Dispensing head with sensor for beverage barrel

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing head device (1) for connection to a beverage tank (2), in which a dispensing head (3) which can be placed on the beverage tank (2) is provided, and in which a sensor (20) for determining the flow rate and / or a pressure sensor (21) and / or an antenna (26) for reading data is provided in the dispensing head (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing head device for connecting a beverage keg according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for determining the filling state of a beverage barrel. Background Art

[0003] It is known from the prior art that beverages are provided in beverage kegs, especially in catering establishments. Common beverage keg sizes are 10 liters, 20 liters, 25 liters, 30 liters, and 50 liters. The beverage kegs are distributed by distribution logistics and are usually stored in an invisible area away from the bar or tap. This area usually also needs to be cooled in order to provide refrigerated beverages. Usually, the beverage kegs are stored in beverage cellars.

[0004] The fill level of each beverage keg needs to be known. Especially when different kegs containing different beverages are opened in the dispensing system.

[0005] This knowledge is necessary in three ways. Especially during peak hours, when changing a keg may take several minutes, this is something that a single store owner or a single person operating a dispensing system cannot do without.

[0006] The second requirement is to know the current fill level so that the quantity of drinks needed for the next days or weeks can be ordered during the ordering process.

[0007] A third possibility is to use the respective filling level tables to conclusively record how high the respective quantity was withdrawn from the respective beverage keg in the respective time period.

[0008] Various online measuring systems are known in the prior art, for example, a measuring device is known from DE 202 07 334 U1. A flow meter is used here, which can read or reset the meter reading in a control unit and thus read the amount of beverage dispensed within a certain period of time. A disadvantage here is that such a flow sensor is operated, for example, by an impeller. The impeller engages directly with the beverage line. However, the beverage line must be cleaned regularly, including using so-called cleaning beads. Therefore, measuring systems that interfere with the beverage line are disadvantageous and require special cleaning. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a low-maintenance and error-free possibility for enabling fill level monitoring and content information of dispensed or opened beverage kegs with a minimum of measurement technology.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for detecting the flow rate and / or the filling state of a beverage keg according to the features of claim 1 .

[0011] Advantageous embodiment variants of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] The device for detecting the flow rate and / or the filling level of a beverage barrel has at least one dispensing head and a beverage barrel. The dispensing head is connected or attached to the beverage barrel. The dispensing head is equipped with a sensor, wherein the sensor can at least detect a "flow" state or a "no flow" state.

[0013] The sensor itself can be integrated directly into the dispense head or it can be attached to the dispense head.

[0014] According to the invention, a sensor is now provided that can detect a "flow" state or a "no flow" state. With the help of a stored database consisting of algorithms and / or storage tables, it is possible to draw conclusions about the amount of beverage flowing through the tap or pipeline based on the time when the flow is detected. The remaining filling amount of the beverage barrel can then be calculated from this. For this purpose, the flow rate, such as liters per minute, is preferably stored in the system once at each measurement / dispensing point. This is preferably done by metering / measurement by the system operator, for example by measuring the time to dispense a certain amount of known beverage. Alternatively, a learning program can be implemented using electronic software, so that after startup, the time of all dispensing processes is added up, and the operator then only needs to enter the total amount of dispensed. This in turn calculates the flow rate in liters per minute. For fixed control variables, this is usually constant for each beverage pipeline / beverage pipeline installation. Only when the operator changes the installation (for example, the delivery pressure or the compensator on the tap) does it need to recalculate the flow efficiency. This can also be achieved by adding up all the times for completely removing the entire barrel. Since the operator will anyway select the barrel replacement in the software by selecting the newly opened volume, this is also achieved semi-automatically. Alternatively, enter the volume of the dispensed beverage for the last recorded measurement into the web application for calibration.

[0015] If the system is for example stored with a flow efficiency of 2.5 L / min and the dispensing process takes 12 seconds, this can be converted to a volume of 0.5 litres drawn, which is subtracted from the total fill level of the drum.

