valve to switch between the first and second cartridges. The control valve may be a 3-way valve controlled either manually or automatically.

The cleaning fluid should be selected from fluids that are effective in removing solid or liquid beverage residues from the tapping line or from the tapping device. Preferably, the cleaning fluid has no toxic properties or has weak toxic properties to avoid health risks. In addition, the cleaning fluid preferably does not have corrosive properties or has weak corrosive properties in order to avoid damage or excessive wear to the beverage dispensing system. The cleaning fluid is preferably colored to distinguish it from the washing fluid. The cleaning fluid may also be colored in some way to distinguish it from the dispensed beverage, for example, when dispensing a beer that is yellowish, the color may preferably be one of the following colors: red, green or blue, so that it can be seen when dispensing the cleaning fluid medium. Suitable cleaning fluids may include alcohol, soap, alkali or acid based chemicals, and the like. Alternatively, the cleaning fluid may be a gas, such as water vapor.

To ensure that the cleaning fluid does not remain inside the beverage dispensing system, the tapping line and tapping valve must be flushed by introducing a flushing fluid before dispensing operations can begin. Flushing fluid should be cheap, non-toxic and taste neutral. Pure water is preferably used as a flushing fluid. A flushing fluid is introduced from the second cartridge into the tapping line after emptying the first cartridge.

The flushing fluid is pushed through the tapping line and the dispenser into the external medium. The flushing fluid is preferably transparent so that the operator can visually detect any traces of the cleaning fluid remaining inside the beverage dispensing system. At the end of the flushing, only flushing fluid should be present in the dispenser. The amount of flushing fluid in the flushing fluid container should be selected so as to ensure that the flushing fluid does not remain in the tapping line. If the cleaning fluid is still present at the end of the flushing, the flushing should be continued until the cleaning fluid is completely removed from the beverage dispensing system. The cleaning fluid may otherwise affect the taste of the beverage and possibly be harmful to the health of the beverage consumer. When the flushing fluid is completed, the cleaning and flushing system can be separated.

When using a compressible keg containing a pre-carbonated beverage, the source of compressed fluid may be a compressor or the like. for supplying compressed fluid

- 3 019502 d, in particular air, into the pressure chamber. When using a standard incompressible container or keg, the source of compressed fluid may preferably be a cylinder of pressurized carbon dioxide, and the compressed fluid may be CO ₂ to exert pressure on the beverage. When the multi-chamber cartridge is sealed and compressed fluid is introduced, the cleaning and flushing fluids may be expelled from the multi-chamber cartridge. The compressed fluid may preferably be any gas, such as, for example, pressurized air. The source of compressed fluid may be, for example, a compressor. By using a membrane between the cleaning and flushing fluids and the compressed fluid, a liquid compressed fluid, such as water, can be used as an alternative to a gaseous compressed fluid. The membrane does not allow the cleaning fluid to mix with the compressed fluid. The membrane may, for example, be a compressible cartridge or gasket. The compressed fluid may preferably act directly on the cleaning fluid so that when the exhaust valve is open, the cleaning fluid is pushed through the tapping line and the tapping device into the external environment.

The filling device may include a valve and a lever for selectively dispensing the beverage into a glass or similar container. A tapping device is also used to dispense a cleaning fluid and a flushing fluid when rinsing a beverage dispensing system. A cleaning fluid cleans and rinses the filling line and exhaust valve as it passes through the beverage dispensing system. After exiting the dispenser, the cleaning fluid may flow into a drain system, which is typically provided under the dispenser to collect the beverage that has been excessively dispensed. If a highly toxic cleaning fluid is used, separate collection may be required for proper disposal.

The tapping line may be a pipe made of plastic or metal, which is fixed in the institution. A tapping line connects the outlet valve to the tapping device for transporting the beverage, cleaning fluid, and flushing fluid from the outlet valve to the tapping device.

The outlet valve is preferably located very close to the pressure chamber or, alternatively, is part of the pressure chamber. The outlet valve is a three-position valve connected to the tapping line, pressure chamber and multi-chamber cartridge. The exhaust valve can occupy three different positions.

The first position is the beverage dispensing position in which the pressure chamber is connected to the tapping line and the multi-chamber cartridge is disconnected from the tapping line. The beverage dispensing position allows the beverage to be transported in the pressure chamber to the dispenser and selectively dispensed by controlling the lever of the dispenser. In the beverage dispensing position, the cleaning and flushing fluids are not able to enter the tapping line or tapping device.

The second position of the exhaust valve is a rinse position at which the multi-chamber cartridge is attached to the tapping line and the pressure chamber is disconnected from the tapping line. At the rinse position, the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid are transported through the tapping line and can be dispensed by controlling the tapping device. In the rinse position, the beverage is not able to enter the tapping line or tapping device. The exhaust valve must be designed so that the cleaning and flushing fluids do not mix with the drink. Thus, in the rinse position, the pressure chamber must be isolated from the tapping line and the multi-chamber cartridge. Accordingly, in the beverage dispensing position, the multi-chamber cartridge should be isolated from the pressure chamber and the tapping line.

The third position is a closed position in which the beverage, cleaning and flushing fluids cannot enter the bottling line.

The multi-chamber cartridge must be designed to first dispense a cleaning fluid, and then, when all of the cleaning fluid has been dispensed, dispense a flushing fluid. The cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid must therefore be stored in two separate cartridges inside the multi-chamber cartridge. A multi-chamber cartridge may, for example, include a valve that automatically switches from dispensing the cleaning fluid to dispensing the washing fluid when the cleaning fluid has been dispensed. It is further contemplated that the multi-chamber cartridge should be oriented in a certain way to accommodate and dispense cleaning and flushing fluids.

In the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is important that the first and second cartridges are not mixed up. If the first and second cartridges were mixed up, i.e. if the cleaning fluid has been introduced into the beverage dispensing system after washing, the cleaning fluid will still be present in the beverage dispensing system when the beverage dispensing operations are started. This is a problem because the cleaning fluid can contaminate the drink and give the drink an undesirable taste. In some cases, the cleaning fluid can

- 4 019502 can also be harmful to the health of the consumer of the drink.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the multi-chamber cartridge defines a fluid inlet for connecting a compressed fluid source to a second cartridge in order to allow compressed fluid to flow from the compressed fluid source to the second cartridge, and the method further includes the steps of which provide a cartridge connection connecting the first and second cartridges and allowing the cleaning fluid and compressed fluid to flow from the second cartridge the first cartridge, and an outlet for the fluid to provide fluid communication between the first cartridge and the discharge valve.

By providing fluid communication between the first and second cartridges, flushing can begin automatically when cleaning is complete. The compressed fluid can enter the second cartridge through the fluid inlet and thus act on the flushing fluid, which in turn acts on the cleaning fluid, pushing the cleaning fluid through the fluid outlet into the filling line and through filling device. When the cleaning fluid has been dispensed, the flushing fluid, which has passed into the first cartridge, is allowed to flow into the fluid outlet and then through the tapping line to the tapping device.

