Keg coupler with sensor for beverage kegs

Abstract

A keg coupler device (1) for connection to a beverage keg (2). The keg coupler device (1) comprises a keg coupler (3). The keg coupler (3) can be positioned on the beverage keg (2) and includes a sensor (20) for determining flow-through and / or a pressure sensor (21) and / or an antenna (26) for reading out data.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for determining the fill state of a beverage keg. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known from the prior art to serve beverages in beverage kegs, especially in catering establishments. Common beverage keg sizes are 10 liters, 20 liters, 25 liters and 30 liters, although 50 liter beverage kegs are also used. The beverage kegs are delivered by a distribution logistics company and are usually stored in an out-of-sight dispensing room or an area away from the dispenser. This area usually has to be refrigerated so that the beverages can be served chilled. The beverage kegs are often stored in a beverage cellar.

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

[0005] This knowledge is necessary for three reasons: especially at peak times, changing a keg can take several minutes, which cannot be ignored by a single pub owner, i.e., a single person operating the dispensing system.

[0006] The second need is to know the fill level of each keg so that the ordering process can order the amount of beverage needed for the next few days or weeks.

[0007] A third possibility is to use respective fill level tables to record, finally, what the respective discharges from each beverage keg were over each period of time.

[0008] Various inline measuring systems are known from the prior art, such as a measuring device from German Utility Model Publication DE 20207334 U1. This uses a flow meter that allows the meter reading to be read or reset in a control unit, allowing the amount of dispensed beverage to be read over a specific period of time. A disadvantage here is that such flow sensors are activated, for example, via an impeller. The impeller engages directly with the beverage line. However, the beverage line must be periodically cleaned, and so-called cleaning beads are also used for this purpose. Therefore, a measuring system directly connected to the beverage line is disadvantageous and requires separate cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an option that is as low maintenance as possible and error-free to enable fill level monitoring and content indication of tapped or untapped beverage kegs, with a minimum use of measurement technology.

[0010] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention in an arrangement for detecting the flow-through and / or filling state of a beverage keg having the features of claim 1.

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

[0012] An arrangement for detecting the flow-through and / or fill state of a beverage keg includes at least one keg coupler and a beverage keg. The keg coupler is connected to or attached to the beverage keg. A sensor is assigned to the keg coupler, and the sensor detects at least a "flow-through" or a "no-flow-through" state.

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

[0014] According to the present invention, a sensor detects a "through-flow" or "no through-flow" condition. Using a stored database consisting of algorithms and / or stored tables, conclusions can be made regarding the amount of beverage that has flowed through the keg coupler or line based on the time that through-flow is detected. This can then be used to calculate the remaining fill level of the beverage keg. For this purpose, the through-flow (e.g., in liters per minute) is preferably recorded in the system once at each measurement / dispense point. This is done, for example, by measuring the time to dispense a specific, known amount of beverage, preferably by surveying / measuring it by the system operator. Alternatively, a learning program is conceivable via electronic software, such that the times of all dispensing processes are added up after initiation, allowing the operator to simply input the total amount dispensed. This then calculates the through-flow in liters per minute. For fixed control variables, this is usually constant for each beverage line / equipment. The through-flow only needs to be recalculated if the operator changes the equipment (e.g., supply pressure or compensator on the tap). This can also be done by summing all the times to completely empty the entire keg. This can also be done semi-automatically, as the operator will select the keg change in the software anyway by selecting the newly connected volume. Alternatively, for calibration purposes, the volume of the drink tapped is entered into the WebApp for the last recorded measurement.

[0015] For example, if a flow-through of 2.5 litres per minute is stored in the system and the dispensing process takes 12 seconds, it can be calculated that a volume of 0.5 litres has been dispensed, which is deducted from the total fill level of the keg.

