JP2019210039A - Cleaning device for beverage server - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device for a beverage server capable of preventing a cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied into a beverage container.SOLUTION: A cleaning device 10 comprises a fluid inlet 11 connected to a gas supply source 70, a fluid inlet 12 connected to a cleaning fluid supply source 80, a fluid outlet 21 connected to a fluid inlet 52 of a dispensing head 51, a first valve V1 disposed in a flow path 31, a second valve V2 disposed in a flow path 32, a fluid inlet 13 connected to a fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51, a fluid outlet 22 connected to a beverage server 60, and a sensor S1 for detecting presence of a beverage in a flow path 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present application relates to a beverage server cleaning apparatus.

  Conventionally, various configurations for cleaning a beverage server are known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a beverage dispenser that includes a beverage container that contains a beverage, a dispense head that is attached to the beverage container, and a dispenser body that is connected to the dispense head. The dispense head has an inlet and an outlet. The dispensing head includes a first communication path that connects the suction port and the discharge port through the inside of the beverage container, and a second communication path that connects the suction port and the discharge port without passing through the interior of the beverage container. ,have. The suction port is connected to the carbon dioxide gas cylinder and the cleaning liquid supply means via the fluid selection means, and is configured to receive one of the carbon dioxide gas and the cleaning liquid by switching the fluid selection means. The dispense head has an operation lever for switching between the first communication path and the second communication path, and an inclination sensor for outputting a signal to the outside according to the inclination state of the operation lever. Yes. For example, the tilt sensor is configured to output a signal to the outside when the second communication path is selected by the operation lever. The fluid selection means supplies cleaning liquid to the suction port only when a signal is output from the tilt sensor (that is, only when the suction port and the discharge port are connected without passing through the inside of the beverage container). Is configured to do. With such a configuration, when the suction port and the discharge port are connected through the inside of the beverage container, the cleaning liquid is prevented from being erroneously supplied into the beverage container.

JP 2006-36221 A

  In the beverage dispenser of Patent Document 1, an inclination sensor is attached to the dispense head. Dispensing heads are typically placed in environments where beverages can become soiled or splashed with water, and electronic components such as tilt sensors can fail due to beverage or moisture deposits. is there.

  An object of this invention is to provide the washing | cleaning apparatus of a drink server which can prevent supplying a washing | cleaning liquid accidentally to the inside of a drink container, eliminating the above faults.

  One aspect of the present disclosure includes a first fluid inlet connected to a gas source, a second fluid inlet connected to a cleaning liquid source, and fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet. And a first fluid outlet connected to a fluid inlet of a dispense head mounted on the beverage container, a first flow path connecting the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, A second flow path connecting the two fluid inlets and the first fluid outlet, a first valve provided in the first flow path, a second valve provided in the second flow path, A third fluid inlet connected to the fluid outlet of the dispense head; a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the third fluid inlet and connected to the beverage server; a third fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet; A third flow path connecting the two fluid outlets and detecting the presence of the beverage in the third flow path 1st sensor for this, Comprising: The drink sensor washing | cleaning apparatus provided with the 1st sensor which has the drink detection state which has detected the drink, and the drink non-detection state which has not detected the drink It is.

  According to the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the dispense head is connected to the beverage server via the third flow path of the cleaning device instead of being directly connected to the beverage server. In the third flow path, whether or not a beverage is flowing is detected by the first sensor. In such a cleaning apparatus, when the beverage server is cleaned, first, gas can be supplied to the dispense head in order to push out the beverage remaining in the flow path from the dispense head to the beverage server. In this situation, when the connection state is appropriately switched in the dispensing head (that is, when the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the dispensing head are connected without passing through the inside of the beverage container), the dispensing head The beverage staying in the flow path leading to the beverage server is pushed out by the supply of gas. For this reason, in the third flow path, the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state. In contrast, if the connection is not properly switched in the dispense head (ie, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the dispense head are connected through the interior of the beverage container), the beverage inside the beverage container Continues to flow through the gas supply. For this reason, in the third flow path, the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state. Therefore, in the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the operator changes the first sensor from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state when supplying the gas for pushing out the beverage staying in the flow path. When switching, while supplying a washing | cleaning liquid, when a 1st sensor maintains a drink detection state for a while, it can be judged that the connection state is not switched appropriately in the dispensing head. Thus, when the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state (ie, when the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet communicate with each other through the inside of the beverage container in the dispensing head), the operator It is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being accidentally supplied. Further, since there is no need to attach electronic components to the dispense head, the risk of failure can be reduced.

