JP7330882B2 - Dispense head and beverage delivery system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to dispense heads and beverage delivery systems.

Conventionally, there is known a beverage supply system that supplies a beverage transferred from a beverage storage container by gas from a beverage dispenser to the outside (for example, Patent Document 1). 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.

In the beverage supply system described in Patent Document 1, when cleaning the beverage supply system, instead of replacing the beverage storage container with the cleaning container, the operating lever of the dispensing head is operated. Such a dispensing head is configured to switch the state of communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet by means of an operating lever. This makes it possible to clean the beverage supply system while the dispense head is attached to the beverage container without supplying cleaning water to the interior of the beverage container.

Further, in the beverage supply system described in Patent Document 1, an inclination sensor for detecting the inclination state of the operation lever is provided in the dispense head in order to prevent washing water from being mixed into the beverage in the beverage container due to user's erroneous operation. It is

JP-A-2006-36221

However, there is a risk that the tilt sensor will fail due to adhesion of liquid (drink or water), deterioration over time, and the like. If the tilt sensor fails, it is not possible to detect the tilted state of the operating lever, so it is not possible to prevent wash water from entering the beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to more reliably prevent supply of cleaning water to the inside of a beverage container when cleaning a beverage supply system.

The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) A dispensing head attachable to a beverage container, comprising a first fluid inlet communicating with a water supply channel for supplying water and a second fluid inlet communicating with a gas supply channel for supplying gas. a plunger disposed within the housing and having a fluid outlet in communication with a beverage transfer passage for transferring beverage within the beverage container; and manually operable to slide the plunger within the housing. and an operating portion, wherein the plunger directly communicates the first fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and isolates the second fluid inlet from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet. and a second fluid inlet that isolates the first fluid inlet from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet and that communicates the second fluid inlet and the fluid outlet through the interior of the beverage container. A dispensing head that slides between two positions.

(2) Further comprising an on-off valve for opening and closing the second fluid inlet, the on-off valve closing the second fluid inlet when the plunger is at the first position, and the plunger is at the second position. The dispensing head according to (1) above, wherein the second fluid inlet is opened when the dispense head is at

(3) the plunger is in the first position, the second position, and the third position blocking the first and second fluid inlets from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet; The dispensing head according to (1) or (2) above, which slides between and.

(4) A water supply channel connected to a water supply source, a first gas supply channel connected to a gas supply source, a beverage transfer channel connected to a beverage dispenser, and a dispense head attached to a beverage container. wherein the dispense head comprises a housing having a first fluid inlet communicating with the water supply channel and a second fluid inlet communicating with the first gas supply channel; a plunger having a fluid outlet communicating with the beverage transfer path; and an operating portion for manually sliding the plunger within the housing, wherein the plunger includes the first fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. and isolating the second fluid inlet from the interior of the beverage container and from the fluid outlet; a beverage dispensing system that slides between a second position that disconnects from and communicates the second fluid inlet and the fluid outlet through the interior of the beverage container.

(5) a water on-off valve that opens and closes the water supply path, a second gas supply path that connects the gas supply source and the first fluid inlet, and a gas on-off valve that opens and closes the second gas supply path; and a control device for controlling the water on-off valve and the gas on-off valve, wherein the water on-off valve is configured to close the water supply path when not energized and open the water supply path when energized, and the gas The beverage supply system according to (4) above, wherein the on-off valve is configured to close the second gas supply path when not energized and open the second gas supply path when energized.

(6) The beverage supply system according to (4) or (5) above, further comprising a branch water supply channel branched from the water supply channel.

(7) The beverage dispensing system according to (5) above, wherein the water supply channel and the second gas supply channel are integrated into a shared channel, and the first fluid inlet is connected to the shared channel.

(8) The beverage supply system according to (7) above, further comprising a branch shared channel branched from the shared channel.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can prevent more reliably that wash water is supplied to the inside of a drink container at the time of wash|cleaning a drink supply system.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the dispense head and spear valve with the plunger in the up position; 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the on-off valve of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispense head and spear valve with the plunger in the down position; FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system according to a third embodiment of the invention. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the control routine of the cleaning process in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a control routine for water bullet control. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the dispense head and spear valve with the plunger in the upper position in the fifth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the dispense head and spear valve with the plunger in an intermediate position in the fifth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the dispense head and spear valve with the plunger in the down position in the fifth embodiment;

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 to 4. FIG.

<Beverage supply system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. 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 channel 60, a beverage transfer channel 70, a water supply channel 90, a water supply source 100 and a water pressure reducing valve 110. . The beverage supply system 1 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 through the beverage transfer path 70 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 a container.

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 line 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) that can withstand the pressure of beverage, water and gas. (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

A water supply channel 90 connects the water supply source 100 and the dispense head 50 . The water supply path 90 is configured, for example, as a water supply hose, and is made of various materials (for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)) that can withstand the pressure of water. , polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

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

The water supply source 100 supplies water used for cleaning the beverage supply system 1, which will be described later. The water supply source 100 is configured as, for example, a tap. The water pressure reducing valve 110 is provided in the water supply path 90 and adjusts the pressure of water supplied from the water supply source 100 . Note that the water pressure reducing valve 110 may be omitted.

The gas supply source 10 supplies gases such as carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide gas), nitrogen gas, and compressed air. The gas supply source 10 has a gas pressure reducing valve 11 , and the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is adjusted 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 a gas supply channel 60 , and the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is supplied to the beverage container 20 through the gas supply channel 60 .

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.

The beverage container 20 includes a spear valve 21 that functions as a mouthpiece for the beverage container 20 . The spear valve 21 is attached to the beverage container 20 and extends from the top of the beverage container 20 to near the bottom of the beverage container 20 .

The dispense head 50 is attached to the beverage container 20 , specifically the spear valve 21 of the beverage container 20 . The dispense head 50 is also connected to the gas supply line 60 , the beverage transfer line 70 and the water supply line 90 . The dispense head 50 and the spear valve 21 are configured to supply the beverage in the beverage container 20 to the beverage transfer path 70 by gas connected from the gas supply path 60 . Details of the dispensing head 50 will be described later.

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. Beverage dispenser 30 includes a coiled beverage introduction tube 31 , a tap 32 , a cooling water tank 33 and a cooling device 34 .

One end of the beverage introduction pipe 31 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 and the other end of the beverage introduction pipe 31 is connected to the tap 32 . The beverage transferred from the beverage storage container 20 reaches the tap 32 through the beverage introduction pipe 31 . At this time, when the handle 321 of the tap 32 is operated by the user (for example, the handle 321 is pulled forward), the tap 32 opens and the beverage is poured from the tap 32 into a container (stein, glass, etc.) placed by the user. escape.

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 introduction 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.

<Configuration of dispensing head>
FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of dispense head 50 and spear valve 21 . FIG. 2 shows the dispense head 50 attached to the spear valve 21 .

The spear valve 21 includes a valve case 22 , a gas channel closing portion 23 and a beverage channel closing portion 24 . A male threaded portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve case 22 , and the male threaded portion is screwed with a female threaded portion formed on the beverage container 20 . As a result, the spear valve 21 is attached to the beverage container 20 .

