WO2024059920A1 - Système de remplissage automatisé de récipients, adapté au robinet à bière, et procédé pour commander le service, le liquide et la mousse - Google Patents

Système de remplissage automatisé de récipients, adapté au robinet à bière, et procédé pour commander le service, le liquide et la mousse Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024059920A1
WO2024059920A1 PCT/BR2023/050312 BR2023050312W WO2024059920A1 WO 2024059920 A1 WO2024059920 A1 WO 2024059920A1 BR 2023050312 W BR2023050312 W BR 2023050312W WO 2024059920 A1 WO2024059920 A1 WO 2024059920A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tap
service
liquid
control module
beer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/BR2023/050312
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English (en)
Portuguese (pt)
Inventor
Mateus BODANESE
Original Assignee
BODANESE, João Paulo
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BODANESE, João Paulo filed Critical BODANESE, João Paulo
Publication of WO2024059920A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024059920A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers

Definitions

  • the present patent belongs to the service automation sector and refers, more specifically, to a system capable of automating the opening and closing of any conventional draft beer tap, for the service of beer or any other drink packaged in barrels. It consists of a system capable of pushing and pulling a specific draft beer extraction tap, which together with a solenoid valve and a flow sensor creates a fully automated method of serving the drink.
  • This device capable of pushing and pulling the tap can be activated using a linear actuator, as well as alternatively by a stepper motor connected to gears that transmit the movement to the tap handle.
  • the main difference of the system is its total adaptability, being able to turn any conventional draft beer tap into a self-service terminal, including an automatic liquid dispensing system.
  • the system allows establishments such as bars, event venues, among others, to offer the option of automated self-service drinks in which the user, pre-registered and with consumption credits, chooses the station that contains the drink of their choice, if identify using one of the permitted mechanisms (RFID, NFC and/or similar technology), bring the glass closer and wait for the glass to automatically fill with the pre-defined amount of liquid and foam (beer cream) without the need to handle the tap, quickly and practically.
  • RFID RFID, NFC and/or similar technology
  • Draft beer taps and beer coolers are common equipment in bars, restaurants, events and the like, and one of the limitations found in their use is the need for waiters to serve the product in glasses, mugs or other containers.
  • the manual operation of this equipment being done exclusively by waiters, can cause some problems for the service in these places, as the The time required to serve several containers is high, compromising service when the audience is very large.
  • Another difficulty encountered is the correct adjustment in controlling the liquid dispensed from the tap, influenced by the regulation of air injection into the tap, as this directly impacts the amount of foam in the draft beer glass. Consumption control is also hampered by the lack of equipment capable of efficiently measuring the quantity consumed and the quantity of product still available in barrels or similar.
  • BeerJet Another solution that can be found on the market is the one developed by the company BeerJet. It also consists of equipment focused on speeding up the waiter's work, enabling him to serve several glasses at the same time, reducing the time the waiter spends serving (usually one is served at a time). It is also equipment with specific machinery, without applications aimed at self-service.
  • Patent document PI 0904124-9 presents equipment for simultaneous extraction of several glasses of beverage, mainly draft beer, at the same time.
  • the waiter can serve several glasses at the same time, positioning them under the taps and activating them at the same time. Aimed at bars and similar, it aims to reduce the time it takes the waiter to serve and does not envisage use in self-service mode.
  • Document BR 102020008172-1 reveals automatic equipment that integrates a management and operation platform, this set being responsible for the sale and dispensing of drinks, eliminating the need for labor in the sale, payment and filling of the glass with the drink.
  • the service is done via a spherical or similar type valve, which is connected to a solenoid that receives the command to start and end the cycle, based on the previous condition of payment and activation of the tap through the valve/tap, so that the sensor in flow determines the volume to be dispensed;
  • the cup adjustment mechanism has the possibility of height and inclination adjustment.
  • the tap is always open, and therefore there is no foam control, in addition to the fact that what releases the passage of liquid is the opening of the solenoid valve; in turn, the present invention has a pre-configuration through a liquid and foam mechanism. Furthermore, previously the equipment was a single set, making it necessary to purchase it in full; The present invention has the advantage of adapting to pre-existing beer coolers or cold room installations.
  • Patent document US20210139309 presents equipment capable of providing a standardized serving with controlled quantity of liquid, temperature and foam. It differentiates itself by being focused on establishments with waiters and by completely replacing the tap, instead of adapting to a conventional tap, which limits the adaptability of the product. It focuses on automating service and managing establishments such as bars and restaurants, rather than self-service.
  • Patent document ES2776031 presents a device for automating a specific type of draft beer tap.
  • the device hugs the faucet and has a controller and motor that drives the actuator that turns the opening valve.
