[0001] Beverage dispensing systems are typically used in beverage dispensing establishments
for efficiently dispensing large quantities of beverage. Typically, beverage dispensing
systems are used to dispense carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draught beer and
cider. However, also non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and non-carbonated
beverages such as wine and fruit juice may be dispensed using a beverage dispensing
system. Beverage dispensing systems are mostly for professional users such as in establishments
like bars, restaurants and hotels, however, increasingly also for private users such
as in private homes
[0002] Professional beverage dispensing systems typically dispense beverage provided in
large beverage kegs. Such beverage kegs may hold 20-50 litres of beverage for a professional
beverage dispensing system for allowing typically 50-100 beverage dispensing operations
before needing to exchange the beverage keg. Typically, beverage kegs are made of
solid materials such as steel and re-filled a number of times, Inbetween each filling
the beverage kegs are carefully cleaned. Insufficient cleaning may lead to unhygienic
beverage kegs, which may in turn lead to health problems for the beverage consumer.
Alternatively, beverage kegs are made collapsible for single use only due to the above
hygiene concern. An example of such a beverage dispensing system using collapsible
beverage kegs is the DraughtMaster
™ system provided by the applicant company. Such beverage dispensing systems using
collapsible beverage kegs typically have the beverage keg installed in a pressure
chamber.
[0003] When dispensing beverage from the beverage dispensing system, a pressure fluid is
allowed to enter the beverage keg in case of using a metal keg, or the pressure chamber
in case of using a collapsible keg. When using a metal keg, the keg itself may be
considered to be the pressure chamber. During the dispensing of beverage from the
pressure chamber, the pressure fluid acts on the beverage and forces the beverage
out of the pressure chamber. If a collapsible beverage keg is used, the beverage keg
collapses while dispensing the beverage and the volume of the beverage keg is reduced
corresponding to the amount of dispensed beverage The collapsible beverage kegs are
preferably made of flexible and disposable material such as plastic.
[0004] While performing a dispensing operation the force of the pressure causes the beverage
to flow out of the beverage container and into a tapping line. The tapping line leads
to a tapping device typically having a tapping valve and a tapping handle for allowing
an operator to control the tapping valve and thereby the beverage dispensing operation.
The operator, such as a bartender or barmaid, uses the tapping device to control the
rate of beverage dispensing. After each beverage dispensing operation, residual beverage
will inevitably be left in the tapping line and in the tapping device. After a certain
amount of time a layer of residual beverage may be formed inside the tapping line
and tapping device. Such layers of residual beverage may solidify and eventually clog
the tapping line and/or the tapping device, which will impair the beverage dispensing
operation. However, well before clogging the tapping line and/or tapping device, the
residual beverage will pose a hygienic problem. The tapping line and the tapping device
constitute areas where bacteria! growth may be accelerated due to the presence of
beverage, the large surface area in comparison to the beverage volume, the lack of
sufficient cooling and the close proximity to the outside. Bacterial growth due to
lack of hygiene in the tapping line and the tapping device may constitute a quality
problem for the beverage consumer. Additionally, crust formation of solidified beverage
within the tapping line may occur. Therefore there is a need for technologies for
cleaning the tapping line and the tapping device after a certain period of time or
alternatively after a certain number of beverage dispensing operations.
[0005] In the pending and not yet published European patent application having the application
number
07388059.3 and filed on 20 August 2007, a beverage distribution system having a separate rinsing line has been described.
By using a specially designed discharge valve, rinsing fluid or beverage may enter
the tapping line selectively. Rinsing fluid is provided from a separate pressurized
reservoir. The discharge valve includes safety features for avoiding mixing rinsing
fluid and beverage.
[0006] In
WO 2007/076584A2 an automatic home multi beer dispensing apparatus is described The above publication
briefly describes that a cleaning cartridge may be used for cleaning the beverage
dispensing apparatus. However, the publication does not describe any further details
of how the cleaning is performed.
[0007] In the pending and not yet published European patent application having the application
number
08388029.4 and filed on the 11 September 2008, a cleaning and flushing cartridge for internal
use is described The cleaning and flushing cartridge is installed in the pressure
chamber similar to a beverage keg and dispensed similar to a beverage.
[0008] It may however be advantageous to provide an external system for cleaning and flushing,
which may be operated while a beverage keg or alternatively beverage is still accommodated
inside the pressure chamber.
[0009] Beverage dispensing systems are often operated in bars, restaurants and similar establishments.
Such establishments tend under certain circumstances to subject the operators to a
high level of stress. In the present context it has been observed that accidents may
occur as a result of incorrect manipulation of the beverage dispensing system during
exchange of the collapsible beverage keg inside the pressure chamber. When the beverage
keg is about to be changed, the pressure chamber is de-pressurized, the used beverage
keg is removed, a new beverage keg is installed and the pressure chamber is re-pressurized.
It should not be possible to pressurize the pressure chamber when it is open, since
a high pressurized flow jet may form and cause injuries to any nearby persons. Likewise,
any cleaning or flushing operations must be prevented if the pressure chamber is open,
since unhealthy and possibly toxic cleaning fluid and flushing fluid may be ejected
from the pressure chamber onto nearby persons. Without any safety means, such accidents
may occur frequently.
[0010] A beverage dispensing system which addresses pressure-related safety issues is known
from
EP 1 621 514 A2. Trying to operate the beverage dispensing system without any beverage keg may cause
pressure fluid to enter the dispensing line, eject through the beverage tap and cause
injuries to the operator. Thus, any attempts of operating the beverage dispensing
system without any beverage keg installed should be prevented. Likewise, rinsing of
the tapping line without a beverage keg should also be prevented, since cleaning and
flushing fluids may enter and contaminate the pressure chamber. When the beverage
container is closed, there is normally not any way of determining the operational
mode of the beverage dispensing system. The detection of a proper operational mode
is therefore crucial for the safe operation of a beverage dispensing system.
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide technologies for detecting
the operational mode of a beverage dispensing system. Further objects of the present
invention include providing technologies for cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing
system by using an external cleaning and flushing cartridge.
[0012] The above need and the above objects together with numerous other needs and objects,
which will be evident from the below detailed description, are according to a first
aspect of the present invention obtained by a method according to claim 1. Most pressure
chambers have a detachable lid for accessing the interior of the pressure chamber
when installing or removing a beverage keg Some pressure chambers may have a vertical
orientation when in the closed position, and may be swung into a horizontal orientation
when in the open position when the beverage keg is about to be changed. Before opening
the beverage keg, the pressurized air is normally let out slowly to avoid injuries
when opening the lid. When the pressure chamber is sealed and pressurized with pressure
fluid, the volume of the collapsible keg is reduced as the beverage is dispensed through
the tapping line. The tapping line typically leads to a beverage tap for controlled
dispensing of the beverage The fluid pressure source may comprise an air compressor
or any other suitable device for generating a pressure fluid having a pressure suitable
for beverage dispensing.
[0013] The first detector may supply pressure fluid from the control pressure output of
the first detector when the pressure chamber is closed. Consequently, no pressure
fluid is supplied from the control pressure output of the first detector if the pressure
chamber is opened. The first detector may e.g. detect if the beverage container is
swung into a vertical orientation and/or if the lid is applied The second detector
likewise detects if a beverage keg is correctly installed in the pressure chamber
and then supplies pressure fluid from the control pressure outlet of the second detector.
If no beverage container is installed of if the beverage container is falsely installed,
i.e. not in fluid communication with the tapping line, no pressure fluid is supplied
from the control pressure output of the second detector.
[0014] The logical AND evaluation should be understood to mean that the operational mode
is not determined accomplished if none or only one of the first and second detectors
supplies the control pressure from its control pressure output. Only if both the first
and second detectors supply the control pressure from their respective control pressure
outputs, the operational mode is determined accomplished. The above control pressures
and determination of the operational mode may preferably be used in combination with
a safety system for preventing or at least discouraging the use of the beverage dispensing
system when the beverage dispensing system is not in the operational mode.
[0015] It may be contemplated as a part of a logical system to use a simple and cheap electronic
circuit for determining the operational mode instead of using a control pressure,
i.e. a pneumatic signal, which would be more complicated and expensive to realize
In the present case the control pressure has surprisingly been found to be superior
to an electrical circuit for determining the operational mode, since electrical components
are not fail-safe in the present environment comprising beverage, cleaning fluids
and flushing fluids. A short-circuit caused by fluid intrusion into the electronic
circuits may cause a failure of the electronic system and a complete loss of the logical
system and thereby the safety system.
[0016] The safety system may be contemplated to include means for allowing the pressure
chamber to be pressurized only if the operational mode is accomplished
[0017] According to the first aspect the enabling mode may be indicated by an indication
signal, such as e.g. a green light, a green signal plate or the like. Such indication
signals may preferably be located at a plurality of suitable locations, such as at
the beverage tap and at the pressure chamber.
[0018] According to the first aspect the first and second detectors may be connected in
a series configuration or alternatively be connected to a AND pressure valve for generating
an enabling pressure, provided the operational mode is accomplished By connecting
the first and second detectors in a series connection it is contemplated that no enabling
pressure is generated if one of the detectors is not supplying the control pressure.
The enabling pressure is thus directly generated from the control pressure. Alternatively
the control pressures are used to control an AND pressure valve. An AND valve allows
supply of pressure fluid if both the first and second control pressures are supplied.
