JP2023053939A - Tap unit for tapping beverage with foam, specifically beer with foam - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a tapping unit for tapping a beverage with foam, specifically a beer with foam.SOLUTION: A tapping unit 1 comprises: a first line L1 having an inlet port L11 for receiving the amount of beverage, and an outlet port L12; a second line L2 different from the first line L1, having an inlet port L21 for receiving the amount of beverage, and an outlet port L22; a first valve V1 provided on the first line L1; a second valve V2 provided on the second line L2; and a logic control unit U connected to the first valve V1 and the second valve V2. The logic control unit U transmits a first control signal for opening the first valve V1 so that the amount of beverage is at least present at the outlet port L12 of the first line L1, and transmits at least a second control signal for opening the second valve V2 so that the amount of foam is at least present at the outlet port L22 of the second line L2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to the field of systems for tapping foamy beverages, and in particular to tapping units for tapping foamy beverages.

More particularly, the invention relates to the construction of a tapping unit conceived with two separate lines, a first line and a second line for passing respective amounts of beverage and each line with respective inlets and outlets, a first valve and a second valve arranged on respective lines, controlling the first valves such that at least a quantity of beverage is present at the outlet of the first line, and at least foam , is conceived to be controlled by a logic control unit arranged to control the second valve such that an amount of is present at the outlet of the second line.

That is, the tapping unit consists of a first flow path and a second flow path (which are different from each other) for passing a respective amount of beverage through which at least a certain amount of beverage exits the first flow path. , at least some amount of froth is configured to exit the second flow path, and the tapping unit is configured to tap the frothed beverage.

A description of a tapping unit for tapping beer with foam.

Nevertheless, the tapping unit can be used with any foamy beverage without departing from the scope of the invention.

Enjoying a glass of beer also means enjoying the aroma in the foam.

Fermentation produces a large amount of carbon dioxide inside the beer, and when the beer is tapped, multiple bubbles are released from this large amount of carbon dioxide.

Air bubbles tend to rise to the surface, along with hop resins and malt proteins, and stick together to create the typical foam.

Thus, the foam varies not only with the tap, but also with the type of beer.

An important role of foam is to protect beer from oxidation.

However, many people do not like having a glass of beer with a lot of foam (this can be caused by tapping the beer too early, for example).

Foam must therefore be present in the proper proportion in the beer poured into the glass.

Different methods are known for tapping beverages, especially beer.

An example of a known type of tapping system includes a tapping unit.

The tapping unit
with an inlet duct for the tapped beverage and an outlet duct for the beverage,
a tapping device positioned between the inlet duct and the outlet duct.

The tapping device has a control lever for initiating and interrupting tapping of the beverage through the tapping unit and is operatively connected to the control lever for placing the inlet duct and the outlet duct in fluid communication to cause opening and closing of the tapping device 1. and one or more movable sealing elements.

The control lever is operable to one or more movable sealing elements movable by at least one first proportional actuator electronically controlled by an electronic control board configured to proportionally govern the beverage tapping strategy. connected to

Each proportional actuator is provided with a respective actuation element made of shape memory, which consists of a wire with a symmetrical spring.

The electronic control board manages the current required to move the actuating elements and obtains and processes the physical parameters of the fluid, which are indirectly determined by reading the electrical resistance of the wires when the current is applied. and the physical parameter is selected from pressure, flow and temperature groups.

However, a drawback of such known type of tapping system is that the tapping unit is devised exclusively for tapping beer.

Therefore, in order to obtain the amount of foam, the operator must manually operate the operating lever based on experience, and there is a risk that the amount of foam will be too much or too little.

In practice, the operator manually moves the control lever in a first direction to tap the beer and moves it in a second direction opposite the first direction to obtain the amount of foam.

Therefore, the amount of foam cannot be obtained automatically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and to provide a tapping unit for tapping foamy beverages, in particular foamy beer, in which the foam is obtained automatically.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for tapping a frothed beverage, in particular a frothed beer, wherein the froth is obtained automatically.