The gas channel closing part 23 is arranged inside the valve case 22 . The gas channel closing portion 23 has a flange portion 231 at its upper end. The beverage channel closure 24 is arranged within the gas channel closure 23 . The beverage channel closing portion 24 has a flange portion 241 on its upper portion. The space between the valve case 22 and the gas channel closing portion 23 and the space between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 respectively communicate with the inside of the beverage container 20 .

Dispense head 50 includes a housing 51 and a plunger 52 disposed within housing 51 . The housing 51 includes a body portion 511 , a flange portion 512 , a first fluid inlet portion 513 and a second fluid inlet portion 514 .

The body portion 511 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends vertically upward from the spear valve 21 . The body portion 511 has a first through hole 515 . The first through hole 515 extends in the axial direction of the body portion 511 and communicates with the interior of the spear valve 21 .

The flange portion 512 is connected to the lower end portion of the body portion 511 and extends radially outward from the body portion 511 . The flange portion 512 is inserted into an engaging groove 221 formed in the upper portion of the valve case 22 of the spear valve 21 and engages with the engaging groove 221 . As a result, the dispense head 50 is attached to the spear valve 21 . For example, the user inserts the flange portion 512 into the engagement groove 221 by rotating the housing 51 in the circumferential direction.

The first fluid inflow portion 513 and the second fluid inflow portion 514 are each connected to a side surface of the body portion 511 and extend radially outward from the body portion 511 . The first fluid inflow portion 513 and the second fluid inflow portion 514 are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the body portion 511 and are spaced apart in the axial direction of the body portion 511 . The first fluid inflow portion 513 is arranged above the second fluid inflow portion 514 in the vertical direction, and is arranged farther from the spear valve 21 than the second fluid inflow portion 514 . Note that the first fluid inflow portion 513 and the second fluid inflow portion 514 may be separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the body portion 511 .

The first fluid inlet 513 has a first fluid inlet 516 . The first fluid inlet 516 extends horizontally and communicates with the first through hole 515 . The first fluid inflow portion 513 is connected to a water supply channel 90 that supplies water. Therefore, the first fluid inlet 516 communicates with the water supply channel 90 . Note that the first fluid inflow portion 513 may be connected to the water supply channel 90 via a joint or the like.

The second fluid inlet 514 has a second fluid inlet 517 . The second fluid inlet 517 extends horizontally and communicates with the first through hole 515 . The second fluid inflow portion 514 is connected to a gas supply path 60 that supplies gas. Therefore, the second fluid inlet 517 communicates with the gas supply path 60 . Note that the second fluid inflow portion 514 may be connected to the gas supply path 60 via a joint or the like.

The first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 communicate with each other through the first through hole 515 . The second fluid inlet 517 is arranged downstream of the first fluid inlet 516 in the direction of fluid flow into the spear valve 21 .

The plunger 52 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is arranged within the body portion 511 of the housing 51 . Plunger 52 has a fluid outlet 521 . Fluid outlet 521 extends in the axial direction of plunger 52 and communicates with the interior of spear valve 21 . An upper end portion of the body portion 511 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, the fluid outlet 521 communicates with the beverage transfer path 70 . Note that the upper end portion of the body portion 511 may be connected to the beverage transfer path 70 via a joint or the like.

Plunger 52 has a first recess 522 and a second recess 523 . The first recess 522 and the second recess 523 are formed on the outer surface of the plunger 52 and extend in the circumferential direction of the plunger 52 . The first recess 522 and the second recess 523 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the plunger 52 . The second recess 523 is arranged below the first recess 522 in the vertical direction and is arranged closer to the spear valve 21 than the first recess 522 . Also, the axial length of the second recess 523 is longer than the axial length of the first recess 522 .

The plunger 52 also has a spherical member 524 , a projection 525 and a stepped portion 526 . The projection 525 and step 526 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the plunger 52 . The protrusion 525 is arranged above the stepped portion 526 in the vertical direction and is arranged farther from the spear valve 21 than the stepped portion 526 . Spherical member 524 moves between projection 525 and step 526 .

Protrusions 525 prevent disengagement of spherical member 524 while allowing fluid flow through protrusions 525 . When fluid flows back toward the interior of spear valve 21 , spherical member 524 abuts step 526 and closes the inlet of step 526 . This prevents backflow of fluid from the fluid outlet 521 into the interior of the spear valve 21 . Therefore, the spherical member 524 , the protrusion 525 and the stepped portion 526 function as a backflow prevention mechanism that prevents backflow of fluid from the fluid outlet 521 into the spear valve 21 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 1 , the dispensing head 50 has an operating portion 53 . The operating portion 53 slides the plunger 52 within the housing 51 by manual operation. The operating portion 53 is rotatably attached to, for example, the housing 51 and connected to the plunger 52 so that the rotation of the operating portion 53 is converted into linear motion of the plunger 52 . The operation portion 53 is configured as, for example, an operation lever.

In this embodiment, the plunger 52 moves downward in the vertical direction and approaches the spear valve 21 when the operating portion 53 is rotated from the upper position to the lower position. On the other hand, when the operating portion 53 is rotated from the lower position to the upper position, the plunger 52 moves vertically upward and leaves the spear valve 21 . Plunger 52 is therefore slidable between an upper position and a lower position.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the dispense head 50 is provided with an on-off valve 54 . The on-off valve 54 is arranged inside the second fluid inlet 514 , i.e., at the second fluid inlet 517 , and opens and closes the second fluid inlet 517 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the on-off valve 54 of FIG. The on-off valve 54 includes a tubular portion 541 , a spindle 542 , a seal member 543 and a spring 544 . The cylindrical portion 541 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The tubular portion 541 is fixed to the first fluid inlet portion 513 .

Spindle 542 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The spindle 542 is arranged inside the tubular portion 541 and extends in the axial direction of the tubular portion 541 . The tip of spindle 542 extends beyond the tip of barrel 541 . That is, the spindle 542 protrudes from the tubular portion 541 .

A seal member 543 is disposed in a groove formed in the spindle 542 and extends around the spindle 542 inside the tubular portion 541 . Seal member 543 moves together with spindle 542 .

A spring 544 is disposed within the tubular portion 541 so as to press the rear end of the spindle 542 . A spring 544 biases the seal member 543 toward a stepped portion formed on the inner surface of the tubular portion 541 via a spindle 542 .

Due to the biasing force of the spring 544 , the sealing member 543 abuts against the stepped portion of the tubular portion 541 to seal the space between the tubular portion 541 and the spindle 542 . That is, the on-off valve 54 closes the second fluid inlet 517 . This can prevent the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 from flowing into the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 .

On the other hand, when the spindle 542 is moved into the tubular portion 541 against the biasing force of the spring 544 , the sealing member 543 is separated from the stepped portion of the tubular portion 541 . That is, the on-off valve 54 opens the second fluid inlet 517 . As a result, a space is created between the cylindrical portion 541 and the spindle 542, and the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 flows into the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 through this space.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing head 50 includes a first sealing member 301, a second sealing member 302, a third sealing member 303 and a fourth sealing member 304. As shown in FIG. The first sealing member 301 and the second sealing member 302 are respectively arranged in circumferential grooves formed in the inner surface of the body portion 511 of the housing 51 and extend around the plunger 52 . The first seal member 301 is arranged above the first fluid inlet portion 513 in the vertical direction. The second seal member 302 is arranged vertically between the first fluid inlet portion 513 and the second fluid inlet portion 514 . Therefore, the first sealing member 301 is arranged higher than the second sealing member 302 in the vertical direction and is arranged farther from the spear valve 21 than the second sealing member 302 .

