Fitting having data carrier for beverage barrel

Abstract

The invention relates to a fitting device (1) for a beverage container (13), comprising a fitting housing (2) in which a spring-elastic, in particular also relatively movable, riser (6) is arranged, and a seal (4), characterized in that an electronic data carrier (22) is arranged on or in the seal (4) and / or in a cover (24) of the seal (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fitting device for a beverage keg having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to store beverages in containers for consumption. This makes it possible to transport the beverages from a production site (e.g. a brewery) to a consumption site (e.g. a restaurant).

[0003] Common beverage container has bottle, can, beverage barrel.In the latter case, can provide more corresponding beverage, for example, in beverage barrel, provide more than 10 liters, particularly more than 20 liters, and preferably more than 30 liters of beverage.

[0004] In order to fill beverages into beverage barrels at the filling point and to extract the beverages at the extraction point, it is known to release the beverages from the beverage barrels under pressure, in particular by means of gas. CO2 is used in particular for this purpose. The beverage barrel has a barrel body with an outer jacket. The barrel body is usually made of a metal material. There is usually an opening in the middle of the barrel top, into which the fitting is inserted. The fitting serves here as a connection point for filling the barrel. Once the filling process is completed, the fitting remains on the barrel and has a seal or a sealing device so that the beverage filled into the barrel remains sealed and, if necessary, under pressure.

[0005] In use, the beverage barrel is connected to a dispensing system. On the one hand, there is a gas line for introducing gas into the beverage barrel and a beverage line for dispensing or extracting beverage from the barrel. For this purpose, a dispensing head is used, which is connected to the fitting, in particular in a form-fitting and fluid-tight manner, but detachably connected.

[0006] Since the barrel itself is usually made of metal, i.e. a non-transparent and non-see-through material, and since the barrels are usually cleaned and refilled dozens of times after the initial filling, it is necessary to obtain information about the contents of the individual barrels and, if necessary, further information about the barrels and / or accessories. External markings (e.g. stickers, labels or even permanent markings, e.g. by laser engraving) are only suitable to a limited extent, especially due to the repeated use of accessories.

[0007] From GB 383 900 A a riser is known in which a transponder is cast via a sealing mass (eg a rubber material). Summary of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage barrel, wherein information about the beverage barrel and optionally about the beverage remains rewritable and non-detachable on the beverage barrel.

[0009] According to the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a fitting device according to the features of claim 1 .

[0010] Advantageous embodiment variants are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The accessory device for a beverage keg has an accessory sleeve, in which a stand pipe is arranged, and a seal, which is preferably spring-elastic and can also be moved relative to each other depending on the design variant. The accessory device, in particular the sleeve and the stand pipe, is made of a metal material, in particular a food-compliant material, such as stainless steel. The seal is located between the accessory housing, in particular on the inner surface of the accessory housing and the stand pipe, so as to seal the stand pipe relative to the accessory housing.

[0012] According to the invention, the accessory device is characterized in that an electronic data carrier is arranged on or in the seal or the cover located above it. The data carrier is in particular an RFID tag or an NFC tag. Information can thus be stored on the electronic data carrier, which information in particular individually or cumulatively (but not exclusively) contains the following data:

[0013] - Year of seal and / or accessories

[0014] - Information about the barrel, in particular its vintage and / or replacement of accessories and / or filling.

[0015] - In addition, the filling capacity of the barrel can also be stored. In particular, however, the year, type or brand of the barrel content (ie the beverage contained in the barrel) and / or the filling place are displayed respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, information about the keg pressure etc. can also be provided. By connecting further sensors, conclusions about the temperature, the keg pressure and / or the transport of the kegs and the beverage content therein can thus be stored or evaluated.

[0017] - Expiration date of beverages

[0018] - Description / name of the drink

[0019] - Breweries / Manufacturers.

[0020] The data carrier itself is designed to be energy-free. Therefore, it has no active energy source.

[0021] The data carrier itself is rewritable. Particularly preferably, the data carrier has code protection or password protection. Writing to the data carrier is therefore only possible using special technical tools and authentication. This prevents misuse or erroneous overwriting.

[0022] The accessory device is particularly suitable for reading with appropriate reading hardware. This can already consist of a smartphone with appropriate software or an app so that when beverage kegs are delivered to a wholesaler's transfer point or a delivery point for an event or restaurant, the content of the corresponding keg, the filling date, the type of beverage, etc. can be randomly checked. The number of kegs can also be recorded at least partially or fully automatically at the brewery or transfer point. This means that information such as the number of times a keg has been rinsed or the data and content of the filling is stored. And manufacturers can fully automatically integrate the writing of the tags in their filling plants or downstream points in the process chain.

