JPH0487990A - Automatic washing method and apparatus for beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an automatic washing apparatus preventing mis-operation without altering the constitution of a beverage dispenser while using, by feeding the diluted chemical solution in a tank to the beverage dispenser and holding the diluted solution in the conduit pipe between the third valve and the nozzle of the beverage dispenser and then feeding the washing water to the beverage dispenser to wash the inside of the conduit pipe between the third valve and the nozzle of the dispenser. CONSTITUTION:A diluted chemical solution is fed to the conduit pipe between a tank 44 and the nozzle 28 of a beverage dispenser 20. And the diluted chemical solution is fed in the conduit pipe between the first solenoid valve V1 and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 to hold the diluted solution for a specified interval in this conduit pipe. The diluted chemical solution left in the tank 44 is discharged to the outside through the discharge outlet 38. And tap water is held in the tank 44 by closing the fourth solenoid valve V4. Enough volume of tap water to wash the conduit pipe between the first solenoid valve V1 and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 is discharged through the nozzle 28.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic cleaning device for cleaning a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispensing valve and a driven pump.

Beverage dispensing devices of the prior art and their challenges include a beverage container, a pump, and a beverage devenser, and operation of a manual lever on the beverage devenser opens the dispense valve, activates the pump, and dispenses the beverage as desired. It is cooled or diluted and then supplied into the cup through a nozzle.

In such beverage dispensing devices, it is required to clean the inside of the conduit through which the beverage passes.

For example, low-sugar drinks are susceptible to bacteria and spoil easily, so
It is required to periodically clean it with a chemical solution.

If you want to automatically clean this beverage dispensing device, for example, if you configure the manual lever so that it can also be activated by an external electric signal and connect the automatic cleaning device to this, automatic cleaning can be done relatively easily. It can be implemented.

However, when the manual lever is activated by an external electrical signal,
Although it is possible to configure it to work, the modification is quite costly.

Many beverage debenzers currently in use are not configured in this manner.

Therefore, there is no need to change the configuration of the beverage debenzer currently in use, and the work required by the operator is minimal.
It would be highly desirable to provide an automatic cleaning system for beverage dispensing equipment that effectively prevents mistakes from being made.

Means for Solving the Problems According to the invention, the problems as described above are provided in an automatic cleaning method for a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispensing valve and a pump connected to the beverage container and the pump. Introducing a predetermined amount of chemical solution into the tank; Opening a second valve connected to the water source and the tank for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of water into the tank. , diluting the medicinal solution in the tank; opening a third valve connected to the tank and the pump; supplying the diluted medicinal solution in the tank to the beverage dispenser by operating the pump; stopping the pump; retaining the diluted chemical solution in the conduit between the third valve and the nozzle of the beverage dispenser; opening a fourth valve connected to the tank and the outlet to discharge the diluted chemical solution remaining in the tank; The valve connected to the water source and the chemical solution inlet is opened for a predetermined period of time, the cleaning water is supplied into the tank through the chemical solution inlet, and the pump is operated to supply the cleaning water from the tank to the beverage dispenser. , discharging the diluted chemical solution and wash water from the nozzle of the beverage dispenser to clean the interior of the conduit between the third valve and the nozzle of the beverage dispenser; by opening the first valve and activating the pump; The present invention is solved by providing an automatic cleaning method for a beverage dispensing device, characterized in that it includes dispensing a beverage from a beverage container to a beverage dispenser and discharging the beverage from a nozzle of the beverage dispenser.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the problem as described above is solved in an automatic cleaning device for a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispensing lube and a pump. , a beverage inlet connected to the beverage container, a beverage supply port connected to the pump, a drain port, a chemical solution input port into which a chemical solution is introduced, a tank communicating with the chemical solution input port, and an alarm means. , a control device, the beverage inlet and the beverage supply port are connected via a first valve, and the tap water inlet and the chemical solution inlet are connected via a second valve. The tank and the beverage supply port are connected through a third valve, and the tank and the discharge port are connected through a fourth valve, and the control device controls the normal operating process and the chemical solution. The operation of the valves and alarm means is controlled in the order of an input dilution process, a diluted chemical supply process, a retention process, a water washing process, a beverage introduction process, and a normal operation process, and the first valve is opened during the normal operation process. the second valve is opened for a predetermined period of time in the chemical liquid introduction dilution step and the water washing step;
A predetermined amount of water is supplied into the tank, and the third valve is opened between the diluted chemical solution supply step and the water washing step to allow the diluted chemical solution or wash water in the tank to be supplied from the tank to the pump. The fourth valve opens during the normal operation step and the retention step to discharge the cleaning liquid or diluted chemical solution remaining in the tank, and the alarm means issues an alarm during the diluted chemical supply step and the water washing step. and cleaning the beverage dispenser and pump by introducing the chemical into the tank through the chemical inlet and opening the manual dispense valve while the alarm means provides an alarm in the chemical dosing dilution step. The problem is solved by providing an automatic cleaning device.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved in an automatic cleaning device for a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispensing valve and a pump. , a beverage inlet connected to the beverage container, a beverage supply port connected to the pump, a drain port, a chemical solution input port into which a chemical solution is introduced, a tank communicating with the chemical solution input port, and an alarm means. , a control device, the beverage inlet and the beverage supply inlet are connected via a first valve, and the tap water inlet and the tank are connected via a second valve. The tank and the beverage supply port are connected via a third valve, the tank and the discharge port are connected via a fourth valve, and the tap water inlet and the chemical solution inlet are connected to each other via a fourth valve. are connected via a fifth valve, and the control device performs the above-mentioned operations in the order of normal operation process, chemical solution introduction and dilution process, diluted chemical solution supply process, retention process, water washing process, beverage introduction process, and normal operation process. controlling the operation of the valves and alarm means, the first valve being open during a normal operating step to permit delivery of beverage from the beverage container to the pump; The third valve is opened for a certain period of time to supply a predetermined amount of water into the tank, and the third valve is opened between the diluted chemical solution supply step and the water washing step to supply the diluted chemical solution or wash water in the tank from the tank to the pump. a fourth valve is opened during the normal operation step and the residence step to discharge the cleaning liquid or diluted chemical solution remaining in the tank, and a fifth valve is opened for a predetermined time during the water washing step; A predetermined amount of water is supplied into the tank, the alarm means provides an alarm during the diluted chemical solution supply process and the water washing process, and in the chemical solution introduction dilution process, the chemical solution is introduced into the tank from the chemical solution inlet, and the alarm means provides an alarm. The present invention is solved by providing an automatic cleaning device characterized in that it cleans the beverage dispenser and pump by opening a manual dispense valve while providing an alarm.