  The cleaning device may further comprise a processor capable of communicating with the first valve, the second valve and the first sensor, the processor may have a beverage supply mode and a cleaning mode, In the wash mode, the processor supplies the gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, and is supplying a gas from the first fluid outlet. When the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state during the first period of time, the cleaning fluid is supplied from the first fluid outlet by closing the first valve and opening the second valve. When the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet and the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state during the first period, the second valve is not opened. It may be. In this case, when the connection state is not properly switched in the dispensing head, the second valve is not opened (that is, the cleaning liquid is not allowed to flow), so that the cleaning liquid is erroneously supplied into the beverage container. It can be surely prevented.

  The cleaning device may further comprise a third valve provided in the third flow path, and in the beverage supply mode, the processor opens the first valve and closes the second valve, thereby closing the first valve. When the gas is supplied from the fluid outlet and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet, when the sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the third valve is closed to close the beverage server. It may be configured to prevent the gas from being ejected. If the beverage container is empty while the beverage is being supplied, the gas begins to flow through the flow path from the dispense head to the beverage server. There is a possibility that the beverage inside will splatter. In this case, since gas begins to flow through the third flow path, the sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state. Therefore, when the sensor is switched from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state in the beverage supply mode, the flow of the beverage and gas can be stopped by preventing the beverage from being scattered by closing the third valve.

  In the beverage supply mode, when the beverage supply mode is maintained for the predetermined second period or longer without the splash prevention function being activated, the processor closes the third valve to thereby perform the predetermined second period or longer. It may be configured to activate an anti-expiration function for preventing a beverage from being supplied from a beverage container that has not been exchanged for the period. As described above, in the cleaning device having the splash prevention function, when the beverage container is emptied during the beverage supply mode (that is, when the empty beverage container is replaced with a new beverage container filled with beverage). The splash prevention function is activated. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, when the splash prevention function is not activated and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a certain period, it means that the beverage container has not been replaced with a new beverage container during that period. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, when the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined second period or longer without the splash prevention function being activated, the beverage container that has not been replaced for a long time by closing the third valve Can be prevented from being supplied (for example, a beverage whose expiration date has expired is supplied).

  The cleaning device is a second sensor for detecting that the gas is flowing in the first flow path, the gas flow detection state in which the gas is flowing, and the gas flowing A second sensor having a gas flow non-sensing state that is not detected to be present. In the cleaning mode, the processor opens the first valve and supplies the first valve after supplying the cleaning liquid. When the gas is supplied again from the first fluid outlet and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet by closing the valve 2, the second sensor detects the gas during a predetermined third period. When switching from the flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state, an error may be notified. After the cleaning liquid is supplied to the flow path of the beverage, it is necessary to push out the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path with gas. If, for example, an operator closes the cock valve of the beverage server before pushing out all of the staying cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may remain in the flow path. When the cock valve is closed, the gas flow in the first flow path stops. In the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to detect whether or not gas is flowing by the second sensor. The controller notifies an error when the gas is supplied to push out the cleaning liquid and the second sensor switches from the gas flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state during the predetermined third period. Is configured to do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from closing the cock valve of the beverage server by mistake before removing all of the cleaning liquid in the flow path.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a beverage server cleaning device that can prevent a cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied into a beverage container.

It is a schematic block diagram of the drink supply system containing the washing | cleaning apparatus of the drink server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of a drink supply system which shows the internal structure of the washing | cleaning apparatus of the drink server of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of a drink supply system which shows the internal structure of the washing | cleaning apparatus of the drink server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, with reference to an accompanying drawing, a washing device of a beverage server concerning an embodiment is explained. Throughout the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In order to facilitate understanding, the scale of the figures may be changed.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a beverage supply system including a beverage server cleaning device according to a first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the beverage supply system 100 includes a cleaning device 10, a beverage container 50, a beverage server 60, a gas supply source 70, and a cleaning liquid supply source 80. A dispense head 51 is attached to the beverage container 50 via a spear valve (not shown).