[0023] However, the accessory device is particularly suitable for use in combination with a sensor system in a dispensing head. This allows an opened wine keg to be identified, for example by an innkeeper or a higher-level winery, where the specific keg containing the bottled beverage can be drunk directly or connected to a dispensing system.

[0024] In order to be able to integrate the electronic data carrier according to the invention, it has proven to be advantageous that the data carrier is preferably arranged in the seal and here in particular in the upper region of the seal in the vertical direction or towards the dispensing head, or the data carrier is arranged on the seal. If the data carrier is arranged on the seal, a cover is arranged on it. The data carrier can preferably be self-adhesive and can therefore be arranged on the seal or the cover. The seal is made of a rubber-like material, in particular an elastomeric material. The cover is preferably made of a non-electronic shielding material, such as a plastic material. It is therefore possible that data can be read from or written to the data carrier and wirelessly, although the data carrier itself does not have an active energy source. As an alternative to being arranged on the upper side of the seal, the data carrier can also be arranged on the lower side of the seal, in particular connected to the seal by an additive (so-called bonding).

[0025] Since the data carrier is either located in the upper region of the seal or is covered by a cover, the data carrier does not come into direct contact with the beverage or the cleaning medium. Furthermore, the data carrier is not thereby exposed to any wear or direct mechanical contact during filling or when the dispensing head is subjected to knocks. This makes the data carrier particularly durable and, in particular, readable or rewritable during the product life of the seal or accessory.

[0026] For the production of the data carrier, preferably food-grade materials are used, and it has proven particularly preferred, in particular in the case of RFID tags or NFC tags, to provide the electronic conductor circuit on a plastic film or a dimensionally stable material, such as a plastic ring or a PCB (so-called FR-4 glass fiber composite material), and then to cast the data carrier into the seal or cast the cover onto the seal or apply it to the sealing cover. This process is called overmolding. During the overmolding process, the circuit board or circuit foil of the data carrier may be at least partially melted, in particular completely melted. Since the seal or cover is not conductive, the conductor tracks of the data carrier are electrically insulated from each other, in particular to avoid direct contact, so that their functionality can still be retained after the seal is produced or after the cover is applied to the seal. Therefore, the structural height of the data carrier according to the invention can be less than 0.5 mm.

[0027] It has proven to be particularly advantageous to construct the data carrier on a shape-fixed annular carrier and then apply it to the underside of the sealing cover using epoxy resin. This creates a chemical / force-locking connection without gaps or other irregularities, which is particularly suitable for use with foods. The device can also be located outside the barrel, and it is recommended to use adhesive materials approved for food contact. Of course, this connection must withstand thermal, chemical and mechanical stresses during the life cycle of the barrel. And the space required for the data carrier and the adhesive material can be compensated by optimizing the design of the elastomer seal, so that the assembly consisting of seal and data carrier (including TAG) can be interchanged 1:1 with previous and market-available seal and carrier assemblies.

[0028] For accessories of other design variants (especially Type A and G: Figure 8 ), the arrangement of the data carrier in the main seal is particularly effective. This also makes it possible to integrate the data carrier into the overall product by replacing the seal on the existing accessories on the market. Therefore, it is possible to design the seal during its manufacture by introducing the data carrier into the production tool of the seal so that the data carrier is inserted / retained in the tool and encapsulated with an elastomer. Optionally, the data carrier is applied to / on the seal after the production process of the seal, or is subsequently inserted into the top of the seal as a separate carrier part, or is arranged on the underside of the seal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further advantages, features and characteristics and aspects of the invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred design variants are the subject of the following description. These help to make the invention easier to understand. In the accompanying drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an accessory device is shown;

[0031] Figure 2shows a cross section of the accessory device with the data carrier in the separation plane between the carrier and the seal;

[0032] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An exploded view of the housing 2, wherein the housing 2 is a cross section;

[0033] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a data carrier cast into a seal;

[0034] Figure 5 An alternative design variant is shown, in which the data carrier is cast into the cover;

[0035] Figure 6 An alternative design variation is shown in which a U-shaped fitting arrangement is employed and the label is applied to the seal carrier;

[0036] Figure 7 A D-type fitting arrangement for applying a label to a seal carrier is shown;

[0037] Figures 8 to 11 Various cross-sectional views of an A-type fitting arrangement are shown.

