Tapping head with sensor for a beverage keg

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tap head arrangement (1) for connection to a beverage barrel (2), wherein a tap head (3) is provided which can be placed on a beverage barrel (2), 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 is / are arranged in the tap head (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tap head arrangement for connection to a beverage barrel according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for determining the fill level of a beverage barrel.

[0003] It is common practice in the hospitality industry to serve beverages in kegs. Typical keg sizes are 10, 20, 25, 30, and even 50 liters. The kegs are delivered by a logistics company and usually stored in a location away from the bar or tap, out of sight. This area must typically be refrigerated to ensure the beverages are served chilled. Often, kegs are stored in a beverage cellar.

[0004] There is a need to know the fill level of each tapped beverage keg, especially when different kegs containing different beverages are connected to a single dispensing system.

[0005] This knowledge is necessary in three respects. Especially during peak hours, a keg change can take several minutes, which a single publican, a single person operating a dispensing system, simply cannot spare.

[0006] A second need is to know the current fill level in order to order the required quantities of beverages for the next few days or weeks in an ordering process.

[0007] A third option is to use fill level tables to ultimately document the respective quantities of beverages withdrawn from each beverage barrel over a given period of time.

[0008] Various inline measuring systems are known from the prior art; for example, a measuring arrangement is known from DE 20 207 334 U1. This arrangement uses a flow meter which, in a control unit, allows the meter reading to be read or reset, and thus the amount of beverage dispensed to be determined for specific periods. A disadvantage of this system is that such a flow sensor is operated, for example, by an impeller. The impeller engages directly with the beverage line. However, the beverage lines must be cleaned regularly, sometimes using cleaning beads. Measuring systems that engage with the beverage line are therefore disadvantageous and require separate cleaning.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a low-maintenance and low-error method for monitoring the fill level and indicating the contents of tapped or opened beverage kegs with minimal use of measuring technology.

[0010] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the invention in the arrangement for detecting the flow rate and / or the fill level of a beverage barrel with the features in claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] The device for measuring the flow rate and / or fill level of a beverage keg comprises at least one tap and one beverage keg. The tap is connected to or attached to the beverage keg. A sensor is assigned to the tap, and the sensor detects at least the "flowing" or "no flowing" state.

[0013] The sensor itself is either integrated directly into the dispensing head or attached to the dispensing head.

[0014] According to the invention, the sensor detects the "flow" or "no flow" state. Using a stored database, consisting either of an algorithm and / or a stored table, the amount of beverage that has flowed through the dispensing head or line can be deduced from the time during which flow is detected. From this, the remaining fill level of the beverage keg can then be calculated. For this purpose, the flow rate, e.g., in liters per minute, is preferably stored in the system at each measuring / dispensing point. This is preferably done by the system operator measuring the flow rate, e.g., by measuring the time during the dispensing of a specific and known quantity of beverage.Alternatively, the electronics software could be used to implement a learning program that, after startup, adds up the times of all dispensing operations, and the operator then simply enters the total amount dispensed. This calculates the flow rate in liters per minute. With fixed parameters, this is generally constant for each beverage line / installation. Only if the operator makes changes to the installation (e.g., the delivery pressure or the compensator on the tap) does the flow rate need to be recalculated. This can also be done by adding up all the times for the complete dispensing of an entire keg. Since the operator selects the new keg volume in the software anyway, this can also be done semi-automatically. Alternatively, the volume of the dispensed beverage can be entered into the web app for calibration purposes.

[0015] If, for example, the system is set to a flow rate of 2.5 l / min and the dispensing process lasts 12 seconds, it can be calculated that a volume of 0.5 liters has been dispensed, which is subtracted from the total fill level of the barrel.