The described configuration eliminates the need for any valve. In some embodiments, mixing of the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid can be prevented by using fluids of substantially different densities or, in other cases, fluids that are generally poorly mixed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the multi-chamber cartridge determines an empty (full exit) position for dispensing cleaning and flushing fluids, in which the first cartridge defines the first upper and first lower ends, and the second cartridge defines a second upper and second lower ends, the fluid inlet is located at the second upper end of the second cartridge, the connection of the cartridges provides fluid communication between the second lower end of the second cartridge and the first the upper end of the first cartridge, and an outlet for fluid is connected to the first lower end of the first cartridge.

The empty position refers to the position at which the multi-chamber cartridge is installed and ready for use. The first and second cartridges are oriented so that the compressed fluid acts on the upper end surface of the washing fluid in the second cartridge and allows the washing fluid to exit at the lower end of the second cartridge. The flushing fluid is directed to the upper end of the first cartridge to expose the upper end surface of the cleaning fluid. In this way, the cleaning fluid is pushed towards the outlet valve and the tapping line through an outlet that is located at the lower end of the first cartridge.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the compressed fluid source delivers pressurized gas when pressure is applied to the multi-chamber cartridge, and the first cartridge of the multi-chamber cartridge further comprises a float valve located at the first lower end of the first cartridge and not allowing pressurized gas enter the tapping line after the cleaning and flushing fluids completely exit the multi-chamber cartridge.

Typically, when the cleaning and flushing fluids have left the first and second cartridges, the compressed fluid will enter the tapping line. Compressed fluid, typically a high-pressure gas, will leak out of the spout at high speed, which can cause equipment damage and possibly personal injury. The presence of a float valve containing a valve body having a density lower than the cleaning and flushing fluids, but higher than the compressed fluid, will not allow the compressed fluid to enter the filling line after the cleaning and flushing fluids have left the first and second cartridges.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the first cartridge defines a first volume and a first direction along which the cross section of the first volume is substantially constant, and the multi-chamber cartridge also comprises a first piston that fits snugly against the multi-chamber cartridge and separates the cleaning fluid from compressed fluid, wherein the first piston allows the compressed fluid in the multi-chamber cartridge to act on the cleaning fluid in the first cartridge, with this further provides a connecting device attached to the first cartridge for providing fluid communication with the exhaust valve, a flushing fluid valve connected to the first and second cartridges and having a cleaning position and a flushing position, wherein the flushing fluid valve is in its cleaning position when dispensing the cleaning fluid, and the first piston moves along the first direction and moves the valve for flushing

- 5 019502 flushing fluid at the completion of the withdrawal of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning position to the flushing position to allow the flushing fluid to be dispensed through the flushing fluid valve and connecting device.

A flushing fluid valve prevents mixing of the cleaning fluid from the first cartridge and the flushing fluid from the second cartridge. When pressure is created in the pressure chamber, the compressed fluid can exert a force both on the flushing fluid directly and on the cleaning fluid through the piston. The piston is typically located opposite the flushing fluid valve and the connecting device, so that when the exhaust valve is open, the piston advances to the flushing fluid valve and the connecting device and allows the cleaning fluid to exit through the connecting device to the filling line. The flushing fluid cannot exit through the flushing fluid valve and connecting device until the piston opens the flushing fluid valve after emptying the first cartridge. When the piston has opened the flushing fluid valve, the flushing fluid may flow out of the flushing fluid valve through a connecting device to the tapping line and the tapping device. After the flushing fluid has left the multi-chamber cartridge, the latter can be relieved of pressure and separated, and the piston and valve for flushing fluid can be returned to their original positions.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the second cartridge defines a second volume and a second direction along which the cross section of the second volume is substantially constant, and the multi-chamber cartridge also comprises a second piston that fits snugly against the second cartridge and separates the flushing fluid from a multi-chamber cartridge, wherein the second piston allows the compressed fluid in the multi-chamber cartridge to act on the flushing fluid, and the second piston moves presses along the first direction when distributing the flushing fluid.

The second piston, which can be provided with the second cartridge, can serve to prevent the release of compressed fluid through a flushing fluid valve and then through a connecting device, a tapping line and a dispensing device. The compressed fluid acts on the second piston in the second cartridge, which acts on the flushing fluid. The second piston is preferably located opposite the flushing fluid valve as well as the connecting device. When the first piston reaches the flushing fluid valve and the flushing fluid is able to exit through the flushing fluid valve and the connecting device, the second piston advances towards the flushing fluid valve. When the second piston reaches the flushing fluid valve, the flushing fluid has already exited through the first connecting device, and the second piston stops and prevents the compressed fluid from exiting through the second connecting device. The present embodiment is preferably used with a liquid compressed fluid to prevent mixing of the compressed fluid and the flushing fluid / cleaning fluid.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the first cartridge is compressible and further comprises a piercing element for creating a hole in the first cartridge when the outlet of the cleaning fluid is completed, thereby allowing subsequent dispensing of the washing fluid through the fluid outlet.

The first cartridge may be a pre-filled flexible container filled with a cleaning fluid that is installed at the fluid outlet of the multi-chamber cartridge. The space between the first cartridge and the outer wall of the multi-chamber cartridge then defines the second cartridge. After installing the first cartridge, the second cartridge can be filled with flushing fluid, and the cleaning and flushing process can be started by allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through the fluid outlet to the dispenser. When the cartridge for the cleaning fluid has been empty, it is punctured or torn by the piercing element, and the washing fluid is able to enter the outlet for the fluid.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the multi-chamber cartridge determines an empty position for dispensing cleaning and flushing fluids, and before dispensing the cleaning fluid, the volume of the cleaning fluid determines the first center of gravity, the volume of the flushing fluid determines the second center of gravity, and when the multi-chamber cartridge is in the empty position, the first center of gravity is located below the second center of gravity.

The center of gravity of the first cartridge is preferably located below the center of gravity of the second cartridge to ensure that all cleaning fluid has left the first cartridge before piercing the first cartridge.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in its first aspect, the cleaning fluid is in the form of a solid cleaning tablet that dissolves in

- 6 019502 washing fluid, either before or during the distribution of the cleaning fluid.

The creation of a cleaning fluid in place by using a cleaning tablet and a flushing fluid eliminates the need to transport the cleaning fluid to the establishment. The cleaning tablet may be dissolved before the start of the cleaning operation, or it may dissolve in the washing fluid during the cleaning process. If the cleaning tablet dissolves during the cleaning process, it must be ensured that, after the cleaning tablet is completely dissolved, there is sufficient flushing fluid left to completely flush the tapping line so that the remaining cleaning fluid or cleaning tablet does not remain in the tapping line.

