Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention pertains to the industrial sector dedicated to the manufacture
of devices for the dispensing of cold carbonated beverages under pressure and in bulk,
distributed in barrels, such as for example, beer.
[0002] The objective of the present invention is to develop an extractor valve with the
feature that it provides automatic switching of beverage barrels without interruption
and without the need for any intervention by an operator when the liquid in the barrel
or corresponding container runs out.
[0003] The extractor valve described in this invention comprises connections for the gas
inlet, electrical connections commanded from a control panel, connection for flood
pipes for the conduction of the liquid contents of the barrels together with chilled
water, the said pipes being connected to a linking device that allows the liquid to
be distributed to the dispensing tap through a flood python or a contact python.
Background of the invention
[0004] At present, the storage of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in barrels
or suchlike is considered to be an economic and reliable solution in public establishments
such as bars, restaurants or cafés.
[0005] The main drawback of this arrangement in barrels or suchlike arises when it comes
to switching over barrels, an action that necessarily has to be performed by an operator
who is therefore forced to stop doing whatever he is working on at the time in order
to perform the said barrel change and thereafter enable the liquid outflow to check
the system is working correctly.
[0006] Another drawback is that in a number of current dispensing systems, for example for
beer, the coupling used for the outlet dispensing tap or beer pull is different for
each brand of beverage and thus the coupling or connection python has to be adapted.
[0007] Seeking solutions to resolve the automation of the automatic switching of barrels
or containers of beverage when they have run out, patent
GB2415952 describes a beverage dispensing system with automatic container switching, of the
type used in at least two containers or barrels of beverage, a beverage cooling system,
and a series of draining and supply solenoid valves, all connected to the dispensing
tap, and in which at least one valve, fitted to the barrel, is in turn connected to
a gas dispensing system, with the entire system commanded by a control module.
[0008] It also incorporates a flow meter, a manometer and valves, which may be pneumatic
or hydraulic.
[0009] The gas dispensing system comprises a valve and a gas cylinder and lastly, it includes
a system for sanitising any devices not in service.
[0010] The drawback of that invention is that it does not specify how automatic barrel switching
is achieved and fails to describe in any conclusive manner the way in which the empty
barrel is replaced; consequently, it is not clear to an expert in the matter how such
a changeover could be accomplished automatically, i.e., without the need for and involvement
of at least one operator.
[0011] Similarly, in regard to the means employed for piercing the barrel, it is not clearly
defined how such an action is to be performed.
[0012] A further solution can be found in patent
ES2547497, which describes a beverage dispensing system for containers or barrels, which comprises
a combination of different devices to guarantee automatic switching between kegs,
containers or barrels without interrupting supply and with no need for handling when
the liquid in each container or barrel runs out, but with the drawback that the main
or piercing valve of the barrel is not described in full detail.
Description of the invention
[0013] In order to reduce the aforementioned drawbacks in the automation of automatic barrel
or container changeover in beverage dispensing systems as much as possible, an extractor
valve according to claim 1 has been devised which enables automatic switching to the
next barrel when the first one runs out without any interruption in the beverage dispensing
supply, the said extractor valve being comprised of:
A fixed element that comprises a closing cover on its top part that also serves as
a coupling element to a pneumatic piston fitted with an actuating solenoid valve,
connected directly to a programmable control panel by means of electric wiring, the
said fixed element being connected:
- to a cylinder of carbon dioxide via an inlet pipe linked to an intake connector with
a non-return valve, which affords greater reliability to the extractor valve
- and to a pipe that in turn is connected to the actuating solenoid valve.
[0014] A moving element that comprises a locking sleeve on its top part, said locking sleeve
incorporating a sensor with a float connected directly to a programmable control panel
via electric wiring, said moving element being:
- connected to the beverage dispensing system by means of a flood python,
- the opposite end of said flood python being connected to a linking device that is
connected to the beverage dispensing tap by means of a flood or contact python,
- the said moving element including a bleed valve to relieve foam and gas.
[0015] The attachment between the fixed element and the moving element coupled inside the
fixed element is achieved by means of a pin inserted between the locking sleeve on
the moving element and a threaded joint on the pneumatic piston rod, integrated in
the fixed element.
[0016] The fixed element comprises a cylindrically shaped casing with an inner cavity in
which the moving element fits and is able to move by means of a machined groove positioned
longitudinally inside the casing, the said casing including, on its outside, a threaded
projection for fitting a lever handle to make handling the extractor valve easier
when coupling or decoupling it from the relevant barrel.
[0017] On the top face of the fixed element casing, there are two bosses set at 180°, onto
which a closing cover is attached by means of screws.
[0018] The fixed element casing includes, on its bottom part, a cylindrical section of a
lesser diameter with a swivel- action machined anchoring in alignment with the outlet
connection of a barrel, the said casing including an intake connection to which the
carbon dioxide pipe is connected.
[0019] The fixed element casing is a structural means of coupling and holding the extractor
valve onto the barrel and for that reason, it is a robust element made of high mechanical
strength metals.
[0020] The closing cover on the fixed element has the shape of a reduced-thickness prism
and includes two lugs positioned at an angle of 180° that pipe up with the bosses
on the fixed element casing, including threaded bore holes on the surface so that
the pneumatic piston can be attached by means of screws.
[0021] The pneumatic piston is of a double-acting type in order to transmit the necessary
thrust on the moving element of the extractor valve in collaboration with the actuating
solenoid valve to produce proper "piercing" of the barrel; in the same way, once the
barrel is empty, it triggers the recoil movement of the moving element to "un-pierce"
the barrel, immediately cutting off the inlet flow of gas from the barrel.
[0022] Having a solenoid valve incorporated in the pneumatic piston considerably reduces
actuating response time and thus ensures the extractor valve operates more efficiently.
[0023] The moving element comprises a cylindrical valve body, which incorporates a cavity
with a threaded section on its top part designed to house a sensor with a float, incorporating
a distribution manifold, which fits snugly into the machined groove of the fixed element
casing when the valve body is inserted into the inner cavity of the fixed element
casing.