The object of the present invention is a tapping unit for tapping foamy beverages, in particular foamy beer, which tapping unit comprises:
a first line having an inlet for receiving a quantity of beverage and an outlet;
a second line, different from the first line, having an inlet for receiving a quantity of beverage and an outlet;
a first valve disposed on the first line;
a second valve disposed on the second line;
a logic control unit connected to the first valve and the second valve;
The logical control unit is
sending a first control signal to open the first valve such that at least an amount of beverage is present at the outlet of the first line;
It is configured to send at least a second control signal to open the second valve such that at least an amount of foam is present at the outlet of the second line.

Other preferred embodiments of the tapping unit of the invention are described in the appended claims.

The object of the invention is also a column dispenser (Colonna spillatore) comprising the tapping unit and a tapping system comprising the column dispenser.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is a method for tapping a foamy beverage, in particular a foamy beer.

The invention will now be described according to its preferred embodiments, by way of example but not limitation, with particular reference to the accompanying figures.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a tapping unit for tapping a foamy beverage in the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a tapping unit for tapping beverages and foams according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a tapping unit for tapping a foamy beverage according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a column dispenser with a tapping unit according to the invention. 1 is a schematic representation of a tapping system comprising a column dispenser, a container containing beer connected to the column dispenser, and a pumping device connected to the container for pumping into the column dispenser a quantity of beer present in the container; FIG. .

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tapping unit, indicated by reference numeral 1, for tapping a beverage B with foam F. FIG.

In the illustrated example, beverage B is beer.

In FIG. 1, a glass G is shown containing a beer B and an amount of foam F forming a "beer head".

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tapping unit 1 includes:
- a first line L1 with an inlet L11 for receiving an amount of beverage B and an outlet L12;
- a second line L2 which, unlike the first line L1, has an inlet L21 for receiving an amount of beverage B and an outlet L22;
- a first valve V1 arranged on the first line L1;
- a second valve V2 arranged on the second line L2;

Furthermore, the tapping unit 1 comprises a logic control unit U connected to the first valve V1 and the second valve V2,
The logic control unit U is
Sending a first control signal to the first valve V1 to open the first valve V1 such that at least an amount of beverage B is present at the outlet L12 of the first line L1;
A second control signal is sent to the second valve V2 to open the second valve V2 such that at least an amount of foam F is present at the outlet L22 of the second line L2.

With reference to the lines described above, in the described embodiment the first line L1 is a duct with a first diameter and the second line L2 has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. It's a duct.

Due to the second diameter of the second line L2 being smaller than the first diameter of the first line L1, substantially turbulent motion occurs when the second valve V2 is open (i.e., motion is not laminar motion), therefore a large amount of foam is generated.

The expression "substantially turbulent motion" means transitional motion between laminar and turbulent motion, or turbulent motion.

The fact that the two lines L1, L2 have different diameters allows each line to be adapted to the taps of beverage B and foam F respectively.

Furthermore, although not shown, the first line L1 can have a shape different from the shape of the second line L2.

In other words, the first line L1 can be designed to obtain at least an amount of beverage B at its outlet and the second line L2 can be designed to obtain at least an amount of foam F at its outlet.

In practice, at the outlet L12 of the first line L1 there may be a further amount of foam (in addition to the amount of beverage B) and at the outlet L22 of the second line L2 a further amount of beverage may be present. It is not excluded to be able (to add to the amount of foam F).

Furthermore, the inlet L11 of the first line L1 and the inlet L21 of the second line L2 are connected by a first connecting element 13 to the inlet duct C _IN of the column dispenser 2 (described later).

As shown in FIG. 2, the two lines L1, L2 are parallel or substantially parallel.

As shown in FIG. 2, in each case the two lines L1, L2 are not coaxial.

In particular, in the first embodiment described, the connecting element 13 is a T-shaped element.