The above need and the above tasks, together with many other needs and tasks that will be apparent from the following detailed description, in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, are solved by a cleaning and rinsing system for a beverage dispensing system comprising a pressurized container containing a beverage that can be sealed. made with the possibility of tight closing a multi-chamber cartridge located outside the pressure chamber containing the first cartridge j with a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge with a flushing fluid, a source of compressed fluid connected to a pressure chamber and to a multi-chamber cartridge to create pressure in the pressure chamber and a multi-chamber cartridge using a compressed fluid, a dispenser for dispensing a beverage, cleaning fluid and a flushing fluid, a dispensing line for delivering a beverage, a flushing fluid, and a flushing fluid to the tapping device, an exhaust valve connected to the multi-chamber cartridge, a pressure chamber and a tapping line, the exhaust valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position; the beverage dispensing position allows dispensing the beverage from the tapping device when the pressure chamber is under pressure, while preventing the dispensing of cleaning and flushing fluids from the tapping device, the rinsing position allows dispensing cleaning and flushing fluids from the tapping device when the multi-chamber cartridge is under pressure, while preventing the dispensing of the beverage from the tapping device, and the closed position prevents the dispensing of the beverage, cleaning fluid and flushing fluid the second medium of the dispensing device.

From the above description, it is obvious that the cleaning and washing system according to the second aspect of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with the methods according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The above need and the above tasks, together with many other needs and tasks that will be apparent from the following detailed description, in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, are solved by a method of filling a cleaning and rinsing system for a beverage dispensing system, comprising the steps that enable hermetically closing a pressure chamber containing a beverage configured to hermetically close a multi-chamber cartridge located outside the pressure chamber, comprising a first cartridge with a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge with a washing fluid, a source of compressed fluid connected to the pressure chamber and to the multi-chamber cartridge to create pressure in the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge using compressed fluid, a filling device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid, a tapping line for delivering the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid to the tapping device, the outlet to a valve connected to the multi-chamber cartridge, a pressure chamber and a tapping line, the exhaust valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position; the beverage dispensing position allows dispensing the beverage from the tapping device when the pressure chamber is under pressure, while preventing the dispensing of cleaning and flushing fluids from the tapping device, the rinsing position allows dispensing cleaning and flushing fluids from the tapping device when the multi-chamber cartridge is under pressure, while preventing the dispensing of the beverage from the tapping device, and the closed position prevents the dispensing of the beverage, cleaning fluid and flushing fluid the second medium from the dispensing device, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: positioning a multichamber cartridge in a substantially upright position and positioning the discharge valve for

- 7 019502 indoor position, introducing a certain amount of cleaning fluid inside the first cartridge and introducing a certain amount of washing fluid inside the second cartridge or, alternatively, introducing a certain amount of washing fluid inside the second cartridge and the first cartridge and then dissolving the cleaning tablet in the washing fluid contained in the first cartridge.

By filling the cleaning and rinsing system with the method according to the third aspect of the present invention, it can be guaranteed that a sufficient amount of cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid are used. Depending on the size of the beverage dispensing system and, in particular, the length of the filling line, cleaning and rinsing cartridges of different sizes can be used. By selecting such a cartridge for a cleaning fluid, the size of which corresponds to a particular beverage dispensing system, the amount of cleaning fluid is determined to achieve a good cleaning result. Next, the amount of flushing fluid is determined to ensure that all of the flushing fluid is washed out of the beverage dispensing system. Thus, the filling procedure makes the cleaning and washing procedure safe, preventing the presence of both beverage residues and cleaning fluid residues within the beverage dispensing system when the cleaning and washing procedure is completed. The method according to the third aspect of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with the methods and systems according to the first and second aspects of the present invention.

List of drawings

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a series of figures showing an external cleaning and rinsing cartridge; FIG. 2 is a series of figures showing a compressible cleaning cartridge; FIG. 3 is a series of figures showing a pre-filled cleaning cartridge; FIG. 4 is a series of figures showing the dissolution of a cleaning tablet; FIG. 5 is a series of figures showing a piston external cleaning and rinsing cartridge; FIG. 6 is a top view and a side view of an external cleaning and washing cartridge; FIG. 7 is an external cleaning and flushing cartridge mounted on a pressure chamber; FIG. 8 is a set of connected pressure chambers for a centralized external cleaning and flushing unit, FIG. 9 - lower part of the pressure chamber, FIG. 10 shows a centralized rinse system in the rinse mode; FIG. 11 shows a centralized rinse system in the dispensing mode of the beverage; FIG. 12 is a centralized rinse system in a closed mode, FIG. 13 is a local rinse system in the rinse mode, FIG. 14 is a local rinse system in the dispensing mode of the drink, FIG. 15 - local rinse system in a closed mode, FIG. 16 - exhaust valve in the mode of dispensing a drink, FIG. 17- outlet valve in the rinse mode, FIG. 18 is an alternative embodiment of a centralized rinse system.

Information confirming the possibility of carrying out the invention

The following is a detailed description of the figures depicting some currently preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows the most preferred embodiment of an external cleaning and rinsing unit 20. The cleaning and rinsing unit 20 comprises an external chamber, which is a cartridge 36 for flushing fluid, having a volume of approximately 4 L, and an inner chamber, which is a cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid having a volume of approximately 1 liter Volumes of 1 and 4 L, respectively, are typical values suitable for most beverage dispensing systems. The flushing fluid cartridge 36 is in fluid communication with the flushing fluid cartridge 46 through a cartridge connection 40 that connects the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 and the upper portion of the flushing fluid cartridge 46. The flushing fluid may flow into the cartridge connection 40 through the flushing fluid outlet 38 located at the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 36, flow through the cartridge connection 40 into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 through the inlet 42 for flushing fluid, located at the top of the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid. A non-return valve 43 is provided at the flushing fluid inlet 42 to prevent the flow of the cleaning fluid into the flushing fluid cartridge 36.

An outlet for rinsing fluid is provided at the bottom of the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid. In the present context, it is understood that the rinsing fluid is any of the following fluids: cleaning fluids and flushing fluids. Rinsing line 25 connects the outlet 24 for rinsing fluid with a rinsing connecting device 27 located on the side of the cleaning and washing unit

- 8 019502

20. A float valve 50 is provided inside the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid to prevent the flow of compressed fluid from the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid into the outlet 24 for rinsing fluid. The float valve 50 allows liquids, i.e. flushing and cleaning fluids, flow through outlet 24 for rinsing fluid and does not allow gas, i.e. compressed fluid flow through outlet 24 for rinsing fluid. The group of protrusions forming the support 52 of the float valve ensures that the float valve 50 is positioned securely closed in the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid, when the cleaning fluid is not in the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid. The compressed fluid tube 29 supplies compressed fluid from the outside with respect to the cleaning and flushing unit to the upper inner portion of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 so as to prevent the flushing fluid from entering the compressed fluid tube 29 when the flushing cartridge 36 The fluid is full.

The cleaning and flushing unit 20 can be prepared by filling with flushing fluid, i.e. water, a cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid and a cartridge 36 for flushing fluid. The flushing fluid cartridge 36 is then isolated from the flushing fluid cartridge 46 by a flushing fluid cap 56. The flushing fluid cover 56 isolates the flushing fluid cartridge, but allows access to the flushing fluid cartridge through the opening 54. When the flushing fluid cartridge 36 has been properly separated from the flushing fluid cartridge 46, the cleaning tablet 59 is dissolved in the cartridge 46 for the cleaning fluid, converting the flushing fluid located in the cartridge 46 for the cleaning fluid into a cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the cleaning component may be loaded in the form of a powder, liquid or paste, or a combination thereof, preferably in a precisely defined amount or unit dose. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is then sealed by a cleaning fluid cap 58.

