Beverage dispenser sanitisation system

Abstract

A system for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, a method for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, and a computer-implemented method for a control unit (221) of a beverage dispensing system automatic sanitisation system. The system comprising: a control unit (221); an automatic tap (20) arranged to receive beverage from a beverage line (L21), wherein the automatic tap (20) is configured to open when commanded by the control unit (221); a cleaning solution dosing device (29), wherein the cleaning solution dosing device (29) is arranged to dispense cleaning solution when commanded to by the control unit (221); a coupler (261), wherein the coupler (261) is arranged to receive dispensed cleaning solution; and a beverage retention device (28) configured to draw beverage from the beverage line (L20) when commanded by the control unit (221).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to sanitising 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 system for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, the system comprising: a control unit; an automatic tap arranged to receive beverage from a beverage line, wherein the automatic tap is configured to open when commanded by the control unit; a cleaning solution dosing device, wherein the cleaning solution dosing device is arranged to dispense cleaning solution when commanded to by the control unit; a coupler, wherein the coupler is arranged to receive dispensed cleaning solution; and a beverage retention device configured to draw beverage from the beverage line when commanded by the control unit.

[0006] A second aspect is a method for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing system comprising a tap arranged to receive a beverage from a beverage line connected to a coupler arranged to receive the beverage from a beverage container, and a beverage retention device arranged to receive beverage from the beverage line; wherein the method for automatic sanitisation of the beverage dispensing system comprises: the beverage line becoming fluidly disconnected from the beverage container, the tap automatically opening the beverage line to atmosphere, and the beverage retention device drawing beverage from the beverage line; after the beverage line is disconnected from the beverage container, the beverage line being fluidly connected to a cleaning solution dosing device; and after the beverage line being connected to a cleaning solution dosing device, the cleaning solution dosing device providing cleaning solution to at least the coupler, the beverage line and the tap.

[0007] A third aspect is a computer-implemented method for a control unit for the automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, the method comprising steps: transmitting an instruction to a coupler for the coupler to disconnect a beverage line from a beverage container; transmitting an instruction to a beverage dispenser tap to open the beverage line; transmitting an instruction to a beverage retention device to draw beverage in the beverage line into the beverage retention device; transmitting an instruction to the cleaning solution dosing device to start providing cleaning solution to the beverage line; and transmitting an instruction to the cleaning solution dosing device to stop providing cleaning solution to the 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 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a tap.

[0011] Figure 3B is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a tap.

[0012] Figure 3C is a block diagram illustrating a tap system.

[0013] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating controls of a beverage dispenser system.

[0014] Figure 4B is a block diagram illustrating a coupler system.

[0015] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage retention system.

[0016] Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating a beverage retention system.

[0017] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a dosing device.

[0018] Figure 6B is a block diagram illustrating a dosing system.

[0019] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a management system.

[0020] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hub system.

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates a method for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispenser system.

[0022] Figure 10 illustrates a method for a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage dispensing 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.

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 held 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. 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. The hub 221 is operable to report live and / or historical information to a remote central platform, optionally wirelessly and / or via Wi-Fi. Hub 221 may communicate with other components of the system regardless of whether the system has its automatic dispense or cleaning capabilities “activated”. Hub 221, using information received other components of the system, may retain and provide to a remote platform a number of drinks or an amount of beverage dispensed by the system.

[0032] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating tap 20 of Figure 2. Part of tap 20 is indicated using a dashed oval. Figure 3B is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating part of tap 20 and exemplifies how the automatic actuation of the tap 20 may be provided. A tap handle can be manually operated, and operation of the handle rotates the handle about a pivot - indicated with a circular arrow. The rotational movement is translated by the pivot joint into vertical movement drawing a first shaft 302 upwards. The first shaft 302 is coupled to a diaphragm 305 as part of a valve to control the flow of beverage through tap 20. Below a first shaft 302 is a motor 303 operable to draw a threaded second shaft 304 towards first shaft 302, thereby moving the diaphragm 305 and controlling the valve. The flow of beverage can be controlled either manually using the handle 301 or automatically by actuation of the motor 303.