[0024] This distribution manifold has two front connections, a blind bottom connection and
a top connection used for manual bleeding; it also has a side outlet connection for
connecting a flood python by means of a coupler.
[0025] The valve body of the moving element comprises, on its bottom part, of a cylindrical
section of a lesser diameter, with O-rings between which a silicone anti-drip ball
that acts as a non-return valve to cut off or allow the outflow of liquid from the
barrel is housed, the end of the said bottom part of the moving element valve body
having a connection nozzle in order to pierce the corresponding barrel.
[0026] The locking sleeve comprises two facing extensions, including, on their lower end,
a threaded section that aligns with the threaded section of the valve body, thus allowing
its closing, while in the middle part, the locking sleeve has a threaded through-hole
to house the sensor..
[0027] Both the flood python or pythons and the contact pythons used in this beverage dispensing
system are commercially available parts and include a return pipe for the water circuit
and another independent pipe for water or which holds the beverage dispensing pipe
inside it, all pipes being sheathed with thermal insulation to ensure the beverage
is kept permanently cold.
[0028] The linking device comprises a frame with an inlet cover and an outlet cover opposite
it, and both covers incorporate coupling connectors.
The linking device also comprises branch connectors to connect the different pipes
between flood pythons or between flood pythons and contact pythons, the said linking
device being tightly sealed by the joining of the frame to both covers by means of
contact adhesives.
[0029] The beverage dispensing system with automatic barrel switching for an example of
an installation for two barrels comprises:
- A CO2 cylinder with a pressure regulator and pipes with two-way connectors and non-return
valves connected to the CO2 inlet on the pneumatic piston actuating solenoid valve.
- Inlet pipes with two-way connectors connected to the CO2 intake connection of the
fixed element of the extractor valve, each of the extractor valves being connected
on their respective barrels.
- A programmable control panel connected to the general power supply, with direct wiring
to the pneumatic piston actuating solenoid valve and to the sensor integrated in the
valve body of the moving element.
- A closed water circuit with outlet and inlet to a cooler.
- Thermally insulated flood pythons for dispensing beverage, connected directly to a
linking device from each side outlet of the distribution manifold of the moving element
of each individual extractor valve.
- A linking device, for coupling flood pythons on one side and flood or contact python,
connected directly to the beverage dispenser tap.
[0030] The set-up of the linking device is carried out by running the return pipes and the
beverage pipes of a flood python through the inlet cover and connecting the free ends
of the return pipes with a branch connector and using another branch connector to
connect the beverage pipes. Thus, the flood python is fitted snugly into the inlet
cover and then the connection of another flood or contact python is carried out by
repeating the same steps through the outlet cover and joining the return and beverage
pipes by means of the branch connectors..
[0031] Once the set-up has been carried out, the joints between the covers and the frame
are sealed hermetically and the extractor valves are connected to their respective
barrels, together with all the other parts that make up the system, which is then
activated from the control panel, as programmed, and when the dispensing tap is turned
on, the liquids begin to be distributed by the system in the following way:
The carbon dioxide (CO2) intake connection, incorporated in the fixed element casing
has an inner cavity that is sealed by means of two O-rings, located in the valve body
of the moving element, the carbon dioxide being retained in said cavity for as long
as the pneumatic piston rod is recoiled and the solenoid valve that actuates the pneumatic
piston is not activated from the control panel, so that the barrel remains un-pierced.
[0032] When the solenoid valve of the pneumatic piston receives the start signal through
its respective wiring from the control panel, as programmed, the moving element descends
and "pierces" the barrel thanks to the mechanical action exerted by the thrust of
the pneumatic piston threaded joint, causing the carbon dioxide retained in the inner
cavity in the intake connection of the fixed element casing to come into contact with
the inside of the barrel, which, as a result of the pressure difference, forces the
beverage to flood into the cavity of the valve body of the moving element in the direction
towards the side outlet connection, thus causing the float in the sensor and the silicone
anti-drip ball to rise and open the pipe so the beverage can be dispensed.
[0033] From the moment the barrel is automatically "pierced" by the connection nozzle of
the moving element valve body as a result of the thrust exerted by the pneumatic piston,
the beverage begins to run through the flood python towards a linking device, from
which, by means of a flood or contact python, it is dispensed through the dispensing
tap - provided that the tap is open - as follows:
- The linking device keeps the return pipes and beverage supply pipes connected inside
it, with the flood channels housed in the corresponding covers, so that the circulating
water flows into the linking device and is continuously absorbed by the flood python
connected to the outlet cover, thus maintaining a constant dispensing and water cooling
cycle.
[0034] The linking device makes it easier to operate the system with all types of flood
or contact python, given that each manufacturer employs a different type of approved
python.
[0035] While the dispensing tap is turned off, the beverage stored inside the dispensing
circuit will remain cold provided that the cooler in the system is in service, since
the installation has a closed water circuit that runs into and out of the said cooler,
the said closed circuit running parallel to the beverage pipe, being housed inside
a thermally insulated flood python.
[0036] This way the user can start using the beverage in the barrel whenever required without
having to perform any additional operation apart from turning the dispensing tap on;
and the system remains in stable equilibrium with both the sensor float and the silicone
anti-drip ball floating.
[0037] When all the beverage in a barrel has been consumed, it gives way inside the circuit
to the carbon dioxide that until now was pushing it, so that, as a result of the difference
in density between both fluids, the sensor float stops floating and falls by gravity
to the base of the sensor, triggering a reed switch that generates an electrical signal.
[0038] The electrical signal thus generated travels along the sensor cable and is received
by the control module, thus causing the actuating solenoid valve that controls the
pneumatic piston to switch, which in turn reverses the inflow of carbon dioxide in
the pneumatic piston resulting in the rise of the threaded joint and of the moving
element and consequently in the un-piercing of the barrel, at which point the flow
of carbon dioxide from the CO2 cylinder shuts off immediately.
[0039] In that same instant and completely automatically thanks to the programmable control
module, at the same time as the first barrel is un-pierced, the next barrel connected
in the installation is pierced and the cycle described above starts over again.