The third seal member 303 is arranged in a circumferential groove formed in the lower surface of the flange portion 512 of the housing 51 . The third seal member 303 contacts the valve case 22 of the spear valve 21 and seals the space between the flange portion 512 and the valve case 22 . As a result, the fluid that has flowed into the spear valve 21 can be prevented from flowing out to the outside through between the flange portion 512 and the valve case 22 .

A fourth seal member 304 is disposed on the outer surface of plunger 52 and extends around plunger 52 . The fourth seal member 304 is arranged below the second recess 523 in the vertical direction and is arranged closer to the spear valve 21 than the second recess 523 .

The spear valve 21 includes a fifth seal member 305 , a sixth seal member 306 , a first spring 401 and a second spring 402 . The fifth sealing member 305 is arranged around a stepped portion formed on the upper portion of the flange portion 231 of the gas flow path closing portion 23 . The sixth seal member 306 is arranged inside the gas channel closing portion 23 so as to abut on the flange portion 231 of the gas channel closing portion 23 .

The first spring 401 is arranged around the gas channel closing portion 23 so as to press the flange portion 231 of the gas channel closing portion 23 . The first spring 401 urges the gas flow path closing portion 23 upward toward the valve case 22 via the flange portion 231 .

The second spring 402 is arranged around the beverage channel closing portion 24 so as to press the flange portion 241 of the beverage channel closing portion 24 . The second spring 402 urges the beverage channel closing portion 24 upward toward the gas channel closing portion 23 via the flange portion 241 .

The dispense head 50 is configured to switch the state of communication between the first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 and the fluid outlet 521 . Specifically, the dispense head 50 switches between these communication states by sliding the plunger 52 within the housing 51 .

The plunger 52 is positioned in a first position that places the first fluid inlet 516 and the fluid outlet 521 in direct communication and isolates the second fluid inlet 517 from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521, and the first fluid outlet 521 . between the second position isolating the inlet 516 from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521 and communicating the second fluid inlet 517 and the fluid outlet 521 through the interior of the beverage container 20; slide. In this embodiment, the upper position of the plunger 52 corresponds to the first position, and the lower position of the plunger 52 corresponds to the second position.

By the way, after the supply of the beverage by the beverage supply system 1 ends, 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 the beverage, it is necessary to clean the beverage supply system 1 regularly.

In this embodiment, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , the user sets the position of the operation unit 53 to the upper position and opens the main cock of the water supply source 100 . As a result, plunger 52 is in the upper position and water is supplied to first fluid inlet 516 . FIG. 2 shows the dispensing head 50 when the plunger 52 is in the upper position.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position, the first seal member 301 is positioned above the first recess 522 and the second recess 523 in the vertical direction (axial direction). As a result, the first seal member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52 and seals the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 . As a result, the water supplied to the first fluid inlet 516 can be prevented from flowing upward through the gap between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 .

On the other hand, when the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position, the vertical positions of the first recess 522 and the second seal member 302 match, and the second seal member 302 faces the first recess 522 . As a result, a space is created between the second seal member 302 and the plunger 52, and the water supplied to the first fluid inlet 516 moves downward toward the inside of the valve case 22 through this space.

When the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position, the second recess 523 and the second fluid inlet 517 are aligned in the vertical direction (axial direction), and the on-off valve 54 faces the second recess 523 . As a result, a space is created between the spindle 542 of the on-off valve 54 and the plunger 52 , and no force is generated against the biasing force of the spring 544 of the on-off valve 54 . Therefore, the on-off valve 54 closes the second fluid inlet 517 and the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 cannot flow into the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 .

Further, when the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position, the fourth seal member 304 arranged on the outer surface of the plunger 52 does not contact the gas flow path closing portion 23 . Therefore, the fifth seal member 305 arranged at the upper end portion of the gas flow path closing portion 23 abuts against the valve case 22 by the biasing force of the first spring 401, and the valve case 22 and the gas flow path closing portion 23 are separated from each other. Seal the space between. As a result, water that has flowed into the valve case 22 through the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 can be prevented from flowing between the valve case 22 and the gas flow path closing portion 23 .

Also, when the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position, the lower end of the plunger 52 does not contact the beverage flow path closing portion 24 . Therefore, the beverage channel closing portion 24 abuts against the sixth sealing member 306 due to the biasing force of the second spring 402 , and the sixth sealing member 306 is positioned between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 . to seal the space. As a result, water that has flowed into the valve case 22 through the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 is prevented from flowing between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24. can be done.

The water that has flowed into the valve case 22 passes through the space between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the plunger 52 and the space between the beverage channel closing portion 24 and the plunger 52 and flows into the fluid outlet 521 . Thus, when the plunger 52 is in the upper position, the first fluid inlet 516 is in direct communication with the fluid outlet 521 and the second fluid inlet 517 is isolated from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521. . When the tap 32 is opened in this state, the water supplied from the water supply source 100 washes the beverage flow path, namely the dispense head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 (the beverage introduction pipe 31 and the tap 32). and discharged from the tap 32 . Water discharged from the tap 32 is stored in a drainage container 200 previously installed by the user.

Further, when the beverage contained in the beverage container 20 is exhausted and the beverage container 20 is replaced with a new beverage container, the user sets the operating portion 53 to the upper position. This can prevent gas leakage when replacing the beverage container 20 . When replacing the beverage container 20, the main valve of the water supply source 100 remains closed.

On the other hand, when the beverage in the beverage storage container 20 is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 by gas, that is, when the beverage is supplied from the beverage dispenser 30, the user sets the operation portion 53 to the lower position. As a result, plunger 52 is positioned in the downward position. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of dispense head 50 and spear valve 21 when plunger 52 is in the down position.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the plunger 52 is positioned at the lower position, the first seal member 301 is positioned above the first recess 522 and the second recess 523 in the vertical direction. As a result, the first seal member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52 and seals the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 . As a result, even if water is supplied to the first fluid inlet 516 , it is possible to prevent the water from flowing upward through the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 . The first sealing member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52 regardless of the sliding position of the plunger 52 .

Also, when the plunger 52 is positioned at the lower position, the second seal member 302 is positioned above the first recessed portion 522 and the second recessed portion 523 in the vertical direction. As a result, the second seal member 302 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52 and seals the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 . As a result, even if water is supplied to the first fluid inlet 516 , it is possible to prevent the water from flowing into the spear valve 21 through between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 .

Also, when the plunger 52 moves from the upper position to the lower position, the spindle 542 of the on-off valve 54 is pressed by the slope of the second recess 523 . As a result, the spindle 542 moves against the biasing force of the spring 544 and the on-off valve 54 opens the second fluid inlet 517 . The open state of the on-off valve 54 is maintained by the outer surface of the plunger 52 pressing against the spindle 542 . Further, upward movement of the fluid from the second fluid inlet 517 is prevented by the second seal member 302 . Therefore, the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 passes through the on-off valve 54 and flows into the spear valve 21 through the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 .

