JP2003095393A - Liquid pouring apparatus and method for detecting a size of container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid pouring apparatus and a method for detecting a size of a container capable of performing a pouring operation corresponding to a container size selected by a user in a plurality of containers. SOLUTION: A dispense main body is provided with a beer (liquid) pouring valve 1f and a rise and fall jug (container) table 1e. The table 1e is moved up and the jug (container) 4x is led to the extremity end of a nozzle of the beer pouring valve 1f to give a specified dispensing amount. This apparatus is comprised of a dispensing button 1g; a jug (container) measuring means 6 for measuring a height Hx and an outer shape ϕx of a jug 4x set on the receiver table 1e; a control unit 8A for discriminating a jug size 4y in response to the measured values (Hx, ϕ x), selecting an ascending control amount Hy of the receiver table 1e set for each of jug size 4y and a dispensing amount Qy for pouring a specified amount to the jug 4x and controlling the pouring operation in response to these control amounts Hy, Qy; and a bubble sensor 7 arranged at an upper part of the jug to detect dispensed-out beer bubbles.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid extraction device such as a dispenser or a vending machine, for example, a quantitative formula capable of handling a plurality of jugs or the interface level between liquid surface and foam can be controlled to a predetermined level. And a method for detecting the size of a container, which are suitable for application to various beer dispensers, and which are suitable for dispensing beverages containing sparkling beverages.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a self-service draft beer dispenser has become widespread as one of the commercial liquid pouring devices used in restaurants, taverns and the like. This draft beer dispenser extracts the draft beer stored in the beer barrel by pressure pressurization from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder by pressing the pouring button after setting the jug on the bend stage, cooling coil, beer pouring All of the beer dispenser is designed to automatically carry out fixed amount injection into the jug and foaming through a valve, and FIG. 6 shows an overall configuration diagram of the beer dispenser.

In FIG. 6, 1 is a beer dispenser,
2 is a beer barrel containing draft beer, 3 is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, and 4 is a mug (glass, pottery mug, or paper cup). Here, the beer dispenser 1 is a cooling water tank 1b for keeping the body case cold in a refrigerator 1a,
The cooling coil 1c immersed in the cooling water tank 1b is built in, and the front bend stage 1d is a lifting or tilting jug stand 1e and a beer pouring valve (a liquid valve and a foam valve) arranged above it. Equipped with a combined composite valve) 1f, and a pouring button 1g on the front of the main body case.

Further, the beer barrel 2 is connected between the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 3 and the cooling coil 1c of the beer dispenser 1 via a dispense head (a connector having a carbon dioxide gas introduction passage and a beer extraction passage) 2a connected to the upper opening thereof. A carbon dioxide gas supply hose 31 and a beer supply hose 32 are connected to each. Note that 1h is a beer sold-out sensor connected to the inlet side of the cooling coil 1c.

With such a structure, the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 3 is constantly pressurized in the beer barrel 2, whereby the draft beer contained in the beer barrel 2 is pressure-rendered and extruded from the beer barrel 2. Is cooled to an appropriate temperature by the cooling coil 1c of the dispenser 1. Also,
The jug pedestal 1e is waiting in the lowered position. In this standby state, the mug 4 is set on the jug stand 1e of the bend stage 1d (the state where the mug is set is detected by a sensor (not shown)) and the spout button 1g is pressed. First, the jug pedestal 1e is moved upward by driving the lifting cylinder, and the jug 4 mounted on the pedestal 1e is brought close to the tip of the nozzle of the beer pouring valve 1f. Subsequently, the beer pouring valve 1f is opened and the beer that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature by the cooling coil 1c is poured into the jug 4 through the pouring valve 1f, and at the same time, the jug pedestal 1e descends little by little, and finally bubbles are added. Is done. When the beer supply operation to the jug 4 is completed, the jug stand 1e also returns to the initial position (H0) and returns to the standby state. When the beer barrel 2 is emptied by repeating the supply operation, the sold-out sensor 1h detects that the beer has run out, and the dispenser sales are stopped by this sold-out signal.

In addition, as such a beer dispenser, a beer dispenser has been developed which can accommodate two types of large and small jugs having different sizes and capacities according to the user's selection in order to expand the functions. As such a beer dispenser, for example, the one disclosed in JP-A-11-105992 is known. In Fig. 7, this beer dispenser is equipped with selection pouring buttons 1g-L, 1g-S corresponding to the large and small jugs 4L, 4S, and the control unit 8C selects large jugs 4L, small jugs 4S. In accordance with the above, the upward movement stroke of the jug cradle 1e and the beer pouring amount per time are variably set. That is, if you set a large jug 4L with a large size and capacity to the lifting jug stand 1e and select the large jug 4L with the spout button 1g-L at the same time, the jug stand 1e will be the top of the tall jug 4L. Goes up to a position close to the nozzle tip of the beer pouring valve 1f and stops, and at this position, the valve is opened by a timer control so that an amount of beer corresponding to one large jug 4L is poured out. On the other hand, a small jug with a small size and capacity, 4S, is set.
When the 4S pouring button 1g-S is pressed, in this case, the jug cradle 1e moves to a position where the upper surface of the small jug 4S approaches the beer pouring valve 1f (position HS higher than the stop position HL corresponding to the large jug 4L). ) Up to a stop, and at this position HS a small mug
Pour out beer in an amount (less than a large jug) commensurate with the capacity of 4S.

[0007]

As described above, in the conventional beer dispenser, when the size of the jug set on the jug stand and the button selected by the spout button do not match in terms of handling, The following problems occur. That is, even if the user has set a small jug on the jug stand, if he mistakenly presses the pouring button and selects the large jug button, the beer pouring amount exceeds the capacity of the small jug and Beer overflows. On the contrary, if you set the large jug and press the spout button of the small jug, the upper end of the large jug comes into contact with the spout valve and falls from the pedestal to the floor when the jug cradle moves upward. Even if it does not fall off, only the amount of beer commensurate with the capacity of the small jug will be poured and the injection will be insufficient.

Further, the size of the mug is not limited to the above-mentioned large and small types, and the mug size selected by the user is detected from among the prepared mug sizes of plural types, and the user pushes the pouring button. Therefore, it is desired to supply a beer dispenser that can automatically dispense a dispensing amount corresponding to the selected jug size. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to solve the problems described above, among a plurality of types of prepared containers, automatically detect the container size selected by the user, It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid pouring device and a container size detecting method capable of pouring a pouring amount suitable for the selected container size.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is provided with a liquid pouring valve and a container pedestal on a bend stage of a main body, and a container is set on the pedestal, When the dispense button is pressed, it is a liquid dispenser that dispenses the liquid extracted from the barrel into a container through a valve in a fixed amount.The liquid dispenser that can variably set the liquid dispense amount according to the container size A container measuring means for measuring the diameter of the container set on the table, and the container size is determined based on the measurement value by this measuring means, and the amount to be dispensed quantitatively into the container that is predetermined for each container size And a control device that controls the pouring based on this extraction amount.

