KR101301392B1 - Liquid supply device, operating state management device and cooling water condition determination device - Google Patents

Abstract

<Objective> The liquid supply apparatus which judges suitability of an installation place, and can suggest a judgment result is provided.
Solution The compressor 23 circulates the refrigerant through a path passing through the refrigeration unit 25 → evaporation pipe 27. The refrigerant evaporates when passing through the evaporation tube 27 in the water tank 22, and performs heat exchange with the cooling water. As a result, ice is formed around the evaporation tube 27. The temperature of the cooling water can be controlled by the thickness of the ice formed around the evaporation tube 27. The ice sensor 51 disposed in the vicinity of the evaporation tube 27 located in the water tank 22 detects whether ice having a predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporation tube 27. The compressor 23 operates based on the signal from the ice attachment sensor 51. Therefore, by observing the daily operation state of the compressor 23, it is possible to know how much cooling water needed to be cooled, and furthermore, it is possible to judge whether the beer server 1 is installed in an appropriate environment. Done.

Description

LIQUID SUPPLY DEVICE, OPERATING STATE MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND COOLING WATER CONDITION DETERMINATION DEVICE}

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid, and more particularly, to an improvement in cooling efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid cooled with cooling water and a cooling water state determination device for determining a state of cooling water, and more particularly, to automatically determining a state of cooling water.

The beverage supply apparatus 110 which is a conventional liquid supply apparatus is demonstrated using FIG. In the beverage supply device 110, a beverage tube 140 wound in a spiral shape through which a beverage passes, and a coolant is disposed outside the beverage tube 140 in the water tank 130 storing the cooling water. The evaporation tube 150 wound in a spiral shape for cooling the cooling water through the liquid is excreted.

The beverage supply device 110 is provided with a cooling compressor (not shown) for cooling the refrigerant and circulating the inside of the evaporation tube 150. The refrigerant is cooled when the cooling compressor is started. The cooled refrigerant is circulated through the evaporation tube 150 and the cooling water in the water tank 130 is cooled through the evaporation tube 150.

The ice detection sensors 201 and 202 which consist of a conductor piece for detecting the ice which grows around the coil part 150 are arrange | positioned at the distance. After a certain amount of time has passed since the cooling water starts cooling, ice begins to adhere around the evaporation tube 150. When the ice detection sensors 201 and 202 detect a layer of ice having a predetermined thickness or more, it is determined that the coolant in the water tank 130 has cooled sufficiently, and the cooling compressor is stopped. Thereafter, when the temperature of the cooling water rises and the ice detection sensors 201 and 202 detect that the ice around the evaporation tube 150 has melted, the cooling compressor is started again.

In addition, in the water tank 130, the cooling water stirring blade 160 rotated by the stirring motor 163 is provided, and cooling water is stirred by rotation of the cooling water stirring blade 160. FIG.

In addition, the beverage supply apparatus 110z which is a conventional liquid supply apparatus is demonstrated using FIG. In the beverage supply device 110z, a beverage tube 140z wound in a spiral shape through which a beverage passes in the water tank 130z storing the cooling water, and disposed outside the beverage tube 140z and having a refrigerant passing through the cooling water therein, is cooled. The evaporation tube 150z wound in a spiral shape for cooling the liquid is excreted.

The beverage supply device 110z is provided with a cooling compressor (not shown) for cooling the refrigerant and circulating the inside of the evaporation tube 150z. The refrigerant is cooled when the cooling compressor is started. The cooled refrigerant is circulated through the evaporation tube 150z and the cooling water in the water tank 130z is cooled through the evaporation tube 150z.

The ice detection sensors 201z and 202z which consist of a conductor piece for detecting the ice which grows around the coil part 150z are arrange | positioned at the distance. After a certain amount of time has elapsed since the cooling water starts to cool, ice begins to adhere around the evaporation tube 150z. When the ice detection sensors 201z and 202z detect a layer of ice having a predetermined thickness or more, it is determined that the cooling water in the water tank 130z is sufficiently cold, and the cooling compressor is stopped. Thereafter, when the temperature of the cooling water rises and the ice detection sensors 201z and 202z detect that the ice around the evaporator 150z has melted, the compressor is started again.

