JP4179203B2 - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that supplies various beverages such as beer and juice, and more particularly to a beverage dispenser that obtains and supplies a beverage from a beverage tank.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, beverage dispensers that pour beverages such as beer and juice stored in beverage tanks into paper cups and mugs are known. For example, a beverage dispenser for beer is connected to a beer barrel and carbon dioxide, and when an operator performs a predetermined dispensing request operation, the beer contained in the beer barrel is beverage dispenser by the pressure of carbon dioxide. And is poured out into mugs.

  In such a beverage dispenser, when the beverage in the beverage tank runs out, it is natural that the beverage tank needs to be replaced. Therefore, conventionally, a beverage dispenser has been proposed that detects the sold-out beverage and informs the operator when the beverage is sold (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a beverage dispenser, a beverage sensor is provided in a beverage pipe in the beverage dispenser, and when it is detected that there is no beverage in the pipeline, the fact that the beverage has been sold out is displayed by a lamp or the like. The

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-301793

  However, in the conventional beverage dispenser, since the notification is performed when the beverage is sold out, a sufficient preparation time for replacing the beverage tank is ensured, for example, the beverage tank for replacement is not yet cooled. There was a case that could not be. Therefore, there is a possibility that the beverage cannot be smoothly supplied for a long time.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a beverage dispenser that can secure a sufficient preparation period for replacing a beverage tank before the beverage is sold out and can smoothly supply the beverage over a long period of time. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, a beverage dispenser according to claim 1 of the present invention is a beverage dispenser for supplying a beverage that has entered a beverage tank, wherein the beverage inside the beverage tank at a predetermined point in time is supplied. The remaining amount specifying means for specifying the remaining amount, the remaining amount information output control means for controlling the output of the information related to the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means, and the output control of the remaining amount information output control means A remaining amount information output unit that outputs information on the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying unit, a total amount specifying unit that specifies a total amount of the beverage inside the beverage tank at a predetermined time point, and the predetermined time point Supply amount specifying means for specifying the supply amount of the beverage supplied from the beverage tank later, the remaining amount specifying means, the total amount specified by the total amount specifying means, The remaining amount is calculated based on the supply amount specified by the supply amount specifying means, and the total amount specifying means specifies the total amount of each of the plurality of beverage tanks that can be connected to the beverage dispenser. Information corresponding to the total amount of the beverage tank that is actually connected to the beverage dispenser from the information stored in the total amount information storage unit and the total amount information storage unit. And a total amount information selection means.

Moreover, the drink dispenser which concerns on Claim 2 of this invention is a drink dispenser for supplying the drink which entered the drink tank, Comprising: The residual quantity which specifies the residual quantity of the said drink inside the said drink tank in the predetermined time point The remaining amount specifying means, the remaining amount information output control means for performing output control of the information related to the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means, and the remaining amount specifying means by the output control of the remaining amount information output control means. Remaining amount information output means for outputting information relating to the remaining amount specified in the above, supply frequency specifying means for specifying the supply frequency of the beverage from the beverage tank, and the supply specified by the supply frequency specifying means A shortage prediction time calculating means for calculating a shortage prediction time of the beverage in the beverage tank based on the frequency and the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means. The information output control means performs output control of information related to the beverage shortage prediction time based on the calculation result of the shortage prediction time calculation means, and the remaining amount information output means outputs the remaining amount information output control means. According to the control, information on the predicted shortage time of the beverage is output.

  The beverage dispenser according to the present invention can alert the operator of the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage tank before it is sold out, and ensures a sufficient preparation period for replacing the beverage tank, such as pre-cooling the replacement beverage tank. In addition, there is an effect that the beverage can be smoothly supplied for a long time.

  The beverage dispenser according to the present invention has an effect that the remaining amount can be calculated based on the total amount and the supply amount even when the remaining amount of the beverage tank cannot be directly specified.

  The beverage dispenser according to the present invention can be input by selecting the total amount, and has the effect of reducing work labor when replacing the beverage tank.

  The beverage dispenser according to the present invention outputs the time until the beverage tank is emptied according to the supply frequency, so that it is possible to more reliably grasp the preparation period for replacing the beverage tank.

[Basic concept of the present invention]
First, the basic concept of the present invention will be described. The beverage dispenser according to the present invention is assumed to be used in a state where it is connected to a beverage tank that contains any beverage such as beer or juice, and monitors the remaining amount of beverage contained in this beverage tank. And has a function of issuing an alarm as necessary.

