JP2931430B2 - Automatic cleaning method for beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic cleaning method and apparatus for cleaning a beverage dispenser having a manual dispenser valve and a drive pump having a drive pump.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art One type of beverage dispensing apparatus includes a beverage container, a drive pump, and a beverage depenser. By operating a manual lever of the beverage depenser, a daypense valve is opened, a drive pump is activated, and the beverage is dispensed. After cooling or diluting as required, it is supplied into the cup from the nozzle.

In such a beverage dispensing apparatus,
It is required to clean the inside of the conduit through which the beverage passes.
For example, beverages with low sugar content are vulnerable to bacteria and easily perish,
It is required that the cleaning be performed periodically using a chemical solution.

As a method and an apparatus for cleaning such a beverage dispenser, a method and an apparatus for supplying a cleaning liquid to the beverage dispenser have been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 2-190797).

Although this method and apparatus can achieve a desired effect, there are further problems to be solved as described below.

[0006]

A first object is to ensure that the washing liquid does not enter the beverage.

[0007] For example, in the cleaning device of the beverage dispensing device described in the above-mentioned patent application, the beverage container is always connected to the cleaning device, and in a normal operation state for supplying the beverage, the lever is pushed and the dispense valve is opened. When opened, the beverage is supplied from the beverage container to the nozzle of the beverage dispenser via the cleaning device. Of course, if the valve in the cleaning device is properly operated, the cleaning liquid will not be mixed into the beverage. However, there is a risk that the cleaning liquid may be mixed into the beverage due to a valve failure or the like.

[0008] A second problem is that a cleaning method suitable for the use form of the beverage dispensing apparatus has not been proposed.

The beverage dispenser is used in various places such as restaurants. Typically, the beverage dispensing device provides a restaurant opening time (eg, 11:00 am to 8 pm).
H) and not used during closing hours.

In the case of such a use form, it is common to perform the above-described cleaning before opening the store. In this case, from the time of closing the store to the time of opening the beverage, there is a risk that the beverage may stay in the conduit and rot, and washing only at the time of opening the store may not be sufficient. Alternatively, washing can be considered even when the store is closed, but also in this case, there is a risk that the beverage stays in the conduit from the time the store is closed to the time the store is opened, and becomes rotten.

[0013] A third problem is that the amount of wasted beverage is large in the conventional cleaning method. In the conventional cleaning method, after the cleaning with the cleaning liquid, the conduit of the beverage dispensing device is cleaned with tap water, and then the beverage is supplied. The beverage is driven by a drive pump and pushes the tap water out of the nozzle while contacting and mixing with the tap water. The portion where the beverage and the tap water are mixed is not a beverage of the proper concentration and must be discarded, thus wasting a large amount of beverage.

A fourth problem is that the cleaning device cannot drain the water properly.

[0013] It is necessary for the cleaning device to discharge excess cleaning liquid. The washing apparatus is usually placed on the floor, and the drainage system is constituted by a common sink for washing dishes, for example, and the sink is above the floor. For this reason, the drainage from the cleaning device cannot be sent to the sink by gravity. For example, the drainage from the cleaning device is received in an appropriate container and manually drained to the sink.

[0014]

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned problem has been solved by removing the supply hose of the drive pump from the beverage container, connecting the supply hose to the cleaning liquid supply port, and storing the chemical solution and tap water in the storage tank. The cleaning liquid is supplied to generate the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid generated in the storage tank is discharged from the nozzle via the cleaning liquid supply port, the supply hose, and the drive pump, and the nozzle is closed. In, the cleaning liquid is retained, a chemical liquid and tap water are supplied into the storage tank to generate a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid generated in the storage tank is supplied to the nozzle via a cleaning liquid supply port, a supply hose, and a drive pump. From the tap water and the cleaning solution supply port,
Discharging the nozzle from the nozzle via the supply hose and the drive pump, disconnecting the supply hose of the drive pump from the cleaning liquid supply port and connecting to the beverage container to enable the beverage to be supplied from the beverage container to the nozzle. The problem is solved by providing a method for automatically cleaning a beverage dispensing device, characterized by comprising:

According to the present invention, the problems as described above are:
An automatic cleaning method for a beverage dispensing device used in a usage form having a predetermined use period and a non-use period within a day, wherein after the predetermined operation period has ended, the conduit of the beverage dispensing device is cleaned. After that, during the non-operating period, retaining the washing liquid in the conduit, and washing the conduit of the beverage dispensing device before the start of the next operating period. The problem is solved by providing a cleaning method.

