JP7328140B2 - Beverage supply system cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for beverage supply systems.

Conventionally, there is known a beverage supply system in which a beverage transferred from a beverage container by gas is supplied from a beverage dispenser to the outside (for example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2). A user of such a beverage dispensing system can easily obtain a desired amount of beverage by pouring the beverage from a beverage dispenser into a container (such as a glass).

However, beverage remains in the beverage flow path after the beverage delivery system has finished dispensing the beverage. Leftover beverage may cause deterioration of the beverage, breeding of microorganisms, and the like. For this reason, regular cleaning of the beverage delivery system is carried out in order to prevent deterioration of the taste of the beverage.

JP 2004-168319 A JP-A-2000-016495

For example, Patent Literature 1 describes cleaning a beverage supply system by running water through a beverage flow path. However, since the beverage cooling pipe provided in the beverage dispenser for cooling the beverage is a coiled elongated pipe, the pressure loss is large when water flows through the beverage cooling pipe. As a result, the flow rate of the water supplied to the beverage channel is reduced, and the detergency of the water is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to enhance the cleaning power of water when cleaning a beverage supply system with water.

The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) A cleaning apparatus for a beverage supply system, wherein the beverage supply system includes a beverage container for containing a beverage, a dispense head attachable to the beverage container, a gas supply source, and the gas supply source. a beverage dispenser including a gas supply path connecting the dispense head, a beverage cooling pipe, and a tap connected to the beverage cooling pipe; and a beverage transfer path connecting the dispense head and the beverage cooling pipe. wherein the dispense head is configured to supply water to the beverage transfer path during cleaning of the beverage delivery system, and the beverage delivery system cleaning device bypasses the beverage cooling pipe from the beverage delivery path. A cleaning device for a beverage delivery system, comprising a bypass line feeding said tap.

(2) The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (1) above, wherein the bypass path is connected to the beverage transfer path outside the beverage dispenser and extends outside the beverage dispenser.

(3) The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (1) above, wherein the bypass path is connected to the beverage transfer path inside the beverage dispenser and extends inside the beverage dispenser.

(4) Any one of (1) to (3) above, further comprising a water container for containing water, wherein the dispensing head is attached to the water container during cleaning of the beverage supply system. Cleaning equipment for beverage supply systems.

(5) at least one of a water supply channel connecting a water supply source for supplying water and the dispense head, a gas on-off valve for opening and closing the gas supply channel, and a water on-off valve for opening and closing the water supply channel; ( 4) A cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of the above items.

(6) The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of (1) to (4) above, further comprising a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass passage, wherein the controller controls the bypass valve.

(7) The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (5) above, further comprising a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass passage, wherein the controller controls the bypass valve.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the detergency of water when washing a beverage supply system with water can be improved. In addition, it is possible to improve the certainty of washing a washing portion such as an extraction tap.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system to which a cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control routine for the cleaning process. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control routine for water bullet control.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements.

<First embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

<Beverage supply system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system to which a cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The beverage supply system 1 comprises a gas supply source 10 , a beverage container 20 , a beverage dispenser 30 , a dispense head 50 , a gas supply line 60 and a beverage transfer line 70 . The beverage supply system 1 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 to the outside from the beverage dispenser 30 . A user of the beverage supply system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “user”) can easily obtain a desired amount of beverage by pouring the beverage from the beverage dispenser 30 into the container 200 .

A gas supply path 60 connects the gas supply source 10 and the dispensing head 50 . The gas supply path 60 is configured, for example, as a gas supply hose, and is made of various materials (for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)) that can withstand gas pressure. , polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

A beverage transfer path 70 connects the dispense head 50 and the beverage dispenser 30 . The beverage transfer path 70 is configured, for example, as a beverage transfer hose and is made of various materials (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer ( ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

Each component of the beverage supply system 1 will be described in detail below.