  In order to monitor this remaining amount, the beverage dispenser specifies the remaining amount of beverage inside the beverage tank at a predetermined time. Here, the total amount of beverage inside the beverage tank is, for example, the amount when the beverage tank is fully filled (hereinafter referred to as “full amount”) when a new beverage tank is connected to the beverage dispenser. Yes, when the used beverage tank is connected to the beverage dispenser, the remaining amount at the time of connection of the beverage tank.

  The remaining amount of the beverage can be specified directly or indirectly. For example, as a directly specifying method, the liquid level of the beer barrel can be detected, and the remaining amount of the beer barrel can be specified based on the liquid level, or the weight of the beer barrel can be measured, The remaining amount of the beer barrel can be specified based on the weight. Alternatively, when a sold-out is detected using a conventionally sold-out detection mechanism, it can be specified that the remaining amount is zero.

  Further, as a method of indirectly specifying, the total amount of beverages inside the beverage tank at a predetermined time point is specified, and the amount of beverage supplied from the beverage tank after the predetermined time point (hereinafter referred to as “supply amount”) is specified. Then, there is a method of specifying the remaining amount of beverage inside the beverage tank by subtracting the supply amount from the total amount. Here, the total amount can be specified manually or automatically. In addition, the supply amount is specified by a method of measuring the flow rate of the beverage dispensed by the beverage dispenser after connecting the beverage tank, or by the amount of the beverage dispensed by the beverage dispenser after connecting the beverage tank. This can be done by a method of integrating the amount dispensed and the number of times dispensed.

  The beverage dispenser according to the present invention has a function of predicting the time until the beverage tank is emptied (the time until the beverage is sold out, hereinafter referred to as “shortage prediction time”). The shortage prediction time can be calculated based on the supply frequency of the beverage per predetermined time and the supply frequency and the remaining amount of the beverage tank specified as described above. Then, this shortage prediction time can be notified to the operator.

  Exemplary embodiments of a beverage dispenser according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following examples, the case where the present invention is applied to a beverage dispenser (beer dispenser) that sells beer will be described. Therefore, in the following description, “beverage” is read as “beer”, “beverage tank” as “beer barrel”, and “supply” as “sale” as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  First, Example 1 of the beverage dispenser according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a beverage dispenser in the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage dispenser in the first embodiment.

[Basic configuration of beverage dispenser]
First, the basic configuration of the beverage dispenser will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispenser 1 is connected to a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 2 containing carbon dioxide gas and two beer barrels 3 containing beer, and can dispense beer in two systems. (Hereinafter, each system is distinguished as “line 1” or “line 2” as necessary). The beverage dispenser 1 includes a dispenser body 10, a beverage dispensing mechanism 20, a container tilting mechanism 30, and an operation panel 40.

  Among these, the dispenser body 10 includes a machine room 11 and a cooling water tank 12 as shown in FIG. The machine room 11 is disposed on the lower side of the dispenser body 10, and a cooling compressor 13 and a heat radiating fan 14 are disposed therein. Moreover, the cooling water tank 12 is arrange | positioned above the dispenser main body 10, The evaporator 15, the stirrer 16, and the two cooling coils 17 are arrange | positioned in the inside.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispensing mechanism 20 includes two systems of a dispensing valve 21, a dispensing lever 22, and a valve driving unit 23. Among these, the pouring valve 21 is a pouring means for pouring beer supplied from the beer barrel 3 through the dispenser body 10, and beer pouring port 24 for pouring beer and foam. And a foam pouring outlet 25. The pouring lever 22 is an operating means for opening and closing the pouring valve 21. When the pouring lever 22 is tilted in a predetermined direction, the beer is poured out from the beer pouring outlet 24 and is moved in a predetermined other direction. When tilted, the foam is poured out from the foam outlet 25. The valve drive unit 23 is a means for driving the valve by tilting the dispensing lever 22 and includes a valve drive motor 26 (illustrated only in FIG. 4 described later) as a drive source.

  In addition, the container tilting mechanism 30 includes two systems of a container cradle 31 and a cradle drive unit 32. The container cradle 31 is a holding means for holding various drinking containers (for example, paper cups, glasses, or mugs) that receive beer. The cradle drive unit 32 is a means for tilting the container cradle 31 to the tilted position or returning the container cradle 31 to the upright position. The cradle drive motor 33 (FIG. 4 described later) serves as a drive source. Only shown in FIG.