Moreover, in the water tank 130z, the cooling water stirring blade 160z rotated by the stirring motor 163z is provided, and cooling water is stirred by rotation of the cooling water stirring blade 160z.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-88425

The drink supply apparatus 110 mentioned above has the following improvement. In the beverage supply apparatus 110, since the installation environment is inadequate, cooling efficiency is inferior, and a cooling compressor often runs for a long time. For example, there is an environment in which the back of the cooling fan is blocked by a wall or the like, an environment in which a refrigerator is placed in the vicinity to receive exhaust of the heat exchanger, and an environment provided directly below a cooking facility. Moreover, since the air filter which removes the dust at the time of injecting air into a cooling compressor is not cleaned, a flow volume of air is restrict | limited and the cooling efficiency of a cooling compressor often deteriorates. Therefore, it is necessary to judge suitability of the installation environment of the beverage supply apparatus 110 and the state of an air filter from the viewpoint of the beer quality to supply, and the viewpoint of electric power saving, and to suggest the judgment result.

In addition, the above-mentioned beverage supply apparatus 110z has the following improvement. In the beverage supply apparatus 110z, the cooling water is cooled to predetermined temperature using the ice detection sensors 201z and 202z. Here, the detection targets of the ice detection sensors 201z and 202z are often the conductivity of the cooling water. The ice detection sensors 201z and 202z output the sensor signal by using a difference between the conductivity of the ice coolant formed in the coil 150z and the conductivity of the liquid coolant. However, when the cooling water is used for a long time, the conductivity of the cooling water changes, and as a result, the difference in the conductivity between the ice state and the liquid state may not be obtained. In this case, the operation of the cooling compressor for cooling water cannot be controlled correctly. Therefore, it is necessary to grasp | ascertain the water quality of cooling water suitably. However, there is a need to improve that the conventional beverage providing device 110z does not have such a function.

Moreover, it is necessary to judge suitably the time to replace the cooling water used for a long time with new cooling water. However, there is a need to improve that the conventional beverage providing device 110z does not have such a function.

If the cooling water cannot be cooled to the optimum cooling temperature, is it caused by deterioration of the cooling water due to prolonged use, or is it due to insufficient output of the compressor, for example, in which cooling means such as a compressor is not appropriate. There is a need to improve that the reason why the cooling water cannot be cooled cannot be specified.

In recent years, beer with different serving temperatures has emerged due to changes in taste. For example, although beer is generally cooled and provided about 6-8 degreeC, it is also started to provide the beer by cooling about -2 degreeC and obtaining a refreshing feeling. In order to provide beer of a different temperature, it is necessary to fill the water tank 130z with predetermined cooling water for every temperature, and to cool beer to predetermined temperature. In this case, when the cooling tank different from the predetermined cooling water is filled into the water tank 130z, the beer may not be cooled to the optimum temperature. However, there is a point to be improved that the beverage supply apparatus 110z cannot determine the type of cooling water used.

Then, an object of this invention is to provide the liquid supply apparatus which can suggest the improvement of cooling efficiency.

Moreover, an object of this invention is to provide the liquid supply apparatus and cooling water state determination apparatus which automatically determine the state of a cooling water.

[Measures to solve the problem and the effect of the invention]

Means for solving the problems in the present invention and effects of the invention will be described below.

[1] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention is a liquid supply apparatus for cooling and supplying a predetermined liquid introduced from the outside, a tank for collecting cooling water, and a liquid supply pipe through which a predetermined liquid passes. A cooling means having a liquid supply line located in the cooling medium, a refrigerant circulation pipe through which the refrigerant circulates, and a refrigerant circulation pipe located in the water tank, and a refrigerant circulation means for circulating the refrigerant, wherein the cooling water is cooled by the refrigerant. Cooling means, control means for controlling an operating state of the refrigerant circulation means for maintaining the cooling water in a predetermined cooling state, and operation state information supply means for supplying the operating state of the refrigerant circulation means as operating state information. The liquid supply apparatus, wherein the control means is cold for detecting a cooling state by the cooling means. It has each state detection means, The said control means controls the operation state of the said refrigerant circulation means using the detected cooling state, The said cooling state detection means is formed in the outer surface of the said cooling water and the said refrigerant circulation conduit. By detecting the temperature difference of the ice to be used, the thickness of the ice layer is detected as the cooling state.