  The cleaning device 10 is used to clean a beverage flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60. The cleaning device 10 has a housing 1. The housing 1 is provided with a first fluid inlet 11, a second fluid inlet 12, a third fluid inlet 13, a first fluid outlet 21, and a second fluid outlet 22. . The first fluid inlet 11, the second fluid inlet 12, and the first fluid outlet 21 are respectively connected to the gas inlet 70, the cleaning liquid supplier 80, and the dispensing head 51 via pipes P 1, P 2, and P 3. 52. The third fluid inlet 13 and the second fluid outlet 22 are connected to the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51 and the beverage server 60 via pipes P4 and P5, respectively. The first fluid inlet 11, the second fluid inlet 12, the third fluid inlet 13, the first fluid outlet 21, and the second fluid outlet 22 are provided with joints for connecting to the pipes P1 to P5, respectively. It may be done.

  The beverage container 50 can be a beer barrel, for example. The beverage container 50 is a variety of beverages (for example, beer, alcoholic carbonated beverages other than beer (for example, beer-flavored alcoholic beverages made from raw materials other than sparkling liquor and malt and mixed with other alcoholic beverages (so-called A third beer), a chuhai or a highball), or a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage (such as a non-alcoholic beer or a carbonated juice)).

  The dispensing head 51 has a fluid inlet 52 and a fluid outlet 53, and has three connection states between the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 (details will be described later). The dispensing head 51 has an operation lever 54.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a beverage supply system showing an internal configuration of the beverage server cleaning device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the operation lever 54 can be switched to, for example, three positions (for example, “up” position, “middle” position, and “down” position), and three connection states at each position. One of these can be selected.

  For example, in the “up” position, the dispense head 51 blocks the fluid inlet 52, the interior of the beverage container 50, and the fluid outlet 53 from each other. The “up” position can be used, for example, when replacing the beverage container 50 with a new beverage container.

  For example, in the “medium” position, the dispensing head 51 connects the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53, but blocks the interior of the beverage container 50 from the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 (ie, the interior of the beverage container 50. The fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 are connected without passing). The “medium” position can be used when the cleaning mode described below is performed.

  For example, in the “down” position, the dispense head 51 connects the fluid inlet 52 and the interior of the beverage container 50 and connects the interior of the beverage container 50 and the fluid outlet 53 (ie, the interior of the beverage container 50). Through the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53). The “down” position can be used when the beverage supply mode described below is implemented.

  In this embodiment, the dispense head 51 has three connection states, but in other embodiments, the dispense head 51 has two connection states (i.e., the fluid inlet 52 and the liquid container 52 without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50). Only the state in which the fluid outlet 53 is connected and the state in which the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 are connected through the inside of the beverage container 50 may be included. Further, the positions of “upper”, “middle” and “lower” of the operation lever 54 where each connection state is realized are merely examples, and each connection state may be realized at a different position of the operation lever 54. Good. Further, the operation lever 54 can be switched to, for example, the “left”, “middle” and “right” positions or other positions instead of the “upper”, “middle” and “lower” positions. Also good.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the beverage server 60 can include, for example, a cock-type valve (hereinafter also referred to as “cock valve”) 61. Below the discharge port 62 of the cock valve 61, a container (not shown) such as a glass is disposed at the time of beverage supply, and a relatively large container B such as a bucket is disposed at the time of washing and replacement of the beverage container 50. The beverage server 60 has a cooling water tank 63, and the cooling water tank 63 accommodates a coiled pipe 64 connected to the cock valve 61. The cooling water tank 63 is cooled by the cooling device 65. With such a configuration, the beverage passing through the coiled tube 64 is cooled. A tube P5 is connected to the coiled tube 64.

The gas supply source 70 can be, for example, a gas cylinder. The gas supply source 70 can supply a gas such as carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas, or compressed air. The cleaning liquid supply source 80 supplies a cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path of the beverage. The cleaning liquid can be, for example, water, and in this case, the cleaning liquid supply source 80 can be, for example, a water tap. When the cleaning liquid supply source 80 is a water tap, the pipe P2 connected to the cleaning liquid supply source 80 may be provided with a pressure reducing valve RV. When the cleaning liquid source 80 is water faucet, for example, is supplied from the water faucet in 1.5~7kgf / cm ^2, at a pressure reducing valve RV, for example, lowered the pressure to about 1.0 kgf / cm ² May be.

