JP2002264998A - Liquid flow passage opening/closing device and beer server device employing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide as a first purpose an opening/closing device for a new liquid flow passage capable of preventing occurrence of turbulence flow caused by resistance, apply this opening/closing device to a beer server, prevent occurrence of non-required bubbles and further prevent original taste of beer itself. SOLUTION: There is provided a beer server device 1 comprised of a tank 24 storing beer therein; a pouring-out means (dispenser 27) for pouring out beer in the tank 24 under an operation of an operating segment 28; an opening/ closing device 1 for a flow passage 25 arranged in the flow passage 25 between the tank 24 and the pouring means; and a control means for controlling the opening/closing device 1 to enable beer to be poured out or disenable it to be poured out. The opening/closing device 1 is constituted by a tube 2 having a resiliency constituting at least a part of the flow passage 25, and a pressing mechanism for pressing and deforming the tube 2 and closing the flow passage 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switching device for a liquid flow path and a beer supply device to which the switching device is applied. The present invention relates to a beer supply apparatus that allows a clerk to drink the beer and check the amount of the beer and make payment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a restaurant such as a beer hall, when a user who is a customer orders beer, a clerk pours beer into a prescribed mug and distributes the beer to each user. Alternatively, it is distributed to users in the form of a commercially available bottle, and each user pours it into a predetermined glass and drinks it. However, such a sales method has various inconveniences because individual users cannot place an order for a desired amount according to their physical condition and situation.

[0003] In recent years, a control means such as a microcomputer has been mounted on a beer supply device so that a single dispensed amount can be measured, so that each user can make a payment according to the amount of drink. A system has been proposed.

Specifically, this beer supply device includes a tank storing beer, a dispenser serving as a means for discharging beer from the tank, and an electromagnetic valve or a ball valve provided in a flow path connecting these. And the like, an opening / closing device, a flow rate detection sensor for detecting a flow rate passing through the flow path, and a centralized control unit.

[0005] By recognizing insertion of a card individually distributed to a specific user or a card of a predetermined number, a flow path is opened by the valve element, and a predetermined operation is performed by operating the dispenser. Beer can be poured from the spout. Also, by discharging the card, or
When the insertion of the prescribed card cannot be recognized, the closed state of the flow path is maintained by the valve body, and beer cannot be dispensed regardless of the operation of the dispenser.

[0006]

However, in the beer supply device, when beer passes through a valve element which is an opening / closing device, the valve element becomes a resistance and a turbulent flow is generated. There is a problem that occurs. As a result, there is an inconvenience that the foam of the poured beer becomes abnormally large and the original taste of the beer is reduced. In addition, in this type of beer supply apparatus, in order to maintain hygiene, it is necessary to periodically wash the flow path by a method such as washing with water, but this water remains in the valve body, and from this point, However, there is a disadvantage that the original taste of beer is lowered.

Accordingly, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a new liquid flow path opening / closing device capable of preventing the occurrence of turbulence due to resistance. A second object of the present invention is to apply this opening and closing device to a beer supply device to prevent generation of unnecessary foam and prevent the original taste of beer from being reduced.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an opening / closing device for a liquid flow path according to the present invention comprises an elastic tube provided at least in a part of a flow path for supplying a liquid;
A pressure mechanism for closing the flow path by pressing and deforming the tube.

According to the liquid flow path opening / closing device, the liquid passes through the tube that constitutes a part of the flow path, and this tube has no portion that becomes a resistance when passing through the tube. Therefore, it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring when passing through the switching device. Therefore, it is suitable for supplying a liquid that dislikes mixing by turbulence.

In addition, in this switchgear, since there is no resistance portion, even if the flow path is cleaned during regular maintenance, the cleaning water does not remain in the flow path. . It is also very easy to replace only the tube during this maintenance. Therefore, workability related to maintenance can be significantly improved.

Further, since the opening and closing device of the present invention closes the flow path by pressing and deforming the tube, the opening and closing operation can be performed at a pressure lower than 1 kg / cm ² . Here, a known ball valve having relatively low fluid resistance requires a pressure of about 4 kg / cm ² when opening and closing. Therefore, the driving source of the pressing mechanism may have a relatively low capacity as compared with the conventional one, and many devices can be used. And since it can be operated at low pressure, the operation time related to the opening / closing operation is also instantaneous (1
Seconds). Therefore, precise opening / closing control is possible.