Such valves are well known in the art. The enabling pressure is be used for pressurizing
the pressure chamber, thereby creating a fail-safe safety system When any of the detectors
does not supply the control pressures, the pressure chamber cannot be pressurized.
[0019] According to the first aspect a discharge valve may be provided between the beverage
keg and the tapping line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position
and a closed position, wherein the operational mode corresponds to the pressure chamber
being pressurized, and the enabling pressure is used for causing the discharge valve
to assume the beverage dispensing position. The discharge valve may prevent beverage
from entering the tapping line by preventing fluid communication between the beverage
keg and the tapping line if the beverage dispensing system is not in the operational
mode. When the operational mode is accomplished, the discharge valve may allow beverage
dispensing by restoring fluid communication between the beverage keg and the tapping
line. The discharge valve preferably uses the enabling pressure to assume the beverage
dispensing position. Without the enabling pressure, the closed position may be assumed
by a counter-acting spring or the like.
[0020] According to the first aspect a rinsing cartridge may be provided in fluid communication
with the tapping line, and a third detector having a pressure input for receiving
fluid pressure from the rinsing cartridge and a control pressure output, detecting
whether or not the rinsing cartridge is pressurized, and provided the rinsing cartridge
is pressurized, supplying a control pressure from the control pressure output, wherein
the method comprising evaluating as a logical AND the control pressures from the control
pressure outputs of the first, second and third detectors and determining a rinsing
mode of the beverage dispensing system is only accomplished provided all three control
pressures are supplied from the control pressure outputs of the first, second and
third detectors.
[0021] Cleaning and flushing should not be allowed to commence if the pressure chamber is
not pressurized, i.e. if the pressure chamber is opened or if no keg is present in
the pressure chamber. This requirement prevents cleaning fluid from accidentally entering
the pressure chamber when the pressure chamber is open. A third detector may be used
for detecting when the rinsing cartridge is pressurized, since rinsing cannot commence
without a pressurized rinsing cartridge. The third detector may supply a pressure
fluid from the control pressure output of the third detector when the rinsing cartridge
is pressurized. Consequently, no pressure fluid is supplied from the control pressure
output of the third detector if the rinsing cartridge is not pressurized
[0022] The logical AND evaluation should be understood to mean that the rinsing mode is
not determined accomplished if none or only one or two of the first, second and third
detectors supply the control pressure from its control pressure outputs Only if all
of the first, second and third detectors supply the control pressure from their respective
control pressure outputs, the rinsing mode is determined accomplished. The above control
pressures and determination of the rinsing mode may preferably be used in combination
with a safety system for preventing or at least discouraging the use of the rinsing
cartridge when the beverage dispensing system is not in the rinsing mode.
[0023] From the above it is contemplated that the supply of control pressure from the control
pressure outlets of both the first and the second detectors are a prerequisite for
determining both the rinsing mode and the operational mode. Therefore, some embodiments
may use two subsequent logical AND evaluations: In a first step the control pressure
outputs of the first and the second detectors are evaluated as a logical AND for determining
the operational mode, and in a subsequent step the result from the first step and
the control pressure output of the third detector are evaluated as a logical AND for
determining the rinsing mode
[0024] According to the first aspect the rinsing mode may be indicated by an indication
signal, such as e.g. a red light, a red signal plate or the like. Such indication
signals may preferably be located at a plurality of suitable locations, such as at
the beverage tap and at the pressure chamber, for avoiding attempts of performing
any beverage dispensing operations when the rinsing mode has been determined
[0025] According to the first aspect the first, second and third detectors may be connected
in a series configuration or alternatively be connected to an AND pressure valve for
generating a rinse-enable pressure provided the rinsing mode is accomplished By connecting
the first, second and third detectors in a series connection it is contemplated that
no rinse-enable pressure is generated if one of the detectors does not supply the
control pressure. The rinse-enable pressure is thus directly generated from the control
pressure Alternatively the control pressures are used to control an AND pressure valve.
An AND valve allows supply of pressure fluid if all of the first, second and third
control signals are supplied. Such valves are well known in the art. Either an AND
pressure valve having three inputs, or alternatively two series-connected AND pressure
valves, each having two inputs, are used
[0026] According to the first aspect a discharge valve may be provided between the rinsing
cartridges and the tapping line, the discharge valve having a rinsing position, where
the rinsing mode corresponding to the rinsing cartridge being pressurized, and the
rinse-enable pressure is used for causing the discharge valve to assume the rinsing
position.
[0027] The discharge valve may prevent cleaning and flushing fluid from entering the tapping
line by preventing fluid communication between the rinsing cartridge and the tapping
line if the beverage dispensing system is not in the rinsing mode. When the rinsing
mode is accomplished, the discharge valve may allow beverage dispensing by restoring
fluid communication between the rinsing cartridge and the tapping line. The discharge
valve is preferably using the rinse-enable pressure to assume the rinsing position
Without the enabling pressure, the closed position may be assumed by means of a counter-acting
spring or the like. Preferably, the discharge valve has three positions: a rinsing
position, a beverage dispensing position and a closed position. The rinse-enable pressure,
the enabling pressure and the spring cause the valve to assume the three above-mentioned
positions.
[0028] According to the first aspect the rinsing cartridge may be detachably installed onto
the pressure chamber, or alternatively the rinsing cartridge constitutes a separate
rinsing unit. The rinsing cartridge is preferably prepared and subsequently attached
to the side of the pressure chamber for initiating rinsing. Alternatively, a centralized
rinsing unit may be used
[0029] According to the first aspect the rinsing cartridge may be pressurized by the enabling
pressure, or alternatively the rinsing cartridge may be pressurized by the fluid pressure
source or the pressure chamber. By pressurizing the rinsing cartridge by the enabling
pressure, it can be ensured that the rinsing mode is determined only when the pressure
chamber is also pressurized Alternatively, there may be an interconnection between
the pressure chamber and the rinsing cartridge such that the rinsing cartridge is
pressurized by the pressure chamber. Yet alternatively, the rinsing cartridge may
have a separate connection to the fluid pressure source independently from the pressure
chamber and the enabling pressure.
[0030] According to the first aspect the rinsing cartridge may be connected to a plurality
of beverage dispensing systems. Preferably, a centralized rinsing cartridge may constitute
a common rinsing unit for a plurality of beverage dispensing systems. The beverage
dispensing systems sharing one rinsing cartridge preferably belong to the same set,
i.e. their respective beverage taps are located close to each other, e g on the same
bar counter. The tapping lines of the beverage dispensing systems typically are separated,
however in some embodiments a common tapping line may be used.
[0031] According to the first aspect the rinsing cartridge may be provided with a switch
for selectively supplying cleaning and flushing fluid from the rinsing cartridge to
one tapping line of the plurality of beverage dispensing systems. A switch may be
used for selectively distributing cleaning and flushing fluid to only one beverage
dispensing system at a time to make it possible to determine the exact amount of cleaning
and flushing fluid passing through each tapping line. Alternatively, all of the tapping
lines are simultaneously rinsed, allowing the rinsing process to be performed quickly,
however without any possibility of determining the amount of cleaning and flushing
fluid passing through each tapping line.
[0032] According to the first aspect the rinsing cartridge may be provided with a switch
for selectively supplying the control pressure output of the third detector to one
of the beverage dispensing systems, or alternatively the control pressure output of
the third detector may be supplied to all of the beverage dispensing systems By supplying
the control pressure output of the third detector to all of the beverage dispensing
systems, it is avoided that some beverage dispensing systems are in the rinsing mode,
while others are in operational mode This is an important safety feature, since confusion
between rinsing fluids and beverage is avoided when beverage dispensing is not allowed
at the same time as rinsing. By selectively supplying the control pressure output
of the third detector to one of the beverage dispensing systems, beverage dispensing
and rinsing is possible at the same time.
[0033] The above need and the above objects together with numerous other needs and objects,
which will be evident from the below detailed description, are according to a second
aspect of the present invention obtained by a system for detecting the operational
mode of a beverage dispensing system according to claim 13. The evaluation unit may
preferably be operating entirely mechanical, i.e. as a pneumatic system, for avoiding
any risk of failure, e.g. by fluids entering an electrical circuit etc. It is contemplated
that the above mentioned system may be used in connection with the above mentioned
methods. Any of the features according to the above mentioned first aspect may be
equally applied according to the second aspect
[0034] The present safety system may comprise a security valve which prevents the discharge
valve from assuming the rinsing position if the rinsing cartridge and the pressure
chamber are not pressurized. If the pressure chamber is opened it cannot be pressurized
and thus the discharge valve will not assume the rinsing position If the pressure
chamber is pressurized, the rinsing position is automatically assumed when the rinsing
cartridge is pressurized, thus allowing rinsing fluid to enter the tapping line. The
security valve is preferably designed to only allow pressure fluid to propagate from
the security valve to the discharge valve if pressure fluid is supplied from both
the pressure chamber and the rinsing cartridge. The discharge valve is preferably
a pneumatic valve, i.e. when pressure fluid is supplied from both the pressure chamber
and the rinsing cartridge, the pressure fluid will propagate to the discharge valve
and cause the discharge valve to assume the rinsing position. For the safe operation
of the external cleaning and flushing system, some safety requirements are essential
for avoiding personal injuries and the like. Preferably, all of the beverage taps
belonging to the same establishment or located on the same bar counter should be operating
in the same mode. For example, it should not be possible to dispense beverage from
some of the beverage taps while cleaning the others. The reason for this is the apparent
risk of confusing beverage and cleaning fluid.