Further, when the plunger 52 moves from the upper position to the lower position, the lower end portion of the plunger 52 presses the beverage flow path closing portion 24, and thereafter the fourth seal member 304 arranged on the outer surface of the plunger 52 closes the gas flow path. The closing part 23 is pressed. As a result, the beverage channel closing portion 24 moves against the urging force of the second spring 402 and a space is created between the sixth sealing member 306 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 . After that, the gas flow path closing portion 23 moves against the biasing force of the first spring 401 to create a space between the fifth seal member 305 and the valve case 22 .

Therefore, the gas that has flowed into the valve case 22 flows into the beverage container 20 through the gap between the valve case 22 and the gas flow path closing portion 23 . As a result, the liquid level of the beverage is pushed down by the gas, and the beverage rises through the space between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 . The risen beverage flows into fluid outlet 521 through passage hole 527 formed in the lower end of plunger 52 .

Therefore, when the plunger 52 is in the lower position, the first fluid inlet 516 is blocked from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521, and the second fluid inlet 517 is routed through the interior of the beverage container 20. Communicates with fluid outlet 521 . When the tap 32 is opened in this state, the beverage supplied from the beverage container 20 by gas is poured out from the tap 32 through the beverage transfer path 70 .

As described above, the user sets the position of the operation part 53 to the upper position when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 . However, there is a possibility that the user forgets to switch the operating portion 53 and water is supplied from the water supply source 100 to the dispensing head 50 when the operating portion 53 is positioned at the lower position. Even in this case, in this embodiment, the plunger 52 and the second seal member 302 prevent water from flowing into the valve case 22 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent washing water from mixing into the beverage in the beverage container 20 during the cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 without detecting the position of the operation portion 53 .

Further, in this embodiment, the on-off valve 54 is arranged at the second fluid inlet 517 . This makes it possible to avoid pressure loss when the water passes through the on-off valve 54, thereby avoiding a decrease in the detergency of the water.

<Second embodiment>
The beverage supply system according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the beverage supply system in 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. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system 1a according to a second embodiment of the invention. The beverage supply system 1 a comprises one gas supply source 10 , two beverage containers 20 , two beverage dispensers 30 , two gas supply channels 60 and two beverage transfer channels 70 . In a second embodiment, one gas supply 10 is used to dispense beverages from two beverage dispensers 30 . The beverages contained in the two beverage containers 20 may be different.

The gas supply source 10 has a first gas pressure reducing valve 11a and a second gas pressure reducing valve 11b. The first gas pressure reducing valve 11a is connected to one gas supply line 60, and the second gas pressure reducing valve 11b is connected to the other gas supply line 60. As shown in FIG. As a result, gases with different pressures can be supplied to the two beverage containers 20 , and gas with pressures suitable for the temperature of the beverages in the beverage containers 20 can be supplied.

The beverage supply system 1 a also includes one water supply source 100 , one water pressure reducing valve 110 , one water supply channel 90 , and one branch water supply channel 120 branched from the water supply channel 90 . The water supply channel 90 is connected to one dispense head 50 and the branch water supply channel 120 is connected to the other dispense head 50 . The branch water supply channel 120 branches off from the water supply channel 90 on the downstream side of the water pressure reducing valve 110 . This allows water at approximately the same pressure to be supplied to the two dispense heads 50 . Note that the branch water supply channel 120 may be connected to the water supply channel 90 via a joint or the like. Also, the water pressure reducing valve 110 may be omitted.

In a second embodiment, one water supply 100 can be used to simultaneously clean two flow paths of beverage of the beverage supply system 1a. When the user simultaneously cleans the two flow paths of the beverage, the user sets the positions of the operating parts 53 of the two dispensing heads 50 to the upper position and opens the main valve of the water supply source 100 . Afterwards, when the taps 32 of the two beverage dispensers 30 are opened, the two channels of beverage are flushed with water.

However, the user may forget to switch at least one of the operation units 53 . Even in this case, the above-described configuration of the dispensing head 50 prevents water from entering the beverage container 20 . Further, when the user sets the position of the operating portion 53 of one dispense head 50 to the upper position and sets the position of the operating portion 53 of the other dispense head 50 to the lower position, the water flow in one of the beverage transfer paths 70 is increased. is supplied, and the other beverage transfer path 70 is supplied with the beverage. Therefore, while one beverage dispenser 30 is being washed, beverage can be supplied from the other beverage dispenser 30 . This allows regular cleaning of the beverage flow path without interrupting the beverage supply.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the two gas supply paths 60 may be connected to one gas pressure reducing valve. That is, the pressure of the gas supplied to the two gas supply paths 60 may be adjusted by one gas pressure reducing valve. Also, the number of beverage dispensers 30 and the like may be three or more. If the number of beverage dispensers 30 is N, the beverage supply system 1a is provided with N−1 branch water supply channels 120 .

<Third embodiment>
The beverage supply system according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the beverage supply system in the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

6 and 7 are diagrams schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system 1b according to a third embodiment of the invention. The beverage supply system 1 b includes a gas supply source 10 , a beverage container 20 , a beverage dispenser 30 , a control box 40 , a dispensing head 50 , a first gas supply line 61 , a second gas supply line 62 and a beverage transfer line 70 . FIG. 7 shows the inside of the control box 40, which comprises a water supply line 90, a water supply source 100 and a water pressure reducing valve 110. As shown in FIG.

The first gas supply path 61 connects the gas supply source 10 and the second fluid inlet 514 of the dispense head 50 . Therefore, the second fluid inlet 517 communicates with the first gas supply passage 61 . The first gas supply path 61 functions similarly to the gas supply path 60 in the first embodiment.

The second gas supply line 62 is connected to the gas supply source 10 . The first gas supply line 61 and the second gas supply line 62 are connected to the same gas pressure reducing valve 11 of the gas supply source 10 , and the second gas supply line 62 branches off from the first gas supply line 61 . In this embodiment, the second gas supply line 62 branches off from the first gas supply line 61 between the gas pressure reducing valve 11 and the control box 40 . The gas supply source may have two gas pressure reducing valves, and the first gas supply line 61 and the second gas supply line 62 may be connected to different gas pressure reducing valves of the gas supply source 10 .

As in the first embodiment, the water supply channel 90 connects the water supply source 100 and the first fluid inlet 513 of the dispense head 50 . Also, the second gas supply path 62 connects the gas supply source 10 and the first fluid inlet portion 513 of the dispensing head 50 . Therefore, the first fluid inlet 516 communicates with the water supply channel 90 and the second gas supply channel 62 .

A portion of the water supply channel 90 and a portion of the second gas supply channel 62 are arranged inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the water supply channel 90 and the second gas supply channel 62 are integrated into one shared channel within the control box 40, and the shared channel is the first gas channel of the dispense head 50. It is connected to the fluid inflow part 513 . Therefore, the first fluid inflow portion 513 communicates with the shared flow path.

The second gas supply path 62 is connected to the control box 40 via the first joint 41 . A first 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 second joint 42 . A second joint 42 functions as a water inlet for the control box 40 . A common channel of the second gas supply channel 62 and the water supply channel 90 is connected to the control box 40 via the third joint 43 . A third joint 43 functions as a fluid outlet for the control box 40 . The second gas supply path 62 and the water supply path 90 may be connected to the control box 40 and the first fluid inlet 513 of the dispense head 50 separately.

The beverage supply system 1b further comprises a control device 80. As shown in FIG. The control device 80 is arranged inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 .

