JP2015229522A - Dispenser head with cleaning function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dispenser head with a cleaning function which has an excellent workability, can realize cleaning of a cleaning flow passage without use of an electric power source and has a novel configuration.SOLUTION: A dispenser head 1 is connected to a beverage container 3 in which a beverage such as beer is filled, and feeds out the beverage to an external beverage flow path 98. The dispenser head 1 is provided with: a pouring-out flow path 41a in a head into which the beverage in the beverage container 3 is flown; a cleaning water flow path 31a into which cleaning water is flown from the exterior; a purge gas flow path 31c into which carbon dioxide gas is flown from the exterior; and a flow path changeover mechanism which communicates one of the cleaning water flow path 31a and the purge gas flow path 31c with the pouring-out flow path 41a in a head by flow path changeover. The flow path changeover mechanism is provided with mechanical on-off valves (on-off valves 71 to 73) for performing flow path changeover.

Description

  The present invention relates to a server (dispenser) for carbon dioxide beverages such as beer, and more particularly to cleaning of a server.

  Conventionally, for example, a server (dispenser) for discharging beer filled in a beer barrel with a pressure of carbon dioxide gas and pouring it into a mug or the like has been widely used. This server is required to periodically wash the inside of the beverage flow path, for example, once a day in order to maintain the quality and hygiene of the carbon dioxide beverage after dispensing. As a method for cleaning the inside of the beverage channel, a method of cleaning by flowing high-pressure gas such as cleaning water or carbon dioxide gas into the beverage channel is known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when washing, the dispensing head attached to the beer barrel is replaced with a dedicated washing container, and the washing water in the washing container is fed into the beverage channel with carbon dioxide gas. A technique for cleaning a flow path is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for performing opening / closing control of a plurality of electromagnetic valves by a control device that performs automatic control based on control data, and switching a flow path through which cleaning water flows to clean a beverage flow path. ing.

JP 2002-143797 A JP-A-2005-212838

  Since regular cleaning is required, it is preferable that the cleaning operation can be performed as easily as possible. If the work is complicated, it takes time for cleaning, and there is a concern that regular cleaning will not be performed in stores.

  In this regard, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it takes time and effort to prepare a dedicated cleaning container and to replace the dispensing head, it is possible to realize cleaning with better workability. Is desired.

  On the other hand, it is preferable that the apparatus configuration used for the cleaning operation has few failures and can be manufactured at low cost.

  In this regard, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the electromagnetic valve is controlled using the control device, it is assumed that an electrical failure occurs. In particular, beverage containers such as beer barrels are generally used where there is a lot of moisture, such as in a kitchen, and it can be said that the atmosphere is prone to electrical failure. There is a need. In addition, the control device and the device using the electromagnetic valve have a high manufacturing cost, and there is a concern that the service life may be shortened and an expensive maintenance cost may be generated.

  Accordingly, in view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a dispense head with a cleaning function having a novel configuration that has excellent workability and can realize cleaning of a cleaning flow path without using a power source.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

That is, as described in claim 1,
A dispensing head connected to a beverage container filled with beer or the like and delivering a beverage to an external beverage channel,
The dispense head
An in-head pouring channel into which the beverage in the beverage container flows,
A washing water flow path from which washing water flows from the outside,
A purge gas flow path through which carbon dioxide flows from the outside;
A flow path switching mechanism is provided for communicating either the wash water flow path or the purge gas flow path with the in-head extraction flow path by flow path switching;
The flow path switching mechanism is a dispense head provided with a mechanical on-off valve for performing flow path switching.

Moreover, as described in claim 2,
The dispensing head is provided with a cleaning lock mechanism,
When the lock by the cleaning lock mechanism is released, the flow path switching operation of the flow path switching mechanism is allowed.

Moreover, as described in claim 3,
The dispensing head is provided with a container communication switching mechanism that switches communication / non-communication between the dispensing channel in the head and the beverage container,
In the state where the in-head extraction channel and the beverage container are communicated by the container communication switching mechanism, the communication between the in-head extraction channel and the washing water channel is blocked.

Moreover, as described in claim 4,
The container communication switching mechanism is in a prescribed position,
When the in-head dispensing channel and the beverage container are not in communication,
The lock release by the cleaning lock mechanism is allowed.

Moreover, as described in claim 5,
The dispensing head is attached to the spout of the beverage container,
A sealed space is formed between the in-head extraction channel and the outlet in a state where the in-head extraction channel does not communicate with the container communication switching mechanism.

Moreover, as described in claim 6,
The flow path switching mechanism includes a mechanical timer, and the mechanical on-off valve is operated by a mechanical mechanism interlocked with the mechanical timer.

Moreover, as described in claim 7,
The mechanical timer is constituted by a spring mechanism using a spring, and the mechanical mechanism interlocked with the mechanical timer is constituted by a cam mechanism, and the mechanical on-off valve is operated according to the angle of the rotating cam. I will do it.

Further, as described in claim 8,
At least the washing step and the draining step are performed by the channel switching by the mechanical timer. In the washing step, the beverage channel is washed with water, and in the draining step, the beverage channel is purged with carbon dioxide gas. To be done.