[0035] The present invention is now to be described in greater detail with reference to
the drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a series of figures showing an external cleaning and flushing cartridge,
Fig. 2 is a series of figures showing a collapsible cleaning cartridge,
Fig. 3 is a series of figures showing a pre-filled cleaning cartridge,
Fig. 4 is a series of figures showing a dissolving cleaning tablet,
Fig. 5 is a series of figures showing a piston-controlled external cleaning and flushing
cartridge,
Fig. 6 is a top and close-up view of an external cleaning and flushing cartridge,
Fig. 7 is an external cleaning and flushing cartridge installed on a pressure chamber,
Fig. 8 is a set of interconnected pressure chambers for a centralized external cleaning
and flushing unit,
Fig. 9 is a base part for a pressure chamber,
Fig. 10 is a centralized rinsing system in rinsing mode,
Fig. 11 is a centralized rinsing system in beverage dispensing mode,
Fig. 12 is a centralized rinsing system in closed-off mode,
Fig. 13 is a local rinsing system in rinsing mode,
Fig. 14 is a local rinsing system in beverage dispensing mode,
Fig 15 is a local rinsing system in closed-off mode,
Fig. 16 is a discharge valve in beverage dispensing mode,
Fig 17 is a discharge valve in rinsing mode, and
Fig 18 is an alternative embodiment of the centralized rinsing system
[0036] A detailed description of the figures of some presently preferred embodiments of
the present invention follows below.
[0037] Fig. 1A shows a most preferred embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit
20. The cleaning and flushing unit 20 comprises an outer chamber constituting a flushing
fluid cartridge 36 having a volume of about four litres and an inner chamber constituting
a cleaning fluid cartridge 46 having a volume of about one litre. The volumes of one
and four litres respectively are typical values suitable for most beverage dispensing
systems The flushing fluid cartridge 36 is in fluid communication with the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46 via a cartridge interconnection 40, which interconnects the lower
part of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 and the upper part of the cleaning fluid cartridge
46. Flushing fluid may flow into the cartridge interconnection 40 at a flushing fluid
outlet 38 located at the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 and flow via the
cartridge interconnection 40 into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and enter the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46 via a flushing fluid inlet 42 located at the top of the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46. A check valve 43 is provided at the flushing fluid inlet 42 to
avoid cleaning fluid flowing into the flushing fluid cartridge 36.
[0038] A rinsing fluid outlet 24 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning fluid cartridge
46. Rinsing fluid is in the present context understood to comprise any of the cleaning
fluids and flushing fluids. A rinsing line 25 connects the rinsing fluid outlet 24
to a rinsing connector 27 located at the side of the cleaning and flushing unit 20.
A float valve 50 is provided inside the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 for avoiding pressure
fluid in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to escape into the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
The float valve 50 will permit liquids, i.e. flushing and cleaning fluid, to flow
out through the rinsing fluid outlet 24 and prevent gas, i.e. pressure fluid from
flowing out through the rinsing fluid outlet 24. A set of flanges constituting a float
valve support 52 will ensure that the float valve 50 is positioned in a secure closed
state in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 when no cleaning fluid is present in the
cleaning fluid cartridge 46. A pressure fluid pipe 29 provides pressure fluid from
the side of the cleaning and flushing unit to the upper interior part of the flushing
fluid cartridge 36 to avoid any flushing fluid entering the pressure fluid pipe 29
when the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is filled.
[0039] The cleaning and flushing unit 20 may be prepared by filling flushing fluid, i.e.
water, into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and the flushing fluid cartridge 36. The
flushing fluid cartridge 36 is subsequently sealed from the cleaning fluid cartridge
46 by a flushing fluid cap 58. The flushing fluid cap 56 seals the flushing fluid
cartridge but allows access to the cleaning fluid cartridge through an opening 54.
When the flushing fluid cartridge 36 has been properly separated from the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46, a cleaning tablet 59 is dissolved in the cleaning fluid cartridge
46, transforming the flushing fluid accommodated in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46
to cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the cleaning constituent may be provided as a powder,
liquid or paste, or a combination thereof, preferably in a specific metered amount
or unit dose. Afterwards, the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is sealed by a cleaning
fluid cap 58
[0040] Fig. 1B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig. 1A when it has been installed
in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). By providing pressure fluid, e.g. pressurized
air, into the flushing fluid cartridge 36 via the pressure fluid pipe 29, the pressure
fluid causes the flushing fluid in the flushing fluid cartridge 36 to enter the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46 via the cartridge interconnection 40. The flushing fluid leaves
the flushing fluid cartridge 36 through the flushing fluid outlet 38 and enters the
cleaning fluid cartridge 46 through the flushing fluid inlet 42, thereby causing the
cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to be expelled through the rinsing
fluid outlet 24 and further via the rinsing line 25 and the rinsing connector 27.
The fluid flow directions are indicated in the figure by arrows. The rinsing connector
27 should be connected to the tapping line and the beverage tap of the beverage dispensing
system, which it is desired to clean (not shown). The beverage tap (not shown) is
located on the opposite end of the tapping line and typically located on a bar counter.
The cleaning fluid is distinguished from the flushing fluid in the figure by small
bubbles.
[0041] Fig. 1C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig. 1A when the flushing fluid
cartridge 36 is empty and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is filled with flushing
fluid. The pressure fluid is causing flushing fluid to be expelled through the rinsing
fluid outlet 24. When the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is empty the floating valve
50 has reached the bottom of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and prevents any pressure
fluid from being expelled though the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
[0042] Fig. 2A shows another embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20' The
external cleaning and flushing unit 20' comprises a flushing fluid cartridge 36 constituting
most of the interior of the cleaning and flushing unit 20'. A cleaning fluid cartridge
46' is provided in the form of a flexible container pre-filled with cleaning fluid.
The cleaning fluid cartridge 46' comprises a piercing element and connector 60 constituting
a sharp knife of needle or a similar rupturing element The connector 60 is connected
to the rinsing fluid outlet 24, providing fluid communication between the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46' and the rinsing line 25. After the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'
has been installed, the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is filled with flushing fluid
and the cap 58 is attached, sealing off the flushing fluid cartridge 36.
[0043] Fig. 2B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20' of Fig. 2A when it has been installed
in a beverage dispensing system (not shown) The pressure fluid entering the flushing
fluid cartridge 36 via the pressure fluid pipe 29 causes the flushing fluid to subject
the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' to a pressure force. The cleaning fluid is thereby
expelled through the connector 60 towards the rinsing line 25 while the cleaning fluid
cartridge 46' collapses. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46' will collapse onto the connector
60 and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' will be pierced or ruptured by the connector
60.
[0044] Fig. 2C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig. 1A when the flushing fluid
cartridge 36 is empty and ruptured or alternatively pierced, allowing the flushing
fluid to be expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
[0045] Fig. 3A shows another embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20". The
cleaning and flushing unit 20" comprises a flushing fluid cartridge 36 constituting
most of the interior of the cleaning and flushing unit 20". A cleaning fluid cartridge
46'" is provided at the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 36. The cleaning fluid
cartridge 46'" is pre-filled with cleaning fluid and connected to the rinsing fluid
outlet 24. The flushing fluid inlet 42' of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" is located
opposite the rinsing fluid outlet 24. The flushing fluid cartridge 36 is provided
with a float valve 50.
[0046] Fig. 3B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20" of Fig. 2A when it has been installed
in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). The pressure fluid entering the flushing
fluid cartridge 36 via the pressure fluid pipe 29 causes the flushing fluid to enter
the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"' through the flushing fluid inlet 42'. The cleaning
fluid is thereby expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24 towards the rinsing
line 25.
[0047] Fig. 3C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20" of Fig. 3A when the cleaning fluid
cartridge 46"' is filled with flushing fluid. The pressure fluid is causing flushing
fluid to be expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24. When the flushing fluid
cartridge 36 is empty, the floating valve 50 has reached the bottom of the flushing
fluid cartridge 46'" and prevents any pressure fluid from being expelled though the
rinsing fluid outlet 24.
[0048] Fig. 4A-C shows a further embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20'"
very similar to Fig. 3A-C, with the exception that the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"'
comprises a cleaning tablet 59, which dissolves and creates cleaning fluid as the
flushing fluid flows into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" as described above in
connection with Fig. 3B. When about 1 litre of flushing fluid has passed through the
cleaning fluid cartridge 46"', the cleaning tablet 59 is completely dissolved and
the remaining flushing fluid continues to flow out through the rinsing fluid outlet
24.
[0049] Fig. 5A shows a further embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20"".
The cleaning and flushing unit 20"" comprises an outer flushing fluid cartridge 36'
and an inner cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" similar to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
[0050] In addition to a pressure fluid pipe 29, which supplies pressure fluid to the top
of the flushing fluid cartridge 36', an auxiliary pressure fluid pipe 29' is provided
to supply pressure fluid to the top of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" at the pressure
fluid inlets 44', 44". Both the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" and the flushing fluid
cartridge 36' is filled with flushing fluid, and a cleaning tablet 59 is dissolved
in the cleaning fluid cartridge to create cleaning fluid.