With this configuration, the user sets the container on the pedestal and then presses the pouring button, so that the container measuring means measures the diameter of the container set on the pedestal, and the measured value by the measuring means. The size of the container is determined based on the selected amount, the amount of liquid to be dispensed in a fixed amount into the container is determined for each container size, and the control device controls the liquid dispensing based on this amount. Therefore, the liquid can be properly supplied to the container.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, the bend stage of the main body is provided with a liquid pouring valve and a container pedestal, and when the container is set on the pedestal and the pouring button is pressed, the liquid is extracted from the barrel. A liquid pouring device that pours a fixed amount of liquid into a container through a valve, and in a liquid pouring device that can variably set the liquid pouring amount according to the container size, a container that measures the diameter of the container set on the pedestal Measuring means, interface detecting means arranged on the side of the container to detect the interface level between the liquid and the foam poured into the container, and the container size is determined based on the value measured by the container measuring means. A control device that selects a control amount of the interface level between the liquid and the foam to be poured into the container, which is predetermined for each size, and controls the pouring based on this control amount, is provided.

With this structure, the user sets the container on the pedestal and then presses the pouring button, whereby the container measuring means measures the diameter of the container set on the pedestal, and the measured value by the measuring means is measured. Based on the above, the container size is determined, and the optimum level of the interface between the liquid and the foam to be poured into the container, which is predetermined for each container size, is selected, and the controller pours the liquid based on these control amounts. By performing the discharge control, it is possible to properly supply the liquid to the container.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the bend stage of the main body is provided with a liquid spouting valve and an elevating container pedestal, and when the pod is set on the pedestal and the spout button is pressed,
This is a liquid pouring device that moves the pedestal up and moves the container closer to the tip of the nozzle of the liquid pouring valve, and pours out the liquid extracted from the barrel at this position into the container through the valve in a fixed amount. In a liquid pouring device capable of variably setting the ascending movement amount of a table and the liquid pouring amount, a container measuring means for measuring the height and diameter of a container set on a receiving table, and a container based on the measured value by the measuring means. Determine the size,
Control means for selecting a predetermined upward movement amount of the cradle for each container size and a pouring amount for quantitatively pouring into the container and controlling the pouring based on these control amounts are provided.

With this configuration, even when it is difficult to specify the container size based on the measured value of only the caliber of the preregistered container, the preregistered container can be specified from the caliber and height data of the container. Because you can
When the user sets the container on the cradle and presses the pouring button, the container measuring means measures the height and diameter of the container set on the cradle, and the control device measures by this measuring means. Distinguish the container size based on the value, select the predetermined pedestal lift movement control amount for each container size and the dispensing amount to be dispensed quantitatively into the container, and dispense based on these control amounts. By performing the control, the liquid can be properly supplied to the container.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bend stage of the main body is provided with a liquid spouting valve and an elevating container pedestal, and when the pod is set on the pedestal and the spout button is pressed,
This is a liquid pouring device that moves the pedestal up and moves the container closer to the tip of the nozzle of the liquid pouring valve, and pours out the liquid extracted from the barrel at this position into the container through the valve in a fixed amount. In a liquid pouring device that can variably set the amount of upward movement of the table and the amount of liquid poured out, container measuring means for measuring the height and diameter of the container set on the receiving table and the container placed on the side of the container and extracted into the container The interface detection means for detecting the interface level between the liquid and the foam, and the container size are discriminated based on the measurement values by the container measurement means, and the predetermined upward movement amount of the cradle and the container are determined for each container size. A control means for selecting the control level of the interface level between the liquid and the foam to be poured into the container and controlling the pouring based on these control quantities is provided.

With this configuration, even when it is difficult to specify the container size of the pre-registered container from the measured value of only the caliber by the above-mentioned container measuring means, it is pre-registered from the caliber and height data of the container. Since the relevant container can be specified, the user sets the container on the pedestal and then presses the pouring button, so that the container measuring means determines the height and diameter of the container set on the pedestal. The container size is determined based on the value measured by this measuring means, and the amount of upward movement control of the cradle predetermined for each container size and the interface between the liquid and the foam poured into the container are determined. By selecting the optimum level and controlling the liquid pouring by the control device based on these control amounts, it is possible to properly supply the liquid to the container.

In the invention of claim 1 or 2, the container measuring means comprises a lens, and a photo array sensor arranged at a position of a focal length behind the optical axis of the lens.
A distance measuring image sensor including a calculation unit that calculates the distance to the object to be measured from the amount of deviation of the image forming position on the photo array sensor, and the distance measuring image sensor that is arranged in the vicinity of the distance measuring image sensor and measures the center of the container to be measured. And a light source that emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light that passes therethrough (the invention of claim 5).

In the invention of claim 3 or 4, the container measuring means comprises a pair of lenses arranged on the same plane with a predetermined interval and a focal length behind the optical axis of the lenses. A distance measuring image sensor including a pair of photo array sensors arranged at a position and a calculation unit for calculating the distance to the object to be measured from the amount of deviation of the image forming position on the photo array sensor, and this distance measuring image A light source that is arranged in the vicinity of the sensor and emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light that passes through the center of the container to be measured can be configured (the invention of claim 6).

Further, in the invention of claim 7, the container measuring means can measure the diameter of the container based on the brightness information from both edges of the container. Further, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the container measuring means includes an image sensor for obtaining brightness information of the container to be measured, and a light source arranged near the image sensor and illuminating both edges of the container to be measured. It can be configured by being provided (the invention of claim 8).

Further, in the invention of claim 2 or claim 4, the interface detecting means can be configured to include an image pickup element and an image processing device thereof (invention of claim 9). Further, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the control device includes a measurement value measured by the container measuring unit, a container size, and
The container may be provided with a memory area for storing information for associating the amount of liquid to be dispensed in a fixed amount or the amount of control of the interface level between the liquid to be dispensed and bubbles with each other (claim 10). invention).

With such a configuration, the closest container size is selected from the measurement values measured by the container measuring means, and the control amount of the dispensing amount to be quantitatively dispensed into the container corresponding to the selected container size is read out to obtain the liquid. Can be controlled. Moreover, in the invention of claim 3 or claim 4,
The control device measures the value measured by the container measuring means, the container size, the upward movement control amount of the cradle predetermined for each container size, and the amount of liquid to be dispensed or the amount of liquid to be dispensed into the container. It can be configured by including a memory area for storing information for associating the control amount of the interface level between the bubble and the bubble (the invention of claim 11).

With this configuration, the container size closest to the measured value measured by the container measuring means is selected, and the pedestal ascending movement control amount corresponding to the selected container size and the fixed amount pouring out to the container. It is possible to perform the liquid pouring control by reading the amount or the control amount of the interface level of the liquid surface and the bubble of the liquid poured into the container. Further, in the invention of claim 2 or claim 4, the controller sets the control amount of the interface level between the liquid level and the bubble of the liquid selected in the container size determined based on the measurement value measured by the container measurement means. It can be configured by including a correction means for correcting the gas pressure of the above and the ambient temperature of the dispenser body (claim 12).
Invention).

With such a configuration, when the user is pouring liquid from the dispenser, even if the gas pressure of the barrel changes or the ambient temperature of the dispenser changes, these effects are not affected and are always optimal. Discharge control can be performed. Further, in the invention of claim 2 or claim 4, the container cradle is provided with a V-shaped guide guide, and guides the container to be mounted such that the center of the container is located on a predetermined center line. It is possible (the invention of claim 13).