Further, as described in claim 9,
The flow path switching mechanism shuts off the communication of the cleaning water flow path and the purge gas flow path with respect to the in-head pouring flow path after the draining step.

  As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, in the invention according to claim 1,
For example, washing water supplied from a water tap can be supplied to the beverage flow path as it is through the in-head dispensing flow path of the dispense head, and washing can be performed. A gas purge can be performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to use a dedicated cleaning container, and it is not necessary to replace the dispensing head, so that the operation can be simplified and shortened.
Further, since the flow path is switched by the mechanical on-off valve, an electrical failure does not occur, an electrical control device is unnecessary, and the device can be configured at low cost. In particular, even in a humid environment such as a kitchen, the probability of failure can be kept low, and the service life can be extended.

In the invention according to claim 2,
Implementation of cleaning by unintentional channel switching is regulated. In particular, in the configuration of the present invention, since it is also assumed that the operation in which the cleaning water is always supplied to the dispensing head is performed, there is a concern that the cleaning water may be mixed into the beverage flow path if an erroneous operation is performed. . By providing the cleaning lock mechanism, such an erroneous operation can be surely prevented.

In the invention according to claim 3,
It is possible to prevent the washing water from flowing into the beverage container through the in-head dispensing channel, and to prevent the washing water from being mixed into the beverage. For example, as in the embodiment described in the present specification, when the dispenser in the head communicates with the beverage container by the operation of the main body lever for fixing the dispense head to the beverage container. When cleaning, the lever in the head must be lifted so that the flow path in the head does not communicate with the beverage container. However, even if this operation is forgotten, the washing water is mixed into the beverage container. Can be prevented, and a so-called fail-safe function can be realized.

In the invention according to claim 4,
In a state where the in-head pouring channel and the beverage container (beer barrel) are communicated with each other, washing is started, and washing water can be prevented from being mixed into the beverage container.

In the invention according to claim 5,
At the time of cleaning, cleaning and gas purging in the sealed space can be performed simultaneously.

In the invention according to claim 6,
The flow path can be switched automatically, and excellent workability can be realized. In addition, by using a mechanical timer, the structure is simple, and manufacturing costs and maintenance costs can be kept low.

In the invention according to claim 7,
The flow path switching according to the cam angle and shape (profile) can be realized with the passage of time, and the flow path switching timing can be easily set by setting and designing the cam angle and shape. .

In the invention according to claim 8,
Water cleaning and gas purging with carbon dioxide can be switched to automatic operation.

In the invention according to claim 9,
After the draining step is completed, the supply of the cleaning water and carbon dioxide gas to the in-head extraction channel through the cleaning water channel and the purge gas channel is stopped, and the cleaning operation can be automatically ended.

(A) is a perspective view shown about the use condition of the dispensing head with a washing function concerning the present invention. (B) is a figure shown about the dispense head with a washing | cleaning function, and a beer barrel. The figure shown about the outline | summary of the washing | cleaning using a dispense head. The perspective view shown about the internal structure external appearance of a dispense head. The top view shown about the internal structure external appearance of a dispense head. The side view shown about the internal structure external appearance of a dispensing head. The front view shown about the outline | summary of the internal structure of a dispense head. (A) is a figure which shows about the state by which a main body lever is lowered | hung and operation of a washing lever is controlled. (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the main body lever is raised and the operation of the cleaning lever is allowed. The figure shown about the system configuration | structure of the washing | cleaning using a dispense head. (A) is front sectional drawing about the state of the dispensing head at the normal time. (B) is side sectional drawing about the state of the dispensing head at the time of normal. (A) is front sectional drawing about the state of the dispensing head at the time of washing | cleaning. (B) is side sectional drawing about the state of the dispensing head at the time of washing | cleaning. The figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of a flow-path switching mechanism. The flowchart explaining the flow of a cleaning operation | work. Time chart of valve switching by mechanical timer. (A) is a figure explaining the opening-and-closing state of each valve in a washing step. (B) is a figure explaining the opening-and-closing state of each valve in a switching step. (C) is a figure explaining the opening-and-closing state of each valve in a draining step. (D) is a figure explaining the open / close state of each valve in a standby state.

  The present invention relates to a dispense head of a server (dispenser) of a carbon dioxide beverage such as beer, and will be described below using an example in which a dispense head is attached to a beer barrel to wash a beverage flow path of beer.

  First, the outline of the dispensing head 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the dispensing head 1 with a cleaning function is attached to the upper part of the beer barrel 3. The dispensing head 1 is connected to a spout 5 (barrel base) provided in the upper part of the beer barrel 3 and sends out beer from the spout 5 to a beer hose 98 (beverage channel).

  The dispensing head 1 has an exterior cover 10, and a main body lever 12 protrudes from the exterior cover 10. By operating the main body lever 12, the dispensing head 1 can be attached to and detached from the spout 5.

  Specifically, by engaging the lower portion of the head body 20 (see FIG. 3) with the spout 5 with the main body lever 12 raised, and rotating the dispense head 1, the spout 5 and the dispense head 1 are Screwed together. Even in the state of being screwed and fitted, the flow paths inside the beer barrel 3 and the dispense head 1 are blocked when the main body lever 12 is kept raised.