[0051] Fig. 5B shows the flushing fluid cartridge 36' and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46""
being divided into a respective upper space and lower space by an inner piston 53
and an outer piston 55, respectively. The respective flushing and cleaning fluids
are accommodated in the respective lower spaces below the respective inner and outer
piston 53, 55. Pressure fluid is allowed to enter the upper space of the cleaning
fluid cartridge 46"" and act on the inner piston 53 which in turn acts to press out
the cleaning fluid through the rinsing fluid outlet 24'. The lower spaces of the flushing
fluid cartridge 36' and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" are interconnected by a
flushing fluid inlet 42' A flushing fluid valve 57 is located at the bottom and inside
of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" and prevents flushing fluid from entering the
cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" from the flushing fluid cartridge 36' The flushing fluid
valve 57 defines a plurality of holes which are sealed to the wall between the flushing
and cleaning fluid cartridges 36', 46"". As the inner piston 53 is pressed by the
pressure fluid towards the rinsing fluid outlet 24', the inner piston 53 will act
on the flushing fluid valve 57 and push the flushing fluid valve 57 into a valve recess
51. When the flushing fluid valve 57 has contacted the bottom of the valve recess
51, the inner piston 53 will have reached its final position and the holes located
in the flushing fluid valve 57 will be in registration with the flushing fluid inlet
42'. Fluid communication is established between the flushing fluid cartridge 36' and
the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" via the flushing fluid valve 57 and the flushing
fluid inlet 42'.
[0052] Fig. 5C shows the flushing fluid being pressed out of the rinsing fluid outlet 24'
by the outer piston 55 while pressure fluid is allowed to enter the upper space of
the flushing fluid cartridge 36' through the pressure fluid inlet 44'. The flow direction
of the flushing fluid is indicated in the figure by arrows. When the outer piston
55 has reached its final position, the outer piston 55 will prevent pressure fluid
from entering the rinsing fluid outlet 24', thereby eliminating the need for a ball
valve for this purpose The present embodiment has the advantage of physically separating
the pressure fluid from the flushing and cleaning fluids and it may therefore preferably
be used in connection with a liquid pressure fluid. Such liquid pressure fluids may
comprise water.
[0053] Fig. 6A shows a top view of the embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit
20 as shown in Fig. 1. Cleaning and flushing fluid is expelled from the cleaning and
flushing unit 20 through the rinsing connector 27. The rinsing connector 27 may be
connected to a pressure chamber or beverage dispensing system (not shown). Two pressure
fluid connectors 28 are located on each side of the rinsing connector 27 for providing
pressure fluid to the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through the pressure fluid pipe
29 (not shown in the present view). The pressure fluid connectors 28 are interconnected
as a part of a safety system, which will be further explained in connection with Figs.
13-15.
[0054] Fig. 6B shows a close up view of the embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing
unit 20 as shown in Fig. 1. When the cleaning and flushing unit is empty, the float
valve 50 seals the rinsing fluid outlet 24 and prevents any pressure fluid from leaving
the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through the rinsing connector 27 In the present
view, the pressure fluid connectors 28 are not visible.
[0055] Fig. 7 shows a cleaning and flushing unit 20 being installed outside a pressure chamber
10. The pressure chamber 10 may preferably accommodate a collapsible beverage container.
The pressure chamber is accommodated in a housing 114. The beverage container (not
shown) may be accessed by swinging or pivoting the pressure chamber from its current
vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation and subsequently removing the upper
part constituting a lid 14 of the pressure chamber 10 by using the grips 12. The cleaning
and flushing unit 20 is preferably made of rigid plastics or alternatively metal.
The cleaning and flushing unit 20 may preferably be at least partially transparent
to allow an external observer to determine the level of cleaning and flushing fluid
accommodated inside the cleaning and flushing unit 20. In order to distinguish between
the cleaning and flushing fluids the cleaning fluid may be dyed a specific colour,
such as green, red or blue. The cleaning and flushing unit 20 preferably has a cylindrical
shape.
[0056] Fig. 8 shows a plurality of pressure chambers 10, 10', 10" The pressure chambers
10, 10', 10" are connected individually to a centralized cleaning and flushing unit
by a set of rinsing fluid supplies 128 and commonly to a fourth pressure tube 142.
A control valve 124 controls pressure fluid flow from the fourth pressure tube 142
to a discharge valve (not shown here but to be described below in Figs. 9-18 and designated
reference numeral 72) constituting a keg coupler of the pressure chamber 10 The control
valve 124 will be further described in connection with Figs. 10-12. The cleaning and
flushing fluid is provided from a centralized cleaning and flushing unit (not shown
here but to be described below in Figs. 10-12 and designated reference numeral 118)
connected to the far end of the set of rinsing fluid supplies 128. The centralized
cleaning and flushing unit (not shown here but to be described below) may comprise
a cleaning and flushing unit 20 as described above in connection with any of the figures
1-6, however it may be significantly larger, depending on the number of pressure chambers
10 and/or tapping lines/beverage taps it is intended to serve.
[0057] Fig. 9 shows a set of beverage dispensing base parts 66 for use with any of the above
embodiments of the pressure chamber (not shown here but described in Figs. 7-8 and
to be described below in Figs. 10-15 and designated reference numeral 10). A tapping
line 68 is provided at the rear of the base part 66. A beverage container (not shown)
may be installed on top of the base part 66 and connected to a beverage outlet 70.
The tapping line 68 delivers beverage as well as cleaning and flushing fluid to the
beverage tap (not shown). The base part 66 includes a discharge valve 72 for selectively
allowing either beverage from the beverage outlet 70 or cleaning/flushing fluid from
the first rinsing fluid supply 128 to be dispensed via the tapping line 68. The pressure
chamber is pressurized via a pressure fluid pipeline 74 and a pressure fluid inlet
76. It is contemplated that the above embodiment of a base part 66 may also be used
with the local cleaning and flushing units as described above in connection with Fig
7.
[0058] Figs. 1 - 15 show two specific embodiments of a centralized and local rinsing system
110, 116, respectively, having a safety system for controlling the rinsing and beverage
dispensing. The safety system prevents rinsing from commencing if the pressure chamber
10 is not pressurized or if the discharge valve 72 is not in the rinsing position.
Figs 10-12 show a centralized rinsing system for a plurality of pressure chambers,
whereas Figs. 13-15 show a local rinsing system for one pressure chamber only. The
centralized and local rinsing system 110, 116 each comprises two identical pressure
chambers 10, 10'.
[0059] Fig. 10 shows a centralized rinsing system 110 in rinsing mode The centralized rinsing
system comprises an air compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10, a second pressure
chamber 10', and a centralized cleaning and flushing unit 118. The air compressor
112 is by a first pressure tube 136 connected to the first pressure chamber 10 via
a primary safety valve 120 and a secondary safety valve 122. When a beverage keg is
installed in the pressure chamber 10, the primary safety valve 120 allows compressed
air to flow from the air compressor 112 towards the secondary safety valve 122. The
secondary safety valve 122 allows compressed air to pressurize the pressure chamber
10 when the pressure chamber assumes the vertical orientation shown in Fig 7, which
indicates that the first pressure chamber 10 is ready for beverage dispensing The
secondary safety valve 122 prevents compressed air from pressurizing the first pressure
chamber 10 when the pressure chamber 10 has assumed the horizontal orientation. Any
of the pressure chambers 10, 10' may be swung into their horizontal orientation when
a new beverage keg is to be installed, e.g. when the original beverage keg is empty.
In the horizontal orientation, compressed air is allowed to leave the pressure chamber
10, thereby allowing the lid of the pressure chamber 10 to be safely removed and the
beverage keg to be changed. When the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the
pressure will also act on a control valve 124 via a second pressure tube 138 The control
valve 124 will be further described below. The first and second pressure chambers
10, 10' are accommodated in a first and second housing 114, 114', respectively.
[0060] The air compressor 112 is further by a third pressure tube 140 connected to the centralized
cleaning and flushing unit 118. The cleaning and flushing unit 118 is further by a
fourth pressure tube 142 connected to the control valve 124 so that a pressure will
act on the control valve 124 when the rinsing unit 118 is pressurized. When the control
valve 124 is subjected to pressure from both the cleaning and flushing unit 118 and
the first pressure chamber 10, it will allow pressure fluid to act on a discharge
valve 72 and cause it to assume the rinsing and flushing position. The discharge valve
72 is of the same type as the discharge valve 72 described above in connection with
Fig. 9. The same type of discharge valve is further described in Figs. 16-17 under
the same reference. When the discharge valve 72 has assumed the rinsing position,
cleaning and flushing fluids are allowed to enter the discharge valve 72 via a first
rinsing fluid supply 128 and leave the discharge valve 72 via a tapping line 68. At
the same time, beverage is prevented from entering the discharge valve 72 so that
any contact between rinsing fluid and beverage is avoided.
[0061] The second pressure chamber 10' is by a second rinsing fluid supply 130 connected
to the cleaning and flushing unit 118, separately in relation to the first pressure
chamber 10. For safety reasons, both of the discharge valves 72, 72' of the pressure
chambers 10, 10' will assume the rinsing position if they are pressurized. This is
to avoid beverage dispensing and rinsing from different taps at the same time, which
would be a safety hazard since cleaning fluid may accidentally be confused with beverage.
A switch may be provided on the cleaning and flushing unit 118 for selectively providing
cleaning and flushing fluids to one of the first or second pressure chambers 10, 10'.
