JP7376589B2 - Beverage supply system cleaning device and beverage supply system cleaning method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a beverage supply system and a method for cleaning a beverage supply system.

BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART BACKGROUND ART Beverage supply systems that supply a beverage transferred from a beverage storage container using gas to the outside from a beverage dispenser are known (for example, JP 2017-218226A and JP 2017-43385A). 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, after the beverage dispensing system finishes dispensing the beverage, the beverage remains in the beverage flow path. The remaining beverage causes deterioration of the beverage and the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, in order to prevent the taste of the beverage from deteriorating, it is necessary to regularly clean the beverage dispensing system.

On the other hand, in the beverage supply systems described in JP 2017-218226A and JP 2017-43385A, cleaning power is increased by cleaning the beverage supply system with water mixed with carbon dioxide gas. It is said that However, there is room for further improvement in cleaning beverage dispensing systems.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to efficiently clean a beverage flow path with high cleaning power in a beverage supply system.

The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) A cleaning device for a beverage supply system that supplies a beverage transferred from a beverage storage container to the outside from a beverage dispenser using gas, the cleaning device supplying gas to a beverage transfer path that connects the beverage storage container and the beverage dispenser. a water supply path that supplies water to the beverage transfer path; at least one of a gas on-off valve that opens and closes the gas supply path; and a water on-off valve that opens and closes the water supply path; and the gas on-off valve. and a control device that controls at least one of the water on-off valve, the control device controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for only a first time. executing rinsing control to control one of the two, and controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a second time after the rinsing control; , executing water bullet control that alternately repeats controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a third time; A cleaning device for a beverage dispensing system, wherein the time is shorter than the first time.

(2) The control device is configured to control at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a fourth time between the rinse control and the water bullet control. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (1) above, wherein the fourth time period is longer than the third time period.

(3) comprising the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve, and the control device executes internal pressure reduction control to close the water on-off valve and the gas on-off valve for a fifth time before the rinsing control; The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (1) or (2) above.

(4) The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, further comprising a flow rate sensor provided in the water supply path.

(5) The control device calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path to the beverage transfer path in the rinsing control based on the output of the flow rate sensor, and the estimated value is a first threshold value. The cleaning device for a beverage dispensing system according to (4) above, wherein the first time is determined so as to reach .

(6) The control device calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path to the beverage transfer path in the water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor, and the estimated value is a second The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (4) or (5) above, wherein the second time is determined so as to reach a threshold value.

(7) Further comprising a warning device that outputs a warning, the beverage is beer or a beer-taste beverage, the beverage dispenser is configured to selectively supply the beverage and foam of the beverage, and the control device calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path to the beverage transfer path in the rinsing control based on the output of the flow rate sensor, and when the estimated value reaches a third threshold, The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of (4) to (6) above, which causes the warning device to output a warning.

(8) The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to (7) above, wherein the control device causes the warning device to output a warning when starting the water bullet control.

(9) A method for cleaning a beverage supply system that supplies a beverage transferred from a beverage storage container through a beverage transfer path by gas to the outside from a beverage dispenser, wherein water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a first period of time. Rinsing control that controls at least one of a water on-off valve that opens and closes a water supply path that supplies water to the beverage transfer path, and a gas on-off valve that opens and closes a gas supply path that supplies gas to the beverage transfer path. controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a second time after the rinsing control; controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path for the duration of the water bullet control; A method of cleaning a beverage dispensing system, wherein the time is shorter than the first time.

According to the present invention, in a beverage supply system, a beverage flow path can be efficiently cleaned with high cleaning power.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system to which a cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control routine for cleaning processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control routine for cleaning processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control routine for cleaning processing in the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control routine for rinse control in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control routine for water bullet control in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the flow path of a cock of a beverage dispenser. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control routine for rinse control in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control routine for warning processing in the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same reference number is attached to the same component.

<First embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

<Beverage supply system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system to which a cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The beverage supply system 1 includes a gas supply source 10, a beverage container 20, and a beverage dispenser 30. The beverage supply system 1 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 to the outside from the beverage dispenser 30 using gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 . A user of the beverage dispensing system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "user") can easily obtain a desired amount of beverage by pouring the beverage from the beverage dispenser 30 into a container.

The beverage supply system 1 further includes a gas supply path 60 that connects the gas supply source 10 and the beverage container 20, and a beverage transfer path 70 that connects the beverage container 20 and the beverage dispenser 30. The gas supply path 60 is configured as a gas supply hose, for example, and is made of various materials that can withstand gas pressure (for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)). , polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.). Beverage transfer channel 70 is configured, for example, as a beverage transfer hose and is made of various materials that can withstand the pressure of the beverage and gas, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer ( ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

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

The gas supply source 10 supplies gases such as carbon dioxide gas (carbon dioxide gas), nitrogen gas, and compressed air. The gas supply source 10 includes a gas pressure reduction valve 11 , and the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is regulated by the gas pressure reduction 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 path 60, and the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is supplied to the beverage container 20 through the gas supply path 60.

