Beverage dispensing system comprising a single-use collapsible keg
阅读说明：本技术 包括一次性使用的可收缩桶的饮料分配系统 (Beverage dispensing system comprising a single-use collapsible keg ) 是由 J·克里斯蒂安森 于 2019-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种饮料分配系统(10),用于分配存储在一次性使用的可收缩饮料容器(18)中的饮料,该饮料分配系统包括用于至少获取关于饮料和/或一次性使用的可收缩饮料容器(50)的信息的测量装置(50),并且包括用于从所述测量装置(50)读取所述信息的电子传感器(48)装置,从而建立表示关于所述饮料和/或所述可收缩饮料容器(18)的所述信息的数字数据。(A beverage dispensing system (10) for dispensing a beverage stored in a single use collapsible beverage container (18), comprising measuring means (50) for obtaining at least information about the beverage and/or the single use collapsible beverage container (50), and comprising electronic sensor (48) means for reading said information from said measuring means (50) thereby establishing digital data representing said information about said beverage and/or said collapsible beverage container (18).)
1. A beverage dispensing system including a collapsible beverage container for dispensing a beverage stored therein, the collapsible beverage container defining a beverage fill space, a gas-filled headspace, and a beverage outlet in communication with the beverage fill space for extracting the beverage from the beverage fill space, the beverage dispensing system comprising:
-a base portion adapted to mate with a beverage container connector for connecting to the beverage outlet of the collapsible beverage container;
-tapping means comprising one or more taps for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space;
-a tapping line extending from the beverage container connector to the tapping device, the tapping line comprising one or more beverage lines; and
-a lid connectable to the base portion, the lid and the base portion defining a sealed interior space for receiving and enclosing the collapsible beverage container;
-a pressure source in fluid communication with the inner space for pressurizing the inner space to apply a force on the collapsible beverage container to collapse the collapsible beverage container and force the beverage from the beverage filling space through the tapping line and out through the tapping means,
-wherein the collapsible beverage container comprises measuring means for at least obtaining information about the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container,
-wherein the base portion and/or the lid comprise electronic sensor means for reading the information from the measuring means, thereby establishing digital data representing the information about the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container;
-wherein the measuring device is in the form of a digital sensor in the form of a wireless electronic device, preferably an NFC tag or an RFID tag;
-the measuring means is in the form of a visible identifier, such as a barcode, or a combination thereof.
2. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible beverage container is single use.
3. A beverage dispensing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor device is: a digital sensor device, an NFC or RFID reader, a barcode reader, or a combination thereof for reading the information from the measurement device.
4. The beverage dispensing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible beverage container comprises a closure adapted to mate with the beverage container connector, wherein an identification tag is mounted on an edge of the closure, on a sealing portion of the closure or inside the closure, and optionally wherein an identification tag reader is mounted on the base portion adjacent the closure.
5. Beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein cooling means for cooling the tapping line are adapted downstream of the beverage connector and upstream of the tapping means, and wherein the cooling means further comprise measuring means in the form of a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a cooling line extending adjacent to the tapping line and being mounted on the cooling means.
6. Beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein downstream the beverage connector and upstream the tapping means cooling means for cooling the tapping line are adapted, wherein the tapping line comprises measuring means in the form of a temperature sensor, and the measuring means are mounted in the tapping line in close proximity to the tapping means by being mounted within the last 30% of the length of the tapping line measured from the cooling means up to the tapping of the tapping means.
7. Beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapping line comprises a plurality of beverage lines, preferably two to five beverage lines, more preferably three beverage lines, each beverage line corresponding to a specific beverage type and being adapted to cooperate with a tap of the tapping means, each tap corresponding to the beverage type, and wherein the beverage lines comprise measuring means in the form of a flow sensor, a temperature sensor or a combined flow and temperature sensor.
8. Beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part comprises weighing means, preferably digital weighing means, for continuously weighing the beverage container during dispensing and establishing digital data representing the weight of the beverage container and the flow of beverage through the tapping means deduced from the weight.
9. Beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage dispensing system comprises:
-a first pressure sensor for continuously measuring a first pressure within the inner space during dispensing;
-a second pressure sensor for continuously measuring a second pressure at the tapping device during dispensing; and
-a digital processing unit for establishing digital data representing a flow rate of beverage from the beverage filling space through the tapping line and tapping device as derived from the first pressure and the second pressure.
10. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 9, further comprising: a third pressure sensor for continuously measuring the pressure inside the beverage container.
11. A beverage dispensing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the tap comprises a beverage dispensing control device and a nozzle for dispensing beverage into a beverage receptacle, wherein the tap is part of a beverage container mounted in a bar defining an operator side and a customer side opposite the operator side, the beverage dispensing system further comprising a measuring device in the form of a non-contact measuring device integrated in the beverage container and adapted to detect a parameter or characteristic of the beverage receptacle, such as temperature.
12. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 11, wherein the non-contact measuring device is a digital sensor in the form of an infrared sensor.
13. Beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage dispensing system comprises a data logging system for acquiring and storing digital data.
14. A collapsible beverage container for a beverage dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, the collapsible beverage container comprising a collapsible body and a closure having a beverage outlet configured for engagement with a beverage container connector of the beverage dispensing system, the collapsible beverage container further comprising at least one identification tag mounted on an edge of the closure, on or inside a seal of the closure, and/or on a body of the container, the identification tag being readable by a corresponding reader in the beverage dispensing system.
15. The collapsible beverage container of claim 14 wherein the identification tag is a radio frequency identification tag such as RFID/NFC, a visible/optical tag such as a barcode, or a combination thereof.
