Beverage dispenser coupler

Abstract

A coupler 31,32 with input 310 for receiving cleaning solution (e.g., detergent in water, for hygienically reducing microbes, bacteria, fungi), an input 323 for receiving beverage from a container (vi

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to sanitising a coupler of a beverage dispenser system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Beverages may be dispensed using beverage dispensing systems. Beverages and dispensing systems vary; however, regardless of a type of dispensing system it is a necessity to maintain hygiene of the dispensing system.

[0003] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art beverage dispensing system. A tap 10 is located above a serving surface illustrated by dashed line L19 and the tap dispenses a beverage. Tap 10 comprises a movable handle that is manually operated whereby operation of the handle towards or away from an operator dispenses the beverage. A drip tray 11 is located below the dispensing part of the tap 10 to collect dispensed beverage not captured by a receptacle, such as a glass. The system of Figure 1 further comprises a gas source 18, such as a pressurised gas cylinder, and a keg 15. Connected to keg 15 is a closure 19. Closure 19 includes a valve mechanism and a spear 16, which is a tube-like structure, extending into keg 15. A gas source is connected to coupler 14 to provide pressurised gas to keg 15 via a gas line L11, which pressurises a beverage 17 contained within the keg 15. Coupler 14 is connected to a beverage line L12, L13 with a Foam on Beer (FOB) device 13 disposed along the beverage line. When the handle of tap 10 is operated, the tap is opened. The gas pressure in keg 15 forces beverage 17 through spear 16 and closure 19, and along beverage line L12, L13 for dispense via tap 10. FOB device 13 detects when foam is passing along the beverage line L12 and automatically halts flow along the beverage line L13 to prevent forceful ejection of beverage and gas from the tap 10 as foam when tap 10 is open. FOB device 13 will operate to shut off flow along the beverage line when a keg is empty or near empty of beverage. The empty keg will then be replaced with a new keg containing beverage and the FOB device will be refilled and manually reset to allow flow along the beverage line once more.

[0004] Tap 10, FOB device 13, coupler 14 and various lines are exposed to the atmosphere, and therefore the beverage dispensing system is susceptible to bacterial, yeast, fungal and / or other microbial growth in media contact areas. Components of the system must be frequently sanitised to ensure potable beverages are served and the quality of the dispensed beverage is maintained. Sanitisation requires disconnecting coupler 14 from keg 15, attaching coupler 14 to a wash bottle or a wash ring main, flushing beverage line L12, L13 with a detergent and water mix, leaving the detergent-filled beverage line to soak, flushing the beverage line with water, manually sanitising the coupler 14, manually sanitising the tap 10, and so on. The system must be subsequently reassembled prior to the renewed dispensing of beverage. This is a highly manual and laborious process and can take up to an hour to complete, during which period the beverage dispensing system is unavailable for use. Beverage line L12, L13 may contain a significant volume of beverage that is wasted when the system is sanitised, because the beverage contained within beverage line L12, L13 is discarded so that the line can be sanitised. SUMMARY

[0005] A first aspect is a coupler for a beverage dispensing system, the coupler comprising: a cleaning solution input for receiving cleaning solution; a beverage input for receiving beverage from a beverage container; and a beverage output for providing beverage to a beverage line; wherein: the coupler is operable to operate in a first mode of operation and in a second mode of operation; in the first mode of operation, the coupler is operable to fluidly connect the beverage input and the beverage output; and in the second mode of operation, the coupler is operable to fluidly connect the cleaning solution input to the beverage output.

[0006] A second aspect is a method for automatic sanitisation of a coupler of a beverage dispensing system, wherein the coupler has a first mode of operation being a beverage dispense mode, and a second mode of operation being a sanitisation mode, the method comprising: operating in the first mode by receiving a beverage and providing the beverage to a beverage line; and operating in the second mode by receiving a cleaning solution and providing the cleaning solution to a beverage line.

[0007] A third aspect is a computer-implemented method for controlling a coupler of a beverage dispensing system to self-sanitise, the method comprising steps: transmitting an instruction to a first actuator of the coupler for disengagement of the coupler with a closure valve of a beverage container connection; and transmitting an instruction to a second actuator of the coupler to actuate a valve for enabling cleaning solution to enter the coupler beverage line. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a prior art beverage dispenser system.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage dispenser system operable to automatically self-sanitise.

[0010] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a coupler.

[0011] Figures 4A to 4C illustrate schematic diagrams of a manifold during operation.