FIG. 8 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. 7, the beverage supply system 1b further includes a gas on-off valve 63, a gas check valve 64, a water on-off valve 91, a water check valve 92, a flow sensor 44 and an alarm device 45. These are placed inside the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40 . At least one of the gas check valve 64, the water check valve 92, and the water pressure reducing valve 110 may be omitted.

The gas on-off valve 63 is arranged in the second gas supply path 62 and opens and closes the second gas supply path 62 . The gas on-off valve 63 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and the control device 80 controls the gas on-off valve 63 . The gas on-off valve 63 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

A gas check valve 64 is arranged in the second gas supply path 62 to prevent backflow of gas (flow to the gas supply source 10). In this embodiment, the gas check valve 64 is arranged in the second gas supply path 62 on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve 63 .

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. The water on-off valve 91 is configured to close the water supply path 90 when not energized and open the water supply path 90 when energized.

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 water supply channel 90 and the second gas supply channel 62 are integrated into one shared channel on the downstream side of the gas check valve 64 and the water check valve 92 .

The flow rate sensor 44 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 44 is arranged in the water supply path 90 on the upstream side of the water on-off valve 91 . The flow sensor 44 is electrically connected to the controller 80 and the output of the flow sensor 44 is input to the controller 80 . The flow rate sensor 44 may be arranged in the water supply path 90 downstream of the water on-off valve 91 and the water check valve 92 .

A warning device 45 outputs a warning. For example, the warning device 45 is configured as a sound component, such as a piezoelectric sound component, and outputs a warning sound as a warning. The warning device 45 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , which controls the warning device 45 .

Conventionally, it was thought that the cleaning power of the beverage supply system 1b would be enhanced by supplying a large amount of water at once. On the other hand, the inventors of the present application, as a result of diligent studies, found that detergency can be enhanced by increasing the linear velocity of water to increase the energy of water. In order to increase the linear velocity of water, it is necessary 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 this embodiment, the control device 80 controls the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 63 so that water and gas are alternately supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 . Specifically, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 63 and opens 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 keeps the gas on and off for a predetermined time. The water bullet control is executed by alternately repeating opening the on-off valve 63 and closing the water on-off valve 91 .

In the water bullet control, water and gas are intermittently supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 to perform so-called water bullet cleaning. At this time, since the gas functions to push out water, a small amount of water can flow inside the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, the linear velocity of water can be increased, and the flow path of the beverage of the beverage supply system 1b can be efficiently washed with high cleaning power.

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 water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 44, and The gas on-off valve 63 and the water on-off valve 91 are controlled at the same time. That is, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 63 and opens the water on-off valve 91 until 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. In other words, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 63 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.

However, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1b, the user may erroneously set the operating portion 53 of the dispensing head 50 to the lower position. In this case, even if the water opening/closing valve 91 is opened and water is supplied to the dispense head 50 , the above-described configuration of the dispense head 50 prevents water from entering the beverage container 20 .

When the position of the operation unit 53 is set to the lower position during water bullet control, the flow of water is blocked by the dispense head 50 and the amount of supplied water does not reach the reference amount. Also, if the tap 32 is closed by a user's erroneous operation during water bullet control, the flow of water is cut off by the tap 32, and the amount of supplied water does not reach the reference amount. For this reason, the control device 80 issues a warning when the estimated amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 reaches the reference amount in water bullet control longer than a predetermined time. Cause device 45 to output a warning. As a result, the user can be made to recognize an erroneous operation, and the user can be urged to perform cleaning in the correct procedure.

Further, in this embodiment, the first gas supply path 61 for supplying the gas for supplying the beverage and the second gas supply path 62 for supplying the gas for cleaning the beverage supply system 1b are provided separately. ing. In this case, the gas may be supplied from the second gas supply path 62 to the dispense head 50 only when cleaning the beverage supply system 1b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the gas on-off valve 63 is configured to close the second gas supply path 62 when not energized and open the second gas supply path 62 when energized.

<Washing treatment>
The control described above will be specifically described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the control routine of the cleaning process in the third embodiment. 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. The user selects a cleaning mode via the input device when requesting cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 . The input device is electrically connected to the control device 80 and configured, for example, as a button 49 (see FIG. 6) provided on the outer surface of the control box 40 . 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. In step S102, the water bullet control shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

FIG. 10 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 63 . Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 .

Next, in step S202, the control device 80 acquires the output of the flow sensor 44. 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 44. FIG. 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 44 .

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. The reference amount A is determined in advance based on experimental results and the like so as to increase detergency. If it is determined that the estimated water amount EA is less than the reference amount A, the control routine proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, the control device 80 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the water opening/closing valve 91 was opened and the gas opening/closing valve 63 was closed in step S201. The predetermined time is determined in advance in consideration of the time required for the water supply amount to reach the reference amount A when the water pressure is low. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control routine returns to step S202.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that the predetermined time has passed, the control routine proceeds to step S209. In step S209, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning. For example, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning sound for a predetermined period of time. This notifies the user that an erroneous operation has been performed. After step S209, the control routine ends.

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 63 for a predetermined time. Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the gas on-off valve 63 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined time is determined in advance based on experimental results and the like so as to increase the detergency.

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, the water bullet control ends, and the control routine proceeds to step S103 shown in FIG.

In step S103, the control device 80 executes water discharge control in order to quickly discharge the water left in the beverage flow path due to the water bullet control. In the water discharge control, the controller 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and opens the gas on-off valve 63 for a predetermined time. Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the gas on-off valve 63 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined time is predetermined considering the time required for the gas to expel the water.

Next, in step S<b>104 , the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 63 . Specifically, the control device 80 stops power supply to the gas on-off valve 63 .

Next, in step S105, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a termination alarm sound. At this time, even if the user forgets to close the tap 32, gas leakage is prevented because the gas on-off valve 63 is closed. After step S105, the control routine ends.

Note that the warning device 45 may be configured as a display such as a liquid crystal panel and output a warning message as a warning. In this case, the warning device 45 is arranged on the outer surface of the control box 40, and in step S209 of FIG. 10, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning message for a predetermined time, for example.

Alternatively, the warning device 45 may be configured as a light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) and output light as a warning. In this case, the warning device 45 is arranged on the outer surface of the control box 40, and in step S209 of FIG. 10, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to emit light for a predetermined time, for example.

<Fourth embodiment>
A beverage supply system according to the fourth embodiment is basically the same as the beverage supply system according to the third embodiment. Therefore, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system 1c according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The beverage supply system 1 c comprises one gas supply source 10 , two beverage containers 20 , two beverage dispensers 30 , two gas supply channels 60 and two beverage transfer channels 70 . In a fourth embodiment, one gas supply 10 is used to dispense beverages from two beverage dispensers 30 . The beverages contained in the two beverage containers 20 may be different.

The gas supply source 10 has a first gas pressure reducing valve 11a and a second gas pressure reducing valve 11b. The first gas pressure reducing valve 11 a is connected to one first gas supply line 61 , and the second gas pressure reducing valve 11 b is connected to the other first gas supply line 61 . As a result, gases with different pressures can be supplied to the two beverage containers 20 , and gas with pressures suitable for the temperature of the beverages in the beverage containers 20 can be supplied.