[0033] Figure 3C is a block diagram illustrating a tap system 300 associated with the tap device 20. The tap system 300 includes processor(s) 315 and memory 316 operable to control the functioning of tap 20 when performing a dispensing or sanitisation operation. Tap system 300 includes a network interface 317 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. A display driver 318 drives tap display 201 and motor controller 314 operates motor 303 for automatic tap operation. A motion sensor 311 reads tap position information to provide feedback for automatic and manual tap control, and on how often, to what extent and for what duration the diaphragm has been automatically or manually raised or lowered. The information regarding diaphragm movement may be used to calculate a cumulative amount of beverage dispensed through tap 20 and therefore an amount of beverage remaining in the beverage container 26. Temperature sensor 313, for example a thermistor, measures the temperature of the media in the tap and detects media flow due to a reduction in temperature of the tap when media of a lower temperature flows through the tap. The temperature information may provide a warning in the event of a rise or drop in beverage temperature which may correspond to a failure in a component of the beverage dispensing system. Optical sensor 312 is optionally included in tap system 300 and is operable to detect, for example, the presence and / or colour of the media in the tap 20. The sensor 312 can determine whether the media is a beverage, beverage foam, a cleaning solution, water or gas, with this information capable of being used to, for example, determine the status of the beverage dispensing or sanitisation cycle, or to stop flow through the system. Not illustrated in the figures is an optional pressure sensor located in tap 20 for sensing media pressure in tap 20, whereby the media pressure reduces when the tap is open. The pressure information may be used to calculate media flow through the tap, for determining a tap dispensing status, and for diagnosing errors in the tap and in other system components. This information may be communicated to other components using, for example, the network interface 317. In one example, the network interface communicates via hub 221. While tap system 300 illustrates a processor-based control system, in alternative examples tap 20 is controlled by an integrated circuit board with programmable hardware, such as a field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)). The information obtained through these sensors may be used to determine, directly or indirectly, e.g., a volume of beverage dispensed, a quality and state of dispensed beverage, whether the beverage dispensing system or any of its components require maintenance or repair, whether the beverage dispensing system or any of its components are in a fault state, a volume of beverage remaining in the beverage container 26, a type of beverage flowing through beverage line L21 (e.g., lager, stout, etc.), and so on.

[0034] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating example valve controls of a beverage dispenser and sanitisation system. Components of the system of Figure 2 5 are indicated in respective boxes and valves are provided showing how the components may be isolated during different stages of dispensing and sanitisation use. While different types of valves may be used, the same icon is used through Figure 2 to indicate a valve for illustrative purposes. Below is Table 1 with stages of use listed in the leftmost column and corresponding valves listed horizontally. In the table, a “0” 10 corresponds to a valve being closed (no flow therethrough) and a “1” corresponds to a valve being open (flow therethrough). Stages of Use S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 Off 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Beverage Dispensing Ready 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Beverage Dispensing Active 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Beverage Retention 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 Pre-sanitisation 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 Sanitisation (cleaning) 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 / 1 0 Sanitisation (water flushing) 1 0 0 / 1 0 / 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 / 1 Post-sanitisation (i) 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Post-sanitisation (ii) 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 Post-sanitisation (iii) 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Foam Detected 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 / 1 0 Table 1

[0035] In stage “Off”, all valves are closed and there is no media flow. The beverage container does not require pressurisation therefore may not be actively pressurised. 15 The tap is closed so no external contamination of the beverage line can occur.

[0036] In stage “Beverage Dispensing Ready”, the beverage container is pressurised via gas source 25 (through operation of valve S2). Operation of valves S3 and S10 allows flow of beverage to the tap via the beverage line, and the tap 20 and valve S1 are closed as no beverage dispensing is required. 20

[0037] In stage “Beverage Dispensing Active”, tap 20 has been opened and the pressure in the beverage container 26 will force beverage through coupler 261 and out of tap 20.

[0038] In stage “Beverage Retention”, beverage retention device 28 draws an amount of beverage from the beverage line through the coupler 261 and system manifold 27.