16. The collapsible beverage container of any one of claims 14-15 wherein the identification tag includes identification information for uniquely identifying the container.
17. The collapsible beverage container of any one of claims 14-16 wherein the identification tag comprises information selected from the group consisting of: type of beverage, producer of the beverage, source of the beverage, date of production of the beverage, location of production of the beverage, and shipment date of the beverage.
18. The collapsible beverage container of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the identification tag comprises at least one of one or more predefined codes for approval by the beverage dispensing system.
19. The set of a beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a collapsible beverage container according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the beverage dispensing system is configured such that a beverage can be tapped from the collapsible beverage container only if a predetermined match is achieved between an ID tag and an ID reader.
20. A method of dispensing a beverage stored in a collapsible beverage container in a beverage dispensing system, the collapsible beverage container defining a beverage fill space, a gas-filled headspace, and a beverage outlet in communication with the beverage fill space for extracting the beverage from the beverage fill space, the method comprising:
-providing a base portion comprising a beverage container connector for connecting to the beverage outlet of the collapsible beverage container;
-providing tapping means comprising one or more taps for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space;
-providing a tapping line extending from the container connector to the tapping device, the tapping line comprising one or more beverage lines; and
-providing a lid connectable to the base portion, the lid and the base portion defining an inner space for receiving the collapsible beverage container and receiving and enclosing the collapsible beverage container;
-providing a pressure source in fluid communication with the inner space for pressurizing the inner space to apply a force on the collapsible beverage container collapsing the collapsible beverage container and forcing the beverage from the beverage filling space through the tapping line and out through the tapping means,
the method further comprises the following steps:
-installing in the collapsible beverage container a measuring means for at least obtaining information about the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container, wherein the measuring means is in the form of a digital sensor and the digital sensor is a wireless electronic device, preferably an RFID tag, the measuring means is in the form of a visible identifier, such as a barcode, or a combination thereof; and
-mounting electronic sensor means, preferably digital sensor means, in the base part and/or the lid, the electronic sensor means being adapted to at least read the information from the measuring means, thereby establishing digital data representing the information about the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container.
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dispensing a beverage stored in a single-use collapsible beverage container and measuring several properties or parameters of the beverage and/or collapsible beverage container. The present disclosure also relates to measuring the amount of beverage remaining in a single use collapsible beverage container. The present disclosure also relates to a single use collapsible beverage container for the presently disclosed beverage dispensing system.
Background
Beverage dispensing systems are commonly used in beverage dispensing establishments (establishments ) for efficiently dispensing large quantities of beverages. Typically, carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draught beer and cider are dispensed using beverage dispensing systems. However, non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., soft beer, soft drinks) and non-carbonated beverages (e.g., wine and juices) may also be dispensed using the beverage dispensing system. Beverage dispensing systems are primarily intended for professional users (e.g. professional users in locations such as bars, restaurants and hotels), but are also increasingly intended for private users (e.g. private users in private homes).
Professional beverage dispensing systems typically dispense beverages provided in large beverage kegs. Such a beverage cartridge may hold, for example, 20 to 50 litres of beverage for a professional beverage dispensing system to allow typically 50 to 100 beverage dispensing operations before the beverage cartridge needs to be replaced. Typically, beverage kegs are made of a solid material, such as steel, and refilled several times. Between each filling, the beverage cartridge is carefully cleaned. Insufficient cleaning may result in unsanitary beverage cartridges and, in turn, health problems for beverage consumers. Although beverage cartridges for single use made of plastic (e.g. PET) exist, such beverage containers are not collapsible during operation. Nowadays, at least partly due to the above-mentioned hygiene (problem) considerations, beverage cartridges are made collapsible and are only disposable.
Such beverage dispensing systems using collapsible beverage cartridges may mount or place the beverage cartridge in a pressure chamber. Thus, although it is necessary to use CO2Pressurising conventional steel barrels, e.g. by CO connected to the barrel during distribution2Cartridge (CO)2-a cartridge) toPressurized, but disposable beverage systems (e.g. applicant's DraaughtMaster)TM) Air from a pressure source (e.g. an air compressor) is used to push the beer out and collapse the keg, which means that nothing comes into contact with the beer from the time it leaves the brewery until it enters a beverage receiver (beverage container) such as a beer glass. Thus, when dispensing english beer such as malt (ales) and black beer (stouts), the beverage stored in such collapsible beverage containers is pre-carbonated (pre-carbonated) or pre-mixed with nitrogen. When dispensing a beverage, a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, is allowed into the pressure chamber, causing the beverage cartridge to collapse as the beverage is dispensed. The volume of the beverage cartridge is reduced corresponding to the amount of beverage dispensed. The collapsible beverage keg is preferably made of a flexible and disposable material such as plastic.
When a dispensing operation is performed, the applied pressure causes the beverage to flow out of the collapsible beverage container and into a tapping line. The tap line leads to a tap device comprising a tap with a beverage dispensing control device, e.g. a tap handle, and a nozzle (spout) for dispensing beverage into the beverage receptacle. The tap also typically includes a tapping handle for allowing an operator to control the tapping valve and thus the beverage dispensing operation. An operator, such as a wine saver or ladies' dispenser, uses a tap handle to control the dispensing of the beverage. Typically, the tap is part of a container (font) mounted in a bar counter.
In many cases, it may be difficult to determine the flow rate of the beverage through the dispensing device and the volume of beverage remaining in the beverage container. It is desirable to avoid the use of measuring devices that come into contact with the beverage, as these devices must be disposable or must be cleaned periodically. It is also desirable to be able to determine the volume of beverage remaining in the collapsible beverage container using a simple means.