FIG. 1B shows the cleaning and flushing unit of FIG. 1A after it has been installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). When a compressed fluid, such as pressurized air, is supplied into the flushing fluid cartridge 36 through the compressed fluid tube 29, the compressed fluid forces the flushing fluid from the flushing fluid cartridge 36 to enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 through the connection 40 cartridges. The flushing fluid leaves the flushing fluid cartridge 36 through the flushing fluid outlet 38 and enters the flushing fluid cartridge 46 through the flushing fluid inlet 42 and thereby forces the flushing fluid from the flushing fluid cartridge 46 to pass through the outlet 24 for rinsing fluid and then through rinsing line 25 and rinsing connecting device 27. The direction of flow of the fluid is shown in the drawing by arrows. The rinse fitting 27 must be connected to the dispensing line and the beverage tap of the beverage dispensing system to be cleaned (not shown). A beverage tap (not shown) is located at the opposite end of the tapping line and is usually located on the bar. The cleaning fluid is differentiated from the flushing fluid in the drawing by means of small bubbles.

FIG. 1C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of FIG. 1A, when the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is empty and the flushing fluid cartridge 46 is filled with flushing fluid. The compressed fluid forces the flushing fluid to pass through the rinse fluid outlet 24. When the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid is empty, the float valve 50 has reached the bottom of the cartridge 46 for cleaning fluid and does not allow compressed fluid to pass through the outlet 24 for rinsing fluid.

FIG. 2A shows another embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit 20 '. The external cleaning and flushing unit 20 'comprises a cartridge 36 for flushing fluid, which makes up most of the interior of the cleaning and flushing unit 20'. Cartridge 46 'for the cleaning fluid is presented in the form of a flexible container pre-filled with a cleaning fluid. The cartridge 46 'for the cleaning fluid contains a connecting device 60 with a piercing element, which is a sharp knife, needle or similar tearing element. Coupling device 60 is connected to the rinse fluid outlet 24, allowing fluid to flow between the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 ′ and the rinsing line 25. After the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 ′ has been installed, the washing fluid cartridge 36 is filled with a rinsing fluid fluid and install the cover 58, hermetically closing the cartridge 36 for flushing fluid.

FIG. 2B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 'of FIG. 2A after it has been installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). The compressed fluid entering the flushing fluid cartridge 36 through the compressed fluid tube 29 forces the flushing fluid to

- 9 019502 heap medium to exert pressure on the cartridge 46 'for the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid therefore passes through the connecting device 60 to the rinsing line 25, while the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'is compressed. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46 ′ is compressed against the connector 60 and punctured or torn by the connector 60.

FIG. 2C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of FIG. 1A, when the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is empty and torn or, alternatively, punctured, allowing the flushing fluid to pass through the rinse fluid outlet 24.

FIG. 3A shows another embodiment of an external cleaning and rinsing unit 20. The cleaning and rinsing unit 20 comprises a flushing fluid cartridge 36, which makes up most of the interior of the cleaning and rinsing unit 20. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'is located at the bottom of the cartridge 36 flushing fluid. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46 ′ is pre-filled with the cleaning fluid and attached to the rinse fluid outlet 24. The flushing fluid inlet 42 'in the cartridge 46' for the flushing fluid is located opposite the flushing fluid outlet 24. The flushing fluid cartridge 36 is provided with a float valve 50.

FIG. 3B shows a cleaning and flushing unit 20 of FIG. 2A when it was installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). The compressed fluid entering the flushing fluid cartridge 36 through the compressed fluid tube 29 causes the flushing fluid to enter the flushing fluid cartridge 46 ′ through the flushing fluid inlet 42 ′. The cleaning fluid therefore passes through the rinse fluid outlet 24 to the rinse line 25.

FIG. 3C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of FIG. 3A when the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 ′ is filled with a flushing fluid. The compressed fluid forces the flushing fluid to pass through the rinse fluid outlet 24. When the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is empty, the float valve 50 has reached the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 46 'and does not allow the compressed fluid to pass through the rinse fluid outlet 24.

FIG. 4A-C show yet another embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20 ', very similar to the unit of FIG. 3A-C, except that the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'includes a cleaning tablet 59 that dissolves and creates a cleaning fluid when the washing fluid flows inside the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' as described above with respect to FIG. 3B. When approximately 1 liter of flushing fluid has passed through the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 ′, the cleaning tablet is completely dissolved and the remaining flushing fluid continues to flow through the rinse fluid outlet 24.

FIG. 5A shows yet another embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20. The cleaning and washing unit 20 comprises an external flushing fluid cartridge 36 'and an internal flushing fluid cartridge 46, similar to FIG. 1 and 2.

In addition to the compressed fluid tube 29, which supplies the compressed fluid through the compressed fluid inlet 44 ′ to the top of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 ′, an auxiliary compressed fluid tube 29 ′ is provided for supplying compressed fluid through the compressed fluid inlet 44 fluid to the top of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46. Both the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and the washing fluid cartridge 36 'are filled with the washing fluid, and the cleaning tablet 59 is dissolved in the cleaning fluid cartridge to create a cleaning fluid.

FIG. 5B shows a flushing fluid cartridge 36 'and a flushing fluid cartridge 46 divided into respective upper space and lower space by an internal piston 53 and an external piston 55, respectively. The corresponding flushing and cleaning fluids are located in the corresponding lower spaces under the respective internal and external pistons 53, 55. The compressed fluid is able to enter the upper space of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and act on the internal piston 53, which in turn displaces a cleaning fluid through an outlet 24 'for rinsing fluid. The lower spaces of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 'and the flushing fluid cartridge 46 are connected through a flushing fluid inlet 42'. A flushing fluid valve 57 is located at the bottom and inside the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and does not allow the flushing fluid to enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 from the flushing fluid cartridge 36 '. The flushing fluid valve 57 defines a plurality of holes that are pressed against the wall between the flushing and cleaning fluid cartridges 36 ', 46. When the inner piston 53 experiences pressurized fluid pressure in the rinse fluid outlet 24 'direction, the inner piston 53 acts

- 10 019502 thrusts onto valve 57 for flushing fluid and pushes it into the groove 51 of the valve. If the flushing fluid valve 57 has come into contact with the bottom of the valve groove 51, then the internal piston 53 has reached its end position, and the openings in the flushing fluid valve 57 are opposite the flushing fluid inlet 42 '. A fluid communication is established between the flushing fluid cartridge 36 'and the flushing fluid cartridge 46 through the flushing fluid valve 57 and the flushing fluid inlet 42'.