  Next, the cleaning apparatus 10 will be described in detail. With reference to FIG. 2, the cleaning device 10 includes a first flow path 31, a second flow path 32, a third flow path 33, and a processor 2 inside the housing 1. Yes. Further, referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning device 10 further includes a display unit 3 and a button 4. The cleaning apparatus 10 may further include other components such as a memory (not shown) and a real time clock. Whether or not various periods shown below have elapsed can be measured, for example, by using a real-time clock.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the first flow path 31 connects the first fluid inlet 11 and the first fluid outlet 21, and thereby the first fluid inlet 11 and the first fluid outlet 21. Are in fluid communication. The second flow path 32 connects the second fluid inlet 12 and the first fluid outlet 21, whereby the second fluid inlet 12 and the first fluid outlet 21 are in fluid communication. The third flow path 33 connects the third fluid inlet 13 and the second fluid outlet 22, whereby the third fluid inlet 13 and the second fluid outlet 22 are in fluid communication.

  The first flow path 31, the second flow path 32, and the third flow path 33 are, for example, various materials (for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride) that can withstand the pressure of beverage, gas, and cleaning liquid. (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)).

  The first flow path 31 is provided with a first valve V1 and a first check valve CV1. The first valve V1 can be, for example, a pilot type electromagnetic valve. The first valve V1 can be normally open (NO), for example.

  The second flow path 32 is provided with a second valve V2 and a second check valve CV2. The second valve V2 can be, for example, a direct acting solenoid valve. The second valve V2 can be, for example, normally closed (NC).

  The cleaning device 10 includes the first sensor S1 in the third flow path 33. The first sensor S1 is used to detect that a beverage is present in the third flow path 33, and a beverage detection state in which a beverage is detected and a beverage non-detection in which no beverage is detected. State. The first sensor S1 can be, for example, an optical sensor (for example, a color sensor or an infrared sensor) or a capacitive water detection sensor.

  In addition, the cleaning device 10 includes a second sensor S2 in the first flow path 31. The second sensor S2 can be used to detect a gas flow, and can be a differential pressure gauge or a flow sensor, for example.

  The processor 2 can control various operations of the cleaning apparatus 10. The processor 2 can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processor unit (MPU). The processor 2 is electrically connected to the first valve V 1, the second valve V 2, the first sensor S 1, the second sensor S 2, the display unit 3, and the button 4. Alternatively, bidirectional communication is possible. The processor 2 has a beverage supply mode for supplying a beverage from the beverage server 60 and a cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path of the beverage (details will be described later). The following operations executed by the processor 2 can be realized by a program stored in a memory, for example.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the display unit 3 can be a liquid crystal display, for example. The display unit 3 can indicate various information received from the processor 2 (eg, error, cleaning time, and / or selected mode, etc.). The button 4 can be, for example, a mechanical button. Button 4 can be used, for example, to initiate a cleaning mode.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning apparatus 10 will be described.

  With reference to FIG. 2, in the beverage supply mode, the operation lever 54 of the dispensing head 51 is set to the “down” position. Thereby, the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51 are connected through the inside of the beverage container 50. In the beverage supply mode, a container such as a glass is disposed below the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60.

  For example, the processor 2 can maintain the beverage supply mode until the button 4 is pressed. In the present embodiment, since the first valve V1 is normally open and the second valve V2 is normally closed, in the beverage supply mode, the first valve V1 is open and the second valve V2 is closed. ing. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. The gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21 to the inside of the beverage container 50 through the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51, and pushes the beverage inside the beverage container 50 to the fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51. The beverage is supplied from the fluid outlet 53 to the beverage server 60 via the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10. When the operator opens the cock valve 61, the beverage is supplied from the discharge port 62.

  When performing the cleaning mode, the operation lever 54 of the dispensing head 51 is set to the “medium” position before starting the cleaning mode. Accordingly, the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51 are connected without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50. Further, before starting the cleaning mode, a container B such as a bucket is disposed below the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60.