[0016] The invention has many advantages over the variants known from the prior art. Firstly, only a minimum of sensor technology needs to be used and is therefore cost-effective, simple and not susceptible to interference. Since the data is recorded and processed, it is stored on an external server or in the cloud and can therefore be accessed. This means that the operator of the dispensing system can call up the individual fill level of one or more beverage barrels at any time in order to be warned in advance for changing the beverage barrels. Since the withdrawal quantities are recorded over time, it is also possible to predict the number of beverage barrels that need to be ordered in the future.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment variant, the sensor is integrated directly into the dispenser head. The sensor is designed in particular as a reed sensor or a reed switch or a reed contact and / or a capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor. A dispenser head plunger is provided in the dispenser head. A non-return device is usually provided inside the dispenser head plunger. The non-return device is designed, for example, as a magnetic rod or a ball, in particular made of a metallic material. This can be used to switch a magnetic contact and thus detect a "flow" or "no flow" state.

[0018] According to the invention, the first sensor is designed in such a way that a signal body (in particular as a magnetic rod or ball, but in other design variants) is integrated into the beverage line. When the beverage flows through the signal body, the signal body is moved to another position, in particular raised in the vertical direction. The signal body is here located at the location of a sensor, in particular a reed sensor, which thus serves to detect the "flow" state of the beverage or fluid in the beverage line. The signal body can be cleaned together with the dispensing head or simply disassembled, cleaned and reinserted. In addition, such backflow preventers on dispensing heads are also known.

[0019] For this purpose, the dispensing head itself can be made of a plastic material in particular. Such a dispensing head is known, for example, from EP 2 730 537 A2, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

[0020] In some applications, it may happen that if the dispensing head is removed, for example when changing a wine barrel, the dispensing head is not stored vertically, but horizontally. This may accidentally trigger the "flow" contact. In order to avoid this, a second sensor is preferably arranged, which is used to detect whether the dispensing head is correctly installed on the barrel and locked. This can be achieved, for example, by a second sensor that detects that the dispensing head lock is lowered, thereby recognizing that the dispensing head has touched the barrel. This can also be achieved by a reed contact. Only when the sensor detects that the dispensing head has touched the barrel, the actual first sensor will detect the "flow" state.

[0021] Furthermore, it is also possible to consider arranging an inductive or capacitive sensor in the dispense head so that once the dispense head is connected, the sensor can detect the metal fittings of the beverage barrel. In a preferred design variant, the flow signal from the dispense head is verified in an electronic device or network application by the flow signal from the tap.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a pressure sensor is provided in the dispenser head. The pressure sensor and / or the capacitive sensor and / or the inductive sensor is particularly designed as a plug-in sensor. The pressure sensor is thus liquid-tight and / or gas-tight, for example sealed with an O-ring. Due to the plug-in connection, the wired sensor can be completely rotated about its own axis.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment variant, the flow rate can also be determined according to the Venturi principle using two pressure sensors connected axially in series.

[0024] The pressure sensor can be arranged in the dispensing head, preferably in the gas line. To determine the flow rate, two pressure sensors can be arranged in series in the gas line. When tension gas is introduced into the gas, this automatically means that the extraction takes place at another location. For a flow meter consisting of two pressure sensors, they can also be arranged in the beverage line of the dispensing head.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the electronic unit is assigned to the dispensing head or is arranged directly on the dispensing head or is integrated into the dispensing head. In particular, if the dispensing head is made of plastic material, the electronic circuit board can be arranged directly on the dispensing head. The wiring of the pressure sensor and the reed sensor can then be done directly via the electronic unit. The electronic unit can be connected to a higher-level evaluation unit via a cable connection. The electronic unit can also communicate with the higher-level evaluation unit via wireless communication.

[0026] In a further particularly preferred or additional embodiment variant, the dispensing head has an antenna for reading information. This is particularly integrated at the bottom or foot of the dispensing head. Specifically, the antenna is designed as an NFC antenna or RFID in any frequency range. This allows information present on the barrel or in particular on the barrel accessory, more preferably on the data carrier in the barrel accessory to be read. For example, data on the filling date, content and type of the beverage in the barrel can be stored on the data carrier of the accessory, which is designed as NFC or RFID in any frequency range. These data can then be read out by the antenna of the dispensing head and transmitted to the electronic unit and then to a higher-level evaluation unit. The electronic unit and the antenna are capable of reading and processing various NFC standards, such as ISO14443 and ISO15693.