In the opening / closing device, it is preferable that the pressing mechanism includes a rod of a cylinder disposed on one side of the tube and a receiving portion disposed at a position facing the rod with the tube interposed therebetween.

In this case, it is preferable to provide a holder for disposing the cylinder, provide an insertion portion for piping the tube at one end of the holder, and provide the receiving portion. With this configuration, the pressing mechanism can be integrated and assembled, so that workability can be improved.

Further, the beer supply apparatus of the present invention to which the opening / closing device is applied is a tank storing beer, a pouring means for pouring beer in the tank from a pouring port by operating an operation unit, Beer supply, comprising: an opening / closing device for the flow path provided in the flow path between the flow path and the dispensing means; and control means for controlling the opening / closing apparatus to make beer capable of being poured out or not. In the apparatus, the opening / closing device includes an elastic tube that forms at least a part of the flow path, and a pressing mechanism that presses and deforms the tube to close the flow path.

According to the beer supply device, no turbulence is generated in the opening and closing device, so that it is possible to prevent the generation of bubbles before reaching the pouring means. As a result, it is possible to prevent an abnormal increase in the foam of the beer poured out from the pouring means, and to prevent a disadvantage that the taste of the beer poured out is reduced. Further, even if the channel is washed by a method such as washing with water to maintain hygiene, the water does not remain in the channel of the switchgear. Moreover, it is easy to replace the tube itself. Therefore, from this point as well, it is possible to prevent the taste of beer from lowering, and it is possible to always maintain a sanitary state.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a beer supply device 20 to which the opening and closing device 1 of the present invention is applied. First, the opening and closing device 1 of the present invention opens and closes a flow path 25 to which liquid is supplied. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a dispenser 27 and a flow rate detection sensor 3 of a beer supply device 20 described later.
The tube 2 comprises a flow path 25 connecting the first and second tubes 2 and 0 and a pressing mechanism 3 for pressing and deforming the tube 2.

The tube 2 has elasticity that can withstand the pressure at the time of supplying the liquid and can be deformed by an external load. The tube 2 has, for example, 30 times the life of a silicon tube when used in a roller pump, has acid resistance, alkali resistance, and oxidation resistance, and can be applied to a pharmamed tube that blocks visible light and ultraviolet light. is there.

The pressing mechanism 3 includes a rod 5 of an air cylinder 4 disposed on one side of the tube 2 and a receiving portion 10 disposed at a position facing the rod 5 with the tube 2 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the air cylinder 4
Is provided on the holder 7, and the holder 7 is provided with the receiving portion 10, whereby the pressing mechanism 3 is integrally assembled.

More specifically, a three-way valve 13 is connected to the air cylinder 4 at a connection portion 4a thereof.
Is connected to a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 26 of the beer supply device 20 described later. Also, this air cylinder 4
A substantially cylindrical pressing member 6 is disposed on the rod 5 which can be moved forward and backward. Then, the cylinder 5 and the air cylinder 4 are brought into communication with each other by the three-way valve 13, so that the rod 5 is advanced with carbon dioxide gas. Also,
The three-way valve 13 allows the air cylinder 4 to communicate with the atmosphere, so that the rod 5 is retracted by the elastic force of the tube 2 and the pressure due to the supply of liquid.

The holder 7 has a substantially L-shape in which a receiving plate 9 is provided at one end of a base 8 having substantially the same width as that of the air cylinder 4. A receiving portion 10 having a triangular cross section is provided on the receiving plate 9. Are protruded so as to extend in the vertical direction in FIG. In the receiving plate 9, a pair of guide plates 11 are disposed so as to be located on both sides of the pressing member 6 of the rod 5 in the air cylinder 4 disposed at the opposing position. The guide plate 11 is provided with an insertion portion 12 for piping the tube 2.