[0016] The present invention has many advantages over variants known from the prior art. Firstly, it is cheap, simple and less susceptible to failures, as it uses minimal sensor technology. Data is recorded and processed, so it can be stored and retrieved on an external server or in the cloud. The operator of the dispensing system can therefore read out the individual fill levels of one or more beverage kegs at any time, and is therefore notified when a keg needs to be changed. As the discharge volume is recorded over time, forecasts can also be made for future beverage keg orders.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sensor is integrated directly into the keg coupler. The sensor is particularly designed as a reed sensor or reed switch or reed contact and / or capacitive sensor and / or inductive sensor. A keg coupler plunger is arranged in the keg coupler. A non-return device is typically arranged inside the keg coupler plunger. This non-return device is designed, for example, as a magnetic rod or ball, particularly made of a metallic material. This can therefore be used to switch a magnetic contact and thus detect a "through" or "non-through" state.

[0018] Therefore, in the context of the present invention, the first sensor is designed as a signaling body, particularly as a magnetic rod or ball, but in other embodiments, the first sensor is integrated into the beverage line. This signaling body is moved to different positions as the beverage flows, particularly upwardly relative to the vertical. The signaling body moves to the position of the sensor, particularly a reed sensor, thereby detecting the "through-flow" state of the beverage or fluid in the beverage line. The signaling body can be cleaned together with the keg coupler, or simply removed for cleaning and then reinserted. Furthermore, such backflow prevention devices are known in keg couplers.

[0019] In particular, the keg coupler itself may be made from a plastic material. Such a keg coupler is known, for example, from European Patent Application Publication EP 2 730 537 A2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0020] Currently, in some applications, when the keg coupler is knocked off, for example when changing kegs, it may be stored horizontally rather than vertically. This can inadvertently trigger a "flow-through" contact. To avoid this, a second sensor is preferably installed to detect when the keg coupler is correctly positioned and locked onto the keg. This can be done, for example, by the second sensor detecting when the keg coupler lock is lowered, and therefore recognizing that the keg coupler is attached to a keg. This can also be done via a reed contact. Only when the sensor detects that the keg coupler is attached to a keg will the actual first sensor also detect a "flow-through" condition.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that an inductive or capacitive sensor is placed in the keg coupler so as to detect the metal fitting of the beverage keg as soon as the keg coupler is attached. In a preferred design variant, the flow-through signal from the keg coupler is verified in electronics or in a web app (WebApp) with the flow signal from the dispensing tap.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a pressure sensor is provided in the keg coupler. The pressure sensor and / or capacitive and / or inductive sensor is specifically designed as a plug-in sensor. The pressure sensor is therefore sealed fluid-tight and / or gas-tight, for example, by an O-ring. The plug-in connection allows the wired sensor to be completely rotated around its own axis.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to determine the throughflow using two pressure sensors connected axially in series according to the Venturi principle.

[0024] The pressure sensor can be located in the keg coupler, preferably in the gas output. To determine the flow-through, two pressure sensors can be placed in series in the gas line. If pressurized gas is introduced into the gas, this automatically means that the extraction takes place elsewhere. However, in the case of a flow meter formed by two pressure sensors, these can also be placed in the beverage line of the keg coupler.

[0025] The electronic unit is particularly preferably assigned to the kettle coupler, or directly disposed on the kettle coupler, or integrated into the kettle coupler. In particular, if the kettle coupler is made of plastic material, the electronic circuit board can be disposed directly on the kettle coupler. The pressure sensor and the reed sensor can then be directly wired to the electronic unit. The electronic unit can be connected to the upper-level evaluation unit via a cable connection. The electronic unit can also communicate with the upper-level evaluation unit via wireless communication.

[0026] In a further, particularly preferred, or complementary design variant, the keg coupler has an antenna for reading out information. This is particularly integrated into the base or foot of the keg coupler. In particular, this antenna is designed as an NFC antenna or RFID of any frequency range. This allows information present on a data carrier in the keg, in particular in the keg's coupling, preferably in the keg's coupling. For example, data regarding the fill date, contents, and also the type of beverage in the keg can be stored on such a data carrier in the coupling. The coupling is then designed as an NFC or RFID of any frequency range. This data can then be read by the keg coupler's antenna and transmitted to the electronic unit, which can then transmit it to the upper-level evaluation unit. The electronic unit and antenna are capable of reading and processing various NFC standards, such as ISO 14443 and ISO 15693.