It is also desirable to be able to obtain certainty about the origin (origin) of a single-use and collapsible beverage container to ensure quality by avoiding the use of beverage containers from an undesired origin (source).
In the 21 st century, it has become increasingly popular to create and store various forms of digital data. Digital data can be entered and extracted today not only in the field of computing technology, but also in everyday matters, such as shopping, driving and operating certain household devices.
To date, in the raw beverage (fresh beverage) system, this development (maintenance) has been limited; however, digital technology may also be used in raw beverage systems to simplify operation, avoid human error and improve quality control and cleaning of tap lines, such as disclosed in co-pending (co-pending) european patent application 17198816.5. In particular, such development has not been found in single use and collapsible beverage containers.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a technique for enabling the measurement of the flow rate of beverage through a dispensing device and the amount of beverage remaining in a beverage container.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique for quickly identifying and correcting any misalignment (alignment) of a given characteristic or parameter in a beverage in a dispensing device relative to the desired level of such characteristic or parameter.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a technique for quickly identifying the source of a single-use collapsible beverage container.
In the following paragraphs, related prior art is presented:
US 8,677,721B 1 relates to a device for marking PET containers and an inspection apparatus which inspects the containers for the presence of a mark thereon.
WO 2012/097403 a1 relates to a formula dispensing unit. The optical sensor is used for detecting the bottle according to the material of the bottle.
US 2011/0259776 a1 relates to a packaging bag with RFID functionality.
WO 2010/075918 a1 relates to a method of testing bottles by means of a photosensor system for (testing) the integrity of the original safety ring.
WO 2006/066787 a1 relates to a container with a transponder.
US 4827426 a relates to a data acquisition and processing system for a post-mix beverage dispenser.
US 4800492 a relates to a data logger (logger) for a post-mix beverage dispensing system in a fast food restaurant.
US 2017/0096322 a1 and WO 2016/168220 a1 both relate to a system for dispensing wine in barrels having in combination: integrated temperature control; monitoring the pressure; automatic clearing (purming); and integrated point of sale data collection for determining inventory usage statistics for each barrel of wine dispensed.
US 2014/0368318 a1 relates to a system for monitoring the dispensing of a disinfectant having an expiration date (expiration). The system uses containers and a reader of the system can read an identifier (identifier) associated with the container. RFID is mentioned.
US 2017/099981 a1 relates to a machine comprising 24/7 a family of (a family) intelligent coffee dispensing machines connected to the cloud.
US 2016/194192 relates to a coupling between a dispenser and at least one housing of a plurality of containers. It mentions a wireless communication system for exchanging data between the housing and the dispenser.
WO 2009/064844 a2 relates to a beverage dispensing system for self-serve beverage dispensing which is capable of providing real-time feedback to a consumer regarding the level of consumption of a beverage.
WO 2012/102759 a1(CN103429500A) relates to an integrated circuit mounted on a container or opening mechanism to determine the sealing state of the container.
WO 2015/066594 a1 relates to a supply chain system for monitoring the liquid level in a conventional steel ladle. Embodiments include sensors mounted within the false bottom of the bucket, measuring the weight of the bucket, and transmitting the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device having information about characteristics of the liquid in the barrel. Multiple containers in close proximity may each contain an RFID device and sensor and communicate their respective information to a database.
WO 2012/010659 relates to volumetric measurement of draught beer content in a keg and discloses a measuring device in the form of an electronic sensor or a pressure switch which measures the pressure inside a collapsible beverage container or the beverage inside a collapsible beverage container. The base part or the cover comprises electronic sensor means in the form of a control unit for reading information from the above-mentioned measuring means. However, this document does not describe providing the measuring means in the form of a digital identifier (e.g. an RFID tag) in the collapsible beverage container.
US 2017/291808 relates to a beverage dispensing system wherein the beverage is wine and the beverage dispensing system comprises a can (canister) containing a collapsible beverage container. An identifier (e.g., an RFID tag) is provided in the can to identify the amount of beverage (wine) in the can. Scanning or reading means for detecting said identifier are also provided in the dispensing system. However, this document also does not describe providing a digital identifier (e.g. an RFID tag) in the collapsible beverage container itself.
Disclosure of Invention
A first aspect of the invention relates to a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a beverage stored in a collapsible beverage container defining a beverage filling space, a gas-filled headspace (head space) and a beverage outlet communicating with the beverage filling space for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space. In a first embodiment, the beverage dispensing system comprises:
-a base portion adapted to mate with a beverage container connector for connecting to the beverage outlet of the collapsible beverage container;
-tapping means comprising one or more taps for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space;
-a tapping line extending from the beverage container connector to the tapping device, the tapping line comprising one or more beverage lines (beverage lines); and
-a lid connectable to the base portion, the lid and the base portion defining a sealed interior space for receiving and enclosing the collapsible beverage container.
A pressure source may also be provided in fluid communication with the interior space for pressurizing the interior space to apply a force to the collapsible beverage container to collapse the collapsible beverage container and force the beverage from the beverage filling space through a tapping line and out through a tapping device.
In one embodiment, the collapsible beverage container comprises measuring means for at least retrieving (retrieving) information about the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container. Accordingly, the base portion and/or the lid may comprise electronic sensor means for reading information from said measuring means, thereby establishing digital data representing said information about said beverage and/or said collapsible beverage container.
In a preferred embodiment, the measuring means is in the form of a digital sensor/identification tag, e.g. a wireless electronic device, preferably an RFID/NFC-tag. The measuring means may also be in the form of a visible identifier, such as a bar code, or a combination thereof.