In the opening / closing device 1 thus constructed, a part of the flow path 25 is constituted by the tube 2,
Is pressed and deformed, whereby the flow path 25 is closed. Therefore, the tube 2 through which the liquid passes does not have a portion that becomes a resistance at the time of the passage, so that it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the time of passing through the opening / closing device 1. Therefore, it is suitable for supplying a liquid that dislikes mixing by turbulence.

In addition, in the switching device 1, even when the flow path 25 is cleaned at the time of regular maintenance, the cleaning water does not remain due to the fact that there is no resistance portion. At the time of this maintenance,
It is also very easy to just replace. Therefore, workability related to maintenance can be significantly improved.

Further, since the opening and closing device 1 of the present invention closes the flow channel 25 by the pressing deformation of the tube 2, the opening and closing device 1 is 1 kg / c.
from m ² are possible opening and closing operation at low pressure. Here, a known ball valve having relatively low fluid resistance requires a pressure of about 4 kg / cm ² when opening and closing. Therefore, in the opening / closing device 1 of the present invention, the driving source of the pressing mechanism 3 may be of a relatively low capacity, and there are many devices that can be used, and it may be cheap. And because it can operate at low pressure,
The operation time related to the opening and closing operation is also instantaneous (1 second or less). Therefore, precise opening / closing control is possible.

Next, a beer supply device 20 to which the opening and closing device 1 is applied will be described. This beer supply device 20
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a tank 24 storing beer and a dispenser 2 serving as a means for discharging beer in the tank 24 are provided in an apparatus body 21 which is a decorative case.
7, a flow rate detection sensor 30 which is a means for detecting a flow rate passing through the flow path 25 connecting them, and a central control unit 31.
The opening and closing device 1 is arranged in a flow path 25 from the tank 24 to the dispenser 27. The opening and closing device 1 makes it impossible to dispense beer in the closed state regardless of the operation of the operation unit 28 of the dispenser 27.

More specifically, the apparatus main body 21 includes a dispenser 27 and a central control unit 31 at an intermediate portion in the height direction.
Is formed on the pedestal 22. The pedestal portion 22 is provided with a discharge port 23 for discharging the leaked beer in front of the dispenser 27.

The tank 24 is a well-known tank which can be detachably connected to the channel 25. This tank 2
A cylinder 26 for supplying carbon dioxide gas in a mixed state is installed on a side portion of the cylinder 4, and the cylinder 26 is detachably connected to the channel 25 similarly to the tank 24.
In the present embodiment, the switching device 1 is connected to the three-way valve 13.

The dispenser 27 opens a built-in mechanical valve (not shown) by operating a lever type operation unit 28 provided at the upper part, and opens the tank 2 through a flow path 25.
4 is a well-known type in which the beer supplied from 4 can be poured out from the outlet of the draft cock 29 as desired.

The flow rate detection sensor 30 is provided between the switching device 1 and the tank 24 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected flow rate to the central control unit 31.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the centralized control unit 31 is a card read / write unit that receives a card 35 as a storage medium owned by each user and reads and writes information. The apparatus includes a device 32, a display panel 33 for displaying the current flow rate detected through the flow rate detection sensor 30, a discharge switch 34 for removing the card 35, and a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling these components. I have.

The card 35 has a magnetic display area 36 and a logo display area 43, as shown in FIG.
The magnetic display area 36 is an area in which information can be rewritten by the card read / write device 32. In the present embodiment, the magnetic display area 36 includes an ID-display section 37 indicating an identification ID given to a user, and a total amount of drinks. A second display unit 39 indicating the current point indicating the total amount of the present amount of drink, a date display unit 40 indicating the date of use (visiting the store), The card 35 includes an issue date display section 41 indicating an issue date and a number display section 42 indicating an issue number which is a serial number. The logo display area 43 is a non-rewritable area, and describes, for example, an available shop name.

Next, control of the beer supply device 20 by the microcomputer will be described. When the power cord of the beer supply device 20 is connected to the power supply 44, the microcomputer first determines that the user has inserted the card 35 into the card read / write device 32 in step S1, as shown in FIG. Wait for detection.