[0027] The system is preferably designed with an electronic unit or an electronic evaluation system. This is particularly preferably connected to a sensor in the dispense head via a cable. The sensor in the dispense head then sends a "flow" or "no flow" signal to the electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit can then calculate the flow directly, in particular based on the time window in which the sensor reports "flow". If necessary, an additional temperature sensor can be used in the tap to avoid erroneous measurements when the dispense head is in the flat position, so that the flow measurement can be verified by measuring the temperature drop when the beverage flows through. The flow measurement is verified by the expected pressure drop, and pressure sensors on the pressure reducers of so-called bar systems can also provide similar information. However, the electronic evaluation unit can also only record raw data.

[0028] The raw data and / or the calculated flows are then preferably transferred to an external database. This is in particular the cloud. The required data can then be called up from the cloud, for example via a mobile terminal device, in particular a tablet or a smartphone. The device can be arranged at the shop owner's premises or near the dispensing system so that the dispensing system operator is aware of the respective fill level of the beverage kegs. However, for larger restaurant chains with several geographically distant branches or similar locations, the data can also be forwarded to a central evaluation point so that a central ordering process can be carried out from there. In addition, the collected data are very useful for marketing purposes, for example for breweries, since they reveal which brands sell well or poorly at which locations and times.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the algorithm and / or the data table or data matrix can be stored in the evaluation unit. If the measured values ​​deviate from the actual values, the "flow" or "no flow" signal and the corresponding time window can be readjusted. For example, if the existing distribution infrastructure is capable of increasing or decreasing the flow, a corresponding readjustment is required.

[0030] In particular, the system can also be designed to be self-learning. By specifying or entering the respective filling volume of the beverage barrel in the data matrix, a self-learning process can be carried out, for example, when any barrel is connected, the flow rate is determined by recording and accumulating all flow times, because the system assumes that the barrel is almost completely empty when changing the barrel, and then the measured beverage volume delivery value is associated with the actual barrel change (i.e. the barrel used).

[0031] The connection of the sensor of the dispensing head to the electronic evaluation unit is realized in particular by a cable connection. However, wireless data transmission is also possible. However, a wired connection can centrally connect the electronic evaluation unit to a permanent power source, such as an existing power grid. This then provides energy for the sensor in the dispensing head. The sensor, preferably the NFC antenna, does not have to be connected to the electronic unit via a cable, but can also be connected to the electronic unit via a pluggable or thereby also removable connection (pin and socket).

[0032] Furthermore, the cable connection from the electronics unit to the evaluation unit (gateway) can be realized using a cable as a component of the electronics unit, but preferably the electronics unit has a commercially available plug connection for data transmission so that cables of any length can be connected.

[0033] The data of the evaluation unit can be transmitted wirelessly, for example via a WiFi connection or a GSM connection, so that no data line is required to another external evaluation unit or to the cloud. A wired Internet connection (Ethernet) is also conceivable.

[0034] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a method of operating the above-mentioned device. In particular, the method can be used to determine the flow rate and / or the filling level of a beverage barrel.

[0035] To this end, the method is operated in such a way that with the help of the above-mentioned sensor system, it is detected whether a beverage is taken out from the corresponding beverage barrel, thereby determining whether it is "flow" or "no flow". The amount of liquid drawn from the beverage barrel is calculated based on the time window in which the sensor sends a flow existence message through a stored database, wherein the database can be an algorithm or a database table. Then, the remaining filling amount of the beverage barrel can be determined or calculated from this. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Further advantages, features and aspects of the invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred design variants are shown in schematic diagrams. These help to make the invention easier to understand. In the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 A simplified view of the apparatus and its method of operation is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows a dispensing head with an integrated sensor, according to Figure 2 , the sensor sends a "flow" signal, according to Figure 3 , the sensor sends a "no flow" signal;

[0039] Figure 4 A dispensing head with a pressure sensor is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 A dispensing head with a gas adapter is shown, fastened by a spring tongue;

[0041] Figure 6 A pressure sensor is shown, fastened by a snap-lock hook;

[0042] Figure 7 a and b show a dispensing head with an antenna for reading data;

[0043] Figure 8 a and b show another design variation of the antenna;

[0044] Fig. 9 a and b show another alternative design variant of the antenna.