That is, the cooling water is maintained in the predetermined cooling state through the operating state of the refrigerant circulation means, and further, the liquid is maintained in the predetermined cooling state.

Therefore, the installation environment of the liquid supply apparatus can be judged from the operation state of the refrigerant circulation means required for maintaining the liquid in the predetermined cooling state. For example, when it is necessary to operate the refrigerant circulating means for a long time in order to keep the liquid in a predetermined cooling state, the liquid supply device is installed in an environment where the temperature is high, that is, not suitable for installation of the liquid supply device. It is possible to judge that there is. When it was not necessary to operate the refrigerant circulating means so much in order to keep the liquid in a predetermined cooling state, it is judged that the liquid supply device is installed in an environment where the temperature does not become high, that is, an environment suitable for installation of the liquid supply device. It is possible.

In addition, since the cooling state of the cooling means can be easily detected and judged by the above-described configuration of the liquid supply device of the present invention, the operating state of the refrigerant circulation means can be easily controlled.

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Moreover, the structure of the liquid supply apparatus of this invention mentioned above can also display the temperature of a cooling object.

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[2] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention further includes display control means for displaying a temperature on at least one of the cooling water and the ice detected as the cooling state on a predetermined display device.

Thereby, the user of the liquid supply apparatus can easily confirm the temperature in a cooling state.

[3] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention further has supply liquid temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the liquid to be supplied, and further has display control means for displaying the temperature of the liquid to be supplied to a predetermined display device. .

As a result, the user of the liquid supply apparatus can easily check the temperature of the liquid to be supplied. Therefore, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the liquid to be supplied is at a temperature suitable for supplying.

[4] The operation state management device according to the present invention includes the operation state information acquisition means for acquiring the operation state information indicating the operation state of the refrigerant circulation means from a predetermined liquid supply device; An operation rate calculation means for calculating an operation rate of the refrigerant circulation means, an operation state determination means for judging whether or not the refrigerant circulation means is operating normally by comparing whether the calculated operation rate is less than or equal to a predetermined reference operation rate;
If it is determined that the refrigerant circulation means is operating normally, it is determined that the installation environment of the liquid supply device is appropriate. If it is determined that the refrigerant circulation means is abnormally operated, an installation environment that determines that the installation environment of the liquid supply device is inappropriate. Have a means of judgment

This makes it easy to judge whether the installation environment of the liquid supply device is appropriate or inappropriate.

[5] The operation state management apparatus according to the present invention acquires the latest inspection date of the air filter stored in advance in the liquid supply device corresponding to the refrigerant circulating means when it is determined that the refrigerant circulating means is not operating normally. And comparing the latest inspection date with the determination date of the installation environment of the refrigerant circulation means, and determining that the inspection of the air filter is not performed properly when the determination day has passed more than a predetermined number of days from the inspection date. It further has an air filter inspection state determination means.

This makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the air filter of the liquid supply device is properly inspected.

[6] In the operation state management apparatus according to the present invention, the operation state determination means uses a predetermined reference operation rate for each predetermined change factor and combination thereof.

This makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the installation environment of the liquid supply device is appropriate or inappropriate, and whether the air filter of the liquid supply device is properly inspected after the variation factor is added.

Here, the inspection means checking whether or not the function of the air filter is maintained, and does not necessarily accompany the restoration of the function. Moreover, as a work of restoring a function, air filter replacement, air filter cleaning (cleaning), etc. are mentioned.

[7] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention is a liquid supply apparatus for cooling and supplying a predetermined liquid introduced from the outside, a tank for collecting cooling water, and a liquid supply pipe through which a predetermined liquid passes, wherein the inside of the tank is provided. A liquid supply pipe located in the water supply line, external supply means for supplying the liquid that has passed through the liquid supply pipe to the outside, and water quality detection means located in the water tank, the water quality detecting means for detecting the water quality of the cooling water, and the temperature of the cooling water. Coolant temperature detection means for detecting, correction means for correcting a value indicating the quality of the coolant using the temperature of the coolant, and coolant state determination means for determining the state of the coolant using the corrected coolant value.