Thus, information regarding characteristics or parameters of the beverage and/or collapsible beverage container, including the content of the beverage in the collapsible beverage container, may be measured and thereby identified. The information obtained from the measuring means is then stored, read and optionally processed by electronic sensor means, preferably digital sensor means, comprised in the base part and/or the cover.
The type of beverage may be stored or identified for use in a database of other information relating to the beverage, such as whether the beverage is beer, a particular beer type, soda or other beverage, the name of the beverage, and other information relating to the user or customer (e.g., date and/or place of production, alcohol percentage (if applicable), etc.). The information may then be automatically displayed, for example at the tap. The beverage container information may also relate to the volume of the container. This will allow the beverage dispensing system to know the initial volume of the (in) container in order to deduce the remaining volume by flow measurement. In particular, an RFID/NFC tag or barcode may store some or all of this information in a convenient manner.
The collapsible beverage container is preferably a single use collapsible beverage container. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "single-use collapsible beverage container" or "single-use collapsible keg" are used interchangeably. Suitably, the collapsible beverage container may be blow moulded and preferably has a volume of between 5 and 50 litres, the volume being constituted by a beverage filling space defined by the beverage and a gas filled headspace (typically of carbon dioxide). The collapsible beverage container comprises a beverage outlet which is closed during transport and handling. Instead of using a plastic material such as PET, the collapsible pail may use a multi-layer foil.
Due to the large investments associated with such steel kegs, the use of known digital techniques (e.g. the use of RFID tags) is used for steel kegs. These steel kegs are reusable, and therefore they need to be properly cleaned, transported and, of course, reused, thereby giving rise to, among other things, the need to control their fall. However, it has been found by the present invention that beverage systems comprising single use collapsible kegs may be provided with measuring means (e.g. RFID tags) even if the keg is discarded after use (i.e. after the beverage has been dispensed). Thus, a significant unnecessary cost and operation burden are added, which however enables the connector (beverage container connector) and the disposable collapsible bucket to be fitted together, among other things. This ensures that the buckets are of the required quality, not just from unreliable sources, which is very important, not just for safety reasons. The RFID tag will recognize that the connector and the barrel can be assembled together; if not, the beverage system is shut down, for example, by not providing the pressure required for dispensing the beverage. Thus, in another embodiment, the presently disclosed systems and methods may be configured such that the data read from the identification must be in a particular format and/or must contain a predefined security code, and/or the production data for the beer must not be too old, e.g., less than one month, two months, three months, or six months, or else cannot be tapped from a particular keg and/or the entire system (e.g., by blocking a valve or not providing the required pressure, etc.), thereby ensuring a consistent high quality beverage.
When mounting a beverage container like the draughtgaster of the applicantTMSuch beverage dispensing systems, it is common to orient the beverage container in a predetermined position, such as an "upside down" position, i.e. with the beverage outlet oriented in a downward direction, and thus with the headspace oriented in an upward direction. The base part is typically rigid and adapted to support the weight of the beverage container, and the beverage container connector forms a liquid tight connection between the beverage outlet and the tapping line.
The tap comprises at least one tap valve controlled by beverage dispensing control means, such as a push button or preferably a tap handle. A user wishing to dispense a beverage, for example, moves the handle from the vertical position to the horizontal position, thereby operating and opening the valve to allow a flow of beverage or vapor (steam) from the beverage filling space to the tap via the tap line.
The lid can be connected to the base part in a liquid-tight manner so that a gastight (hermetical) inner space can be formed, which inner space has a suitable volume for enclosing the beverage container.
The base portion is made of a rigid material to support the collapsible beverage container. In the context of the present patent application, a rigid material is to be understood as being capable of supporting the weight of a beverage without bulging (bulking). When the tapping valve is opened due to the tapping handle being moved from its initial vertical (closed) position, pressure is applied to the collapsible beverage container in order to apply dispensing pressure to force beverage from the beverage filling volume via the dispensing line to the dispensing head. The pressure should be large enough to overcome the crumpling pressure of the collapsible beverage container (crumpling pressure) plus the gas pressure of the brewed beverage (breway), i.e. the pressure needed to collapse the beverage container, and also to overcome the pressure loss in the dispensing line, e.g. for lifting the beverage from a cellar (cellar) located below the bar. Finally, to allow a suitable flow rate, a certain pressure needs to be (applied) at the tap, however, too much flow or too little pressure may result in undesirable foaming.
The term "measurement device" refers to one or more measurement devices.
The measuring device is in the form of an analog sensor, a digital sensor, or a combination thereof. An analog sensor (such as a sensor that acquires pressure information within the sealed interior space) may then convert the acquired information into digital information, such as a digital signal. The measuring device may also be a digital sensor. Combinations of these, i.e. multiple measuring devices, are also possible; as will be apparent from the following examples and the accompanying drawings, one measuring device may be included in the lid, another measuring device may be included in the collapsible beverage container, and a third measuring device may be included in the tapping line.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the measuring means is in the form of a digital sensor, wherein the digital sensor is a wireless electronic device, preferably an RFID identifier (radio frequency identification tag) or an NFC identifier, or the measuring means is in the form of a visual identifier (e.g. a barcode), or a combination thereof. As used herein, the term "visual identifier" means that the identifier can be optically recognized, for example, by a scanner. The RFID tag and the NFC tag are adapted to at least obtain information of what type or brand of beer contained in the collapsible beverage container, for example. The term "acquiring at least information" means that not only information can be acquired, but also information can be stored and optionally processed. As used herein, the term "acquiring" refers to receiving. In particular, the NFC tag and the RFID tag (also referred to as RFID chip) may acquire (i.e., receive), store and process information, in particular store and process information, such as information for transmitting beverages and/or collapsible beverage containers herein. As is well known in the art, RFID enables items to be uniquely identified using radio waves. An NFC/RFID system includes a reader and a tag. The reader sends a radio frequency signal through the antenna to the tag, which responds with its unique information.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the digital sensor device for reading the information from the measuring device is an RFID reader, a barcode reader or a combination thereof. Preferably, said digital sensor means for reading said information from said measuring means is an RFID reader.