The gas supply source 10 supplies gases such as carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide gas), nitrogen gas, and compressed air. The gas supply source 10 includes a gas pressure reducing valve 11 , and the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is regulated by the gas pressure reducing valve 11 . The gas supply source 10 is configured, for example, as a gas cylinder. The gas supply source 10 is connected to the gas supply path 60 , and the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is supplied to the beverage container 20 through the gas supply path 60 and the dispensing head 50 .

The beverage containing container 20 contains a beverage. For example, beverage container 20 contains a sparkling beverage. Effervescent beverages include beer, beer-style alcoholic beverages, beer-taste beverages, chuhai, whiskey-containing beverages (whiskey, highballs, etc.), carbonated juices, and the like. Beer-style alcoholic beverages include happoshu, beer-flavored effervescent alcoholic beverages produced from raw materials other than malt, or mixtures of happoshu with barley-derived alcoholic beverages (so-called third beer), and the like. Beer-taste beverages include non-alcoholic beer and the like. The beverage storage container 20 is configured as, for example, a beverage barrel that stores a sparkling beverage.

Note that the beverage storage container 20 may store a non-sparkling beverage. Non-sparkling beverages include coffee, wine, and the like.

Beverage container 20 includes a known spear valve (not shown) that functions as a mouthpiece for beverage container 20 . The spear valve extends from the top of the beverage container 20 to near the bottom of the beverage container 20 .

A dispense head 50 is attachable to the beverage container 20 . When a beverage is to be dispensed by the beverage supply system 1 , the dispense head 50 is attached to the beverage container 20 , specifically to a spear valve (not shown) of the beverage container 20 .

Dispense head 50 includes fluid inlet 51 and fluid outlet 52 . A gas supply line 60 is connected to the fluid inlet 51 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the beverage container 20 via the dispense head 50 and the spear valve. The gas supply line 60 is thus connected to the beverage container 20 via the dispensing head 50 . The beverage transfer path 70 is also connected to the fluid outlet 52 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the beverage container 20 via the dispense head 50 and the spear valve. Accordingly, the beverage transfer path 70 is connected to the beverage container 20 via the dispense head 50 .

Dispense head 50 also includes an operating lever 53 . The operating lever 53 is operated by a user and switched between, for example, an upper position and a lower position. When the operating lever 53 is in the upper position, the dispense head 50 blocks fluid communication between the gas supply line 60 and the interior of the beverage container 20 and inhibits the supply of gas into the beverage container 20 . Therefore, when the beverage stored in the beverage storage container 20 is exhausted and the beverage storage container 20 is replaced with a new beverage storage container, the user sets the position of the operation lever 53 to the upper position.

On the other hand, when the operating lever 53 is in the lower position, the dispense head 50 allows fluid communication between the gas supply passage 60 and the interior of the beverage container 20 to allow gas to be supplied into the beverage container 20 . Therefore, when the beverage is transferred from the beverage container 20 to the beverage dispenser 30, that is, when the beverage is supplied from the beverage dispenser 30 to the outside, the user sets the operating lever 53 to the lower position. When gas is supplied into the beverage container 20 , the gas pushes the liquid level of the beverage down, pushing the beverage upward through the spear valve and out of the beverage container 20 into the beverage transfer path 70 .

The beverage dispenser 30 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 to the outside (outside the beverage dispenser 30). FIG. 1 shows the beverage dispenser 30 with the cover removed. The beverage dispenser 30 includes a coiled beverage cooling tube 31 , a tap 32 , a cooling water tank 33 and a cooling device 34 .

A beverage transfer path 70 connects the dispense head 50 and the beverage cooling tube 31 of the beverage dispenser 30 . One end of the beverage cooling pipe 31 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 and the other end of the beverage cooling pipe 31 is connected to the tap 32 . Beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 reaches the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 . At this time, when the handle of the tap 32 is operated by the user (for example, the handle is pulled forward), the valve of the tap 32 is opened and the beverage is poured from the tap 32 into the container 200 (stein, glass, etc.). The container 200 is pre-installed under the tap 32 by the user. If the beverage is beer, the tap 32 may be configured to supply beer when the handle is pulled forward and foam when the handle is pushed back.