According to the present invention, the control device performs the normal operation process, the chemical solution introduction and dilution process, the diluted chemical solution supply process, the retention process, the water washing process,
The valves and the like are controlled in the order of the beverage introduction process and the normal operation process.

During a normal operating cycle, the first valve opens to allow delivery of beverage from the beverage container to the pump.

In the chemical solution introduction and dilution step, the chemical solution is introduced, the second valve is opened for a predetermined period of time, and a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the tank to dilute the chemical solution.

In the diluted drug supply step, the third valve is opened and the pump supplies the diluted drug in the tank to the pump and the beverage dispenser.

In the retention step, diluted chemical solution is retained within the conduits of the pump and beverage dispenser.

In the flushing step, the pump and beverage dispenser are flushed.

In the beverage introduction step, the beverage is supplied to the nozzle of the beverage dispenser.

In normal operating conditions, the first valve opens to allow delivery of beverage from the beverage container to the pump.

First Embodiment Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an automatic cleaning method and apparatus for a beverage dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

FIG. 1 shows the automatic cleaning device IO and a beverage dispenser connected thereto, FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of this automatic cleaning device IO, and FIG. 3 shows the automatic cleaning device 10. This is a timetable for the operation of solenoid valves, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic cleaning device 10 includes a beverage container 14 containing a beverage, a water source ws, and a gas pump 1.
6, and the gas pump 16 is also connected to a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 18 and a beverage dispenser 20.

The beverage container 14 is, for example, a so-called back-in-box type container, and consists of a cardboard outer box 22 and a plastic film bag 24 accommodated in the outer box 22. Inside the bag 24, a beverage or concentrated syrup for beverages is stored.

The water source WS is, for example, a general water supply, and supplies water at a predetermined pressure.

The gas pump 16 is, for example, a gas pump that transfers liquid using supplied pressurized gas.

In the illustrated embodiment, a carbon dioxide gas pump 18 is connected to the gas pump 16, and pressurized carbon dioxide gas is supplied thereto. Guess pump 16 delivers beverage from beverage container 14 through automatic cleaning device 10 to beverage dispenser 20 .

Instead of the gas pump 16, an electrically operated pump or the like may also be used.

The beverage dispenser 20 includes a dispense valve DV;
It includes a lever 26 for actuating the dispense valve DV and a nozzle 282 connected to the dispense valve DV. When the lever 26 is pressed, the dispense valve V
6 is opened and beverage is supplied from the gas pump 16 via the dispense valve V6 to the nozzle 28 and into the cup 3.
It is poured into 0.