  The operation panel 40 is a means for an operator to operate the beverage dispenser 1 or to display and output various information to the operator, and is provided for each system. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the operation panel 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 40 has a beer continuous switch 41 for instructing continuous beer dispensing, a foam continuous switch 42 for instructing continuous foam dispensing, and a quantitative injection to a large mug. A quantitative button 43 for a large jug for instructing the dispensing, a quantitative button 44 for a middle jug for instructing a quantitative dispensing to a middle jug, and a quantitative for a glass to instruct a quantitative dispensing to a beer glass Button 45, three warning lamps 46 to 48 for warning the operator that the remaining amount of the beer barrel 3 is insufficient, a sold-out lamp 49 for notifying the operator that beer has been sold out, and various operations and information display A touch panel 50 is provided.

  Here, all or a part of the alarm lamps 46 to 48 for warning the shortage of the remaining amount of the beer barrel 3 is turned on according to the degree of shortage of the remaining level from level 1 to level 3. These alarm lamps 46 to 48 function as remaining amount information output means for outputting information on the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying unit 54 described later by output control of the remaining amount information output control unit 55 described later. The touch panel 50 includes a total amount specifying means for specifying the total amount of beer inside the beer barrel 3 at a predetermined time, a total amount information input means for receiving manual input of information for specifying the total amount, and a memory 52 to be described later. It functions as a total amount information selection means for presenting, in a selectable manner, information corresponding to the total amount of the beer barrel 3 actually connected to the beverage dispenser 1 from the information stored in the beverage dispenser 1.

[Electric configuration of beverage dispenser]
Next, the electrical configuration of the beverage dispenser 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the beverage dispenser. As shown in FIG. 4, the beverage dispenser 1 includes a flow meter 51, a memory 52, and a control unit 53 in addition to the valve drive motor 26, the cradle drive motor 33, and the operation panel 40 described above. Is provided.

  The flow meter 51 is provided in each of the two cooling coils 17, and measures the amount of beer flowing through the cooling coil 17 using rotating feathers, ultrasonic waves, or the like. In particular, in the first embodiment, the flow meter 51 functions as a supply amount specifying unit that specifies the amount of beer supplied from the beer barrel 3 after a predetermined time point, and a shortage detection unit that detects a shortage of beer in the beer barrel 3. Function as.

  The memory 52 is storage means for storing information in a rewritable manner, and is configured using, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory. In particular, in the first embodiment, the memory 52 stores the amount of each of the various beer barrels 3 that can be connected to the beverage dispenser 1, the total amount information of the beer barrels 3 in each system, and the remaining amount information of the beer barrels 3 in each system. , And thresholds for sold-out alarms of level 1 to level 3 described later are stored. The full amount and the threshold value can be set arbitrarily by the operator via the operation panel 40.

  The control unit 53 is a central control unit that controls each electrical component. In particular, the control unit 53 is provided with a remaining amount specifying unit 54 and a remaining amount information output control unit 55. Among these, the remaining amount specifying unit 54 is remaining amount specifying means for specifying the remaining amount of beer inside the beer barrel 3 at a predetermined time. The remaining amount information output control unit 55 is remaining amount information output control means for performing output control of information related to the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying unit 54.

[Basic operation of beverage dispenser]
The basic beer dispensing operation of the beverage dispenser 1 configured as described above is as follows. That is, the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide cylinder 2 is fed into the machine chamber 11 of the dispenser body 10 via the input side gas hose 4. The carbon dioxide gas is regulated in two systems by a pressure regulating means (not shown), and the carbon dioxide gas of each system is introduced into the beer barrel 3 via the output side gas hose 5.

  Due to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas, the beer accommodated in each beer barrel 3 is sent to the dispenser main body 10 via the beer pipelines 6 of different systems, and is guided to the two cooling coils 17 of the cooling water tank 12. Here, the cooling water around the cooling coil 17 is cooled by the evaporator 15 and stirred by the stirrer 16, so that it is kept at an appropriate temperature. Therefore, the beer guided to the cooling coil 17 is indirectly cooled by the cooling water while passing through the cooling coil 17. The beer thus cooled reaches the dispensing valve 21 of the beverage dispensing mechanism 20.