According to the present invention, the problems as described above are:
In a method for automatically cleaning a beverage dispensing device, in which a washing liquid is supplied into a conduit of the beverage dispensing device, and then tap water is supplied into the conduit to perform washing, the tap water is supplied into the conduit, and the drinking water is dispensed. By providing an automatic method of cleaning a beverage dispensing device, comprising supplying air into a conduit after discharging from the nozzle of the device and discharging from the nozzle, and then supplying the beverage from the beverage container to the nozzle. Will be solved.

According to the present invention, the problems as described above are:
A storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid, a tap water inlet for supplying tap water to the storage tank, a chemical liquid inlet for introducing a chemical to the storage tank, and a cleaning liquid supply port for supplying a cleaning liquid for the storage tank are provided. An automatic washing apparatus for a beverage dispensing apparatus, comprising: a drain tank for storing a cleaning liquid remaining in a storage tank; a pump for supplying pressurized gas to the drain tank; and a drain port communicating with the drain tank. The drain tank is sealable to the outside except for the drain port. By supplying a pressurized gas into the drain tank by the pump, the liquid in the drain tank is drained from the drain port. The problem is solved by providing an automatic cleaning device for a beverage dispensing device, characterized in that the device is forcibly discharged via a dispenser.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, an automatic cleaning method and apparatus for a beverage dispensing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an automatic cleaning device 10 and a beverage dispenser connected thereto, FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the automatic cleaning device 10, and FIG. FIG. 4 shows the timing of valve operation and the like.
Indicates a change in the amount of liquid in the storage tank and the drainage tank of the automatic cleaning device 10.

In the cleaning operation state, as shown in FIG.
The automatic cleaning device 10 is connected to a water source WS, a drainage device 12, a gas pump 14, and a beverage dispenser 16, and the gas pump 14 is connected to a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 18 and a beverage dispenser 16.

In a normal beverage supply state, the gas pump 14 is connected to the beverage container 20 by a supply hose 23 connected as shown by a broken line in FIG.

The water source WS is, for example, a general water supply,
Supply tap water at a predetermined pressure.

The drainage unit 12 can be constituted by a dishwashing sink or the like communicating with the sewage.

The gas pump 14 is driven by pressurized carbon dioxide supplied from a carbon dioxide cylinder 18 and is a drive pump for transferring liquid. As the driving pump, an electrically operated pump or the like can be used instead of the gas pump 14. Beverage dispenser 16
The apparatus includes a dispense valve DV, a lever 22 for operating the dispense valve DV, and a nozzle 24 connected to the dispense valve DV. In the normal beverage supply state, the supply hose 23 is connected as shown by the broken line in FIG. 1 as described above.
The dispense valve DV opens and the beverage is supplied from the beverage container 20 by the gas pump 14 from the nozzle 24 via the supply hose 23, the gas pump 14 and the dispense valve DV. The dispense valve DV is preferably constituted by a solenoid valve,
When a button is pressed, a switch (not shown) is turned on, power is supplied to the dispense valve DV, and the dispense valve DV is opened. Further, FIG. 1 shows a drain cup 26 containing cleaning liquid discharged from the nozzle 24 in the cleaning operation state.
It is shown.

The beverage dispenser 16 is provided with a cooling device, a carbonation device, and the like, similar to a conventional beverage dispenser, and is configured to cool, dilute, or carbonate the beverage supplied from the beverage container 20. You can also.

As the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 18, a carbon dioxide gas cylinder for a carbonation device used in the beverage dispenser 16 can be used in common.

The beverage container 20 is, for example, a so-called back-in-box type container, and comprises an outer box made of a cardboard and a plastic film bag stored in the outer box. The bag contains a beverage or a concentrated syrup for a beverage.