This beverage dispenser 20, like a conventional beverage dispenser, is optionally equipped with a cooling device, a carbonating device, etc., to cool, dilute, or carbonate the beverage dispensed from the beverage container 14. It is configured.

Next, the automatic cleaning device 10 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.

The automatic cleaning device 10 has a tap water inlet 32 connected to the water source WS, a beverage inlet 34 connected to the beverage container 14, a beverage supply port 36 connected to the gas pump 16, a wastewater 038, and a worker. A chemical liquid inlet 40 into which a chemical liquid is inputted, and an over-hole 7 provided below the chemical liquid inlet 40.
It includes an 0-pan 42, a tank 44 for temporarily storing water and a chemical solution, and an overflow tube 46 provided at the top of the tank 44.

The over-over 70-tube 46 allows liquid to flood the over-over 70-pan 42 and drain through the conduit 48 and outlet 38 when the tank 44 is supplied with excess liquid.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic cleaning device IO further includes a lamp 50 for indicating the operating state, a buzzer 52, an electronic control device 54, and a start button 56.

In this embodiment, the alarm means is constituted by a buzzer 52. The buzzer 52 sounds to instruct the operator to perform a predetermined task, ie, press the lever 26 of the beverage dispenser 20 . As the warning means, in addition to sound warning means such as a buzzer, light warning means can also be used.

The control means 54 starts operating when the start button 56 is pressed, opens and closes each of the electromagnetic valves, and operates the buzzer 52 at predetermined timing.

The beverage introduction port 34 and the beverage supply port 36 are connected to a first electromagnetic valve V.
1. The first solenoid valve V3 is a normally open valve, which is normally open and closes only when power is supplied. A check valve (not shown) is provided between the beverage inlet 34 and the first solenoid valve V1 to allow fluid to flow from the beverage inlet 34 to the first solenoid valve V1, but to prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. It is preferable to configure the system so that it is prohibited.

The tap water inlet 32 and the chemical solution inlet 40 are connected via a second solenoid valve v2. The second solenoid valve V2 is a normally closed valve, which is normally closed and opens only when power is supplied. When the second solenoid valve V2 opens, tap water is supplied from the tap water inlet 32 to the chemical solution inlet 40.

The tank 44 and the beverage supply port 36 are connected via a third solenoid valve V3. The third solenoid valve V4 is a normally closed valve, which is normally closed and opens only when power is supplied.

The first solenoid valve Vl and the third solenoid valve V3 can also be configured as an integrated two-position valve.

The tank 44 and the discharge port 38 are connected via a fourth solenoid valve V4. The fourth solenoid valve v4 is a normally open valve, which is normally open and closes only when power is supplied.

The chemical solution inlet 40 and the tank 44 are connected via a fifth solenoid valve v5. The fifth solenoid valve V5 is a normally closed valve, which is normally closed and opens only when power is supplied.

Next, the operation of the automatic cleaning device IO will be explained with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, each operation is performed in the following order of steps.

~a Normal operation process a -b Chemical solution introduction and dilution process b -c Diluted chemical supply process c -d Retention process d -e Water washing process e -f Beverage introduction process f ~ Normal operation process In Fig. 3, operations in parentheses are The black line indicates the work of the worker, the lighting of the lamp 50 (FIG. 1), the operation of the buzzer 52, and the open state of the valve. lamp 50
The lighting, operation of the buzzer 52, and opening/closing of the six valves are controlled by a control device 54. It is preferable that the timing of lighting, operation, and opening/closing of these can be adjusted.

(Normal operating process: Figure 3 ~a) This step is the one in which normal beverage dispensing takes place.

In this step, the lamp 50 is off, the first solenoid valve V1 is open, the second solenoid valve V2 is closed, the third solenoid valve V3 is closed, and the fourth solenoid valve V1 is closed. valve V4
is open, the fifth solenoid valve V5 is closed, and the buzzer is not sounding.

Since the first solenoid valve V1 is open, normal beverage dispensing operation occurs when the lever 26 (FIG. 1) of the beverage dispenser 20 is pressed. That is, when the lever 26 (FIG. 1) of the beverage dispenser 20 is pressed, the dispense valve DV is opened, the gas pump 16 is activated, and the beverage is transferred from the beverage container 14 to the beverage inlet 34 to the second solenoid valve V2. ,
The cup 30 is supplied via the beverage supply port 36, the gas pump 16 (FIG. 1), the dispense valve DV and the nozzle 28.