Referring to the valves described above, in the described embodiment the first valve V1 is a proportional valve and the second valve V2 is a proportional valve.

However, both valves need not be proportional valves.

At least the second valve V2 should be a proportional valve.

Advantageously, the use of proportional valves allows the logic control unit U to tap the amount of beverage according to the desired characteristics.

The control by the logic control unit U can be simplified by using two valves arranged in each line.

In fact, the logic control unit U can control the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 independently of each other.

Thus, by means of the logic control unit, the amount of beverage per unit of time traversing the first valve V1 can be adjusted independently of the amount of beverage per unit of time traversing the second valve V2 to achieve the desired volume. It is possible to obtain a desired amount of foam having desired characteristics such as density and/or size of the foam or gas bubbles forming the foam F, for example.

The logic control unit U modulates at least a second control signal sent to the second valve V2 to open the second valve V2 such that a predetermined amount of foam F is present at the outlet L22 of the second line L2. configured to adjust the degree of

The first control signal and the second control signal may be respective voltage signals.

The second control signal can be modulated by the logic control unit U such that the amount of foam F at the outlet L22 of the second line L2 is a predetermined amount of foam.

Furthermore, the second control signal, before being modulated by the logic control unit U, opened the second valve V2 for a predetermined time such that a predetermined amount of beverage B was present at the outlet L22 of the second line L2. It can be configured to maintain state.

For this purpose, the tapping unit 1 may constitute a storage means M (eg a memory), in which the preset time periods may be stored.

In the embodiment described, the logic control unit U is connected to the storage means M;

Nevertheless, the storage means M can be included in the logic control unit U without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preferably, when the second control signal is modulated by the logic control unit U, the logic control unit U is arranged to close the first valve V1.

The tapping unit 1 comprises activation means for activating the logic control unit U.

In the first embodiment described, the activation means consist of a lever R;

In a first alternative (not shown), the activation means can consist of buttons without departing from the scope of the invention.

In a second alternative (not shown), the activation means can consist of a further logic control unit connectable to the logic control unit U by the cloud.

The further logical control unit may be configured to send (via the cloud) one or more signals/control signals to the logical control unit U, the latter receiving one or more signals sent by the further logical control unit. can be configured to receive signals from

A further logic control unit is configured to access the cloud via an internet connection and can be located inside a computer or mobile electronic device such as a smart phone or tablet.

Furthermore, the further logic control unit may be configured to send one or more parameters or one or more updated values referencing the respective preset parameters to the logic control unit U, the logic control unit U receiving the parameter and updated values in the storage means M.

Furthermore, in the described first embodiment the tapping unit 1 comprises a level sensor S1 for measuring a value related to the filling value of the glass G, the logic control unit U:
obtaining a value associated with the fill value of glass G;
It is arranged to send a value related to the filling value of the glass G to the mobile terminal D.

In particular, the level sensor S1 may be a capacitive sensor or a photoelectric sensor.

Advantageously, the level sensor makes it possible to control the fill value of the glass and prevent the glass from being filled to such an extent that the beverage overflows the glass, thus wasting the beverage.

In addition to or alternatively to the level sensor S1, the tapping unit 1 may comprise a measuring device S2 for measuring values relating to the stability of the foam F over time, the logic control unit U comprising:
obtaining a value related to the stability of the foam F over time;
It is arranged to transmit to the mobile terminal D a value relating to the stability of the foam F over time.

In particular, the measuring device S2 can be a Nibem measuring device.

Using the measuring device S2 it is therefore possible to measure the duration, or persistence, of the foam in the glass.

For foamed beer, the values obtained by this measuring device S2 indicate the ability of the foam to remain compact over a long period of time.

Advantageously, the operator can provide a glass of foamy beer with the guarantee that the foam will remain compact for a certain period of time.

In the first described embodiment, the tapping unit 1 comprises both a level sensor S1 and a measuring device S2 for measuring the stability of the foam over time.