  In this state, when the operator places a drinking container (not shown) on the container cradle 31 and performs a predetermined dispensing request operation via the operation panel 40, the dispensing lever 22 is moved to the valve drive unit according to the content of the operation. It is tilted in one predetermined direction or the other direction via 23. Here, when the pouring lever 22 is tilted in the beer pouring direction, beer is poured out from the beer pouring port 24, and when the pouring lever 22 is tilted in the foam pouring direction, foam pouring is performed. Foam is poured out from the outlet 25.

  Further, when the operator's dispensing request is quantitative dispensing, at the same time as the beer dispensing starts, the container cradle 31 is tilted to the inclined position by the cradle driving unit 32 and the drinking container is tilted. Pouring takes place. This prevents beer from being poured into the side rather than the bottom of the drinking container, resulting in excess foam. When it is detected from the flow rate information from the flow meter 51 that a predetermined amount of beer has been dispensed, the dispensing lever 22 is tilted to the stop position by the valve drive unit 23, and the container pedestal 31 Is tilted to the upright position by the cradle drive unit 32, and beer pouring is completed.

[Remaining amount monitoring processing]
Next, the remaining amount monitoring process by the beverage dispenser 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the remaining amount monitoring process. This process is started at a predetermined activation timing. For example, the process is started when an operator turns on a power supply (not shown) of the beverage dispenser 1.

  First, the total amount and remaining amount of each beer barrel 3 stored in the memory 52 are initialized by the control unit 53 (step S1). However, the previous remaining amount can be used continuously, and in this case, the remaining amount initialization and the remaining amount specifying process described later may be skipped. Thereafter, the total amount specifying process is executed (step S2). In this total amount specifying process, the total amount of beer remaining in the beer barrel 3 is specified. Then, a remaining amount identification process is performed (step S3). In this remaining amount specifying process, every time beer is poured out, the remaining amount of beer inside the beer barrel 3 is calculated. Thereafter, an alarm / notification process is performed (step S4). In this alarm / notification process, a warning or notification based on the remaining amount of beer is performed as necessary.

[Total amount identification processing]
Next, the total amount specifying process in FIG. 5 will be described in more detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the total amount specifying process. First, the control unit 53 displays on the touch panel 50 a message for prompting input of the total amount of beer in the beer barrel 3 connected to the beverage dispenser 1 at that time, and an option for selectively inputting the total amount. (Step S10). Then, the controller 53 monitors whether the total amount is input or selected (step S11).

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a message 50 a that prompts the user to input the total amount of beer and a numeric keypad 50 b that enables numerical input are displayed on the touch panel 50. When the operator inputs a beer amount using the numeric keypad, the input beer amount is stored in the memory 52 as a total amount (step S12). Further, the full amount of each of the various beer barrels 3 that can be connected to the beverage dispenser 1 is called from the memory 52 by the control unit 53, and as shown in FIG. 7, a message 50c for prompting selection of the full amount and the full amount are displayed. A plurality of corresponding options 50d are displayed on the touch panel 50. When the operator selects one of the full amounts on the touch panel 50 (step S13), the selected full amount is stored in the memory 52 as a total amount (step S14). This completes the total amount specifying process.

[Remaining amount identification processing]
Next, the remaining amount identifying process in FIG. 5 will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the remaining amount specifying process. First, the presence or absence of beer extraction is monitored by the control unit 53 (step S20). For example, when the operator presses the beer continuous switch 41, the foam continuous switch 42, or the fixed amount buttons 43 to 45 on the operation panel 40, it is determined that beer has been poured out. In this case, the control unit 53 specifies the supply amount of beer based on the output from the flow meter 51 (step S21).

  Next, the remaining amount specifying unit 54 determines whether or not the beer has been sold out (step S22). For example, when the output from the flow meter 51 is monitored by the control unit 53 and beer is detected by the flow meter 51, it is determined that the beer is not sold out. In this case, the remaining amount of beer in the beer barrel 3 at that time is calculated by subtracting the supply amount specified based on the output of the flow meter 51 from the total amount stored in the memory 52 in the total amount specifying process, and the memory 52 (step S23). In the second and subsequent main processes, the remaining amount specified in the previous remaining amount specifying process is used instead of the total amount. Thus, the memory 52 always stores the latest remaining amount of each beer barrel 3 at that time.