  For example, when the button 4 is pressed, the processor 2 can start the cleaning mode. When the washing mode is started, the processor 2 keeps the first valve V1 open and the second valve closed for a predetermined first period, and supplies gas from the first fluid outlet 21. To do. When the operator opens the cock valve 61, the gas flows from the first fluid outlet 21 through the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51 to the fluid outlet 53 without passing through the interior of the beverage container 50. It flows from the outlet 53 to the beverage server 60 via the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10. Therefore, the gas pushes out the beverage staying in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60 from the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60.

  The first period can be, for example, equal to or longer than the time taken for the gas to sweep away all of the beverage remaining in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60. It may vary depending on the length and / or diameter.

  When all of the beverage staying in the flow path is pushed out from the discharge port 62, gas is supplied from the discharge port 62. In this case, the first sensor S1 arranged in the third flow path 33 detects a beverage that is not detected from a beverage detection state in which a beverage is detected during a predetermined first period. Switch to state. When the first sensor S1 is switched from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the processor 2 then closes the first valve V1 and opens the second valve V2 from the first fluid outlet 21. Supply cleaning solution. The cleaning liquid flows from the first fluid outlet 21 through the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51 to the fluid outlet 53 without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50, and from the fluid outlet 53 to the second outlet of the cleaning device 10. 3 flows to the beverage server 60 via the third flow path 33 and is discharged from the discharge port 62 to the container B.

  The time for which the washing liquid is allowed to flow can be adjusted according to, for example, the type of beverage, the length and / or diameter of the flow path, and can be about 1 to 3 minutes, for example. It should be noted that the numerical values are merely examples. The cleaning liquid may be continuously supplied (hereinafter also referred to as “continuous cleaning”) or may be intermittently supplied (hereinafter also referred to as “intermittent cleaning”). In order to perform the intermittent cleaning, the processor 2 has a first state in which the first valve V1 is closed and the second valve V2 is open, and the first valve V1 is open and the second valve V2 is in the open state. The closed second state can be alternately repeated. In the intermittent cleaning, the cleaning liquid flows through the flow path at a higher pressure than in the continuous cleaning, and thus the cleaning power can be improved.

  After flowing the cleaning liquid, the processor 2 supplies gas from the first fluid outlet 21 by opening the first valve V1 again and closing the second valve V2 for a predetermined third period. The gas flows from the first fluid outlet 21 through the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51 to the fluid outlet 53 and from the fluid outlet 53 through the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10. It flows to 60. Accordingly, the gas pushes out the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60 from the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60. When all of the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path is pushed out from the discharge port 62, gas is supplied from the discharge port 62.

  The third period can be, for example, equal to or longer than the time taken for the gas to wash away the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60, and the length of the flow path. And / or may vary depending on the diameter or the like. When the third period has elapsed, the processor 2 notifies the end of the cleaning mode. The notification may be shown on the display unit 3 and / or may be shown by sound from a speaker (not shown), for example. After completion of the cleaning mode, the cock valve 61 is closed and the operation lever of the dispensing head 51 is set to the “down” position. Thereby, the beverage supply system 100 is ready to provide the beverage again.

  If the operator closes the cock valve 61 before the third period elapses, the cleaning liquid may remain in the flow path. In the cleaning apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, this can be detected by the second sensor S2. Specifically, before the third period elapses, the second sensor S2 switches from the gas flow detection state in which the gas flow is detected to the gas flow non-detection state in which the gas flow is not detected. If so, the processor 2 can notify the error. For example, the error may be indicated on the display unit 3 and / or may be indicated by sound from a speaker (not shown).

  Next, a case where the operator forgets to switch the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51 before starting the cleaning mode will be described. As described above, when the button 4 is pressed, the cleaning mode is started. However, when the operator forgets to switch the operation lever 54 of the dispensing head 51 and the operation lever 54 is maintained at the “down” position, the first mode is selected. The gas from the fluid outlet 21 is supplied to the inside of the beverage container 50 via the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51, and the beverage inside the beverage container 50 is continuously pushed out to the fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51. In this case, the beverage continues to flow through the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60. Therefore, the sensor S1 arranged in the third flow path 33 maintains the beverage detection state during the predetermined first period. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the operator has forgotten to switch the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51 using the sensor S1.