[0012] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a coupler 34 attached to a beverage container.

[0013] Figures 5C and 5D illustrate a coupler 34 undergoing sanitisation.

[0014] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a coupler system.

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates a method for automatic sanitisation of a coupler of a beverage dispensing system.

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates a computer-implemented method for controlling a coupler of a beverage dispensing system to self-sanitise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage dispense system operable to automatically self-sanitise. Tap 20 is capable of automatic operation whereby the tap may automatically open allowing media to flow through beverage line L21 and out of the tap. Tap 20 may also be manually operated by, for example, pulling a handle section towards an operator or pushing the handle section away from the operator. Tap 20 may be positioned above a serving surface illustrated by dashed line L30, such as a bar or table, with other components of the system located below the serving surface, or elsewhere.

[0018] Beverage line L21 connects tap 20 to a coupler 261 attachable to a beverage container 26, such as a keg or a bag-in-box container. Coupler 261 may comprise an integrated sensing device 262 arranged to detect characteristic(s) of the media passing through the coupler 261. Such characteristic(s) may include media presence, type, colour, state and / or consistency. Integrated sensing device 262 may be linked to a FOB device 23. The FOB device 23 is operable to halt a flow of media and / or divert media out of the beverage line as waste. The FOB device may be operable to automatically switch between allowing media into the beverage line L21 and venting media to waste. The FOB device 23 may be integrated with coupler 261 in some examples. In other examples, not illustrated, a sensing device is not integrated into the coupler and may be positioned elsewhere along beverage line L21. A gas source 25, such as a pressurised gas tank or cylinder, is coupled to the beverage container 26 by a gas line L23. The gas source 25 is operable to pressurise a beverage 265 that is a content of beverage container 26. Coupler 261 may further comprise a manual control 263, such as a button, for the manual control of coupler functions, such as manually stopping beverage flow or for engaging and / or disengaging coupler 261 from beverage container 26. Beverage container 26 includes a closure 269, and may include a spear 264 that is a device to draw beverage 265 from beverage container 26. Should, for example, beverage be held in a bag-in-box container rather than a keg then no spear may be required. Instead, a pump may be used to pump liquid from the bag-in-box container to the tap for dispensing. Coupler 261 is connected to the beverage container 26 via closure 269. Not illustrated are optional status indicators of coupler 261 that indicate a coupler status (for example, to indicate whether or not the coupler 261 is engaged with beverage container 26, and / or whether sanitisation is in process). Closure 269 may take the form of a beverage container connection 33, as described in greater detail below.

[0019] Beverage container 26 is coupled via coupler 261 to one or more further components for sanitisation of the beverage system and, optionally, for sanitising further beverage systems that are not illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a system manifold 27 connected to coupler 261 by a line L24. System manifold 27 is an optional component and is controllable to selectively couple a beverage retention device 28 and / or a dosing device 29 to additional beverage dispensing systems so that the beverage retention device 28 and / or the dosing device 29 are operable to sanitise multiple beverage dispensing systems. The system manifold 27 has additional coupler lines L25 illustrated for one or more additional coupler connections.

[0020] In Figure 2, beverage retention device 28 is coupled to system manifold 27 by a beverage retention line L26. Through beverage retention line L26, beverage contained in the beverage line L21 may be extracted by the beverage retention device 28. Further, as discussed later, the beverage retention device 28 is operable to store and isolate beverage during sanitisation of the beverage dispensing components and beverage lines.

[0021] Water is supplied to dosing device 29 by a water supply line L28. Dosing device 29 is connected to a cleaning solution storage vessel 291 via line L29. Cleaning solution storage vessel 291 contains a cleaning solution, for example a detergent. Dosing device 29 may comprise, for example, a venturi pump, an electromechanical pump, a Dosatron™ dosing device, or the like to control the dosing of cleaning solution into line L27. Dosing device 29 operates to dose water with a measured amount of cleaning solution into lines L27, L26, L24 and L21 through to the tap 20. If no cleaning solution is to be added to the incoming water, then clean water may pass through line L27 to flush out the beverage lines and components of the beverage dispensing system. In some examples, dosing device 29 comprises a separate pump to actively control water flow, while in other examples the dosing device comprises a valve to passively control water flow by relying on mains water pressure.