  On the other hand, if beer is no longer detected by the flow meter 51 within a predetermined time, it is determined that the beer has been sold out. In this case, the remaining amount of the system for which it is determined that beer has been sold out of the remaining amounts for each system stored in the memory 52 is set to zero by the remaining capacity specifying unit 54 (step S24). This makes it possible to specify the remaining amount using the sold-out detection means. This completes the remaining amount identifying process.

[Alarm / notification processing]
Next, the alarm / notification process of FIG. 5 will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the alarm / notification process. First, the remaining amount information output control unit 55 calls the latest remaining amount stored in the remaining amount specifying process and the threshold value for the sold-out alarm of levels 1 to 3 from the memory 52, and the remaining amount and the threshold value are obtained. To be compared. Here, the thresholds for sold-out alarms at levels 1 to 3 are in the relationship of the threshold for sold-out alarms at level 1> the threshold for sold-out alarms at level 2> the threshold for sold-out alarms at level 3 and from level 1 to level 3 is set so as to indicate that the possibility of being sold out increases (becomes less beer in the beer barrel 3).

  When the remaining amount of beer is greater than the threshold for the level 1 sold-out alarm (when there is a sufficient amount of beer), the remaining amount information output control unit 55 turns on all the alarm lamps of levels 1 to 3. (Steps S30 and S31). The operation panel 40 in this state is shown in FIG. Thus, the operator can grasp that the beer is sufficiently left.

  In FIG. 9, the remaining amount of beer is equal to or less than the threshold value for the level 1 sold-out alarm, but is larger than the threshold value for the level 2 sold-out alarm (the possibility that the beer will be sold out slightly decreases). When it is determined that the remaining amount information output control unit 55 is turned on, only the level 2 and 3 warning lamps are turned on (steps S32 and S33). The operation panel 40 in this state is shown in FIG. Thereby, the operator can grasp that beer has decreased a little.

  Further, in FIG. 9, the remaining amount of beer is equal to or lower than the threshold for the level 2 sold-out alarm, but is larger than the threshold for the level 3 sold-out alarm (beer is considerably reduced and the possibility of being sold out increases). The remaining amount information output control unit 55 turns on only the level 3 warning lamp (steps S34 and S35). The operation panel 40 in this state is shown in FIG. This allows the operator to grasp that beer has decreased considerably.

  Here, in FIG. 9, if the remaining amount of beer is at least greater than the threshold for the sold-out warning of level 3, it is considered that the beer has not yet been sold and can be dispensed next time. Shift to the quantity identification process and monitor the next beer dispensing request. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the remaining amount of beer is less than or equal to the threshold for the level 3 sold-out alarm, the remaining amount information output control unit 55 turns off all the level 1 to 3 alarm lamps and turns on the sold-out lamp (step). S36). The operation panel 40 in this state is shown in FIG. As a result, the operator can grasp that the beer has been sold out. In addition, when it is determined that the beer has been sold out in this way, the next beer cannot be poured out until the beer barrel 3 is replaced. finish.

  Thus, according to the configuration and processing of the first embodiment, the beer barrel 3 can be alerted to the operator of the remaining amount of beer before it is sold out, and the replacement beer barrel 3 is cooled in advance. A sufficient preparation period for replacing the beer can be secured, and beer can be smoothly supplied over a long period of time. In particular, the total amount can be input by selecting the full amount, and the work effort when replacing the beer barrel 3 is reduced. Further, when the beer is sold out, the remaining amount is set to zero, and the sold-out notification can be performed.

  Next, a beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of an operation panel according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram conceptually showing an electrical configuration of the beverage dispenser. The structure and method that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and the same components are described with the same reference numerals.

[Electric configuration of beverage dispenser]
As shown in these drawings, the operation panel 56 is provided with a barrel replacement switch 57 for the operator to manually input that the beer barrel 3 has been replaced. This barrel exchange switch 57 functions as an exchange detection means for detecting that the beer barrel 3 has been exchanged. Moreover, in the present Example 2, when the control part 58 detects that the beer barrel 3 was replaced | exchanged with the barrel replacement switch 57, the total amount specific | specification means which makes the total amount of beer inside the beer barrel 3 a predetermined amount Function as. In addition, the memory 59 stores a full amount of beer in the beer barrel 3 that is normally used (most frequently).