The user supplies water to the cooling water tank 33 in advance, and the cooling water tank 33 is filled with water. The cooling device 34 includes a refrigerator (not shown), a coiled coolant flow pipe 35 and an agitator 36 . The cooling device 34 generates ice around the refrigerant circulation pipe 35 by the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator to the refrigerant circulation pipe 35, and cools the water in the cooling water tank 33 with the ice. The stirrer 36 stirs the water in the cooling water tank 33 so that the temperature of the water in the cooling water tank 33 becomes uniform. The beverage transferred to the beverage dispenser 30 is cooled by cooling water in the cooling water tank 33 as it passes through the beverage cooling pipe 31 . Therefore, the beverage supply system 1 can supply a desired cold beverage from the beverage dispenser 30 to the outside even if the beverage in the beverage container 20 is at room temperature.

<Cleaning device for beverage supply system>
After the beverage supply system 1 finishes supplying the beverage, the beverage remains in the beverage flow path. Leftover beverage causes deterioration of the beverage, breeding of microorganisms, and the like. Therefore, in order to prevent deterioration of the taste of beverages, it is necessary to clean the beverage supply system 1 periodically, for example, at the end of business hours.

In this embodiment, the beverage supply system 1 is cleaned by a cleaning device (hereinafter simply referred to as “cleaning device”) of the beverage supply system 1 . Specifically, the cleaning device cleans the beverage flow path of the beverage supply system 1, that is, the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 (the beverage cooling pipe 31 and the tap 32).

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning device includes a water storage container 21 that stores water. The water container 21 is configured, for example, as a washing barrel. The water container 21 is supplied with water by the user and the water in the water container 21 is used for cleaning the beverage supply system 1 .

Dispense head 50 is configured to supply water to beverage transfer path 70 during flushing of beverage delivery system 1 . In this embodiment, the dispense head 50 can be attached to the water container 21, and is attached to the water container 21 instead of the beverage container 20 when the beverage supply system 1 is cleaned.

After mounting the dispense head 50 on the water container 21, the user moves the operating lever 53 of the dispense head 50 to the lower position. As a result, gas is supplied into the water container 21 and water is pushed out from the water container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 .

Thereafter, when the handle of the tap 32 is operated by the user (for example, the handle is pulled forward), the valve of the tap 32 is opened, and the tap is placed in a collection container (not shown) such as a bucket previously installed by the user. 32 drains water. At this time, the beverage remaining in the beverage flow path is discharged, and the beverage flow path is washed.

However, since the beverage cooling tube 31 of the beverage dispenser 30 is a coiled elongated tube, the pressure loss when water flows through the beverage cooling tube 31 is large. As a result, the flow rate of the water supplied from the water storage container 21 is reduced, and the detergency of the water is reduced.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the dispense head 50 , the beverage transfer path 70 and the tap 32 are washed by directly supplying water from the beverage transfer path 70 to the tap 32 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device comprises a bypass line 2 that directly connects the beverage transfer line 70 and the tap 32 .

Bypass passage 2 supplies water from beverage transfer passage 70 to tap 32 bypassing beverage cooling pipe 31 . The bypass passage 2 is configured, for example, as a bypass hose, and can be made of various materials (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)) that can withstand the pressure of water and gas. , polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.). The bypass 2 may be made of a material other than resin, such as metal. The inner diameter of the bypass passage 2 is larger than the inner diameter of the beverage cooling pipe 31 and the length of the bypass passage 2 is shorter than the length of the beverage cooling pipe 31 .

For example, a first joint 3 is provided where the bypass 2 and the beverage transfer path 70 are connected, and a second joint 4 is provided where the bypass 2 and the tap 32 are connected. The first joint 3 communicates with the interior of the beverage transfer path 70 and the second joint 4 communicates with the flow path within the tap 32 .

The bypass 2 is not connected to the beverage supply system 1 when dispensing beverages. At this time, the beverage supplied from the beverage container 20 to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispensing head 50 is discharged from the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 .

When cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , the user drains the water from the tap 32 with the bypass 2 disconnected in order to clean the beverage cooling pipe 31 first. At this time, the water supplied from the water storage container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispense head 50 is discharged from the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 . When the bypass passage 2 is not connected, a closing member such as a cap is attached to each of the first joint 3 and the second joint 4 to prevent beverage or water from leaking to the outside.

The user then operates the handle of the tap 32 to close the valve of the tap 32 and connect the bypass 2 to the beverage supply system 1 . Specifically, the user connects one end of the bypass 2 to the beverage transfer channel 70 via the first joint 3 , and connects the other end of the bypass 2 to the tap 32 via the second joint 4 . connect to. As shown in FIG. 2 , the bypass 2 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 outside the beverage dispenser 30 and extends outside the beverage dispenser 30 . Therefore, the bypass passage 2 can be easily attached and detached.

When the valve of the tap 32 is opened while the bypass 2 is connected, the water supplied from the water storage container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispense head 50 has a higher pressure loss than the beverage cooling pipe 31. It exits the tap 32 through a small bypass 2 . At this time, the flow rate of the water becomes faster than when the beverage cooling pipe 31 is washed, so the washing power of the water can be enhanced. Therefore, the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70, and the tap 32 can be washed with high cleaning power, and the beverage supply system 1 can be kept cleaner. Also, it is not necessary to disassemble the dispense head 50 and the tap 32 for cleaning, or the frequency of disassembling them can be reduced.

<Second embodiment>
A cleaning device according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the cleaning device according to the first embodiment. For this reason, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the invention. The washing device further comprises a bypass valve 5 for opening and closing the bypass passage 2 . A bypass valve 5 is arranged in the bypass line 2 . The bypass valve 5 is, for example, a manual opening/closing valve, and is operated by a user.

As in the first embodiment, one end of the bypass 2 is connected to the beverage transfer channel 70 via the first joint 3, and the other end of the bypass 2 is connected to the tap 32 via the second joint 4. connected to In the second embodiment, the bypass 2 remains connected to the beverage supply system 1 and the water flow path is switched by opening and closing the bypass valve 5 . This eliminates the need to attach and detach the bypass 2, and facilitates cleaning of the beverage supply system 1. FIG.

Specifically, when the beverage is supplied, the user closes the bypass valve 5 to block the bypass passage 2 . As a result, the beverage supplied from the beverage container 20 to the beverage transfer path 70 via the dispensing head 50 is poured out from the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 . Also, when the beverage cooling pipe 31 is washed, the user closes the bypass valve 5 to block the bypass passage 2 . As a result, the water supplied from the water storage container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispense head 50 is discharged from the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 .

On the other hand, for further cleaning of the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the tap 32, the bypass valve 5 is opened by the user and the bypass path 2 is opened. As a result, the water supplied from the water storage container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispense head 50 is discharged from the tap 32 through the bypass path 2 . As a result, the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the tap 32 can be cleaned with high cleaning power.

Even if the bypass valve 5 is omitted and a manual three-way valve selectively connecting the upstream side of the beverage transfer path 70 to the bypass path 2 or the downstream side of the beverage transfer path 70 is provided instead of the first joint 3 good. In this case, this three-way valve functions as a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass passage 2 .

<Third Embodiment>
A cleaning device according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the cleaning device in the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the invention. The cleaning device comprises a bypass line 2' for supplying water from the beverage transfer line 70 to the tap 32 bypassing the beverage cooling pipe 31. One end of the bypass line 2' is connected to the beverage transfer line 70 via the first joint 3', and the other end of the bypass line 2' is connected to the tap 32 via the second joint 4'. . In a third embodiment, the bypass channel 2' is connected to the beverage transfer channel 70 inside the beverage dispenser 30' and extends inside the beverage dispenser 30'.

The washing device further comprises a bypass valve 5' for opening and closing the bypass passage 2'. A bypass valve 5' is arranged in the bypass line 2'. The bypass valve 5' is, for example, a manual opening/closing valve, and configured to be operated by the user from outside the beverage dispenser 30'.

