CLEANING UNIT FOR SUPPLYING A CLEANING LIQUID TO A BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

A cleaning unit (38) for supplying a cleaning liquid to a beverage dispensing system, in which the cleaning unit (38) comprises a first inlet (36) for receiving a pressure fluid, a second inlet (44) for receiving a cleaning liquid, an outlet (42) for supplying the cleaning liquid to a discharge valve of the beverage dispensing system, and a drive mechanism for forcing the cleaning liquid from the second inlet (44) to said outlet (42) by using the pressure fluid received at the first inlet.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system comprising a cleaning unit for supplying a cleaning liquid to the beverage dispensing system, said beverage dispensing system comprising one or more sealable pressure chambers, each pressure chamber defining a beverage container or containing a beverage container, said one or more pressure chambers being in fluid communication with one or more tapping devices via a beverage connector and a tapping line, said beverage connector allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized, the one or more tapping devices comprising a tapping valve and a tapping handle for operating the tapping valve, said cleaning unit comprising: a first inlet for receiving a pressure fluid, a second inlet for receiving a cleaning liquid, said cleaning liquid comprising water and an active cleaning agent, an outlet for supplying said cleaning liquid to said beverage connector of said beverage dispensing system, said cleaning liquid being steered from said second inlet to said outlet using said pressure fluid received at said first inlet for propelling the cleaning liquid, and a user interface for controlling said supplying of said cleaning liquid to said beverage dispensing system, and wherein said beverage connector is a three-port discharge valve, said discharge valve having at least a beverage dispensing position, a cleaning position and a closed position, said beverage dispensing position allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said tapping device when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized while preventing a cleaning liquid from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said cleaning position allowing said cleaning liquid to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices while preventing said beverage from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, and said closed position preventing any of said beverage and cleaning liquid from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices.

2. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit comprises a mechanical energy source for being in contact with said cleaning liquid for transferring mechanical stress to said cleaning fluid.

3. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises an air compressor in fluid communication with said first inlet.

4. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises a mixing unit in fluid communication with said second inlet, said mixing unit comprising a water inlet for connection to a water mains and said mixing unit comprising active cleaning agent inlet for connection to an active cleaning agent source.

5. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 4, wherein said mixing unit is capable of selectively providing water only separate from selectively providing a mixture of water and active cleaning agent to said second inlet.

6. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises a container of cleaning liquid comprising active cleaning agent mixed with water.

7. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface is located adjacent said one or more tapping devices.

8. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface (UI) is a mechanical switch, an electrical switch, or a UI display/printed circuit board (PCB).

9. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises a gas outlet in fluid communication with said first inlet.

10. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 9, wherein the gas outlet is in fluid communication with the pressure chambers for pressurization of the pressure chambers.

11. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit is provided with wheels and quick connectors.

12. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning liquid comprises a solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2).

13. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the tapping line for supplying pressure fluid for blowing out the tapping line.

14. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 2, wherein said mechanical energy source is a piezo electric device.

15. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein the solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) is between 0.5 ppm and 10% in a watery solution, or between 1 ppm and 0.1% in a watery solution.

16. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein said cleaning unit includes a measurement system measuring electrical parameters.

17. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 16, wherein the electrical parameters are one or more of conductivity, capacity, or resistance of the cleaning liquid.