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

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

Moreover, the beverage dispensing system 1 further includes a dispensing head 50 . The dispense head 50 is attached to the beverage container 20 , specifically the spear valve of the beverage container 20 .

Dispense head 50 includes a fluid inlet 51 and a fluid outlet 52 . Gas supply conduit 60 is connected to fluid inlet 51 and in fluid communication with the interior of beverage containing container 20 via dispense head 50 and a spear valve. The gas supply line 60 is thus connected to the beverage container 20 via the dispensing head 50 . The beverage transfer path 70 is also connected to the fluid outlet 52 and in fluid communication with the interior of the beverage containing container 20 via the dispense head 50 and the spear valve. The beverage transfer path 70 is thus connected to the beverage container 20 via the dispensing head 50 . When gas is supplied into the beverage container 20, the gas depresses the liquid level of the beverage, forcing the beverage to rise through the spear valve and out of the beverage container 20 and into the beverage transfer path 70.

The beverage dispenser 30 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 to the outside (outside the beverage dispenser 30) using the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10. Beverage dispenser 30 is shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed. Beverage dispenser 30 includes a coiled beverage introduction pipe 31 , a cock 32 , a cooling water tank 33 , and a cooling device 34 . The cock 32 is also called a tap.

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 cock 32. The beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 passes through the beverage introduction pipe 31 and reaches the cock 32. At this time, when the user operates the handle 321 of the cock 32 (for example, pulls the handle 321 toward the user), the beverage is poured from the cock 32 into a container (jug, glass, etc.). The container is pre-installed below the cock 32 by the user.

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 refrigerant flow pipe 35, and an agitator 36. The cooling device 34 generates ice around the refrigerant flow pipe 35 using the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator to the refrigerant flow 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. When the beverage transferred to the beverage dispenser 30 passes through the beverage introduction pipe 31, it is cooled by the cooling water in the cooling water tank 33. Therefore, the beverage supply system 1 can supply a desired cold beverage to the outside from the beverage dispenser 30 even if the beverage in the beverage storage container 20 is at room temperature.

<Cleaning device for beverage supply system>
After the beverage supply system 1 finishes supplying the beverage, the beverage remains in the beverage flow path. The remaining beverage causes deterioration of the beverage and the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, in order to prevent the taste of the beverage from deteriorating, it is necessary to regularly clean the beverage supply system 1.

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the inside of the control box 40 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. Some of the components of the beverage dispensing system 1 also function as components of the cleaning device.

The cleaning device includes a gas supply path 60 for supplying gas to the beverage transfer path 70, a water supply path 90 for supplying water to the beverage transfer path 70, a control box 40, and a dispensing head 50. A portion of the gas supply path 60 and a portion of the water supply path 90 are arranged within the control box 40 and are hidden from the outside by the control box 40.

The water supply path 90 is connected to a water supply source 100 that supplies water. A water pressure reducing valve 110 is provided in the water supply path 90, and the pressure of water supplied from the water supply source 100 is adjusted by the water pressure reducing valve 110. The water supply source 100 is configured, for example, as a water tap. The water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 functions as a cleaning liquid.

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

The dispensing head 50 is configured to switch the connection state between the fluid inlet 51 connected to the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 and the fluid outlet 52 connected to the beverage transfer path 70. ing. Dispense head 50 includes an operating lever 53 (see FIG. 1), and switches the connection state between fluid inlet 51 and fluid outlet 52 when operating lever 53 is operated by the user. For example, the operating lever 53 is movable in the vertical direction and can be switched between three positions (an upper position, an intermediate position, and a lower position).

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

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

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

The cleaning device further includes a control device 80. The control device 80 is disposed within the control box 40 and is hidden from the outside by the control box 40.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device 80 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. Control device 80 includes a memory 81, a peripheral circuit 82, and a processor 83. Memory 81 and peripheral circuit 82 are connected to processor 83 via signal lines. The control device 80 is configured as a microcomputer or a sequencer, for example.

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

The peripheral circuit 82 includes additional elements (eg, a timer, etc.) necessary for the processor 83 to execute various processes. The processor 83 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and executes various processes.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device further includes a gas on-off valve 61, a gas check valve 62, a water on-off valve 91, and a water check valve 92. The gas on-off valve 61 is arranged in the gas supply path 60 and opens and closes the gas supply path 60. The gas on-off valve 61 is, for example, a solenoid valve disposed within the gas supply path 60. Note that the gas on-off valve 61 may be a pinch valve disposed around the gas supply path 60. The gas on-off valve 61 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and the control device 80 controls the gas on-off valve 61.

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

The water on-off valve 91 is arranged in the water supply path 90 and opens and closes the water supply path 90. The water on-off valve 91 is, for example, a solenoid valve disposed within the water supply path 90. Note that the water on-off valve 91 may be a pinch valve disposed around 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 check valve 92 is arranged in the water supply path 90 and prevents water from flowing backward (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.