(Medical solution injection dilution process: Figure 3 a - b) In this process, a predetermined amount of chemical solution is poured into the chemical solution inlet 40 by the worker.
and diluted with tap water to form a diluted chemical solution of the desired concentration.

The worker presses the start button 56 (FIG. 1) and pours a predetermined amount of the chemical into the chemical inlet 40.

By pressing the start button 56, the automatic cleaning device 10
starts operating, and the opening and closing of each electromagnetic valve is controlled based on this point.

By pressing the start button 56, the lamp 50 (
(Fig. 1) lights up, the first solenoid valve Vl closes, the second solenoid valve V2 opens, the third solenoid valve V3 opens, the fourth solenoid valve V4 closes, and the fifth solenoid valve V1 closes. Valve v5 opens.

Since the first solenoid valve Vl is closed, the flow of beverage from the beverage container 14 to the beverage dispenser 20 is prohibited.

By opening the second solenoid valve V2, from the water source SW,
Tap water is supplied to the tank 44 via the tap water inlet 32, the second solenoid valve 2, the chemical solution inlet 40, and the fifth solenoid valve V5.
supplied to

No fluid flows from the tank 44 to the beverage dispenser 20 because either the third solenoid valve v3 is open or the dispense valve DV is not open.

Since the fourth electromagnetic valve V4 is closed, the chemical solution and tap water introduced into the tank 44 accumulate in the tank 44.

By pressing the start button 56, the fifth
Solenoid valve V5 opens. The chemical solution may be introduced into the chemical solution inlet 40 before or after pressing the start button.

If the chemical solution is poured into the chemical solution inlet 40 before the start button is pressed, the fifth electromagnetic valve V5 is closed, so the chemical solution accumulates in the drug solution inlet 40, and when the start button 56 is pressed, the fifth solenoid valve V5 is closed. By opening the solenoid valve V5, the chemical liquid or the chemical liquid inlet 40 is opened.
The water is introduced into the tank 44 from there.

A predetermined amount of the chemical solution is introduced into the tank 44 by a worker measuring the chemical solution when it is introduced into the chemical solution inlet 40 .

In order to dilute this chemical solution at a predetermined dilution rate, a predetermined amount of tap water is introduced from the tap water inlet 32.

The amount of tap water supplied is determined by the pressure of the tap water supplied and the time period during which the second solenoid valve V2 is open.

Therefore, the time period during which the second solenoid valve V2 is open is determined from the amount of tap water to be supplied to the tank 44, taking into consideration the pressure of the tap water.

(Diluted chemical solution supply step: FIGS. 3b-c) In this step, the diluted chemical solution in the tank 44 is supplied into the conduit between the tank 44 and the nozzle 28 of the beverage dispenser 20.

When the diluted chemical solution supply step is reached after the chemical solution introduction and dilution step has passed, the second electromagnetic valve V2 closes and the buzzer starts sounding.

By closing the second solenoid valve V2, the supply of tap water to the tank 44 ends.

When the buzzer sounds, the operator presses the lever 26 to open the dispense valve DV. As a result, the gas pump 16
is activated, moves the diluted chemical liquid from the tank 44 toward the nozzle 28, discharges the beverage from the nozzle 28, and transfers the beverage between the first solenoid valve vl and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 to the diluted chemical liquid. Replace.

Therefore, at this point in time when the gas pump 16 is activated, the third solenoid valve 3 only needs to be open.

The diluted chemical solution supply step, ie, the time during which the buzzer is sounding, is the time during which the drink between the first solenoid valve V1 and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 can be replaced with the diluted chemical solution. This time is determined by the volume of the conduit between tank 44 and nozzle 28 and the driving flow rate of gas pump 16.

When the buzzer finishes sounding, the operator releases the lever 26, closes the dispense valve DV, and stops the gas pump 16.

In this diluted chemical solution supply step, the diluted chemical solution is supplied into the conduit between the first solenoid valve Vl and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28, and in the next residence step, the diluted chemical solution is fed into this conduit for a predetermined period of time. Let it stay.

Following proper procedure, once the buzzer has sounded as described above, the operator releases lever 26, closes dispense valve DV, and stops gas pump 16.

If the operator does not release the lever 26 even after the buzzer ends sounding as described above, the gas pump 16 continues to operate. In this state, when moving to the next retention step, the third solenoid valve v3 is closed, and the upstream side of the gas pump 16 is sealed.

As a characteristic of gas pumps used in boat fishing, if the upstream side of the gas pump becomes sealed, it can cause various failures.

Therefore, by providing this safety period, the closing of the third solenoid valve V3 is delayed, and even if the worker continues to press the lever 26 for a predetermined period of time after the buzzer has finished sounding, the gas pump 16 will not close. Preferably, the upstream side is prevented from being sealed and the gas pump 16 is prevented from malfunctioning.