  When the main body lever 12 is lowered in the state of being screwed and fitted, the fitting state is locked and the spout 5 is opened, and the flow path (in-head pouring) inside the beer barrel 3 and the dispensing head 1 is opened. The flow path) communicates and beer can be sent out.

  A cleaning lever 14 protrudes from the exterior cover 10. The cleaning lever 14 is pushed down when cleaning the beverage flow path. The washing lever 14 is pushed down only when the flow path inside the beer barrel 3 and the dispensing head 1 is closed with the main body lever 12 raised.

  Further, a timer knob 16 is disposed at an upper position of the exterior cover 10. The timer knob 16 can be rotated only when the cleaning lever 14 is pushed down, and cleaning is started by rotating the timer knob 16 to a predetermined angle.

  In addition, a handle 10a is attached to the rear portion of the exterior cover 10, and the entire dispensing head 1 can be lifted using the handle 10a, and the operation is easy to perform.

  In addition, at the lower position of the exterior cover 10, there is provided a leg portion 10b that can be accommodated in an annular edge portion 3a at the upper portion of the beer barrel 3, and can be self-supporting when the dispensing head 1 is removed and placed on a tabletop or the like. Since the lower part of the head main body 20 which is a connection part (wetted part) with the barrel of a head does not contact a desktop, it is hygienic.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing head 1 is connected to a water source such as a tap faucet 92 via a water supply hose 90 so that cleaning water is supplied to the dispensing head 1.

  The dispense head 1 is connected to a pressure source such as a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 96 via a gas hose 94, and carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the dispense head 1.

  Dispensing head 1 is connected to beer server 100 via beer hose 98. The beer pushed out of the beer barrel 3 by the pressure of carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the beer server 100 via the beer hose 98, and the beer can be poured from the cock 102 into a beer mug (not shown).

Next, an outline of the cleaning operation will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 2, when the beverage flow path is cleaned, the cleaning water supplied to the dispense head 1 through the water supply hose 90 is supplied to the beer server via the beer hose 98 according to the setting of the flow path inside the dispense head 1. 100.

  By discharging the washing water from the beer server 100, the beer flow path in the beer hose 98 and the beer server 100, that is, the beverage flow path is cleaned. The washing water is captured by attaching a capture container 104 to the cock 102 of the beer server 100.

  Further, after washing with the washing water, the flow path inside the dispensing head 1 is switched, and carbon dioxide is supplied to the beer server 100 via the beer hose 98, and gas purge is performed to discharge the carbon dioxide from the beer server 100. .

  A series of cleaning operations are completed by this gas purging, and the beer can be poured out from the beer server 100 by depressing the main body lever 12 again to connect the flow path in the beer barrel 3 and the dispense head 1. It becomes.

Next, the configuration of the dispense head will be described in detail.
3 to 5 are views showing the external appearance of the internal configuration of the dispense head. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the device configuration inside the dispense head. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the regulation of the operation of the cleaning lever 14 depending on the position of the main body lever 12. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a system configuration for cleaning using a dispense head.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the dispensing head 1 is configured by integrating the head body 20 and the flow path switching mechanism 30.

  A main body lever 12 is provided on the head main body 20 so as to be rotatable up and down. When the main body lever 12 is lowered, the discharge pipe 21 provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the head main body 20 moves downward, pushes down the valve member of the outlet of the beer barrel, and flows between the inside of the beer barrel and the dispensing head 1. The path (in-head pouring channel) is communicated, and beer can be delivered from the discharge port 21a of the discharge pipe 21.

  The flow path switching mechanism 30 is provided with a cleaning lever 14 that can be turned up and down and a mechanical timer 32. The mechanical timer 32 of the present embodiment is configured by a spring mechanism using a spring, and can be set according to the amount of rotation of the timer knob 16, that is, the time set by the timer can be set.

  Further, the rotation operation of the timer knob 16 of the mechanical timer 32 can be performed only when the cleaning lever 14 is pushed down.

  Specifically, a disk-shaped lock piece 33 is disposed below the timer knob 16, and when the count of the mechanical timer is zero, the lock pin 34 is inserted into the lock hole formed on the side surface of the lock piece 33. Is inserted, and the rotation of the timer knob 16 is restricted.

  The lock pin 34 is interlocked with the cleaning lever 14 via the link 39, and when the cleaning lever 14 is pushed down, the lock pin 34 resists the spring 35 from the lock hole of the lock piece 33. The timer knob 16 can be rotated by pulling out.

  With the above configuration, when the cleaning lever 14 is not pushed down, the lock pin 34 is inserted into the lock hole of the lock piece 33 by the spring 35, and the turning operation of the timer knob 16 is restricted. Thus, the cleaning lock mechanism is configured by the combination of the cleaning lever 14 and the lock pin 34.

  The cleaning lock mechanism is not particularly limited. In addition to the configuration of the present embodiment, a configuration in which the lock pin 34 is directly operated can be considered, and a mechanical setting for setting / restricting the rotation of the timer knob 16 is possible. The mechanism is not particularly limited.