[Total amount identification processing]
Next, the total amount specifying process in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the total amount specifying process. First, input of the total amount of beer in the beer barrel 3 is requested by the control unit 58 (step S40). When this input is made, the input total amount is stored in the memory 59 (steps S41 and S42). In Example 2, provision of options for the total amount of beer is omitted. Moreover, the presence or absence of replacement | exchange of the beer barrel 3 is monitored by the control part 58 (step S43). Specifically, the control unit 58 monitors whether or not the barrel replacement switch 57 is pressed.

  When the operator replaces the beer barrel 3 and presses the barrel replacement switch 57, the control unit 58 detects that fact. In addition, which beer barrel 3 of the two systems has been replaced can be detected by an arbitrary method, for example, the operator can input a system number via the touch panel 50, or the barrel replacement switch 57 Is pressed only once within a predetermined short time, it is determined that the beer barrel 3 of the system 1 is replaced, and when it is pressed only twice within a predetermined short time, the beer barrel 3 of the system 2 is determined. It can be determined that this is an exchange. When the replacement of the beer barrel 3 is detected in this way, the control unit 58 calls the beer full amount of the beer barrel 3 that is normally used from the memory 59 (step S44), and this full amount is replaced. The total amount of the system is stored in the memory 59 (step S45). This completes the total amount specifying process.

  As described above, according to the configuration and processing of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the total amount is automatically set when the beer barrel 3 is replaced. Labor can be reduced.

  Next, a beverage dispenser according to Example 3 will be described. FIG. 17 is a schematic side sectional view showing a beverage dispenser in Example 3, and FIG. 18 is a block diagram conceptually showing an electrical configuration of the beverage dispenser. The structure and method that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and the same components are described with the same reference numerals.

[Basic configuration of beverage dispenser]
As shown in FIG. 17, a bar code 7 indicating the full amount of the beer barrel 3 is attached to each beer barrel 3. In practice, the barcode 7 can be attached in various forms. For example, the barcode 7 is attached to a vinyl cover that seals the valve of the beer barrel 3 in order to maintain the hygiene of the valve. Alternatively, a list of a plurality of barcodes 7 indicating the filling amounts of a plurality of types of beer barrels 3 may be prepared, and the operator may select a barcode 7 corresponding to the replaced beer barrel 3. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the beverage dispenser 1 is provided with a barcode reader 8 for optically scanning the barcode 7. The barcode reader 8 functions as a means for reading the barcode 7 including information for specifying the total amount. As shown in FIG. 18, the beverage dispenser 1 is provided with a control unit 60.

[Total amount identification processing]
Next, the total amount specifying process in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the total amount specifying process. First, the control unit 60 requests the input of the total amount of beer in the beer barrel 3 connected to the beverage dispenser at that time (step S50), and when the input is made, the input total amount is stored in the memory 52. Stored (steps S51 and S52). In Example 3, provision of options for the total amount of beer is omitted. Moreover, the presence or absence of replacement | exchange of the beer barrel 3 is monitored by the control part 60 (step S53). Specifically, the presence or absence of scanning of the barcode 7 by the barcode reader 8 is monitored.

  When the operator replaces the beer barrel 3 and scans the barcode 7 attached to the beer barrel 3 with the barcode reader 8, the total amount contained in the barcode 7 is read. In addition, about which beer barrel 3 of two systems was replaced | exchanged can be detected by arbitrary methods, for example, an operator is made to input via the touch panel 50. FIG. The total amount read in this way is stored in the memory 52 as the total amount of the exchanged system (step S54). This completes the total amount specifying process.

  Thus, according to the configuration and processing of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the total amount of the beer barrel 3 is automatically set only by scanning the barcode 7, so that the beer barrel replacement is performed. In addition to reducing the labor involved, the total amount can be set more reliably.

  Next, a beverage dispenser according to Example 4 will be described. FIG. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the beverage dispenser in the fourth embodiment. The structure and method that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and the same components are described with the same reference numerals.

[Electric configuration of beverage dispenser]
As shown in FIG. 20, the beverage dispenser 1 includes a timer 61. The control unit 62 includes a supply frequency specifying unit 63 and a shortage prediction time calculating unit 64. The supply frequency specifying unit 63 is a supply frequency specifying unit that calculates the supply frequency of beer from the beer barrel 3. Further, the shortage prediction time calculation unit 64 calculates the shortage prediction time of beer in the beer barrel 3 based on the supply frequency specified by the supply frequency specification unit 63 and the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specification unit. This is a shortage prediction time calculation means for calculating.