[0022] The system of Figure 2 is operable by an operator to dispense beverage from the tap 20 by normal manual operation of the tap. Information regarding the dispensing and / or sanitisation system is displayable to the operator via a tap display 201 mounted on tap 20. The tap display 201 may comprise, for example, a display screen or a series of LEDs. The tap display 201 may indicate to the user information including temperature of the beverage being stored or dispensed, an estimated amount of beverage remaining in the beverage container 26 and / or a status of the beverage dispensing or sanitisation system. Tap display 201 may be mounted on the tap body facing towards or away from a user, or on the tap handle facing towards or away from a user. When not dispensing beverage, at a predetermined time or frequency, the system of Figure 2 is configurable to perform automatic self-sanitisation as set out in an exemplary method below: i. Coupler 261 isolates beverage container 26 from beverage line L21, line L24, and gas line L23, and seals off the beverage container 26 from the gas source 25. Coupler 261 also opens beverage line L21 to line L24. ii. Tap 20 opens automatically (without operator manual intervention) and beverage retention device 28 draws beverage contained in beverage line L21 into a sanitised beverage retention device 28 where it is retained and is optionally pressurised. Beverage retention device 28 is then isolated from lines L26 and L27. iii. a) A first valve mechanism within the coupler 261 that diverts media through the coupler via the closure 269 is set to an “open” position, while a second valve mechanism within the coupler 261 that diverts media through the coupler but bypassing the closure 269 is set to a “closed” position. Dosing device 29 provides water and dosed cleaning solution through dosing line L27, beverage retention line L26, system manifold 27, line L24, closure 269, coupler 261, sensing device 262, beverage line L21, FOB device 23 (if present) and tap 20. This ensures sanitisation of the closure 269. b) The first valve mechanism within the coupler 261 is set to a “closed position”, while the second valve mechanism within the coupler 261 is set to an “open” position. Dosing device 29 directs water and dosed cleaning solution at higher volumes through the coupler (without passing via the closure 269) and into beverage line L21, and then on to the tap 20. iv. Water and cleaning solution, exiting tap 20, are received in a drip tray 11 and will flow away through a waste line L20. After the system lines and components are sanitised by the cleaning solution, the dosing device 29 stops dosing incoming water with cleaning solution and the system is flushed with clean water via water supply line L28. v. A further automated step comprises dispensing of beverage 265 from beverage container 26, and releasing the dispensed beverage into coupler 261 to flush out any water remaining in the closure 269 and the coupler 261 into the beverage line L21. A relatively small amount of beverage is required to be dispensed so that, subsequently, when beverage from the beverage retention device 28 is reintroduced into the system via line L26 in step vi, there is no water in closure 269 or coupler 261. vi. Beverage retention device 28, which is filled with the stored beverage, is reconnected to line L26 and empties into line L26 in order to displace any water in line L26 and to force the previously stored beverage through beverage retention line L26, system manifold 27, line L24, coupler 261, integrated sensing device 262, FOB device 23 (if present) and beverage line L21 displacing any water remaining in beverage line L21, which empties through tap 20 into the drip tray 11. vii. Coupler 261 closes line L24 to beverage line L21. viii. Optionally, coupler 261 can automatically open beverage line L21 to beverage container 26, and pressurised beverage 265 enters beverage line L21 further forcing water from beverage line L21 through tap 20 until the entire beverage line L21 is filled with the beverage. ix. Tap 20 automatically closes and the system is ready to dispense beverage by manual operator interaction using the handle of tap 20.

[0023] The system of Figure 2 optionally includes a cooling system comprising refrigeration unit 24 and refrigeration line L22 that provides a refrigeration fluid to cool system components, such as the beverage line L21 indicated by the dashed rectangle in Figure 2. In some examples, additional components are cooled by refrigeration unit. In one example, beverage passing through beverage line L21 (after passing through a FOB device 23, if present) enters a refrigeration unit for cooling prior to being dispensed by tap 20 - the refrigeration unit 24 directly cools beverage that passes through it.

[0024] The system of Figure 2 enables automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system without operator intervention and without having to disconnect manually, for example, the coupler from the dispensing system. This reduces the time and cost of sanitisation. The automatic self-sanitisation process can be performed at a time when beverage dispensing is not required, thereby avoiding disruption to beverage dispensing. Beverage normally wasted during a sanitisation process is minimised by storing beverage within the system while a sanitisation routine operates.