[0040] This means that switching from one barrel to another takes place almost instantaneously,
thus minimising the amount of carbon dioxide that enters the beverage circuit and
avoiding the need to bleed the entire circuit, with the benefits that this entails
for the user, namely better user experience for customers, improved working conditions
and convenience, reduced spillage and wastage of the beverage and gas, or, in other
words, better use of raw materials, greater cost savings and a reduction in environmental
impact.
[0041] Once the automatic switchover to the next barrel has taken place, a signal is emitted
from the programmable control module to the user to indicate that the first barrel
is empty and can be replaced at a suitable time with another full barrel, so that
the cycle can continue indefinitely. This signal can be sent and received in different
ways, depending on the degree of technological implementation available in the establishment,
and may range from a simple LED warning light fitted on the programmable control module
to an App-based alert using a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network with electronic devices such
as computers, tablets or smartphones.
[0042] The procedure to replace and change a barrel is completely manual and consists of
folding down a lever handle fitted on the casing of the fixed element to make it easier
to turn the extractor valve to the necessary position, depending on each barrel-maker's
standard clamping system, so that once the extractor valve has been released, the
empty barrel can be removed and replaced with the next one full of beverage, carrying
out the inverse operation with the extractor valve.
[0043] When the contents of a barrel run out, the beverage circuit still remains permanently
tight thanks to the silicone anti-drip ball, which acts as a non-return valve, and
the valve body cavity remains with residues of beverage and carbon dioxide until the
bleed valve is turned manually to completely drain the aforementioned cavity.
[0044] In the same way, as the circuit is kept sealed by means of the silicone anti-drip
ball, any beverage that has not been expelled from the circuit during the barrel switchover
operation is kept cooled by the circuit.
[0045] Thus, the barrel and the extractor valve are ready for a new cycle and the only remaining
step is to record them in the programmable control module so as to indicate that the
replacement operation has taken place and that a new barrel is available and fully
operational when required, in this case, as soon as the next barrel runs out.
[0046] Persons skilled in the art will readily understand that this system can combine features
from a number of embodiments with those from other possible embodiments, provided
that such a combination is technically possible.
Benefits of the invention
[0047] The extractor valve for beverage dispensing with automatic barrel switching presented
affords multiple advantages over those currently available, the most significant being
that it enables almost instantaneous switching from one barrel to another, thus minimising
the entry of carbon dioxide into the beverage circuit and avoiding the need to drain
it completely, with the resulting benefits for the user, such as better user experience
for customers, improved working conditions and convenience, reduced spillage and wastage
of beverage and gas, or, in other words, enhanced use of raw materials, greater cost
savings and a reduction in environmental impact.
[0048] Another highly significant advantage is that the pneumatic piston integrated in the
extractor valve incorporates a solenoid valve to reduce response time.
[0049] A further important advantage is that the fixed element casing and the valve body
of the moving element incorporate, on their top part, a locking element so that the
fixed element is firmly attached to the moving element coupled inside the fixed element
by means of a pin inserted between the said locking elements.
[0050] One more significant advantage to be added is that the dispensing system with extractor
valves entails the installation of a linking device between the flood pythons connected
to both the extractor valves and the dispensing tap through flood or contact pythons,
thus making it much easier for the user to work with and dispense any brand of beverage.
Description of the drawings
[0051] To provide for a better understanding of the present invention, a practical preferred
embodiment of the system is depicted in the annexed drawings:
Figures - 1 and 2 - show a view of the extractor valve coupled to a barrel.
Figure - 3 - shows a sectional view of the extractor valve coupled to a barrel.
Figure - 4 - shows an elevation, cross sectional and top view of the casing of the
fixed element.
Figure - 5 - shows an elevation, cross-sectional and top view of the closing cover
of the casing of the fixed element.
Figure - 6 - shows an elevation, cross-sectional view of the valve body of the moving
element.
Figure - 7 - shows an elevation cross-sectional view of the locking sleeve of the
valve body of the moving element.
Figures - 8 and 9 - show a detailed sectional view of the set-up of the linking device
with flood and contact pythons
Figure - 10 - shows a diagram of an installation for a beverage dispensing with automatic
container switching, which, in this example, comprises two extractor valves.
Preferred embodiment of the invention
[0052] The composition and characteristics of the invention may be better understood with
the following description made with reference to the appended figures.
[0053] Figure 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of the extractor valve (1) coupled to a barrel
(28), with details of the fixed element (2) with a closing cover (3) on its top part,
which also serves to couple a pneumatic piston (4) equipped with an actuating solenoid
valve (5).
[0054] The actuating solenoid valve (5) is commanded through electrical wiring (6) connected
to a programmable control panel (7) and on the other side through a carbon dioxide
pipe connected to a cylinder (8) of CO2.
[0055] A lever handle (26) is incorporated onto the casing of the fixed element (2) intended
to facilitate handling the extractor valve when piercing or un-piercing the barrel
(28).
[0056] On the bottom part of the casing of the fixed element (2), an inlet pipe (9) is shown,
which connects to a intake connection (10) of carbon dioxide from a cylinder (8) of
CO2, as well as a non-return valve (11) fitted on the said intake connection (10).
[0057] Furthermore, it also depicts a moving element (13) mounted on the inside of the fixed
element (2) and protruding from that fixed element (2) is a distribution manifold
(32), which has a bleed valve (20) on its top part used to enable flushing of the
cavities in the extractor valve (1).
[0058] The connection with a flood python (16) by means of a coupler (45) can also be seen
on the distribution manifold (32).
[0059] Figure 2 depicts a front view of the extractor valve (1) coupled to a barrel (28),
showing the fixed element (2) that houses the moving element (13) inside it, and the
closing cover (3) coupled to the casing of the fixed element (2), there being positioned
on the said closing cover (3), a pneumatic piston (4) that incorporates an actuating
solenoid valve (5) connected to the dispensing system by means of electrical wiring
(6) and a pipe (12) for the inlet of carbon dioxide.