In the third embodiment, the bypass line 2' remains connected to the beverage transfer line 70 and the tap 32, and the flow paths are switched by opening and closing the bypass valve 5'. This eliminates the need to attach and detach the bypass passage 2 ′, and facilitates cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 .

Specifically, when the beverage is supplied, the user closes the bypass valve 5' to block the bypass passage 2'. As a result, the beverage supplied from the beverage container 20 to the beverage transfer path 70 via the dispensing head 50 is poured out from the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 . Also, when the beverage cooling pipe 31 is washed, the user closes the bypass valve 5' to block the bypass passage 2'. As a result, the water supplied from the water storage container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispense head 50 is discharged from the tap 32 through the beverage cooling pipe 31 .

On the other hand, for further cleaning of the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the tap 32, the bypass valve 5' is opened by the user to open the bypass path 2'. As a result, the water supplied from the water storage container 21 to the beverage transfer path 70 via the dispense head 50 is discharged from the tap 32 through the bypass path 2'. As a result, the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the tap 32 can be cleaned with high cleaning power. Moreover, in the third embodiment, since the bypass 2' is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 inside the beverage dispenser 30', most of the beverage transfer path 70 can be washed with high cleaning power.

The bypass valve 5' is omitted, and a manual three-way valve selectively connecting the upstream side of the beverage transfer path 70 to the bypass path 2 or the downstream side of the beverage transfer path 70 is provided instead of the first joint 3'. may In this case, this three-way valve functions as a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass passage 2'. Also, the downstream end of the bypass 2' may be connected between the beverage cooling pipe 31 and the tap 32 inside the beverage dispenser 30'.

<Fourth embodiment>
A cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment is basically the same as the cleaning device according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The washing device further comprises a water supply line 90 and a control box 40 . The water supply path 90 connects the water supply source 100 that supplies water and the dispense head 50 . Part of the gas supply channel 60 and part of the water supply channel 90 are arranged inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 . 5 shows the inside of the control box 40. As shown in FIG.

A water pressure reducing valve 110 is provided in the water supply path 90 and the pressure of water supplied from the water supply source 100 is adjusted by the water pressure reducing valve 110 . The water supply source 100 is configured as, for example, a tap.

The gas supply channel 60 and the water supply channel 90 are integrated into one shared channel within the control box 40 and connected to the dispensing head 50' via the shared channel. The gas supply path 60 is connected to the control box 40 via the third joint 41 . A third joint 41 functions as a gas inlet of the control box 40 . The water supply path 90 is connected to the control box 40 via the fourth joint 42 . A fourth joint 42 functions as a water inlet for the control box 40 . A shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is connected to the control box 40 via the fifth joint 43 . A fifth joint 43 functions as a fluid outlet for the control box 40 .

In the fourth embodiment, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, water is supplied from the water supply source 100 to the beverage transfer path 70 instead of the water container 21, and the beverage container 20 remains connected to the dispense head 50'. becomes. As a result, the trouble of replacing the beverage container 20 with the water container 21 for cleaning the beverage supply system 1 can be eliminated.

Dispense head 50 ′ includes a fluid inlet 51 connected to the shared flow path of gas supply 60 and water supply 90 and beverage transfer path 70 for selectively supplying beverage or water to beverage transfer path 70 . It is configured to switch the connection state with the connected fluid outlet 52 .

Specifically, the dispensing head 50' includes an operating lever 53 (see FIG. 1), and switches the connection state between the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 when the operating lever 53 is operated by the user. For example, the operating lever 53 is vertically movable and switched between three positions (an upper position, an intermediate position and a lower position).

The dispense head 50 connects the fluid inlet 51 and the inside of the beverage container 20 and connects the inside of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 52 when the operating lever 53 is in the lower position. That is, the dispense head 50 connects the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 via the inside of the beverage storage container 20 when the operating lever 53 is in the lower position.

The dispense head 50 directly connects the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 and isolates the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 from the interior of the beverage container 20 when the operating lever 53 is in the middle position. . That is, the dispense head 50 directly connects the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 when the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position.