  In the above state, when the cleaning liquid is flowed from the cleaning device 10, the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51 is connected to the fluid outlet 53 through the inside of the beverage container 50, so that the cleaning liquid is supplied to the inside of the beverage container. End up. However, in the cleaning apparatus 10, since the first sensor S1 can detect that the operator has forgotten to switch the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51, in this case, the processor 2 opens the second valve V2. No (that is, do not flush the cleaning solution). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied into the beverage container 50. In this case, the processor 2 can notify an error. For example, the error may be indicated on the display unit 3 and / or may be indicated by sound from a speaker (not shown).

  Further, in the cleaning apparatus 10, by using the above-described function, in the cleaning mode, the operator erroneously moves the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51 to the “up” position (that is, the fluid inlet 52, the fluid outlet 53 and the dispense head 51 of the dispense head 51). It is also possible to detect that the inside of the beverage container 50 has been switched to a position where the inside of the beverage container 50 is blocked. Specifically, in this case, the fluid inlet 52, the fluid outlet 53, and the inside of the beverage container 50 of the dispensing head 51 are blocked from each other, so that the gas from the first fluid outlet 21 is downstream of the fluid inlet 52. Can not flow. Therefore, the beverage stays in the flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60. Also in this case, the first sensor S1 disposed in the third flow path 33 maintains the beverage detection state during a predetermined first period. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the operator has erroneously switched the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51 using the first sensor S1. Also in this case, the processor 2 can notify the error in the same manner as described above without opening the second valve.

  Moreover, in the washing | cleaning apparatus 10, it can also detect that the operator forgot to open the cock valve 61 in washing | cleaning mode by utilizing said function. Specifically, in this case, even if gas is supplied to push out the beverage staying in the flow path, the beverage cannot flow out from the discharge port 62 and reaches the beverage server 60 from the dispense head 51. Beverages stay in the flow path. Also in this case, the first sensor S1 disposed in the third flow path 33 maintains the beverage detection state during a predetermined first period. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the operator has forgotten to open the cock valve 61 using the first sensor S1. Also in this case, the processor 2 can notify the error in the same manner as described above without opening the second valve.

  In addition, the operator can prevent the cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied into the beverage container 50 without depending on the processor 2. For example, the operator may visually check the first sensor S1 when supplying gas for pushing out the beverage staying in the flow path. When the first sensor S1 is switched from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the operator can determine that the connection state is appropriately switched in the dispense head, while the first sensor S1 is in a certain period of time. When maintaining the beverage detection state, it can be determined that the connection state is not properly switched in the dispense head.

  As described above, according to the cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment, the fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51 is not directly connected to the beverage server 60, but the beverage via the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10. Connected to the server 60. In the third flow path 33, whether or not a beverage is present is detected by the sensor S1. When washing the beverage server, first, gas is supplied to the dispense head 51 in order to push out the beverage remaining in the flow path from the dispense head to the beverage server. In this situation, when the connection state is appropriately switched in the dispense head 51 (that is, when the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51 are connected without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50). The beverage staying in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60 is pushed out by the supply of gas. For this reason, in the 3rd flow path 33, 1st sensor S1 switches from a drink detection state to a drink non-detection state. In contrast, when the connection state is not properly switched in the dispensing head 51 (that is, when the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispensing head 51 are connected through the inside of the beverage container 50), the beverage The beverage inside the container 50 continues to flow with the supply of gas. For this reason, in the 3rd flow path 33, sensor S1 maintains a drink detection state. Therefore, when the operator switches the sensor S1 from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state while supplying the gas for pushing out the beverage staying in the flow path, the operator supplies the cleaning liquid while When the sensor S1 maintains the beverage detection state during the period, it can be determined that the connection state is not properly switched in the dispense head. Thus, when the sensor S1 maintains the beverage detection state (that is, when the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet communicate with each other through the inside of the beverage container 50 in the dispense head 51), the operator It is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being supplied to the inside by mistake. Moreover, since it is not necessary to attach an electronic component to the dispense head 51, the risk of failure can be reduced.