In an alternative embodiment, both tapping lines 68 of the pressure chambers 10, 10'
may be provided with cleaning and flushing fluids simultaneously.
[0062] Fig. 11 shows the centralized rinsing system 110 in the beverage dispensing mode.
In the beverage dispensing mode, the air compressor 112 may deliver pressurized air
to the cleaning and flushing unit 118. However, the pressurized air is prevented from
acting on the control valve 124 via the fourth pressure tube 142 as the fourth pressure
tube 142 is vented to the atmosphere in the beverage dispensing mode through a venting
valve not shown in the drawings. When the control valve 124 is not subjected to pressure
from both the first pressure chamber 10 and the cleaning and flushing unit 118, the
control valve 124 will prevent air pressure from acting on the discharge valve 72.
This causes the discharge valve 72 to assume the beverage dispensing position. When
the discharge valve 72 has assumed the beverage dispensing position, beverage is allowed
to flow from the first pressure chamber 10 towards the tapping line 68. At the same
time, rinsing fluid is prevented from entering the discharge valve 72.
[0063] Fig. 12 shows the centralized rinsing system 110 in a closed mode. The closed mode
implies that either the primary safety valve 120 and/or the secondary safety valve
122 is closed, i.e. that either the pressure chamber 10 is swung into the horizontal
position or a beverage keg is not present inside the first pressure chamber 10 Pressurized
air is prevented from pressurising the first pressure chamber 10 and consequently,
the control valve 124 will not supply any pressure fluid to the discharge valve 72.
In the closed mode both beverage and rinsing fluid is prevented from entering the
discharge valve and flow out towards the tapping line 68.
[0064] Fig. 13 shows a local rinsing system 116 in the rinsing mode. Similar to the central
rinsing system 110 described above, the local rinsing system 116 comprises a compressor
112, a first pressure chamber 10 and a second pressure chamber 10' The cleaning and
flushing unit 118 described above in connection with Figs. 10-12 has been replaced
by a first rinsing cartridge 132 mounted in connection with the first pressure chamber
10 and a second rinsing cartridge 132' mounted in connection with the second pressure
chamber 10'. The first and second rinsing cartridges 132 and 132', respectively, may
be of the type described above in connection with Figs 1-7. The first pressure chamber
10 is connected to the first rinsing cartridge 132 via the second pressure tube 138
so that when the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the first rinsing cartridge
132 is pressurized as well The first rinsing cartridge 132 is further connected to
the discharge valve 72 so that when the first rinsing cartridge is pressurized, the
pressure acts on the discharge valve 72 via the fourth pressure tube 142 so that the
discharge valve 72 assumes the rinsing position. In the rinsing position, rinsing
fluid is allowed to flow from the first rinsing cartridge 132 through the discharge
valve 72 towards the tapping line 68'.
[0065] Fig. 14 shows a local rinsing system 116 in a beverage dispensing mode. To assume
the beverage dispensing mode, the first rinsing cartridge 132 is simply removed from
the first pressure chamber 10 When the first rinsing cartridge 132 is removed, a check
valve (not shown) prevents pressurized air from leaving the first pressure chamber
10 via the second pressure tube 138. Consequently, no pressurized air will act on
the discharge valve 72, which causes the discharge valve 72 to assume the beverage
dispensing position. The beverage dispensing position allows the beverage to flow
through the discharge valve 72' towards the tapping line 68'.
[0066] Fig. 15 shows a local rinsing system 116 in a closed mode. The closed mode for the
local rinsing system 116 corresponds to the closed mode of the centralized rinsing
system 110 and will therefore not be further discussed.
[0067] Fig. 16 is a schematic cut-through, close-up view of a discharge valve 72, as illustrated
in the above drawings.
[0068] The discharge valve 72 comprises a rod 174, which is located inside the coupling
housing 192 and which is adapted to act on a ball-seal 176. The ball-seal 176 is in
the present embodiment not a part of the coupling housing 192, but part of the beverage
container 168. The ball-seal 176 is received in the base part 186. The discharge valve
72 is operable between three possible positions, which constitute a first position,
and opposite second position and an intermediate position. As will be described in
greater detail below, the intermediate position constitutes the beverage dispensing
position whereas the first and second positions constitute the rinsing position and
the closed position, respectively.
[0069] The ball-seal 176 is located in the base part 186 in a defined space between an inlet
constriction 178 and an outlet constriction 180. The inlet constriction 178 and the
outlet constriction 180 both include an opening or aperture for allowing beverage
to flow from the beverage container 168 via the inlet and outlet constrictions 178,
180 and further through the coupling housing 192 towards a beverage outlet 182. Both
the inlet constriction 178 and the outlet constriction 180 constitute valve seats,
which the ball-seal 176 may seal against. The ball-seal 176 will either establish
a seal against the inlet constriction 178 or the outlet constriction 180, or remain
in the intermediate position, shown in Fig. 16, which constitutes the beverage dispensing
position. The coupling housing 192 accommodates the rod 174 and fits to the base part
186. The coupling housing 192 is fixated to the floor such that when the pressure
chamber 10 and the beverage container 168 are swung or pivoted into the horizontal
orientation, the coupling housing 192 including the rod 174 remains with the bottom
wall, and the discharge valve 72 including the ball-seal 176 remains with the beverage
container 168. The rod 174 and the coupling housing 192 may thus be made of rigid
and non-disposable materials such as metal.
[0070] When the pressure chamber is in the vertical orientation a fitting 198 seals between
the base part 186 and the coupling housing 192. The fitting 198 is shifted downwards
to allow the pressure chamber 10 to swing into the horizontal orientation.
[0071] When the rod 174 is in the beverage dispensing position, i.e. in the active or intermediate
position as shown in Fig. 16, beverage may flow from the beverage container 168 past
the ball-seal 176 and through the beverage outlet 182. The beverage outlet 182 is
in fluid communication with the tapping line.
[0072] Initially, when a new sealed beverage container 168 is installed, the base part 186
is sealed off by a laminate sealing at the outlet constriction 180 The laminate sealing
is broken by the rod 174 when installing the beverage container 168. This allows beverage
to be dispensed from the beverage container 168.
[0073] When the coupling housing 192, and thereby also the rod 174, is separated from the
beverage container 168, the beverage, indicated by a shading in the figure, will exert
a force on the ball-seal 176 pushing the ball-seal 176 against the outlet constriction
180 defining the closed position, i.e. the second passive position, thereby sealing
off the beverage container 168.
[0074] In Fig. 16 the ball-seal 176 is positioned between the inlet constriction 178 and
the outlet constriction 180, allowing beverage to flow from the beverage container
168 past the ball-seal 176 and further through the beverage outlet 182 to the tapping
line.
[0075] The beverage container 168 is fitted with the base part 186, wherein the top part
of the discharge valve 72 is received. The ball-seal 176, the inlet constriction 178
and the outlet constriction 180 are components of the base part 186.
[0076] From the beverage dispensing position shown in Fig. 16, the rod 174 may be shifted
towards the beverage container 168 or towards the beverage outlet 182 and tapping
line 68. A spring 184 presses the rod 174 in the direction away from the beverage
container 168 into the closed position. The discharge valve 72 is preferably used
together with the safety system described in Figs. 10-15. The pressure chamber may
be pressurized only when beverage dispensing is allowed, i.e. when a beverage keg
168 has been installed and the pressure chamber has been swung into vertical orientation.
Consequently, the pressure inside the pressure chamber may be used for applying an
intermediate force onto the spring 184, holding the rod 174 in the beverage dispensing
position shown in Fig. 16. By adding the force applied from the safety system, the
rod 174 moves towards the beverage container 168 into the rinsing position further
described in Fig. 17.
[0077] Fig. 17 is a schematic cut-through, close-up view of the same assembly shown in Fig.
16, with the discharge valve 72 slightly rotated around the vertical axis for disclosing
a rinsing fluid inlet 190 and a rinsing fluid supply 128, which is not shown in Fig.
16, and the rod 174 in the rinsing position instead of the beverage dispensing position
shown in Fig 16. It is shown that the rinsing fluid inlet 190 is located at the coupling
housing 192. The rinsing fluid inlet 190 is used for performing rinsing of the discharge
valve 72 and the tapping line A rinsing fluid may be introduced via the rinsing fluid
inlet 190 and rinses the space within the discharge valve 72.
[0078] When the rod 174 is in the rinsing position, the ball-seal 176 is pushed into contact
with the inlet constriction 178 so that a sealing effect is created securing that
rinsing fluid does not enter the inside of the beverage container 168, which would
contaminate the beverage stored in the beverage container 168.
[0079] When the rod 174 is in the rinsing position, i.e. in the first position as shown
in Fig. 17, the ball-seal 176 and the inlet constriction 178 establish a seal preventing
rinsing fluid from entering the beverage container 168, however, allowing the rinsing
fluid to flush and rinse the discharge valve 72 and the tapping line. By opening the
beverage tap when the rod 174 is in the rinsing position, rinsing fluid will flow
out of the beverage tap and flush and rinse the discharge valve 72 as well as the
tapping line and beverage tap (not shown).