[0016] The present invention offers many advantages over previously known methods. First, it requires only minimal sensor technology, making it cost-effective, simple, and reliable. Because the data is collected and processed, it is stored on an external server or in the cloud and can be accessed at any time. This allows the operator of the dispensing system to check the individual fill level of one or more kegs at any given time, providing advance warning of when a keg change is needed. Furthermore, the system can forecast future keg orders, as the dispensed quantities are recorded over time.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor is integrated directly into the dispensing head. The sensor is specifically designed as a reed sensor, reed switch, or reed contact, and / or a capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor. A dispensing head plunger is located within the dispensing head. Within the plunger, there is typically a backflow preventer. This backflow preventer is, for example, designed as a magnetic rod or sphere, particularly made of a metallic material. It can thus be used to switch a magnetic contact and thereby detect the "flow" or "no flow" state.

[0018] In accordance with the invention, a first sensor is thus designed such that a signal element, in particular a magnetic rod or sphere, but also in other embodiments, is integrated into the beverage line. This signal element is moved to a different position as the beverage flows through, in particular, it is raised in the vertical direction. The signal element thereby comes into the position of a sensor, in particular a reed sensor, which thus detects the state of "flow" of beverages or fluid in the beverage line. The signal element can be cleaned together with the dispensing head or simply removed for cleaning and then reinserted. Furthermore, such backflow preventers are known for use on dispensing heads.

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

[0020] In some applications, a dispensing head might be stored horizontally instead of vertically, for example, during a keg change. This could inadvertently trigger the "flow" contact. To prevent this, a second sensor is preferably used to detect that the dispensing head is properly attached to the keg and locked in place. This can be achieved, for example, by a second sensor that detects when the dispensing head locking mechanism is lowered, thus indicating that the dispensing head is in contact with the keg. This can also be done using a reed switch. Only when this sensor detects that the dispensing head is in contact with the keg will the primary sensor register the "flow" status.

[0021] Furthermore, an inductive or capacitive sensor is conceivable, arranged in the dispensing head in such a way that it detects the metallic fitting of the beverage keg as soon as the dispensing head is engaged. In a preferred embodiment, the flow signal from the dispensing head is validated in the electronics or the web app with the flow signal from the tap.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a pressure sensor is provided in the dispensing head. The pressure sensor, and / or capacitive and / or inductive sensor, is specifically designed as a plug-in sensor. The pressure sensor is thus sealed, for example, with an O-ring to be fluid-tight and / or gas-tight. Due to the plug-in connection, it is possible to rotate the entire wired sensor around its own axis.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to determine the flow rate using two pressure sensors connected one behind the other in the axial direction, according to the Venturi principle.

[0024] The pressure sensor can be located in the dispensing head, preferably in the gas line. To determine the flow rate, two pressure sensors can be connected in series in the gas line. If pressurizing gas is introduced into the gas line, this automatically indicates that extraction is taking place elsewhere. However, in the case of a flow meter designed with two pressure sensors, these can also be located in the beverage line of the dispensing head.

[0025] A particularly preferred configuration is an electronic unit assigned to, or arranged directly on, or integrated into the dispensing head. Especially when the dispensing head is made of a plastic material, an electronic circuit board can be mounted directly on the dispensing head. The wiring of the pressure sensor and reed sensor can then be made directly to the electronic unit. The electronic unit can be connected to a higher-level evaluation unit either via a cable connection or wirelessly.

[0026] In a further, particularly preferred or supplementary embodiment, the dispensing head has an antenna for reading information. This antenna is integrated, in particular, into the base of the dispensing head. Specifically, this antenna is configured as an NFC antenna or RFID in any desired frequency range. This makes it possible to read information stored on a keg, or more specifically, on a keg fitting, and preferably on a data carrier within that fitting. For example, such a data carrier in the fitting, which is again configured as NFC or RFID in any desired frequency range, could contain data on the filling date, contents, and type of beverage in the keg. This data could then be read by the dispensing head's antenna and transmitted to the electronic unit, which in turn could be transmitted to a higher-level evaluation unit.The electronic unit and the antenna are capable of reading and processing various NFC standards, such as ISO 14443 and ISO 15693.