[0025] The constituent system components can connect to a hub 221 that is arranged to access diagnostic information received from the constituent system components and to customise and / or schedule operation of the constituent system components. Hub 221 can connect to the constituent system components (e.g., tap 20, FOB device 23, coupler 26, system manifold 27, beverage retention device 28 and dosing device 29) by either a wired or wireless connection. Hub 221 is accessible using an operator device 220, which may be, for example, a mobile device, tablet or laptop. The operator device 220 can connect to the hub 221 via either a wired or wireless connection to access diagnostic information, view scheduled sanitisation information and / or schedule sanitisation of the system. Hub 221 is a control unit for the system, and some or all of the system’s components, and can be operated remotely. Hub 221 can use the information to determine, for example, a maintenance schedule for the tap or an estimation of component wear, as well as product throughput and / or beverage quality.

[0026] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a coupler comprising a connector manifold 31 and a connector 32. Also illustrated is an exemplary beverage container connection 33 to which the connector 32 is attachable. Connector manifold 31 is illustrated as being attachable to the connector 32 in the example illustrated in Figure 3, however in other examples the two components may be formed to be a single component termed a coupler.

[0027] Connector manifold 31 is formed from a rigid body and comprises a manifold valve 312 movable with respect to the connector manifold 31. Connector manifold 31 has one input: cleaning solution input 310; and two outputs: first fluid channel 320 and second fluid channel 321. Manifold valve 312 is movable between at least three positions, illustrated in Figures 4A-4C and described below. Manifold valve 312 is movable by manifold actuator 313 that engages with manifold valve 312 at a manifold actuator engagement section 333 of the manifold valve 312. In Figure 3, manifold actuator 313 comprises a sprocket or gear, but other examples have alternative methods of moving the manifold valve 312. Movement of manifold valve 312 is detectable by a manifold valve sensor 314 which can determine a position of the manifold valve 312 relative to connector manifold 31. Manifold valve sensor 314 may be a Hall sensor or other suitable sensor or sensing arrangement.

[0028] Connector 32 is formed from a rigid body and comprises a central shaft 304 movable with respect to the body of connector 32. Central shaft 304 has a beverage input port 323 for receiving beverage from a beverage container, not illustrated in Figure 3. Received beverage may flow through connector beverage line 311 towards beverage output 322. Connector 32 comprises a non-return valve 319 to prevent reverse flow of beverage, or other fluid, in a direction towards beverage input 323. Connector 32 has four inputs: gas line input 324, first fluid channel 320, second fluid channel 321 and beverage input 323; and one output: beverage output 322. Central shaft 304 is movable within the body of the connector using a central shaft actuator 305, whereby central shaft actuator 305 may control movement and position of central shaft 304 by printed circuit board (PCB) 318. PCB 318 also controls other electronic devices of the connector 32 and connector manifold 31. PCB 318 may communicate with additional components of the beverage dispensing system illustrated in Figure 2 including hub 221 and, optionally, FOB device 23 if present as either a separate component on the beverage line or integrated into a connector. Central shaft actuator 305 provides a rotational movement and is coupled to central shaft 304 to cause linear movement of central shaft 304 within connector 32 from actuation of central shaft actuator 305.

[0029] A position of central shaft 304 relative to connector 32 is detectable by a central shaft sensor 317, which may be mounted on PCB 318. Central shaft sensor 317 may be a Hall sensor or other suitable sensor or sensing arrangement. Information from central shaft sensor 317 may be used by PCB 318 to determine whether a detected position of central shaft 304 matches an instructed position of central shaft 304, i.e. whether the central shaft control mechanism is functioning correctly. Indicator 308, which may be an LED, is controlled by PCB 318 and indicates a status of the coupler. Statuses comprise “disengaged”, “engaged”, and “sanitisation” or “cleaning”. In some examples, indicator may additionally communicate an error state of the coupler and / or the volume of beverage remaining in the beverage container.

[0030] Connector 32 has a connection button 303 that, when pressed by an operator, causes the central shaft actuator 305 to move the central shaft 304 towards a beverage container, engaging a connection between the connector 32 and a beverage container. Connector 32 has a connection sensor 302 to sense whether a physical connection between the connector 32 and a beverage container has been made. Actuation of central shaft actuator 305 may be due to the pressing of connection button 303 or be automated as part of an automated sanitisation process.