The dispense head 50 isolates the fluid inlet 51, the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 52 from each other when the operating lever 53 is in the upper position. That is, the dispense head 50 does not connect the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the interior of the beverage container 20 and the beverage transfer path 70 when the operating lever 53 is in the upper position.

The cleaning device further comprises a controller 80 . The control device 80 is arranged inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of control device 80 of FIG. Controller 80 includes memory 81 , peripheral circuits 82 and processor 83 . The memory 81 and peripheral circuits 82 are connected to a processor 83 via signal lines. The control device 80 is configured as, for example, a microcomputer or a sequencer.

The memory 81 has, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory (eg, RAM) and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (eg, ROM). The memory 81 stores programs executed by the processor 83, various data used when various processes are executed by the processor 83, and the like.

Peripheral circuitry 82 includes additional elements (eg, timers, etc.) necessary for processor 83 to perform various processes. The processor 83 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and executes various processes.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the cleaning device further includes a gas on-off valve 61 , a gas check valve 62 , a water on-off valve 91 , a water check valve 92 and a flow rate sensor 93 . These are placed inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 .

The gas on-off valve 61 is arranged in the gas supply path 60 and opens and closes the gas supply path 60 . The gas on-off valve 61 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and the control device 80 controls the gas on-off valve 61 . The gas on-off valve 61 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

A gas check valve 62 is arranged in the gas supply path 60 to prevent backflow of gas (flow to the gas supply source 10). In this embodiment, the gas check valve 62 is arranged in the gas supply path 60 downstream of the gas on-off valve 61 .

The water on-off valve 91 is arranged in the water supply path 90 and opens and closes the water supply path 90 . The water on/off valve 91 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and the control device 80 controls the water on/off valve 91 . The water on-off valve 91 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

A water check valve 92 is disposed in the water supply path 90 to prevent backflow of water (flow to the water supply source 100). In this embodiment, the water check valve 92 is arranged in the water supply path 90 on the downstream side of the water on-off valve 91 .

The flow rate sensor 93 is arranged in the water supply path 90 and detects the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply path 90 . In this embodiment, the flow rate sensor 93 is arranged in the water supply path 90 on the upstream side of the water on-off valve 91 . The flow sensor 93 is electrically connected to the controller 80 and the output of the flow sensor 93 is input to the controller 80 . The flow rate sensor 93 may be arranged in the water supply path 90 downstream of the water on-off valve 91 and the water check valve 92 .

In this embodiment, the gas on-off valve 61 is configured to open the gas supply path 60 when not energized and to close the gas supply path 60 when energized. On the other hand, the water on-off valve 91 is configured to close the water supply path 90 when not energized and to open the water supply path 90 when energized.

The user sets the operating lever 53 of the dispensing head 50 to the lower position when dispensing the beverage from the beverage dispenser 30 . When the operating lever 53 is in the lower position, the common channel of the gas supply channel 60 and the water supply channel 90 is connected to the beverage transfer channel 70 through the interior of the beverage container 20 . At this time, since power is not supplied to the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 , the gas on-off valve 61 opens the gas supply path 60 and the water on-off valve 91 closes the water supply path 90 . Therefore, gas is supplied from the gas supply line 60 to the beverage container 20 , and the gas transfers the beverage through the dispense head 50 and the beverage transfer path 70 to the beverage dispenser 30 .

Also, when the user replaces the beverage container 20, the replacement lever of the dispense head 50 is set to the upper position. When the operating lever 53 is in the upper position, the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is not connected to the interior of the beverage container 20 and the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent gas leakage when replacing the beverage container 20 .

Also, when the user cleans the beverage supply system 1 , the user sets the operating lever 53 of the dispensing head 50 to the intermediate position and opens the tap 32 of the beverage dispenser 30 . When the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position, the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is directly connected to the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the beverage container 20 when the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 are washed with the water supplied from the water supply source 100 .

In order to further increase the flow rate of water and further enhance the detergency of water, it is conceivable to reduce the amount of water supplied at one time. However, when the amount of water is small, the resistance in the beverage transfer path 70 prevents the water from flowing through the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, water and gas are alternately supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 during cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 . As a result, a small amount of water can be supplied intermittently, and the detergency of the water can be further enhanced.