The length of the safety process is determined by the reliability of the operator's operation, and can be selected to be, for example, about 20 seconds.

(Retention process: FIGS. 3c-d) This process is a process in which the diluted chemical solution is retained in the conduit between the first electromagnetic valve V1 and the third electromagnetic valve v3 and the nozzle 28.

When the diluted liquid supply step has passed and the retention step begins, the third solenoid valve V3 closes, the fourth solenoid valve V4 opens, and the buzzer ends.

When the buzzer finishes sounding, the operator releases the lever 26, closes the dispense valve DV, and stops the gas pump 16. By closing the third solenoid valve v3, the diluted chemical solution is maintained in the conduit between the first solenoid valve Vl and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28.

Simply flowing a diluted chemical solution through a conduit cannot sterilize it effectively. Therefore, the diluted chemical solution is maintained in the conduit to be cleaned for a predetermined period of time.

The length of the residence process varies depending on the type of chemical solution, the environment in which the beverage dispenser is placed, etc., but for example,
It is 0 to 720 seconds.

By opening the fourth electromagnetic valve V4, the diluted chemical solution remaining in the tank 44 is discharged to the outside through the drain port 38.

(Water cleaning step: Fig. 3 d-e) The water cleaning step is a step of cleaning the conduit etc. between the first solenoid valve vl and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 with tap water.

After the retention process has passed and the water washing process begins, the second solenoid valve v2 opens, the third solenoid valve V3 opens, and the fourth solenoid valve V
4 closes and the buzzer 52 sounds.

When the second solenoid valve V2 opens, tap water is supplied to the tank 44 through the chemical solution inlet 10, and when the fourth solenoid valve V4 closes, tap water accumulates in the tank 44.

The work of storing tap water in the tank 44 can be started before the end of the retention process. Further, if the amount of water from the second solenoid valve v2 is large and sufficient tap water can be stored in the tank 44, the second solenoid valve v2 can be configured to close before the end of the water washing process. .

The third solenoid valve V3 opens, the buzzer sounds, and the operator presses the lever 26 to activate the gas pump 16, thereby opening the gap between the first solenoid valve Vl and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28. The diluted chemical solution is discharged through the nozzle 28, and then tap water is discharged through the nozzle 28. First solenoid valve Vl and third solenoid valve V3 and nozzle 28
Tap water is discharged through nozzle 28 in an amount sufficient to clean the conduit between.

The water washing process is performed using the first solenoid valve Vl and the third solenoid valve V3.
and the nozzle 28 in an amount sufficient to drain the diluted chemical solution through the nozzle 28 and to clean the conduits between the first solenoid valve Vl and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28. of,
The time at which it can be discharged through the nozzle 28 is determined.

(Beverage introduction process: Fig. 3 e - f) In the beverage introduction process, the first solenoid valve vl and the third solenoid valve V
In this step, tap water in the conduit between Nozzle 3 and Nozzle 28 is replaced with drinking water.

After the water washing process has passed and the beverage introduction process begins, the first solenoid valve V1 opens, the second solenoid valve V2 closes, the third solenoid valve V3 closes, and the fourth solenoid valve V4 opens. .

The buzzer continues to sound, and a worker presses the lever 26.
is pressed. As a result, the beverage enters the beverage inlet 3.
4 to the nozzle 2 via the first solenoid valve v1, the beverage supply port 36, the gas pump 16 and the dispense valve DV.
It is discharged from 8. After that, the buzzer finishes sounding, the operator releases the lever 26, and the nozzle 28 stops supplying the beverage. Once the operator visually confirms that the beverage has been discharged from the nozzle 28, it is preferable to release the lever 26 before the buzzer ends.

The length of the beverage introduction step is such that the tap water in the conduit between the first solenoid valve v1 and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 can be replaced with a beverage. Therefore, the beverage introduction process is determined in consideration of the volume in the conduit between the first solenoid valve V1 and the third solenoid valve V3 and the nozzle 28 and the drive flow rate of the gas pump 16.

(Normal operating state: Figure 3 f~) This step is the one in which normal beverage dispensing takes place.

After the beverage introduction process has passed and the normal operating state is reached, the buzzer will stop.

In this state, the beverage has reached the nozzle 26,
By pressing lever 26, beverage can be dispensed from nozzle 28.

Second Embodiment Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an automatic cleaning method and apparatus for a beverage dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be described.

The automatic cleaning device 60 according to the second embodiment, like the automatic cleaning device 1o of the first embodiment, is connected to a beverage dispenser etc. as shown in FIG.
2, a control device 54 and a start button 56.