  • the device is exclusive to a specific type of faucet, which greatly limits its adaptability. It also does not present specifications for self-service systems, only for automation and facilitation for the waiter.
  • Patent document WO2019078590 presents a self-service system for beer taps, where the user allows access to the tap using an identification card.
  • the card can be prepaid or monitor the amount consumed, as commanded. After release, the user must operate the tap manually.
  • the objective of the solution is to serve a glass of draft beer automatically, controlling the liquid and foam in the service.
  • the proposal developed is an adaptation that can be installed on any conventional draft beer tap on the market, whether in a cold room or electric draft beer, for self-service application, that is, where the end consumer himself is served, without the assistance of a waiter or employee of the establishment.
  • the solution involves a device capable of pushing and pulling a specific draft beer extraction tap, which together with a solenoid valve and a flow sensor thus creates a fully automated method of serving the drink.
  • This device capable of pushing and pulling the tap can be activated using a linear actuator, as well as alternatively by a stepper motor connected to gears that transmit the movement to the tap handle.
  • the main difference of the system is its total adaptability, being able to turn any conventional draft beer tap into a self-service terminal, including an automatic liquid dispensing system, without the need for the user to handle the tap.
  • the objective of making the experience satisfactory and practical for the end user is achieved, and can be implemented in bars, restaurants, events, homes and any other location.
  • the main advantage is the standardization of the service, in a full glass, which is interesting when for the establishment the experience to be provided is not one of experimentation but of simply offering the product in a standardized way.
  • This is necessary, mainly, in large events and places with high circulation, where great difficulty is caused by the large volume of people and the manual service, where normally the customer makes the payment, takes a form, goes to the counter, requests the drink, the waiter goes to the tap, fills the glass and hands it to the customer.
  • long queues form and customers often give up on consuming because they do not want to go through the hassle and waste of time.
  • Figure 1 represents the perspective view of the system, in a first embodiment, before its adaptation to a conventional beer cooler;
  • Figure 2 represents the perspective view of the system, in a first embodiment, adapted to a conventional beer cooler
  • Figure 3 represents the right side view of the system applied to a conventional beer cooler at neutral point, with the tap closed;
  • Figure 4 represents the right side view of the system applied to a conventional beer cooler, with the tap open;
  • Figure 5 represents the bottom perspective view of the system, in a second embodiment
  • Figure 6 represents the rear perspective view of the system, in a second embodiment
  • Figure 7 represents the rear perspective view of the system, in a second embodiment, without the cover;
  • Figure 8 represents the perspective front view of the system, in a second embodiment, without the cover;
  • Figure 9 represents the perspective front view of the system, in a second embodiment, without the cover
  • Figure 10 represents the left side view of the system, in a second embodiment, without the cover;
  • Figure 11 represents the right side view of the system, in a second embodiment, without the cover;
  • Figure 12 represents the flowchart of the self-service method implemented in the system.
  • the invention presents a mechanism capable of autonomously filling containers of varying materials, shapes and sizes with liquids; the mechanism comprises a motor capable of pushing and pulling a specific draft beer extraction tap (a mechanism with pulleys and a stepper motor can also be used); proximity sensor (not illustrated) that identifies the presence of a container and sends a signal to start filling (which can also be released after swiping the card or by pressing a button); user identification mechanism using RFID, NFC, QR Code on screen or printed and attached to the beer cooler, which can be read with a dedicated application that maintains consumption record information, facial recognition, biometrics or similar technology; screen for displaying drink information and quantity to be served, price, user data and serving monitoring; a liquid flowmetry sensor to measure how much is being served; valve for releasing and blocking the passage of liquid; and a control device, responsible for reading and sending data to carry out the action of starting and closing the operation; Therefore, establishments such as bars, event venues, among others, can offer the option
  • the user chooses the self-service tap that has the drink of their choice (each tap has a screen with the beer available), identifies themselves (normally by swiping an RFID card, but the system allows other alternatives), and the screen displays an indication that the easement is released.
  • the proximity sensor identifies the presence of the glass and the serving begins (alternatively, a button can be included for the user to press after positioning the glass).
  • the machine at this moment starts dispensing the liquid into the cup. When you reach a certain moment, the machine stops releasing the liquid and instantly starts releasing foam. When finished, the screen notifies you that it is finished and the service is over.
  • the system is purchased and installed by the organizer of an event or owner of an establishment who wishes to offer self-service draft beer (or other drinks packaged in kegs) charged per glass.
  • Each system serves one tap, so the establishment purchases the appropriate number of systems for the number of beverage taps it wishes to adapt in an automated way.