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

When dispensing a beverage from the beverage dispenser 30, the user sets the operating lever 53 of the dispensing head 50 to the lower position. When the operating lever 53 is in the lower position, the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 through the inside of the beverage storage container 20 . At this time, since power is not supplied to the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91, the gas on-off valve 61 opens the gas supply path 60, and the water on-off valve 91 closes the water supply path 90. For this purpose, gas is supplied from the gas supply path 60 to the beverage container 20, and the beverage is transferred by the gas to the beverage dispenser 30 via the beverage transfer path 70.

Furthermore, when replacing the beverage container 20, the user sets the replacement lever of the dispense head 50 to the upper position. When the operating lever 53 is in the upper position, the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is not connected to the inside of the beverage storage container 20 and the beverage transfer path 70. Therefore, gas leakage when replacing the beverage container 20 can be prevented.

Furthermore, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, the user sets the operating lever 53 of the dispensing head 50 to the intermediate position and opens the cock 32 of the beverage dispenser 30. When the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position, the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is directly connected to the beverage transfer path 70. Therefore, when cleaning the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 with water supplied from the water supply source 100, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the interior of the beverage container 20. The water that has washed the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 is collected into a collection container 200 (bucket or the like) installed in advance by the user.

Conventionally, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, it has been thought that the cleaning power is increased by supplying a large amount of water at once. On the other hand, as a result of intensive studies, the inventor of the present application found that cleaning power can be enhanced by increasing the linear velocity of water and increasing the energy of the 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, water cannot flow into the beverage transfer path 70 due to resistance within the beverage transfer path 70.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 80 controls at least one of the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 so that water and gas are alternately supplied to the beverage transfer path 70. At this time, the gas supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 functions to push out water. However, when a beverage such as a carbonated beverage is used, not only the beverage but also the beverage foam is left in the beverage flow path. In this case, even if water is intermittently supplied by gas, the flow of water is blocked by the bubbles. This is particularly noticeable when the beverage is beer.

In consideration of the above, in this embodiment, when the user selects the cleaning mode, the control device 80 executes the following control. First, the control device 80 performs rinse control to control at least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a first time. The first time is predetermined, and is set to, for example, 10 seconds to 180 seconds. For example, the first time is set to the time required to fill the beverage channel (beverage transfer channel 70 and beverage dispenser 30) with water supplied from the water supply channel 90.

The control device 80 also controls at least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a second time after the rinse control; Water bullet control is executed in which controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 is alternately repeated so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a certain amount of time. The second time is predetermined and set to a value shorter than the first time. The third time is predetermined and set to a value shorter than the first time. Further, the first time is set to a value longer than the total time of the second time and the third time, that is, the period of water bullet control. For example, the second time and the third time are each set to 1 second to 10 seconds.

In the rinse control, only water is continuously supplied to the beverage transfer path 70. This allows the water pressure to be increased and any foam left in the beverage flow path to be washed away. As a result, the resistance when water flows during water bullet control is reduced. In the water bullet control, water and gas are intermittently supplied to the beverage transfer path 70, and so-called water bullet cleaning is performed. Water bullet control can increase the linear velocity of water and increase the energy of water compared to rinse control. This makes it possible to increase the cleaning power and remove even minute dirt in the flow path. By performing both the rinse control and the water bullet control in this way, the beverage flow path can be efficiently cleaned with high cleaning power.

<Cleaning process>
The above-described control will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control routine for cleaning processing in the first 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 a cleaning mode has been selected by the user. A user selects a cleaning mode via an input device. The input device is electrically connected to the control device 80 and is configured, for example, as a button 44 (see FIG. 1) provided on the outer surface of the control box 40. The control device 80 determines whether a 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 control device 80 executes rinse control. Specifically, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61 for a first time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a first time. In this embodiment, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 only for a first time.

Next, in step S103, the control device 80 executes water bullet control. Specifically, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61 for a second time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a second time; Closing the water on-off valve 91 and opening the gas on-off valve 61 for a third time is repeated a predetermined number of times so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a time of . In this embodiment, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 only for the second time, and supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 only for the third time. Repeat this process a predetermined number of times. After step S103, this control routine ends.

In this control routine, the control device 80 continuously executes rinse control and water bullet control. However, the control device 80 may execute the water bullet control after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the end of the rinse control. In this case, for example, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 between the rinse control and the water bullet control. That is, the control device 80 supplies power to the gas on-off valve 61 and does not supply power to the water on-off valve 91 between the rinse control and the water bullet control.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when water bullet control is started, water is supplied before gas is supplied. However, when water bullet control is started, gas supply may be performed before water supply.

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

When performing the rinse control and the water bullet control as described above, the water used in the rinse control is left in the beverage flow path at the start of the water bullet control. In this case, water left in the flow path is discharged by water and gas supplied to the beverage flow path in water bullet control. The water and gas supplied at this time hardly contribute to cleaning the flow path. For this reason, the timing at which cleaning actually starts in water bullet control becomes delayed, and the time required to complete cleaning becomes longer.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the water used in the rinse control is quickly discharged by continuously supplying gas to the beverage flow path between the rinse control and the water bullet control. Specifically, the control device 80 controls at least one of the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a fourth period between the rinse control and the water bullet control. Execute water discharge control to control. The fourth time is predetermined and set to a longer value than the third time in water bullet control. For example, the fourth time is set to 1 second to 10 seconds.

