DE3220685A1 - TAP DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dispensing device for tapping a liquid, such as beer, into a Drinking container.

Known liquid dispensing devices are mostly operated manually, with the waiter de.n Füllyorgang observed visually. while operating the tap. This mode of operation is time consuming. In particular in the case of beverages, such as strong beer, which develop a substantial head of foam when filled, the filling process is normally carried out in two or more processes, which are followed by corresponding waiting periods are divided, during which the foam head sets, which is even more time-consuming.

Known automatic or semi-automatic dispensing devices usually give a predetermined volume of beverage and are therefore bad for filling containers of different capacities or for refilling suitable for drinking containers. This limits their usability, because once they are foam-free or only

Dsulsche Bank (Munich) KIo. 51/61070

Dresdner Bank (Munich) KIo. 3939844

Posischeck (Munich) KIo. 670-43-804

DE 2189

low-foam beverages and, on the other hand, for a given volume setting Drinking containers with only a certain capacity are limited.

The invention aims to remedy these disadvantages.

It is known that drinking containers, in particular beer glasses and the like, have different standard volumes have, often made with different average diameters at a standard height. If such containers are filled to the specified capacity and placed side by side on a surface, their liquid levels lie essentially in a horizontal plane.

The object of the invention is to create a dispensing device with which a drinking container regardless of the average diameter of the container to a predetermined Liquid level can be filled.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a Device which emits a beam of radiation into the mouth of the container onto the surface of the liquid located therein, and by means of a device for determining the radiation reflected from the liquid surface and for automatic Responding to a predetermined intensity of the determined radiation to interrupt the flow of liquid, the vertical distance between the Radiation-detecting device and the container is such that the predetermined intensity of the determined Radiation corresponds to the desired liquid level in the container.

«Β

DE 2189,

Preferably the feeder comprises one with one Storage tank for the liquid connected line, which has a shut-off valve. Appropriately if the shut-off valve is actuated by a solenoid, so that this is a valve generally referred to as a solenoid valve. The shut-off valve can be opened by the above device for generating a liquid flow and through the Above specified device for interrupting the flow of liquid are closed.

The device which determines the radiation and interrupts the flow of liquid is preferably with regard to the sensitivity of the detected radiation adjustable so that the device initially by means of a correctly filled drinking container is adjustable, which is suitably placed in position, this Container the specified intensity of the reflected Radiation determined.

The device interrupting the flow of liquid is preferably designed in such a way that the flow of liquid is generated again if the liquid level in the case of a settable, so for example foamable liquid drops below the specified liquid level. Appropriately is a Device for delaying such a start-up incorporated in the circuit in order to reduce the number of refills to reduce the amount of strong beer required for filling, for example are.

The device generating the liquid flow is expediently automatically activated by a first switch switched on, which is normally biased in an off (open) position and in

32206 ^ 5.

DE 2189

a (closed) position that generates the flow of liquid can be brought into being by a drinking container is brought into the filling position. A microswitch that can be actuated by pressing is suitable for this purpose.

In such a case, the device interrupting the flow of liquid can expediently be a second device Have switch which is normally closed and is in series with the first switch. The second switch can be actuated by a relay, which is activated by a signal from the radiation determining device is switched. Can be used to refill a drinking container up to the level the second switch will repeatedly close and open until the specified liquid level over a period of time which is longer than the time delay given above is retained.

The means for receiving the container comprises expediently a height-adjustable support, which is arranged below the facilities with which the Joining takes place, the beam directed and the radiation is determined. As a result, the device can accommodate drinking containers whose heights differ significantly.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. Show in it

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device for optionally filling two drinking containers,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device from below shown in Fig. 1, ·

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the device in Fig. 1,

"3220S8. & '

-S-

DE 2189

Fig. 4 is a simplified plan view of the device shown in Fig. 1 with the cover removed,

5 shows a detail of the filling nozzles and the reflex sensors of the device in FIG. 1 in a front view as

Fig. 6 is a simplified combined block and circuit diagram of the main circuit of the in Fig. 1 shown device.