[0031] Connector 32 has additional sensors for sensing characteristics of the media within the connector beverage line 311, such as the temperature of the media, or whether the media is a beverage, beverage foam, cleaning fluid, water or gas. One sensor is integrated sensing device 315 for sensing characteristics of the media within connector beverage line 311. In one example, the integrated sensing device 315 detects a colour of media, which may be for example water, cleaning fluid, beverage foam or beverage, as each has different colour characteristics and can be identified by integrated sensing device 315. Integrated sensing device 315 may detect colour characteristics in the IR and / or visible light spectrum. This detected media information may be used to determine if an undesired media has entered or is present in the connector beverage line 311. If an undesired media is detected, this may be communicated to other components of a beverage dispenser cleaning system, including a FOB device that can halt flow of media within a beverage line and / or divert media out of the beverage line. The sending of instructions to a FOB device may be provided by PCB 318 of connector 32 and / or by a connected hub 221. Integrated sensing device 315 may further determine when an undesired media is no longer present in the connector beverage line 311, communicate with a FOB device and enable flow of media within the beverage line and / or stop diverting media out of the beverage line. Another sensor is a temperature sensor 316 for sensing a temperature of media within the connector beverage line 311. A change in media type may correspond to a change in detected media temperature, which may correspond to different steps in a cleaning sanitisation cycle.

[0032] Beverage container connection 33 is an example of a component of a beverage container. Beverage container connection 33 may be modular, interchangeable and / or adaptable to engage with connector 32 and other connectors with a different physical structure. The example beverage container connection 33 is suitable for use with a keg, however alternative beverage container connection 33 arrangements may be used that are compatible with different kinds of kegs or with alternative beverage containers, such as a bag-in-box containers. Beverage container connection 33 has a closure valve 306 that, when depressed, enables beverage to flow from a beverage container through the beverage container connection 33 (and onwards into a connector 32 if present and properly attached).

[0033] Beverage container connection 33 includes surface areas that beverage will contact when beverage is being dispensed, such as closure area 300, which should be cleaned during a sanitisation process. However, this sanitisation / cleaning process traditionally requires disassembly of the components for manual cleaning. Further, sanitisation of a beverage line will not clean surfaces of beverage container connection 33 leading to an unsanitary beverage dispensing device.

[0034] After attachment of connector 32 to beverage container connection 33, connection sensor 302 determines that the components are properly connected as connection sensor 302 should abut collar 301. Connection button 303 is pressed by an operator and central shaft actuator 305 moves central shaft 304 into an engaged position to depress closure valve 306 within beverage container connection 33, thereby enabling fluid communication between a beverage container and beverage input 323. Gas flows into gas line input 324 and down to the beverage container thereby pressurising beverage in the beverage container. The higher than atmospheric pressure above the beverage in the beverage container forces the beverage out of the beverage container, up through beverage container connection 33, through beverage input 323, through connector 32, out of beverage output 322 and through a connected beverage line (not illustrated in Figure 3). More generally, gas (optionally CO2) flows into the beverage container via the coupler and a double valve mechanism in the closure. The base of the coupler pushes against the gas seal, depressing it and allowing gas to flow into the top of the beverage container (which pushes liquid out of the beverage container, up through beverage container connection 33, through the beverage input 323, through connector 32, out of beverage output 322 and into the beverage line). The gas seal separates the gas inflow to the beverage container from the beer outflow through the coupler.

[0035] In one example, a pair of O-rings, one above and one below the gas line input 324, form a seal between the walls of the central shaft 304 and the walls of the connector 32. This prevents any gas from travelling past these O-rings in either direction when the central shaft 304 has been disengaged from the beverage container connection 33. In this example, the movement of the central shaft 304 in a downward direction (to engage with the beverage container connection 33) means that the lower O-ring is no longer in direct contact with the walls of the connector 32, which removes the seal and allows gas to travel from the gas line input 324 along the side of the central shaft 304, and down into the beverage container connection 33. Inside the beverage container connection 33, the base of connector 32 depresses the gas seal, allowing gas to flow into the top of the beverage container. The upper O-ring remains in direct contact with the walls of the connector 32, thereby retaining the seal and preventing any gas from flowing up into the beverage line.

[0036] During a sanitisation process, central shaft 304 is automatically moved by central shaft actuator 305 to a disengaged position thereby disengaging with closure valve 306 leading to closure of the closure valve ensuring no cleaning solution will enter the beverage container and contaminate beverage contents during an automatic sanitisation process.

[0037] Figures 4A to 4C illustrate schematic diagrams of a connector manifold during operation with each figure illustrating a different mode of operation. During each mode, cleaning solution input 310 may be provided with a fluid, which may be a cleaning solution, water, or another fluid, as described above in relation to Figure 2 (such as beverage from a beverage retention device).