[0027] The system is preferably configured to include an electronic unit or evaluation system. This is particularly preferably connected to the sensors in the dispensing heads via a cable. The sensors in the dispensing heads then send a "flow" or "no flow" signal to the electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit can then directly calculate the flow rate, particularly based on the time window during which the sensor reports "flow." Optionally, an additional temperature sensor in the dispensing tap can be used to prevent measurement errors when the dispensing head is in a horizontal position, as the flow rate measurement is validated by measuring the temperature drop as the beverage flows through. Similarly, a pressure sensor on the gas pressure regulator of the dispensing system can provide the same functionality, with the expected pressure drop validating the flow rate measurement.However, the electronic evaluation unit can also record only the raw data.

[0028] The raw data and / or calculated flow rates are then preferably transferred to an external database, typically a cloud-based system. The necessary data can then be retrieved from the cloud, for example, via a mobile device, especially a tablet or smartphone. This device can be located at the bar or near the dispensing system, so that the operator is informed about the fill level of each keg. Alternatively, in a larger chain of establishments with multiple geographically dispersed locations, the data can be forwarded to a central evaluation center, enabling centralized ordering. Furthermore, the collected data is very helpful for breweries' marketing purposes, as it reveals which brands are performing well or poorly at which locations and times.

[0029] Preferably, an algorithm and / or data table or data matrix can be stored in the evaluation unit. The "flow" or "no flow" signal and the respective time window can then be readjusted if the measured values ​​deviate from the actual values. This might be the case, for example, if an existing dispensing infrastructure allows for a higher or lower flow rate, necessitating a corresponding readjustment.

[0030] In particular, the system can also be designed to be self-learning. By specifying the fill level of a beverage keg in the data matrix or by inputting it, a self-learning process can take place, so that, for example, when any keg is connected, the flow rate is determined by recording and adding up all flow times, since the system assumes a nearly completely empty keg when changing kegs and then correlates the measured dispensed beverage quantity with the actual keg change, i.e., the keg consumed.

[0031] The sensors in the dispensing heads are primarily connected to the electronic evaluation unit via cable. However, wireless data transmission is also possible. A wired connection allows the electronic evaluation unit to be centrally connected to a continuous power supply, such as an existing electrical grid. This power supply then also powers the sensors in the dispensing heads. The sensors, preferably the NFC antenna, do not necessarily have to be connected to the electronic unit via cable, but can also be connected using a pluggable and therefore detachable connection (pin and socket).

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

[0033] The data from the evaluation unit can be transmitted wirelessly, for example via a Wi-Fi or GSM connection, eliminating the need for a data line to another external evaluation unit or the cloud. A wired internet connection (Ethernet) is also possible.

[0034] The present invention therefore also relates to a method for operating the previously described arrangement. In particular, the method can be used to determine the flow rate and / or the fill level of the beverage barrel.

[0035] The process works as follows: using the aforementioned sensors, it detects whether a beverage is being dispensed from a given beverage keg, i.e., whether there is a flow or no flow. A stored database, which can be an algorithm or a database table, calculates the amount dispensed from the keg based on the time window during which the sensor reports a flow. This information can then be used to determine or calculate the remaining fill level of the beverage keg.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and aspects of the present invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in schematic figures. These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. They show: Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of the arrangement and the method for operating it; Figures 2 and 3 show a dispensing head with an integrated sensor which signals "flow" according to Figure 2 and which signals "no flow" according to Figure 3 Figure 4 shows a dispensing head with a pressure sensor, Figure 5 a dispensing head with a gas adapter, attached via spring clips, Figure 6 a pressure sensor, attached via locking hooks, Figure 7a and a dispensing head with an antenna for reading data. Figure 8a and an alternative design variant of the antenna, and Figure 9a and a further alternative design variant of the antenna.