[0027] The system is preferably designed to include an electronic unit or evaluation system. This is connected, preferably by cable, to a sensor in the keg coupler. The sensor in the keg coupler then sends a "through-flow" or "no through-flow" signal to the electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit can then directly calculate the through-flow, particularly based on the time window in which the sensor reports "through-flow." If necessary, an additional temperature sensor in the supply tap can be used to prevent inaccurate measurements when the keg coupler is horizontal, thereby validating the through-flow measurement by measuring the temperature drop when the beverage is flowing. The same can be achieved with a pressure sensor on the dispensing system's so-called gas pressure reducer, in that the expected pressure drop verifies the through-flow measurement. However, the electronic evaluation unit can also record only raw data.

[0028] The raw data and / or calculated flow-through are then preferably transferred to an external database. In particular, this is a cloud. The required data can then be retrieved from the cloud, for example, via a mobile device, in particular a tablet or smartphone. This can be located on the host premises or in the vicinity of the distribution system, so that the distribution system operator is informed about the current fill level of the beverage kegs. However, in the case of larger hospitality chains with several branches in different or similar locations, the data can also be transferred to a central evaluation point, so that a central ordering process can be executed from here. Furthermore, the collected data is very useful for brewery marketing purposes, since it can be seen, for example, which brands are being served well or poorly at which locations and at which times.

[0029] 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 "throughflow" or "non-throughflow" signals and the respective time windows can then be readjusted. This may be the case, for example, if the existing distribution infrastructure allows for a larger or smaller throughflow, so that a respective readjustment is necessary.

[0030] In particular, the system can also be designed to be self-learning: by specifying in a data matrix or by entering the respective fill volumes of the beverage kegs, a self-learning process can be carried out so that the flow-through is determined, for example by recording and adding up all flow-through times when any keg is connected, the system assumes that the keg is almost completely empty when it is changed, and then correlates the measured dispensed value of the beverage volume with the actual keg change, i.e. the used keg.

[0031] The sensor of the keg coupler is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, in particular by a cable. However, wireless data transmission is also possible. A wired connection, however, allows the electronic evaluation unit to be centrally connected to a permanent power source, for example an existing power grid, which then supplies energy to the sensor in the keg coupler. The sensor, preferably the NFC antenna, does not have to be connected to the electronic unit by a wire, but may also be connected to the electronic unit by a pluggable or removable connection (pin and socket).

[0032] Furthermore, the cable connection from the electronic unit to the evaluation unit (gateway) can be designed as an integral part of the electronic unit by means of a cable, but preferably the electronic unit has a commercially available plug connection for data transmission so that cables of any length can be connected.

[0033] The data from the evaluation unit can be transmitted wirelessly, for example via a WIFI or GSM connection, so that no data lines to other external evaluation units or to the cloud are required. A wired Internet connection (Ethernet) is also conceivable.

[0034] The invention therefore also relates to a method for operating the above-mentioned device, which method can in particular be used to determine the throughflow and / or fill level of a beverage keg.