By executing the water discharge control between the rinse control and the water bullet control, the beverage flow path is cleaned from the start of the water bullet control. Therefore, by executing water discharge control, it is possible to shorten the time until cleaning of the beverage flow path is completed.

<Cleaning process>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control routine for cleaning processing in the second embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

First, in step S201, similarly to step S101 in FIG. 4, the control device 80 determines whether a cleaning mode has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the cleaning mode has not been selected, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cleaning mode has been selected, the control routine proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, similarly to step S102 in FIG. 4, the control device 80 executes rinse control.

Next, in step S203, the control device 80 executes water discharge control. Specifically, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and opens the gas on-off valve 61 only for the fourth time so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for the fourth time. In this embodiment, the control device 80 does not supply power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 only for the fourth time.

Next, in step S204, the control device 80 executes water bullet control similarly to step S103 in FIG. After step S204, this control routine ends.

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

As mentioned above, when cleaning the beverage dispensing system 1 , the user sets the operating lever 53 of the dispensing head 50 to the intermediate position and opens the cock 32 of the beverage dispenser 30 . As a result, the shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is directly connected to the beverage transfer path 70. At this time, power is not supplied to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61. Therefore, gas is supplied to the beverage flow path from the time the cleaning mode is selected until the rinse control is started. As a result, the beverage remaining in the channel is discharged.

However, in this case, gas is left in the beverage flow path at the beginning of the rinse control. The gas left in the flow path creates resistance to the flow of water during rinse control, increasing the time required to wash away bubbles from the beverage during rinse control.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the gas is naturally discharged from the beverage dispenser 30 by stopping the gas supply before rinsing control. Specifically, the control device 80 executes internal pressure reduction control in which the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 are closed for a fifth period of time before rinsing control. The fifth time is predetermined, and is set to, for example, 1 to 10 seconds.

By executing the internal pressure reduction control before the rinsing control, the pressure in the beverage flow path can be reduced, and bubbles from the beverage can be efficiently washed away during the rinsing control. Therefore, by executing the internal pressure reduction control, it is possible to shorten the time until cleaning of the beverage flow path is completed.

<Cleaning process>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control routine for cleaning processing in the third embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

First, in step S301, similarly to step S101 in FIG. 4, the control device 80 determines whether the cleaning mode has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the cleaning mode has not been selected, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cleaning mode has been selected, the control routine proceeds to step S302.

In step S302, the control device 80 executes internal pressure reduction control. Specifically, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 for only the fifth time. In this embodiment, the control device 80 supplies power to the gas on-off valve 61 and does not supply power to the water on-off valve 91 only for the fifth time.

Next, in step S303, the control device 80 executes rinse control similarly to step S102 in FIG.

Next, in step S304, the control device 80 executes water bullet control similarly to step S103 in FIG. After step S304, this control routine ends.

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 7 shows the inside of the control box 40.

In the fourth embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a flow rate sensor 45. The flow rate sensor 45 is disposed within the control box 40 and is hidden from the outside by the control box 40. Specifically, the flow rate sensor 45 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 45 is arranged in the water supply path 90 downstream of the water on-off valve 91 and the water check valve 92. The flow rate sensor 45 is electrically connected to the control device 80, and the output of the flow rate sensor 45 is input to the control device 80.

As mentioned above, in the rinse control, water is continuously supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 to wash away foam from the beverage. However, when the execution time (first time) of the rinse control is constant, the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 during the rinse control varies depending on the pressure of the water supplied from the water supply source 100. do. For this reason, there is a possibility that a desired amount of water cannot be supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 in the rinse control.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the rinse control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 45, and the estimated value is A first time is determined to reach a first threshold. That is, the control device 80 ends the rinsing control when the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 reaches the first threshold value in the rinsing control. By this, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 during rinsing control, and it is possible to efficiently wash away bubbles from the beverage.

Similarly, when the water supply time (second time) per water bullet control is constant, the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control is the same as the amount of water supplied from the water supply source 100. It varies depending on the water pressure applied. For this reason, there is a possibility that a desired amount of water cannot be supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 45, and calculates the estimated value. A second time is determined such that the second threshold value is reached. That is, in the water bullet control, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61 when the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 reaches the second threshold value. open. As a result, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 during the water bullet control, and furthermore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in cleaning power during the water bullet control.

In the fourth embodiment as well, the cleaning process control routine of FIG. 4 is executed. At this time, in step S102 of FIG. 4, the subroutine shown in FIG. 8 is executed, and in step S103 of FIG. 4, the subroutine shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

<Rinse control>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control routine for rinse control in the fourth embodiment. First, in step S401, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61. Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61.

Next, in step S402, the control device 80 acquires the output of the flow rate sensor 45.

Next, in step S403, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value EA1 of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the rinse control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 45. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates the estimated value EA1 of the amount of water by integrating the flow rate of water detected by the flow rate sensor 45.