The device shown in the drawings for filling a drinking container comprises a housing 1, which by a pair of clamps 2 is detachably attachable to a counter 16, so that a side B to the waiter and one side C faces the guest. A container receptacle 3 is attached to the housing 1 and has a height adjustment device 4 (Fig. 3) and a drain device with a removable perforated plate 5 and a sequence 6 has. Behind the housing 1, a line step-down transformer 7 is arranged, which for the Supply of the device provides a 24 volt alternating voltage. The upper part of the housing 1 forms a Box 8, which surrounds most of the mechanical and electrical components and is closed at the top by a cover 9 which, like the container receptacle 3, has a drainage device with a removable perforated platform 10 and a sequence 11 (Fig. 3). The drain 6 and 11 have downwardly directed pins which plastic hoses (e.g. hose 12) can be connected, which lead to a container for receiving spilled liquid. Filled drinking containers can be placed temporarily on the platform 10 so that the containers drain before serving can if necessary.

DE 2189

The housing box 8 'has an inclined Front panel 13, in which a double-pole on / off switch 14 for the 24 volt AC voltage as well a pair of identical manually operated 3-position lever switches 15 are arranged, the purpose of which follows will be described. The 3 layers are an upward position 15a for the manual filling process, a position 15b for automatic filling and an intermediate neutral or open switch position 15c.

The housing box 8 has a downwardly facing plate 17 which overhangs with respect to the container receptacle and ' in which a pair of filling units are arranged. Each filling unit includes a liquid dispensing nozzle 18 and a reflex probe head 19. The nozzle 18 is through a plastic tube 20 with a corresponding one Shut-off valve 21, which is actuated by a solenoid, connected, at the inlet of which another Plastic hose 22 is connected to the beer under pressure from a container, not shown to feed. Each shut-off valve 21 is assigned a corresponding control module 23, which is a manually adjustable one Boost switch and a time delay switch, these switches not shown are. Each shut-off valve 21 is actuated by a corresponding solenoid 24.

The plate 17 also carries indicator lights 25, 25a and one push-button switch normally in the open position 26 for operating the indicator lights. Another plate 27 forms a support for the Receptacle 3 and carries a pair of normally open microswitches 28 which are arranged so that they through the placing of a drinking container 29 on the receptacle 3 in'die correct filling position can be closed. A guided tour that has not been drawn can be on

ww <*. U
»* * DE 21st 3220685 89 - 10 -

the plate 27 arranged or provided in the perforated plate 5 to ensure the correct erection of the To facilitate drinking container.

The reflex probe head 19 comprises an element 30 which emits an infrared light beam, as well as a detector element 31, which under the same, however is arranged opposite angle to the vertical, in order to achieve maximum detection of the essentially horizontal reflection surface, such as one on a beer 33. in the drinking container 29 (Fig. 5 and 6) floating head of foam 32, emitted radiation to enable.

In particular from Fig. G, in which the same reference numerals are used for the same components, 'is a common one 3-pin plug 34 with an indicator lamp 35 for connecting to the mains and a 13 amp fuse 36 can be seen which feeds the step-down transformer 7 mains current in the operating position. The main switch 14, which is fed from the secondary circuit of the transformer at 24 volts AC voltage, energized in closed Position the device. The switched-on state can be checked by pressing the push button switch 2.6 , whereby the indicator lamp 25a lights up to indicate "Power On". The switch 26 is actuated also the indicator lights 25 to ensure the continuity of the solenoid circuits to consider. The current is conducted via the line 37 to the lever switch 15, which is normally is left in its neutral position 15c before the start. The switch 15 can be moved to its position 15a for the manual filling process, whereby electricity is immediate fed to the solenoid 24 via the line 38, the shut-off valve 21 opened and beer through the hose 20 and the nozzle 18 is tapped into the container 29. This allows conventional manual beer tapping,

DE 2189

which is ended by the lever switch 15 back is moved into its neutral position 15c.