Furthermore, values relating to the filling value of the glass G and/or values relating to the stability of the foam F over time can be centrally controlled rather than the mobile terminal D by the logic control unit without departing from the scope of the present invention. It can be sent to a unit (not shown).

Advantageously, the fact that the values relating to the filling value of the glass G and/or to the stability of the foam F over time can be transmitted to the mobile terminal D or the central control unit makes it possible to transmit the values to the mobile terminal or by allowing it to be displayed on a display means (e.g. a display) contained in the central control unit and preferably stored in a mobile terminal or in a further storage means (e.g. a further memory) located in the central control unit. To be able to monitor the level and/or foam stability over time.

One or more unique identification codes, each associated with each type of beverage B, are stored in the memory means M of the tapping unit 1, and the logic control unit U controls the filling of the glass G for each type of beverage B. It is preferably arranged to store in the storage means M a value associated with the volume and/or a value associated with the stability of the foam F over time.

Advantageously, the fact that the filling level value of the glass G and/or the stability of the froth F over time for each beverage can be stored means that for each beverage the tapped beverage volume is the same. Given that, it provides the operator with the possibility to obtain information about how much each beverage fills the glass and/or how the foam of the beverage changes over time.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment described, the tapping unit 1 comprises a (single) outlet duct C _OUT connected to the outlet L12 of the first line L1 and to the outlet L22 of the second line L2. Prepare.

The outlet L12 of the first line L1 and the outlet L22 of the second line L2 are connected to the outlet duct C _OUT by the second connecting element 14 .

In particular, in the first embodiment described, the second connecting element 14 is a T-shaped element.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle N is located at one end of the exit duct C _OUT .

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of tapping unit 1 .

Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment the tapping unit 1 comprises respective outlet ducts connected to respective lines.

Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the second connecting element 14 is not present.

In particular, the tapping unit 1
a first outlet duct C _OUT1 for beverage B, connected to the outlet L12 of the first line L1;
a second outlet duct C _OUT2 for the foam F, connected to the outlet L22 of the second line L2.

In the second embodiment described, the first outlet duct C _OUT1 has the same diameter as the first diameter of the first line L1 and the second outlet duct C _OUT2 has the second diameter of the second line L2. have the same diameter.

Nevertheless, it is not necessary for the diameter of the first outlet duct C _OUT1 and the diameter of the second outlet duct C _OUT2 to be equal to the first diameter of the first line L1 and the second diameter of the second line L2 respectively.

In practice, the first outlet duct C _OUT1 can have a different diameter than the first diameter of the first line L1 and the second outlet duct C _OUT2 can have a diameter different from the first diameter of the first line L1 without departing from the scope of the invention. It can have a different diameter than the second diameter of the two lines L2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each nozzle is positioned at one end of a respective outlet duct: a first nozzle N1 is positioned at one end of a first outlet duct C _OUT1 and a second nozzle N2 is positioned at a second end. Located at one end of the outlet duct C _OUT2 .

The first nozzle N1 is formed to be arranged at the end of the first outlet duct C _OUT1 and the second nozzle N2 is formed to be arranged at the end of the second outlet duct C _OUT2 .

FIG. 4 shows a column dispenser 2 with the tapping unit 1 described above.

The column dispenser is a duct having an inlet 21A for receiving the beverage B to be tapped and an outlet 21B connected to both the inlet L11 of the first line L1 and the inlet L21 of the second line L2 of the tapping unit 1 or It further comprises an inlet duct C _IN .

The inlet duct C _IN is arranged inside the casing of the column dispenser 2 .

Figure 5 shows a tapping system for tapping a foamy beverage.
The tapping system
a column dispenser 2 (with a tapping unit 1);
a container 3 containing a beverage B, connected to a column dispenser 2;
a pumping device 4 connected to the container 3 for pumping the quantity of beverage B present in the container 3 towards the column dispenser 2 .

In particular, the container 3 has an inlet 31 A connected to the pumping device 4 and an outlet 31 B connected to the inlet 21 A of the inlet duct C _IN of the column dispenser 2 .