Next, in step S404, the control device 80 determines whether the estimated water amount EA1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1. The first threshold value TH1 is predetermined and set to, for example, the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 necessary to fill the beverage flow path (beverage transfer path 70 and beverage dispenser 30).

If it is determined in step S404 that the estimated water amount EA1 is less than the first threshold TH1, the control routine returns to step S402. That is, rinsing control is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the estimated water amount EA1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1, this control routine ends. That is, the rinse control ends. The time from when the water on-off valve 91 is opened in step S401 until the estimated value EA1 of the amount of water reaches the first threshold TH1 corresponds to the first time.

<Water bullet control>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control routine for water bullet control in the fourth embodiment. First, in step S501, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61. Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61.

Next, in step S502, the control device 80 acquires the output of the flow rate sensor 45.

Next, in step S503, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value EA2 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 45. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates the estimated value EA2 of the amount of water by integrating the flow rate of water detected by the flow rate sensor 45.

Next, in step S504, the control device 80 determines whether the estimated water amount EA2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold TH2. The second threshold TH2 is predetermined and set to a value smaller than the first threshold TH1.

If it is determined in step S504 that the estimated water amount EA2 is less than the second threshold TH2, the control routine returns to step S502. In other words, water supply continues.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the estimated water amount EA2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold TH2, the control routine proceeds to step S505. The time from when the water on-off valve 91 is opened in step S501 until the estimated water amount EA2 reaches the second threshold TH2 corresponds to the second time.

In step S505, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and opens the gas on-off valve 61 for a third time. Specifically, the control device 80 does not supply power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 only during the third period.

Next, in step S506, the control device 80 updates the number of executions N. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates a new number of executions N by adding 1 to the current number of executions N. The initial value of the number of executions N when this control routine is started is zero.

Next, in step S507, the control device 80 determines whether the number of executions N 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 S507 that the number of executions N is less than the threshold number of times Nth, the control routine returns to step S501. In other words, water bullet control is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S507 that the number of executions N is equal to or greater than the threshold number of times Nth, this control routine ends. That is, the water bullet control ends.

Note that steps S501 to S504 may be executed between step S505 and step S506.

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

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 10 shows the inside of the control box 40.

Similar to the fourth embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a flow rate sensor 45. In the fifth embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a warning device 46. The warning device 46 is disposed within the control box 40 and is hidden from the outside by the control box 40. Warning device 46 outputs a warning. For example, the warning device 46 is configured as a sounding component such as a piezoelectric sounding component, and outputs a warning sound as a warning. The warning device 46 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and the control device 80 controls the warning device 46.

In the fifth embodiment, the beverage used in the beverage supply system 1 is beer or a beer-taste beverage. Beverage dispenser 30 is also configured to selectively dispense a beverage and beverage foam. This function is realized by the known construction of the beverage dispenser 30.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the flow path of the cock 32 of the beverage dispenser 30. The cock 32 includes a handle 321 (see FIG. 1), a cock body 322, and a valve stem 323 inserted into the cock body 322. Further, the cock 32 has a beverage channel 324 that supplies a beverage, and a foam channel 325 that supplies foam for the beverage. In this embodiment, the beverage channel 324 is a space between the valve stem 323 and the cock body 322, and the foam channel 325 is a hole formed in the center of the valve stem 323. In the direction perpendicular to the direction of beverage flow, the cross-sectional area of the beverage flow path 324 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the foam flow path 325.

Beverage dispenser 30 selectively supplies beverage to the outside from beverage channel 324 and foam channel 325 . By operating the handle 321, the user can switch the flow path of the cock 32 between the beverage flow path 324 and the foam flow path 325. For example, the flow path of the cock 32 is set to the beverage flow path 324 when the handle 321 is pulled forward, and is set to the foam flow path 325 when the handle 321 is pushed back.

When the flow path of the cock 32 is set to the beverage flow path 324, beverage is supplied to the outside. On the other hand, when the flow path of the cock 32 is set to the foam flow path 325, the beverage changes into foam when passing through the foam flow path 325, and the foam is supplied to the outside.

When the cock 32 has two channels as described above, it is necessary to clean both channels. In order to clean both flow paths, the user needs to switch the flow path of the cock 32 while cleaning the beverage dispensing system 1 .

Further, a large amount of foam remains in the foam channel 325 of the cock 32. Therefore, the bubbles act as resistance, and the pressure loss when water passes through the bubble flow path 325 becomes large. In this case, even if water is intermittently supplied by gas in water bullet control, the flow of water is blocked by the bubbles. Therefore, it is desirable to wash the foam channel 325 after the beverage channel 324 is washed away in the rinse control. However, there is a risk that the user may make a mistake in the timing of switching the flow path of the cock 32 from the beverage flow path 324 to the foam flow path 325, or the user may forget to switch the flow path of the cock 32.

Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the rinse control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 45, and the estimated value is When the third threshold is reached, the warning device 46 is caused to output a warning. The user is informed in advance of the meaning of the warning, and the warning prompts the user to switch the flow path of the cock 32 from the beverage flow path 324 to the foam flow path 325. Therefore, by causing the warning device 46 to output a warning as described above, it is possible to prevent the beverage dispenser 30 from being insufficiently cleaned.