With this structure, the container is guided so as to be pressed against the V-shaped guide guide, and the passing position of the band-shaped light beam emitted by the light source is set to the predetermined V-shaped guide guide center line. Since they coincide with each other, it is possible to form a band-shaped light beam that passes through the center of the set container, and it is possible to measure the outer shape of the container with the same distance measuring image sensor as the sensor for measuring the height.

According to the container size detecting method of the present invention, the distance measuring image sensor of the container measuring means and the light source are set on a pedestal. It is placed at a predetermined position diagonally above the container, and when the container is set on the pedestal, the light source emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light toward the center of the container to be measured, and this reflected light is photo-arrayed. The diameter of the container can be measured from the position of the bright spot on the photo array sensor which receives the light received by the sensor and the reflected light from the container (the invention of claim 14).

According to the container size detecting method of the present invention, the distance measuring image sensor of the container measuring means and the light source are set on a pedestal. It is placed at a predetermined position diagonally above the container, and when the container is set on the pedestal, the light source emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light toward the center of the container to be measured, and the reflected light is paired. Light is received by the eggplant photo array sensor,
It is possible to measure the distance to the reflection point on the container by the triangulation method and measure the aperture of the container from the position of the bright spot on the photo array sensor that receives the reflected light from the container (the invention of claim 15). .

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a liquid pouring device and a container detecting method according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an application example to a beer dispenser. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of a beer dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of a beer dispenser according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining an example of calculating the height and outer shape of the jug, FIG. 5 is an example of detection data of the distance measuring image sensor, and FIG. 8 is a diagram of a beer dispenser according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a part, FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a beer dispenser according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is an example diagram of container detection data by another image sensor of a beverage automatic extraction device, which corresponds to FIGS. 6 and 7. The same reference numerals are given to the same members. (Embodiment 1) In FIG. 1, a beer dispenser 1A
Is equipped with a beer pouring valve 1f and a lifting jug stand (container stand) 1e on the bend stage of the dispenser body.
By setting the mug (container) 4 (4x) on this mug cradle 1e and pressing the pouring button 1g, the mug cradle 1e is moved up from the reference position H0 to the position Hy and the mug 4
Close to the nozzle tip of the beer pouring valve 1f.
It is a beer dispenser 1A configured to dispense a certain amount of beer extracted from the beer barrel 2 with Hy through the valve 1f into the jug 4x. The amount of upward movement stroke (Hy) of the jug stand 1e corresponding to the size 4y of the jug 4x. And beer dispensed
For those that can variably set (Qy), with the spout button 1g,
Jug measuring means 6 (6) for measuring the height (Hx) and outer shape (caliber) φx of the jug 4x set on the jug stand 1e.
A, 6B) and the measured value (Hx, φ by this measuring means 6 (6A, 6B)
Based on (x), a suitable mug size 4y group is determined, and the predetermined upward movement control amount Hy of the mug cradle 1e for each mug size 4y group and the relevant mug 4x are determined.
Select the amount Qy to be dispensed in a fixed amount to the control amount (Hy,
Control device 8A for controlling the dispensing based on Qy) and the jug 4
And a foam detector 7A which is provided on the upper part of the container and detects the foam of the beer poured out.

With this structure, the user can receive the mug stand
By setting the jug 4x on 1e and pressing the pouring button 1g, the jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) is set on the jug stand 1e. The height Hx and the outer diameter φx of the jug 4x.
Is measured, a suitable mug size 4y group is discriminated based on the measured value (Hx, φx) by the measuring means 6, and the upward movement control amount Hy of the jug stand 1e predetermined for each mug size 4y group is determined. And the beer supply to the jug 4x is performed by selecting the pouring amount Qy to be dispensed in a fixed amount to the jug 4x, and the control device 8A controlling the beer pouring based on these control amounts (Hy, Qy). It can be done properly. (Embodiment 2) Further, in FIG. 2, a beer dispenser 1B is provided with a beer pouring valve 1f and a lifting type jug stand 1e on a bend stage of a dispenser body, and a jug 4 (4x) is attached to this jug stand 1e. After setting, press the pouring button 1g to move the jug pedestal 1e upward to move the jug 4x close to the nozzle tip of the beer pouring valve 1f, and at this position Hy, the beer extracted from the beer barrel 2 is valved. It is a beer dispenser designed to dispense a fixed amount to the jug 4x through 1f, and the beer dispenser that can variably set the upward movement stroke amount Hy and the beer pouring amount Qy of the jug stand 1e corresponding to the size 4y of the jug 4x Exit button
Height of 1g and jug 4x set on jug 1e
Jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6A) for measuring Hx and outer diameter φx
B) and the side surface of the jug 4x, which is provided at a predetermined position from the pouring outlet of the beer pouring valve 1f, and detects the interface level between the liquid and foam of the beer poured into the jug 4 Interface detecting device 7B and mug measuring means 6 (6A,
6B) determines the suitable mug size 4y group based on the measured values (Hx, φx), and a predetermined upward movement control amount for the mug stand 1e for each mug size 4y group.
Hy and the controlled variable Ly at the interface level between beer liquid and foam poured into the jug 4x are selected, and these controlled quantities (Hy,
And a control device 8B that controls the pouring based on Ly).

With this configuration, the user can receive the mug stand
By setting the jug 4x on 1e and pressing the pouring button 1g, the jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) is set on the jug stand 1e. The height Hx and the outer diameter φx of the jug 4x.
Is measured, and the measurement value (Hx, φ by this measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) is measured.
Based on (x), a suitable mug size 4y group is determined, and the predetermined upward movement control amount Hy of the mug cradle 1e for each mug size 4y group and the relevant mug 4x are determined.
The optimum level Ly at the interface between the beer liquid and the foam that is poured into the jug 4X is controlled by the control device 8B controlling the beer pouring based on these control amounts Hy and Ly.
Can be properly supplied to the beer. (Third Embodiment) Further, in FIG. 8, a beer dispenser 1D is provided with a liquid pouring valve 1f and a fixed or semi-fixed container receiving base 1k on a bend stage of the beer dispenser 1D, and a container 4 is provided on this receiving base 1k. (4x) is set, pouring button
It is a liquid pouring device 1 (1D) that pours out the liquid extracted from the barrel 2 into the container 4 (4x) through the valve 1f when 1g is pressed, and the liquid pouring amount Qz corresponding to the container size 4z. In the beer dispenser 1D that can be variably set, with the pouring button 1g,
The container measuring means 6D for measuring the diameter φx of the container 4 (4x) set on the pedestal 1k, and the container size 4z is discriminated based on the measurement value by this measuring means 6D, and is predetermined for each container size 4z. Select the dispensing amount Qz to be dispensed quantitatively into the container 4x,
And a control device 8D that controls the dispensing based on the control amount Qz. The semi-fixed container pedestal is one in which the height of the container pedestal can be changed according to the size of each container. For example, a container pedestal with different heights that can be selectively used. , Which can be replaced by selecting a pedestal having a different height.