[0060] Shown on the bottom part of the casing of the fixed element is an inlet pipe (9)
for carbon dioxide, coming from the dispensing system.
[0061] Furthermore, the moving element (13) is depicted, showing a locking sleeve (14) on
its top part, which also serves to house a sensor (15) with a float (41), connected
to the dispensing system by means of electrical wiring (6).
[0062] A distribution manifold (32) on the moving element (13) is also depicted, showing
the bleed valve (20) on its top part and a blind connection (38) on its bottom part,
as well as a side outlet connection for the beverage pipe, that connects to a flood
python (16) by means of a coupler (45).
[0063] The flood python (16) is shown, depicting a return pipe (46) and a flood pipe (47)
which houses the beverage pipe (48) inside it, all pipes being wrapped in a thermal
insulating sheathing (49).
[0064] Figure 3 is a cross section view of the extractor valve (1) showing the components
that comprise it when in operating position, that is to say, with the extractor valve
(1) pierced into a barrel (28).
[0065] When the actuating solenoid valve (5) of the pneumatic piston (4) receives the start
signal, as programmed, via the relevant wiring (6), the moving element (13) descends
and automatically "pierces" the barrel (28) with the connection nozzle (35) of the
valve body of the moving element (13) by means of the mechanical action exerted by
the thrust of the threaded joint (22) of the pneumatic piston (4) causing the carbon
dioxide channelled through the inlet pipe (9) and retained in the inner cavity of
the intake connection (10) with a non-return valve (11) of the casing of the fixed
element (2) to come into contact with the barrel (28), which in turn, as a result
of the pressure difference, pushes the beverage into the valve body cavity of the
moving element (13) towards the flood python (16), resulting in the rise of the float
(41) of the sensor (15) and of the silicone anti-drip ball (34), allowing the beverage
to flow out for dispensing.
[0066] The intake connection (10) for carbon dioxide (CO2) incorporated in the casing of
the fixed element (2) has an inner cavity which is sealed by means of two O-rings
(33) positioned in the valve body of the moving element (13), the carbon dioxide being
retained in said cavity while the rod of the pneumatic piston (4) is recoiled and
the actuating solenoid valve (5) of the pneumatic piston (4) is not activated, so
that the barrel (28) remains un-pierced.
[0067] It also shows the firm attachment between the fixed element (2) and the moving element
(13) coupled inside the fixed element (2), which is achieved by means of a pin (21)
inserted between the locking sleeve (14) of the moving element (13) and a threaded
joint (22) in the pneumatic piston (4) rod incorporated in the fixed element (2).
[0068] The moving element (13) moves vertically through the cavity in the fixed element
(2) along a machined groove (24) positioned longitudinally in the said casing.
[0069] The distribution manifold (32) is also depicted, showing the bleed valve (20), the
blind bottom connection (38) and the coupler (45) connected to the flood python (16).
[0070] The closing cover (3) is shown closing the casing of the fixed element (2) serving
as a coupling for the pneumatic piston (4).
[0071] When all the beverage in the barrel (28) has been consumed, it gives way inside the
circuit to the carbon dioxide that until now was pushing it, causing, due to a difference
in density between both fluids, that the float (59) of the sensor (15) stops floating
and drops by gravity to the bottom of the said sensor (15), thus triggering a reed
switch which generates an electrical signal.
[0072] The electrical signal is received through the wiring (6) of the sensor (15), causing
a change in the actuating solenoid valve (5) controlling the pneumatic piston (4)
that reverting the entry of the carbon dioxide to the pneumatic piston (4) along the
pipe (12) and causing the rise of the threaded joint (22), and the rise of the moving
element (13), and consequently the un-piercing of the barrel (28), which automatically
cuts off the inflow of carbon dioxide from the system instantaneously.
[0073] In addition, a lever handle (26) is shown attached to the casing of the fixed element
(2).
[0074] Figure 4 shows the cylindrically-shaped casing of the fixed element (2) with an inner
cavity (23) to house the moving element (13), which is able to move through the said
inner cavity (23) by means of a machined groove (24) positioned longitudinally in
said casing, incorporating on the outside of said casing a threaded projection (25),
intended for coupling a lever handle (26).
[0075] The casing of the fixed element (2) incorporates on its top part two bosses (27)
positioned at 180°, intended for coupling a closing cover (3) by means of screws.
[0076] The casing of the fixed element (2) comprises, on its bottom part, a cylindrical
section of a smaller diameter, incorporating a swivel-action machined anchoring (29)
that aligns with the outlet connection of a barrel (28) and which incorporates an
intake connection (10) for incoming carbon dioxide.
[0077] Figure 5 shows the closing cover (3) of the fixed element (2), in the shape of a
prism of reduced thickness, which incorporates two lugs (30), positioned at an angle
of 180°, that pipe up with the bosses (27) on the casing of the fixed element (2),
incorporating on its surface threaded bore holes (31) for attaching the pneumatic
piston (4) by means of screws.
[0078] Figure 6 shows the moving element (13) comprising a cylindrical valve body, which
incorporates a cavity (36) with a threaded section (37) on its top part, incorporating
a distribution manifold (32) with two front connections, a blind bottom connection
(38), and a top connection (39) for manual bleeding, as well as a side outlet connection
(40), intended for the connection of a flood python (16).
[0079] The valve body of the moving element (13) comprises a cylindrical section of a smaller
diameter on its bottom part, with O-rings (33), between which a silicone anti-drip
ball (34) is fitted that works as an automatic non-return valve to close off or open
the outflow of liquid from the barrel (28), the end of the lower part of the valve
body in the moving element (13) being configured by a connection nozzle (35) to pierce
the corresponding barrel (28).
[0080] Figure 7 depicts the locking sleeve (14) made up of two facing extensions (42), including,
at the bottom end, a threaded section (43) that aligns with the threaded section (37)
on the valve body to enable it to be locked down and the said locking sleeve (14)
incorporating, in its central part, a threaded through-hole (44) intended for housing
the sensor (15).