  • the system adapts to any conventional draft beer tap, which contains the necessary components for correct manual operation, such as a draft beer cooler or cold room, draft beer line, draft beer tap, CO2 and other accessories necessary for draft beer extraction, in addition to power point and internet. After installing the system on the conventional tap, the correct adjustment is made and training is provided so that the event organizer or the owner of an establishment can operate it correctly.
  • the end consumer present at the establishment or event location, registers, which, depending on the house, can be prepaid or postpaid. When prepaid, the consumer adds credits to their registration in the forms provided by the establishment. With their active account and credit for consumption, the user approaches one of the stations with the automated draft beer service system and chooses one of the available drink options, identifying on a screen its characteristics and price per standard cup. In front of the chosen tap, the user identifies himself (with RFID card, NFC, App, QR Code, biometrics, facial recognition or any other form of identification available). After identification, the user approaches the glass to the tap and the presence sensor sends a command to the device to start serving the liquid.
  • a button can be included in which the user notifies when the cup is positioned, and also additional buttons, each with a pre-defined serving quantity, such as 100ml, 200ml or 300ml.
  • the drink in liquid form comes out automatically to a certain extent.
  • the tap activates foam mode and continues pouring automatically.
  • the pre-determined quantities are reached, the service is interrupted and the user is notified that the service is finished.
  • any conventional draft beer tap can be transformed into an automatic tap, with a complete self-service solution.
  • FIG. 1 it presents a form of application of the system in which the conventional beer tap (1) can be observed, where the draft beer tap (11) is located.
  • the system is made up of a linear motor (16) or an automation module (15), which is made up of a stepper motor connected to a gear system, the control module (17) and the RFID identification card (18). or NFC.
  • the control module (17) includes an internal processor and memory and the LCD screen (19) and sensor (20) for RFID or NFC identification cards.
  • the purpose of the control module (17) is to control the linear motor (16) and interactions with other sensors and devices.
  • the LCD screen (19) provides beer and service information.
  • control module (17) does not have an integrated screen. In this way, the control module (17) allows the connection of any screen (monitor or television) via HDMI, as well as it is possible not to use any monitor, operating only with a QR Code to be printed or an attached SmartPOS machine.
  • a solenoid valve (not illustrated) is installed in the draft beer line and its function is to release or not the passage of draft beer upon the open or close command from the control module.
  • a flow sensor (not illustrated) is installed in the draft beer line and its function is to inform the control module of the quantity of liquid that is passing through the line.
  • the electrically driven linear motor (16) has a rod (21) that extends and retracts linearly (forward or backward). It is installed above the draft beer tap (11), being connected to its handle (111), so that when it extends outward it pushes the handle (1 11) opening the tap for the passage of liquid. When it retracts, it pulls the lever (11 1) triggering the release of foam through the draft beer tap (11).
  • This movement can be observed in Figures 3 and 4, and in Figure 3 the linear motor (16) has not yet been activated and the draft beer tap (11) is closed, and in Figure 4 the linear motor (16) has already been activated by bringing the identification card (18) closer to the sensor (20), pushing the lever (111) and releasing the flow.
  • the linear motor (16) has a potentiometer whose function is to signal the position of the rod (21), so that the correct positioning of push, pull and neutral point can be achieved.
  • a potentiometer whose function is to signal the position of the rod (21), so that the correct positioning of push, pull and neutral point can be achieved.
  • an end-of-stroke sensor can be used to signal the operating limits of the rod (21).
  • An approximation sensor is fixed to the wall of the beer cooler, close to the draft beer tap (11), and has the role of identifying when the consumer has approached the glass to the tap, and, therefore, when the drink can begin to be served. . It can be replaced by a mechanical or digital activation button, or any other type of user communication with the equipment. In addition, it can also contain additional buttons, each with a pre-defined serving quantity, such as 100ml, 200ml or 300ml (this quantity selection can also be performed on a touch screen). [040] The system requires cables, connectors, electrical and network wiring necessary for installing the system and network equipment such as modem, router and switch, enabling the systems to be connected to the local network or internet.
  • the software embedded in the system controls the entire operation, according to the flowchart shown in Figure 12.
  • the method of use follows the following steps: a) User pre-registers and receives an identification card (18) RFID or NFC; alternatively the card (18) can be replaced by biometrics, facial recognition, cell phone application, or any other form of identification; b) User approaches the system installed in the taproom (1) and identifies himself through any of the methods mentioned in step a); c) The system accesses the database and returns the credit information that the user has on the screen.