With this structure, the user sets the container 4 (4x) on the pedestal 1k and presses the pouring button 1g, so that the container measuring means 6D is set on the pedestal 1k. )
The diameter φx of the container is measured, the container size 4z registered in advance is measured from the measured value of the diameter φx by the measuring means 6D, and a fixed amount is poured into the container 4x predetermined for each container size 4z. The beer can be appropriately supplied to the jug 4x by selecting the output amount Qz and controlling the liquid pouring by the control device 8D based on the control amount Qz. (Embodiment 4) Further, in FIG. 9, a beer dispenser 1E is provided with a liquid pouring valve 1f and an elevating container receiving stand 1e on a bend stage of the beer dispenser 1E.
When the container 4 (4x) is set and the pouring button 1g is pressed, the liquid extracted from the barrel 2 is transferred to the container 4 (4x) through the valve 1f.
It is a liquid pouring device 1 (1E) that quantitatively pours out into x), and in the beer dispenser 1E that can variably set the liquid pouring amount Qz corresponding to the container size 4z, set the pouring button 1g and the pedestal 1e. Measuring means for measuring the diameter φx of the stored container 4 (4x)
6D and the container size 4z is discriminated based on the measurement value by this measuring means 6D, and a cradle predetermined for each container size 4z
The control unit 1E is configured to select a rising movement control amount Hz of 1e and a pouring amount Qz to be quantitatively poured into the container 4x, and to perform pouring control based on these control amounts Hz and Qz.

With this configuration, height data for the registered container 4 (4x) is registered in advance, and the container size 4z (for example, the container size 4z based on only the measured value of the diameter φx by the container measuring means 6D). , Diameter φx and container height
Hx) can be determined, select the predetermined pedestal upward movement control amount Hz for each container size 4z and the pouring amount Qz that is quantitatively poured into the container 4x, and control these amounts Hz, Qz. Based on the control device 1E performs the liquid pouring control,
As in Embodiments 1 and 2, effervescent drinking water can be softly poured into the container.

In particular, although not shown, a bubble detector 7A, which is provided above the container 4 (4x) shown in FIG. 1 and detects the bubbles of the liquid poured into the container 4 (4x), Alternatively, FIG.
It is arranged on the side of the side of the container 4 (4x) shown in Figure, and is arranged at a predetermined position from the spout of the liquid spout valve 1f.
Embodiment 1 is provided with the interface detection means 7B for detecting the interface level between the liquid and the foam poured into the container 4 (4x).
Alternatively, control can be performed in the same manner as described in the second embodiment.

[0033]

[Embodiment] (Embodiment 1) First, the measuring principle of the mug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) is a pair of lenses arranged at a predetermined interval (base line length B) on the same plane.
62 (L), 62 (R) and a pair of photo array sensors arranged at the focal length f behind the optical axis of the lenses 62 (L), 62 (R)
An AF module 6A including P1 and P2, and a calculation unit 6B that calculates a distance L to the object P to be measured from deviation amounts x1 and x2 of image forming positions on the photo array sensors P1 and P2, A distance measuring image sensor 6 (6A, 6B) provided with a distance measuring image sensor 6 (6A, 6B)
And a light source 61 that emits a strip-shaped light ray L1 passing through the center of 4x.

With this configuration, the mug measuring means 6 (6
A, 6B) ranging image sensor 6 (6A, 6B) and light source 61 are arranged at a predetermined position diagonally above the jug 4x set on the jug stand 1e, and the mug is placed on the jug stand 1e.
When 4x is set, a band-shaped light ray L1 is emitted from the light source 61 toward the center of the mug 4x to be measured, and the reflected light L2 is received by the paired photo array sensors P1 and P2 to calculate the distance L. The calculation unit 6B illustrated by the controller measures the distance L to the reflection point Pm on the jug 4x by the triangulation method, and the brightness on the photo array sensor (for example, P1) that receives the reflected light from the jug 4x. The outer dimension φx of the jug 4x can be measured from the point position (x1).

The triangulation method used in the present invention will be described below. In FIG. 3 (A), a pair of lenses 62 (L), 62 (R)
The distance L formed by the perpendicular line from the object to be measured P on the same plane S0 on which is arranged is this perpendicular line and a pair of lenses 62 (L), 62 (R).
And the plane S0 on which the object P is arranged and the lenses 62 (L), 62 (R) from the object P
The triangles α ', β'formed by the ray L2 passing through the center of, the optical axes from the lenses 62 (L), 62 (R), and the photo array sensors P1, P
Since the light receiving surface of 2 and the triangles α and β on which the light ray L2 is imaged on the photoarray sensors P1 and P2 with the displacement of x1 and x2 are similar triangles, equations (1) and (2) The relations of expressions are obtained.

[0036]

[Equation 1] L: B1 = f: x1 (1)

[0037]

[Equation 2] L: B2 = f: x2 (2) Also, B1
Since there is a relation of + B2 = B, the distance L formed by the perpendicular line from the object P can be obtained by the equation (3). That is,

[0038]

[Equation 3] L = (B × f) / (x1 + x2) (3) where B is the distance between the optical axes where the predetermined lenses 62 (L) and 62 (R) are arranged, f is the focal length of the lenses 62 (L) and 62 (R), and x1 and x2 are the amounts of deviation from the optical axes forming the images on the photo array sensors P1 and P2.

The external dimensions (diameter φ) of the jug are
For example, it can be obtained by the method of FIG. Figure 4 (A)
Shows the state where the bend stage 1d is viewed from the side, the horizontal axis X shows the state in which the lifting type mug stand 1e is waiting at the lowered position (H0), and the height on the vertical axis Z at the origin 0 position. Hm is a lens for measuring the external dimensions of the jug, for example, lens 62 (L)
Are arranged.

Further, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the jug 4x is viewed from the top of the bend stage 1d. Here, the light source 61 of the jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) measures the mug 4x to be measured.
The state of radiating the band-shaped light ray L1 toward the center of the arrow, that is, the X axis (center line) is shown. That is, the jug stand
A jug by providing a V-shaped guide guide 1j that opens at an equal angle with the X axis as the center line in the Z axis direction of 1e
When 4x is set on the mug cradle 1e, the center of the mug 4x can be guided and set on this center line (X axis: band-shaped light beam L1).

With this configuration, by setting the passing position of the belt-shaped light beam L1 emitted from the light source 61 to coincide with the center line (X axis) of the predetermined V-shaped guide guide 1j, the jug When the 4x is set on the jug 1e, the strip 4x can be set so as to pass through the center of the jug 4x by pressing the jug 4x against the V-shaped guide guide 1j. You can
Image sensor 6 (6A, 6B) with the same outer shape of mug 4x
Can be measured by the method described below.