FIG. 5C shows the displacement of the flushing fluid through the rinse fluid outlet 24 ′ by the external piston 55 when the compressed fluid is able to enter the upper space of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 ′ through the compressed fluid inlet 44 ′. The direction of flow of the flushing fluid is shown in the figure by arrows. When the outer piston 55 has reached its final position, it does not allow the compressed fluid to enter the rinse fluid outlet 24 ', thereby eliminating the need for a float valve (with a ball float) for this purpose. The present embodiment has the advantage of physically separating the compressed fluid from the flushing and cleaning fluids, and can, therefore, be preferably used with the liquid compressed fluid. Such a fluid compressed fluid may be water.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of an embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit 20 shown in FIG. 1. The cleaning and flushing fluids exit the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through rinsing coupler 27. Rinsing coupler 27 may be connected to a pressure chamber or beverage dispensing system (not shown). Two compressed fluid connectors 28 are disposed one on each side of the rinse fluid connector 27 to supply the compressed fluid to the cleaning and rinsing assembly 20 through a compressed fluid pipe 29 (not shown in this view). Compressed fluid fittings 28 are connected to each other as part of a safety system, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of an embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit 20 of FIG. 1. When the cleaning and flushing unit is empty, the float valve 50 closes the outlet 24 for the rinsing fluid and does not allow the compressed fluid to exit the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through the rinsing fitting 27. In this view, the connecting devices 28 for the compressed fluid are not visible .

FIG. 7 shows a cleaning and flushing unit 20 mounted outside the pressure chamber 10. The pressure chamber 10 may preferably accommodate a compressible beverage container. The pressure chamber is placed in the housing 114. Access to the beverage container (not shown) can be achieved by tilting or rotating the pressure chamber from its current vertical orientation to horizontal orientation, followed by separation of the upper part forming the cover 14 of the pressure chamber 10 using handles 12. The cleaning and rinsing unit 20 is preferably made of hard plastics or, alternatively, metal. The cleaning and flushing unit 20 may preferably be at least partially transparent to allow an outside observer to determine the level of cleaning and flushing fluids inside the cleaning and flushing unit 20. To be able to distinguish between the cleaning and flushing fluids, the cleaning fluid can be painted in a specific color, for example green, red or blue. The cleaning and washing unit 20 preferably has a cylindrical shape.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of pressure chambers 10, 10 ′, 10. The pressure chambers 10, 10 ', 10 are individually connected to a centralized cleaning and flushing unit using a set of rinse fluid feeders 128 and collectively to the fourth discharge pipe 142. The control valve 124 controls the flow of compressed fluid from the fourth discharge pipe 142 to the exhaust valve ( not shown here, but will be described below with reference to Fig. 9-18 and is indicated by 72), which is a connecting device of the keg of the pressure chamber 10. The control valve 124 will be described below with reference to FIG. 10-12. The cleaning and flushing fluids are supplied from a centralized cleaning and flushing unit (not shown here, but will be described below with reference to Figs. 10-12 and indicated by 118) attached to the distal end of the set of rinse fluid feeders 128. The centralized cleaning and rinsing unit (not shown here, but will be described below) may be the cleaning and rinsing unit 20 described above with reference to FIG. 1-6, however, it can be significantly larger, depending on the number of pressure chambers 10 and / or filling lines / taps for the drink that it should serve.

FIG. 9 shows a group of beverage dispenser bases 66 for use with any of the pressure chamber embodiments described above (not shown here, but described with reference to FIGS. 7-8, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10-15, and indicated by 10 ) Draft Line 68

- 11 019502 is available at the rear of the base 66. A beverage container (not shown) can be installed on top of the base 66 and connected to the outlet 70 for the drink. The tapping line 68 delivers the beverage as well as cleaning and flushing fluids to the beverage tap (not shown). The base 66 includes an outlet valve 72 for selectively dispensing through the dispensing line 68 either the beverage from the beverage outlet 70 or the cleaning / flushing fluid from the first rinse fluid feeder 128. The pressure in the pressure chamber is generated by a compressed fluid conduit 74 and a compressed fluid inlet 76. It is contemplated that the above-described embodiment of the base 66 may also be used with topical cleaning and rinsing units, as described above with respect to FIG. 7.

FIG. 10-15 show two specific embodiments (centralized and local rinsing systems 110, 116, respectively) having a safety system for controlling rinsing and dispensing a beverage. A safety system prevents rinsing from starting if the pressure chamber 10 is not under pressure or if the outlet valve 72 is not in the rinsing position. FIG. 10-12 show a centralized rinse system for a plurality of pressure chambers, while FIG. 13-15 show a local rinse system for only one pressure chamber. The centralized and local rinsing systems 110, 116 contain two identical pressure chambers 10, 10 '.

FIG. 10 shows a centralized rinse system 110 in the rinse mode. The centralized rinsing system comprises an air compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10, a second pressure chamber 10 ′ and a centralized cleaning and flushing unit 118. The air compressor 112 is connected to the first pressure chamber 10 through a first pressure relief valve 120 and a second pressure relief valve 122 through a first pressure tube 136. When the beverage keg is installed in the pressure chamber 10, the first safety valve 120 allows compressed air to flow from the air compressor 112 to the second safety valve. mu valve 122. The second pressure relief valve 122 allows compressed air to build up pressure in the pressure chamber 10 when the pressure chamber has a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 7, which is a sign that the first pressure chamber 10 is ready for dispensing a beverage. The second safety valve 122 prevents the compressed air from creating pressure in the first pressure chamber 10 when the pressure chamber 10 has taken a horizontal orientation. Any of the pressure chambers 10, 10 ′ can be tilted in a horizontal orientation when it is necessary to install a new keg with a drink, for example, when the old keg with a drink is empty. With a horizontal orientation, the compressed air has the ability to exit the pressure chamber 10, which allows you to safely remove the cover of the pressure chamber 10 and replace the keg with the drink. When the first pressure chamber 10 is under pressure, the pressure also acts on the control valve 124 through the second discharge pipe 138. The control valve 124 will be described in more detail below. The first and second pressure chambers 10, 10 ′ are placed in the first and second bodies 114, 114 ′, respectively.

The air compressor 112 is furthermore connected via a third discharge tube 140 to a centralized cleaning and rinsing unit 118. The cleaning and rinsing unit 118 is then connected via a fourth discharge tube 142 to a control valve 124 so that pressure acts on the control valve 124 when the rinsing unit 118 is under pressure. When the control valve 124 experiences pressure from both the cleaning and flushing units 118 and the side of the first pressure chamber 10, it allows compressed fluid to act on the exhaust valve 72 and force it to take a rinse and flush position. The exhaust valve 72 is of the same type as the exhaust valve 72 described above with respect to FIG. 9. An exhaust valve of the same type is described below with reference to FIG. 16-17, where it is indicated by the same position. When the outlet valve 72 has taken a rinse position, the cleaning and rinsing fluids are able to enter the outlet valve 72 through the first rinse fluid feeder 128 and exit the outlet valve 72 via the filling line 68. At this time, the beverage is not able to enter the outlet valve 72 so that any contact between the rinsing fluid and the beverage is prevented.