Next, the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

The automatic cleaning device 10 includes an electric control device 28
A tap water inlet 30 connected to the water source WS, a cleaning liquid supply port 32 connected to the gas pump 14, a chemical liquid inlet 34 into which a chemical liquid is injected by an operator, and a cleaning liquid composed of tap water and a chemical liquid. A storage tank 36 for storing wastewater, a drainage tank 38 for storing wastewater, and a drainage port 42 to which a drainage hose 40 for guiding drainage from the drainage tank 38 to the drainage facility 12 (FIG. 1) are connected.

The automatic cleaning device 10 further includes a switch device 44 connected to the electric control device 28 and a lamp device 46 for displaying an operation state. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch device 44 includes a power switch S0, a cleaning A start switch SA, and a cleaning B start switch SB, and the lamp device 46 includes a power display lamp L0, a cleaning A operation display lamp LA, and a cleaning A operation display lamp LA. A B operation indicator lamp LB is provided.

The electrical control device 28 is connected by a power cord 52, for example, to the beverage dispenser 16,
Power of AC100V is supplied via the beverage dispenser 16, and when the power switch S0 of the switch device 44 is pressed, the power is turned on, the power indicator lamp L0 is turned on, and when the wash A start switch SA is pressed, the wash A operation indicator lamp LA is pressed. Is turned on, and the cleaning A operation performed after the end of business as described below is performed according to a predetermined schedule. When the cleaning B start switch SB is pressed, the cleaning B operation lamp LB is turned on and the business is operated as follows. The cleaning B operation performed before the start is performed according to a predetermined schedule. When the dispensing valve DV of the beverage dispenser 16 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve, the electric control device 18 and the dispensing valve DV are connected by a signal code 54, and a control signal is transmitted from the electric control device 18. To control the opening and closing of the dispense valve DV.

The automatic cleaning apparatus 10 further includes an overflow pan 56 provided below the chemical solution inlet 34 for containing overflowing chemical solution or water.

The storage tank 36 has a capacity of, for example, about 7 liters, and includes a level switch LS which is turned on at 6 liters and turned off at 4 liters.

The drain tank 38 has a capacity of, for example, about 3.5 liters, and is provided with an air pump P. The electromagnetic valve communicating with the drain tank 38 is closed to seal the drain tank 38 from the outside. The air pump P is operated to supply pressurized air or pressurized gas such as pressurized carbon dioxide gas to the drain tank 38, and the liquid in the drain tank 38 is forcibly drained from the drain port 42 through the drain hose 40. You can do it. The drain tank 38 can be provided with a manual drain outlet (not shown) that can be manually opened and closed.

The components of the automatic cleaning device 10 as described above are connected as follows.

The tap water inlet 30, the chemical liquid inlet 34 and the storage tank 36 are connected by a first solenoid valve V1. The first solenoid valve V <b> 1 is a normally closed valve, is normally closed, and opens when power is supplied under the control of the electric control device 28. When the first solenoid valve V1 is opened, the chemical solution inlet 3 from the water source WS via the tap water inlet 30 is opened.
4 and the storage tank 36 are supplied with tap water. The tap water supplied to the chemical liquid inlet 34 flushes the chemical liquid supplied to the chemical liquid inlet 34 and sends it to the storage tank 36. In the storage tank 36, the chemical liquid is diluted, and a cleaning liquid is generated.

Further, the tap water inlet 30 and the storage tank 36
Are communicated via the second solenoid valve V2. The second solenoid valve V2 also communicates with a conduit connecting the fifth solenoid valve V5 and the sixth solenoid valve V6 as described below. The second solenoid valve V2 is a normally closed valve, is normally closed, and opens when power is supplied under the control of the electric control device 28. When the second solenoid valve V2 is opened, tap water is supplied from the water source WS to the storage tank 36 via the tap water inlet 30, and the tap water is further supplied to the sixth solenoid valve V6 and The cleaning liquid supply port 32 is provided via a seventh solenoid valve V7.
To supply.

The bottom of the storage tank 36 and the drain tank 38 are connected by a third solenoid valve V3. The third solenoid valve V3 is a normally open valve, is normally open, and closes when power is supplied under the control of the electric control device 28.