[0039] In stage “Pre-sanitisation”, dosing unit 29 is active and doses water with cleaning fluid. The combined fluid is forced either by pumping by dosing unit 29 or by supplied water pressure through valve S5. The cleaning solution fills the coupler and the closure through valve S12 prior to line sanitisation.

[0040] In stage “Sanitisation (cleaning)”, dosing unit 29 sanitises the system manifold 27, coupler 261, FOB device 23, tap 20 and all lines in-between by soaking these components with cleaning solution for a predetermined period of time. This step may be repeated to improve the sanitisation process. Valve S11 may be momentarily opened during this process to sanitise valve S11 and the waste line.

[0041] In stage “Sanitisation (water flushing)”, dosing device 29 has stopped dosing incoming water with cleaning solution and the system is flushed with clean water. Valves S3 and S12 will open momentarily to flush clean water through the closure 269 and the coupler 261. Valves S3 and S12 will then close, and valve S4 will open to flush clean water through the rest of the system. During this operation, valves S4 and S12 will not be open at the same time.

[0042] In stage “Post-sanitisation (i)”, the coupler 261 engages with the beverage container 26 momentarily to use beverage from the beverage container 26 to evacuate rinse water from the closure 269 before the reintroduction of beverage from the beverage retention device 28.

[0043] In stage “Post-sanitisation (ii)”, cleaned beverage lines are at least partially refilled using beverage stored in beverage retention device 28. In this phase, when the cleaned beverage lines are being partially refilled via valve S4 using beverage stored in the beverage retention device, valves S2, S3 and S12 will be in the closed position.

[0044] In stage “Post-sanitisation (iii)”, beverage from beverage container 26 is used to completely fill the beverage line with beverage. An optical detector in tap 20, if present, can determine when beverage has filled the beverage line.

[0045] The system, after “Post-sanitisation” stages, may return to a “Beverage Dispensing Ready” status.

[0046] In stage “Foam Detected”, the FOB device 23 has detected foam in the beverage line. In the example in Table 1, beverage was being dispensed by manual operation of the tap hence valves S1 and S10 are closed at the point of foam detection, and valve S11 is opened intermittently to vent media to waste.

[0047] Not illustrated in Table 1 is beverage retention device 28 being sanitised by the dosing unit 29 so the beverage retention device is sanitised between uses. Also not illustrated in Table 1 is the system manifold 27, beverage retention device 28 and dosing unit 29 being used via the system manifold 27 to sanitise additional beverage dispensing unit(s) via additional coupler lines L25.

[0048] Figure 4B is a block diagram illustrating a coupler system 400. Coupler system 400 includes processor(s) 415 and memory 416 operable to control the functioning of coupler 261 when performing a dispensing or sanitisation operation. The system includes a network interface 417 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. In one example, the network interface 417 communicates via hub 221 .The system includes a status indicator 418 for indicating to an operator a status of the coupler 261. Input controller 410 accepts operator inputs that change the status and function of the coupler 261. In one example, an operator input effects a disconnection of the coupler 261 from beverage container 26. Beverage container connection sensor 411 determines a state of a connection between coupler 261 and beverage container 26. Coupler 261 may have a mechanism for attaching to different beverage containers, for example by incorporating a plurality of different valve operations in order to accommodate different closure designs. Integrated sensing device 262 is operable to detect, for example, the presence of media in the coupler 261, and / or the colour or state of such media. The integrated sensing device 262 can determine whether the media is a beverage, beverage foam, a cleaning solution, water or gas. This information may be communicated to other components using, for example, the network interface 417.

[0049] Temperature sensor 413, for example a thermistor, measures the temperature of the media in the coupler 261 and detects media flow. The temperature information may provide a warning in the event of a raise or drop in beverage temperature which may correspond to a failure in a component of the beverage dispensing systems. Beverage line valve controller 414 controls valves associated with the coupler 261 in order to control media flow through the coupler 261. Optionally, there is a sensor arrangement within the coupler 261 for detecting movement of the valves within the coupler 261 to determine that each is correctly positioned during sanitisation and / or dispensing cycles. While coupler system 400 illustrates a processor-based control system, in alternative examples coupler 261 is controlled by an integrated circuit board with programmable hardware, such as a field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)).