  The cleaning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment further includes a processor 2 that can communicate with the first valve V1, the second valve V2, and the first sensor S1, and the processor 2 includes a beverage supply mode, In the cleaning mode, the processor 2 supplies gas from the first fluid outlet 21 by opening the first valve V1 and closing the second valve V2, When the first sensor S1 is switched from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state during the predetermined first period when the gas is supplied from the fluid outlet 21, the first valve V1 is closed and the first sensor V1 is closed. When the cleaning fluid is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21 and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21 by opening the second valve V2, the first sensor S1 is activated during the first period. The beverage detection status When lifting is not the second valve V2 is opened, and is configured to. Therefore, in the cleaning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, when the connection state is not properly switched in the dispensing head 51, the second valve V2 is not opened (that is, the cleaning liquid is not flowed). It is possible to reliably prevent the cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied into the beverage container 50.

  The cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment is a second sensor S2 for detecting that gas is flowing in the first flow path 31, and detects that gas is flowing. The second sensor S2 further includes a gas flow detection state in which the gas flow is detected and a gas flow non-detection state in which it is not detected that the gas is flowing. In the cleaning mode, the processor 2 supplies the cleaning liquid. After the first valve V1 is opened and the second valve V2 is closed, the gas is supplied again from the first fluid outlet 21 and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. When the second sensor S2 switches from the gas flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state during the predetermined third period, an error is notified. Therefore, for example, if the operator closes the cock valve 61 of the beverage server 60 before pushing out all of the staying cleaning liquid, the second sensor S2 is switched to the non-detection state. It is possible to prevent the cock valve 61 from being closed accidentally.

  Next, a beverage server cleaning apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the beverage supply system showing the internal configuration of the beverage server cleaning device according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment has a third valve V3 downstream of the first sensor S1 in the third flow path 33, and has a scattering prevention function and expiration prevention. It differs from the cleaning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment in that it has a function.

  The third valve V3 can be, for example, an electric ball valve. The third valve V3 can be various types of valves such as an electric butterfly valve or a gate valve. The third valve V3 is electrically connected to the processor 2.

  Next, the scattering prevention function will be described.

  In the beverage supply mode, when the beverage container 50 is empty while the beverage is being supplied, the gas begins to flow through the flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60. In this case, there is a possibility that gas is ejected from the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60 and the beverage in a container such as a glass is scattered. When the beverage scatters, there is a possibility that the surroundings of the beverage server 60 become dirty.

  In the beverage supply system 200 according to the present embodiment, when the beverage container 50 is emptied in the beverage supply mode, the gas starts to flow through the third flow path 33, so that the first sensor S1 is out of the beverage detection state. Switch to the beverage non-detection state. Therefore, in the washing apparatus 40, when the first sensor S1 switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state in the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 closes the third valve V3 and activates the splattering prevention function. This stops the flow of gas and beverage.

  When the scattering prevention function is activated, the operator places a container B such as a bucket below the discharge port 62. For example, when the button 4 or an additional button (not shown) is pressed, the scattering prevention function is released, and the processor 2 opens the third valve V3. When the third valve V3 is opened, the beverage staying in the flow path and the subsequent gas are received by the container B. After all the beverages are discharged from the discharge port 62, the operator closes the cock valve 61 and sets the operation lever 54 of the dispensing head 51 to the “up” position. Thereafter, the operator removes the dispensing head 51 from the empty beverage container 50 and attaches the dispensing head 51 to a new beverage container 50. Thereby, the replacement of the beverage container 50 is completed. When the operating lever 54 is set to the “down” position, the beverage supply system 200 is ready to supply beverages.

  Next, the expiration prevention function will be described.

  As described above, in the cleaning device 40 according to the present embodiment having the splash prevention function, when the beverage container 50 is emptied during the beverage supply mode (that is, the empty beverage container 50 is a new one filled with beverage). When the beverage container 50 is replaced), the splash prevention function is activated. From another point of view, if the splash prevention function is not activated and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a certain period, it may mean that the beverage container 50 has not been replaced with a new beverage container 50.

  In the beverage supply system 200 according to the present embodiment, the processor 2 closes the third valve V3 and expires when the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined second period or more without activation of the splash prevention function. Activate prevention function. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been exchanged for a long time.