As shown in FIG. 4, the automatic cleaning device 60 according to the second embodiment, like the automatic cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment, has a tap water inlet 32 connected to the water source WS, and a beverage container 14. a beverage inlet 34 connected to the gas pump 16;
A beverage supply port 367 connected to the drain port 38, a chemical solution input port 40 into which a chemical solution is input by a worker, an overflow pan 42 provided below the chemical solution input port 4°,
A tank 44 for temporarily storing water and a chemical solution, and a tank 4
4 and an overflow tube 46 provided at the top of the tube.

The beverage introduction port 34 and the beverage supply port 36 are connected via a first solenoid valve Vl■ that constitutes a part of the first two-position valve VA. The first solenoid valve Vll is a normally open valve, which is normally open and closes only when power is supplied.

The tap water inlet 32 and the tank 44 are connected to the second solenoid valve ■2.
connected via. The second solenoid valve V12 is a normally closed valve, which is normally closed and opens only when power is supplied.

The tank 44 and the beverage supply port 36 are connected to a second two-position valve VB.
The sixth solenoid valve V16, which constitutes a part of the first two-position valve, and the third solenoid valve V13, which constitutes a part of the first two-position valve, are connected to each other. The sixth solenoid valve v16 and the third solenoid valve 13 are normally closed valves, which are normally closed and open only when power is supplied.

As described above, the first solenoid valve Vll and the third solenoid valve V1
3 constitutes a first two-position valve VA.

This first two-position valve VA can take the following first and second positions. First two-position valve VA
In the first position, the first solenoid valve Vll opens and communicates with the beverage inlet 34 and the beverage supply port 36, and the third solenoid valve V13 closes and communicates with the second two-position valve VB and the beverage supply. Mouth 3
Cut off communication with 6. The first two-position valve VA is configured such that in the second position the first solenoid valve Vll is closed and the beverage inlet 3 is closed.
4 and the beverage supply port 36, and the third solenoid valve V13
opens, communicating the second two-position valve VB and the beverage supply port 36.

It is also possible to configure the first solenoid valve Vll and the third solenoid valve V13 as separate valves.

The tank 44 and the discharge port 38 are connected via a fourth electromagnetic valve V14 that constitutes a part of the second two-position valve VB. The fourth solenoid valve V14 is a normally open valve, which is normally open and closes only when power is supplied.

As described above, the fourth solenoid valve V14 and the sixth solenoid valve V1
6 constitutes a second two-position valve VB.

This second two-position valve VB can take the following first and second positions. Second two-position valve VB
In the first position, the fourth solenoid valve V14 opens and communicates with the tank 44 and the drain port 38, and the sixth solenoid valve V1
6 is closed, cutting off communication between the tank 44 and the first two-position valve VA. In the second position of the second two-position valve VB, the fourth solenoid valve V14 closes and disconnects the tank 44 and the drain port 38, and the sixth solenoid valve V16 opens and the tank 4
4 and the first two-position valve VA.

The fourth solenoid valve V14 and the sixth solenoid valve V16 can also be configured as separate valves.

The tap water inlet 32 and the chemical solution inlet 40 are connected via a fifth solenoid valve V15. The fifth solenoid valve V15 is a normally closed valve, which is normally closed and opens only when power is supplied. When the fifth solenoid valve V15 opens, tap water is supplied from the tap water inlet 32 to the chemical solution inlet 40.

The chemical solution inlet 40 and the tank 44 are connected to the seventh solenoid valve V17.
connected via. The seventh solenoid valve V17 is a normally closed valve, which is normally closed and opens only when power is supplied.

Next, the operation of the automatic cleaning device 60 will be explained with reference to FIG.

(Normal operating process: Figure 5 ~a) This step is the one in which normal beverage dispensing takes place.

Since the first solenoid valve Vll is open, when the lever 26 (FIG. 1) of the beverage dispenser 20 is pressed, a normal beverage dispensing operation occurs.

(Medical solution injection dilution process: Figures 5a-b) In this step, the operator presses the start button, a predetermined amount of the chemical solution is introduced into the chemical solution inlet 40, and the chemical solution is diluted with tap water.

When the start button 56 is pressed, the second solenoid valve V12 opens, and tap water is supplied from the water source SW to the tank 44 via the tap water inlet 32 and the second solenoid valve V12.

Since the fourth electromagnetic valve V14 is closed, the chemical solution and tap water introduced into the tank 44 remain in the tank 44.