The beverage supply system 1c also includes one control box 40, one second gas supply line 62, one water supply source 100, one water pressure reducing valve 110, and one water supply line 90. . As in the third embodiment, the water supply channel 90 and the second gas supply channel 62 are integrated into one shared channel within the control box 40 , and the shared channel is connected to the first fluid inlet 513 of the dispense head 50 . Connected.

The beverage supply system 1c also includes a branch shared channel 130 branched from the shared channel. The shared flow path is connected to one dispense head 50 and the branched shared flow path 130 is connected to the other dispense head 50 . The branch shared channel 130 branches from the shared channel downstream of the control box 40 . Therefore, by controlling the water on-off valve 91 in the control box 40, the water supply to the water supply channel 90 and the branch water supply channel 120 can be controlled simultaneously.

In the fourth embodiment, one water supply 100 can be used to simultaneously clean two flow paths of beverage of the beverage supply system 1c. The user sets the position of the operation part 53 of the two dispensing heads 50 to the upper position and opens the two taps 32 when cleaning the two flow paths of the beverage at the same time. Afterwards, when the cleaning mode is selected, the two flow paths of the beverage are cleaned by water bullet cleaning.

However, the user may forget to switch at least one of the operation units 53 . Even in this case, the above-described configuration of the dispensing head 50 prevents water from entering the beverage container 20 . Further, when the user sets the position of the operating portion 53 of one dispense head 50 to the upper position and sets the position of the operating portion 53 of the other dispense head 50 to the lower position, the water flow in one of the beverage transfer paths 70 is increased. and gas are supplied, and the other beverage transfer path 70 is supplied with beverage. Therefore, while one beverage dispenser 30 is being washed, beverage can be supplied from the other beverage dispenser 30 . This allows regular cleaning of the beverage flow path without interrupting the beverage supply.

Note that the two first gas supply paths 61 may be connected to one gas pressure reducing valve. That is, the pressure of the gas supplied to the two first gas supply paths 61 may be adjusted by one gas pressure reducing valve. Also, the number of beverage dispensers 30 and the like may be three or more. If the number of beverage dispensers 30 is N, the beverage delivery system 1c comprises N−1 branched shared channels 130 .

<Fifth embodiment>
The beverage supply system according to the fifth embodiment is basically the same as the beverage supply system in the first embodiment. For this reason, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

12-14 are schematic partial cross-sectional views of a dispense head 50' and spear valve 21 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Dispense head 50' mounted on spear valve 21 is shown in FIGS. 12-14.

The spear valve 21 includes a valve case 22, a gas channel closing portion 23 and a beverage channel closing portion 24, a fifth sealing member 305, a sixth sealing member 306, a first spring 401 and a second spring 402, It has the same configuration as the form.

Dispense head 50' comprises a housing 51' and a plunger 52' disposed within housing 51'. The housing 51 ′ includes a body portion 511 , a flange portion 512 , a first fluid inlet portion 513 and a second fluid inlet portion 514 .

The body portion 511 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends vertically upward from the spear valve 21 . The body portion 511 has a first through hole 515 . The first through hole 515 extends in the axial direction of the body portion 511 and communicates with the interior of the spear valve 21 .

The flange portion 512 is connected to the lower end portion of the body portion 511 and extends radially outward from the body portion 511 . The flange portion 512 is inserted into an engaging groove 221 formed in the upper portion of the valve case 22 of the spear valve 21 and engages with the engaging groove 221 . As a result, the dispense head 50' is attached to the spear valve 21. FIG. For example, the user inserts the flange portion 512 into the engagement groove 221 by rotating the housing 51 ′ in the circumferential direction.

The first fluid inflow portion 513 and the second fluid inflow portion 514 are each connected to a side surface of the body portion 511 and extend radially outward from the body portion 511 . The first fluid inlet portion 513 and the second fluid inlet portion 514 are spaced apart in the circumferential and axial directions of the body portion 511 . The first fluid inflow portion 513 is arranged above the second fluid inflow portion 514 in the vertical direction, and is arranged farther from the spear valve 21 than the second fluid inflow portion 514 . Note that the first fluid inflow portion 513 and the second fluid inflow portion 514 may be arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the body portion 511 .

The first fluid inlet 513 has a first fluid inlet 516 . The first fluid inlet 516 extends horizontally and communicates with the first through hole 515 . The first fluid inflow portion 513 is connected to a water supply channel 90 that supplies water. Therefore, the first fluid inlet 516 communicates with the water supply channel 90 . Note that the first fluid inflow portion 513 may be connected to the water supply channel 90 via a joint or the like.

The second fluid inlet 514 has a second fluid inlet 517 . The second fluid inlet 517 extends horizontally and communicates with the first through hole 515 . The second fluid inflow portion 514 is connected to a gas supply path 60 that supplies gas. Therefore, the second fluid inlet 517 communicates with the gas supply path 60 . Note that the second fluid inflow portion 514 may be connected to the gas supply path 60 via a joint or the like.

The first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 communicate with each other through the first through hole 515 . The second fluid inlet 517 is arranged downstream of the first fluid inlet 516 in the direction of fluid flow into the spear valve 21 .

Plunger 52' has a generally cylindrical shape and is disposed within body portion 511 of housing 51'. Plunger 52 ′ has a fluid outlet 521 . Fluid outlet 521 extends axially of plunger 52 ′ and communicates with the interior of spear valve 21 . An upper end portion of the body portion 511 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, the fluid outlet 521 communicates with the beverage transfer path 70 . Note that the upper end portion of the body portion 511 may be connected to the beverage transfer path 70 via a joint or the like.

Plunger 52' has a recess 522a. The recess 522a is formed on the outer surface of the plunger 52' and extends in the circumferential direction of the plunger 52'.

Plunger 52 ′ also has spherical member 524 , projection 525 and step 526 . The spherical member 524, the protrusion 525, and the stepped portion 526 function as a backflow prevention mechanism that prevents backflow of fluid from the fluid outlet 521 into the spear valve 21, as in the first embodiment.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing head 50' includes an operating portion 53. As shown in FIG. The operating portion 53 slides the plunger 52' within the housing 51' by manual operation. The operation part 53 is rotatably attached to the housing 51', for example, and connected to the plunger 52' so that rotation of the operation part 53 is converted into linear motion of the plunger 52'. The operation portion 53 is configured as, for example, an operation lever.

In the fifth embodiment, the operating portion 53 is rotatable between an upper position, an intermediate position and a lower position. When the operating portion 53 is rotated from the upper position to the lower position via the intermediate position, the plunger 52 ′ moves vertically downward and approaches the spear valve 21 . On the other hand, when the operating portion 53 is rotated from the lower position to the upper position via the intermediate position, the plunger 52 ′ moves vertically upward and separates from the spear valve 21 . Plunger 52' is therefore slidable between an upper position, an intermediate position and a lower position.

Also, the dispense head 50' is provided with an on-off valve 54 as in the first embodiment. The on-off valve 54 is arranged inside the second fluid inlet 514 , i.e., at the second fluid inlet 517 , and opens and closes the second fluid inlet 517 .

Also, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, the dispensing head 50′ includes a first sealing member 301, a second sealing member 302, a third sealing member 303, a fourth sealing member 304 and a seventh sealing member 307. . The first sealing member 301, the second sealing member 302 and the seventh sealing member 307 are each arranged in a circumferential groove formed in the inner surface of the body portion 511 of the housing 51' and extend around the plunger 52'. .