In a particular embodiment of the first aspect, the beverage container comprises a digital identifier, e.g. an NFC/RFID tag, which is readable by an NFC/RFID sensor in the pressure chamber or any other suitable location in the beverage dispensing system. The pressure chamber includes a lid and a base portion.
Suitably, a measuring device may be provided for measuring the resonance frequency after a disturbance (perturbation) of the pressure chamber or collapsible beverage container, thus enabling (obtaining) useful information about the state of the pressure chamber and the keg itself, thereby improving the safety of the beverage dispensing system. As used herein, a pressure chamber includes a lid. Suitably, there is also provided a measurement device for measuring the flow of gas in a pressure shell.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the collapsible beverage container comprises a closure (closure) adapted to mate with the beverage container connector, wherein an identification tag (e.g. an NFC tag or an RFID tag) is mounted on an edge of the closure, a sealing portion (sealing) of the closure or inside the closure, and optionally an NFC/RFID reader is mounted on a base portion adjacent to the closure. By "inside the closure" is meant at the inner surface of the closure, so that the identification tag is mounted in a less visible position. Accordingly, the present disclosure also relates to a (preferably disposable) collapsible beverage container for use in the presently disclosed beverage dispensing system, said collapsible beverage container comprising a closure and an identification tag (e.g. NFC/RFID tag and/or barcode). The closure is preferably configured to mate and/or engage with the beverage container connectors disclosed herein. The ID tag may be mounted on the edge of the closure, the seal of the closure or inside the closure. One or more visible bar codes may be printed or attached on the rim, closure, and/or body of the collapsible beverage container.
Another embodiment relates to a collapsible beverage container for use in the presently disclosed beverage dispensing system, the collapsible beverage container comprising a collapsible body and a closure having a beverage outlet configured for engagement with a beverage container connector of the beverage dispensing system, the collapsible beverage container further comprising at least one identification tag mounted on an edge of the closure, a seal of the closure or inside the closure, and/or on the body of the container, the identification tag being readable by a corresponding reader in the beverage dispensing system. As described above, the identification tag may be a radio frequency identification tag (e.g., RFID/NFC), a visible/optical tag (e.g., barcode), or a combination thereof. The identification tag may include identification information for uniquely identifying the container. The identification tag may further comprise information selected from the group consisting of: type of beverage, producer of the beverage, source of the beverage, date of production of the beverage, location of production of the beverage and shipment date of the beverage. Also, the identification tag may further include at least one of one or more predefined codes for approval by the beverage dispensing system.
The present disclosure also relates to the beverage dispensing system of the present disclosure and the kit of parts of the collapsible beverage container of the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing system may be configured such that a beverage may be tapped from the collapsible beverage container only if a predetermined match is achieved between the ID tag of the container and an ID reader of the beverage dispensing system.
As described above and explained further below, providing identification tags enables identification of buckets and improves inventory management. The ID tag may be installed prior to filling the single use collapsible bucket for centralized tagging after filling, writing a production tag to the tag and/or associating the ID from the tag with all information in a database or data recording system. Inventory management is improved because each collapsible bucket has a unique ID, i.e., an identification of what it produced, when and where it produced, and when it was shipped, to whom it was shipped, when it was emptied or opened, etc. Furthermore, every service event (servicing event) on the system can be logged into a specific tag, and an unknown tag can be identified and rejected if necessary. The beverage dispensing system according to this embodiment optionally comprises an RFID reader, for example a high frequency RFID reader such as an NFC (near field communication) reader, preferably mounted on the base portion adjacent the closure.
In this embodiment, the term "adjacent" means that an RFID reader (e.g., an NFC reader) is mounted on the exterior of the base portion at a non-contact distance of the closure of the collapsible beverage container. When pressure is applied and the pressure is higher than 2 bar, the tag reader is activated (active) and starts the reading process of the ID tag mounted on the edge or sealing portion of the closure. The record (record) includes an ID and a timestamp of the data about when this occurred and is communicated to the data recording system to retrieve and store the data. When the pressure is released, i.e. lowered to e.g. below 2 bar, the ID reader is reactivated and a new time stamp is created for the collapsible beverage container. This embodiment is particularly suitable when a modular system is used, i.e. a plurality of collapsible beverage containers sharing one common tapping line.
The presently disclosed method enables any misalignment of a given characteristic or parameter in a beverage dispensing system to be quickly identified and corrected. For example, if equipment of the beverage dispensing system in the bar fails, a technician remote from the bar will immediately recognize the problem and may therefore arrive within minutes to repair the failure, thereby significantly reducing any downtime. As a specific example, if the beer temperature decreases, the technician may immediately recognize and quickly arrive at the bar, check and repair the cooling device of the beverage dispensing system to bring the beer temperature to the desired level. The invention thus enables the use of stored information not only inside a drinking place, such as a bar, but also outside the drinking place.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, downstream of the beverage connector and at the tapping deviceAnd further comprises a measuring device in the form of a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a cooling line extending adjacent (running) the tapping line and mounted on the cooling device. Thus, a temperature sensor is attached (affix) to the cooling device for obtaining the flow temperature of the cooling tube for measuring the temperature at the cooling device. In the case of cooling of the tap line by means of a separate cooling line extending adjacent to such a tap line (so-called "wet python") ", this enables a suitable drinking temperature (service temperature). In the case of beer, the beverage is suitably at a drinkable temperature of from 3 ℃ to 6 ℃. The proper drinking temperature (T)serv) It can be calculated from the average of the temperature of the cooling line at the point of exit from the cooling device (T1 in C.) and its point of entry into the cooling device on return (T2 in C.), i.e.Tserv(T1+ T2)/2. The temperature T1 is suitably 3 ℃ or 4 ℃ and since T2 is usually higher than T1, it may be immediately detected as an error message if T1 is higher than 6 ℃, indicating the status of the cooling device and the tapping line, where in particular the cooling device may not work properly. Measuring device(s) for measuring the temperature of the tap line in the form of temperature sensors may also be mounted on the cooling device. Suitably, the measuring means are adapted to tap a particular beverage line in the line.