In FIG. 4A, the strip-shaped light beam L1 of the light source 61 irradiating on the X-axis is the upper edge portion of the measured mug 4x.
The reflected light is reflected by Pm, and the reflected light is condensed on the photo array sensor P1 along a path represented by a straight line L2 passing through the center of the lens 62 (L). Let L be a distance from a plane Sm parallel to the plane S0 of the photo array sensors P1 and P2 and in contact with the reflecting surface of the upper edge portion Pm of the jug 4x. This distance L corresponds to the distance L measured by the distance measuring sensor described in FIG. Now lens 62 (L), 62
The angle between the surface S0 of (R) and the X axis is ((π / 2) -θ0), and the perpendicular line Lm from the reflecting surface of the upper edge Pm of the jug 4x to the surface S0.
And θ1 is the angle between the straight line L2 passing through the center of the lens 62 (L) from the upper edge Pm and the perpendicular line Lm, and the Z axis and the mug
The distance from the 4x is C1, the distance from the Z axis to the center of the mug 4x
If C2, the relations of equations (4) to (8) are obtained. That is,
The distance M from the reflective surface of the upper edge Pm of the jug 4x to the center of the lens 62 (L) is

[0043]

[Equation 4] M = L / cos θ1 (4)

[0044]

[Equation 5] θ ¹ = tan ⁻¹ (x1 / f) ··· (5) Further, when the radius R is the outer diameter φx of the jug 4x,

[0045]

[Equation 6] R = C2-C1 = C2-M cos θ = C2- (L / cos θ1) × cos (θ1 + θ0) ・ ・ ・ ・ (6) Now, when the angle of the V-shaped guide guide 1j is π / 2,

[0046]

## EQU00007 ## Since C2 = (. Sqroot.2) .times.R ... (7), the diameter .phi.x of the jug 4x can be calculated by the equation (8). That is,

[0047]

[Formula 8] φx = 2R = 2 (√2 + 1) (L / cos θ1) × cos (θ1 + θ0) (8) Further, the height Hx of the jug 4x is the center of the lens 62 (L). If the height is up to Hm, it can be calculated by Eq. (9).

[0048]

[Formula 9] Hx = Hm−M sin θ = Hm−M sin (θ0 + θ1) = Hm− (L / cos θ1) × sin (θ0 + θ1) (9) Next, FIG. 5 is a distance measuring image sensor. 6 (6A, 6B) is an example of sensor data obtained by measuring the jug 4x set on the jug stand 1e. The amount of light received by the photosensor arrays P1 and P2 shown in (A) of FIG. 3 is displayed on the vertical axis. The stronger the light incident on this photosensor array, the lower the detection signal level (0
Direction). In addition, the horizontal axis indicates the photo sensor array.
The light receiving positions of P1 and P2 are shown.The photo sensor array P1 is on the left half.
, And the photosensor array P2 is shown in the right half. In the illustrated example, a portion of the rectangular shape having a width of about 1 div and descending downward (direction 0) is the reflected light (L2) from the upper edge portion Pm of the jug 4x. Therefore, for example, a part that descends downward (in the direction of 0) in this rectangular shape is detected with a predetermined threshold value, or
Detecting with a large change rate, for example, in this detection example, the left edge that falls in a rectangle corresponds to the outer diameter part of the jug 4x, so the distance from the optical axis position to this detected edge is the deviation amount x
It can be detected as 1, x2.

Returning to FIG. 3B, the jug detecting means 6 (6A, 6B) is an optical system used in an automatic focal length meter such as a camera shown in the AF module 6A, for example. It can be configured by using a calculation unit 6B that calculates a shift amount / distance that processes data of this optical system. The optical signals received by the pair of lenses 62 are imaged on the photosensor arrays P1 and P2 arranged opposite to each other with a gap of the focal length f, and are converted into electrical signals by the photosensor arrays P1 and P2. , The analog-to-digital converter ADC converts each into a digital value, the shift operation circuit 65 sequentially reads the optical signals received by the photosensor arrays P1 and P2, and the controller 6B calculates the deviation amounts x1 and x2 and the distance L. be able to. Further, the photosensor arrays P1 and P2, the analog / digital converter ADC, and the shift arithmetic circuit 65 are integrated circuits AFIC.
It is configured to be integrated with.

The measurement of the diameter φx of the mug 4x has been described above by the method of measuring with the system of the lens 62 (L).
Similar results can be obtained by measuring with the system (R). Also, in the above description, the light source 61 is the mug 4x to be measured.
I explained using the strip-shaped ray L1 that passes through the center of the
A V-shaped guide guide 1j is provided on 1e, and in the method of measuring the diameter φx and height of the jug 4x by the triangulation method, the light source is
The strip-shaped ray L1 of 61 does not necessarily have to actually pass through the center of the jug 4x, but is merely on the center line of the jug 4x, and the upper edge portion Pm of the jug 4x corresponding to the diameters φx and Hx of the various jugs 4x. Band of rays that can illuminate the range of
L1 is all right. That is, it is not always necessary to use, for example, a laser beam having a wide band-shaped irradiation range, and for example, a light source 61 such as a light emitting diode LED is used to form an elliptical spot beam (L1 ′) using a condenser lens. However, the long axis of the elliptical spot light beam (L1 ′) can be arranged on a strip-shaped center line passing through the center of the measured jug 4x. (Embodiment 2) In the prior art, two types of large and small mugs 4L, 4S
Was set on the jug stand 1e of the bend stage 1d and the beer was poured out by pressing either the large or small pouring button 1g-L, 1g-S, whereas in the present invention, it is used in restaurants, taverns, etc. As a beer dispenser for business use, a self-service draft beer dispenser that suits the diversifying needs of users, various mugs 4x set on the jug stand 1e of the bend stage 1d
The purpose is to supply a beer dispenser that can dispense beer in an optimal state by automatically discriminating the beer and pressing the pouring button 1g. However, there is no limit to the variety of mugs 4x like this, and although there are multiple types of mugs 4x used in restaurants and taverns, a uniform size 4y mug 4x is used.

Therefore, the size of the set mug 4x
Measures 4y and makes it compatible with the standard mug size 4y that is standardized as a store, and the control amount of this standard mug size 4y:
Upward movement control amount Hy, pouring amount Qy to the jug, or the level of the interface between the beer liquid level and foam of the jug.
It supplies a beer dispenser that controls Ly optimally.

From this point of view, in the first embodiment, the mug 4x
As a method of measuring the size of the above, the method of measuring the height Hx of the jug 4x and the outer diameter φx of the upper edge portion has been described. However, this measurement method is also a measurement value of these sizes in a jug with a shape of the mug edge and a fashionable shape.
Control amount as beer dispenser (upward movement control amount H
It is necessary to set the relation between y, the pouring amount Qy to the mug concerned, or the level Ly of the interface) separately for each shop with a unified mug. Such setting can be performed by, for example, obtaining optimum control with an actual machine and teaching this to a beer dispenser. From this point of view, the beer dispenser control device of the present invention uses the measurement values (Hx, Hx, measured by the mug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B).
φx) and a mug 4x used in beer dispensers
And a predetermined upward movement control amount Hy of the jug cradle 1e for each group of suitable jug size 4y, the pouring amount Qy to be poured into the jug 4x, or the beer liquid and foam to be poured. It is possible to configure by including a memory area corresponding to the interface level control amount Ly of.