[0038] Figure 4A illustrates a first mode of operation of the connector manifold whereby the connector manifold is in an ‘off’ position. Manifold valve 312 is in a position disabling fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 with both first fluid channel 320 and second fluid channel 321. In this first mode, no fluid may enter connector 32 from connector manifold 31.

[0039] Figure 4B illustrates a second mode of operation of the connector manifold whereby connector manifold 31 is in a “beverage container connection cleaning” position. Manifold valve 312 is in a position disabling fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 with first fluid channel 320, and enabling fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 with second fluid channel 321.

[0040] Figure 4C illustrates a third mode of operation of the connector manifold whereby connector manifold 31 is in an ‘beverage line cleaning’ position. Manifold valve 312 is in a position enabling fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 with first fluid channel 320, and disabling fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 with second fluid channel 321.

[0041] PCB 318 of connector 32 instructs the operation of manifold actuator 313 that engages with the manifold valve 312 to change the connector manifold mode of operation. Manifold valve sensor 314 may determine a position of the manifold valve 312 relative to connector manifold 31 and provide feedback to the PCB 318 that can monitor for a failure state of the connector manifold. The onward flow of fluid from first fluid channel 320 and second fluid channel 321 is discussed in relation to Figures 5C and 5D.

[0042] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a coupler 34 attached to a beverage container (not shown) via a beverage container connection.

[0043] In Figure 5A, coupler 34 comprises the connector and connector manifold, which are attached to the beverage container connection, but there is no fluid connection therebetween. Attachment of the connector and the beverage container connection is detected by connection sensor 302 from contact with collar 301. Connection button 303 has not been pressed and central shaft actuator 305 has not moved central shaft 304 into an engaged position with closure valve 306 - the position of central shaft 304 is detected by central shaft sensor 317 and indicator 308 indicates a “disengaged” status. Manifold valve 312 is in first mode of operation, an ‘off’ position, so no fluid may flow from the connector manifold into the connector.

[0044] In Figure 5B, connection sensor 302 has determined a connection and connection button 303 has been pressed by an operator so central shaft 304 has been moved into an engaged position by central shaft actuator 305, thereby depressing closure valve 306 and enabling fluid communication between the beverage container and beverage input 323. Gas supplied via the gas line input may flow into the beverage container in order to pressurise the beverage. The beverage may flow through beverage input 323, up the connector beverage line 311 and out of the beverage output 322 into a beverage line. The flow of beverage in Figure 5B is indicated by the superimposed dashed arrow. Manifold valve 312 remains in an ‘off’ position so no fluid may flow from the connector manifold into the connector and mix with beverage being dispensed via a beverage line. Indicator 308 indicates an “engaged” status.

[0045] Figures 5C and 5D illustrate coupler 34 undergoing sanitisation. Figures 5C and 5D illustrate two separate sanitisation phases. PCB 318 will not allow the two sanitisation phases to take place without: (i) the coupler 34 being attached to collar 301 of beverage container connection 33, which is dependent upon the output of connection sensor 302; and (ii) central shaft 304 being in a disengaged position, i.e. not engaged with closure valve 306 of beverage container connection 33, which is detected by central shaft sensor 317. The central shaft 304 in the disengaged position is opened slightly to allow the coupler to be filled with detergent. This comprises the main “restriction” in the initial flow path that would slow the whole fill process if not bypassed using the top diversion. The two sanitisation phases may be automatically controlled by PCB 318 and / or a connected hub 221.

[0046] Figure 5C illustrates a first sanitisation phase where cleaning solution is directed to beverage container connection closure area 300 before it is directed to beverage output 322 and then the beverage line. The connector manifold is in a second mode of operation whereby connector manifold is in an ‘beverage container connection cleaning’ position (as shown in Figure 4B). There is fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 through second fluid channel 321 of connector manifold. This first sanitisation phase enables cleaning of beverage dispensing components outside of the coupler, which could otherwise not be cleaned by automatic operation leading to unsanitary conditions, for example a microbial or fungal build up on surfaces of beverage container connection 33 including closure area 300. A flow of cleaning solution and / or water as described below in relation to Figure 5C is indicated by the superimposed dashed arrow. During this first sanitisation phase, the central shaft 304 is opened slightly to allow the coupler to be filled with cleaning solution and / or water. However, the central shaft 304 comprises a restriction in the flow path of the connector 32. If the process of filling the coupler and beverage line with cleaning solution and / or water were to take place with the connector manifold in its second mode of operation, the presence of the central shaft 304 in the flow path would slow the process significantly. A second sanitisation phase is therefore employed in order to bypass the beverage container connection 33 and therefore speed the filling process.