[0045] In the drawings, the same reference symbols are used to designate the same or like components even if a repeated description is omitted for simplicity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1A device 1 for detecting the flow and / or filling state of a beverage barrel 2 according to the present invention is shown. For this purpose, a dispensing head 3 is arranged on the barrel 2, and a sensor (not shown in detail) is integrated in the dispensing head 3. The dispensing head 3 is connected to a tap 5 via a beverage line 4. As shown in the figure, the beverage barrel 2 is located in a basement 6 of a building 7. The tap 5 is located at a bar 8. The basement 6 and the bar 8 can then be separated from each other by a floor ceiling 9. It is now desired that the operator of the tap 5 knows the corresponding individual filling level 10 or the filling level 10 of the beverage barrel 2 shown. Multiple beverage barrels 2 can be arranged to provide different beverages at different taps 5, although this is no longer shown here. The sensor of the dispensing head 3 is now connected to an electronic evaluation unit 12. This can be done wirelessly or by a wired connection 11. The electronic evaluation unit 12 preferably communicates with an external database via wireless signals, which is shown here in the form of a cloud 14. Or only raw data is transmitted so that the filling level 10 is calculated by an algorithm of a network-based program in the cloud 14. However, this calculation can also be performed in the electronic evaluation unit 12. From there or from the cloud 14, the filling level 10 can be queried or displayed via a terminal device 15, such as a tablet or PDA or smartphone. This makes it possible to provide the necessary information for further organizational processes, such as reordering drinks or an upcoming barrel change. The operator then enters the barrel change information on the unit 12 or via the terminal device 15, if there is no device variant with an NFC antenna and the barrel with the tag can be read. An alarm signal can also be issued, for example, when a barrel is about to be changed, when a temperature sensor on the tap 5 or when a pressure sensor on the pressure reducer detects a deviation. Thus, during peak hours at the bar 8, it can be ensured that all guests can enjoy their drinks without long downtimes.

[0047] This has the advantage that the measuring technology can be reduced to a minimum, so that the cleaning of the beverage line 4 and the provision of a measuring technology that complies with food requirements are also optimized.

[0048] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A preferred embodiment is shown. Here a dispensing head 3 is shown, which Figure 2 is connected and locked in the Figure 3The dispenser head 3 itself has a lever 16. If the lever 16 is pressed and locked, the dispenser head push rod 17 is retracted axially downward toward the image plane into a fitting of the beverage barrel 2 that is not shown in detail. The beverage can then be guided in the direction of the arrow 18 through the beverage line 4 in the direction of the tap 5 (not shown in detail). For this purpose, a non-return device is arranged in the dispenser head push rod 17, in particular as a magnetic rod 19, or a magnetic rod 19 with a food-grade coating. The magnetic rod 19 moves axially upward, in particular due to the fluid flowing through. The sensor 20 (here in the form of a reed sensor 20) is arranged in or on the dispenser head 3. This can detect the position of the magnetic rod 19, so that the sensor signal "flow" can be emitted. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the invention, the magnet bar 19 is arranged vertically downwards and is not close to the reed sensor 20. Therefore, a "no flow" signal is emitted. Alternatively, a sensor (not shown in detail) arranged in the region of the lever 16 or detecting the lever position can be used to ensure that, for example, a "no flow" signal is still emitted if the dispensing head 3 is stored horizontally and the magnet bar 19 thus accidentally slides upwards, because in this state, for example when changing a barrel, no fluid flow occurs.

[0049] Figure 4 A dispense head with a pressure sensor 21 is shown, which is arranged in a gas line 22 or in a dispense head 3 in a gas tap. The pressure sensor 21 is connected to an electronic unit 24 arranged on the dispense head 3 via a cable 23. In addition, a reed sensor 20 is also connected to the electronic unit 24 via a connecting cable, and an antenna 26, which is further described in the following figures, is also connected to the electronic unit 24. The electronic unit 24 can be directly integrated into the dispense head, especially in the case where the dispense head is made of plastic material. For example, a lockable cover can only be clipped onto the electronic unit 24, or preferably, the electronic components are cast with the help of resin after assembly to protect them.

[0050] Two spring tongues 27 are also shown. The spring tongues 27 are used to plug the gas adapter 28 onto the dispensing head in the axial direction A. In addition, a latching hook 29 for receiving the pressure sensor 21 is provided on the gas adapter 28. The thread of the receiving part of the pressure sensor 21 for connecting the gas adapter 28 can be omitted. This makes handling easier.