[0050] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of a beverage retention device 28. The device 28 comprises a motor 501 operable to rotate a shaft 502 that is coupled to a chamber 506. Within the chamber 506 is a plunger 504 that seals against the chamber wall. A drive 503 is connected between shaft 502 and plunger 504 and the drive converts a rotational motion of drive 503 into a linear motion of plunger 504 to move plunger 504 along chamber 506. Distal from the motor 501 is an opening in the chamber with a line 507 connected whereby motor movement alters a volume of a portion of the chamber such that media is drawn into or expelled from the chamber by operation of the motor. Media, such as a beverage, cleaning solution or water, may be drawn into and held (when the media in a beverage, optionally in a pressurised state to prevent gas breakout where the beverage is nitrogenated or carbonated) within the chamber of the beverage retention device 28. The movement of the media is controlled by the motor. In one example, the motor 501 is a motor calibrated to precisely control the speed at which media is drawn into, and the volume of liquid that is held in, the chamber 506. Not illustrated in Figure 5A is a valve associated with line 507 operable to open and close line 507.

[0051] The presence of a beverage retention device 28 in the beverage dispensing system is optional, and its inclusion reduces wastage of beverage normally resulting from a sanitisation process. If not present, beverage in the lines will be flushed through the tap during a sanitisation process and beverage from beverage container 26 is used to refill lines after sanitisation. If present, the beverage retention device 28 may be connected to one or more beverage dispensing systems. If the beverage retention device 28 is connected to a plurality of beverage dispensing systems, a system of valves, such as in a system manifold, is used to selectively isolate the respective beverage dispensing systems.

[0052] The illustrated beverage retention device 28 of Figure 5A utilises a “motorised syringe” arrangement. In another example, an alternative beverage retention device arrangement may be utilised whereby a pump is operable to draw in and push out beverage from a chamber or a coiled storage line. These arrangements provide the advantage of reducing wasted beverage during sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system. In an alternative example, pumping duration of a depth sensor may be used to determine a volume of liquid in a beverage retention device.

[0053] Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating a beverage retention system 500. Beverage retention system 500 includes processor(s) 515 and memory 516 operable to control the functioning of beverage retention device 28 when performing a sanitisation operation. The system includes a network interface 517 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. In one example, the network interface 517 communicates via hub 221.The system includes a status indicator 518 for indicating to an operator a status of the beverage retention device 28. Input controller 510 accepts operator inputs that change the status and function of the beverage retention device 28. In one example, an operator input effects an emptying of media held in the beverage retention device 28. In one example, the input controller comprises one or more buttons, manually operable, to alter an amount of beverage retained in the beverage retention device 28. In another example, operator inputs may be provided electronically. Position sensor 511 is a sensor to determine the position of plunger 504 within chamber 506. Temperature sensor 512, for example a thermistor, measures a temperature of the media within chamber 506. The temperature information may provide a warning in the event of a raise or drop in beverage temperature which may correspond to a failure in a component of the beverage dispensing systems. Input / output valve control 514 controls one or more valves associated with line 507 operable to open and close the line 507. Motor control 513 controls actuation of motor 501 to control media flow in to or out of beverage retention device 28. While beverage retention system 500 illustrates a processor-based control system, in alternative examples beverage retention device 28 is controlled by an integrated circuit board with programmable hardware, such as a field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)).

[0054] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a dosing device 29. Dosing device 29 comprises a head unit 601 with a dosing system operable to draw concentrated cleaning solution 603 through a tube 602, via line L29, for mixing with incoming water from a water supply line L28 at varying concentrations. The water and concentrated cleaning solution mix exits through a dosing line L27 as a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution 603 is held in a cleaning solution storage vessel 291. The head unit 601 may include a pump to control the flow of water between the water supply line L28 and the dosing line L27. The head unit 601 may include a valve to selectively shut off media flow between water supply line L28 and dosing line L27. A further valve may be provided to selectively control a flow of cleaning solution from cleaning solution storage vessel 291 to dosing device 29. Operation of dosing device 29 may be controlled by dosing system 600 of Figure 6B.