18. A method of cleaning a beverage dispensing system by providing a cleaning unit, said beverage dispensing system comprising one or more sealable pressure chambers, each pressure chamber defining a beverage container or containing a beverage container, said one or more pressure chambers being in fluid communication with one or more tapping devices via a beverage connector and a tapping line, said method comprising: providing a first inlet for receiving a pressure fluid in said cleaning unit, providing a second inlet for receiving a cleaning liquid in said cleaning unit, said cleaning liquid comprising water and active cleaning agent, providing an outlet in said cleaning unit for supplying said cleaning liquid to said beverage connector of said beverage dispensing system, providing a guiding mechanism in said cleaning unit for steering the passage of said cleaning liquid from said second inlet to said outlet, by using said pressure fluid received at said first inlet for propelling the cleaning fluid, providing a user interface in said cleaning unit for controlling said guiding mechanism and/or said beverage connector, said beverage connector having at least a beverage dispensing position, a cleaning position and a closed position, said beverage dispensing position allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said tapping device when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized while preventing a cleaning liquid from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said cleaning position allowing said cleaning liquid to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices while preventing said beverage from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, and said closed position preventing any of said beverage and cleaning liquid being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said method further comprising the steps of: causing said beverage connector to assume said cleaning position, and supplying said cleaning liquid from said outlet to said one or more tapping devices via said tapping line and said beverage connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to the present invention.

[0115] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the beverage dispensing system and cleaning unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0116] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system 10. The beverage dispensing system 10 comprises a bar counter 12 onto which a tapping rod 14 is mounted. The tapping rod 14 comprises at least one, and in the present embodiment three, tapping devices 16. The tapping devices 16 each has a handle 18. By swinging the handle 18 from its normal horizontal position to a vertical position, a valve within the tapping device 16 is opened, and beverage is allowed to pass from the tapping device 16 to a beverage glass 20 located below the tapping device. Alternatively, a cleaning liquid, provided cleaning is initiated, is allowed to pass through the tapping device 16. It is evident that electronic valves may be used as well allowing the tapping device 16 to be operated by a push button (not shown).

[0117] The tapping device 16 is connected to a tapping line 22 which in the present embodiment leads below the bar counter 12 but which alternatively may lead to a central storage room such as a cellar. The tapping line 22 is led to a beverage connector, such as in the present case a discharge valve 24, optionally via a pass through cooling unit 26. In the present embodiment, the tapping line 22 is split up into three lines 22′ 22″ 22′″, each leading to a separate discharge valve 24 24′ 24″. It is of course contemplated that different configurations of parallel- and series connected tapping lines may be used.

[0118] Each discharge valve 24 24′ 24″ is coupled to a separate pressure chamber 28 28′ 28″, each of which in turn may accommodate a collapsible beverage container 30 30′ 30″. The beverage container 30 30′ 30″ is preferably made of plastic or similar polymeric and flexible material and includes a preferably carbonated beverage. A pressure line 34 leads from a compressor 32 to a first inlet 36 of a cleaning unit 38 for providing pressurized air to the cleaning unit 38. Each pressure chamber 28 28′ 28″ is connected to the compressor 32 via the cleaning unit 38. Pressure lines 34 34″ 34′″ extend from the cleaning unit 38 for pressurization of the pressure chambers 28 28′ 28″. For safety reasons, in order to allow a better control of the pressure supplied to the pressure chambers, no pressure lines extend directly between the compressor 32 and the pressure chambers 28 28′ 28″ although such solution would in principle be feasible. Each pressure chamber 28 28′ 28″ is thereby pressurized using air pressure sufficient for collapsing the beverage container 30 30′ 30″ located in the pressure chamber 28 28′ 28″, and propelling the beverage from the beverage container 30 30′ 30″ through the discharge valve 24 24′ 24″ and tapping line 22 22′ 22″ 22′″ and out through the tapping device 16.

[0119] Further, at least one, and in the present embodiment three, cleaning lines 40 40′ 40″ extend between an outlet 42 of the cleaning unit 38 to the discharge valves 24 24′ 24″ for providing cleaning liquid to the discharge valves 24 24′ 24″, tapping lines 22 22′ 22″ 22′″ and tapping device 16. The discharge valves 24 24′ 24″ have a beverage dispensing position, a cleaning position and a closed position. The beverage dispensing position allows the beverage to be dispensed from the tapping device when the pressure chamber is pressurized while preventing the cleaning liquid from being dispensed from the tapping device. The rinsing i.e. cleaning position allows the cleaning liquid to be dispensed from the tapping device while preventing the beverage from being dispensed from the tapping device. The closed position prevents any of the beverage and cleaning liquid being dispensed from the tapping device.