When it is detected that the user has inserted the card 35, a reading process of the card 35 is executed in step S2. Here, the card reading processing means the ID-display section 37 and the number display section 4 of the card 35.
The processing includes determining whether or not the card is a legitimate card 35 by checking the number 2 or the like, reading the points of the first display unit 38 and the second display unit 39 which are currently written, and the like.

If it is determined in step S3 that the card 35 used in the card reading process is not a regular card and an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S4, where the inserted card 35 is ejected. Return to S1. If there is no card error, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the three-way valve 13 allows the air cylinder 4 to communicate with the atmosphere, whereby the opening / closing device 1 opens the flow path 25.
Thereafter, in step S6, the flow rate discharged from the tank 24 via the flow rate detection sensor 30 is set to be in a detectable state.
In this state, the user operates the operation unit 28 of the dispenser 27 to dispense the beer.

Next, in step S7, the microcomputer calculates the flow rate of the currently dispensed beer, the accumulated points, and the current point based on the signal input from the flow rate detection sensor 30.

In step S8, the current dispensed amount is displayed on the display panel 33. Here, while the user is dispensing beer, the dispensed amount displayed on the display panel 33 is sequentially incremented and increased. The numerical value displayed by the display panel 33 may be a current point or a cumulative point.

Thereafter, in step S9, whether or not the beer in the tank 24 is empty is detected based on a signal from the flow rate detection sensor 30. Then, when it is determined that it is not empty, the process proceeds to step S10, and when it is determined that it is empty, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S10, it is detected whether or not the ejection switch 34 of the card 35 has been operated. If the operation of the extraction switch 34 is not detected, step S
7, when the operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the flow rate detection sensor 30
After the detection of the discharge flow rate is stopped, the flow goes to step S12.
Then, the air cylinder 4 and the cylinder 26 are brought into communication with each other by the three-way valve 13, and the carbon dioxide gas of the cylinder 26 is supplied to the air cylinder 4, so that the opening / closing device 1 closes the channel 25. As a result, even if the user operates the operation unit 28, beer cannot be poured out from the spout of the draft cock 29.

Then, in step S13, the new total points calculated in step S7 (first display section 38)
And the current point (the second display unit 39) is rewritten by the card read / write device 32 and output in a state where the user can view it.
And returns to step S1.

As described above, the beer supply device 20 of the present invention
In this example, the beer can be poured out by inserting the card 35 owned by each user, and when beer is poured out, a point indicating the amount of beer is rewritten. Therefore, users can drink as much as they want to drink according to their physical condition and situation at that time, so when they come to a store that uses this supply device, they will always get a stable sense of satisfaction. Can be. In addition, since the amount of this drink and the amount of drink of today are displayed on the card 35,
The charge at the time of settlement can also be calculated and is clear.

In a restaurant employing this supply device 20, since each user drinks only the amount he or she wants to drink, it leads to activation of sales and a so-called self-service system, thereby reducing personnel costs. Can be achieved. In addition, since the amount of today's drink can be easily understood at the time of settlement,
Workability can be improved. In addition, it is easy to provide a free service such as a certain product or food according to the accumulated points, and it is also useful to provide a service that encourages users to visit the store.

In this embodiment, the switching device 1
Is applied, it is possible to prevent turbulence when the liquid passes, and to prevent bubbles from being generated before reaching the dispenser 27. As a result, it is possible to prevent bubbles from being abnormally generated in the beer poured out from the dispenser 27, and to prevent inconvenience that the original taste of the beer is reduced. Further, even if the channel 25 is washed by a method such as washing with water in order to maintain hygiene, the water does not remain in the channel 25 (tube 2) of the switchgear 1. Moreover, it is easy to replace the tube 2 itself. Therefore, from this point as well, it is possible to prevent the taste of beer from lowering, and it is possible to always maintain a sanitary state.

Further, since the pressing mechanism 3 can be assembled integrally with the holder 7, the workability at the time of assembling can be improved. Furthermore, since the holder 7 is provided with the insertion portion 12 through which the tube 2 is piped, it is ensured that the tube 2 comes out of the moving range of the pressing member 6 arranged on the rod 5 of the air cylinder 4. Can be prevented.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, although the opening and closing device 1 is configured to press and deform the tube 2 from one side by the rod 5 of the air cylinder 4, the tube 2 may be deformed by being sandwiched from both sides. That is, channel 2
If part of 5 is constituted by the tube 2 having elasticity,
The mechanism for deforming the pressing can be changed as desired.