The top of the storage tank 36 and the overflow pan 56 and the drainage tank 38 are connected by a fourth solenoid valve V4. The fourth solenoid valve V4 is a normally-open valve, is normally open, and closes when power is supplied under the control of the electric control device 28. Fourth solenoid valve V
When 4 is open, the tap water excessively supplied to the storage tank 36 is supplied to the drain tank 38, and the liquid overflowing the overflow pan 56 is supplied to the drain tank 38,
The drain tank 38 is opened to atmospheric pressure.

The bottom of the storage tank 36 and the cleaning liquid supply port 32
Are connected by a fifth solenoid valve V5, a sixth solenoid valve V6, and a seventh solenoid valve V7 which is a two-way solenoid valve. The fifth solenoid valve V5 and the sixth solenoid valve V6 are normally closed valves, are normally closed, and open when power is supplied under the control of the electric control device 28. The seventh solenoid valve is normally at a position A communicating with the sixth solenoid valve V6,
When electric power is supplied according to the control of the electric control device 28, the operation is moved to the position B communicating with the atmosphere via the sterilization filter 58. As described above, the second solenoid valve V2 is connected to the conduit between the sixth solenoid valve V6 and the seventh solenoid valve V7. When the second solenoid valve V2 is open, the fifth solenoid valve V5 is closed, the sixth solenoid valve V6 is open, and the seventh solenoid valve is at the position A, the tap water is The cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid supply port 32 through the tap water inlet 30. The third solenoid valve V3 is closed, and the fifth solenoid valve V5 and the sixth solenoid valve V
When 6 is open and the seventh solenoid valve is at the position A, the cleaning liquid in the storage tank 36 is supplied to the cleaning liquid supply port 32. When the seventh solenoid valve is at the position B, the disinfecting filter 5
The sterilized atmosphere is supplied to the cleaning liquid supply port 32 through 8.

Next, the operation of the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 3, the parentheses indicate the operation of the worker, and the positions above the respective lines indicate the operation of the worker, lighting of the lamp, and opening of the solenoid valve. Preferably, these timings are controlled by the electrical controller 28 as described below and are manually adjustable. The automatic cleaning device 10 performs a cleaning A operation, which is an operation after the end of the use time (for example, business hours), and a cleaning B operation, which is an operation before the start of the operation time. In use time, it is usually in the operation steps (（a) and (i〜). The washing A operation includes a chemical solution charging and diluting step (ab), a washing step (bc), a draining step (cd), and a staying step (de). Cleaning B
The work consists of a chemical solution injection dilution step (ef), a cleaning step (f ~)
g), an air supply and drainage step (gh), and a drainage step (h
~ I).

In the normal working process (-a), the supply hose 23 is connected to the beverage container 20 as shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, and when the lever 22 of the beverage dispenser 16 is pushed, the dispensing valve DV Opens and drinks
The gas is supplied from the beverage container 20 to the nozzle 24 by the gas pump 14 via the supply hose 23, the gas pump 14, and the dispense valve DV.

In the normal operation steps (-a), the power of the automatic cleaning device 10 is turned off,
All three lamps are turned off, the storage tank 36 and the drain tank 38 are empty, and the solenoid valves V1 to V7 are each in the normal position, that is, the first solenoid valve V1 is closed, and the second solenoid valve V1 is closed. The solenoid valve V2 is closed and the third solenoid valve V3
Is open, the fourth solenoid valve V4 is open, the fifth solenoid valve V5 is closed, the sixth solenoid valve V6 is closed, and the seventh solenoid valve V6 is closed.
Is located at a position A communicating with the sixth solenoid valve V6.

When the cleaning A operation is started, the worker disconnects the supply hose 23 from the beverage container 20 and connects it to the cleaning liquid supply port 32 of the automatic cleaning device 10. Automatic cleaning device 10
Are connected to the respective connectors of the beverage dispenser 16 and the power switch 46 is pressed. Thereby, the power supply display lamp L0 is turned on.

In the chemical solution charging and diluting process (ab), the operator presses the cleaning A start switch SA to charge a predetermined amount of the chemical solution to the chemical solution inlet 34 and send it to the storage tank 36. When the cleaning A start switch SA is pressed, the cleaning A
The operation indicator lamp LA is turned on, and the first solenoid valve V1 is opened and the third solenoid valve V3 is closed by a control signal from the electric control device 28. As a result, tap water starts to accumulate in the storage tank 36 via the first solenoid valve V1, and the amount of liquid in the storage tank 36 increases. For example, when the amount of liquid reaches 6 liters, desired dilution is performed. Rate of cleaning liquid is produced,
The level switch LS is turned on.