[0055] Figure 6B is a block diagram illustrating dosing system 600. Dosing system 600 includes processor(s) 615 and memory 616 operable to control the functioning of dosing device 29 when performing a sanitisation operation. The system includes a network interface 617 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. In one example, the network interface 617 communicates via hub 221 .The system includes a status indicator 618 for indicating to an operator a status of the dosing device 29. Pump controller 610 may control the flow rate through one or more pumps of the dosing device 29. Dosing line valve controller 611 controls one or more valves of dosing system 600 to control the flow of cleaning solution 603 and / or water through dosing device 29. While dosing system 600 illustrates a processor-based control system, in alternative examples dosing device 29 is controlled by an integrated circuit board with programmable hardware, such as a field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)).

[0056] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a management system 700 that may be implemented in operator device 220, which may be a mobile device, tablet or laptop. Management system 700 includes processor(s) 715 and memory 716 operable to control the functioning of operator device 220 when inspecting, scheduling or configuring a beverage dispenser system that is operable to automatically self-sanitise, such as that illustrated in Figure 2. The management system 700 includes a network interface 717 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. In one example, the network interface 717 communicates via hub 221. In other examples, the network interface 717 communicates via a router and subsequently the Internet. Management system 700 may comprise a display 710 for providing a user interface to an operator. Management system 700 also includes input controller 711 for receiving an operator input, which may be via a touch screen associated with display 710. Management system 700 enables an operator to view dispensing status information, component diagnostic information and sanitisation schedule information, and to remotely program schedules for automatic dispensing and / or sanitisation. In other examples, network interface 717 communicates via cellular wireless networks, such as a GSM network.

[0057] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hub system 800 that may be implemented in hub 221. Hub system 800 includes processor(s) 815 and memory 816 operable to control the functioning of hub 221 when inspecting, scheduling or configuring a beverage dispenser system that is operable to automatically self-sanitise, such as that illustrated in Figure 2. The hub system 800 includes a network interface 817 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system. In one example, the network interface 817 communicates via a router and subsequently the Internet to other components of the sanitisation system or with a cloud service used to schedule or monitor sanitisation activities, however other examples do not require the Internet and local network connections are used to program and operate the system. Hub system 800 includes input controller 811 for receiving an operator input, which may be via one or more buttons on hub 221. Hub system 800 includes status indicator 812 allowing an operator to view dispensing status information, component diagnostic status information and / or sanitisation status information.

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates a method 90 for automatic sanitisation of a beverage system. At block 91, a coupler fluidly disconnects a beverage line from a beverage container. At block 92, after the coupler disconnects the beverage line from the beverage container, the coupler fluidly connects the beverage line to a cleaning solution dosing device. At block 93, the tap automatically opens the beverage line to atmosphere. At block 94, after the coupler connects the beverage line to a cleaning solution dosing device, the cleaning solution dosing device provides cleaning solution to at least the coupler, the beverage line and the tap.