[0080] The coupling housing 192 interconnects the outlet constriction 180 of the discharge
valve 72 and the beverage outlet 182. The rinsing fluid inlet 190 is attached to the
coupling housing 192 as well, but in a position below a rinsing valve seat 196. When
the rod 174 is in the rinsing position, a corresponding rinsing valve element 194
allows fluid communication between the rinsing fluid inlet 190 and the coupling housing
192. When the rod is moved away from the rinsing position to the dispensing position
or the closed position, the rinsing valve element 194 contacts the rinsing valve seat
196 and prevents fluid communication between the coupling housing 192 and the rinsing
fluid inlet 190. This is to prevent beverage and rinsing fluid from mixing when the
rod 174 is in the dispensing position
[0081] After the cleaning fluid, flushing fluid, i.e. tap water, is introduced through the
rinsing fluid inlet 190 to flush the discharge valve 72 and the tapping line so that
residual cleaning fluid is not dispensed with the beverage in the first beverage dispensing
operation after rinsing
[0082] Fig. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the centralized rinsing system 110'. By
providing a separate cleaning and flushing unit 118, pressure fluid may be selectively
provided to one of the control valves 124, 124'. In the presently shown embodiment,
pressure fluid is supplied only to the control valve 124' belonging to the second
pressure chamber 10'. A switch may be used for this purpose Since both pressure chambers
10, 10' are pressurized, the discharge valve 72 belonging to the first pressure chamber
10 will assume the beverage dispensing position, and the discharge valve 72' of the
second pressure chamber 10' will assume the rinsing mode Thus, cleaning and flushing
fluid may be supplied to the discharge valves 72, 72' of both pressure chambers 10,
10'. However, since only the discharge valve 72' of the second pressure chamber 10'
is in the rinsing position, it will allow cleaning and flushing fluid to propagate
through the second rinsing fluid supply 130 and tapping line 68' of the second pressure
chamber 10', and rinsing and flushing fluid will be prevented from entering the tapping
line 68 belonging to the first pressure chamber 10. It should be noted that beverage
and cleaning fluid may be dispensed simultaneously in the present embodiment and thus
the present embodiment does not fulfil the highest level of safety since beverage
and rinsing fluid may be accidentally mixed up by a careless operator. The present
embodiment does, however, bring slightly more flexibility to the rinsing operation
and at the same time provides some basic safety requirements such as preventing the
rinsing operation when the pressure chamber is opened and not pressurized.
List of features with reference to the figures:
10. |
Pressure chamber |
72. |
Discharge valve |
12. |
Grip |
74. |
Pressure fluid pipeline |
14. |
Lid |
76. |
Pressure fluid inlet |
20. |
External cleaning and flushing unit |
110. |
Centralized rinsing system |
24. |
Rinsing fluid outlet |
112. |
Air compressor |
25. |
Rinsing line |
114. |
Housing |
27. |
Rinsing connector |
116. |
Local rinsing system |
28. |
Pressure fluid connector |
118. |
Centralized cleaning / flushing unit |
29. |
Pressure fluid pipe |
120 |
Primary safety valve |
36. |
Flushing fluid cartridge |
122. |
Secondary safety valve |
38. |
Flushing fluid outlet |
124. |
Control valve |
40 |
Cartridge interconnection |
128. |
First rinsing fluid supply |
42. |
Flushing fluid inlet |
130. |
Second rinsing fluid supply |
43. |
Check valve |
132. |
Rinsing cartridge |
44. |
Pressure fluid inlet |
136. |
First pressure tube |
46. |
Cleaning fluid cartridge |
138. |
Second pressure tube |
50. |
Float valve |
140. |
Third pressure tube |
51. |
Valve recess |
142. |
Fourth pressure tube |
52. |
Float valve support |
168. |
Beverage container |
53. |
Inner piston |
174. |
Rod |
54. |
Opening |
176. |
Ball-seal |
55. |
Outer piston |
178. |
Inlet constriction |
56. |
Flushing fluid cap |
180. |
Outlet constriction |
57. |
Flushing fluid valve |
182. |
Beverage outlet |
58. |
Cleaning fluid cap |
184. |
Spring |
59. |
Cleaning tablet |
186. |
Base part |
60. |
Connector (piercing element) |
190. |
Rinsing fluid inlet |
65. |
Valve |
192. |
Coupling housing |
66. |
Base part |
194. |
Rinsing valve element |
68. |
Tapping line |
196. |
Rinsing valve seat |
70. |
Beverage outlet |
198. |
Fitting |
1. A method of determining whether the operational mode of a beverage dispensing system
is accomplished or not accomplished, the beverage dispensing system comprising:
a sealable pressure chamber (10) to be shifted between a first open position and a
second closed position,
a collapsible keg (168) to be received within the sealable pressure chamber (10),
a tapping line (68), at least during use connected to said collapsible keg (168),
a fluid pressure source (112) connected to the pressure chamber (10) for pressurising
the pressure chamber (10),
a first detector (122) having a pressure input for receiving fluid pressure from said
fluid pressure source (112) and a control pressure output, detecting whether said
sealable pressure chamber (10) is in said first open position or in said second closed
position and, provided said sealable pressure chamber (10) is in said second closed
position, supplying a control pressure from said control pressure output, and
a second detector (120) having a pressure input for receiving fluid pressure from
said fluid pressure source (112) and a control pressure output, detecting whether
or not said collapsible keg (168) is positioned in said sealable pressure chamber
(10) and, provided said keg (168) is positioned in said sealable pressure chamber
(10), supplying a control pressure from said second detector control pressure output,
the method comprising evaluating as a logical AND said control pressures from said
control pressure outputs of said first and second detectors (120, 122) and determining
said operational mode of said beverage dispensing system being not accomplished if
none or only one of the first and second detectors (120, 122) supplies the control
pressure from its control pressure output and said operational mode only to be accomplished
provided both control pressures are supplied from said control pressure outputs of
said first and second detectors (120, 122),
said first and second detectors (120, 122) being connected in a series configuration
or alternatively being connected to a AND pressure valve, said method comprise the
additional step of generating an enabling pressure, provided said operational mode
is accomplished,
said enabling pressure being used for pressurizing the pressure chamber (10), thereby
creating a fail-safe safety system.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said operational mode is indicated by an
indication signal, such as e.g. a green light, a green signal plate or the like.
3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further providing a discharge
valve (72) between said beverage keg (168) and said tapping line (68), said discharge
valve (72) having a beverage dispensing position and a closed position, wherein said
operational mode corresponds to said pressure chamber (10) being pressurized, and
said enabling pressure is used for causing said discharge valve (72) to assume said
beverage dispensing position.
4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further providing a rinsing cartridge
(20,118,132) in fluid communication with said tapping line (68), and a third detector
(124) having a pressure input for receiving fluid pressure from said rinsing cartridge
(20,118,132) and a control pressure output, detecting whether or not said rinsing
cartridge (20,118,132) is pressurized, and provided said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132)
is pressurized, supplying a control pressure from said control pressure output, wherein
the method comprising evaluating as a logical AND said control pressures from said
control pressure outputs of said first, second and third detectors (120, 122, 124)
and determining a rinsing mode of said beverage dispensing system is only accomplished
provided all three control pressures are supplied from said control pressure outputs
of said first, second and third detectors (120, 122, 124).
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said rinsing mode is indicated by an indication
signal, such as e.g. a red light, a red signal plate or the like.
6. The method according to any of claims 4-5, said first, second and third detectors
(120, 122, 124) being connected in a series configuration or alternatively being connected
to a AND pressure valve for generating a rinse-enable pressure, provided said rinsing
mode is accomplished.
7. The method according to claim 6, further providing a discharge valve (72) between
said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132) and said tapping line (68), said discharge valve
(72) having a rinsing position, wherein said rinsing mode corresponds to said rinsing
cartridge (20,118,132) being pressurized, and said rinse-enable pressure is used for
causing said discharge valve (72) to assume said rinsing position.
8. The method according to any of claims 4-7, wherein said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132)
is detachably installed onto said pressure chamber (10), or alternatively said rinsing
cartridge (20,118,132) constitutes a separate rinsing unit.
9. The method according to any of claims 4-8, wherein said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132)
is pressurized by said enabling pressure, or further comprising said rinsing cartridge
(20,118,132) being pressurized by said fluid pressure source (112) or said pressure
chamber (10).
10. The method according to any of claims 4-9, wherein said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132)
is connected to a plurality of beverage-dispensing systems.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132) is provided
with a switch for selectively supplying rinsing fluid from said rinsing cartridge
(20,118,132) to one tapping line (68) of the said plurality of beverage dispensing
systems.
12. The method according to claims 10-11, wherein said rinsing cartridge (20,118,132)
is provided with a switch for selectively supplying said control pressure output of
said third detector (124) to one of the said beverage dispensing systems, or alternatively
where said control pressure output of said third detector (124) is supplied to all
of said beverage dispensing systems.