When the level switch LS is turned on, the process proceeds to the cleaning steps (b to c), where the first solenoid valve V1 is closed and the fifth solenoid valve V5 is opened by a control signal from the electric control unit 28, The sixth solenoid valve V6 opens. Seventh solenoid valve V
7 is already at the position A communicating with the sixth solenoid valve V6. Further, a control signal is sent from the electric control device 28 to the dispense valve DV via the signal code 54, and the dispense valve DV is opened. Thus, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the storage tank 36 by the gas pump 14 to the fifth solenoid valve V5, the sixth solenoid valve V6, the seventh solenoid valve V7, the washing liquid supply port 32, the supply hose 23, the gas pump 14, and the beverage dispenser. The water is supplied to the drain cup 26 via the 16 dispense valves DV and the nozzle 24.

After a lapse of a first predetermined time T1 (for example, about 10 minutes) from the turning on of the level switch LS, the dispense valve DV is controlled by a control signal from the electric control device 28.
Is closed. The first predetermined time T1 corresponds to the time when the nozzle 24
This is the time during which a sufficient amount of the cleaning liquid is discharged from the storage tank 36 and the cleaning liquid in the storage tank 36 does not become empty.

When the dispense valve DV closes when the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the cleaning liquid is retained and stays in the conduit between the dispense valve DV and the sixth solenoid valve V6.

From the end of the first predetermined time T1, the second
After a lapse of a predetermined time T2 (for example, about 1 minute), the fifth solenoid valve V5 and the sixth solenoid valve V6 are closed, and the third solenoid valve V3 is closed.
Opens. This second predetermined time T2 is as follows:
This is a safety period when the dispense valve DV is manually opened and closed. Accordingly, when the dispense valve DV is opened and closed only by the control signal from the electric control device 28 during the cleaning operation, it is not necessary to provide the second predetermined time T2.

After the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 from the end of the first predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to the draining steps (c to d), and as described above, the fifth solenoid valve V5 and the sixth solenoid valve V6 Is closed, and the third solenoid valve V3 is opened.

When the third solenoid valve V3 is opened, the cleaning liquid remaining in the storage tank 36 is transferred to the drain tank 38.

After a lapse of a third predetermined time T3 (for example, about 3 minutes) from the end of the second predetermined time T2, the third solenoid valve V3 and the fourth solenoid valve V4 are closed, and the air pump P
Is activated. Thereby, the drainage tank 38
Is sealed except for the drain port 42, and the pressurized air is supplied to the drain tank 38 so that the cleaning liquid in the drain tank 38 is forcibly transmitted to the drain facility 12 through the drain port 42 and the drain hose 40. Sent.

After a lapse of a fourth predetermined time T4 (for example, about 2 minutes) from the end of the third predetermined time T3, the operation of the air pump P is stopped, and the third solenoid valve V3 and the fourth solenoid Valve V4 opens.

After the lapse of the fourth predetermined time T4, the process proceeds to the staying steps (d to e), and the cleaning A operation indicating lamp LA is turned off. In this staying process, the dispense valve D
In the conduit between V and the sixth solenoid valve V6, the cleaning liquid continues to be retained and stays. The cleaning liquid is supplied between the dispense valve DV and the sixth solenoid valve V6 from the end of the first predetermined time T1 to the start of the cleaning B operation as described below (for example, 12 hours to 16 hours). It will be retained and stay.

The cleaning B operation is performed before the use period of the beverage dispenser 16 starts (typically before the start of business). Before the start of the use period, the cleaning liquid A is in the staying step, and the cleaning liquid is staying as described above.