In the fifth embodiment as well, the cleaning process control routine of FIG. 4 is executed. At this time, in step S102 of FIG. 4, the subroutine shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

<Rinse control>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control routine for rinse control in the fifth embodiment. First, in step S601, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61. Specifically, the control device 80 supplies power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61.

Next, in step S602, the control device 80 acquires the output of the flow rate sensor 45.

Next, in step S603, similarly to step S403 in FIG. 8, the control device 80 estimates the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the rinse control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 45. Calculate the value EA1.

Next, in step S604, the control device 80 determines whether the estimated value EA1 of the amount of water is greater than or equal to the third threshold TH3. The third threshold value TH3 is predetermined, and is set to, for example, the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 necessary to fill the drinking flow path 324.

If it is determined in step S604 that the estimated water amount EA1 is less than the third threshold TH3, the control routine returns to step S602. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that the estimated water amount EA1 is greater than or equal to the third threshold TH3, the control routine proceeds to step S605.

In step S605, the control device 80 causes the warning device 46 to output a warning. For example, the control device 80 causes the warning device 46 to output a warning sound for a predetermined period of time. This notifies the user of the timing to switch the flow path of the cock 32 from the beverage flow path 324 to the foam flow path 325.

Next, in step S606, the control device 80 determines whether a first time period has elapsed since the rinse control was started. The first time and the third threshold TH3 are set such that the estimated water amount EA1 reaches the third threshold TH3 before the first time elapses.

Step S606 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the first time has elapsed, and the rinse control is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that the first time has elapsed, this control routine ends. That is, the rinse control ends.

Note that the control device 80 may cause the warning device 46 to output a warning after the estimated water amount EA1 reaches the third threshold TH3 until the rinse control ends. In this case, the user sets the flow path of the cock 32 to the foam flow path 325 while the warning is being output.

Further, the control device 80 may cause the warning device 46 to output a warning also when starting water bullet control. The user is previously informed of the meaning of the warning, and the warning prompts the user to return the flow path of the cock 32 from the foam flow path 325 to the beverage flow path 324. Therefore, by causing the warning device 46 to output a warning in this manner, it is possible to prevent water from being supplied to the beverage channel 324 during water bullet control. Furthermore, the warning that is output when the estimated water amount EA1 reaches the third threshold TH3 and the warning that is output when water bullet control is started have different warning modes (warning length and , the volume of the warning sound, the frequency of the warning sound, etc.).

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

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 13 shows the inside of the control box 40. In a sixth embodiment, the beverage transfer path 70 is connected to the control box 40 by a pair of fittings 47 .

Similar to the fifth embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a warning device 46. In the sixth embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a capacitive sensor 48. Capacitive sensor 48 is located within control box 40 and is hidden from the outside by control box 40 . Specifically, capacitive sensor 48 is positioned on beverage transfer path 70 between beverage storage container 20 and beverage dispenser 30 .

As mentioned above, the beverage dispensing system 1 allows the user to easily obtain a desired amount of beverage by pouring the beverage from the beverage dispenser 30 into a container. However, when the beverage stored in the beverage container 20 runs out, gas is supplied from the beverage container 20 to the beverage dispenser 30, and the gas is ejected from the beverage dispenser 30. As a result, a problem arises in that the beverage that has been poured into the container splashes around. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to detect that the beverage stored in the beverage storage container 20 has run out.

The capacitive sensor 48 detects the state within the beverage transfer path 70, and specifically detects the presence or absence of liquid within the beverage transfer path 70. The capacitive sensor 48 is a so-called non-contact sensor, and is installed around the beverage transfer path 70, for example. Therefore, the capacitive sensor 48 can detect the state within the beverage transfer path 70 without coming into contact with the beverage within the beverage transfer path 70. This can prevent the beverage from being contaminated by the sensor in the beverage transfer path 70.

When a beverage is being transferred from the beverage container 20 to the beverage dispenser 30, the beverage passes through the beverage transfer path 70. On the other hand, when the beverage stored in the beverage container 20 runs out, gas is supplied from the beverage container 20 to the beverage dispenser 30 and passes through the beverage transfer path 70. Since the beverage and gas have different dielectric constants, when the fluid in the beverage transfer path 70 changes from beverage to gas at the position where the capacitance sensor 48 is placed, the capacitance sensor 48 detects the change. The capacitance value changes. Therefore, the capacitive sensor 48 can detect the presence or absence of a beverage in the beverage container 20.

Further, even if bubbles are generated in the beverage within the beverage transfer path 70, the change in capacitance due to the generation of bubbles is much smaller than the change in capacitance due to switching from beverage to gas. Therefore, by using the capacitive sensor 48, it is possible to suppress false detection of the presence or absence of a beverage when bubbles are generated in the beverage, and as a result, the beverage stored in the beverage container 20 is depleted. It is possible to accurately detect what has happened.