[0037] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar components, even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0038] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an arrangement according to the invention for detecting the flow rate and / or the fill level of a beverage keg 2. For this purpose, a dispensing head 3 is arranged on the keg 2, and a sensor (not shown in detail) is integrated into the dispensing head 3. The dispensing head 3 is connected to a tap 5 via a beverage line 4. The beverage keg 2 is located, as shown here, in a cellar 6 of a building 7. The tap 5 is located in a bar area 8. The cellar 6 and the bar area 8 can be separated from each other by a floor slab 9. It is desirable for the operator of the tap 5 to be aware of the current fill level 10 of the beverage keg 2. Several beverage kegs 2 can be arranged to provide different beverages at different taps 5, but this is not shown here.The sensor of the dispensing head 3 is now connected to an electronic evaluation unit 12. This connection can be wireless or wired 11. The electronic evaluation unit 12 preferably communicates wirelessly with an external database, represented here as a cloud 14. Either only raw data is transmitted, allowing the fill level 10 to be calculated by an algorithm of a web-based program within the cloud 14, or the calculation can be performed directly within the electronic evaluation unit 12. From there, or from the cloud 14, the fill level 10 can be queried or displayed via an end device 15, such as a tablet, PDA, or smartphone. This provides the necessary information for further organizational processes, such as reordering beverages or an upcoming keg change.The operator then enters the keg change information either at unit 12 or via a terminal device 15, unless the unit is equipped with an NFC antenna and a keg with a tag can be read. For example, an alarm signal can also be triggered when a keg change is imminent or when the temperature sensor on the tap 5 or the pressure sensor on the pressure regulator detects a deviation. During peak times in the bar area 8, this ensures that all guests are served drinks without significant downtime.

[0039] The described advantage is that the measuring technology can be reduced to a minimum, so that the cleaning of beverage line 4 and the provision of food-safe measuring technology are also optimized.

[0040] One preferred design is found in the Figures 2 and 3 shown here is a tap head 3, which is in Figure 2shown in the attached and locked position, in Figure 3 in the open state. The tap head 3 itself has a lever 16. When the lever 16 is pressed down and locked, a tap head plunger 17 is inserted axially downwards into a fitting of a beverage keg 2 (not shown) in the plane of the image. The beverage can then be directed in the direction of arrow 18 through the beverage line 4 towards the tap 5 (not shown). For this purpose, a non-return valve, in particular designed as a magnetic rod 19, or magnetic rod 19 with a food-grade coating, is arranged in the tap head plunger 17. The magnetic rod 19 is moved axially upwards, particularly due to the flowing fluid. A sensor 20, here in the form of a reed sensor 20, is arranged in or on the tap head 3. This sensor detects the position of the magnetic rod 19 and can thus output the sensor signal "flow". Figure 3The magnetic rod 19 is positioned downwards in the vertical direction and not near the reed sensor 20. This results in the "no flow" signal. Optionally, a sensor (not shown) located in the area of ​​the lever 16, or which detects the lever position, can be used to ensure that, for example, if the dispensing head 3 is stored horizontally and the magnetic rod 19 accidentally slides upwards, it still triggers the "no flow" signal, since no fluid flows in this state, for example, during a barrel change.

[0041] The Figure 4Figure 1 shows the dispensing head with a pressure sensor 21, which is arranged in a gas line 22 or in the gas valve of the dispensing head 3. The pressure sensor 21 is connected via a cable 23 to an electronic unit 24 located on the dispensing head 3. Furthermore, the reed sensor 20 is also connected to the electronic unit 24 via a connecting cable, and the antenna 26, described in more detail in the following figures, is also connected to the electronic unit 24. The electronic unit 24 can be integrated directly into the dispensing head, particularly if it is made of plastic. For example, a lockable cover can then simply be clipped onto the electronic unit 24, or preferably, the electronics are encased in resin after assembly to protect them.

[0042] Two spring tongues 27 are also shown. The spring tongues 27 allow a gas adapter 28 to be attached to the dispensing head in axial direction A. Furthermore, locking hooks 29 for receiving the pressure sensor 21 are arranged on the gas adapter 28. A screw thread for attaching the pressure sensor 21 to the gas adapter 28 is not required. This allows for simpler handling.