(Diluted chemical liquid supply step: FIGS. 5b-c) In this step, the diluted chemical liquid in the tank 44 is supplied into the conduit between the tank 44 and the nozzle 28 of the beverage dispenser 20.

When the buzzer sounds, the operator presses the lever 26 to open the dispense valve DV. This allows the gas pump
6 is actuated to move the diluted chemical solution from the tank 44 toward the nozzle 28, to discharge the beverage from the nozzle 28, and to cause the first
The beverage between the two-position valve VA and the nozzle 28 is replaced with a diluted chemical solution.

For the reasons explained in connection with the first embodiment, it is preferable to configure the sixth electromagnetic valve V16 to remain open for a predetermined period of time even after the buzzer has finished sounding.

(Retention step: Fig. 5 c-d) This step is a step in which the diluted chemical solution remains in the conduit between the second two-position valve VB and the nozzle 28.

When the buzzer finishes sounding, the operator releases the lever 26, closes the dispense valve DV, and stops the gas pump 16. By closing the sixth solenoid valve V16,
A diluted chemical solution is maintained in the conduit between the second two-position valve VB and the nozzle 28.

(Water cleaning process: Fig. 5 d-e) The water cleaning process is a process of cleaning the conduit etc. between the second two-position valve VB and the nozzle 28 with tap water.

By opening the fifth solenoid valve V15, tap water introduction 1
11: l'32, fifth solenoid valve 15, chemical solution inlet 40,
Tap water is supplied to the tank 44 via the seventh solenoid valve 17, and the tap water is stored in the tank 44 by closing the fourth solenoid valve v4.

The third solenoid valve VI3 opens, the buzzer sounds, and the operator presses the lever 26 to activate the gas pump 16, thereby cleaning the conduit etc. between the second two-position valve VB and the nozzle 28.

(Beverage introduction process: Fig. 5 e-"f) The buzzer continues to sound, and the lever 26 is pressed by the operator. As a result, the beverage is discharged from the nozzle 28.

(Normal operating state: Figure 5 f~) The buzzer will stop and the beverage will stop discharging.

In this state, the beverage has reached the nozzle 26,
By pressing lever 26, beverage can be dispensed from nozzle 28.

Modified Embodiment In a modified embodiment, overflow tube 46 (
3 and 5) is detected by an electric detection means (not shown) to stop the operation of the automatic cleaning device.

The first embodiment will be explained as an example.

After the retention step (Fig. 3c-d), the water washing step (3rd
Figures d-e).

In the water washing process, the second electromagnetic valve v2 is opened, water is supplied into the tank 44, a buzzer sounds, the operator presses the lever 26, and the diluted chemical solution and washing water are discharged from the nozzle 28.

If the worker does not press the lever 26 during the water washing process and the beverage introduction process when the buzzer sounds, the normal operating state (FIG. 3f~) is reached and the lever 26 is pressed, the nozzle 28
A diluted chemical solution will be supplied from.

Prevent this as follows.

In the water washing process, water accumulates in the tank 44 via the second solenoid valve V2, and by pressing the lever 26,
Cleaning water is discharged from the nozzle 28, but unless the lever 26 is pressed, water overflows from the tank 44 and from the overflow tube 46.

A modified embodiment includes electrical sensing means (not shown) for detecting the flow of fluid through the overflow tube 46; When detecting the flow of water, for example, the lamp 50 flashes to display a warning and the automatic cleaning device 1O is configured to stop operating.

When such a warning is displayed, the operator restarts the automatic cleaning operation from the beginning.

In this way, the diluted chemical solution is prevented from being erroneously supplied from the nozzle 28 during normal operating steps.

Effects According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic cleaning method and device for a beverage dispensing device that can be efficiently cleaned with minimal work.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an automatic cleaning method and apparatus in which the parts that come into contact with the tank (9), etc., are washed with water after the chemical solution is added, thereby preventing the user from coming into contact with the chemical solution.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing the connection relationship between an automatic cleaning device and a beverage dispenser, etc. according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the internal structure of the automatic cleaning device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a timetable of valve operations, etc. of the automatic cleaning device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing the internal structure of the automatic cleaning device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a timetable for valve operation, etc. of the automatic cleaning device according to the second embodiment. 10.60 Automatic cleaning device 14 Beverage container 16 Gas pump 18 Carbon dioxide cylinder 20 Beverage dispenser 26 Lever 28 ・ 30 ・ 32 ・ 34 ・ 36 ・ 38 ・ 40・ 50 ・ 52 ・ 54 ・ 56 ・ Nozzle cup Tap water inlet Beverage inlet Beverage supply inlet Drain outlet Chemical solution inlet Lamp Buzzer Control device start button