[0035] For this purpose, the method is operated such that the above-mentioned sensor system is used to detect whether beverage has been removed from the respective beverage keg, i.e. whether a "flow-through" or "no-flow-through" is established. Using a stored database (which can be an algorithm or a database table), the amount of discharge from the beverage keg is calculated based on the time window in which the sensor signals that there is a flow-through. This 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 explained below. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in schematic drawings, which serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a simplified representation of the device and how it operates. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a keg coupler with an integrated sensor that signals "flow through." [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a keg coupler with an integrated sensor that signals "no flow through." [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a keg coupler with a pressure sensor. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows a keg coupler with a gas adapter attached via spring tabs. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a pressure sensor attached via a latch hook. [Figure 7] Figures 7a and 7b show a KEG coupler with an antenna for reading out data. [Figure 8] 8a and 8b show another design variant of the antenna and diagram. [Figure 9] 9a and 9b show a further alternative design for the antenna. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] In each drawing, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals for the sake of simplicity, even if the repeated explanation is omitted.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 according to the invention for detecting the flow-through and / or filling state of a beverage keg 2. For this purpose, a keg coupler 3 is arranged on the keg 2, and a sensor (not shown in detail) is integrated in the keg coupler 3. The keg coupler 3 is connected to a tap 5 via a beverage line 4. As shown here, the beverage keg 2 is arranged in a cellar 6 of a building 7. The tap 5 is arranged in a dispensing room 8. The cellar 6 and the dispensing room 8 can be separated from each other by a room ceiling 9. Here, it is desirable for the operator of the tap 5 to know the individual fill levels 10 or fill levels 10 of the beverage kegs 2 shown. Several beverage kegs 2 can be arranged to provide different beverages to different taps 5, but this is not shown here. Here, the sensor of the keg coupler 3 is connected to an electronic evaluation unit 12. This can be done wirelessly, but also by cable 11. The electronic evaluation unit 12 communicates, preferably by wireless signals, with an external database, shown here in the form of a cloud 14. Since only raw data is transmitted, the fill level 10 is calculated using an algorithm in a web-based program in the cloud 14. However, the calculation can also be performed in the electronic evaluation unit 12. From there or from the cloud 14, the fill level 10 can be queried or displayed via a terminal 15, such as a tablet, PDA, or smartphone. This makes it possible to provide the necessary information for further organizational processes, for example, for beverage reorders or an impending keg change. If a device variant with an NFC antenna is not available and the keg can be read by tag, a keg change is entered by the operator in the unit 12 or via the terminal 15. For example, an alarm signal can be provided when a keg change is imminent or when a temperature sensor on the dispensing tap 5 or a pressure sensor on the pressure reducer detects a deviation. Thus, during peak times in the dispensing room 8, beverages can be reliably supplied to all customers without significant downtime.

[0040] The stated advantage is that the measurement technology can be minimized, so that the cleaning of the beverage line 4 and the provision of food compatibility measurement technology are also optimized.

[0041] A preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 2 and 3. A keg coupler 3 is shown here, which is shown in its installed and locked state in Figure 2 and in its open state in Figure 3. The keg coupler 3 itself has a lever 16. When the lever 16 is pressed down and locked, the keg coupler plunger 17 is moved axially downwards in the drawing to a fitting on the beverage keg 2 (not shown in detail). The beverage can then be guided in the direction of arrow 18 through the beverage line 4 towards a tap 5 (not shown in detail). For this purpose, a detent device, particularly in the form of a magnetic rod 19 or a magnetic rod 19 with a food-compatible coating, is arranged within the keg coupler plunger 17. The magnetic rod 19 is moved axially upwards, particularly by the fluid flowing through it. A sensor 20, here in the form of a reed sensor 20, is arranged in or on the keg coupler 3. This recognizes the position of the magnetic rod 19 and can therefore output a "flow-through" sensor signal. In Figure 3, the magnetic rod 19 is arranged vertically downwards and is not located near the reed sensor 20. A "no through-flow" signal is therefore given. Optionally, a sensor (not shown in detail) located in the area of ​​the lever 16 or detecting the lever position can be used to ensure that, for example, a horizontal positioning of the keg coupler 3 and therefore an accidental upward sliding of the magnetic rod 19 also causes the output of a "no through-flow" signal, since in this situation no through-flow occurs, even in the event of, for example, a keg change.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a keg coupler equipped with a pressure sensor 21. This pressure sensor is located on a gas line 22 or gas tap included in the keg coupler 3. Pressure sensor 21 is connected via cable 23 to an electronics unit 24 provided on the keg coupler 3. Furthermore, reed sensor 20 is also connected to electronics unit 24 via a connecting cable, and antenna 26 is also coupled to electronics unit 24, as further explained in the following figure. Electronics unit 24 can be integrated directly into the keg coupler made of a plastic material. For example, a lockable cover can be clipped onto electronics unit 24, or preferably the electronics are molded in resin for protection after assembly.

[0043] Two spring tabs 27 are also shown. The spring tabs 27 are used to attach the gas adapter 28 to the keg coupler in the axial direction A. Additionally, a latch hook 29 is disposed on the gas adapter 28 to accommodate the pressure sensor 21. The threads for attaching the container of the pressure sensor 21 to the gas adapter 28 can be omitted, thus allowing for easier handling.