Chemical solution charging / dilution step of cleaning B operation (ef)
, The operator presses the cleaning B start switch LB,
A predetermined amount of the chemical is injected into the chemical inlet 34 and the storage tank 3
Send to 6. When the cleaning B start switch LB is pressed, the cleaning B operation indicating lamp LB is turned on, and the first electromagnetic valve V1 is opened and the third electromagnetic valve V3 is closed by a control signal from the electric control device 28. As a result, the tap water is supplied to the storage tank 36 via the first solenoid valve V1, and the amount of the liquid in the storage tank 36 is set, similarly to the operation in the chemical liquid charging and dilution step (ab) of the cleaning A operation. Is reduced to a predetermined amount (for example, 6 liters), a cleaning liquid having a desired dilution ratio is generated, and the level switch LS is turned on. It is preferable to use a cleaning solution having a higher concentration than the cleaning solution retained as described above.

When the level switch LS is turned on, the process proceeds to a cleaning step (f to g), where the first solenoid valve V1 is closed and the fifth solenoid valve V5
Opens, and the sixth solenoid valve V6 opens. Seventh solenoid valve V7
Is at a position A communicating with the sixth solenoid valve V6. Furthermore,
The electric control device 28 sends a control signal to the dispense valve DV via the signal code 54 to open the dispense valve DV. As a result, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the gas pump 1
4, from the storage tank 36, the fifth solenoid valve V5,
Sixth solenoid valve V6, seventh solenoid valve V7, cleaning liquid supply port 3
2. The water is supplied to the drain cup 26 via the supply hose 23, the gas pump 14, and the dispensing valve DV and the nozzle 24 of the beverage dispenser 16.

After a lapse of a fifth predetermined time T5 (for example, about 10 minutes) from the turning on of the level switch LS, the third solenoid valve V
3 opens, the fifth solenoid valve V5 closes, and the second solenoid valve V2
Opens. Thus, the cleaning liquid remaining in the storage tank 36 is supplied to the drain tank 38. Further, tap water is supplied to the storage tank 36 via the second solenoid valve V2, and the second solenoid valve V2, the sixth solenoid valve V6, the seventh solenoid valve V7, the cleaning liquid supply port 32, The water is supplied to the drain cup 26 through the supply hose 23, the gas pump 14, the dispensing valve DV of the beverage dispenser 16, and the nozzle 24.

After the lapse of the sixth predetermined T6 time (for example, about 2 minutes and 40 seconds) from the end of the fifth predetermined time T5, the process proceeds to the air supply and drainage process (g to h). The third solenoid valve V3 is closed, the fourth solenoid valve is closed, and the air pump P is operated, whereby the liquid in the drain tank 38 is drained through the drain hose 40,
Drained. When the process proceeds to the air supply / drainage process (g to h), the second solenoid valve V2 is further closed, and the seventh solenoid valve V7 is moved to the position B communicating with the atmosphere through the sterilization filter 58.
Since the dispense valve DV is open, the air is sucked through the sterilization filter 58, and the air from which bacteria and the like have been removed is supplied to the seventh solenoid valve V7, the cleaning liquid supply port 32, the supply hose 23, and the like. Gas pump 14, and
It is discharged from the nozzle 24 via the dispense valve DV.

After a lapse of a seventh predetermined time T7 (for example, about 1 minute) from the end of the sixth predetermined time T6, the dispense valve D is controlled by a control signal from the electric control device 28.
V closes, thereby ending the discharge of air from nozzle 24. Since the third solenoid valve V3 and the fourth solenoid valve V4 are closed and the air pump P is operating, the liquid in the drain tank 38 is continuously drained.

The eighth predetermined time (for example, about 2 minutes) elapses from the end of the seventh predetermined time T7, and the drainage steps (h to i)
The operation of the air pump P stops, the third solenoid valve V3 opens, the fourth solenoid valve V4 opens, and the fifth solenoid valve V
5 is opened, and the seventh solenoid valve V7 changes to the position A where it communicates with the sixth solenoid valve V6. As a result, the cleaning liquid in the storage tank 36 moves to the drain tank 38.

After a ninth predetermined time T9 (for example, about 5 minutes) has elapsed from the end of the eighth predetermined T8 time, the third solenoid valve V3 is closed, the fourth solenoid valve V4 is closed, and the air pump is closed. P
Operates. Thereby, the liquid in the drain tank 38 is drained.

Then, after the lapse of the tenth predetermined time T10 (for example, about 3 minutes) from the end of the ninth predetermined time T9,
The process proceeds to the normal operation step (〜i), the third solenoid valve V3 is opened, the fourth solenoid valve V4 is opened, the operation of the air pump P is stopped, and the power of the automatic cleaning device 10 is automatically turned off.
Thus, the cleaning B operation is completed, and the power supply display lamp L0 and the cleaning B display lamp LB are turned off.