[0038] 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

[0039] exist Figure 1 , a cross-sectional view of the fitting device 1 is shown in FIG. The fitting housing 2 has an outer sealing ring 3 in order to be arranged in a fluid-tight manner in a beverage barrel 13 (not shown in detail). The seal 4 is arranged in the fitting housing 2 and inserted in a fluid-tight manner into the upper end 5 of the stand pipe 6. For this purpose, a sealing body in the form of a ball 7 with a helical compression spring 9 is used, so that the ball 7 rests against the inner sealing surface of the seal 4 in a form-fitting manner against the spring force. For this purpose, a bend 8 pointing into the stand pipe 6 is formed, which holds the helical compression spring 9 in the stand pipe 6 in a form-fitting manner. In addition, a helical compression spring 10 and a retaining ring 11 are provided around the stand pipe 6, which press the entire stand pipe 6 from the inside into the fitting housing 2. In addition, the fitting housing 2 has a recess 12 on its outer surface. In addition, the seal 4 is arranged between the fitting housing 2 (here specifically the inner side of the fitting housing 2 on the sealing surface 17) and the stand pipe 6. Therefore, the seal 4 seals the fitting housing 2 relative to the stand pipe 6. The stand pipe 6 itself is arranged in the mounting housing 2 so that it can move relative to each other. However, the standpipe 6 can also be fixed in the fitting housing 2 , in which case another valve body is installed in the standpipe 6 .

[0040] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the assembled fitting device 1 is shown, wherein the fitting device 1 is inserted into a beverage barrel 13. For this purpose, a gas side 14 is formed in the beverage barrel 13 itself, and a beverage side 15 is formed in the standpipe 6 itself and below the fitting device 1, provided that the beverage barrel 13 is oriented upwards with respect to the vertical direction V. In particular, the gas side 14 is formed between the fitting housing 2 and the standpipe 6, which is achieved by means of a recess 12 in the mounting housing 2. In the closed sealed state, the spring force F9 presses the ball 7 against the inner sealing surface 16 of the seal 4. This prevents the beverage on the beverage side 15 from leaking into the environment U.

[0041] The upper end 5 of the stand tube 6 is widened so that the second helical compression spring 10 forms a positive fit there and presses the entire stand tube 6 with the seal 4 against the inner sealing surface 17 of the fitting housing 2 against the spring force F10. This also means that in the closed state, the beverage is isolated from the environment U on the gas side 14.

[0042] During activation, a dispense head (not shown in detail) is inserted into the dispense head receptacle 18 in a form-fitting manner and presses the standpipe 6 with the seal 4 downwards relative to the vertical direction V. As a result, gas is conveyed via the gas side 14 into the beverage barrel 13, so that when the dispense head is connected, the ball 7 or the sealing plate is also moved downwards in the vertical direction V relative to the seal 4, so that the beverage flows out and is removed from the beverage barrel 13.

[0043] The seal 4 itself is formed by a reinforcement ring 19 and an elastic sealing material 20 surrounding it. The seal 4 has an upper head section K and a bridge section S.

[0044] Here is an S-shaped fitting. The data carrier 22 is arranged on the seal 4, specifically on the upper side of the seal 4. The electronic data carrier 22 is arranged around the seal 4 in the form of a ring or a ring segment or on the seal 4. A cover 24 is arranged above the seal 4 in the direction of a possible outlet 23 of the fitting device 1, and the cover at least partially overlaps the seal 4. The cover 24 also covers the electronic data carrier 22 so that it does not contact the liquid or beverage in the barrel 13. In order to produce the seal 4 with the cover 24, in particular, the data carrier 22 is positioned on the material of the seal 4 or on the material of the cover 24, and then the two components are plugged together. In addition, the cover 24 made of a plastic type material can be sprayed or poured onto the seal 4, in particular in the form of an overmolding process. Therefore, the data carrier 22 is cast between the cover 24 and the seal 4 and is therefore also sealed. The data carrier 22 can then be read through the cover 24 using an appropriate reading device.

[0045] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Here it can be seen that the data carrier 22 is designed as a surrounding ring.

[0046] Figure 4 Shown with Figure 2 Similar cross-sectional view. However, here the data carrier 22 is cast into the seal 4 itself. The cover 24 is additionally applied to the seal 4. However, the seal 4 is first manufactured together with the data carrier 22. Here the label is held or positioned in the tool for the seal 4, and then the seal 4 is cast in one piece and at one time.

[0047] Figure 5 An alternative design variant is shown. Here the data carrier 22 is cast into the cover 24. Thus, the data carrier 22 is located on the seal 4, but is completely cast or molded into the cover 24 itself.