  In the mechanical timer 32, a rotating shaft 36 protrudes downward from a box 37 that houses the mainspring mechanism, and the rotating shaft 36 rotates as time passes by the mechanical timer 32. The rotational speed of the rotary shaft 36 can be set by adjusting the mainspring mechanism.

  Three first cams 41, second cams 42, and third cams 43 are disposed on the rotation shaft 36 in the axial direction. These cams 41, 42, 43 are in contact with the end portions of the first operation rod 51, the second operation rod 52, and the third operation rod 53, one end of which is projected from the manifold 31 of the flow path switching mechanism 30, respectively. Each rod is advanced and retracted according to the rotation angle and profile of each cam 41, 42, 43.

  Each rod 51, 52, 53 is urged in a direction protruding from the manifold 31 by a spring (not shown), and each cam 41, 42, 43 resists this urging force. It functions to press.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the rods 51, 52, and 53 allow / restrict the advance / retreat of the first valve shaft 61, the second valve shaft 62, and the third valve shaft 63 that are also provided in the manifold 31 so as to be able to advance and retract. The position of each valve shaft 61, 62, 63 is defined according to the position of each rod 51, 52, 53 according to the rotation angle of each cam 41, 42, 43.

  7A and 7B, the body lever 12 is provided with a plate 12a having a groove 12b formed therein, and a pin 14a provided on the cleaning lever 14 side is inserted into the groove 12b. ing.

  7A, when the main body lever 12 is lowered, the pin 14a comes into contact with the groove 12b, the pin 14a cannot move in the direction of the arrow L1, and the cleaning lever 14 is rotated. Is regulated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the body lever 12 is raised, the pin 14a moves in the direction of the arrow L2 from the original position 14m in the groove 12b, so that the cleaning lever 14 rotates. Operation is allowed.

  As described above, the cleaning lever 14 is only in a state where the main body lever 12 is raised, that is, when the flow path (in-head pouring flow path) inside the beer barrel 3 and the dispensing head 1 is closed. Thus, a lock mechanism of the cleaning lever 14 that can be pushed down is formed.

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cleaning operation from being started without raising the main body lever 12 where the main body lever 12 should be raised. Further, since the mechanical timer 32 cannot be operated unless the cleaning lever 14 is pushed down, automatic cleaning by the mechanical timer 32 is not started.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the manifold 31 of the flow path switching mechanism 30, the first on-off valve 71, the second on-off valve 71 interlocked with the first valve shaft 61, the second valve shaft 62, and the third valve shaft 63. A valve 72 and a third on-off valve 73 are configured.

  When the rods 51, 52, 53 according to the rotation angles of the cams 41, 42, 43 are operated, the first valve shaft 61, the second valve shaft 62, and the third valve shaft 63 are interlocked with this operation. The on-off valves 71, 72 and 73 are opened and closed.

  The primary side of the first on-off valve 71 that is linked to the first valve shaft 61 is connected to a tap faucet 92 via a water supply hose 90, and the secondary side of the first on-off valve 71 is the cleaning channel of the head body 20. 25.

  The primary side of the second on-off valve 72 interlocked with the second valve shaft 62 is connected to the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 96 through the gas hose 94, and the secondary side of the second on-off valve 72 is connected to the primary side of the third on-off valve 73. Connected.

  The primary side of the third on-off valve 73 that is linked to the third valve shaft 63 is connected to the secondary side of the second on-off valve 72, and the secondary side of the third on-off valve 73 is the cleaning channel 25 of the head body 20. Connected to.

  Next, the configuration of the head body 20 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described. The head main body 20 has a cylindrical hole portion 22 penetrating in the vertical direction in the figure, and a discharge pipe 21 that is slidable in the longitudinal direction in close contact with the inner wall surface is inserted into the cylindrical hole portion 22. The discharge pipe 21 is moved in the vertical direction in the figure by a main body lever 12 (FIG. 5) provided in the head main body 20.

  The cylindrical hole portion 22 is formed with communication holes 25a and 26a communicating with the cleaning flow path 25 (FIG. 8) and the gas flow path 26 (FIG. 8), respectively, and depending on the vertical position of the discharge pipe 21, the communication hole Opening and closing of 25a and 26a is performed.

  The cleaning channel 25 and the gas channel 26 are shown in FIG. 8, and the cleaning channel 25 communicates with a cleaning channel 31f formed on the manifold 31 side, and the gas channel 26 includes a gas hose 94. To the branch path 94a.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an annular seal ring portion 38 is provided at the lower end portion of the head body 20, while the spout 5 of the beer barrel 3 has a circular shape so as to surround the valve member 45. An annular seal ring portion 48 is formed. In a state where the seal ring portion 38 of the head main body 20 is crimped to the seal ring portion 48 of the spout 5, a sealed space 55 that is closed by both the seal ring portions 38 and 48 is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B), at the normal time when beer is poured out, the discharge pipe 21 is moved downward by the depression of the main body lever, and the beer barrel is moved at the lower end of the discharge pipe 21. The valve member 45 on the third side is pushed downward against the spring 46 to release the sealed state of the beer barrel 3 by the valve member 45, and the inlet 21 b of the discharge pipe 21 is connected to the inside of the beer barrel 3. Communicate.