In another embodiment of the first aspect, a cooling device for cooling the tapping line is adapted downstream of the beverage connector and upstream of the tapping device, wherein the tapping line comprises a measuring device in the form of a temperature sensor and the measuring device is mounted in the tapping line in close proximity to the tapping device. By "close proximity" is meant that the measuring means is mounted within the last 30%, preferably within the last 20%, more preferably within the last 10% of the length of the tapping line measured from the cooling device up to the tap of the tapping means, i.e. up to the beverage control device, e.g. the tapping handle. This enables a suitable drinking temperature to be achieved without the need for cooling of the beverage line using a cooling duct extending adjacent to the beverage line (so-called "dry python"). Where a carrier is provided, the sensor may be located inside the carrier, i.e. in the vertical part of the carrier, or upstream of the carrier, just before the tapping line enters the carrier below the bar.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the tapping line comprises a plurality of beverage lines, preferably two to five beverage lines, more preferably three beverage lines, each beverage line corresponding to a specific beverage type and being adapted to cooperate with a tap of the tapping means, each tap corresponding to said beverage type, and wherein said beverage lines comprise measuring means in the form of a flow sensor, a temperature sensor or a combined flow and temperature sensor. A combined flow and temperature sensor is preferred. Suitably, the sensor is in the form of a black box, such as a "clamp on" black box, operated by the ultrasonic measuring system and comprising a slot for insertion of a beverage line, such as a beer tube, so as to be contactless with the beverage. The combined flow and temperature sensor is preferably adapted not only for mounting beverage lines (e.g. beer tubes) but also for cooling lines (i.e. cooling tubes).
The combined temperature and flow sensor enables a continuous and accurate measurement of the volumetric flow of the beverage when beer is dispensed from the tap. Thus, the amount of pour is measured each time a beverage is dispensed (i.e., poured), with an accuracy (accuracuracy) of about 10ml per pour (pouring). At the same time, the temperature of the beverage may have an accuracy of about 0.5 ℃, so that immediate information about the beverage to be dispensed can be presented. Furthermore, a time stamp providing information about the event (e.g. when a given amount of beverage is dispensed) is also possible.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the base part comprises weighing means, preferably digital weighing means, for continuously weighing the beverage container during dispensing and establishing digital data representing the weight of the beverage container and the beverage flow through the tap as deduced from the weight. By continuously weighing the beverage container during dispensing, the loss of weight can be considered to correspond to the flow rate of the beverage. Where the initial volume of beverage is known, or alternatively where the weight of the container without beverage is known, a standard algorithm can be used to infer the amount of beverage remaining in the beverage container. Thus, a simple and direct way of measuring the beverage flow is provided without having to resort to expensive means for detecting the level of beverage in the collapsible container.
Digital techniques are preferred because data processing is much easier. Dynamic consumer feedback can be obtained by dynamically observing the contents of the collapsible beverage container (collapsible keg) to constantly notify staff and managers of the drinking location. For example, a keg in a beverage dispensing system comprising a plurality of collapsible kegs may provide information to staff or brewers and managers about a first keg having a certain type of beer a and how much beverage is filled in that keg, e.g. in the case of beer, the beer type a keg is filled with 60%. At the same time, information is also provided about a second keg, which may have another beer type B and which is filled with 80%, and about a third keg, which has a third beer type C and which is filled with 10%. Such information is suitably represented as:
beer A, 60%
Beer B, 80%
Beer C, 10%
The (information) may be displayed via a wireless connection (e.g., a bluetooth or WiFi connection with a tablet or smartphone or similar device). When the beer in the keg reaches the defined low volume, then the beer can be automatically re-ordered from the supplier.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the beverage dispensing system comprises: a first pressure sensor for continuously measuring a first pressure within the interior space during dispensing; a second pressure sensor for continuously measuring a second pressure at the tap during dispensing; and a digital processing unit for establishing digital data representing a beverage flow rate from the beverage filling space through the tapping device as derived by the first pressure and the second pressure.
This embodiment may further comprise a third pressure sensor for continuously measuring the pressure inside said beverage container. For example, the pressure sensor may be adapted to measure the pressure at the tapping line at the outlet of the collapsible beverage container. The pressure difference between the pressure and the pressure within the interior space may be tracked. Due to the height of the beverage in the collapsible beverage container, the pressure at the bottom will be higher when there is still beverage to be dispensed in the collapsible beverage container.
The pressure difference between the inner space and the tap or the pressure difference between the beverage container and the interior of the tap corresponds to the driving pressure forcing the beverage to flow from the beverage container to the tap. The correction may be made taking into account the crumpling pressure of the beverage container. Using the Bernoulli (Bernoulli) principle, the flow of the beverage can be inferred. By using both principles, i.e. pressure sensor and weighing device, more accurate results can be established.
In one embodiment, any of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor. Piezoelectric sensors form compact and accurate pressure sensors.