[0120] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the beverage dispensing system and cleaning unit. The cleaning unit 38 comprises a second inlet 44 for connecting a cleaning line 46, through which an active cleaning agent such as detergent passes, to a container including active cleaning agent 48. The active cleaning agent 48 is mixed with water 50 from the water mains to form the cleaning liquid. In one embodiment, a pre-mixed cleaning liquid 48′ may be used, eliminating the need for a connection to the water mains. After the cleaning liquid has passed through the tapping device, the lines are flushed using water, which may be provided from the water mains, from a separate water container or from a multi-chambered container which includes both water and detergent. In a particular embodiment, a non-toxic and essentially tasteless cleaning liquid is used, such as a weak solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), thereby eliminating the need for flushing with water.

[0121] Further, the cleaning unit 38 includes a user interface 54. The user interface may be a simple set of buttons 54′ for manual control of the cleaning, to a graphical GUI 54″ allowing automatic control. The user interface may even provide information to the user about the content 54′″ of beverage in the containers. The user interface may preferably be located adjacent said one or more tapping devices so that the user has direct access from the bar counter. The cleaning unit 38 and the compressor 32 is preferably connectable to the electricity mains 52 for providing power.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0122] 10. Beverage dispensing system [0123] 12. Bar counter [0124] 14. Tapping rod [0125] 16. Tapping device [0126] 18. Handle [0127] 20. Beverage glass [0128] 22. Tapping line [0129] 24. Discharge valve [0130] 26. Cooling unit [0131] 28. Pressure chamber [0132] 30. Beverage container [0133] 32. Compressor [0134] 34. Pressure line [0135] 36. First inlet [0136] 38. Cleaning unit [0137] 40. Cleaning line [0138] 42. Outlet [0139] 44. Second inlet [0140] 46. Detergent line [0141] 48. Active cleaning agent [0142] 50. Water [0143] 52. Electricity mains [0144] 54. User interface

[0145] The invention is characterized by the following points:

[0146] 1. A cleaning unit for supplying a cleaning liquid to a beverage dispensing system, said beverage dispensing system comprising one or more sealable pressure chambers, each defining a beverage container or containing a beverage container, said one or more pressure chambers being in fluid communication with one or more tapping devices via a beverage connector and a tapping line, said beverage connector allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized, said cleaning unit comprising: [0147] a first inlet for receiving a pressure fluid, [0148] a second inlet for receiving a cleaning liquid, said cleaning liquid comprising water and an active cleaning agent, [0149] an outlet for supplying said cleaning liquid to said beverage connector of said beverage dispensing system and an outlet for supplying said pressure fluid, [0150] a guiding mechanism for steering the passage of said cleaning liquid from said second inlet to said outlet, using said pressure fluid received at said first inlet, and [0151] a user interface for controlling said guiding mechanism and/or said beverage connector, and [0152] wherein said beverage connector is a discharge valve, said discharge valve having at least a beverage dispensing position, a cleaning position and a closed position, said beverage dispensing position allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said tapping device when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized while preventing a cleaning liquid from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said cleaning position allowing said cleaning liquid to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices while preventing said beverage from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, and said closed position preventing any of said beverage and cleaning liquid being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices.

[0153] 2. The cleaning unit according to point 1, wherein said cleaning unit comprises a mechanical energy source for being in contact with said cleaning liquid for transferring mechanical stress to said cleaning fluid, said mechanical energy source preferably being a piezo electric device or a piston.

[0154] 3. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises an air compressor in fluid communication with said first inlet.

[0155] 4. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises a mixing unit in fluid communication with said second inlet, said mixing unit comprising a water inlet for connection to the water mains and active cleaning agent inlet for connection to an active cleaning agent source.

[0156] 5. The cleaning unit according to point 4, wherein said mixing unit is capable of selectively providing water only and a mixture of water and active cleaning agent to said second inlet.