  At the same time, the communication hole 26 a communicating with the gas flow path is opened, and carbon dioxide gas is sent into the beer barrel 3. Due to the gas pressure of the carbon dioxide gas, beer is pumped to the inlet 21b of the discharge pipe 21, and is sent to the beer server through the in-head pouring channel 41a formed in the discharge pipe 21 and further to the beer hose.

  At this time, the communication hole 25 a communicating with the cleaning flow path 25 is closed by the peripheral surface of the discharge pipe 21. Thereby, it is possible to prevent washing water or the like from flowing into the beer barrel 3 or the in-head pouring channel 41a.

  In this way, even when the cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning flow path 25 in a state where the main body lever is lowered, the cleaning water moves further downward from the portion of the communication hole 25a and enters the beer barrel 3 Can be prevented from being mixed.

  Here, at the normal time when beer is poured out, the cleaning water is not originally supplied. However, with the above configuration, the cleaning water is used for some reason regardless of the state that the main body lever is lowered. Even when a situation occurs in which the water is supplied to the head body 20 side, mixing of the washing water into the beer barrel 3 can be prevented.

  Such a prevention function realizes a so-called “fail safe” function, and exhibits an extremely effective effect in preventing the influence on the inside of the beer barrel 3 due to a work mistake.

  In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning water is always supplied from the water supply hose 90, the first cam of the flow path switching mechanism 30 shown in FIG. Even when the cleaning water is unintentionally supplied to the 20 side, an excellent effect is exhibited in that the mixing of the cleaning water into the beer barrel can be prevented.

  On the other hand, at the time of cleaning using cleaning water, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the main body lever is raised and the discharge pipe 21 moves upward, the lower end of the discharge pipe 21 The beer barrel 3 side valve member 45 is pushed downward by the urging force of the spring 46, and the sealed state of the beer barrel 3 by the valve member 45 is established.

  At the same time, the communication hole 25a communicating with the cleaning flow path is opened, and the cleaning water passes through the gap between the discharge pipe 21 and the cylindrical hole portion 22 to the sealed space 55 and the inlet 21b of the discharge pipe 21 located in the sealed space 55. And is sent to the beer server through the in-head pouring channel 41a of the discharge pipe 21 and further the beer hose.

  At this time, the communication hole 26a communicating with the gas flow path 26 is closed by the peripheral surface of the discharge pipe 21, and the carbon dioxide gas does not flow into the in-head extraction flow path 41a.

Next, the configuration of the flow path switching mechanism 30 shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D will be described.
11A to 11D, horizontal sectional views at three positions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold 31 are shown. The cams 41, 42, 43, the rods 51, 52, 53, and the valve shaft are respectively shown. 61, 62, 63 appear, and a first on-off valve 71, a second on-off valve 72, and a third on-off valve 73 are shown in order from the left.

  The first on-off valve 71 opens and closes the cleaning water passage 31 a (temporary side) and the cleaning water passage 31 b (secondary side) formed in the manifold 31 by sliding the first valve shaft 61. . As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning water flow path 31 a is connected to a water tap through a water supply hose, and the cleaning water flow path 31 b is connected to the cleaning flow path 25 of the head body 20.

  The first cam 41 disposed at a position corresponding to the first on-off valve 71 has a convex surface 41a and a concave surface 41b, and either the convex surface 41a or the concave surface 41b is a manifold depending on the rotation angle of the first cam 41. It abuts on the first rod 51 protruding from 31.

  The first rod 51 is biased leftward in the drawing by a rod spring, and the first rod 51 is pushed against the rod spring by the convex surface 41a of the first cam 41.

  Further, the first valve shaft 61 is urged downward in the figure by a valve spring, and the ball at the tip of the first rod 51 is pushed into the circumferential groove of the first valve shaft 61, thereby resisting the valve spring. Then, the first valve shaft 61 moves to the upper position.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (A), when the first valve shaft 61 moves upward, the wash water passage 31a and the wash water passage 31b communicate with each other, and the first on-off valve 71 is opened.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 11B, 11C, and 11D, when the angle of the first cam 41 is changed and the first rod 51 comes into contact with the concave surface 41b, the ball at the tip of the first rod 51 Is removed from the circumferential groove of the first valve shaft 61, and the first valve shaft 61 is moved to a lower position by the valve spring.

  When the first valve shaft 61 moves downward, the communication between the washing water passage 31a and the washing water passage 31b is cut off, and the first on-off valve 71 is closed (FIGS. 11B and 11C). (D)).

  The second on-off valve 72 opens and closes the flow path communicating with the purge gas flow path 31 c (primary side) formed in the manifold 31 by sliding the second valve shaft 62. The purge gas flow path 31c is connected to a gas cylinder through a gas hose (FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the second cam 42 disposed at a position corresponding to the second on-off valve 72 has a convex surface 42a and a concave surface 42b, and depends on the rotation angle of the second cam 42. Either the convex surface 42 a or the concave surface 42 b is in contact with the second rod 52 that protrudes from the manifold 31.