[0047] Figure 5D illustrates this second sanitisation phase. In this phase, cleaning solution is directed directly to the beverage line. The connector manifold is in a third mode of operation of whereby connector manifold is in an ‘beverage line cleaning’ position (as shown in Figure 4C). There is fluid communication of cleaning solution input 310 through first fluid channel 320 directly to connector beverage line 311 from where cleaning solution and / or water may flow to a beverage line and / or other components (such as FOB device 23 (if present) and tap 20). A flow of cleaning solution and / or water in Figure 5D is indicated by the superimposed dashed arrow.

[0048] A coupler 34 sanitisation process may be automated due to the actuated movements of manifold valve 312 and central shaft 304 that are both monitored by separate sensing devices (manifold valve sensor 314 and central shaft sensor 317), all controlled and monitored by PCB 318. Central shaft 304 being automatically disengaged from closure valve 306 of beverage container connection 33 prior to sanitisation enables cleaning of areas in beverage container connection 33 that would otherwise have been inaccessible during automatic sanitisation, while at the same time avoiding any contamination of the beverage contents of the beverage container with cleaning fluid during automatic sanitisation. As described above, the central shaft 304 is opened slightly during the first sanitisation phase to open a flow path from second fluid channel 321 through the coupler shaft.

[0049] The system does not rely purely on instructions to actuators to determine stages / phases, but also on the use of separate sensing systems checks for proper functioning of components meaning that proper sanitisation occurs, and detection of component failure is made immediately. Connector manifold 31 with manifold valve 312 is operable to selectively enable cleaning solution to flow into two distinct parts of connector 32 to ensure all areas and surfaces requiring sanitisation within both the coupler and the beverage container connection are properly sanitised during automatic sanitisation operation.

[0050] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a coupler system 600. Coupler system 600 comprises:

[0051] Processor(s) 615 and memory 616 operable to control the functioning of a coupler 34 when performing dispensing and / or sanitisation operations. While coupler system 600 illustrates a processor-based control system, in alternative examples coupler 34 is controlled by an integrated circuit board with programmable hardware, such as a field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)).

[0052] Network interface 617 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. In one example, network interface 617 communicates to other components via a hub 221.

[0053] Input controller 610 receives information from components of coupler 34, including: connection sensor 302; connection button 303; manifold valve sensor 314; integrated sensing device 315; central shaft sensor 317; and / or temperature sensor 316, for example a thermistor.

[0054] Output controller 611 provides information to components of coupler 34, including: central shaft actuator 305; status indicator 308; and / or manifold actuator 313.

[0055] Information may be communicated to other components of the beverage dispensing or sanitising system, such as a FOB device 23, directly, via a hub or via network interface 617.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates a method 70 for automatic sanitisation of a coupler of a beverage dispensing system, wherein the coupler has a first mode of operation 71 being a beverage dispense mode, and a second mode of operation 72 being a sanitisation mode, the method comprising: operating in the first mode by receiving a beverage and providing the beverage to a beverage line; and operating in the second mode by receiving a cleaning solution and providing the cleaning solution to a beverage line. The process automatically switches between the beverage dispense mode and the sanitisation mode to ensure the hygiene of the beverage dispensing system is maintained.

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates a computer-implemented method 80 for controlling a coupler of a beverage dispensing system to self-sanitise, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting 81 an instruction to a first actuator of the coupler for disengagement of the coupler with a closure valve of a beverage container connection; and transmitting 82 an instruction to a second actuator of the coupler to actuate a valve for enabling cleaning solution to enter the coupler beverage line. This method ensures the internal parts of the beverage dispensing system may be cleaned without manual intervention, enhancing the system's hygiene and operational efficiency.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some examples, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0059] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. do not preclude a plurality. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ or “including” does not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

1. A coupler for a beverage dispensing system, the coupler comprising:a cleaning solution input for receiving cleaning solution;a beverage input for receiving beverage from a beverage container; anda beverage output for providing beverage to a beverage line; wherein:the coupler is operable to operate in a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation and a third mode of operation;in the first mode of operation, the coupler is operable to fluidly connect the beverage input and the beverage output;in the second mode of operation, the coupler is operable to fluidly connect the cleaning solution input to the beverage output using a first fluid path; andin the third mode of operation, the coupler is operable to fluidly connect the cleaning solution input and the beverage output using a second fluid path different from the first fluid path;wherein the coupler comprises a connector manifold, the connector manifold operable to:direct cleaning solution exclusively along the first fluid path, anddirect cleaning solution exclusively along the second fluid path.