[0048] Figure 6 An alternative design variant is shown. A U-shaped fitting device 1 is shown here. The data carrier 22 is arranged here on a surrounding ring 25, which is preferably made of metal or also of plastic. The metal ring 25 is at least partially cast into the seal 4. Here, the data carrier 22 can also be first arranged on the metal ring 25 or on a metal reinforcement of the seal body and then encapsulated with the sealing material 20, likewise using an overmolding process. The data carrier 22 is thus sealed from the beverage at least with respect to the outlet 23. The data carrier 22 can be partially formed laterally outside the metal ring 25 to facilitate positioning in the tool.

[0049] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 . Here, too, a metal reinforcement ring 19 is arranged in the seal 4 itself. Here, an electronic data carrier 22 is applied to the reinforcement ring 19, which is metal or made of plastic but is sufficiently dimensionally stable, and is then encapsulated with a sealing material 20 during an overmolding process, so that here too, the data carrier 22 is arranged in a sealed manner with the beverage to be removed.

[0050] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the fitting arrangement is shown. The seal 4 is arranged between the standpipe 6 and the inside of the fitting. The data carrier 22 itself is arranged in the center of the seal 4 and is encapsulated with an elastomer during production.

[0051] Fig. 9 Alternatively, the data carrier 22 is shown inserted into the upper side of the seal 4. For this purpose, it can be injected directly into the seal 4, but can also be inserted into a groove subsequently.

[0052] In accordance with Fig.10 In an alternative embodiment variant of the invention, the data carrier 22 is arranged below the seal 4 . It is located on an upper sleeve 26 .

[0053] according to Fig.11, the data carrier 22 is completely integrated into the seal 4 and is therefore completely encapsulated by the sealing material 20, in particular an elastomer.

[0054] Reference numerals list

[0055] 1-Accessory device

[0056] 2-Accessory housing

[0057] 3- Sealing ring

[0058] 4-Seals

[0059] The upper part of 5-6

[0060] 6-Stand pipe

[0061] 7- Sealing body or ball

[0062] 8-Bending part

[0063] 9- Helical compression spring

[0064] 10- Helical compression spring

[0065] 11-Retaining ring

[0066] 12-2 recess

[0067] 13-Beverage barrel

[0068] 14-Gas side

[0069] 15-Beverage side

[0070] 16-4 inner sealing surface

[0071] 17- Sealing surface

[0072] 18-Distribution head receiving part

[0073] 19-Reinforcement ring

[0074] 20- Elastic sealing material

[0075] 21-19 material blank space

[0076] 22-Data carrier

[0077] 23-Exit

[0078] 24- Cover

[0079] 25-Metal ring

[0080] 26-Sleeve

Claims

1. A fitting device (1) for a beverage keg (13), comprising a fitting housing (2) in which a standpipe (6) is arranged and in particular the standpipes are also relatively movable, and a seal (4) arranged between the fitting housing (2) and the standpipe (6), characterized in that: An electronic data carrier (22) is arranged above, below or in the sealing element (4) and / or in a cover (24) of the sealing element (4).

2. The accessory device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The data carrier (22) is an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

3. The accessory device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The data carrier (22) is designed as an at least partially surrounding circular ring segment, preferably as a completely surrounding circular ring segment.

4. Accessory device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the data carrier (22) is arranged on the seal (4), the data carrier is covered by a cover (24), wherein the cover (24) is made of a plastic-type material, in particular a material that does not shield against radio waves.

5. Accessory device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The data carrier (22) is cast into the seal (4) and / or the data carrier (22) is cast below a cover (24) on the seal (4) and / or on the cover (24).

6. Accessory device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electronic data carrier (22) is operable without energy.

7. Accessory device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The data carrier (22) has a coded protection.

8. Accessory device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one of the following information is recorded on the data carrier (22): type and year of seal and / or accessories, year and / or filling capacity of beverage barrel, year, brand and / or filling place of contents of beverage barrel, immutable ID number, filling quantity of beverage barrel, best shelf life of beverage, brand / name of beverage, brewery / manufacturer, filling place.

9. Accessory device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fitting housing (2) has an inner sealing surface (17) extending in a tapered shape and tapering toward the upper end, and a seal (4) is combined between the inner sealing surface (17) and the upper end (5) of the standpipe (6), and the standpipe (6) is pressed against the sealing surface (17) through the seal (4) due to a spring force (F10), and the seal (4) is arranged on the inner side of the upper end (5) of the standpipe (6), wherein a sealing body (7) is arranged in the upper end (5) of the standpipe (6) in a relatively movably manner in a spring-elastic manner, and the sealing body is in form-locked contact with the inner sealing surface (16) of the seal (4) due to a spring force (F9).

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