  The second rod 52 is urged leftward in the drawing by a rod spring, and the second rod 52 is pushed against the rod spring by the convex surface 42a of the second cam 42.

  Further, the second valve shaft 62 is urged downward in the drawing by the valve spring, and the ball at the tip of the second rod 52 is pushed into the circumferential groove portion of the second valve shaft 62 to resist the valve spring. Then, the second valve shaft 62 moves to the upper position.

  When the second valve shaft 62 moves upward, the flow path leading to the purge gas flow path 31c is closed, and the second on-off valve 72 is closed (FIGS. 11A and 11B).

  On the other hand, when the angle of the second cam 42 is changed and the second rod 52 comes into contact with the concave surface 42b, the ball at the tip of the second rod 52 is pulled out from the circumferential groove of the second valve shaft 62 and is The valve shaft 62 moves to the lower position (FIG. 11C).

  When the second valve shaft 62 moves downward, the flow path leading to the purge gas flow path 31c is opened, and the second on-off valve 72 is opened (FIGS. 11C and 11D).

  The third on-off valve 73 opens and closes the flow path communicating with the purge gas flow path 31 d (secondary side) formed in the manifold 31 by sliding the third valve shaft 63. The purge gas flow path 31d is connected to the cleaning flow path 25 of the head body 20 (FIG. 8).

  The third cam 43 disposed at a position corresponding to the third on-off valve 73 has a convex surface 43a and a concave surface 43b, and either the convex surface 43a or the concave surface 43b is a manifold depending on the rotation angle of the third cam 43. It abuts on the third rod 53 protruding from 31.

  The third rod 53 is biased leftward in the drawing by the rod spring, and the third rod 53 is pushed against the rod spring by the convex surface 43a of the third cam 43.

  Further, the third valve shaft 63 is urged downward in the drawing by the valve spring, and the ball at the tip of the third rod 53 is pushed into the circumferential groove portion of the third valve shaft 63 to resist the valve spring. Then, the third valve shaft 63 moves to the upper position.

  When the third valve shaft 63 moves upward, the flow path leading to the purge gas flow path 31d is opened, and the third on-off valve 73 is opened (FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C).

  On the other hand, when the angle of the third cam 43 is changed and the third rod 53 comes into contact with the concave surface 43b, the ball at the tip of the third rod 53 comes out of the circumferential groove of the third valve shaft 63 and is third by the valve spring. The valve shaft 63 moves to the lower position.

  When the third valve shaft 63 moves downward, the flow path leading to the purge gas flow path 31d is closed, and the third on-off valve 73 is closed (FIG. 11D).

  The second on-off valve 72 and the third on-off valve 73 form a series of gas supply passages. In the manifold 31, a passage 31e that connects the second on-off valve 72 and the third on-off valve 73 is provided. The purge gas flow path 31c and the purge gas flow path 31d of the manifold 31 are communicated with each other via the second on-off valve 72, the flow path 31e, and the third on-off valve 73.

  Next, the flow of the cleaning operation shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The reference numerals in the description will be referred to as needed.

  As a premise, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 96 to the dispensing head 1, and cleaning water is supplied from the water supply hose 90. In addition, the main body lever 12 of the dispensing head 1 is in a lowered state, and normal beer can be poured out.

  When cleaning is performed after the store is closed, the main body lever 12 of the dispensing head 1 is first raised (step S1).

  Next, the cleaning process is started by rotating the timer knob 16 (step S3) while lowering the cleaning lever 14 of the dispensing head 1 (step S2).

  As shown in FIG. 13, the cleaning step S <b> 4, the switching step S <b> 5, and the draining step S <b> 6 are sequentially performed by switching the open / close valves 71, 72, and 73 with the mechanical timer 32.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the mechanical timer 32 is activated by picking up and rotating the timer knob 16 and winding up the main spring mechanism. It rotates in the order of the position 16b and the draining dial position 16c so that the progress of cleaning can be visually observed.

  First, in the cleaning step S4, as shown in FIG. 11A, the opening / closing of the on-off valves 71, 72, 73 is set according to the angles of the cams 41, 42, 43, as shown in FIG. As shown, the wash water W passes through the first on-off valve 71, passes through the dispense head 1, and is supplied to the beer server 100. Moreover, the supply of the carbon dioxide gas G to the dispensing head 1 is stopped by closing the second on-off valve 72. The third on-off valve 73 is in an open state.

  Thereby, a series of beverage flow paths from the dispensing head 1 to the cock of the beer server 100 can be washed with the washing water W.

  Further, when the cleaning water W passes through the dispensing head 1, the cleaning water is also supplied into the sealed space 55 as shown in FIGS. The surface of the valve member 45 and the inner surface of the spout 5 can be cleaned at the same time.

  It can be considered that the above-described cleaning step S4 is performed for 150 seconds, for example. Depending on the amount of winding of the mechanical timer 32, it is possible to carry out a longer time or a shorter time. That is, the cleaning time can be arbitrarily set.