According to an embodiment, the invention also comprises the beverage dispensing system of the first aspect, wherein the tap comprises beverage dispensing control means and a nozzle for dispensing beverage into a beverage receptacle, wherein the tap is part of a beverage container mounted in a bar counter defining an operator side and a customer side opposite to the operator side, the beverage dispensing system further comprising measuring means in the form of a non-contact measuring means integrated in the beverage container and adapted to detect a parameter or characteristic of the beverage receptacle, such as temperature. A non-contact measuring device refers to a measuring device that is located at a large distance from the object to be measured and therefore does not contact the object. The distance is from 5cm to 200cm, for example from 5cm to 100cm or from 10cm to 30 cm.
In one embodiment, the non-contact measuring device is a digital sensor in the form of an infrared sensor (IR). An infrared sensor integrated in the receptacle transmits a signal or light beam (beam) onto the object to be tested, which is in particular a beverage receptacle, for example a beverage cup. This enables reading of the spot-surface temperature of the beverage receptacle. Furthermore, if the acceptable range of 3-6 ℃ is exceeded when using a beer glass, a visual indication on the container can be provided to visualize the reading.
According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the beverage dispensing system comprises a data logging system for receiving and storing digital data. The received data on the beverage flow rate and/or the residual volume and other information of the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container may be stored in a data logging system in order to optimize the beverage dispensing system with respect to dispensing pressure, beverage, etc. Furthermore, these data may be used to establish statistics about beverage consumption.
The cap is preferably flexible and made of an elastic material, such as rubber, or alternatively, it is flexible and made of a non-elastic flexible material, such as plastic. Flexible in the context of the present patent application is understood to mean that it is made of a material which will deform when a force is applied to the material, which will yield and conform to the applied force without breaking.
Most non-rigid materials can be used as the flexible cover. The lid must be liquid-tight but not resistant to any great extent to pressure and must therefore deform in accordance with the pressure applied. Both elastic materials (e.g. rubber) and non-elastic flexible materials (e.g. plastic) are feasible. Thus, the lid may conform to the shape of the beverage container during dispensing.
The beverage dispensing system further comprises a pressure source, such as a compressor (e.g., an air compressor), in fluid communication with the interior space for pressurizing the interior space to apply a force to the collapsible beverage container to collapse the collapsible beverage container and force the beverage from the beverage filling space through a tapping line and out through a tapping means.
The beverage dispensing system may also include a plurality of base portions and a plurality of lids connectable to the base portions. Thus, the beverage dispensing system may be expanded to include an assembly of a plurality of base portions and a plurality of lids. The individual beverage container connectors of the base portion may be interconnected by a common tap line to form a series-connected assembly of collapsible beverage containers; in other words as a modular system.
In one embodiment, the beverage from the beverage filling space of the collapsible beverage container, which is preferably made of a polymer material (e.g. plastic), is pre-carbonated or pre-mixed beer with nitrogen.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a beverage stored in a collapsible beverage container defining a beverage filling space, a gas-filled headspace and a beverage outlet communicating with the beverage filling space for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space, the beverage dispensing system comprising:
a base portion adapted to mate with a beverage container connector to connect to the beverage outlet of the collapsible beverage container;
tapping means comprising one or more taps for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space;
a tapping line extending from the beverage container connector to the tapping fitting, the tapping line comprising one or more beverage lines; and
a lid connectable to the base portion, the lid and the base portion defining a sealed interior space for receiving and enclosing the collapsible beverage container;
wherein the tap comprises a beverage dispensing control means and a nozzle for dispensing beverage into a beverage receptacle;
wherein the tap is part of a beverage holder, the beverage holder being mounted in a bar counter, the bar counter defining an operator side and a customer side opposite the operator side; and
wherein a measuring device in the form of a non-contact measuring device is integrated in the beverage receptacle and is adapted to detect a parameter or characteristic (e.g. temperature) of the beverage receptacle.
A non-contact measuring device refers to a measuring device that is located at a large distance from the object to be measured and therefore does not contact the object. The distance is from 5cm to 200cm, for example from 5cm to 100cm or from 10cm to 30 cm.
In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the contactless measuring device is a digital sensor in the form of an infrared sensor (IR). An infrared sensor integrated in the receptacle transmits a signal or a light beam onto the object to be tested, which is in particular a beverage receptacle, for example a beverage cup. This enables reading of the point-surface temperature of the beverage receptacle. In addition, if the acceptable range of 3-6℃ is exceeded when using the beer mug, a visual indication on the receptacle can be provided to visualize the reading.
According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the beverage dispensing system comprises a data logging system for receiving and storing digital data. The received data about the temperature of the beverage may be stored in a data logging system in order to optimize the beverage dispensing system with respect to dispensing temperature, whether there is excessive foam in the beer (as this would translate into a lower beer temperature in the cup), etc.
The beverage dispensing system according to the second aspect may be used with one or more other embodiments of the beverage dispensing system according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above and further objects are achieved by a method of dispensing a beverage stored in a collapsible beverage container in a beverage dispensing system, the collapsible beverage container defining a beverage filling space, a gas-filled headspace and a beverage outlet communicating with the beverage filling space for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space, the method comprising:
providing a base portion comprising a beverage container connector for connecting to the beverage outlet of the collapsible beverage container;
providing tapping means comprising one or more taps for extracting the beverage from the beverage filling space;
providing a tapping line extending from the container connector to the tapping fitting, the tapping line comprising one or more beverage lines; and
providing a lid connectable to the base portion, the lid and the base portion defining an interior space for receiving the collapsible beverage container and receiving and enclosing the collapsible beverage container;
providing a pressure source in fluid communication with the interior space for pressurizing the interior space to apply a force to the collapsible beverage container to collapse the collapsible beverage container and force the beverage from the beverage filling space through a tapping line and out through a tapping fitting;
the method further comprises the following steps:
installing in the collapsible beverage container a measuring means for at least obtaining information about the beverage and/or the collapsible beverage container, wherein the measuring means is in the form of a digital sensor and the digital sensor is a wireless electronic device, preferably an NFC tag or an RFID tag, the measuring means is in the form of a visible identifier, such as a barcode, or a combination of both forms; and
electronic sensor means, preferably digital sensor means, are mounted in said base portion and/or said lid, which electronic sensor means are adapted to at least read said information from said measuring means, thereby establishing digital data representing said information about said beverage and/or said collapsible beverage container.