[0051] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is shown again. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the gas adapter 28 is inserted on the spring tongue 27 on the gas side. To this end, the gas adapter 28 only needs to be plugged in and locked along the axial direction A. The gas adapter is then sealed airtight using an O-ring 30.

[0052] Figure 6The pressure sensor 21 is shown. The gas adapter is inserted into the gas adapter 28. For this purpose, a latching hook 28 is provided and the pressure sensor 21 is sealed by a further O-ring 30. The cable 23 of the pressure sensor 21 can thus be rotated about its own axis, which simplifies assembly and does not cause a corresponding twisting of the cable by the screwed pressure sensor 21.

[0053] Figure 7 A and b show another advantageous embodiment variant of the invention. Here, an antenna 26 is integrated into the lower region of the dispensing head 2. The antenna 26 is used to read data arranged on a data carrier of an accessory or a barrel, not shown in detail. The antenna 26 is connected to the electronic unit. This allows data from the data carrier of the barrel and / or data from the data carrier of the accessory to be read out, such as the filling position, the filling date, the contents of the barrel or the barrel volume and the type of beverage contained in the barrel. Figure 7 b shows Figure 7 Detailed cross-sectional view of a.

[0054] Figure 8 8a and 8b show alternative design variants. Here, the antenna 26 is inserted into the lower surrounding groove 31 in the dispensing head 3, for example in the form of a surrounding partial circle, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in a. Figure 8 b shows an exploded view.

[0055] Fig. 9 9a and 9b show other alternative design variations. Here, the antenna 26 is not mounted on the lower side of the distribution head 3, but is mounted in the central area, such as Fig. 9 As shown in a. Fig. 9 b shows an exploded view, in which the antenna is pulled out from the corresponding groove and shown in a top view. The antenna 26 is not circular or annular, but is, for example, U-shaped, so that the antenna can be inserted from the side.

[0056] Reference numerals list

[0057] 1-Device

[0058] 2- Beverage barrel

[0059] 3-Distribution head

[0060] 4-Beverage pipeline

[0061] 5-Faucet

[0062] 6- Basement

[0063] 7-Buildings

[0064] 8-Bar

[0065] 9- Floor Ceiling

[0066] 10 - Fill level / Fill level height

[0067] 11-Wired connection

[0068] 12-Electronic Evaluation Unit

[0069] 13- Wireless

[0070] 14- Cloud

[0071] 15-Terminal equipment

[0072] 16- Leverage

[0073] 17-Dispensing head push rod

[0074] 18-Arrow direction

[0075] 19-Magnetic bar

[0076] 20-Sensor / Reed Sensor

[0077] 21-Pressure sensor

[0078] 22-Gas pipeline

[0079] 23-21 cable

[0080] 24-Electronic unit

[0081] 25-20 cable

[0082] 26-Antenna

[0083] 27-Spring tongue

[0084] 28-Gas Adapter

[0085] 29-Lock hook

[0086] 30-O-ring

[0087] 31-Groove

[0088] A-Axial

Claims

1. A dispensing head device (1) for connection to a beverage barrel (2), wherein: A dispensing head (3) which can be placed on a beverage barrel (2) is provided, characterized in that a sensor (20) for determining the flow rate and / or a pressure sensor (21) and / or an antenna (26) for reading data are provided in the dispensing head (3).

2. The dispensing head device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The antenna (26) is an NFC antenna and / or an RFID, which is used in particular to read data from a memory of an accessory of the beverage barrel (2).

3. The dispensing head device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The pressure sensor (21) is directly integrated into the gas line in the dispenser head (3), or the pressure sensor (21) is arranged in the beverage line (4) of the dispenser head (3).

4. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing head (3) is equipped with an electronic unit which is arranged directly on the dispensing head (3).

5. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor (20) for determining the flow rate is designed as a reed sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor (20).

6. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The non-return valve element is arranged in the dispensing head (3) as a magnetic bar (19), preferably a magnet with a food-safe coating, which serves to activate a reed sensor.

7. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pressure sensor (21) is plugged into the dispenser head (3), preferably being arrangeable via a snap-in hook.

8. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The flow sensor is formed by two pressure sensors (21) arranged in series.

9. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The gas adapter (28) is connected directly to the dispenser head (3), in particular by means of a plug connection.

10. Dispensing head device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing head (3) is at least partially made of plastic material.

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