2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the second fluid path includes contact with a valve of a beverage container connection.

3. The coupler of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connector manifold is further operable to direct cleaning solution along neither the first fluid path nor the second fluid path.

4. The coupler of any preceding claim further comprising a shaft, whereinthe shaft is movable to open a valve of a beverage container connection to fluidly connect beverage within the beverage container with the coupler.

5. The coupler of claim 4, whereinin the first mode of operation, the shaft has the valve of the beverage container connection open; andin the second mode of operation, the shaft has the valve of the beverage container closed.11 06 256. The coupler of any preceding claim further comprising a sensing device, the sensing device operable to detect a characteristic of the media within the coupler.

7. The coupler of claim 6, wherein the coupler is operable to command a valve to divert media away from the beverage line depending upon a detected characteristic of the media within the coupler.

8. A method for automatic sanitisation of a coupler of a beverage dispensing system, wherein the coupler has a first mode of operation being a beverage dispense mode, a second mode of operation being a sanitisation mode and a third made of operation being a further sanitisation mode,the method comprising:operating in the first mode by receiving a beverage and providing the beverage to a beverage line;operating in the second mode by receiving a cleaning solution and providing the cleaning solution to a beverage line; wherein in the second mode the received cleaning solution flows through a first path within the coupler;operating in the third mode by receiving cleaning solution and providing the cleaning solution to a beverage line, the received cleaning solution flowing through a second path within the coupler different from the first path;selectively directing, by a connector manifold, cleaning solution along the first fluid path when in the second mode; andselective directing, by the connector manifold, cleaning solution along the second fluid path when in the third mode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second path includes contact with a valve of a beverage container connection.

10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9 further comprising:directing, by the connector manifold, cleaning solution along neither the first fluid path nor the second path when in the first mode.

11. The method of any of claims 8 to 10 further comprising:in the first mode of operation, opening a valve of a beverage container connection to fluidly connect beverage within the beverage container with the coupler; andin the second mode of operation, closing a valve of a beverage container connection to fluidly disconnect beverage within the beverage container with the coupler.11 06 2512. The method of any of claims 8 to 11 further comprising diverting media out of the beverage line depending upon a detected characteristic of the media within the coupler.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the detected characteristic is that the media comprises at least one of foam, cleaning solution or water.

14. A computer-implemented method for controlling a coupler of a beverage dispensing system to self-sanitise, the method comprising steps:transmitting an instruction to a first actuator of the coupler for disengagement of the coupler with a closure valve of a beverage container connection;transmitting an instruction to a second actuator of the coupler to actuate a valve for enabling cleaning solution to enter the coupler beverage line andtransmitting a further instruction to the second actuator of the coupler to actuate the valve for enabling cleaning solution to enter the closure valve of the beverage container connection.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprisingreceiving from an integrated sensing device of the coupler information of the characteristic of media in a beverage line of the connector; andtransmitting an instruction to a foam on beer (FOB) device to alter a valve state of the FOB device for stopping flow along a beverage line, or venting contents of the beverage line to outside of the beverage line.

16. A control unit comprising means for carrying out the computer-implemented method of claim 14 or claim 15.

17. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the computer-implemented method of any of claims 14 to 16.Application No: GB2404079.2Examiner: Dr S. ten CateClaims searched: 1-22Date of search: 23 April 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-3, 6-12, 15-18, 20-22 WO 2023 / 237244 Al (SUED APS) Figs. 1,2 and their description X 1, 6-10, 15-18, 20-22 JP 6567157 Bl (SUNTORY HOLDINGS) EPO abstract, Figs. 2,4,5, paras 13,48,51 X 1, 6-10, 15-18, 20-22 EP 2164793 Bl (HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN) Figs. 4A,B, paras 10, 32-35, 38, 42 X 1,6-10, 15-18, 20-22 WO 2020 / 246603 Al (SUNTORY HOLDINGS) EPO abstract, Fig. 1 and its description X 1, 6-10, 15-18, 20-22 WO 2006 / 066338 Al (SMART INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGIES et al) Fig. 1 and its descriptionCategories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From B67D 0001 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006 B08B 0009 / 032 01 / 01 / 2006 B67D 0001 / 07 01 / 01 / 2006

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