[0059] Figure 10 illustrates a method 100 for a control device. At block 101, the control device transmits an instruction to a coupler for the coupler to disconnect a beverage line from a beverage container. At block 102, the control device transmits an instruction to the coupler for the coupler to connect the beverage line to a cleaning solution dosing device. At block 103, the control device transmits an instruction to a beverage dispenser tap to open the beverage line. At block 104, the control device transmits an instruction to the cleaning solution dosing device to start providing cleaning solution to the beverage line. At block 105, the control device transmits an instruction to the cleaning solution dosing device to stop providing cleaning solution to the beverage line.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 system for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, the system comprising:a control unit;an automatic tap arranged to receive beverage from a beverage line, wherein the automatic tap is configured to open when commanded by the control unit;a cleaning solution dosing device, wherein the cleaning solution dosing device is arranged to dispense cleaning solution when commanded to by the control unit;a coupler, wherein the coupler is arranged to receive dispensed cleaning solution; anda beverage retention device configured to draw beverage from the beverage line when commanded by the control unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage retention device is configured to return the drawn beverage to the beverage line when commanded by the control unit.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the beverage retention device is arranged to pressurise the drawn beverage prior to the drawn beverage being returned to the beverage line.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the beverage retention device is configured to draw cleaning solution when commanded by the control unit.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the beverage retention device is configured to draw water when commanded by the control unit.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the coupler is configured to selectively provide a beverage to the beverage line when commanded to by the control unit.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is arranged to schedule automatic sanitisation of the automatic tap, the coupler and a beverage line therebetween at a predetermined time.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the automatic tap is further configured to open when an operator of the tap provides a manual input.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning solution dosing device is further arranged to dispense water when commanded to by the control unit.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning solution dispensed by the cleaning solution dosing device has a concentration of cleaning solution to water controlled by the control unit.

11. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a sensing device, wherein the sensing device determines a characteristic of the media, and wherein the information relating to the characteristic is provided to the control unit.

12. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a manifold, wherein the manifold, when commanded by the control unit, provides cleaning solution dispensed by the cleaning solution dosing device to at least one further beverage dispensing system.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the beverage retention device is configured to draw beverage from the at least one further beverage dispensing system when commanded by the control unit.

14. A method for automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing system comprising a tap arranged to receive a beverage from a beverage line connected to a coupler arranged to receive the beverage from a beverage container, and a beverage retention device arranged to receive beverage from the beverage line; wherein the method for automatic sanitisation of the beverage dispensing system comprises:the beverage line becoming fluidly disconnected from the beverage container, the tap automatically opening the beverage line to atmosphere, and the beverage retention device drawing beverage from the beverage line;after the beverage line is disconnected from the beverage container, the beverage line being fluidly connected to a cleaning solution dosing device; andafter the beverage line being connected to a cleaning solution dosing device, the cleaning solution dosing device providing cleaning solution to at least the coupler, the beverage line and the tap.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:after the cleaning solution dosing device providing cleaning solution, the cleaning solution dosing device providing water to at least the coupler, the beverage line and the tap; anddisplacing the cleaning solution in the coupler, the beverage line and the tap with the water.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15 further comprising:after the cleaning solution dosing device providing cleaning solution, the beverage retention device returning beverage to the beverage line.

17. The method of any of claims 14 to 16 further comprising:the beverage retention device pressurising drawn beverage prior to returning the drawn beverage to the beverage line.

18. The method of any of claims 14 to 17 further comprising: drawing cleaning solution in the beverage retention device; and expelling cleaning solution from the beverage retention device.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:drawing water into the beverage retention device; and expelling the drawn water from the beverage retention device.

20. The method of claims 14 to 19 further comprising:a control unit scheduling the method for automatic sanitisation.

21. A computer-implemented method for a control unit of a beverage dispensing system automatic sanitisation system, the method comprising steps:transmitting an instruction to disconnect a beverage line from a beverage container;transmitting an instruction to a beverage dispenser tap to open the beverage line;transmitting an instruction to a beverage retention device to draw beverage from the beverage line into the beverage retention device;transmitting an instruction to the cleaning solution dosing device to start providing cleaning solution to the beverage line; andtransmitting an instruction to the cleaning solution dosing device to stop providing cleaning solution to the beverage line.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 21 further comprising: transmitting an instruction to the beverage retention device to return drawn beverage to the beverage line.

23. The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein the beverage retention device pressurises drawn beverage prior to the drawn beverage being returned to the beverage line.

24. The method of any of claims 21 to 23 further comprising: transmitting an instruction to the beverage retention device to draw cleaning solution provided by the cleaning solution dosing device.

25. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 21 to 24 further comprising:receiving information from a sensing device of a characteristic of the media.

26. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 21 to 25 further comprising:receiving a configuration of an automatic sanitisation schedule from a remote operator device.

27. A control unit comprising means for carrying out the computer-implemented method of any of claims 21 to 26.

28. 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 21 to 26.

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