In the beer supply apparatus 20 to which the opening and closing device 1 is applied, the tube 2 of the opening and closing device 1 is disposed between the dispenser 27 and the flow rate detection sensor 30. It may be only a part.

Further, the configuration of the pouring means of the beer supply device 20, the display format and the use format of the card 35 as a storage medium can be variously modified.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the opening / closing device 1 of the present invention is applied to the beer supply device 20, but the opening / closing device 1 opens and closes the flow path 25 for supplying the liquid, and can supply the liquid. Any device in any field can be applied as long as it makes the device impossible.

[0049]

As is apparent from the above description, the opening / closing device for a liquid flow channel according to the present invention comprises a tube constituting a part of the flow channel and a pressing mechanism for the tube, through which the liquid passes. Since there is no resistance portion in the tube, it is possible to prevent turbulence when the liquid passes.

Further, in this switchgear, since there is no resistance portion, even if the flow path is cleaned during regular maintenance, the cleaning water does not remain in the flow path. It is also very easy to replace only the tube during this maintenance. Therefore, workability related to maintenance can be significantly improved.

Further, since the opening / closing device of the present invention closes the flow path by pressing and deforming the tube, the opening / closing operation can be performed at a pressure lower than 1 kg / cm ² . Therefore, the driving source of the pressing mechanism may have a relatively low capacity, and there are many devices that can be used and the cost is low. And since it can operate at low pressure, the operation time concerning the opening and closing operation is instantaneous, and precise opening and closing control is possible.

Therefore, it can be suitably used in various fields such as a device for supplying a liquid which dislikes mixing due to turbulence, a device for which the flow path needs to be regularly maintained, and a device for which the opening and closing operations need to be performed instantaneously. can do.

For example, if the opening and closing device is applied to a beer supply device that dislikes turbulence, it is possible to prevent the generation of bubbles before reaching the pouring means. As a result, it is possible to prevent bubbles from being abnormally generated in the beer poured out from the pouring means, and to prevent inconvenience that the taste of the beer itself is reduced. Further, even if the channel is washed by a method such as washing with water to maintain hygiene, the water does not remain in the switchgear. Moreover, it is easy to replace the tube itself. Therefore, from this point as well, it is possible to prevent the taste of beer from lowering, and it is possible to always maintain a sanitary state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a beverage supply device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a supply device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a flow path opening / closing device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a card as a storage medium.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control of a microcomputer.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Opening / closing apparatus, 2 ... Tube, 3 ... Pressing mechanism, 4 ... Air cylinder, 5 ... Rod, 6 ... Pressing member, 7 ... Holder, 1
0: receiving part, 12: insertion part, 20: beer supply device, 24
... tank, 25 ... flow path, 26 ... cylinder, 27 ... dispenser, 28 ... operation unit, 30 ... flow detection sensor, 31 ... centralized control unit, 35 ... card.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An opening and closing of a liquid flow path, comprising: a tube having elasticity provided in at least a part of a flow path for supplying a liquid; and a pressing mechanism for pressing and deforming the tube to close the flow path. apparatus. 2. The pressure mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pressing mechanism includes a rod of a cylinder disposed on one side of the tube and a receiving portion disposed at a position facing the rod with the tube interposed therebetween. 2. The opening and closing device for a liquid flow path according to 1. 3. A holder for disposing the cylinder is provided,
3. The opening and closing device for a liquid flow path according to claim 2, wherein an insertion portion for piping the tube is provided at one end of the holder, and the receiving portion is provided. 4. A tank storing beer, a pouring means for pouring beer in the tank from a pouring port by operating an operation unit, and a tank provided in a flow path between the tank and the pouring means. A beer supply device comprising: a flow path opening / closing device; and control means for controlling the opening / closing device so that beer can be poured or cannot be poured. An elastic tube constituting a part,
A beer supply device comprising a pressing mechanism for closing the flow path by pressing and deforming the tube.