For the automatic operation, the lever switch is brought into the automatic filling position 15b, whereby electricity via line 39 to microswitch 28 (the first Switch) is performed, which is closed by placing a glass on the plate 5 to the Circuit via line 41 to control module 23 (protected by a suitable fuse 40) and to the solenoid 24 via line 42, a normally closed switch 43 (the second switch) and the Line 45 to close, whereby the shut-off valve 21 is opened and the tapping of beer into the container 29 starts.

While the container 29 is being filled, the control module energizes 23 the infrared emitting element 30, causing a beam 46 of radiation down into the container 29 is judged. When the head 32 of the beer reaches the desired level in the container 29, the Intensity of the reflected radiation 47, which through the detector element 31 is received, high enough so that the through the detector element 31 to the control module 23 sent signal opens the second switch 43. In detail, the control module amplifies the signal from element 31 and leads the amplified signal to a relay or another servo control element, not shown, which opens the second switch 43 for energizing the solenoid 24, the shut-off valve 21 closes and the dispensing of beer into the container 29 ends.

Should the foam crown 32 settle, a time delay control not shown in the drawing will hold of the control module the second switch 43 in its

W - Ww
* «If DE 3220685 2189 - 12 -

Open position until a predetermined time interval has elapsed, whereupon the switch 43 is released returns to its normally closed position and beer dispensing to that described above Way conditional. When the foam head 32 has reached the desired level again, the reflex sensor acts 19 in the manner described above to the tapping process to interrupt a second time. These operations can be repeated in order to fill the container 29 to complete. The removal of the full container 29 from the Platte.5 and, as a result, the opening of the first one Switch 28 prevents a loss of beer in the interval until another drinking container is in position is brought.

The sensitivity of the reflex sensor is preferred and the control module adjustable for the detected radiation, which enables the beer level to be adjusted is at which the flow of beer is interrupted. This makes the initial "setting" easier or calibration of the device for the desired beer level as described above.

Suitable reflex sensor heads 19, which combined Units for generating radiation, for alignment too a ray, for determining the through the ray of a Surface reflected radiation and to generate a corresponding servo signals are commercially available (and are called "SYNATEL" by Synatel Instrumentation Ltd., Walsall Road, Norton Canes, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 3TB, England distributed, which also brings usable semiconductor control modules 23 on the market) .The control module contains a circuit for the supply of 'electrical Current to the radiation generator of the reflex sensor, for setting the sensitivity of the photoelectronic

DE 2189

tric component, for amplification and transmission of the servo signal received by this component and for the setting of the time delay specified above.

The above description with reference to Fig. 6 applies to the circuit, etc. for filling a container limited to a point in time and thus corresponds to one half of the device shown in FIGS. The latter device is suitable for filling two drinking containers at the same time, so that it is obvious that certain mechanical and circuitry elements described in connection with FIG. 6, such as the transformer, for the construction of the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is not required in double number will. A person skilled in the art can design a suitable and economical circuit for the device be made. In addition, devices with more than two are also within the scope of the invention Filling units.

The device described above can automatically beverages to a desired height with consistent accuracy Fill without wasting and in a hygienic manner while the operator, such as the bartender is freely available for other work. The device is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week available, which saves personnel and effort, especially when there are large crowds at certain times can. This is particularly interesting for smaller restaurants, where a single person does all the work got to. The device thus does justice to the difficulty of obtaining staff for inconvenient times of the day.

The mode of operation of the device is of the shape and the Structure of the drinking container independently and independently of the properties of the material of the container. Into the-

DE 2189

In particular, the device is not dependent on the light transmittance, the transmittance of infrared radiation and the color density of the material. This is due to the fact that the emitter and the sensor are above the drinking container are arranged and the jet is not affected by any part of the container itself in use.