With this structure, the mug measuring means 6 (6
(A, 6B) selects the closest jug size 4y from the measured values (Hx, φx), and the amount of upward movement control Hy of the jug cradle corresponding to this selected jug size 4y and a fixed amount pouring out to that jug The beer pouring control can be performed by selecting the pouring amount Qy to be performed or the control amount Ly of the interface level between the liquid surface of the beer poured to the jug and the foam. As a result, it is possible to provide a beer dispenser that can handle a paper cup, a glass mug with a cylindrical handle, a tulip-shaped mug with legs, and a plurality of mugs with various shapes. . (Example 3) The beer dispenser 1A described in Embodiment 1 and Examples 1 and 2 will be supplementarily described. Further, the entire image of the main configuration of the beer dispenser has been already described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, when the mug cradle 1e of the bend stage 1d is in the standby state H0 and the mug 4x is set on the mug cradle 1e, a sensor not shown in the drawing
The 4x set is detected, and the jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B) measures the size of the jug 4x set on the jug stand 1e. This measurement has two one-dimensional lines CCD (photo sensor array) P1 and P2, and can measure the distance to the object from the principle of triangulation based on the deviation amount of the left and right images. The sensor 6 (6A, 6B) is installed above or diagonally above the jug 4x, and the edge of the jug 4x; this edge is arcuate, so the distance measuring image sensor (or autofocus) is illuminated by the auxiliary light source 61. Sensor AFI
By utilizing the fact that the reflected light L2 returns to C), it is possible to add a forced contrast for light reception and perform stable measurement.

As a result, the height Hx to the edge of the jug 4x
Can be obtained by the equation (9) by measuring the distance information L from the normal triangulation type autofocus sensor to the edge of the jug 4x, and the diameter φx of the jug 4x is From the peak position appearing on the CCD, angle information θ1 is obtained from equation (5), and from this distance information L and angle information θ1 equation (8) is used to determine the outer diameter φ of the jug 4x.
You can find x. As a result, various mugs 4x
Can be divided into jug size 4y, and by this divided information, the control device 8A based on the information of the control amount Hy, Qy, Ly determined by teaching or the like for each pre-divided mug size 4y. Optimal pouring control can be performed.

The bubble detector 7A installed above the mug 4x emits spot light from the spot light source 71 to the mug 4x.
Irradiate toward the bubble that occurs above the distance to this bubble
L3 is measured by the triangulation method like the above-described distance measuring image sensor, and this distance L3 is compared with a predetermined distance to perform auxiliary control of the beer pouring valve 1f. That is, the control device 8A
According to the measured and determined jug size 4y, the beer foam poured into the jug 4x does not reach the predetermined level even if the timer is controlled so that the pouring amount Qy is poured into the jug 4x. If the beer foam poured into the jug 4x exceeds a predetermined level, the beer overflow is prevented by interrupting the time control of the timer. be able to. (Embodiment 4) A second embodiment will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. By monitoring the foam of beer described in the third embodiment, the interface control device 7B can control the monitoring control of the excess or deficiency of the beer pouring amount. That is, the interface detection device 7B
Although not shown in the figure, the image pickup device 71 and its image processing device 72 are provided, and the image pickup device 71 determines the interface from the difference in the color of beer poured into the jug 4x and the foam, It is possible to detect whether or not the predetermined level Ly for the height Hx of 4x is reached.

With this configuration, a predetermined level
The beer pouring valve 1f is opened and closed until it reaches Ly. Alternatively, by controlling the time of the timer corresponding to the pouring amount Qy of the jug 4x, when the predetermined level Ly is not reached, the pouring of beer is continued, and vice versa.
When the foam of beer poured into the container exceeds a predetermined level, the beer can be prevented from overflowing by interrupting the time control of the timer.

Further, more precise pouring control to the mug 4x can be performed by the correction means described below. That is, the control device 8B has the jug measuring means 6 (6A, 6B).
Correct the control level Ly of the interface level between the liquid level and the foam of beer selected with the jug size 4y determined based on the measured value (Hx, φx) measured by the beer barrel gas pressure and the ambient temperature of the beer dispenser. Correction means can be provided.

With this configuration, when the user is pouring beer from the beer dispenser, the beer pouring situation is affected by the gas pressure fluctuation to the beer barrel and the ambient temperature of the beer dispenser due to the beer pouring. Can be automatically corrected to always perform optimum pouring control. (Embodiment 5) In FIG. 8, the jug pedestal 1k is a fixed or semi-fixed type, and the jug 4 is set on the pedestal 1k,
When the pouring button 1g is pressed, a certain amount of beer extracted from the barrel 2 is poured into the jug 4 through the extraction valve 1f, and the beer pouring amount is variably set according to the jug size, and the pouring button 1g and the pedestal Diameter of mug 4 set to 1k φx
Based on the container (mug) measuring means 6D for measuring the, and the measured value by this measuring means 6D, the pouring amount Qz for pouring beer corresponding to each jug size is selected, and based on these extraction amounts Qz It can be configured by including a control device 8D for performing the pouring control.

With this configuration, the user sets the jug 4 on the pedestal 1k and then presses the pouring button 1g, so that the value registered in advance from the measured value of the caliber φx by the above-mentioned jug measuring means 6D. The container size 4z is specified, and the control device 8D can perform the beer pouring control based on the pouring amount Qz that is predetermined for each jug size. That is, in the initial stage of extracting beer, the user installs the jug 4 on the jug stand 1k and the pouring button 1g.
When is pressed, the diameter information (image information) of this mug 4
In order to obtain φx, an image sensor is provided above the jug as the jug measuring means 6D arranged so that both edges of the jug 4 are within the visual field. Where the mug measuring means
The 6D light source 66 is provided to increase the contrast of both edges of the jug 4 against ambient light. From this, the figure
As shown in FIG. 10, the luminance distribution including both edges of the jug 4 can be obtained from the jug measuring means 6D (image sensor, for example, CCD camera or one-dimensional CCD linear array). By using this information, the control device 8D can easily find the interval between the two edges (a1, b1), (a2, b2) of the highest brightness mugs, and the interval between the edges | a1-b1 |, ｜ a2-b2 ｜,
In other words, by obtaining the diameter information φx of the mug 4, the size of the mug 4z = (φx, Hx) can be detected, and the container size 4z selected by the user can be automatically detected from among multiple types of prepared mugs 4. However, the dispensing amount Qz (for example, preset by the teaching method) corresponding to the selected jug size 4z can be obtained by controlling the extraction valve 1f.

FIG. 10 shows an example of luminance information including both edges of the jug 4 obtained by using the image sensor. Figure 10
(A) is the brightness information on the image sensor that captures both edges of the large jug 4A. Both edges of the jug 4A are closest to the image sensor 6D, and the edge surface is an arc, so the brightness is Is the highest and is obtained as two luminance peaks (a1 and b1 points), and the address information a1 and b1 representing the luminance peak position on the image sensor can be easily known. From this address information, the aperture size k | a1-b1 | can be obtained by using the aperture size corresponding to the jug aperture φx = φA by using the address information a1 and b1 having the mug edge. However, k is a predetermined constant.

Further, FIG. 10B shows the case of a small jug, and similarly, the size k | a2-b2 | of the diameter corresponding to the diameter φx = φB is obtained, and the obtained diameter Size information φx and caliber size information φ corresponding to the types of multiple mugs (4A, 4B, ··) stored in the controller 8D in advance
By comparing A, φB, ... With, it is possible to determine the size φx and the pouring amount Qz of the jug 4x installed by the user.

