JP4243907B2 - Beverage pouring method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing method and apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a beverage dispenser called a server or dispenser that dispenses and sells carbon dioxide-containing beverages such as beer and sparkling liquor from containers such as barrels is a gas that does not adversely affect the taste of beverages such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas Is used, the gas is introduced into the container, pumped by the pressure applied by the gas, and poured into a jug. In such a pouring device, if the gas pressure is set high, the pouring flow rate can be increased and the pouring time can be shortened.
[0003]
On the other hand, a carbon dioxide-containing beverage has a predetermined gas content and exhibits its own unique taste, and it is necessary to maintain the gas content. In addition, the predetermined gas content varies depending on the liquid temperature of the beverage, and the higher the temperature, the easier the carbon dioxide gas is separated. Therefore, it is necessary to store in an appropriate pressurized state corresponding to the liquid temperature.
[0004]
Therefore, when the pressure of gas is set high and pressure is continuously applied in order to shorten the dispensing time, if the set value is too higher than the appropriate value, the beverage absorbs the gas and a so-called supersaturated state occurs. On the other hand, if the set value is too low, gas is released from the beverage, and a so-called outgassing state occurs.
[0005]
Therefore, in the conventional dispensing device, the pressurization pressure was determined with emphasis on maintaining the taste, but when the liquid temperature of the beverage was low, the pressurizing force was reduced and the dispensing flow rate was reduced. .
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
This is not limited to carbon dioxide-containing beverages, and other beverages are not affected by the above effects (in this case, pressurization) when using a type of dispensing device that dispenses by gas pressure. The gas used in the process may be absorbed by the beverage).
[0007]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a pouring method capable of increasing the flow rate at the time of pouring and adjusting the gas pressure to an appropriate gas pressure according to the liquid temperature at the time of storage, and an apparatus for this purpose.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the method of the present invention is a dispensing method for dispensing a beverage by supplying a pressurized gas for beverage pumping to a beverage in a container, and detecting the start of the dispensing operation, Supplying pressurized gas into the beverage container, detecting completion of the dispensing operation, cutting off the supply of the pressurized gas and adjusting the gas pressure in the container to a pressure suitable for the liquid temperature of the beverage As a method for pouring a gas-containing beverage having a process, the start of pouring is detected, the gas pressure in the container is increased to increase the pouring flow rate, and after the pouring is finished, the gas pressure is adjusted according to the temperature. Keep in storage.
[0009]
In addition, after the completion of the dispensing operation is detected, the gas pressure in the container is suitable for the liquid temperature of the beverage in the container after the set time has elapsed and the supply of the pressurized gas is cut off. If the pressure is adjusted, the consumption of gas can be reduced.
[0010]
Moreover, it is a dispensing device for dispensing a beverage by supplying a pressurized gas for beverage pumping to the beverage in the container, and a supply path for supplying gas into the container, and a first provided in the supply path 1 opening / closing means, adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the pressurized gas in the container, temperature measuring means for measuring the liquid temperature of the beverage in the container, and pressure for measuring the pressure of the pressurized gas in the container Based on information from the measuring means, the first detecting means for detecting the start of the dispensing operation, the second detecting means for detecting the completion of the dispensing operation, and the information from the measuring means and the detecting means. As a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising at least an opening / closing means and a control means for controlling the operation of the adjusting means, it is possible to automatically increase gas pressure during dispensing and automatically adjust gas pressure during storage.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an apparatus according to the present invention. A first opening / closing means here, a first electromagnetic valve V1, is connected to a pressure regulating valve 3 attached to the mouth of a gas cylinder 1, and a supply path, here a tube 5 is shown. Connect with. Gas-containing beverage 6 Here, a container 7 containing beer normally forms an empty portion 8 occupied by gas at the top of the gas-containing beverage 6. The stopper 9 of the container 7 has a gas inlet 9 a connected to the first electromagnetic valve V <b> 1 by the tube 5. By opening the plug 9, the inlet 9 a communicates with the empty part 8, gas can be supplied, and the pipe 9 b for pouring extending through the plug 9 communicates with the server. Liquid supply becomes possible. Further, near the outlet of the stopper 9, a temperature measuring means, here, a temperature sensor TS and a pressure measuring means, here, a pressure sensor PS are attached. When the stopper 9 is opened, the pressure of the empty portion in the container is 9b. The liquid temperature is detected as the fluid pressure passed through, and the dispensing is started, and the liquid temperature is detected as the content liquid flows. The liquid temperature can also be determined from the surface temperature at the outer wall of the barrel (container). Further, a pipe 9 b for pouring extends through the stopper 9 to the vicinity of the bottom of the container 7.