The first seal member 301 is arranged above the first fluid inlet portion 513 in the vertical direction. The second seal member 302 is arranged vertically between the first fluid inlet portion 513 and the second fluid inlet portion 514 . The seventh seal member 307 is arranged below the second fluid inlet portion 514 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first sealing member 301 is arranged at the uppermost position in the vertical direction, the second sealing member 302 is arranged vertically between the first sealing member 301 and the seventh sealing member 307, and the seventh sealing member 307 is arranged at the uppermost position in the vertical direction. It is placed at the lowest position in the vertical direction.

The third sealing member 303 is arranged in a circumferential groove formed in the lower surface of the flange portion 512 of the housing 51'. The third seal member 303 contacts the valve case 22 of the spear valve 21 and seals the space between the flange portion 512 and the valve case 22 . As a result, the fluid that has flowed into the spear valve 21 can be prevented from flowing out to the outside through between the flange portion 512 and the valve case 22 .

A fourth seal member 304 is disposed on the outer surface of plunger 52' and extends around plunger 52'. The fourth seal member 304 is arranged below the recess 522a in the vertical direction and is arranged closer to the spear valve 21 than the recess 522a.

The dispense head 50 ′ is configured to switch communication between the first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 and the fluid outlet 521 . Specifically, dispense head 50' switches between these communication states by sliding plunger 52' within housing 51'.

The plunger 52' is positioned in a first position that directly communicates the first fluid inlet 516 and the fluid outlet 521 and isolates the second fluid inlet 517 from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521; a second position that isolates the fluid inlet 516 from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521 and communicates the second fluid inlet 517 and the fluid outlet 521 through the interior of the beverage container 20; It slides between a third position that isolates the first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521 . In this embodiment, the upper position of the plunger 52' corresponds to the third position, the intermediate position of the plunger 52' corresponds to the first position, and the lower position of the plunger 52' corresponds to the second position.

In the fifth embodiment, 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 part 53 to the upper position. As a result, plunger 52' is in the upper position. Figure 12 shows the dispensing head 50' when the plunger' is in the upper position.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the upper position, the first seal member 301 is positioned above the recess 522a in the vertical direction (axial direction). As a result, the first seal member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52' and seals the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. Accordingly, even if water is supplied to the first fluid inlet 516, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing upward through the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'.

Also, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the upper position, the seventh sealing member 307 is positioned between the recess 522a and the fourth sealing member 304 in the vertical direction. As a result, the seventh seal member 307 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52' and seals the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. Accordingly, even if water is supplied to the first fluid inlet 516, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing into the spear valve 21 through between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. Therefore, the first sealing member 301 and the seventh sealing member 307 can prevent water leakage when the beverage container 20 is replaced.

Further, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the upper position, the vertical positions of the recess 522a and the second fluid inlet 517 match, and the on-off valve 54 faces the recess 522a. As a result, a space is generated between the spindle 542 of the on-off valve 54 and the plunger 52', and no force is generated against the biasing force of the spring 544 of the on-off valve 54. Therefore, the on-off valve 54 closes the second fluid inlet 517, and the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 cannot flow into the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. This can prevent gas leakage when replacing the beverage container 20 .

Thus, the first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 are blocked from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521 when the plunger 52' is in the upper position. In this state, the dispense head 50' is detached from the spear valve 21 and the beverage container 20 is replaced.

When cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , the user sets the position of the operation part 53 to the intermediate position and opens the main cock of the water supply source 100 . As a result, the plunger 52' is in an intermediate position and the first fluid inlet 516 is supplied with water. FIG. 13 shows the dispensing head 50' when the plunger 52' is in an intermediate position.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the intermediate position, the first seal member 301 is positioned above the recess 522a in the vertical direction. As a result, the first seal member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52' and seals the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. As a result, the water supplied to the first fluid inlet 516 can be prevented from flowing upward through the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'.

On the other hand, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the intermediate position, the vertical positions of the recess 522a and the second sealing member 302 and the seventh sealing member 307 are aligned, and the second sealing member 302 and the seventh sealing member 307 are aligned with the recesses. Facing 522a. As a result, a space is created between the second seal member 302 and the seventh seal member 307 and the plunger 52', and water supplied to the first fluid inlet 516 passes through this space toward the inside of the valve case 22. down.

Further, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the intermediate position, the vertical positions of the recess 522a and the second fluid inlet 517 match, and the on-off valve 54 faces the recess 522a. As a result, a space is generated between the spindle 542 of the on-off valve 54 and the plunger 52', and no force is generated against the biasing force of the spring 544 of the on-off valve 54. Therefore, the on-off valve 54 closes the second fluid inlet 517, and the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 cannot flow into the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'.

Further, when the plunger 52 ′ is positioned at the intermediate position, the fourth seal member 304 arranged on the outer surface of the plunger 52 ′ does not contact the gas flow path closing portion 23 . Therefore, the fifth seal member 305 arranged at the upper end portion of the gas flow path closing portion 23 abuts against the valve case 22 by the biasing force of the first spring 401, and the valve case 22 and the gas flow path closing portion 23 are separated from each other. Seal the space between. As a result, water that has flowed into the valve case 22 through the space between the housing 51 and the plunger 52 can be prevented from flowing between the valve case 22 and the gas flow path closing portion 23 .

Also, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the intermediate position, the lower end of the plunger 52 does not contact the beverage flow path closing portion 24. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the beverage channel closing portion 24 abuts against the sixth sealing member 306 due to the biasing force of the second spring 402 , and the sixth sealing member 306 is positioned between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 . to seal the space. This prevents water that has flowed into the valve case 22 through the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52' from flowing between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24. can do.

Water flowing into the valve case 22 flows into the fluid outlet 521 through the space between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the plunger 52' and the space between the beverage channel closing portion 24 and the plunger 52'. . Thus, when the plunger 52' is in the intermediate position, the first fluid inlet 516 is in direct communication with the fluid outlet 521 and the second fluid inlet 517 is isolated from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521. be. When the tap 32 is opened in this state, the water supplied from the water supply source 100 flows through the beverage flow path, ie, the dispense head 50', the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 (the beverage introduction pipe 31 and the tap 32). It is washed and discharged from tap 32 . Water discharged from the tap 32 is stored in a drainage container 200 previously installed by the user.

When the beverage in the beverage storage container 20 is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 by gas, that is, when the beverage is supplied from the beverage dispenser 30, the user sets the operating portion 53 to the lower position. As a result, plunger 52' is in the downward position. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of dispense head 50' and spear valve 21 when plunger 52' is in the down position.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the lower position, the first seal member 301 is positioned above the recess 522a in the vertical direction. As a result, the first seal member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52' and seals the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. Accordingly, even if water is supplied to the first fluid inlet 516, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing upward through the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. The first sealing member 301 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52' regardless of the sliding position of the plunger 52'.

Also, when the plunger 52' is positioned at the lower position, the second sealing member 302 is positioned above the recess 522a in the vertical direction. As a result, the second seal member 302 contacts the outer surface of the plunger 52' and seals the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'. Accordingly, even if water is supplied to the first fluid inlet 516, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing into the spear valve 21 through between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'.