The capacitive sensor 48 is electrically connected to a control device 80 , and the output of the capacitive sensor 48 is input to the control device 80 . The control device 80 changes the state within the beverage transfer path 70 detected by the capacitive sensor 48 from a beverage detection state in which a beverage is present in the beverage transfer path 70 to a state in which a beverage is present in the beverage transfer path 70. A warning device 46 is made to output a warning when the state changes to a state in which a beverage is not detected.

When the state within the beverage transfer path 70 detected by the capacitive sensor 48 changes from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the gas within the beverage transfer path 70 has not yet reached the beverage dispenser 30. The user is previously informed of the meaning of the warning, which prompts the user to close the cock 32 of the beverage dispenser 30. If the user who receives the warning closes the cock 32, no gas will be ejected from the cock 32. Therefore, by causing the warning device 46 to output a warning as described above, it is possible to prevent the beverage poured into the container from scattering around due to the gas ejected from the cock 32.

Moreover, in the beverage supply system 1, when the exhaustion of the beverage is detected, the supply of the beverage is stopped by the user. That is, in the beverage supply system 1, when the exhaustion of the beverage is detected, the beverage transfer path 70 is not automatically shut off by an on-off valve or the like to stop the supply of the beverage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage from being contaminated by the on-off valve or the like disposed in the beverage transfer path 70.

Furthermore, even if the capacitive sensor 48 erroneously detects the presence or absence of a beverage in the beverage transfer path 70, it is up to the user to decide whether or not to stop supplying the beverage. For this reason, when the depletion of the beverage is detected immediately after the beverage storage container 20 is replaced, the user can ignore the warning and continue supplying the beverage. Furthermore, there is no need to perform an operation to unblock the beverage transfer path 70 using an on-off valve or the like. Therefore, by notifying the user of the depletion of the beverage through a warning, it is possible to reduce the user's discomfort caused by false detection of the presence or absence of the beverage.

<Warning processing>
Hereinafter, the above-described control will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control routine for warning processing in the sixth embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

First, in step S701, the control device 80 determines whether the beverage supply system 1 is being cleaned. That is, the control device 80 determines whether rinse control or water bullet control is being executed. If it is determined in step S701 that the beverage supply system 1 is being cleaned, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the beverage supply system 1 is not being cleaned, the control routine proceeds to step S702. In step S702, the control device 80 acquires the output of the capacitive sensor 48.

Next, in step S703, the control device 80 determines whether the state within the beverage transfer path 70 detected by the capacitance sensor 48 has changed from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state. For example, the capacitive sensor 48 outputs a capacitance value, and if the output of the capacitive sensor 48 is equal to or higher than a threshold value, it is determined that the state in the beverage transfer path 70 is a beverage detection state. If the output of the capacitive sensor 48 is less than the threshold value, it is determined that the state within the beverage transfer path 70 is in a beverage non-detection state. The threshold value is determined in advance through experiments or the like.

If it is determined in step S703 that the output of the capacitive sensor 48 has not changed from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the output of the capacitive sensor 48 has changed from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the control routine proceeds to step S704.

In step S704, the control device 80 causes the warning device 46 to output a warning. For example, the control device 80 causes the warning device 46 to output a warning sound for a predetermined period of time. This notifies the user that the beverage stored in the beverage container 20 has run out. After step S704, this control routine ends.

The capacitive sensor 48 outputs an on signal when a beverage is detected in the beverage transfer path 70, and outputs an off signal when no beverage is detected in the beverage transfer path 70. may be configured. In this case, when the output of the capacitive sensor 48 is an on signal, it is determined that the state in the beverage transfer path 70 is in a beverage detection state, and when the output of the capacitive sensor 48 is an off signal In this case, it is determined that the state within the beverage transfer path 70 is in a beverage non-detection state.

Further, the control device 80 may cause the warning device 46 to output a warning until the user operates an input device such as the button 44.

Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the beverage transfer path 70 may be located entirely outside the control box 40. In this case, the capacitive sensor 48 is arranged within the control box 40, for example adjacent to the beverage transfer path 70.

<Other embodiments>
Although the preferred embodiments of 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, if the pressure of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 is higher than the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply path 60 to the beverage transfer path 70, the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve Water is supplied to beverage transfer channel 70 when both valves 91 are open. Therefore, in this case, the gas on-off valve 61 may be always opened in the rinse control, the water bullet control, and the water discharge control, and only the opening and closing of the water on-off valve 91 may be controlled by the control device 80. Further, in this case, the gas on-off valve 61 may be omitted.

Specifically, in the rinse control, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 for a first time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a first time. In addition, in the water bullet control, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 for a second time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a second time, and controls the beverage transfer for a third time. Closing the water on-off valve 91 for a third period of time is alternately repeated so that gas is supplied to the passage 70. Further, in the water discharge control, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 for a fourth time so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a fourth time.

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

Specifically, in the rinse control, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 for a first time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a first time. In addition, in the water bullet control, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 for a second time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a second time, and controls the beverage transfer for a third time. Opening the gas on-off valve 61 for a third time is alternately repeated so that gas is supplied to the passage 70. Further, in the water discharge control, the control device 80 opens the gas on-off valve 61 for only the fourth time so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for the fourth time.