In this beer dispenser 1D, a container 4x (4A, 4B ...) Predetermined by a vendor and prepared for registration
Can be applied when the height information Hz of the container 4z and the pouring amount Qz are uniquely determined for the diameter information φA, φB, ..., In general, large jugs are medium and small jugs. Since the diameter and the height are larger, the arithmetic processing of the control device 8D can be easily performed.

From the address information, the size of the diameter φx
The constant k for obtaining is originally a function of the height information Hz,
By associating the container type with the teaching method as the error range of the measured data, the constant k
Can be treated as a constant value. Further, the present invention has been described with the beer dispenser, but in particular, since an appropriate amount of non-foaming drinking water can be poured into the container,
It can also be applied to a general non-foaming drinking water dispenser. (Example 6) Further, the beer dispenser described in Example 5 is a beer dispenser in which the beer is poured into the jug 4 with a small drop from the beer outlet 1f and is softly poured to suppress beer foaming. This can be performed by using the jug stand 1e of the bend stage 1d of the dispenser body 1E as a lifting container stand.

That is, in FIG. 10, when the jug 4x is set on the jug holder 1e and the pouring button 1g is pressed, the jug holder 1e is moved upward to move the jug 4x to the nozzle tip of the beer pouring valve 1f. Bring the beer extracted from barrel 2 in this position to a jug 4x through a valve,
In the automatic beverage extractor (beer dispenser) 1E that can variably set the rising movement stroke Hz and beer pouring amount Qz of the cradle 1e corresponding to the jug size 4z, the pouring button 1g and the cradle 1e were set. Container measuring means 6E (= 6D) for measuring the diameter φx of the jug 4x and this container measuring means 6E
The container size 4z is discriminated based on the measured value according to, and the rising movement control amount Hz of the pedestal 1e is preset for each container size 4Z.
And a control device 8E for selecting the pouring control amount Qz to be poured into the jug 4x and controlling the pouring based on these control amounts (Hz, Qz).

With this configuration, the user can use the mug 4x (4
(A, 4B ...) on the pedestal 1e, and then press the pouring button 1g to make the diameter φx of the container measuring means 6E described above.
The container size 4z registered in advance from the measured value of is specified, and the rising movement control amount Hz of the cradle 1e and the pouring control amount Qz to be poured to the jug 4x are set in advance for each container size 4z. By selecting and performing the dispensing control based on these control amounts (Hz, Qz), in particular, the sparkling drinking water can be softly dispensed into the container.

That is, the mug measuring means 6D of the fifth and sixth embodiments.
Can measure the diameter φx of the container 4x based on the brightness information from both edges of the container 4x, and obtain the brightness information of the container 4x to be measured Image sensor such as CCD camera or CCD linear array sensor and this image Placed near the sensor,
And a light source that illuminates both edges of the container 4x to be measured. The measurement can also be performed using the linear array sensor on one side of the distance sensor described in the second and third embodiments.

In FIG. 8, the control device 8D controls the container measuring means 6D to measure the measurement value (caliber φx), the container size 4z used in the dispenser 1D, and the container predetermined for each container size 4z. It can be configured to have a memory area for storing information for associating with the pouring amount Qz to be dispensed quantitatively in 4x. With this configuration, the container measuring means
Select the closest container size 4z from the measurement value φx measured by 6D, and the corresponding container corresponding to this selected container size 4z.
The liquid pouring control can be performed by reading the control amount Qz of the pouring amount that is quantitatively poured into 4x.

Further, in FIG. 9, the control device 8E controls the container measurement means 6D to measure the measured value φx, the container size 4z used in the dispenser 1E, and the rise of the cradle 1e predetermined for each container size 4z. A memory area is provided for storing information for associating the movement control amount Hz with the pouring amount Qz that is dispensed in a fixed amount into the container 4x or the interface level control amount Lz between the pouring liquid and the foam. Can be configured.

With such a configuration, the container size 4z closest to the measured value φx measured by the container measuring means 6D is selected, and the rising movement control amount Hz of the cradle 1e corresponding to the selected container size 4z and the container 4x are selected. The liquid pour-out control can be performed by reading the pour-out amount Qz that is quantitatively pour out into the container or the control amount Lz of the interface level between the liquid surface and the bubble that is poured into the container 4x.

Further, the control devices 8 (8A, 8B), (8E), the liquid level and the bubble of the liquid selected by the container size 4y, 4z determined based on the measured values φx, Hx measured by the container measuring means 6 The interface level control variables Ly and Lz with and can be configured to include a correction unit that corrects the gas pressure of the barrel 2 and the ambient temperature of the dispenser body 1. With this configuration, when the user is pouring the liquid from the dispenser 1, even if there is a fluctuation in the gas pressure of the barrel 2 or a fluctuation in the ambient temperature of the dispenser body 1, these effects are not affected and are always optimal. Discharge control can be performed.

Further, the cradle is provided with a V-shaped guide guide 1j and can guide the container 4x to be placed so that the center of the container 4x is located on a predetermined center line. With this configuration, the container 4x has a V-shaped guide guide 1j.
Since the passing position of the band-shaped light beam radiated by the light source 61 is guided so as to be pressed against the center of the predetermined V-shaped guide guide, the set container is set.
Can form a band of rays through the center of 4x, container
The 4x outline can be measured with the same distance measurement image sensor as the height measurement sensor.

[0073]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the container measuring means measures the size of the container set on the pedestal, and based on the measured value, the corresponding container group is determined, and this determination is performed. Based on the result, it is possible to call a predetermined control amount for each container group and control the liquid pouring amount with this control amount. Further, by providing the bubble detection means or the interface between the liquid and the foam, it is possible to control the excess or deficiency of the pouring amount of the foamable liquid. Further, it is possible to automatically correct the fluctuation caused by the fluctuation of the gas pressure in the barrel and the fluctuation of the ambient temperature of the dispenser body to always perform the optimum pouring control.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of main parts of a beer dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of essential parts of a beer dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a distance measurement principle diagram of a distance measurement image sensor and a block diagram of a calculation unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of calculating the height and the outer shape of a mug.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of detection data of a distance image sensor

[Figure 6] Overall configuration diagram of beer dispenser

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a main part of a conventional beer dispenser.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of essential parts of a beer dispenser according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of main parts of a beer dispenser according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example of detection data of another image sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Beer dispenser 1d bend stage 1e, 1k jug stand 1f beer pouring valve 1g spout button 1j V-shaped guide 2 beer barrels 4,4x, 4S, 4L mugs 4y mug size 6 Jug measuring means 6A AF module 6B controller 6D mug measuring means 61 Light source that emits a strip of light 62, 62 (L), 62 (R) lens P1, P2 photo sensor array 64 AFIC 65 shift operation circuit 66 light source 6a, 6d 7a, 7b detection signal 7A foam detector 7B interface detector 7C photoelectric switch 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E controller 8a, 8b, 8c control signal f focal length L distance L1 strip of light L2 straight line from the reflecting surface to the lens center Pm reflective surface S0, S4, Sm plane Hx, Hy Mug height Hm lens installation position φx, φy Mug diameter X1, X2 deviation