Furthermore, the operating mode of the device is independent of the radiation transmission properties of the liquid to be drawn off. The level is precisely controlled regardless of the color density of the liquid, which can vary from translucent to matte black.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the device is that it keeps the liquid level in one Drinking container regardless of the physical condition or the properties of the liquid in the storage container or the feed line can control. The level is precisely controlled regardless of pressure and temperature of the liquid and regardless of the phase properties, such as the proportion of in the form of foam or the like. absorbed gases.

The device is not only limited to tapping beer, but also for tapping alcohol-free ones Suitable for beverages, such as tea, coffee, soup, hot water (for coffee), etc.

The invention is also not limited to the starting example described; for example need the electrical components are not necessarily housed in the box 8, but can also be removed from this be arranged and electrically connected to the sensor heads 19, which are on shafts above the liquid level are arranged.

- 15 - DE 2189

The invention thus creates a dispensing device for filling at least one drinking container to a desired filling level. The dispenser is provided with a device which sends a jet into the drinking container to be filled aimed at the level of the liquid contained therein. Another facility determines the am Liquid level reflected radiation and speaks automatically to a predetermined intensity of the determined Radiation, which interrupts the flow of liquid.

Blank page

Claims (7)

- Rflui im ^ * "Krιμαιεγ ^: - '-"": patent attorneys and * ■ DUHLINQ "? FVINNE _: ..... Representative at the EPO *** Grupe - Pellmann "'"' "äSS ^ Ä Dipl.-Ing. B. Peilmann Bavariaring 4, P.O. Box 20 24 OC 8000 Munich 2 Tel.:089-539653 Telex: 5-24845 tipat cable: Germaniapatent Müncher June 2, 1982 DE 2189 / case F 1662 Claims 1. Dispensing device for filling at least one drinking container to a desired height with a liquid, with a device for supplying the liquid, a device for receiving the container below the feed device for receiving the liquid from the feed device and with a device for generating a flow of liquid from the feed device into the drinking container, characterized by a device (30), which-a beam of radiation emission into the mouth of the container (29) on the surface (32) of the liquid (33) located therein, and through a Device (31, 23) for determining the amount of the liquid surface reflected radiation and for automatic response to a predetermined intensity the determined radiation to interrupt the flow of liquid, wherein the vertical distance between the radiation detecting means (31) and the container (29) is such that the predetermined intensity of the determined radiation of the desired Corresponds to the liquid level in the container. Deutsche Bank (Munich) Account 51/61070 Dresdner Bank (Munich) KIo. 3939 844 Postscheck (Munich) Account 670-43-804 w W μ y • · ti it> «i DE 2189 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determining the radiation and the liquid flow interrupting device (31, 23) in their sensitivity to the determined Radiation is adjustable in such a way that the desired liquid level can be adjusted accordingly. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a device (28) for the automatic Switching on the device generating the liquid flow by placing a container in a filling position 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the device for automatic The device generating the liquid flow is connected to a first switch which is open in the normal position (28) which can be closed by contact with a container when the container is in the filling position is brought. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the determining the radiation and a device (31, 23) interrupting the flow of liquid, a switch which is closed in the normal position (43), which is in series with the first switch (28) and when determining the predetermined Intensity of the reflected radiation is opened, the first and second switches (28, 43) in Series between an electrically operated valve (21) for the liquid and a power supply (34) for the valve are switched and a liquid flow through the valve can be generated when both switches are closed. ' 6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the DE 2189 The device (31, 23) which detects radiation and interrupts the flow of liquid is designed in such a way that that the liquid jet can be generated again if the liquid level in the case of a settable The liquid sinks below the specified height. 7. Apparatus' according to claim 6, characterized in that the liquid flow for the limitation the number of refill processes is only generated again after a time delay.