[0157] 6. The cleaning unit according to any of the points 1-3, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises a container of pre-mixed cleaning liquid.

[0158] 7. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said user interface comprises a maintenance mode and an operator mode.

[0159] 8. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said user interface is located adjacent said one or more tapping devices.

[0160] 9. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said user interface is a mechanical switch, an electrical switch, a UI display/PCB, optionally including PCT telemetry.

[0161] 10. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said cleaning unit further comprises a gas outlet in fluid communication with said first inlet.

[0162] 11. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said cleaning unit is mobile.

[0163] 12. The cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said cleaning liquid comprises activated or energized water, or a weak solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2), such as between 0.5 ppm and 10% in a watery solution, preferably between 1 ppm and 0.1%, and optionally, said cleaning unit including a measurement system measuring electrical parameters such as conductivity, capacity or resistance of the cleaning liquid.

[0164] 13. A beverage dispensing system comprising a cleaning unit according to any of the preceding points.

[0165] 14. A method of cleaning a beverage dispensing system by providing a cleaning unit, said beverage dispensing system comprising one or more sealable pressure chambers, each defining a beverage container or containing a beverage container, said one or more pressure chambers being in fluid communication with one or more tapping devices via a beverage connector and a tapping line, said beverage connector having at least a beverage dispensing position, a cleaning position and a closed position, said beverage dispensing position allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said tapping device when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized while preventing a cleaning liquid from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said cleaning position allowing said cleaning liquid to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices while preventing said beverage from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, and said closed position preventing any of said beverage and cleaning liquid being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said method comprising: [0166] providing a first inlet for receiving a pressure fluid in said cleaning unit, [0167] providing a second inlet for receiving a cleaning liquid in said cleaning unit, said cleaning liquid comprising water and active cleaning agent, [0168] providing an outlet in said cleaning unit for supplying said cleaning liquid to said beverage connector of said beverage dispensing system, [0169] providing a guiding mechanism in said cleaning unit for steering the passage of said cleaning liquid from said second inlet to said outlet, by using said pressure fluid received at said first inlet, [0170] providing a user interface in said cleaning unit for controlling said guiding mechanism and/or said beverage connector, said method further comprising the steps of: [0171] causing said beverage connector to assume said cleaning position, and [0172] supplying said cleaning liquid and pressure fluid from said outlet to said one or more tapping devices via said tapping line and said beverage connector.

[0173] 15. A cleaning unit for supplying a cleaning liquid to a beverage dispensing system, said beverage dispensing system comprising one or more sealable pressure chambers, each defining a beverage container or containing a beverage container, said one or more pressure chambers being in fluid communication with one or more tapping devices via a beverage connector and a tapping line, said beverage connector allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized, said cleaning unit comprising: [0174] a first inlet for receiving a pressure fluid, [0175] a second inlet for receiving water or a cleaning liquid, said cleaning liquid comprising water and an active cleaning agent, [0176] an outlet for supplying said cleaning liquid and pressure fluid, to said beverage connector of said beverage dispensing system, [0177] a guiding mechanism for steering the passage of said cleaning liquid from said second inlet to said outlet, using said pressure fluid received at said first inlet, and [0178] a user interface for controlling said guiding mechanism and/or said beverage connector, and [0179] wherein said beverage connector is a discharge valve, said discharge valve having at least a beverage dispensing position, a cleaning position and a closed position, said beverage dispensing position allowing a beverage to be dispensed from said tapping device when said one or more pressure chambers are pressurized while preventing a cleaning liquid from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, said cleaning position allowing said cleaning liquid to be dispensed from said one or more tapping devices while preventing said beverage from being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices, and said closed position preventing any of said beverage and cleaning liquid being dispensed from said one or more tapping devices.

[0180] 16. The cleaning unit according to any of claim 1 or 15, wherein said control unit comprises a third inlet for receiving water.