[Alarm / notification processing]
Next, alarm / notification processing in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the alarm / informing process. Here, steps S60 to S66 are the same as steps S30 to S36 of FIG. When the alarm lamps 46 to 48 are turned on in steps S61, S63, and S65, a shortage prediction process is performed (step S67). This shortage prediction process is a process for predicting the sellout of beer based on the frequency with which beer is sold. The reason why the shortage prediction process is performed when the alarm lamps 46 to 48 are turned on in this way is that, in this case, beer still remains in the beer barrel 3 and it is meaningful to perform the shortage prediction. And after performing shortage prediction, it transfers to the residual amount identification process of FIG. 8, and the next beer extraction is monitored. On the other hand, when the sold-out lamp 49 is turned on, it is no longer meaningful to make a shortage prediction, so the warning / notification processing is terminated without performing the shortage prediction processing.

[Insufficient forecast processing]
Next, the shortage prediction process will be described in more detail. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the shortage prediction process. First, the supply frequency specifying unit 63 calculates the supply frequency (sales frequency) of beer (step S70). Specifically, the sales time is acquired from the timer 61 by the supply frequency specifying unit 63. The timer 61 is reset, for example, when a beverage dispenser is turned on (not shown), and records the sales time by counting the elapsed time thereafter. Further, the supply frequency specifying unit 63 calls the total amount and the remaining amount stored in the memory 52, and calculates the amount of beer sold so far by subtracting the remaining amount from the total amount. Then, the supply frequency specifying unit 63 calculates the sales frequency by dividing the amount of sold beer by the sales time.

  Thereafter, the shortage prediction time calculation unit 64 calculates the shortage prediction time by integrating the previously calculated sales frequency and the remaining amount acquired from the memory 52 (step S71). Then, the remaining amount information output control unit compares the shortage prediction time with a predetermined threshold (step S72), and when the shortage prediction time is equal to or smaller than the threshold, a predetermined output for notifying the operator of the shortage prediction time. Is performed (step S73). For example, as shown in FIG. 23, a message 50e including a shortage prediction time is displayed on the touch panel 50. This completes the shortage prediction process.

  Thus, according to the configuration and processing of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the time until the beer barrel 3 becomes empty is displayed according to the sales frequency. The preparation period for replacement can be grasped more reliably.

[Possibility of modification and improvement]
While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and method of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. it can. In addition, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above contents, and the present invention solves the problems not described above or has the effects not described above. There are also cases where only some of the described problems are solved or only some of the described effects are achieved. Further, all or any part of the control described as being automatically performed in each of the above embodiments may be performed manually.

  In addition, each component block in the control unit shown in each embodiment can actually be configured as a computer program that is read and executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or by hard-wired logic. Can be configured. Further, the actual division unit of the function of each component block is arbitrary, and the function of each component block may be executed in an integrated manner with one computer program. Alternatively, the function of each component block may be configured as described above in the configuration example. It may be divided into a larger number of lower functions.

  Moreover, in each Example, although the dispenser which sells beer was illustrated, this invention is applicable similarly to all the dispensers which supply arbitrary drinks for a fee or free of charge. Moreover, in each Example, although the automatic dispenser which pours out automatically was illustrated, this invention is similarly applied to the manual dispenser which an operator tilts the pour lever 22 and pours beer manually. it can. Moreover, in each Example, the supply amount of beer is acquired via the flow meter 51, but as described above, the beer extraction amount (a predetermined capacity of a mug or glass) per one time and the injection You may calculate based on the product with the number of times of taking out. Alternatively, the remaining amount of beer in the beer barrel 3 may be directly specified by the liquid level and weight of the beer barrel 3. In addition, warnings and notifications can be performed in various forms. In addition to the warning lamp and touch panel 50 described above, a predetermined voice message or alarm sound is output, or a specific numerical value indicating the remaining amount is displayed. Also good.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to monitoring the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage tank, but also to monitoring the remaining amount of gas in a gas cylinder necessary for supplying the beverage. For example, in the first embodiment, a pressure gauge is provided around the valve of the carbon dioxide gas cylinder (gas cylinder) 2 and the measured value of the pressure gauge is input to the remaining amount specifying unit, whereby the remaining amount of the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 2 is directly specified. it can. Then, an alarm or shortage notification can be performed by comparing the remaining amount with a predetermined threshold. According to this configuration, it is possible to secure a sufficient preparation period for replacing the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 2 before the gas runs out, which meets the object of the present invention of smoothly supplying a beverage over a long period of time.