The method according to the third aspect may be used with one or more embodiments of the beverage dispensing system according to the first aspect.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a beverage dispensing system as a modular system including a collapsible beverage filling container and an RFID system.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the collapsible beverage container of fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a beverage dispensing system with a flexible pressure chamber including a beverage filling cartridge and a weight sensor and pressure sensor.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a tap line including a combined flow and temperature sensor.
Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a temperature sensor unit mounted on a cooling device.
Fig. 6 shows a temperature sensor unit mounted close to the tapping fitting.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system 10 having a pressure chamber including a lid 12 and a rigid base portion 14 sealed together to define an interior space or volume 16 including a filled single use collapsible beverage container 18. Beverage container 18 (also referred to as a keg) is of the collapsible type made of a collapsible polymeric material and is therefore referred to as a collapsible beverage container. The collapsible beverage container 18 defines a beverage filling space containing a beverage 20, typically a carbonated beverage such as beer. The beverage container 18 also defines a gas-filled headspace 22 at a top portion thereof, which is above the level of the beverage within the beverage container 18, as better shown in fig. 3.
The lid 12 and the rigid base portion 14 are separable, but in operation, they are sealed together to define an interior space 16 for receiving a beverage container 18. The cover 12 may be made of rubber, for example. The collapsible beverage container 18 includes a closure 24 adapted to mate with a beverage container connector 26 for connecting a beverage outlet (not shown) of the collapsible beverage container 18 with a
Closure 24 of collapsible beverage container 18 includes a digital sensor in the form of an RFID tag 50 for identifying different characteristics of beverage 20 and/or collapsible beverage container 18, such as the useful life of the collapsible beverage container and thus (identifying) the quality of the collapsible beverage container, the type of beer, the volume of beverage remaining, etc. Outside the bottom of the pressure chamber, i.e. in the base part, a digital sensor in the form of an RFID reader 48 is mounted. When pressure is applied and the pressure is above 2 bar, for example, the RFID reader 48 is activated and starts the reading process of the RFID tag 50. The ID and timestamp of the collapsible beverage container are recorded and communicated to a data recording system (not shown). When the pressure drops below 2 bar, the reader is reactivated and a new time stamp is created for the collapsible beverage container.
Fig. 2 shows an enlarged front view of a bottom portion of collapsible beverage container 18 including closure 24 with RFID tag 50 incorporated therein. The RFID tag 50 is mounted on the edge of the closure 24. An RFID tag may also be mounted (fitted) in the seal of the closure 24. The RFID tag 50 may also be mounted inside the closure 24.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a beverage dispensing system 10' comprising a single collapsible beverage container, a tapping
The base portion 14 is also connected to a pressure source, such as an air compressor 58. The compressor 58 is capable of pressurizing the sealed interior volume 16 between the beverage container 18 and the pressure chamber comprising the lid 12 and the base portion 14. When the tapping means 28 enables the flow of beverage, the pressure exerted on the beverage container 18 will cause it to gradually collapse as beverage is forced out of the beverage container 18 and towards the tapping means 28.
The beverage dispensing system 10' includes a weight sensor 52 and optionally a pressure sensor 54. A weight sensor 52 may be used in order to determine (establish) the volume of beverage remaining in the beverage container 18 and the flow rate of beverage through the tapping
The weight sensor 52 derives the volume of beverage remaining and the flow rate of beverage through the tapping
The pressure sensor 52 measures the pressure at the junction between the
The RFID tag 50 may thus include information about the volume of the beverage (e.g., in liters), the weight of the beverage container, and/or the density of the beverage. The RFID tag 50 may also include information about the type of beverage (e.g., beer), which beer (e.g., malt, lager, etc.), and the specification of the beverage (e.g., alcohol content). This will enable automatic processing of the information. This information may be stored locally or transmitted to a data recording system at a central data storage location (e.g., at a brewery plant). The flow rate of the beverage and the volume of the beverage remaining may also be stored together with the time and date to enable statistical data to be generated for optimizing the supply of the beverage from the brewery.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the
Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a particular embodiment of a part of a beverage dispensing system, wherein a
Fig. 6 shows a temperature sensor 62(62 ', 62 "') installed in the tap line in close proximity to the
Reference numerals:
10. beverage dispensing system
12. Flexible cover
14. Base part
16. Inner space
18. Collapsible beverage container
20. Beverage and its preparing process
22. Head space
24. Closure member
26. Connector with a locking member
28. Tapping pipeline
30. Cooling device
32. Beverage line
34. Tapping device
36. Tap joint
38. Tapping handle
40. Beverage receiver (cup)
42. Container for liquid
44. Bar counter
46. Infrared sensor
RFID reader 48
RFID tag 50
52. Weight sensor
54. Pressure sensor
56. Pressure sensor
58. Compressor with a compressor housing having a plurality of compressor blades
60. Combined flow and temperature sensor
62. Temperature sensor
64. Cooling line
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