13. A system for determining whether the operational mode of a beverage dispensing system
is accomplished or not accomplished, the beverage dispensing system comprising:
a sealable pressure chamber (10) to be shifted between a first open position and a
second closed position,
a collapsible keg (168) to be received within the sealable pressure chamber (10),
a tapping line (68), at least during use connected to said collapsible keg (168),
a fluid pressure source (112) connected to the pressure chamber (10) for pressurising
the pressure chamber (10),
a first detector (122) having a pressure input for receiving fluid pressure from said
fluid pressure source (112) and a control pressure output for detecting whether said
sealable pressure chamber (10) is in said first open position or in said second closed
position and, provided said sealable pressure chamber (10) is in said second closed
position, supplying a control pressure from said second detector control pressure
output,
a second detector (120) having a pressure input for receiving fluid pressure from
said fluid pressure source (112) and a control pressure output for detecting whether
or not said collapsible keg (168) is positioned in said sealable pressure chamber
(10) and, provided said keg is positioned in said sealable pressure chamber (10),
supplying a control pressure from said control pressure output, and
an evaluation unit for evaluating as a logical AND said control pressures from said
control pressure outputs of said first and second detectors (120, 122) and determining
said operational mode of said beverage dispensing system being not accomplished if
none or only one of the first and second detectors (120, 122) supplies the control
pressure from its control pressure output and said operational mode only to be accomplished
provided both control pressures are supplied from said control pressure outputs of
said first and second detectors (120, 122),
said first and second detectors (120, 122) being connected in a series configuration
or alternatively being connected to a AND pressure valve for generating an enabling
pressure, provided said operational mode is accomplished,
said enabling pressure being used for pressurizing the pressure chamber (10), thereby
creating a fail-safe safety system.
1. Verfahren zur Bestimmung, ob der Betriebsmodus eines Getränkeabgabesystems vollendet
oder nicht vollendet ist, wobei das Getränkeabgabesystem umfasst:
eine verschließbare Druckkammer (10), die zwischen einer ersten offenen Position und
einer zweiten geschlossenen Position zu verschieben ist,
ein zusammendrückbares Fass (168) zur Aufnahme innerhalb der verschließbaren Druckkammer
(10),
eine Zapfleitung (68), die wenigstens während der Verwendung mit dem zusammendrückbaren
Fass (168) verbunden ist,
eine Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112), die mit der Druckkammer (10) zum Unterdrucksetzen
der Druckkammer (10) verbunden ist,
einen ersten Detektor (122), der einen Druckeingang zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeitsdruck
von der Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112) und einen Steuerdruckausgang hat, der erfasst,
ob die verschließbare Druckkammer (10) in der ersten offenen Position oder in der
zweiten geschlossenen Position ist, und der, vorausgesetzt dass die verschließbare
Druckkammer (10) in der zweiten geschlossenen Position ist, einen Steuerdruck von
dem Steuerdruckausgang zuführt, und
einen zweiten Detektor (120), der einen Druckeingang zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeitsdruck
von der Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112) und einen Steuerdruckausgang hat, der erfasst,
ob das zusammendrückbare Fass (168) in der verschließbaren Druckkammer (10) positioniert
ist oder nicht, und der, vorausgesetzt dass das Fass (168) in der verschließbaren
Druckkammer (10) positioniert ist, einen Steuerdruck von dem Steuerdruckausgang des
zweiten Detektors zuführt,
wobei das Verfahren Bewertung als ein logisches UND der Steuerdrücke von den Steuerdruckausgängen
des ersten und des zweiten Detektors (120, 122) umfasst und Bestimmen, dass der Betriebsmodus
des Getränkeabgabesystems nicht vollendet ist, wenn kein oder nur einer des ersten
und des zweiten Detektors (120, 122) den Steuerdruck von seinem Steuerdruckausgang
zuführt, und dass der Betriebsmodus nur vollendet ist, vorausgesetzt dass beide Steuerdrücke
von den Steuerdruckausgängen des ersten und des zweiten Detektors (120, 122) zugeführt
sind,
wobei der erste und der zweite Detektor (120, 122) in einem Reihenbauweise verbunden
sind oder alternativ mit einem UND Druckventil verbunden sind, wobei das Verfahren
den zusätzlichen Schritt des Erzeugens eines förderlichen Drucks umfasst, vorausgesetzt
dass der Betriebsmodus vollendet ist,
wobei der förderliche Druck dazu benutzt wird, die Druckkammer (10) unter Druck zu
setzen, wodurch ein störungssicheres Sicherungssystem geschaffen ist.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Betriebsmodus durch eine Anzeigesignal, wie zum
Beispiel ein grünes Licht, eine grüne Signalplatte oder dergleichen angezeigt ist.
3. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, das ferner ein Auslassventil (72)
zwischen dem Getränkefass (168) und der Zapfleitung (68) bereitstellt, wobei das Auslassventil
(72) eine Getränkeabgabeposition und eine geschlossene Position hat, wobei der Betriebsmodus
dem Unterdrucksetzen der Druckkammer (10) entspricht, und der förderliche Druck dazu
benutzt wird, zu bewirken, dass das Auslassventil (72) die Getränkeabgabeposition
einnimmt.
4. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, das ferner eine Spülpatrone (20,118,132)
in Flüssigkeitsverbindung mit der Zapfleitung (68) bereitstellt, und einen dritten
Detektor (124), der einen Druckeingang zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeitsdruck von der
Spülpatrone (20,118,132) und einen Steuerdruckausgang hat, der erfasst, ob die Spülpatrone
(20,118,132) unter Druck steht oder nicht, und der, vorausgesetzt dass die Spülpatrone
(20,118,132) unter Druck steht, einen Steuerdruck von dem Steuerdruckausgang zuführt,
wobei das Verfahren Bewertung als ein logisches UND der Steuerdrücke von den Steuerdruckausgängen
des ersten, des zweiten und des dritten Detektors (120, 122, 124) umfasst und Bestimmen,
dass ein Spülmodus des Getränkeabgabesystems nur vollendet ist, vorausgesetzt dass
alle drei Steuerdrücke von den Steuerdruckausgängen des ersten, des zweiten und des
dritten Detektors (120, 122, 124) zugeführt sind.
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Spülmodus durch ein Anzeigesignal, wie zum Beispiel
ein rotes Licht, eine rote Signalplatte oder dergleichen angezeigt ist.
6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4-5, wobei der erste, der zweite und der dritte
Detektor (120, 122, 124) in einer Reihenbauweise verbunden sind oder alternativ mit
einem UND Druckventil verbunden sind, um einen Spülen ermöglichenden Druck zu erzeugen,
vorausgesetzt dass der Spülmodus vollendet ist.
7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, das ferner ein Auslassventil (72) zwischen der Spülpatrone
(20,118,132) und der Zapfleitung (68) bereitstellt, wobei das Auslassventil (72) eine
Spülposition hat, wobei der Spülmodus dem Unterdrucksetzung der Spülpatrone (20,118,132)
entspricht, und der Spülen ermöglichende Druck dazu benutzt wird, zu bewirken, dass
das Auslassventil (72) die Spülposition einnimmt.
8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4-7, wobei die Spülpatrone (20,118,132) auf der
Druckkammer (10) abnehmbar installiert ist, oder alternativ die Spülpatrone (20,118,132)
eine separate Spüleinheit darstellt.
9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4-8, wobei die Spülpatrone (20,118,132) von dem
förderlichen Druck unter Druck gesetzt wird, oder ferner Unterdrucksetzung der Spülpatrone
(20,118,132) durch die Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112) oder die Druckkammer (10) umfasst.
10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4-9, wobei die Spülpatrone (20,118,132) mit einer
Vielzahl von Getränkeabgabesystemen verbunden ist.
11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Spülpatrone (20,118,132) mit einem Schalter
zum selektiven Zuführen von Spülflüssigkeit von der Spülpatrone (20,118,132) zu einer
Zapfleitung (68) der Vielzahl von Getränkeabgabesystemen versehen ist.
12. Verfahren nach Ansprüchen 10-11, wobei die Spülpatrone (20,118,132) mit einem Schalter
zum selektiven Zuführen des Steuerdruckausgangs des dritten Detektors (124) zu einem
der Getränkeabgabesysteme versehen ist, oder alternativ wobei der Steuerdruckausgang
des dritten Detektors (124) zu allen Getränkeabgabesystemen zugeführt ist.
13. System zur Bestimmung, ob der Betriebsmodus eines Getränkeabgabesystems vollendet
oder nicht vollendet ist, wobei das Getränkeabgabesystem umfasst:
eine verschließbare Druckkammer (10), die zwischen einer ersten offenen Position und
einer zweiten geschlossenen Position zu verschieben ist,
ein zusammendrückbares Fass (168) zur Aufnahme innerhalb der verschließbaren Druckkammer
(10),
eine Zapfleitung (68), die wenigstens während der Verwendung mit dem zusammendrückbaren
Fass (168) verbunden ist,
eine Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112), die mit der Druckkammer (10) zum Unterdrucksetzen
der Druckkammer (10) verbunden ist,
einen ersten Detektor (122), der einen Druckeingang zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeitsdruck
von der Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112) und einen Steuerdruckausgang hat, zum Erfassen,
ob die verschließbare Druckkammer (10) in der ersten offenen Position oder in der
zweiten geschlossenen Position ist und, vorausgesetzt dass die verschließbare Druckkammer
(10) in der zweiten geschlossenen Position ist, Zuführen eines Steuerdrucks von dem
Steuerdruckausgang des zweiten Detektors,
einen zweiten Detektor (120), der einen Druckeingang zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeitsdruck
von der Flüssigkeitsdruckquelle (112) und einen Steuerdruckausgang hat, zum Erfassen,
ob das zusammendrückbare Fass (168) in der verschließbaren Druckkammer (10) positioniert
ist oder nicht und, vorausgesetzt dass das Fass in der verschließbaren Druckkammer
(10) positioniert ist, Zuführen eines Steuerdrucks von dem Steuerdruckausgang, und
eine Bewertungseinheit zur Bewertung als ein logisches UND der Steuerdrücke von den
Steuerdruckausgängen des ersten und des zweiten Detektors (120, 122) und Bestimmen,
dass der Betriebsmodus des Getränkeabgabesystems nicht vollendet ist, wenn kein oder
nur einer des ersten und des zweiten Detektors (120, 122) den Steuerdruck von seinem
Steuerdruckausgang zuführt, und dass der Betriebsmodus nur vollendet ist, vorausgesetzt
dass beide Steuerdrücke von den Steuerdruckausgängen des ersten und des zweiten Detektors
(120, 122) zugeführt sind,
wobei der erste und der zweite Detektor (120, 122) in einer Reihenbauweise verbunden
sind oder alternativ mit einem UND Druckventil verbunden sind, um einen förderlichen
Druck zu erzeugen, vorausgesetzt dass der Betriebsmodus vollendet ist,
wobei der förderliche Druck dazu benutzt wird, die Druckkammer (10) unter Druck zu
setzen, wodurch ein störungssicheres Sicherungssystem geschaffen ist.