  The second period has various lengths in consideration of the quality and / or taste of the beverage, for example, the expiration date of the beverage stored in the beverage container 50 or the period during which the beverage can maintain a good taste. Period of time.

  In order to cancel the expiration prevention function, for example, when the button 4 or an additional button (not shown) is pressed, the processor 2 considers that the barrel replacement is completed, and the third valve V3 is opened to supply the beverage. To resume.

  The cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment as described above can achieve the same effects as the cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  The cleaning device 40 further includes a third valve V3 provided in the third flow path 33. In the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 opens the first valve V1 and the second valve V2. When the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21 and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21, the first sensor S1 is switched from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state. By closing the third valve V <b> 3, a splattering prevention function for preventing the gas from being ejected from the beverage server 60 is activated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage from splashing.

  In the cleaning device 40, in the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 closes the third valve V3 when the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined second period or longer without the splash prevention function being activated. Thus, the expiration prevention function for preventing the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been exchanged for a period of time equal to or longer than the predetermined second period is activated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been exchanged for a long period of time (for example, a beverage whose expiration date has expired).

  Although embodiment of the washing | cleaning apparatus of the drink server was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to said embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of the above-described embodiments are possible. In addition, a person skilled in the art can incorporate a feature included in one embodiment into another embodiment or replace a feature included in the other embodiment as long as no contradiction arises. Will understand.

2 Processor 10, 40 Cleaning Device 11 First Fluid Inlet 12 Second Fluid Inlet 13 Third Fluid Inlet 21 First Fluid Outlet 22 Second Fluid Outlet 31 First Channel 32 Second Channel 33 Third flow path 50 Beverage container 51 Dispensing head 52 Dispensing head fluid inlet 53 Dispensing head fluid outlet 60 Beverage server 70 Gas supply source 80 Cleaning liquid supply source S1 First sensor S2 Second sensor V1 First valve V2 Second valve V3 Third valve

Claims (5)

A first fluid inlet connected to a gas source;
A second fluid inlet connected to the cleaning liquid supply;
A first fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet and connected to a fluid inlet of a dispense head mounted on the beverage container;
A first flow path connecting the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet;
A second flow path connecting the second fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet;
A first valve provided in the first flow path;
A second valve provided in the second flow path;
A third fluid inlet connected to the fluid outlet of the dispense head;
A second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the third fluid inlet and connected to the beverage server;
A third flow path connecting the third fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet;
A first sensor for detecting the presence of a beverage in the third flow path, wherein the beverage is detected and the beverage is not detected. A first sensor having a state;
A beverage server cleaning device comprising: A processor capable of communicating with the first valve, the second valve, and the first sensor;
The processor has a beverage supply mode and a wash mode;
In the cleaning mode, the processor
Supplying gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve and closing the second valve;
When the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet, the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state during a predetermined first period. Supplying a cleaning liquid from the first fluid outlet by closing a valve and opening the second valve;
When the gas is being supplied from the first fluid outlet, the second valve is not opened when the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state during the first period.
The apparatus for washing a beverage server according to claim 1, configured as described above. A third valve provided in the third flow path;
In the beverage supply mode, the processor
Supplying the gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve and closing the second valve;
When the first sensor is switched from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state when the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet, the beverage server is closed by closing the third valve. Configured to activate a splattering prevention function for preventing the gas from being ejected from
The apparatus for washing a beverage server according to claim 2, configured as described above. In the beverage supply mode, the processor
If the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined second period or longer without the splash prevention function being activated, the third valve is closed to replace the period for the predetermined second period or longer. Activating an anti-expiration function to prevent the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container that is not
The apparatus for washing a beverage server according to claim 3, which is configured as described above. A second sensor for detecting that the gas is flowing in the first flow path, the gas flow detecting state in which the gas is flowing, and the gas flowing; A gas flow non-detection state in which it is not detected that the second sensor is further provided,
In the cleaning mode, the processor
After supplying the cleaning liquid, the gas is supplied again from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve and closing the second valve;
When the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet, an error is generated when the second sensor switches from the gas flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state during a predetermined third period. Notice,
The washing | cleaning apparatus of the drink server as described in any one of Claims 2-4 comprised as follows.

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