The second pressure chamber 10 ′ by means of the second rinse fluid feeder 130 is connected to the cleaning and flushing unit 118 independently of the first pressure chamber 10. For safety reasons, both outlet valves 72, 72 'of the pressure chambers 10, 10' occupy the rinsing position if they are under pressure. This is necessary in order to prevent the dispensing of the drink on one tap while rinsing on the other tap, which can be dangerous since the cleaning fluid can accidentally be confused with the drink. A switch may be provided on the cleaning and flushing unit 118 for selectively supplying cleaning and flushing fluids to one of the first and second pressure chambers 10, 10 ′. In an alternative embodiment, both pressure lines 68 of the pressure chambers 10, 10 ′ may be provided with cleaning and flushing fluids at the same time.

FIG. 11 shows a centralized rinse system 110 in a dispensing mode of a beverage. In the beverage dispensing mode, the air compressor 112 can deliver pressurized air

- 12 019502 perfume to the cleaning and flushing unit 118. However, pressurized air is not able to act on the control valve 124 through the fourth discharge pipe 142, since the fourth discharge pipe 142 is in communication with the atmosphere through a bleed valve, not shown in the drawings . When the control valve 124 does not experience simultaneous pressure from the side of the first pressure chamber 10 and from the side of the cleaning and flushing unit 118, the control valve 124 does not allow air pressure to act on the exhaust valve 72. This forces the exhaust valve 72 to take a beverage dispensing position. When the outlet valve 72 has taken up a beverage dispensing position, the beverage is able to flow from the first pressure chamber 10 to the tapping line 68. At this time, the rinsing fluid is not able to enter the outlet valve 72.

FIG. 12 shows a centralized rinse system 110 in a closed mode. Closed mode means that the first pressure relief valve 120 and / or the second pressure relief valve 122 are closed, i.e. either the pressure chamber 10 is tilted to a horizontal position, or the keg with the drink is not inside the first pressure chamber 10. The pressurized air is not able to create pressure in the pressure chamber 10 and, therefore, the control valve 124 does not supply compressed fluid to the exhaust valve 72. In closed mode, both the beverage and the rinsing fluid cannot enter the exhaust valve and flow out to the tapping line 68.

FIG. 13 shows a local rinse system 116 in the rinse mode. Like the centralized rinse system 110 described above, the local rinse system 116 comprises a compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10 and a second pressure chamber 10 ′. The cleaning and rinsing unit 118 described above with reference to FIG. 10-12 is replaced by a first rinse cartridge 132 mounted in conjunction with a first pressure chamber 10 and a second rinse cartridge 132 mounted in conjunction with a second pressure chamber 10 '. The first and second rinse cartridges 132, 132 ', respectively, may be of the types described above with respect to FIG. 1-7. The first pressure chamber 10 is connected to the first rinse cartridge 132 by a second discharge tube 138 so that when the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the first rinse cartridge 132 is also pressurized. The first rinse cartridge 132 is also connected to the exhaust valve 72 so that when the first rinse cartridge is pressurized, the pressure acts on the exhaust valve 72 through the fourth discharge pipe 142, so that the exhaust valve 72 occupies the rinse position. At the rinse position, the rinse fluid has the ability to flow from the first rinse cartridge 132 through the outlet valve 72 to the filling line 68 '.

FIG. 14 shows a local rinse system 116 in a dispensing mode of a beverage. To transfer to the beverage dispensing mode, the first rinse cartridge 132 is simply separated from the first pressure chamber 10. When the first rinse cartridge 132 is separated, a non-return valve (not shown) prevents pressurized air from exiting the first pressure chamber 10 through the second discharge pipe 138. Therefore, pressurized air does not act on the exhaust valve 72, which forces the exhaust valve 72 to take beverage dispensing position. The beverage dispensing position allows the beverage to flow through the outlet valve 72 'to the tapping line 68'.

FIG. 15 shows the local rinse system 116 in a closed mode. The closed mode for the local rinse system 116 corresponds to the closed mode of the centralized rinse system 110 and therefore will not be described in detail.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view on a large scale of the exhaust valve 72 shown in the above-described drawings.

The outlet valve 72 comprises a stem 174, which is located inside the connecting body 192 and which is adapted to act on the ball locking element 176. The ball locking element 176 in the present embodiment is not part of the connecting body 192, but part of the beverage container 168. A ball locking member 176 is located at the base 186. The exhaust valve 72 may occupy three positions that represent the first position, the opposite second position, and the middle position. As will be described in more detail below, the middle position is the beverage dispensing position, while the first and second positions are the rinsing position and the closed position, respectively.

A ball locking member 176 is located at the base 186 in a defined space between the inlet structure 178 and the outlet structure 180. The inlet structure 178 and the outlet structure 180 both include an opening or passage to allow the beverage to flow from the beverage container 168 through the inlet and outlet structures 178, 180 onwards through the connection housing 192 to the beverage outlet 182. Both the input structure 178 and the output structure 180 are a valve seat to which the ball locking element 176 can fit snugly. The ball locking element 176 either forms a tight connection to the input structure 178, or forms a tight connection to the output structure 180, or remains in the middle position shown in FIG. 16, which is a beverage dispensing position. The connecting housing 192 accommodates the stem 174 and is connected to the base 186. The connecting housing 192

- 13 019502 is attached to a certain surface in such a way that when the pressure chamber 10 and the beverage container 168 are tilted or rotated horizontally, the connecting body 192 including the stem 174 remains on this surface and the exhaust valve 72 including a ball locking element 176, remains with a container 168 with a drink. The stem 174 and the connecting housing 192 may therefore be made of rigid and non-recyclable materials, such as metal.

When the pressure chamber is in a vertical orientation, the fitting 198 creates a tight connection between the base 186 and the connecting housing 192. The fitting 198 is biased downward to allow the pressure chamber 10 to tilt in a horizontal orientation.

When the stem 174 is in the beverage dispensing position, i.e. in the active or middle position, as shown in FIG. 16, the beverage may flow from the beverage container 168 through the ball locking member 176 and through the beverage outlet 182. The beverage outlet 182 is in fluid communication with a tapping line.

First, when a new hermetically sealed container 168 with a drink is installed, the base 186 is hermetically closed by means of a film partition at the outlet structure 180. The film partition is torn apart by the rod 174 when the container 168 with the drink is installed. This allows the beverage to be dispensed from the beverage container 168.

When the connecting body 192, and therefore the stem 174, is separated from the beverage container 168, the beverage shown by dimming in the drawing exerts a force on the ball locking element 176, pressing the ball locking element 176 against the output structure 180, determining the closed position, i.e. e. the second passive position, and thereby hermetically closing the container 168 with the drink.

In FIG. 16, a ball locking member 176 is located between the inlet structure 178 and the outlet structure 180, allowing the beverage to flow from the beverage container 168 through the ball locking element 176 and then through the beverage outlet 182 to the tapping line.

The beverage container 168 is provided with a base 186, in which the upper part of the outlet valve 72 is located. The ball locking element 176, the inlet structure 178 and the outlet structure 180 are components of the base 186.