[0081] Figure 8 shows the linking device (17) between the flood pythons (16) and Figure
9 shows the linking device (17) between an inlet flood python (16) and an outlet contact
python (19).
[0082] In Figures 8 and 9, the linking device (17) is comprised by a frame (50) with an
inlet cover (51) and an outlet cover (52) opposite it, both of which are fitted with
coupling connectors (53).
[0083] The linking device (17) also comprises branch connectors (54) for connections between
different pipes, both between flood pythons (16) and between flood pythons (16) and
contact pythons (19), the said linking device (17) being tightly sealed by means of
the joining of the frame (50) to both covers (51 and 52) by means of contact adhesives.
[0084] The frame (50) is depicted by a broken pipe to show the inner set-up between the
different pipes connecting the flood pythons (16) and contact pythons (19).
[0085] The linking device (17) keeps the return pipes (46) and the beverage pipes (48) connected
inside it, while the flood pipes (47) are housed inside the respective covers (51
and 52), so that the circulating water invades the linking device (17) and is continuously
absorbed by the flood pipe (47) connected to the outlet cover (52), thus maintaining
a constant cycle of water distribution and cooling.
[0086] Figure 10 shows a diagram of an installation for a beverage dispensing system with
automatic barrel switching which in this example is formed by two barrels (28) and
comprises:
- One cylinder (8) of CO2 with a pressure regulator and pipes (12) with two-way connectors
(55) and non-return valves (11), connected to the CO2 inlet on the actuating solenoid
valve (5) of the pneumatic piston (4)
- Inlet pipes (9) with two-way connectors (55) that connect to the intake connection
(10) for CO2 of the fixed element (2) of the extractor valve (1), each extractor valve
(1) being individually connected to its respective barrel (28).
- A programmable control panel (7) that connects the general power supply (56) via direct
wiring (6) to the actuating solenoid valve (5) of the pneumatic piston (4) and to
the sensor (15) integrated in the valve body of the moving element (13).
- A closed water circuit that runs into and out of a cooler (57).
- Flood pythons (16), thermally insulated, for dispensing beverage, connected directly
to the linking device (17) from each side outlet connection (40) on the distribution
manifold (32) of the moving element (13) of each extractor valve (1).
- A linking device (17) that provides the connection either between the flood pythons
(16) or between the flood pythons (16) and the contact pythons (19) in direct connection
with the dispensing tap (18) by means of the beverage pipe (48).
[0087] The installation procedure starts with mounting the linking device (17) by running
the return pipes (46) and beverage pipes (48) of a flood python (16) through the inlet
cover (51) and connecting the free ends of the return pipes (46) using with a branch
connector (54) and doing the same thing with the beverage pipes (48) with another
branch connector (54), the flood pipe (47) remaining housed inside the inlet cover
(51), then continuing by setting up another flood python (16) or contact python (19)
and repeating the process, this time through the outlet cover (52), joining the return
pipes (46) and beverage pipes (48) using the aforementioned branch connectors (54).
[0088] Once the set-up has been completed, the joints between the covers (51 and 52) and
the frame (50) are tightly sealed, the extractor valves (1), as well as all the elements
that make up the installation, are connected to their respective barrels (28) and
the system is activated from the control panel (7), as programmed, and when the dispensing
tap (18) is turned on, the fluids begin to be dispensed by the system as follows:
The intake connection (10) for carbon dioxide (CO2), which is incorporated in the
casing of the fixed element (2), has an inner cavity sealed by means of two O-rings
(33) positioned in the valve body of the moving element (13) and the carbon dioxide
is retained in the said cavity for as long as the rod of the pneumatic piston (4)
is recoiled and the actuating solenoid valve (5) of the pneumatic piston (4) has not
been activated from the control panel (7), so that the barrel (28) remains un-pierced.
[0089] As soon as the actuating solenoid valve (5) of the pneumatic piston (4) receives
the start signal from the control panel (7), as programmed, via the respective wiring
(6), the moving element (13) descends and pierces the barrel (28) by means of the
mechanical action exerted by the thrust of the threaded joint (22) exerted by the
pneumatic piston (4), causing the carbon dioxide retained in the inner cavity of the
intake connection (10) of the casing of the fixed element (2) to come into contact
with the inside of the barrel (28) and as a consequence of the pressure difference,
the beverage is pushed into the cavity of the valve body of the moving element (13),
in the direction of the side outlet connection (40) of the moving element (13), making
the float (59) of the sensor (15) and the silicone anti-drip ball (34) rise by floatation,
thus allowing the beverage to flow out for dispensing.
[0090] From the moment the barrel (28) is automatically pierced by the connection nozzle
(35) on the valve body of the moving element (13) as a result of the thrust exerted
by the pneumatic piston (4), the beverage begins to flow through the respective flood
python (16) to a linking device (17), from where, via either a flood python (16) or
a contact python (19), it is led to the dispensing tap (18), and when the tap is open,
it is dispensed as follows:
- The linking device (17) connects the return pipes (46) and beverage pipes (48) inside
it, while the flood pipes (47) are housed in the inlet cover (51) or outlet cover
(52) respectively, so that the circulating water invades the linking device (17) and
is continuously absorbed by the flood pipe (47) connected to the outlet cover (52),
thus maintaining a constant distribution cycle of cooling water.
[0091] While the dispensing tap (18) remains turned off, the beverage is stored in the distribution
circuit, which is kept permanently cold as long as the cooler (57) located in the
system is in service, because the system has a closed water circuit that starts and
finishes at the cooler (57), the said closed circuit running parallel to the beverage
pipe, being housed inside a flood python (16) that is thermally insulated.
[0092] This way, the user can start using the beverage in the barrel (28) whenever required
without the need for any additional operations except opening the dispensing tap (18)
and the system remains in stable equilibrium with the float (41) of the sensor (15)
and the silicone anti-drip ball (34) both floating.
[0093] When the beverage in the barrel (28) eventually runs out, it gives way inside the
circuit to the carbon dioxide that until now was pushing it, causing, due to the difference
in density between both fluids, that the float (41) of the sensor (15) stops floating
and falls due to gravity to the bottom of the sensor (15), thus triggering a reed
switch that generates an electrical signal.