The pumping device 4 pumps the amount of beverage present in the container 3 into the column dispenser 2 when the tapping system is in use.

The quantity of beverage B leaves the outlet 31B of the container 3, reaches the inlet of the inlet duct _CIN of the column dispenser 2, via the inlet duct _CIN reaches the tapping unit 1 and accordingly of the first line L1. It reaches the entrance L11 and the entrance L21 of the second line L2.

Via valves V1, V2 controlled by logic control unit U, a quantity of beverage B leaves from outlet L12 of first line L1 and a quantity of foam F leaves from outlet L22 of second line L2.

Thus, the glass G placed below the tapping unit will receive a quantity of beverage B and a quantity of froth F.

The invention also relates to a method for tapping a foamy beverage.

The method is
A) The tapping unit 1 is
a first line L1 having an inlet L11 for receiving an amount of beverage B and an outlet L12;
a second line L2 different from the first line L1, having an inlet L21 for receiving an amount of beverage B and an outlet L22;
a first valve V1 arranged on the first line L1;
a second valve V2 arranged on the second line L2,
B) opening the first valve V1 such that at least an amount of beverage B is present at the outlet L12 of the first line L1;
C) comprising opening the second valve V2 such that at least an amount of foam F is present at the outlet L22 of the second line L2.
[Effect of the invention]

Advantageously, the tapping unit 1 object of the present invention makes it possible to obtain a beverage B with froth F, wherein the froth F is obtained automatically.

The presence of two separate lines L1, L2 and two different valves V1, V2 each arranged on the respective line and a control adapted to control the opening and closing of each of the valves independently of each other. Due to the presence of logic U, the quantity of beverage B leaves the first line L1 and the quantity of foam F leaves the second line L2.

Either the tapping unit 1 has only one outlet duct C _OUT1 (for beverage and foam) or two outlet ducts C _OUT1 , C _OUT2 (outlet duct C _OUT1 for beverage B and outlet duct C _OUT2 for foam F). The quantity of beverage B with froth F is taken by the tapping unit 1, regardless of whether it has

Although the present invention has been described in an exemplary but non-limiting manner according to its preferred embodiments, it may be deemed by those skilled in the art to depart from its relative scope of protection as defined by the appended claims. It will be understood that variations and/or modifications may be made without notice.

Claims (15)