  Next, when the count of the mechanical timer 32 proceeds, the cleaning step S4 is automatically switched to the switching step S5. In this switching step S5, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), the opening / closing of the on-off valves 71, 72, 73 is set according to the angles of the cams 41, 42, 43, as shown in FIG. 14 (B). As described above, the supply of the cleaning water W to the dispensing head 1 is stopped by closing the first opening / closing valve 71. Moreover, the supply of the carbon dioxide gas G to the dispensing head 1 is stopped by closing the second on-off valve 72. The third on-off valve 73 is in an open state.

  Furthermore, when the count of the mechanical timer 32 proceeds, the switching step S5 is automatically switched to the draining step S6. In this draining step S6, as shown in FIG. 11 (C), the opening / closing of the on-off valves 71, 72, 73 is set according to the angles of the cams 41, 42, 43, as shown in FIG. 14 (C). As described above, the supply of the cleaning water W to the dispensing head 1 remains stopped by closing the first opening / closing valve 71. Further, when the second on-off valve 72 is opened, the carbon dioxide gas G is supplied to the third on-off valve 73 through the second on-off valve 72, and when the third on-off valve 73 is opened, the carbon dioxide gas G is dispensed. It is supplied to the head 1 and supplied to the beer server 100.

  As a result, a series of beverage channels from the dispensing head 1 to the cock of the beer server 100 are purged with carbon dioxide G to drain the washing water.

  The above draining step S6 may be performed for 15 seconds, for example. It is also possible to arbitrarily change the time execution by picking up the mechanical timer 32 with a finger and advancing the count early.

  Next, when the counting of the mechanical timer 32 proceeds, the water draining step S6 ends, and the state automatically switches to the standby state (step S7). In this standby state, as shown in FIG. 11 (D), the opening / closing of the on-off valves 71, 72, 73 is set according to the angles of the cams 41, 42, 43, as shown in FIG. 14 (D). In addition, the supply of carbon dioxide to the dispensing head 1 is stopped by closing the third on-off valve 73. Further, the supply of the cleaning water to the dispensing head 1 is stopped by closing the first opening / closing valve 71.

  As described above, a series of cleaning operations can be completed. When beer is again poured out, the beer can be poured out from the standby state (step S7) by lowering the main body lever 12 of the dispense head 1 (step S8). A possible state is reached (step S9).

The present invention can be implemented as described above.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG.
A dispensing head 1 connected to a beverage container filled with beer and the like for delivering a beverage to an external beverage channel,
The dispensing head 1 includes
In-head pouring channel 41a into which the beverage in the beverage container flows,
A washing water flow path 31a into which washing water flows from the outside;
A purge gas flow path 31c into which carbon dioxide gas flows from the outside;
A flow path switching mechanism 30 is provided for communicating either the washing water flow path 31a or the purge gas flow path 31c with the in-head extraction flow path 41a by switching the flow path.
The flow path switching mechanism 30 is provided with mechanical open / close valves (open / close valves 71 to 73) for performing flow path switching.

  Thereby, for example, the cleaning water supplied from the tap can be supplied to the beverage flow path as it is through the in-head dispensing flow path 41a of the dispensing head 1 to perform cleaning, and the flow path is switched. Thus, gas purge with carbon dioxide gas can be performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to use a dedicated cleaning container, and it is not necessary to replace the dispensing head, so that the operation can be simplified and shortened.

  Further, since the flow path is switched by the mechanical on-off valve, an electrical failure does not occur, an electrical control device is unnecessary, and the device can be configured at low cost. In particular, even in a humid environment such as a kitchen, the probability of failure can be kept low, and the service life can be extended.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the dispensing head 1 is provided with a cleaning lock mechanism (cleaning lever 14, lock pin 34),
When the lock by the cleaning lock mechanism is released, the flow path switching operation of the flow path switching mechanism 30 is allowed.

  Thereby, the implementation of cleaning by unintended flow path switching is regulated. In particular, in the configuration of the present invention, since it is assumed that the cleaning water is always supplied to the dispensing head 1, there is a concern that the cleaning water may be mixed into the beverage flow path if an erroneous operation is performed. The By providing the cleaning lock mechanism, such an erroneous operation can be surely prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the dispensing head 1 has a main body lever serving as a container communication switching mechanism for switching communication / non-communication between the in-head pouring channel 41a and the beverage container (beer barrel 3). 12 is provided,
In the state where the in-head extraction channel 41a and the beverage container communicate with each other by the container communication switching mechanism, the communication between the in-head extraction channel 41a and the washing water channel 31a is blocked.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cleaning water from flowing into the beverage container via the in-head pouring channel 41a and to prevent the cleaning water from being mixed into the beverage. For example, as in the embodiment described in the present specification, the in-head dispensing flow path 41a and the beverage container are communicated by operation of the main body lever 12 for fixing the dispense head 1 to the beverage container. In the case of the configuration, at the time of cleaning, the main body lever 12 must be raised to disengage the in-head pouring channel 41a from the beverage container. However, even if this operation is forgotten, the beverage is brought into the beverage container. The washing water can be prevented from being mixed, and a so-called fail-safe function can be realized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the main body lever 12 serving as a container communication switching mechanism is in a prescribed position (in a raised state), and the in-head pouring channel 41a and the beverage container (beer barrel 3) are not in communication. In this case, unlocking by the cleaning lock mechanism (cleaning lever 14) is allowed.