[0012]
Second opening / closing means as adjusting means Here, the second electromagnetic valve V2 is connected to the gas inlet of the plug 9 by the tube 5. The second solenoid valve V2 is a solenoid valve for gas escape. The server 12 having the temperature controller 12a and the dispensing tap 10 has its inlet 12b connected to the upper end of the pipe 9b for dispensing the plug 9 by the tube 5. The dispensing tap 10 is provided with a switch 10a that works in conjunction with the dispensing tap. Reference numeral 13 denotes a cup that receives beer from the dispensing tap. The control unit 14 includes a control circuit, and is connected to the switch 10 a, the first electromagnetic valve V 1, the second electromagnetic valve V 2, the temperature sensor TS, the pressure sensor PS and the signal transmission line 15.
[0013]
Next, an embodiment of a dispensing method using the above apparatus will be described.
[0014]
(I) The pressure regulating valve 3 is adjusted to a pressure at which a predetermined flow rate can be dispensed, for example, 0.3 to 0.4 Mpa.
[0015]
(Ii) When the dispensing tap 10 is opened and the dispensing is started, the pressure sensor PS detects decompression (usually 0.02 to 0.03 MPa) due to the dispensing switch or the dispensing tap operation linked to the dispensing tap 10. Then, the first electromagnetic valve V1 is opened by an instruction from the control unit, and the gas pressure in the container 7 is increased to the set pressure of the pressure regulating valve 3 to ensure the dispensing flow rate. For example, it is 60 ml / sec at 0.3 Mpa and 20 ml / sec at 0.1 Mpa.
[0016]
(Iii) The completion of dispensing when the dispensing tap 10 is closed is detected by the above-described dispensing switch, the pressure sensor PS of the container 7 or a pressure sensor provided separately. These serve as first detection means for detecting the start of the dispensing operation and also serve as second detection means for detecting the completion of the dispensing operation.
[0017]
(Iv) Upon receipt of this signal, the control unit closes the first electromagnetic valve V1, and until the second electromagnetic valve V2 reaches the pressure of the pressure sensor PS corresponding to the liquid temperature measured by the temperature sensor TS of the carbonated beverage, for example When the liquid temperature is 5 ° C., the gas is released as shown by arrow A until the pressure reaches 0.1 MPa, and then closed.
[0018]
It is wasteful to adjust the pressure by performing the step (iv) every time when the dispensing of the above step (iii) is completed, exhausting the gas such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the gas cylinder 1 every time it is pressurized and released. . Therefore, a timer for operating the step (iv) after a certain time has elapsed after detecting the operation signal of the dispensing tap is set and set, for example, when the dispensing operation is not performed for 20 minutes, the step (iv ) To reduce gas consumption. In this case, the first solenoid valve V1 may be closed after detecting the completion of the dispensing. This is to prevent any gas from being dissolved into the beer.
[0019]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a beverage dispensing method and apparatus capable of increasing the flow rate during dispensing and adjusting the gas pressure to an appropriate gas pressure according to the liquid temperature during storage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas cylinder, 3 Pressure regulation valve, V1 1st solenoid valve, 5 Tube, 6 Gas-containing drink (beer), 7 Container, 8 Empty part, 9 Plug, 9a Gas inlet, TS temperature sensor, PS pressure sensor, 9b Pipe for pouring, V2 second solenoid valve, 10 pouring tap, 10a switch, 12 server, 12a temperature controller, 13 cups, 14 control unit.

Claims (3)

A dispensing method for dispensing a beverage by supplying a pressurized gas for beverage feeding to a beverage in a container, the step of detecting the start of a dispensing operation and supplying the pressurized gas into the beverage container; Detecting the completion of the pouring operation, cutting off the supply of the pressurized gas, and adjusting the gas pressure in the container to a pressure suitable for the liquid temperature of the beverage. Out method. After detecting the completion of the dispensing operation, when the set time has elapsed and the supply of the pressurized gas is cut off, the gas pressure in the container is a pressure suitable for the liquid temperature of the beverage in the container The method for pouring a beverage according to claim 1, wherein the method is adjusted to the above. A dispensing device for dispensing a beverage by supplying a pressurized gas for beverage pressure feeding to a beverage in a container, wherein a supply path for supplying gas into the container and a first provided in the supply path Opening / closing means, adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the pressurized gas in the container, temperature measuring means for measuring the liquid temperature of the beverage in the container, and pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure of the pressurized gas in the container First detection means for detecting the start of the dispensing operation, second detection means for detecting the completion of the dispensing operation, and the first opening / closing means based on information from each of the measurement means and the detection means And at least a control means for controlling the operation of the adjusting means.

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