[0044] Figures 5 and 6 show this once again. In Figure 5, the gas adapter 28 is inserted via the gas-side spring tab 27. For this purpose, the gas adapter 28 can simply be inserted in the axial direction A and locked into place. It is then hermetically sealed via the O-ring 30.

[0045] 6 shows the pressure sensor 21 inserted into the gas adapter 28. For this purpose, the latch hook 28 is arranged and the pressure sensor 21 is sealed via a further O-ring 30. The cable 23 of the pressure sensor 21 can therefore rotate around its own axis, so that the assembly is simplified and the pressure sensor 21 does not experience twisting of the cable due to the threads.

[0046] Figures 7a and 7b show a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. Here, an antenna 26 is integrated into the underside area of ​​the keg coupler 2. The antenna 26 is used to read out data arranged on a data carrier of the coupling or keg, which is not shown in detail. The antenna 26 is connected to an electronic unit. This can be used to read out data on the keg's data carrier and / or data on the coupling's data carrier, such as, for example, the filling location, the filling date, the contents or volume of the keg, and the type of beverage contained in the keg. Figure 7b shows a detailed cross-section of Figure 7a.

[0047] Figures 8a and 8b show another design variant, where for example the antenna 26 is inserted as a circumferential semicircle in a groove 31 which in the case of Figure 8a runs around the bottom of the keg coupler 3. Figure 8b shows an exploded view.

[0048] Figures 9a and 9b show yet another design variant, where the antenna 26 is inserted into the central area of ​​the keg coupler 3, rather than vertically below it, as shown in Figure 9a. Figure 9b is an exploded view showing the antenna pulled out of the corresponding groove and shown in plan view. The antenna 26 is not circular or ring-shaped, but is, for example, U-shaped and can be inserted from the side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1: Placement 2: Beverage keg 3: Keg Coupler 4: Beverage line 5: Tap 6: Cellar 7: Building 8: Distribution room 9: Room ceiling 10: Fill level / level height 11:Wired 12: Electronic evaluation unit 13: Wireless 14: Cloud 15: Portable terminal device 16: Lever 17: Keg coupler plunger 18: Arrow direction 19: Magnetic rod 20: Sensor / Lead Sensor 21: Pressure sensor 22: Gas line Cable to 23:21 24: Electronic unit Cable to 25:20 26: Antenna 27: Spring tab 28: Gas adapter 29: Latch hook 30: O-ring 31: Groove A: Axial direction

Claims

1. A keg coupler device (1) for connection to a beverage keg (2), comprising a keg coupler (3) that can be placed on the beverage keg (2), wherein a sensor (20) for determining the flow-through and / or a pressure sensor (21) and / or an antenna (26) for reading out data are arranged on the keg coupler (3).

2. 2. The keg coupler device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna (26) is an NFC antenna and / or an RFID antenna, in particular for reading data from a memory of a coupling of a beverage keg (2).

3. 3. A keg coupler arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure sensor (21) is integrated directly into the keg coupler (3) in the gas line, or the pressure sensor (21) is located in the beverage line (4) of the keg coupler (3).

4. A keg coupler device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the keg coupler (3) is assigned an electronic unit arranged directly on the keg coupler (3).

5. 5. The keg coupler device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (20) for determining the throughflow is designed as a reed sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor (20).

6. 10. A keg coupler device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the check valve element is arranged within the keg coupler (3) as a magnetic rod (19), preferably a magnet housed in a food-compatible case, for activating the reed sensor.

7. A keg coupler arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pressure sensor (21) is inserted into the keg coupler (3) and is preferably positioned by a latch hook.

8. 8. A keg coupler device according to claim 1, wherein the flow-through sensor is formed by two pressure sensors (21) arranged in series one behind the other.

9. Keg coupler arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gas adapter (28) is directly connected to the keg coupler (3), in particular by means of a plug connection.

10. A keg coupler arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the keg coupler (3) is at least partly made of plastic material.

Images