Also, when the plunger 52' moves from the intermediate position to the lower position, the spindle 542 of the on-off valve 54 is pressed by the slope of the recess 522a. As a result, the spindle 542 moves against the biasing force of the spring 544 and the on-off valve 54 opens the second fluid inlet 517 . The open state of the on-off valve 54 is maintained by the outer surface of the plunger 52 ′ pressing against the spindle 542 . Further, upward movement of the fluid from the second fluid inlet 517 is prevented by the second seal member 302 . Therefore, the gas supplied to the second fluid inlet 517 passes through the on-off valve 54 and flows into the spear valve 21 through the space between the housing 51' and the plunger 52'.

Further, when the plunger 52' moves from the intermediate position to the lower position, the lower end of the plunger 52 presses the beverage flow path closing portion 24, and then the fourth sealing member 304 arranged on the outer surface of the plunger 52' is released from the gas. The channel closing portion 23 is pressed. As a result, the beverage channel closing portion 24 moves against the urging force of the second spring 402 and a space is created between the sixth sealing member 306 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 . After that, the gas flow path closing portion 23 moves against the biasing force of the first spring 401 to create a space between the fifth seal member 305 and the valve case 22 .

Therefore, the gas that has flowed into the valve case 22 flows into the beverage container 20 through the gap between the valve case 22 and the gas flow path closing portion 23 . As a result, the liquid level of the beverage is pushed down by the gas, and the beverage rises through the space between the gas channel closing portion 23 and the beverage channel closing portion 24 . The risen beverage flows into fluid outlet 521 through passage hole 527 formed in the lower end of plunger 52'.

Thus, when the plunger 52' is in the lower position, the first fluid inlet 516 is isolated from the interior of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 521, and the second fluid inlet 517 passes through the interior of the beverage container 20. communicates with the fluid outlet 521 . When the tap 32 is opened in this state, the beverage supplied from the beverage container 20 by gas is poured out from the tap 32 through the beverage transfer path 70 .

As described above, the user sets the position of the operation part 53 to the intermediate position when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 . However, there is a possibility that the user forgets to switch the operating portion 53, and water is supplied from the water supply source 100 to the dispensing head 50' when the operating portion 53 is positioned at the upper position or the lower position. Even in this case, in this embodiment, the plunger 52 ′, the second seal member 302 and the seventh seal member 307 prevent water from flowing into the valve case 22 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent washing water from mixing into the beverage in the beverage container 20 during the cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 without detecting the position of the operation portion 53 .

<Other embodiments>
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 positional relationship between the first fluid inlet 513 connected to the water supply channel 90 and the second fluid inlet 514 connected to the gas supply channel 60 may be reversed. That is, the first fluid inlet 516 may be arranged downstream of the second fluid inlet 517 , and the on-off valve 54 may be arranged at the first fluid inlet 516 . In this case, with respect to the dispensing head 50 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the user sets the position of the operating part 53 to the lower position when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, and sets the position of the operating part 53 to the upper position when supplying the beverage. set to 12 to 14, the user sets the position of the operating portion 53 to the lower position when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, and sets the position of the operating portion 53 to the intermediate position when supplying the beverage. set to

Moreover, the corresponding relationship between the position of the operation portion 53 and the position of the plunger 52 in the dispensing head 50 may be different. For example, the dispense head 50 may be configured such that the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position when the operating portion 53 is at the lower position. The same is true for the dispense head 50'.

In addition, in the dispensing head 50, the first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 may be arranged at the same position in the axial direction of the body portion 511 of the housing 51 and may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the body portion 511. . In this case, for example, two sealing members are arranged on the inner surface of the body portion 511, one sealing member surrounds the second fluid inlet 517 when the plunger 52 is positioned at the upper position, and the plunger 52 is positioned at the lower position. The other seal member surrounds the first fluid inlet 516 when in position. When the first fluid inlet 516 and the second fluid inlet 517 are selectively sealed by the sealing member in this manner, the on-off valve 54 may be omitted.

In addition, the embodiments described above can be implemented in arbitrary combinations. That is, the dispensing head 50' in the fifth embodiment may be used in the second to fourth embodiments.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c beverage supply system 10 gas supply source 20 beverage container 30 beverage dispenser 50, 50' dispense head 51, 51' housing 52, 52' plunger 53 operating part 516 first fluid inlet 517 second fluid Inlet 521 Fluid Outlet 60 Gas Supply Channel 61 First Gas Supply Channel 62 Second Gas Supply Channel 70 Beverage Transfer Channel 80 Control Device 90 Water Supply Channel 100 Water Supply Source

Claims (7)

A dispensing head attachable to a beverage container,
a housing having a first fluid inlet communicating with a water supply channel that supplies water and a second fluid inlet communicating with a gas supply channel that supplies gas;
a plunger disposed within the housing and having a fluid outlet in communication with a beverage transfer passage for transferring beverage within the beverage container;
an operating portion that slides the plunger within the housing by manual operation ;
an on-off valve that opens and closes the second fluid inlet;
with
the plunger has a first position in which the first fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in direct communication and the second fluid inlet is isolated from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet; between a second position isolating the fluid inlet from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet and communicating the second fluid inlet and the fluid outlet through the interior of the beverage container; slide ,
The on-off valve is disposed at the second fluid inlet, closes the second fluid inlet when the plunger is at the first position, and closes the second fluid inlet when the plunger is at the second position. Dispense head to open inlet . The plunger is between the first position, the second position and a third position blocking the first and second fluid inlets from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet. 10. The dispensing head of claim 1, which slides at a . a water supply channel connected to a water supply;
a first gas supply channel connected to a gas supply;
a beverage transfer path connected to the beverage dispenser;
a dispensing head attached to the beverage container,
The dispensing head is
a housing having a first fluid inlet communicating with the water supply channel and a second fluid inlet communicating with the first gas supply channel;
a plunger disposed within the housing and having a fluid outlet in communication with the beverage transfer path;
an operating portion that slides the plunger within the housing by manual operation ;
an on-off valve that opens and closes the second fluid inlet;
with
the plunger has a first position in which the first fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in direct communication and the second fluid inlet is isolated from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet; between a second position isolating the fluid inlet from the interior of the beverage container and the fluid outlet and communicating the second fluid inlet and the fluid outlet through the interior of the beverage container; slide ,
The on-off valve is disposed at the second fluid inlet, closes the second fluid inlet when the plunger is at the first position, and closes the second fluid inlet when the plunger is at the second position. Beverage supply system, opening the inlet . a water on-off valve that opens and closes the water supply channel;
a second gas supply channel connected to the gas supply source;
a gas on-off valve that opens and closes the second gas supply path;
Further comprising a control device for controlling the water on-off valve and the gas on-off valve,
the first fluid inlet communicates with the water supply channel and the second gas supply channel;
The water on-off valve is configured to close the water supply path when de-energized and to open the water supply path when energized, and the gas on-off valve closes the second gas supply path when de-energized and the second gas supply path when energized. 4. Beverage supply system according to claim 3 , configured to open the gas supply. The beverage supply system according to claim 3 or 4 , further comprising a branch water supply channel branched from said water supply channel. 5. Beverage dispensing system according to claim 4 , wherein the water supply channel and the second gas supply channel are integrated into a shared channel, and the first fluid inlet is connected to the shared channel. 7. The beverage delivery system according to claim 6 , further comprising a branch shared channel branched from said shared channel.

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