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. An automatic cleaning method for a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispensing valve and a pump, comprising: closing a first valve connected to the beverage container and the pump; Introducing a predetermined amount of chemical solution into the tank, opening a second valve connected to the water source and the tank for a predetermined time,
Supplying a predetermined amount of water into the tank to dilute the chemical solution in the tank; Opening a third valve connected to the tank and the pump; and supplying the diluted chemical solution in the tank to the beverage dispenser by operating the pump. dispensing, stopping the pump and opening a fourth valve connected to the tank and the outlet, allowing the diluted chemical solution to remain in the conduit between the third valve and the nozzle of the beverage dispenser; The cleaning water is discharged by discharging the diluted chemical solution, opening the valve connected to the water source and the chemical solution inlet for a predetermined period of time, supplying cleaning water into the tank through the chemical solution inlet, and operating the pump. supplying the beverage dispenser from the tank and discharging the diluted chemical solution and wash water from the nozzle of the beverage dispenser to clean the interior of the conduit between the third valve and the nozzle of the beverage dispenser; opening the first valve; , dispensing a beverage from a beverage container to a beverage dispenser and discharging the beverage from a nozzle of the beverage dispenser by activating a pump. 2. An automatic cleaning device for a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispense valve and a pump, comprising: a tap water inlet connected to a water source; a beverage inlet connected to a beverage container; and a pump. A beverage supply port connected to the beverage inlet, a drain port, a chemical solution inlet into which a chemical solution is introduced, a tank communicating with the chemical solution inlet, an alarm means, and a control device, the beverage inlet and the beverage inlet. The supply port is connected to the first valve, the tap water inlet and the chemical solution inlet are connected to the third valve, and the tank and the beverage supply port are connected to the third valve. The tank and the discharge port are connected through a fourth valve, and the control device controls the normal operation process, chemical solution input dilution process, diluted chemical supply process, retention process, The operation of said valves and alarm means is controlled in the order of a water washing step, a beverage introduction step and a normal operating step, the first valve being opened during the normal operating step to prevent the supply of beverage from the beverage container to the pump. the second valve is opened for a predetermined time in the chemical solution introduction and dilution process and the water washing process;
A predetermined amount of water is supplied into the tank, and the third valve is opened between the diluted chemical solution supply step and the water washing step to allow the diluted chemical solution or wash water in the tank to be supplied from the tank to the pump. The fourth valve opens during the normal operation step and the retention step to discharge the cleaning liquid or diluted chemical solution remaining in the tank, and the alarm means issues an alarm during the diluted chemical supply step and the water washing step. and cleaning the beverage dispenser and pump by introducing the chemical into the tank through the chemical inlet and opening the manual dispense valve while the alarm means provides an alarm in the chemical dosing dilution step. Automatic cleaning equipment. 3. An automatic cleaning device for a beverage dispensing device comprising a beverage dispenser with a manual dispensing valve and a pump, comprising: a tap water inlet connected to a water source; a beverage inlet connected to a beverage container; and a pump. A beverage supply port connected to the beverage inlet, a drain port, a chemical solution inlet into which a chemical solution is introduced, a tank communicating with the chemical solution inlet, an alarm means, and a control device, the beverage inlet and the beverage inlet. The supply port is connected via a first valve, the tap water inlet and the tank are connected via a second valve, and the tank and the beverage supply port are connected via a third valve. The tank and the outlet are connected via a fourth valve, the tap water inlet and the chemical solution inlet are connected via a fifth valve, A control device controls the operation of the valves and alarm means in the order of a normal operation process, a chemical solution introduction dilution process, a diluted chemical solution supply process, a retention process, a water washing process, a beverage introduction process, and a normal operation process, and a first valve. a second valve is opened during a normal operation step to allow the supply of beverage from the beverage container to the pump; a second valve is opened for a predetermined period of time during a chemical dosing dilution step to supply a predetermined amount of water into the tank; The third valve is opened during the diluted chemical supply step and the water wash step to allow the diluted chemical solution or wash water in the tank to be supplied from the tank to the pump, and the fourth valve is opened during the normal operating step. and the fifth valve opens during the water washing step to discharge the cleaning liquid or diluted chemical solution remaining in the tank, the fifth valve opens for a predetermined time during the water washing step to supply a predetermined amount of water into the tank, and the alarm means , providing an alarm during the diluted chemical supply step and the water washing step, and in the chemical dosing dilution step, introducing the chemical into the tank from the chemical inlet and opening the manual dispense valve while the alarm means provides the alarm. An automatic cleaning device characterized in that it cleans a beverage dispenser and a pump.