From the beverage dispensing position shown in FIG. 16, the stem 174 may be biased toward the beverage container 168 or to the beverage outlet 182 and the tapping line 68. A spring 184 presses the rod 174 in the direction from the beverage container 168 to the closed position. The exhaust valve 72 is preferably used in conjunction with the safety system described in FIG. 10-15. The pressure chamber may be under pressure only when dispensing is permitted, i.e. when keg 168 with the drink was installed, and the pressure chamber was translated into a vertical orientation. Accordingly, the pressure inside the pressure chamber can be used to apply medium force to the spring 184 and hold the stem 174 in the beverage dispensing position shown in FIG. 16. When the force exerted by the safety system is added, the stem 174 moves to the beverage container 168 to the rinsing position, described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view on a large scale of the same assembly as in FIG. 16, but with an outlet valve 72 slightly rotated about a vertical axis to open the rinse fluid inlet 190 and the rinse fluid feeder 128, which are not shown in FIG. 16 and the stem 174 in the rinse position instead of the beverage dispensing position shown in FIG. 16. It is shown that the inlet 190 for rinsing fluid is located on the connecting housing 192. The inlet 190 for rinsing fluid is used to rinse the outlet valve 72 and the tapping line. Rinsing fluid may be introduced through the rinse fluid inlet 190 and rinsing the space inside the outlet valve 72.

When the stem 174 is in the rinsing position, the ball locking member 176 is brought into contact with the inlet structure 178 in such a way that a tight closure effect is created to ensure that the rinsing fluid does not enter the beverage container 168, which would contaminate the beverage stored in the container 168 with a drink.

When the stem 174 is in the rinse position, i.e. in the first position, as shown in FIG. 17, the ball locking member 176 and the inlet structure 178 form a sealed connection to prevent rinsing fluid from entering the beverage container 168, but allowing rinsing fluid to flush and rinse the outlet valve 72 and the tapping line. When the beverage valve is opened, when the stem 174 is in the rinse position, rinsing fluid flows out of the beverage valve and rinses and rinses the outlet valve 72, as well as a filling line and a beverage valve (not shown).

The connecting housing 192 connects the outlet structure 180 of the exhaust valve 72 and the outlet 182 for the beverage. The rinse fluid inlet 190 is also connected to the connection body 192, but at a position below the rinse valve seat 196. When the stem 174 is in the rinse position, the corresponding rinse valve element 194 allows fluid to flow between the rinse fluid inlet 190 and the connection body 192. When the rod is moved from the rinse position to the dispense or close position

- 14 019502, the rinsing valve element 194 is in contact with the rinsing valve seat 196 and prevents fluid from communicating between the connecting body 192 and the rinsing fluid inlet 190. This prevents the beverage and rinsing fluid from mixing when the stem 174 is in the dispensing position.

After the cleaning fluid, the flushing fluid, i.e. tap water is introduced through the rinse fluid inlet 190 to flush the outlet valve 72 and the tapping line so that the remaining cleaning fluid is not dispensed with the beverage in the first beverage dispensing operation after rinsing.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of a centralized rinse system 110 ′. Using a separate cleaning and flushing unit 118, the compressed fluid can be selectively supplied to one of the control valves 124, 124 '. Currently, in the shown embodiment, the compressed fluid is supplied only to the control valve 124 'related to the second pressure chamber 10'. A switch may be used for this purpose. Since both pressure chambers 10, 10 ′ are under pressure, the outlet valve 72 associated with the first pressure chamber 10 occupies a beverage dispensing position, and the exhaust valve 72 ′ of the second pressure chamber 10 ′ is in the rinse mode. Thus, cleaning and flushing fluids can be supplied to the exhaust valves 72, 72 ′ of both pressure chambers 10, 10 ′. However, since only the outlet valve 72 ′ of the second pressure chamber 10 ′ is in the rinsing position, this allows the cleaning and rinsing fluids to pass through the second rinsing fluid feeder 130 and the tapping line 68 ′ of the second pressure chamber 10 ′, but the rinsing and rinsing fluids do not have the ability to enter the tapping line 68 related to the first pressure chamber 10. It should be noted that the beverage and the cleaning fluid can be distributed simultaneously in the present embodiment, and therefore the present embodiment does not provide the highest level of safety, since the beverage and the rinsing fluid can be accidentally confused by a careless operator. The present embodiment, however, gives a little more flexibility to the rinsing operation and, at the same time, fulfills some basic safety requirements, such as preventing the rinsing operation when the pressure chamber is open and not under pressure.

- 15 019502

List of items

10. Pressure chamber

12. Pen

14. Cover

20. External cleaning and flushing unit

24. Rinse fluid outlet

25. Rinsing line

27. Rinsing fitting

28. Compressed fluid coupler

29. Tube for compressed fluid

36. Cartridge for flushing fluid

38. Outlet for flushing fluid

40. Cartridge connection

42. Inlet for flushing fluid

43. Check valve

44. Compressed fluid inlet

46. Cartridge for cleaning fluid

50. Float valve

51. Valve groove

52. Float valve support

53. The internal piston

54. Hole

55. The external piston

56. Cover for flushing fluid

57. Flushing fluid valve

58. Cover for cleaning fluid

59. Cleansing tablet

60. Connection device (with piercing element)

65. Valve

66. Base

68. Draft line

70. Outlet for a drink

72. Exhaust valve

74. Pipeline for compressed fluid

76. Compressed fluid inlet

110. Centralized rinse system

112. Air compressor

114. Case

116. Local rinse system

118. Centralized cleaning / flushing unit

120. The first safety valve

122. Second safety valve

124. Control valve

128. First rinse fluid feeder

130. Second rinse fluid feeder

132. Rinsing cartridge

136. The first discharge pipe

138. The second discharge pipe

140. Third discharge pipe

142. Fourth discharge pipe

168. The container with the drink

174. Stock

176. Ball locking element

178. Entrance structure

180. Output construction

182. Outlet for a drink

184. Spring

186. Base

190. Rinse fluid inlet

192. Connection housing

194. Rinse valve element

196. Rinse valve seat

198. Fitting

Claims (12)