  Thereby, washing | cleaning is started in the state with which the in-head extraction flow path 41a and the drink container (beer barrel 3) were connected, and it can prevent that wash water mixes into a drink container.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B,
The dispensing head 1 is attached to the spout 5 of the beverage container,
The sealed space 55 is formed between the in-head extraction channel 41a and the outlet 5 in a state where the in-head extraction channel 41a does not communicate with the container communication switching mechanism.

  Thereby, at the time of washing | cleaning, the inside of the sealed space 55 and gas purge can be implemented simultaneously.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the flow path switching mechanism 30 includes a mechanical timer 32, and the mechanical on-off valves (on-off valves 71 to 73) are operated by the mechanical mechanism interlocked with the mechanical timer 32. It is supposed to be.

  Thereby, the flow path can be switched automatically, and excellent workability can be realized. Further, by using the mechanical timer 32, the structure is simple, and the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost can be kept low.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the mechanical timer 32 is constituted by a spring mechanism using a spring, the mechanical mechanism interlocked with the mechanical timer 32 is constituted by a cam mechanism, and the angle of the rotating cam. Accordingly, the mechanical on-off valves (on-off valves 71 to 73) are operated.

  This makes it possible to switch the flow path according to the cam angle and shape (profile) over time, and to set the flow angle and shape (profile) of the cam, and to change the flow path timing. Can be set easily.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, at least a washing step and a draining step are performed by switching the flow path by the mechanical timer 32, and in the washing step, water washing of the beverage flow path is performed, In the draining step, the beverage flow path is purged with carbon dioxide gas.

  Thereby, water washing and the gas purge by a carbon dioxide gas can be switched and implemented automatically.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (D), the flow path switching mechanism 30 is configured to block communication between the cleaning water flow path 31a and the purge gas flow path 31c with respect to the in-head extraction flow path 41a after the draining step. It is.

  Thereby, after the draining step is completed, the supply of the cleaning water and the carbon dioxide gas to the in-head extraction channel 41a through the cleaning water channel 31a and the purge gas channel 31c is stopped, and the cleaning operation is automatically ended. Can do.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely used as a dispense head with a cleaning function for a server (dispenser) of carbon dioxide beverage such as beer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dispense head 3 Beer barrel 5 Outlet 10 Exterior cover 12 Main body lever 14 Cleaning lever 16 Timer knob 20 Head main body 25 Cleaning flow path 25a Communication hole 25a, 26a Communication hole 26 Gas flow path 26a Communication hole 30 Flow path switching mechanism 32 Machine Type timer 41a Outlet flow path in the head

Claims (9)

A dispensing head connected to a beverage container filled with beer or the like and delivering a beverage to an external beverage channel,
The dispense head
An in-head pouring channel into which the beverage in the beverage container flows,
A washing water flow path from which washing water flows from the outside,
A purge gas flow path through which carbon dioxide flows from the outside;
A flow path switching mechanism is provided for communicating either the wash water flow path or the purge gas flow path with the in-head extraction flow path by flow path switching;
The dispensing head, wherein the flow path switching mechanism is provided with a mechanical on-off valve for performing flow path switching. The dispensing head is provided with a cleaning lock mechanism,
When the lock by the cleaning lock mechanism is released, the flow path switching operation of the flow path switching mechanism is allowed,
The dispensing head according to claim 1. The dispensing head is provided with a container communication switching mechanism that switches communication / non-communication between the dispensing channel in the head and the beverage container,
In the state where the in-head extraction channel and the beverage container communicate with each other by the container communication switching mechanism, the communication between the in-head extraction channel and the washing water channel is blocked.
The dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing head is provided. The container communication switching mechanism is in a prescribed position,
When the in-head dispensing channel and the beverage container are not in communication,
Unlocking by washing lock mechanism is allowed,
The dispensing head according to claim 3. The dispensing head is attached to the spout of the beverage container,
In a state where the in-head extraction channel is not communicated by the container communication switching mechanism, a sealed space is formed between the in-head extraction channel and the outlet.
The dispense head according to claim 3 or 4, The flow path switching mechanism includes a mechanical timer, and the mechanical on-off valve is operated by a mechanical mechanism interlocked with the mechanical timer.
The dispense head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispense head is characterized in that: The mechanical timer is constituted by a spring mechanism using a spring, and the mechanical mechanism interlocked with the mechanical timer is constituted by a cam mechanism, and the mechanical on-off valve is operated according to the angle of the rotating cam. ,
The dispensing head according to claim 6. At least the washing step and the draining step are performed by the channel switching by the mechanical timer. In the washing step, the beverage channel is washed with water, and in the draining step, the beverage channel is purged with carbon dioxide gas. Done,
The dispensing head according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the dispensing head is characterized in that: The flow path switching mechanism shuts off the communication of the cleaning water flow path and the purge gas flow path with respect to the in-head pouring flow path after completion of the draining step.
The dispensing head according to claim 8.

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