Therefore, the control device 80 controls at least one of the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 so that water and gas are alternately supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 . Specifically, the control device 80 controls at least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 so that a reference amount of water is supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70, and controls the gas supply. At least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 is alternately controlled so that the gas is supplied from the path 60 to the beverage transfer path 70, and the water bullet control is executed. In the water bullet control, gas is intermittently supplied with water to the beverage transfer path 70 to perform so-called water bullet cleaning.

In addition, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 93, and At least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 is controlled. That is, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61 when the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 reaches the reference amount in the water bullet control. open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 from fluctuating due to changes in water pressure or the like in the water bullet control, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detergency in the water bullet control. can be done.

The washing device further comprises a bypass valve 5 ″ for opening and closing the bypass 2 . The bypass valve 5 ″ is arranged in the bypass 2 . Bypass valve 5 ″ is electrically connected to controller 80 , which controls bypass valve 5 ″. The bypass valve 5 ″ is, for example, an electromagnetic valve. In this embodiment, the bypass valve 5 ″ is configured to close the bypass 2 when not energized and open the bypass 2 when energized. The bypass valve 5 ″ may be arranged inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 .

<Washing treatment>
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control routine for the cleaning process. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

First, in step S101, the control device 80 determines whether or not the cleaning mode has been selected by the user. For example, the cleaning mode is selected by the user through an input device such as a button provided on the control box 40, and the control device 80 determines whether or not the cleaning mode is selected based on the output signal of the input device. If it is determined in step S101 that the cleaning mode has not been selected, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the cleaning mode has been selected, the control routine proceeds to step S102. At this time, the bypass valve 5″ is closed. In step S102, the control device 80 executes the water bullet control shown in FIG. 8 to wash the beverage cooling pipe 31. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control routine for water bullet control. First, in step S<b>201 , the control device 80 opens the water on/off valve 91 and closes the gas on/off valve 61 . Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 .

Next, in step S202, the control device 80 acquires the output of the flow sensor 93. FIG.

Next, in step S203, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value EA of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 93. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates the estimated value EA of the amount of water by integrating the flow rate of water detected by the flow rate sensor 93 .

Next, in step S204, the control device 80 determines whether or not the estimated value EA of the amount of water is equal to or greater than the reference amount A.

If it is determined in step S204 that the estimated water amount EA is less than the reference amount A, the control routine returns to step S202. That is, water supply is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the estimated value EA of the amount of water is greater than or equal to the reference amount A, the control routine proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the controller 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and opens the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time. Specifically, the control device 80 does not supply power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time.

Next, in step S206, the control device 80 updates the number N of executions. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates a new number N of executions by adding 1 to the current number N of executions. The initial value of the execution count N when this control routine is started is zero.

Next, in step S207, the control device 80 determines whether or not the number of times N of executions is equal to or greater than the threshold number of times Nth. The threshold number of times Nth is determined in advance. If it is determined in step S207 that the number of executions N is less than the threshold number of times Nth, the control routine returns to step S201. That is, water bullet control is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the number of times N of executions is equal to or greater than the threshold number of times Nth, this control routine ends. That is, the water bullet control ends.

Note that steps S202 to S204 may be omitted, and the control device 80 may open the water on-off valve 91 and close the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined period of time in step S201. The predetermined time is predetermined so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control becomes the reference amount. In this case, the flow sensor 93 is omitted.

Returning to FIG. 7, after the water bullet control in step S102, in step S103, the controller 80 opens the bypass valve 5''. That is, the controller 80 supplies power to the bypass valve 5''.

Next, in step S104, controller 80 performs the water bullet control shown in FIG. At this time, water and gas are discharged from the tap 32 through the bypass line 2 from the beverage transfer line 70 .

After the water bullet control in step S104, in step S105, the control device 80 closes the bypass valve 5''. That is, the control device 80 stops power supply to the bypass valve 5''. After step S105, the control routine ends.