1. Procédé pour déterminer si le mode opérationnel d'un système de distribution de boissons
est accompli ou n'est pas accompli, le système de distribution de boissons comprenant:
une chambre de pression étanche (10) à être alternée entre une première position ouverte
et une deuxième position fermée,
un fût compressible (168) à être reçu à l'intérieur de la chambre de pression étanche
(10),
un tuyau de distribution (68) qui est, au moins durant l'utilisation, raccordé audit
fût compressible (168),
une source de pression fluide (112) liée à la chambre de pression (10) pour la pressurisation
de la chambre de pression (10),
un premier détecteur (122) ayant une entrée de pression pour la reception de pression
fluide de la source de pression fluide (112) et une sortie de pression de contrôle
détectant si ladite chambre de pression étanche (10) se trouve dans ladite première
position ouverte ou dans ladite deuxième position fermée et, à condition que ladite
chambre de pression étanche (10) se trouve dans ladite deuxième position fermée, alimentant
une pression de contrôle de ladite sortie de pression de contrôle, et
un deuxième détecteur (120) ayant une entrée de pression pour recevoir de la pression
fluide de ladite source de pression fluide (112) et une sortie de pression de contrôle
détectant si ledit fût compressible (168) est positionné dans ladite chambre de pression
étanche (10) ou non et, à condition que ledit fût compressible (168) est positionné
dans ladite chambre de pression étanche (10), alimentant une pression de contrôle
de ladite deuxième sortie de pression de contrôle de détecteur,
le procédé comprenant l'évaluation comme un ET logique lesdites pressions de contrôle
desdites sorties de pression de contrôle desdits premier et deuxième détecteurs (120,
122) et déterminant que ledit mode opérationel dudit système de distribution de boissons
n'est pas accompli si aucun ou seulement un des premier et deuxième détecteurs (120,
122) alimente la pression de contrôle de sa sortie de pression de contrôle, et ledit
mode opérationel est seulement accompli si les deux pressions de contrôle sont alimentées
desdites sorties de pression de contrôle desdits premier et deuxième détecteurs (120,
122),
lesdits premier et deuxième détecteurs (120, 122) étant connectés dans une configuration
en série ou alternativement étant connectés à une vanne à pression ET, ledit procédé
comprenant l'étape supplémentaire de générer une pression propice à condition que
ledit mode opérationnel est accompli,
ladite pression propice étant utilisée pour pressuriser la chambre de pression (10),
créant ainsi un système de sécurité sauvegarde défaut.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit mode opérationnel est indiqué
par un signal d'indication, tel que par exemple une lumière verte, une plaque de signalisation
verte ou similaire.
3. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, fournissant en outre
une vanne de décharge (72) entre ledit fût de boissons (168) et ledit tuyau de distribution
(68), ladite vanne de décharge (72) ayant une position de distribution de boissons
et une position fermée, où ledit mode opérationnel correspond à ladite chambre de
pression (10) étant pressurisée, et ladite pression propice étant utilisée pour générer
que ladite vanne de décharge (72) adopte ladite position de distribution de boissons.
4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, fournissant en outre
une cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) en communication fluide avec ledit tuyau de
distribution (68), et un troisième détecteur (124) ayant une entrée de pression pour
recevoir de la pression fluide de ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) et une
sortie de pression de contrôle qui détecte si oui ou non ladite cartouche de rinçage
(20, 118, 132) est pressurisée, et à condition que ladite cartouche de rinçage (20,
118, 132) est pressurisée, alimentant une pression de contrôle à partir de ladite
sortie de pression de contrôle, où le procédé comprenant l'évaluation comme un ET
logique lesdites pressions de contrôle desdites sorties de pression de contrôle desdits
premier, deuxième et troisième détecteurs (120, 122, 124) et déterminant un mode de
rinçage dudit système de distribution de boissons, n'est seulement accompli à condition
que toutes les trois pressions de contrôle sont alimentées desdites sorties de pression
de contrôle desdits premier, deuxième et troisième détecteurs (120, 122, 124).
5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit mode de rinçage est indiqué par
un signal d'indication, tel que par exemple une lumière rouge, une plaque de signalisation
rouge ou similaire.
6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 5, lesdits premier, deuxième
et troisième détecteurs (120, 122, 124) étant connectés en une configuration en série
ou alternativement étant connectés à un vanne à pression ET, afin de générer une pression
permettant le rinçage, à condition que ledit mode de rinçage est accompli.
7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, fournissant en outre une vanne de décharge (72)
entre ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) et ledit tuyau de distribution (68),
ladite vanne de décharge (72) ayant une position de rinçage, où ledit mode de rinçage
correspond à ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) étant pressurisée, et ladite
pression permettant le rinçage étant utilisée pour générer que ladite vanne de décharge
(72) adopte ladite position de rinçage.
8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, dans lequel ladite cartouche
de rinçage (20, 118, 132) est installée de manière amovible sur ladite chambre de
pression (10), ou alternativement ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) constitue
une unité de rinçage séparée.
9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 8, dans lequel ladite cartouche
de rinçage (20, 118, 132) est pressurisée par ladite pression propice, ou en outre
comprenant que ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) est pressurisée par ladite
source de pression fluide (112) ou ladite chambre de pression (10).
10. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 9, dans lequel ladite cartouche
de rinçage (20, 118, 132) est raccordée à une pluralité de systèmes de distribution
de boissons.
11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118,
132) est fournie avec un interrupteur pour fournir de manièrer sélective du fluide
de rinçage de ladite cartouche de rinçage (20, 118, 132) à un tuyau de distribution
(68) de ladite pluralité des systèmes de distribution de boissons.
12. Procédé selon les revendications 10 à 11, dans lequel ladite cartouche de rinçage
(20, 118, 132) est fournie avec un interrupteur pour fournir de manière sélective
ladite sortie de pression de contrôle dudit troisième détecteur (124) à l'un desdits
systèmes de distribution de boissons, ou alternativement où ladite sortie de pression
de contrôle dudit troisième détecteur (124) est alimentée à tous lesdits systèmes
de distribution de boissons.
13. Système pour déterminer si le mode opérationnel d'un système de distribution de boissons
est accompli ou non, le système de distribution de boissons comprenant :
une chambre de pression étanche (10) à être alternée entre une première position ouverte
et une deuxième position fermée,
un fût compressible (168) à être reçu à l'intérieur de la chambre de pression étanche
(10),
un tuyau de distribution (68) qui est, au moins durant l'utilisation, raccordé audit
fût compressible (168),
une source de pression fluide (112) raccordée à la chambre de pression (10) pour la
pressurisation de la chambre de pression (10),
un premier détecteur (122) ayant une entrée de pression pour la reception de pression
fluide de ladite source de pression fluide (112) et une sortie de pression de contrôle
pour détecter si ladite chambre de pression étanche (10) se trouve dans ladite première
position ouverte ou dans ladite deuxième position fermée et, à condition que ladite
chambre de pression étanche (10) se trouve dans ladite deuxième position fermée, alimentant
une pression de contrôle de ladite sortie de pression de contrôle du deuxième détecteur,
un deuxième détecteur (120) ayant une entrée de pression pour recevoir ladite pression
fluide de ladite source de pression fluide (112) et une sortie de pression de contrôle
pour détecter si ledit fût compressible (168) est positionné dans ladite chambre de
pression étanche (10) ou non et, à condition que ledit fût compressible (168) est
positionné dans ladite chambre de pression étanche (10), alimentant une pression de
contrôle de ladite sortie de pression de contrôle,
une unité d'évaluation pour évaluer comme un ET logique lesdites pressions de contrôle
desdites sorties de pression de contrôle desdits premier et deuxième détecteurs (120,
122) et déterminer que ledit mode opérationel dudit système de distribution de boissons
n'est pas accompli si aucun ou seulement un des premier et deuxième détecteurs (120,
122) alimente la pression de contrôle de sa sortie de pression de contrôle, et ledit
mode opérationel est seulement accompli si les deux pressions de contrôle sont alimentées
desdites sorties de pression de contrôle desdits premier et deuxième détecteurs (120,
122),
lesdits premier et deuxième détecteurs (120, 122) étant connectés dans une configuration
en série ou alternativement étant connectés à un vanne à pression ET pour générer
une pression propice, à condition que ledit mode opérationnel est accompli,
ladite pression propice étant utilisée pour pressuriser la chambre de pression (10),
créant ainsi un système de sécurité sauvegarde défaut.