The water supply path 90 may also be directly connected to the beverage transfer path 70 (eg, the beverage transfer path 70 near the dispense head 50). Furthermore, the water supply channel 90 may be integrated with the gas supply channel 60 or directly connected to the beverage transfer channel 70 only when cleaning the beverage dispensing system 1 .

The gas supply path 60 may also be connected to the dispensing head 50 when dispensing a beverage, and directly connected to the beverage transfer path 70 when cleaning the beverage dispensing system 1 . Furthermore, a gas supply path different from the gas supply path 60 that supplies gas to the beverage storage container 20 to transfer the beverage may be directly connected to the beverage transfer path 70 when cleaning the beverage supply system 1.

Furthermore, at least one of the gas check valve 62, the water check valve 92, and the water pressure reducing valve 110 may be omitted. Additionally, the beverage dispenser 30 may not be configured to cool the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20. In this case, the beverage dispenser 30 may consist only of the faucet 32.

Further, the gas on-off valve 61 may be configured to close the gas supply passage 60 when not energized and open the gas supply passage 60 when energized. Similarly, the water on-off valve 91 may be configured to open the water supply path 90 when not energized and close the water supply path 90 when energized.

Further, the warning device 46 may be configured as a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and may output a warning message as a warning. In this case, the warning device 46 is arranged on the outer surface of the control box 40, and in step S605 of FIG. 12 and step S704 of FIG. 14, the control device 80 causes the warning device 46 to output a warning message for a predetermined period of time, for example.

Further, the warning device 46 may be configured as a light emitting body such as a light emitting diode (LED), and may output light as a warning. In this case, the warning device 46 is arranged on the outer surface of the control box 40, and in step S605 of FIG. 12 and step S704 of FIG. 14, the control device 80 causes the warning device 46 to output light for a predetermined time, for example.

Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in any combination. For example, when the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment are combined, in the control routine of FIG. 12, steps S402 to S404 of FIG. 8 are executed instead of step S606. In this case, the third threshold TH3 is set to a value smaller than the first threshold TH1.

1 Beverage supply system 10 Gas supply source 20 Beverage storage container 30 Beverage dispenser 60 Gas supply path 61 Gas on-off valve 70 Beverage transfer path 80 Control device 90 Water supply path 91 Water on-off valve

Claims (8)

A cleaning device for a beverage supply system that supplies a beverage transferred from a beverage storage container by gas to the outside from a beverage dispenser, the cleaning device comprising:
a gas supply path that supplies gas to a beverage transfer path connecting the beverage storage container and the beverage dispenser;
a water supply path that supplies water to the beverage transfer path;
at least one of a gas on-off valve that opens and closes the gas supply path and a water on-off valve that opens and closes the water supply path;
A control device that controls at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve,
The control device executes rinsing control to control at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a first time, and after the rinsing control, performs rinsing control to controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a second time; and gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a third time. Execute water bullet control that alternately repeats controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve,
the second time period is shorter than the first time period;
The control device controls at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a fourth time between the rinse control and the water bullet control. Perform water discharge control,
The cleaning device for a beverage dispensing system , wherein the fourth time is longer than the third time . comprising the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve,
The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device executes internal pressure reduction control to close the water on-off valve and the gas on-off valve for a fifth time before the rinsing control. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a flow rate sensor provided in the water supply path. The control device calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path to the beverage transfer path in the rinsing control based on the output of the flow rate sensor, and adjusts the estimated value to reach a first threshold value. 4. A cleaning device for a beverage dispensing system according to claim 3 , wherein the first time is determined at . The control device calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path to the beverage transfer path in the water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor, and the estimated value reaches a second threshold value. The cleaning device for a beverage dispensing system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the second time is determined as follows. Further equipped with a warning device that outputs a warning,
The beverage is beer or a beer-taste beverage,
the beverage dispenser is configured to selectively dispense the beverage and foam of the beverage;
The control device calculates an estimated amount of water supplied from the water supply path to the beverage transfer path in the rinsing control based on the output of the flow rate sensor, and when the estimated value reaches a third threshold. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein the cleaning device for a beverage supply system sometimes causes the warning device to output a warning. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 6 , wherein the control device causes the warning device to output a warning when starting the water bullet control. A method for cleaning a beverage supply system that supplies beverages transferred from a beverage storage container through a beverage transfer path by gas to the outside from a beverage dispenser, the method comprising:
a water on-off valve that opens and closes a water supply path that supplies water to the beverage transfer path so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path only for a first time; and a gas supply path that supplies gas to the beverage transfer path. Executing rinse control to control at least one of a gas on-off valve that opens and closes the
After the rinsing control, controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a second time; and controlling the beverage transfer path for a third time. Executing water bullet control that alternately repeats controlling at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that gas is supplied to the
Between the rinse control and the water bullet control, water discharge control is performed to control at least one of the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve so that gas is supplied to the beverage transfer path for a fourth time. things to do
including;
The method for cleaning a beverage dispensing system, wherein the second time period is shorter than the first time period, and the fourth time period is longer than the third time period .

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