The water bullet control when the bypass valve 5'' is open may be performed before the water bullet control when the bypass valve 5'' is closed. Further, the threshold number of times Nth may be different between the water bullet control when the bypass valve 5″ is open and the water bullet control when the bypass valve 5″ is closed.

Further, in step S102, the control device 80 may open the water on-off valve 91 and close the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time instead of controlling water bullets. In this case, the beverage cooling pipe 31 is continuously supplied with water.

Further, when the pressure of the water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 is higher than the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply path 60 to the beverage transfer path 70, the gas opening/closing valve 61 and the water opening/closing valve 61 are closed. Water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 when both valves 91 are open. Therefore, in this case, in the water bullet control, the gas on-off valve 61 may be always opened, and only the opening and closing of the water on-off valve 91 may be controlled by the controller 80 . Also, in this case, the gas on-off valve 61 may be omitted.

Further, when the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply path 60 to the beverage transfer path 70 is higher than the pressure of the water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70, the gas on/off valve 61 and the water on/off Gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 when both valves 91 are open. Therefore, in this case, in water bullet control, the water on-off valve 91 may be always opened, and only the opening and closing of the gas on-off valve 61 may be controlled by the controller 80 . Also, in this case, the water on-off valve 91 may be omitted.

Also, the bypass valve 5 ″ is a manual opening/closing valve and may be operated by the user. Alternatively, the bypass valve 5 ″ may be omitted and the bypass passage 2 may be detachable. Also, the bypass valve 5 ″ is omitted, and a three-way valve (manual valve or electromagnetic valve) that selectively connects the upstream side of the beverage transfer path 70 to the bypass path 2 or the downstream side of the beverage transfer path 70 is the first joint 3. Alternatively, it may be provided, in which case this three-way valve functions as a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass passage 2 .

Also, at least one of the gas check valve 62, the water check valve 92, and the water pressure reducing valve 110 may be omitted.

Although preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the beverage cooling tube 31 and the refrigerant flow tube 35 may have other shapes such as bellows.

In addition, the embodiments described above can be implemented in arbitrary combinations. For example, in the second embodiment, the bypass valve 5 may be a solenoid valve and controlled by a control device. Similarly, in the third embodiment the bypass valve 5' is a solenoid valve and may be controlled by a controller. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the bypass 2 may be connected to the beverage transfer path 70 inside the beverage dispenser 30 and extend inside the beverage dispenser 30 .

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 beverage supply system 2 bypass 10 gas supply 20 beverage container 30 beverage dispenser 31 beverage cooling tube 32 tap 50 dispense head 60 gas supply 70 beverage transfer path

Claims (7)

A cleaning device for a beverage supply system, comprising:
The beverage supply system includes:
a beverage containing container containing a beverage;
a dispense head attachable to the beverage container;
a gas supply;
a gas supply path connecting the gas supply source and the dispensing head;
a beverage dispenser including a beverage cooling tube and a tap connected to the beverage cooling tube;
a beverage transfer path connecting the dispense head and the beverage cooling pipe;
the dispense head is configured to supply water to the beverage transfer path during flushing of the beverage delivery system;
The cleaning device for a beverage supply system includes a bypass passage for supplying water from the beverage transfer passage to the tap while bypassing the beverage cooling pipe. 2. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 1, wherein said bypass is connected to said beverage transfer path outside said beverage dispenser and extends outside said beverage dispenser. 2. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 1, wherein the bypass is connected to the beverage transfer path inside the beverage dispenser and extends inside the beverage dispenser. Further comprising a water container for containing water,
4. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispense head is attached to the water container during cleaning of the beverage supply system. a water supply channel connecting a water supply source for supplying water and the dispensing head;
at least one of a gas on-off valve that opens and closes the gas supply path and a water on-off valve that opens and closes the water supply path;
5. A control device for controlling at least one of said gas on-off valve and said water on-off valve so that water and gas are alternately supplied to said beverage transfer path through said dispense head. A cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass passage. Further comprising a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass passage,
6. The beverage supply system cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the controller controls the bypass valve.

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