CLAIM 1. A method for cleaning and washing a beverage dispensing system comprising a pressure chamber configured for hermetically sealing, a beverage comprising a seal, a multi-chamber cartridge positioned outside of said pressure chamber that contains a first cartridge with cleaning fluid and a second cartridge with washing fluid , a source of compressed fluid attached to the specified pressure chamber and to the specified multi-chamber cartridge to create pressure in the specified pressure chamber and a specified multi-chamber cartridge using a pressurized fluid, a dispenser for dispensing said drink, said cleaning fluid and said flushing fluid, a dispensing line for delivering said drink, said purifying fluid and said flushing fluid to said dispenser, an outlet a valve coupled to said multi-chamber cartridge, said pressure chamber and said dispensing line, said exhaust valve having a dispensing position drink, rinse position and a closed position; wherein said beverage dispensing position allows dispensing said beverage from said dispensing device when said pressure chamber is under pressure, while preventing dispensing of said cleaning and flushing fluids from said dispensing device, said rinsing position dispensing said purifying and washing fluids from said the filling device when the specified multi-chamber cartridge is under pressure, while preventing the distribution specified - 16 019502 drink from the specified dispenser, and the specified closed position prevents the dispensing of said beverage, cleaning fluid and flushing fluid from the specified dispenser, and this method includes the following steps: positioning said exhaust valve at said rinsing position; distribute said cleaning fluid from the dispenser by providing said purification fluid from said first cartridge through said outflow valve through said dispensing line and exit from said dispenser; perform the subsequent distribution of the specified flushing fluid from the specified filling device by ensuring the flow of the specified flushing fluid from the specified second cartridge through the specified exhaust valve, through the specified filling line and exit from the specified filling device. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said multi-chamber cartridge defines a fluid inlet for attaching said source of compressed fluid to said second cartridge in order to allow flow of said compressed fluid from said source of compressed fluid to said second cartridge , and additionally comprising steps in which to connect the cartridges, connecting said first and second cartridges and allowing said cleaning fluid and said compressed t fluid flows from said second cartridge to said first cartridge, and a fluid outlet for providing fluid communication between said first cartridge and said exhaust valve. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that said multi-chamber cartridge defines an emptying position for dispensing said cleaning and flushing fluids, in which said first cartridge defines the first upper and first lower ends, and said second cartridge defines the second upper and second lower ends, while the specified input for the fluid is located at the specified second upper end of the specified second cartridge, the specified connection of the cartridges provides a message fluid between the specified second The end of said second cartridge and said first upper end of said first cartridge, and said fluid outlet is connected to said first lower end of said first cartridge. 4. The method according to p. 3, characterized in that the source of compressed fluid supplies a pressurized gas when creating pressure in said multi-chamber cartridge, and said first cartridge of said multi-chamber cartridge further comprises a float valve located at said first lower end of said first cartridge and does not allow the specified gas under pressure to enter the specified filling line after the complete release of the specified cleaning and flushing fluids from the specified multi-chamber cartridge. 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said first cartridge defines a first volume and a first direction, along which the cross section of said first volume is substantially constant, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge further comprises a first piston tightly attached to said a multi-chamber cartridge and separating said cleaning fluid from said compressed fluid, wherein said first piston allows said compressed fluid in said multi-chamber cartridge act on said cleaning fluid in said first cartridge, the method further comprising the steps of providing a connecting device connected to said first cartridge for providing fluid communication with said exhaust valve, a flushing fluid valve connected to the first and to the second cartridge and having a cleaning position and a washing position, wherein said valve for flushing fluid is in its cleaning position at p on the specified cleaning fluid, and the first piston moves along said first direction and converts said valve for flushing fluid after the complete exit of said cleaning fluid from the cleaning position to the flush position to enable distribution of said flushing fluid through said valve for flushing fluid and the specified connecting device. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that said second cartridge defines a second volume and a second direction, along which the cross-section of said second volume is substantially constant, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge further comprises a second piston that fits tightly to said a second cartridge and separating said washing fluid from said multi-chamber cartridge, wherein said second piston allows said compressed fluid in said multi-chamber cartridge act on said flushing fluid, and said second piston moves along said first direction when dispensing said flushing fluid. - 17 019502 7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that said multi-chamber cartridge also contains a fluid inlet attached to said second cartridge, allowing flow of fluid from said multi-chamber cartridge to said first cartridge and allowing the compressed fluid to operate in said multi-chamber cartridge on the specified flushing fluid. 8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that said first cartridge is compressible and further comprises a piercing element for creating a hole in said first cartridge upon completion of complete discharge of said cleaning fluid, thereby allowing subsequent distribution of said flushing fluid through said fluid outlet. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge defines an emptying position for dispensing said cleaning and flushing fluids and, before dispensing said purifying fluid, the volume of said purifying fluid determines the first center of gravity, the volume of said flushing fluid determines the second the center of gravity and, when the specified multi-chamber cartridge is in the indicated emptying position, said first center of gravity is located below said second center of gravity. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cleaning fluid is in the form of a solid cleaning tablet that dissolves in the washing fluid, either before or during the dispensing of said cleaning fluid. 11. A cleaning and rinsing system for a beverage dispensing system, comprising a pressure chamber adapted for sealing, a beverage comprising a seal, a multi-chamber cartridge positioned outside the said pressure chamber, containing a first cartridge with cleaning fluid and a second cartridge with washing fluid medium, a source of compressed fluid, attached to the specified pressure chamber and to the specified multi-chamber cartridge to create pressure in the specified chamber and a specified multi-chamber cartridge using compressed fluid, a dispenser for dispensing said drink, said cleaning fluid and said flushing fluid, a dispensing line for delivering said drink, said purifying fluid and said flushing fluid to said dispenser, an outlet a valve connected to said multi-chamber cartridge, said pressure chamber and said pouring line, said exhaust valve having position p zdachi drink, rinse position and a closed position; wherein said beverage dispensing position allows dispensing said beverage from said dispensing device when said pressure chamber is under pressure, while preventing dispensing of said cleaning and flushing fluids from said dispensing device, said rinsing position dispensing said purifying and washing fluids from said the filling device when the specified multi-chamber cartridge is under pressure, while preventing the distribution of the specified fabric from said dispenser, and said closed position prevents dispensing of said beverage, cleaning fluid and flushing fluid from said dispenser. 12. A method for filling a cleaning and rinsing system for a beverage dispensing system, comprising a pressure chamber adapted for sealing, comprising a beverage, a multichamber cartridge positioned for sealing, located outside of said pressure chamber, containing a first cartridge with cleaning fluid and a second cartridge with flushing fluid, a source of compressed fluid attached to the specified pressure chamber and to the specified multi-chamber cartridge to create pressure in said pressure chamber and said multi-chamber cartridge using a pressurized fluid, a dispensing device for dispensing said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said washing fluid, a dispensing line for delivering said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said washing fluid to said dispensing device , an exhaust valve connected to said multi-chamber cartridge, said pressure chamber and said dispensing line, said outlet valve being an has a dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position; wherein said beverage dispensing position allows dispensing said beverage from said dispensing device when said pressure chamber is under pressure, while preventing dispensing of said cleaning and flushing fluids from said dispensing device, said rinsing position dispensing said purifying and washing fluids from said the filling device when the specified multi-chamber cartridge is under pressure, while preventing the distribution specified - 18 019502 beverage from said dispenser, and said closed position prevents dispensing of said beverage, cleaning fluid and flushing fluid from said dispenser, and this method includes the following steps: position the specified multi-chamber cartridge in an essentially vertical position and positioning said exhaust valve into said closed position, injecting a certain amount of said cleaning fluid inside said first cartridge and injecting ennoe amount of said flushing fluid into said second cartridge, or alternatively, injected a certain amount of said flushing fluid into said second cartridge and said first print cartridge and cleaning is performed subsequent dissolution of the tablet in said flushing fluid contained in said first cartridge.