[0094] The electrical signal is received by the control panel (7) via the wiring (6) of
the sensor (15) and causing a change in the actuating solenoid valve (5) of the pneumatic
piston (4), whereupon the input of carbon dioxide into the pneumatic piston (4) is
reversed and so the threaded joint (22) and the moving element (13) rise resulting
in the un-piercing of the barrel (28), whereupon the inflow of carbon dioxide from
the cylinder (8) of CO2 is automatically shut off.
[0095] At that same instant and in a fully automatic manner thanks to the programmable control
panel (7), as soon as the first barrel (28) is un-pierced, the piercing of the next
barrel (28) connected in the installation takes place, whereby a new cycle as described
above starts over.
[0096] This system means that switching from one barrel (28) to another occurs almost instantaneously,
minimising the inflow of carbon dioxide to the beverage circuit and thus avoiding
the need for the entire circuit to be bled, with the obvious benefits that entails
for the user, such as better user experience for their customers, improved working
conditions and convenience, reduced spillage and wastage of beverage and gas or, in
other words, better use of raw materials, greater cost savings and a lesser environmental
impact.
[0097] Once automatic switching to the next barrel (28) has taken place, a signal is sent
from the programmable control panel (7) to the user to notify that the first barrel
(28) is empty and needs to be replaced with another full barrel as soon as it is a
convenient moment for the user, thus enabling the cycle to continue indefinitely.
[0098] This signal can be transmitted and received in different ways, depending on the degree
of technology implemented in the establishment, ranging from a simple LED-type light
signal placed on the programmable control module (7) to an APP-type form of notification
via a Wi-Fi / Bluetooth network with electronic devices such as computers, tablets
or smartphones.
[0099] The procedure for replacing and changing an empty barrel (28) with a full one is
purely manual and consists of folding down a lever handle (26) positioned on the casing
of the fixed element (2) to allow the extractor valve (1) to be twisted as far as
each individual manufacturer of barrels (28) specifies as standard, so that once the
extractor valve (1) has been released, the empty barrel (28) can be removed and replaced
with the next one full of beverage, carrying out the inverse operation with the extractor
valve (1).
[0100] When the contents of the barrel (28) have run out, the beverage circuit remains tight
at all times due to the action of the silicone anti-drip ball (34), which serves as
a non-return valve, the cavity of the valve body having remains of beverage and carbon
dioxide and it being necessary to rotate the bleed valve (20) by hand until the said
cavity is totally free.
[0101] In the same way as the circuit remains tight due to the silicone anti-drip ball (34),
any beverage that has not been expelled by the circuit during the barrel (28) switching
operation is kept cool by the circuit.
[0102] With this the barrel (28) and the extractor valve (1) are ready for a new cycle and
it only remains to record it on the programmable control panel (7), indicating that
the changeover operation has taken place and the new full barrel (28) is ready for
use when necessary, in this case, when the next barrel (28) runs out.
1. Extractor valve (1) for beverage dispensing, comprising a moving element (13) housed
inside a fixed element (2) with a pneumatic piston (4), intended for piercing a barrel
or container (28),
characterised in that:
- the fixed element (2) comprises, on its top part, a closing cover (3) that also
serves for coupling said pneumatic piston (4) with a threaded joint (22) on the rod
of the pneumatic piston (4), the said pneumatic piston (4) incorporating an actuating
solenoid valve (5), which in use is directly connected to a programmable control panel
(7) via electrical wiring (6),
- the said fixed element (2) is configured to be connected to a cylinder (8) of carbon
dioxide,
• through an inlet pipe (9) coupled to an intake connection (10) with a non-return
valve (11),
• and with a pipe (12) in communication with the actuating solenoid valve (5).
- the moving element (13) comprises, on its top part, a locking sleeve (14), the said
locking sleeve (14) incorporating a sensor (15) with a float (41), directly connected
to a programmable control panel (7) via said electrical wiring (6),
- the moving element (13) is, in use, connected to the beverage dispensing system
• by means of a flood python (16) connected to a beverage dispensing tap (18) via
a linking device (17) that connects to a flood python (16) or contact python (19),
- the said moving element includes a bleed valve (20);
- the fixed element (2) and the moving element (13) coupled inside the fixed element
(2) is firmly attached by means of a pin (21) inserted between the locking sleeve
(14) of the moving element (13) and the threaded joint (22) on the rod of the pneumatic
piston (4).
2. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claim
wherein the fixed element (2) comprises a cylindrically-shaped casing with an inner cavity
(23), with a machined groove (24) positioned longitudinally to said casing, the said
casing incorporating
• on its top part, two bosses (27) positioned at 180°,
• on its middle area, a threaded projection (25) for coupling a lever handle (26)
and an intake connection (10)
• and on its bottom part, a swivel-action machined anchoring (29), for coupling to
a barrel (28).
3. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims, wherein the closing cover (3) of the fixed element (2) has the shape of a reduced-thickness
prism, incorporating two lugs (30) positioned at 180°, in alignment with the bosses
(27) of the casing of the fixed element (2), incorporating on its surface, threaded
bore holes (31) for coupling with the pneumatic piston (4).
4. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims,
wherein the moving element (13) comprises a cylindrical valve body which incorporates
• on its top part, a cavity (36) with a threaded section (37),
• on its middle area, a distribution manifold (32), provided with a blind bottom connection
(38), a top connection (39) for bleeding, and a side outlet connection (40) for coupling
with flood pythons (16),
• externally, on its bottom part, a cylindrical section of a smaller diameter, with
O-rings (33) and a connection nozzle (35) positioned at its free end,
• and internally, on its bottom part, an anti-drip ball (34) made of silicone.
5. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims, wherein the locking sleeve (14) comprises two facing extensions (42), comprising at the bottom
end a threaded section (43), the said locking sleeve (14) incorporating in its central
part a threaded through-hole (44) where the sensor (15) is housed.
6. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims, wherein the linking device (17) comprises a frame (50) with an inlet cover (51) and opposite
it an outlet cover (52), both covers (51 and 52) incorporating coupling connectors
(53), the said linking device (17) incorporating branch connectors (54) to connect
the various flood pipes (47), return pipes (46) and beverage pipes (48) that run inside
the flood pythons (16) and contact pythons (19), the said linking device (17) being
tightly sealed by joining the frame (50) and both the covers (51 and 52) by means
of contact adhesive.
7. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims, wherein the connection between the extractor valves (1) and the linking device (17) is fixed
by flood pythons (16).
8. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims, wherein the connection between the linking device (17) and the beverage dispensing tap (18)
is fixed by flood pythons (16).
9. Extractor valve for beverage dispensing, according to the preceding claims, wherein the connection between the linking device (17) and the beverage dispensing tap (18)
is fixed by contact pythons (19).
1. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken, aufweisend ein bewegliches Element (13),
welches im Inneren eines festen Elements (2) mit einem pneumatischen Kolben (4) aufgenommen
ist, welches dafür vorgesehen ist, ein Fass oder einen Behälter (28) zu durchbohren,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
- das feste Element (2) an seinem oberen Teil eine schließende Abdeckung (3) aufweist,
welche auch dazu dient, den pneumatischen Kolben (4) mit einer Gewindeverbindung (22)
an der Stange des pneumatischen Kolbens (4) zu koppeln, wobei der pneumatische Kolben
(4) ein ansteuerndes Magnetventil (5) enthält, welches im Betrieb über elektrische
Leitungen (6) direkt mit einem programmierbaren Steuerpanel (7) verbunden ist,
- das feste Element (2) dafür ausgelegt ist, mit einem Zylinder (X) mit Kohlendioxid
• durch ein Einlassrohr (9), welches an einer Aufnahmeverbindung (10) mit einem Rückschlagventil
(11) gekoppelt ist,
• und mit einem Rohr (12) in Kommunikation mit dem ansteuernden Magnetventil (5) verbunden
zu sein,
- das bewegliche Element (13) an seinem oberen Teil eine Spannhülse (14) aufweist,
welche Spannhülse (14) einen Sensor (15) mit einem Schwimmer (41) enthält, welcher
über die elektrischen Leitungen (6) direkt an ein programmierbares Steuerpanel (7)
angeschlossen ist,
- das bewegliche Element (13) im Betrieb mit dem Getränkeausschenksystem verbunden
ist
• mittels einer Flut-Zapfleitung (16), welche mit einem Getränkezapfhahn (18) über
eine Verbindungseinrichtung (17) verbunden ist, welche mit einer Speise-Zapfleitung
(16) oder Kontakt-Zapfleitung (19) verbindet,
- das bewegliche Element ein Entlüftungsventil (20) umfasst;
- das feste Element (2) und das im Inneren des festen Elements (2) gekoppelte bewegliche
Element (13) mittels eines Stifts (21), welcher zwischen der Spannhülse (14) des beweglichen
Elements (13) und der Gewindeverbindung (22) an der Stange des pneumatischen Kolbens
(4) eingesetzt ist, fest angebracht sind.
2. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei das feste Element (2) ein zylindrisch geformtes Gehäuse aufweist mit einem inneren
Hohlraum (23) mit einer maschinell bearbeiteten Nut (24), welche longitudinal zu dem
Gehäuse positioniert ist, wobei das Gehäuse
• an seinem oberen Teil zwei Ansätze (27), welche in 180° positioniert sind,
• in seinem mittleren Bereich einen mit Gewinde versehenen Vorsprung (25) zum Koppeln
eines Handhebels (26) und einer Aufnahmeverbindung (10)
• und an seinem unteren Teil eine schwenkbare maschinell bearbeitete Verankerung (29)
zum Koppeln an ein Fass (28) enthält.
3. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, wobei die schließende Abdeckung (3) des festen Elements (2) die Form eines dickenreduzierten
Prismas aufweist, welches zwei Laschen (30) enthält, welche in 180° in Ausrichtung
mit den Ansätzen (27) des Gehäuses des festen Elements (2) positioniert sind, und
welche auf ihrer Oberfläche Gewindebohrlöcher (31) zum Koppeln mit dem pneumatischen
Kolben (4) enthalten.
4. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen,
wobei das bewegliche Element (13) einen zylindrischen Ventilkörper aufweist, welcher
• an seinem oberen Teil einen Hohlraum (36) mit einem Gewindeabschnitt (37),
• in seinem mittleren Bereich einen Verteilerblock (32), welcher mit einem verdeckten
unteren Anschluss (38), einem oberen Anschluss (39) zum Entlüften und einem seitlichen
Auslassanschluss (40) zum Koppeln mit Flut-Zapfleitungen (16) versehen ist,
• außen, an seinem unteren Teil, einen zylindrischen Abschnitt mit einem geringeren
Durchmesser mit O-Ringen (33) und einer Verbindungsdüse (35), welche an seinem freien
Ende positioniert ist,
• und innen, an seinem unteren Teil, eine Anti-Tropf-Kugel (34), welche aus Silikon
hergestellt ist, enthält.
5. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, wobei die Spannhülse (14) zwei gegenüberliegende Verlängerungen (42) aufweist, welche an
dem unteren Ende einen Gewindeabschnitt (43) aufweisen, wobei die Spannhülse (14)
an ihrem mittleren Teil ein Durchgangsloch (44) mit Gewinde enthält, in welchem der
Sensor (15) untergebracht ist.
6. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, wobei die Verbindungseinrichtung (17) einen Rahmen (50) mit einer Einlassabdeckung (51)
und einer ihr gegenüber liegenden Auslassabdeckung (52) aufweist, wobei beide Abdeckungen
(51 und 52) Kopplungsanschlüsse (53) enthalten, wobei die Verbindungseinrichtung (17)
Verzweigungsanschlüsse (54) enthält, um die verschiedenen Flut-Leitungen (47), Rücklaufleitungen
(46) und Getränkeleitungen (48), welche innerhalb der Flut-Zapfleitungen (16) und
Kontakt-Zapfleitungen (19) verlaufen, zu verbinden, wobei die Verbindungseinrichtung
(17) durch Aneinanderfügen des Rahmens (50) und der beiden Abdeckungen (51 und 52)
mittels Kontaktkleber fest abgedichtet ist.
7. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, wobei die Verbindung zwischen den Zapfventilen (1) und der Verbindungseinrichtung (17)
durch Flut-Zapfleitungen (16) fixiert ist.
8. Zapfventil (1) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, wobei die Verbindung zwischen der Verbindungseinrichtung (17) und dem Getränkezapfhahn
(18) durch Flut-Zapfleitungen (16) fixiert ist.
9. Zapfventil (17) zum Ausschänken von Getränken nach den vorhergehenden Ansprüchen,
wobei die Verbindung zwischen der Verbindungseinrichtung (17) und dem Getränkezapfhahn
(18) durch Kontakt-Zapfleitungen (19) fixiert ist.
1. Vanne d'extraction (1)
pour distributeur de boissons, comprenant un élément mobile (13) disposé dans un élément
fixe (2) avec un piston pneumatique (4) destiné à percer un fût ou un conteneur (28)
caractérisé en ce que :
- l'élément fixe (2) comprend, sur sa partie supérieure, un couvercle de fermeture
(3) qui sert également au couplage,
- ledit piston pneumatique (4) avec un joint fileté (22) sur la tige du piston pneumatique
(4), ledit piston pneumatique (4) comprenant une électrovalve d'actionnement (5) qui,
en mode de fonctionnement, est directement connectée à un panneau de commande programmable
(7) via un câblage électrique (6),
- ledit élément fixe (2) est configuré pour être connecté à une bouteille de dioxyde
de carbone,
• via un tuyau d'arrivée (9) couplé à un raccord d'arrivée (10) avec un clapet anti-retour
(11),
• et via un tuyau (12) communicant avec l'électrovalve d'actionnement (5),
- l'élément mobile (13) comprend, sur sa partie supérieure, une douille de verrouillage
(14), ladite douille de verrouillage (14) comprenant un capteur (15) avec un flotteur
(41) directement connecté à un panneau de commande programmable (7) via ledit câblage
électrique (6),
- l'élément mobile (13) est, en mode de fonctionnement, connecté au système de distribution
de boissons
• au moyen d'une ligne python d'inondation (16) connectée à un robinet de distribution
de boissons (18) via un dispositif de connexion (17) qui se connecte sur une ligne
python d'inondation (16) ou une ligne python de contact (19),
- ledit élément mobile comprend une vanne de purge (20) ;
- l'élément fixe (2) et l'élément mobile (13) couplé dans l'élément fixe (2) sont
fermement fixés au moyen d'une goupille (21) insérées entre la douille de verrouillage
(14) de l'élément mobile (13) et le joint fileté (22) sur la tige du piston pneumatique
(4).
2. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon la Revendication précédente
étant précisé que l'élément fixe (2) comprend un boîtier de forme cylindrique avec une cavité interne
(23) présentant une rainure usinée (24) positionnée longitudinalement par rapport
audit boîtier, ledit boîtier comprenant
• sur sa partie supérieure, deux bossages (27) positionnés à 180°,
• sur sa partie centrale, une projection filetée (25) servant à coupler une poignée
(26) et un raccord d'arrivée (10),
• et sur sa partie inférieure, un ancrage usiné pivotant (29) servant au couplage
d'un fût (28).
3. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que le couvercle de fermeture (3) de l'élément fixe (2) présente la forme d'un prisme
d'épaisseur réduite, intégrant deux ergots (30) positionnés à 180°, alignés avec les
bossages (27) du boîtier de l'élément fixe (2), comprenant, à leur surface, des alésages
filetés (31) pour le couplage avec le piston pneumatique (4).
4. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que l'élément mobile (13) comprend un corps de vanne cylindrique qui comprend
• sur sa partie supérieure, une cavité (36) avec une section filetée (37),
• sur sa partie centrale, un collecteur de distribution (32) doté d'un raccord inférieur
aveugle (38), d'un raccord supérieur (39) pour la purge, et d'un raccord latéral de
sortie (40) pour le couplage avec des lignes python d'inondation (16),
• sur la partie externe, sur la partie inférieure, une section cylindrique d'un diamètre
inférieur, avec des joints toriques (33) et un raccord (35) disposé sur le côté libre,
• et sur la partie interne, sur la partie inférieure, une boule anti-goutte (34) en
silicone.
5. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que la douille de verrouillage (14) comprend deux extensions se faisant face (42), comprenant,
sur la partie inférieure, une section filetée (43), ladite douille de verrouillage
(14) intégrant, sur sa partie centrale, un trou fileté (44) dans lequel est logé le
capteur (15).
6. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que le dispositif de connexion (17) comprend un cadre (50) avec un couvercle d'arrivée
(51) et, en face de celui-ci, un couvercle de sortie (52), les deux couvercles (51
et 52) comprenant des connecteurs de couplage (53), ledit dispositif de connexion
(17) comprenant des prises de branchement (54) destinées à brancher les divers tuyaux
d'inondation (47), tuyaux de retour (46) et tuyaux de boissons (48) se trouvant à
l'intérieur des lignes python d'inondation (16) et des lignes python de contact (19),
ledit dispositif de connexion (17) étant hermétiquement fermé en assemblant le cadre
(50) et les deux couvercles (51 et 52) au moyen d'une colle de contact.
7. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que la connexion entre les vannes d'extraction (1) et le dispositif de connexion (17)
est fixée par des lignes python d'inondation (16).
8. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que la connexion le dispositif de connexion (17) et le robinet de distribution de boissons
(18) est fixée par des lignes python d'inondation (16).
9. Vanne d'extraction pour distributeur de boissons selon les Revendications précédentes
étant précisé que la connexion le dispositif de connexion (17) et le robinet de distribution de boissons
(18) est fixée par des lignes python de contact (19).