A tapping unit (1) for tapping a beverage (B) with foam (F), in particular a beer (B) with foam (F), said tapping unit (1) comprising:
a first line (L1) having an inlet (L11) for receiving an amount of said beverage (B) and an outlet (L12);
a second line (L2), different from said first line (L1), having an inlet (L21) for receiving the quantity of said beverage (B) and an outlet (L22);
a first valve (V1) arranged on the first line (L1);
a second valve (V2) arranged on the second line (L2);
a logic control unit (U) connected to said first valve (V1) and said second valve (V2);
The logical control unit comprises:
sending a first control signal to open said first valve (V1) such that at least an amount of beverage (B) is present at said outlet (L12) of said first line (L1);
configured to send at least a second control signal for opening said second valve (V2) such that at least an amount of foam (F) is present at said outlet (L22) of said second line (L2); , tapping unit (1). The preceding claim, wherein said first line (L1) is a duct with a first diameter and said second line (L2) is a duct with a second diameter smaller than said first diameter. A tapping unit (1) according to . The tapping unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first line (L1) has a shape different from that of said second line (L2). at least said second valve (V2) is a proportional valve,
Said logic control unit (U) controls said second valve (V2) to be sent to said second valve (V2) such that there is a predetermined amount of foam (F) at said outlet (L22) of said second line (L2). 2. A tapping unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted to modulate a control signal 2 to adjust the opening of said second valve (V2). Said second control signal is modulated such that a predetermined amount of beverage (B) is present at the outlet (L22) of said second line (L2) before said second control signal is modulated by said logic control unit (U). 5. Tapping unit (1) according to claim 4, adapted to keep the valve (V2) open for a predetermined time. Tapping unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the logic control unit (U) is arranged to close the first valve (V1) when the second control signal is modulated. The tapping unit (1) comprises an outlet duct (C _OUT ) connected to the outlet (L12) of the first line (L1) and to the outlet (L22) of the second line (L2). Tapping unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The tapping unit (1) is
a first outlet duct (C _OUT1 ) for the beverage (B) connected to the outlet (L12) of the first line (L1);
7. A second outlet duct ( _COUT2 ) for the foam (F) connected to the outlet (L22) of the second line (L2). a tapping unit (1); Said tapping unit (1) comprises activation means (10) for activating said logic control unit (U), said activation means (10) preferably being a lever (R) or a button or a cloud a further logical control unit connectable to said logical control unit (U) via a said logical control unit (U) for receiving one or more signals/control signals transmitted by said further logical control unit A tapping unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to. The tapping unit (1) is
a level sensor (S1) for measuring a value related to the filling level of the glass (G);
and/or a measuring device (S2) for measuring a value related to the stability of said foam (F) over time,
The logical control unit (U) is
obtaining said value related to said filling level of said glass (G), transmitting said value and/or said value related to stability of said froth (F) over time;
configured to transmit said value relating to said fill level of said glass (G) and/or said value relating to stability over time of said foam (F) to a mobile terminal (D) or a central control unit. A tapping unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. the level sensor (S1) is a capacitive sensor or a photoelectric sensor,
and/or Tapping unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said measuring device (S2) is a Nibem measuring device. The tapping unit (1) is
a storage means (M) in which is stored one or more unique identification codes, each associated with a respective type of beverage (B);
Said logic control unit (U) relates, for each type of said beverage (B), said value relating to said filling level of said glass (G) and/or the stability of said froth (F) over time. Tapping unit (1) according to claim 10 or 11, arranged to store said value in said storage means (M). an inlet (21A) for receiving said beverage (B) to be dispensed, said inlet (L11) of said first line (L1) and said inlet of said second line (L2) of said tapping unit (1) ( L21), comprising an inlet duct (C _IN ) with an outlet (21B) connected to both L21). a column dispenser (2) according to claim 13;
A container (3) for containing a beverage (B), said container (3) having an inlet (31A) and an outlet (31B), said outlet (31B) being the inlet (21A) of said inlet duct (CIN). ), said container (3) connected to
The column dispenser (2) is connected to the inlet (31A) of the container (3) and dispenses the amount of beverage (B) present in the container (3) through the outlet (31B) of the container (3). a pumping device (4) for pumping towards );
The column dispenser (2) is configured such that when the amount of beverage (B) is pumped through the pumping device (4), the amount of beverage (B) enters the inlet duct (CIN) of the column dispenser (2). enters, enters the column dispenser (2) through the inlet (21A) of the inlet duct (CIN), passes through the outlet (21A) of the inlet duct (CIN) and passes through the first tapping unit (1). exiting said column dispenser through said outlet (21A) of said inlet duct (CIN) so as to reach the inlet (L11) of line (L1) and the inlet (L21) of said second line (L2), dispensing system. A method for tapping a beverage (B) with froth (F), in particular a beer (B) with froth (F), said method comprising:
A) The tapping unit (1) is
a first line (L1) having an inlet (L11) for receiving an amount of said beverage (B) and an outlet (L12);
a second line (L2), different from said first line (L1), having an inlet (L21) for receiving an amount of beverage (B) and an outlet (L22);
a first valve (V1) arranged on the first line (L1);
a second valve (V2) arranged on the second line (L2);
a logic control unit (U) connected to said first valve (V1) and said second valve (V2);
B) opening said first valve (V1) such that there is at least an amount of beverage (B) at the outlet (L12) of said first line (L1);
C) The method of opening said second valve (V2) such that there is at least an amount of foam (F) at the outlet (L22) of said second line (L2).

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