  As described above, the beverage dispenser according to the present invention is useful for monitoring the remaining amount of a beverage tank or a gas cylinder, and is particularly suitable for supplying a beverage smoothly over a long period of time.

It is a schematic sectional side view which shows the drink dispenser in Example 1. FIG. It is a front view of the drink dispenser in Example 1. It is an enlarged front view of an operation panel. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of a drink dispenser. It is a flowchart of remaining amount monitoring processing. It is a flowchart of a total amount specific process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen in a total amount specific process. It is a flowchart of remaining amount identification processing. It is a flowchart of a warning and alerting | reporting process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation panel in a warning and alerting | reporting process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation panel in a warning and alerting | reporting process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation panel in a warning and alerting | reporting process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation panel in a warning and alerting | reporting process. 10 is an enlarged front view of an operation panel according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of a drink dispenser. It is a flowchart of a total amount specific process. It is a schematic sectional side view which shows the drink dispenser in Example 3. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of a drink dispenser. It is a flowchart of a total amount specific process. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of the drink dispenser in Example 4. FIG. It is a flowchart of a warning and alerting | reporting process. It is a flowchart of a shortage prediction process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen in a shortage estimation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Beverage dispenser 2 Carbon dioxide cylinder 3 Beer barrel 4 Input side gas hose 5 Output side gas hose 6 Beer pipe line 10 Dispenser main body 11 Machine room 12 Cooling water tank 13 Cooling compressor 14 Heat radiation fan 15 Evaporator 16 Stirrer 17 Cooling coil 20 Beverage pouring Mechanism 21 Pouring valve 22 Pouring lever 23 Valve driving unit 24 Beer pouring port 25 Foam pouring port 26 Valve drive motor 30 Container tilting mechanism 31 Container cradle 32 Receptacle driving unit 33 Receptacle driving motor 40, 56 Operation panel 41 Beer Continuous switch 42 Continuous bubble switch 43 to 45 Fixed button 46 to 48 Alarm lamp 49 Sold out lamp 50 Touch panel 51 Flow meter 52, 59 Memory 53, 58, 60, 62 Control unit 54, 59 Remaining amount specifying unit 55 Residual amount information output control Club 57 61 Timer 63 supply frequency specifying section 64 shortage prediction time calculator

Claims (2)

A beverage dispenser for supplying a beverage in a beverage tank,
A remaining amount identifying means for identifying the remaining amount of the beverage inside the beverage tank at a predetermined time;
Remaining amount information output control means for performing output control of information relating to the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means;
Remaining amount information output means for outputting information on the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means by output control of the remaining amount information output control means;
A total amount specifying means for specifying the total amount of the beverage inside the beverage tank at a predetermined time;
Supply amount specifying means for specifying the supply amount of the beverage supplied from the beverage tank after the predetermined time point,
The remaining amount identifying means is
The remaining amount is calculated based on the total amount specified by the total amount specifying means and the supply amount specified by the supply amount specifying means,
The total amount specifying means is:
Total amount information storage means for storing information for specifying the total amount of each of the plurality of beverage tanks that can be connected to the beverage dispenser;
A total amount information selection means for presenting selectable information corresponding to the total amount of the beverage tank actually connected to the beverage dispenser from the information stored in the total amount information storage means. Beverage dispenser characterized by. A beverage dispenser for supplying a beverage in a beverage tank,
A remaining amount identifying means for identifying the remaining amount of the beverage inside the beverage tank at a predetermined time;
Remaining amount information output control means for performing output control of information relating to the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means;
Remaining amount information output means for outputting information on the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means by output control of the remaining amount information output control means;
Supply frequency specifying means for specifying the supply frequency of the beverage from the beverage tank;
Based on the supply frequency specified by the supply frequency specifying means and the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount specifying means, a shortage prediction time calculation for calculating the shortage prediction time of the beverage in the beverage tank. Means, and
The remaining amount information output control means performs output control of information on the shortage prediction time of the beverage based on the calculation result of the shortage prediction time calculation means,
The remaining amount information output means outputs information related to the predicted shortage time of the beverage by output control of the remaining amount information output control means;
Beverage dispenser characterized by.

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