  • the screen also plays an animation instructing the user on the best positioning of the cup; d) Then, the control module, located in the control module (17), sends a signal so that the solenoid valve is opened, allowing the liquid to pass through the draft beer line; e) The control module sends a signal to the linear motor (16) to extend its rod (21), which in turn triggers the opening of the draft beer tap (11). The beer starts to come out and the rod (21) stays in this position until further notice; f) The control module receives information from the flow sensor about how much liquid is passing through the line; g) When a certain previously configured quantity is reached, the control module sends a signal so that the linear motor (16) contracts, pushing the tap (11) in the opposite direction and thus releasing foam instead of liquid.
  • the quantity in ml of liquid and foam that the event wants to work with is defined. For example, if 300 ml glasses are used, 270 ml of liquid and 30 ml of foam can be configured; h) After a set time, the control module sends a signal so that the linear motor (16) returns to its initial position, neutral point, ending the draft beer service; i) The control module sends the information to the database that updates the user's new credit balance; j) The control module displays the message with the end of the service and the user's updated credit on its screen.
  • the linear motor (16) can be replaced by a stepper motor (5) with gears coupled (6)(7) on top of the tap (11). The purpose would be the same, to push and pull the handle (111) of the tap (1 1), but using a different mechanism.
  • step a For example, in step a), with card payment via SmartPOS, pre-registration is not necessary. Furthermore, the forms of identification are maintained, being a major differentiator of the system, being able to have several forms of identification and opening the tap, which adapt to the needs of the event.
  • step e) the control module sends a signal so that the stepper motor (5) rotates on its axis (5), which in turn triggers the opening of the draft beer tap (11).
  • step g) when a previously configured quantity is reached, the control module sends a signal so that the stepper motor (5) changes the direction of its rotation, pushing the tap (11) in the opposite direction and thus releasing foam at the same time. instead of liquid.
  • step h after a set time, the control module sends a signal so that the stepper motor (5) returns to its initial position, neutral point, ending the draft beer serving.
  • the automation module (15) that is installed on the tap (11) is formed by a housing that houses a support structure (4) that is integrated to the side support (3) which surrounds the tap (11) and is coupled to the flange (2) through fastening elements (14); has a stepper motor (5) that has a rotating rod integrated with a motor gear (6) that is connected to one of the auxiliary gears (7) that are moved and transmit the movement of the motor step (5) for the extension of the tap lever (13), through a back and forth movement, with the gears (7) joined by means of support bars (12) that surround the lever extension (13) from the tap;
  • Arranged on the front part of the support structure (4) there are presence sensors (8), which identify the approach of the customer's hand or a container and release the liquid, and on the wall of the structure (4), there are if fixed in cavities (23) by fastening elements (10) limit switches (24), which guarantee additional safety by stopping the movement if it exceeds the pre
  • the stepper motor (5) also has a driver that transmits the signal to the motor, and the set of gears (6)(7), which, connected to the stepper motor shaft (5), transmit and convert the turning movement for the draft beer tap handle (1 11).
  • the module (15) is installed on the tap (11), being connected to its handle (111), so that when it rotates on its own axis in one direction it pushes the handle extension (13) opening the tap (11) to liquid passage. When it turns in the opposite direction, it pulls the handle extension (13) triggering the release of foam through the draft beer tap (11).
  • the system can be adapted to any line of drinks packaged in kegs, not limited to draft beer.
  • draft beer in the description is intended only to illustrate and make understandable the solution proposed in the present patent.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système permettant d'automatiser l'ouverture et la fermeture d'un quelconque robinet à bière classique, pour servir de la bière ou une quelconque autre boisson contenue dans des fûts. Ledit système est apte à pousser et tirer un robinet spécifique d'extraction de bière qui, conjointement avec un robinet solénoïde et un capteur de flux, crée un procédé totalement automatisé de distribution de boisson. Ce dispositif apte à pousser et tirer le robinet peut être actionné par un actionneur linéaire ou autrement par un moteur pas à pas relié aux engrenages qui transmettent le mouvement à la manette du robinet. La principale différence du système repose sur sa capacité d'adaptation totale, permettant de changer un quelconque robinet à bière classique en un terminal en libre service, y compris un système de distribution automatique de liquide.
PCT/BR2023/050312 2022-09-21 2023-09-19 Système de remplissage automatisé de récipients, adapté au robinet à bière, et procédé pour commander le service, le liquide et la mousse WO2024059920A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR1020220189005 2022-09-21
BR102022018900 2022-09-21

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WO2024059920A1 true WO2024059920A1 (fr) 2024-03-28

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006037090A1 (de) * 2005-08-10 2007-02-15 Hans Dirmeier Zapfhahnmodul zum Bedienen eines Ventils mit einem Bedienhebel und einem Ventilsteuerelement
US20190287089A1 (en) * 2017-07-07 2019-09-19 Instream Water, Inc. Beverage kiosk apparatus, system, and method
US20210139309A1 (en) * 2017-06-21 2021-05-13 Pubinno, Inc. Smart beer tap

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006037090A1 (de) * 2005-08-10 2007-02-15 Hans Dirmeier Zapfhahnmodul zum Bedienen eines Ventils mit einem Bedienhebel und einem Ventilsteuerelement
US20210139309A1 (en) * 2017-06-21 2021-05-13 Pubinno, Inc. Smart beer tap
US20190287089A1 (en) * 2017-07-07 2019-09-19 Instream Water, Inc. Beverage kiosk apparatus, system, and method

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