[0043] The Figures 5 and 6 This demonstrates this once again. In Figure 5 A gas adapter 28 is inserted via the spring tongues 27 on the gas side. For this purpose, the gas adapter 28 can simply be inserted in axial direction A and locked in place. It is then sealed gas-tight by an O-ring 30.

[0044] Figure 6Figure 21 shows a pressure sensor 21. This sensor is inserted into the gas adapter 28. For this purpose, locking hooks 28 are arranged, and the pressure sensor 21 is sealed by a further O-ring 30. The cable 23 of the pressure sensor 21 can thus rotate around its own axis, simplifying assembly and preventing the cable from twisting due to a threaded connection.

[0045] Figure 7a and bFigure 26 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. Here, an antenna 26 is integrated into the underside of the dispensing head 2. The antenna 26 serves to read data stored on the data carrier of an unspecified fitting or a keg. The antenna 26 is connected to the electronic unit. This allows the data from the keg's data carrier and / or the fitting's data carrier to be read, for example, filling location, filling date, keg contents or volume, and the type of beverage contained in the keg. Figure 7b shows a detailed section view of Figure 7a .

[0046] Figures 8a and 8b They show an alternative design variant. Here, for example, the antenna 26 is inserted as a circumferential partial circle into a groove 31 running around the bottom of the tap head 3, in the case of Figure 8a. Figure 8b shows an exploded view.

[0047] Figures 9a and 9bFigure 1 shows a further alternative design variant. Here, with regard to the vertical direction, the antenna 26 is not located on the underside of the tap head 3, but in a central area, according to Figure 26. Figure 9a . According to Figure 9b The exploded view shows the antenna being pulled out of a corresponding groove and is also shown in a top view. The antenna 26 is not circular or ring-shaped, but rather U-shaped, allowing it to be inserted from the side. Reference symbol:

[0048] 1 - Arrangement 2 - Beverage keg 3 - Dispensing head 4 - Beverage line 5 - Tap 6 - Cellar 7 - Building 8 - Bar area 9 - Floor 10 - Fill level / Fill level height 11 - Wired 12 - Electronic evaluation unit 13 - Wireless 14 - Cloud 15 - Mobile device 16 - Lever 17 - Dispensing head plunger 18 - Arrow direction 19 - Magnet rod 20 - Sensor / Reed sensor 21 - Pressure sensor 22 - Gas line 23 - Cable to 21 24 - Electronic unit 25 - Cable to 20 26 - Antenna 27 - Spring tongues 28 - Gas adapter 29 - Locking hook 30 - O-ring 31 - Groove A - Axial direction

Claims

1. Tap head arrangement (1) for connection to a beverage barrel (2), wherein a tap head (3) is provided which can be placed on a beverage barrel (2), characterized by the fact that in the nozzle head (3) a sensor (20) for determining the flow rate and / or a pressure sensor (21) and / or an antenna (26) for reading data is / are arranged.

2. Tap head arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the antenna (26) is an NFC antenna and / or RFID, which is specifically designed to read data from a memory of a fitting of a beverage barrel (2).

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

4. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatan electronic unit is assigned to the dispensing head (3), which is arranged directly on the dispensing head (3).

5. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the sensor (20) for determining the flow rate is designed as a reed sensor and / or as a capacitive sensor and / or inductive sensor (20).

6. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that in the tap head (3) a non-return valve element is arranged as a magnetic rod (19), preferably a food-grade coated magnet, which activates the reed sensor.

7. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the pressure sensor (21) is inserted into the tap head (3), preferably by means of a locking hook.

8. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flow sensor is formed by two pressure sensors (21) arranged in series one behind the other.

9. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a gas adapter (28) is directly connected to the tap head (3), in particular with a plug connection.

10. Tap head arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the tap head (3) is at least partially made of a plastic material.

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