After the end of the cleaning B operation, the worker disconnects the supply hose 23 from the cleaning liquid supply port 32 of the automatic cleaning device 10 and connects the same to the beverage container 20. Then, when the lever 22 is pushed to open the dispense valve DV, the gas pump 1
By 4, the air in the conduit is discharged from the nozzle 24, and then the beverage from the beverage container 20 is discharged to the normal beverage supply state.

In the above embodiment, the electric control device 2
The opening and closing of the dispense valve DV, which is an electromagnetic valve, is controlled by the control signal from the controller 8. Alternatively, a visual or audible alarm, such as a buzzer (not shown), may be provided while the signal to open the dispense valve DV is being provided, and the operator may be alerted during this alarm. The dispenser valve DV may be opened by pressing the lever 24 of the beverage dispenser 16.

In this case, the dispense valve DV does not need to be an electromagnetic valve. When opening and closing the dispense valve DV by such manual operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the end of the alarm (the dispense valve DV in FIG. 3).
It is preferable that the open / closed state of the solenoid valve is maintained as it is during the second predetermined time T2 after the end of the opening of the solenoid valve. This time functions as a safety time, and by providing this time, the operator can immediately activate the lever 24 when the alarm is over.
If you keep your hands on, you won't cause any problems.

[0067]

According to the present invention, the conduit inside the beverage dispenser can be efficiently cleaned.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for cleaning a beverage dispenser in which a cleaning liquid is not mixed into a beverage container.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for cleaning a beverage dispenser which has a use time and a non-use time and is suitable for a use form of the beverage dispenser.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method of cleaning a beverage dispensing apparatus in which a small amount of beverage is discarded during a cleaning operation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic washing apparatus for a beverage dispenser capable of suitably discharging waste water.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an automatic cleaning apparatus and a beverage dispenser connected thereto according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the internal structure of the automatic cleaning device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing timing of operation and the like of a solenoid valve of the automatic cleaning device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the amount of liquid in a storage tank and a drainage tank of the automatic cleaning device shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic washing apparatus 12 Drainage equipment 14 Gas pump 16 Beverage dispenser 18 Carbon dioxide gas cylinder 20 Beverage container 22 Lever 24 Nozzle 28 Electrical control device 36 Storage tank 38 Drainage tank

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] The cleaning A start switch is operated by an operator.
Switch to send a predetermined amount of chemical solution to the storage tank. When the cleaning A start switch is pressed, the electric control device
With these control signals, water is supplied to the storage tank,
(1) generating a cleaning liquid having a desired dilution rate, and generating a cleaning liquid having a first desired dilution rate;
The cleaning liquid is stored in the storage tank by a control signal from the
Tank supplied to the beverage dispenser, and the washing liquid was supplied from the storage tank to the beverage dispenser.
Later, the control signal from the electronic control unit controls the cleaning liquid.
Stop the supply and let the cleaning liquid stay inside the beverage dispenser.
Then, by the operation of the workers, press the cleaning B start switch, place
When a fixed amount of chemical solution is sent to the storage tank and the cleaning B start switch is pressed, the electric control device
Supply water to the storage tank by the control signal from
A cleaning liquid having a second desired dilution rate is generated, and a cleaning liquid having a second desired dilution rate is generated.
The cleaning liquid is stored in the storage tank
Supplied to the beverage dispenser, and the washing liquid was supplied from the storage tank to the beverage dispenser.
Later, the water is drunk by a control signal from the electronic control unit.
Supply the dispensing dispenser and water to the dispensing dispenser.
These control signals supply air to the beverage dispenser.
Automatic washing of beverage dispensing equipment characterized by serving
Purification method. 2. The cleaning liquid remaining in the storage tank is drained by a drain tank.
To the drain, and place the drain tank outside the
And pressurized gas is supplied to the drain tank.
By this, the liquid in the drain tank is drained through the drain port.
2. The beverage dispens of claim 1 including forcibly discharging.
Automatic cleaning method for cleaning equipment.