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hideo Shimizu             1-1 Tanabe Nitta, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             Within Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Motohito Hori             1-1 Tanabe Nitta, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             Within Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2F065 AA01 AA06 AA12 AA19 AA20                       AA24 AA26 BB05 BB08 BB22                       DD16 FF01 FF02 FF04 FF09                       FF10 FF23 FF41 FF46 FF67                       HH05 JJ02 JJ25 QQ05 QQ25                       QQ28 QQ31 TT03 TT08                 2F112 AC03 BA02 BA06 BA18 CA12                       FA45                 3E082 AA04 BB03 CC01 DD03 DD05

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A bend stage of a main body is provided with a liquid pouring valve and a container pedestal, and when the container is set on this pedestal and the pouring button is pressed, the liquid extracted from the barrel is quantified into the container through the valve. This is a liquid pouring device that pours out, and in a liquid pouring device in which the liquid pouring amount can be variably set according to the container size, container measuring means for measuring the diameter of the container set on the cradle and this measuring means. And a control device that determines the container size based on the measured value of the container, selects the amount of liquid to be poured out in a predetermined amount for each container size, and controls the dispensing based on the extracted amount. A liquid pouring device characterized by the above. 2. The bend stage of the main body is provided with a liquid pouring valve and a container pedestal, and when the container is set on this pedestal and the pouring button is pressed, the liquid extracted from the barrel is quantified into the container through the valve. This is a liquid pouring device that pours liquid, and in a liquid pouring device in which the liquid pouring amount can be variably set according to the container size, container measuring means for measuring the diameter of the container set on the cradle and the side surface of the container An interface detection unit that is disposed on the side and detects the interface level between the liquid and the foam poured into the container, and the container size is determined based on the measurement value by the container measurement unit,
A liquid comprising: a control device that selects a control amount of an interface level between a liquid to be poured into the container and a bubble, which is predetermined for each container size, and controls the pouring based on the control amount. Dispensing device. 3. A bend stage of the main body is provided with a liquid spouting valve and an elevating container pedestal, and when the pod is set on this pedestal and the spout button is pressed, the pedestal is moved up to move the container. It is a liquid pouring device that approaches the nozzle tip of the liquid pouring valve and pours out the liquid extracted from the barrel at this position into the container through the valve in a fixed amount. In a liquid pouring device in which the amount can be variably set, container measuring means for measuring the height and diameter of the container set on the receiving table, and the container size is determined based on the measured value by this measuring means. A liquid pouring device characterized by comprising a predetermined moving amount of the pedestal and a predetermined pouring amount for pouring into the container, and control means for controlling the pouring based on these control amounts. apparatus. 4. A bend stage of the main body is provided with a liquid spouting valve and an elevating container pedestal, and when the pod is set on this pedestal and the spout button is pressed, the pedestal is moved up to move the container. It is a liquid pouring device that approaches the nozzle tip of the liquid pouring valve and pours out the liquid extracted from the barrel at this position into the container through the valve in a fixed amount. In a liquid pouring device in which the amount can be variably set, the interface level between the container measuring means that measures the height and diameter of the container set on the pedestal and the liquid and foam extracted on the side of the container and extracted into the container Interface detection means for detecting
The size of the container is determined based on the value measured by the container measuring means, and the predetermined amount of upward movement of the cradle and the control amount of the interface level between the liquid and the foam to be poured into the container are selected for each container size. The liquid pouring device is provided with a control means for controlling the pouring based on these control amounts. 5. The liquid pouring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container measuring means comprises a lens, a photo array sensor arranged at a focal length position behind the optical axis of the lens, and the photo array sensor. A distance measurement image sensor including a calculation unit that calculates the distance to the object to be measured from the amount of displacement of the imaging position on the photo array sensor, and is arranged in the vicinity of this distance measurement image sensor and passes through the center of the container to be measured. A liquid pouring device comprising: a light source that emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light. 6. The liquid pouring device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the container measuring means has a pair of lenses arranged on the same plane with a predetermined interval, and an optical axis of the lenses. A distance measuring image sensor including a pair of photo array sensors arranged at a position of a rear focal length, and a calculation unit for calculating a distance to an object to be measured from a deviation amount of an image forming position on the photo array sensor. And a light source which is disposed in the vicinity of the distance measuring image sensor and emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light passing through the center of the container to be measured. 7. The liquid pouring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container measuring means measures the diameter of the container based on brightness information from both edges of the container. Output device. 8. The liquid pouring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container measuring means is an image sensor for obtaining brightness information of the container to be measured, and the container to be measured is arranged in the vicinity of the image sensor. And a light source that illuminates both edges of the liquid pouring device. 9. The liquid pouring device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the interface detecting means includes an image sensor and an image processing device thereof. 10. The liquid extraction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device comprises a measurement value measured by the container measuring means, a container size, and a pouring amount or pouring amount for pouring into the container. A memory area is provided for storing information for associating the controlled amount of the interface level between the discharged liquid and bubbles, and the container size closest to the measured value measured by the container measuring means is selected, and the selected container is selected. A liquid extraction device, characterized in that the amount of liquid to be dispensed in a fixed amount corresponding to the size is read out and the liquid is dispensed. 11. The liquid extraction apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control device raises a measurement value measured by the container measuring means, the container size, and a pedestal predetermined for each container size. It is equipped with a memory area that stores information for associating the movement control amount with the amount of liquid that is dispensed in a fixed amount into the container or the amount of control at the interface level between the liquid and the liquid that is dispensed, and the container measuring means measures it. Select the closest container size from the measured values, and adjust the amount of rising movement of the cradle corresponding to the selected container size and the amount to be dispensed in a fixed amount into the container or the liquid level of the liquid to be dispensed into the container. A liquid extraction device characterized in that the liquid level is controlled by reading out the control level of the interface level of the foam. 12. The liquid extraction apparatus according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the control device controls the liquid level and the bubbles of the liquid selected in the container size determined based on the measurement value measured by the container measurement means. A liquid extraction device comprising a correction means for correcting the interface level control amount with the gas pressure of the barrel and the ambient temperature of the dispenser body. 13. The liquid pouring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container pedestal is provided with a V-shaped guide guide, and the container pedestal is provided on a predetermined center line. A liquid pouring device, which guides a container to be placed so that a center thereof is located. 14. A method for detecting the size of a container in a liquid pouring device according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring image sensor of the container measuring means and a light source are used as a pedestal. It is placed at a predetermined position diagonally above the container to be set, and when the container is set on the pedestal, it emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light from the light source toward the center of the container to be measured, and this reflected light Is received by a photo array sensor, and the diameter of the container is measured from the position of the bright spot on the photo array sensor that receives the reflected light from the container. 15. A method of detecting the size of a container in a liquid pouring device according to claim 3, wherein the distance measuring image sensor of the container measuring means and a light source are used as a pedestal. It is placed at a predetermined position diagonally above the container to be set, and when the container is set on the pedestal, it emits a band-shaped light beam or spot light from the light source toward the center of the container to be measured, and this reflected light Received by the paired photo array sensor,
The size of a container is measured by measuring the distance to the reflection point on the container by triangulation and measuring the diameter of the container from the position of the bright spot on the photo array sensor that receives the reflected light from the container. Method.