This makes it possible to accurately determine the state of the water quality of the coolant even when the water quality of the coolant changes with temperature. Therefore, the liquid to be provided can always be cooled appropriately.

[8] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the cooling water state determining means is a time at which it is necessary to restore the cooling function of the cooling water as a state of the cooling water by using a value indicating the quality of the corrected cooling water. In determining the cooling function recovery time, the cooling function recovers when the temperature of the cooling water is not the predetermined cooling temperature even if the corrected cooling water quality is the water quality when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature. I think it's time.

This is water quality when the water quality of the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, but when the temperature of the cooling water is not cooled to the predetermined cooling temperature, the cause is that the cooling water is at the recovery time of the cooling function, and sufficient cooling capacity is exhibited. It can be judged that it is not. Therefore, the liquid provided by the cooling function recovery process, such as replacing cooling water immediately, can always be appropriately cooled. In addition, even when the quality of the cooling water changes with temperature, the value indicating the quality of the cooling water is corrected by the temperature of the cooling water, so that the timing of recovery of the cooling function of the cooling water can be accurately determined.

[9] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention further has a liquid temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside, and the cooling water state determining means further includes a water quality of the corrected cooling water. When the water quality is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature and the temperature of the cooling water is the predetermined cooling temperature, it is determined that the cooling capacity of the cooling means is insufficient unless the temperature of the liquid is a predetermined liquid temperature.

This is the quality of the cooling water when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, and even when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, that is, when the cooling water is normally cooled, the liquid has a predetermined liquid temperature. If it is not cooled until then, the cause is because it can judge that the cooling capacity of the cooling means which cools cooling water is inadequate. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the cooling means can be easily determined.

[10] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the cooling water state determining means determines the type of the cooling water as a state of the cooling water by using the corrected water quality value of the cooling water.

Thereby, the kind of cooling water can be judged automatically.

[11] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention includes cooling temperature determining means for determining a cooling temperature of the cooling water based on a kind of the cooling water, and cooling means for cooling the cooling water based on the cooling temperature.

As a result, the cooling water can be automatically cooled to a temperature corresponding to the type of cooling water according to the type of cooling water that is automatically determined.

[12] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention has liquid temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside, and the cooling means further uses the detected temperature of the liquid to detect the cooling water. Cool.

Thereby, the temperature of the cooling water can be automatically adjusted by the temperature of the liquid supplied to the outside. That is, the liquid provided to the outside can always be cooled to predetermined temperature.

[13] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the cooling means further includes a refrigerant circulation conduit through which the refrigerant circulates, a refrigerant circulation conduit positioned inside the water tank, and a refrigerant circulation means for circulating the refrigerant. As the cooling means, the cooling water is cooled by the refrigerant, and the refrigerant circulation means is controlled based on the temperature of the detected liquid.

Thereby, the temperature of the cooling water can be automatically adjusted by adjusting the operation of the refrigerant circulation means.

[14] The liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention has cooling water state display means for displaying the state of the cooling water. As a result, a warning display for prompting the replacement of the cooling water can be output based on the change in the quality of the cooling water.

[15] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the water quality detecting means detects electrical conductivity of the cooling water. Thereby, the state of the cooling water based on electrical conductivity can be judged easily.

[16] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the water quality detecting means detects an ion current flowing between two electrodes in the cooling water, and reverses the polarity of the electrode every predetermined time.

As a result, by continuing the detection, it is possible to prevent the polarization around the electrode from progressing and deteriorating the performance of the water quality detecting means.

[17] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the water quality detecting means and the cooling water temperature detecting means are arranged in proximity. This makes it possible to detect the quality of the cooling water and the temperature of the cooling water at the same position. Therefore, the state of the cooling water can be judged more accurately.

[18] In the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention, the liquid is beer. Thereby, the state of the cooling water in the beer server which is a liquid provision apparatus which provides beer can be judged easily.

[19] The cooling water state detection device according to the present invention is a cooling water state determination device that determines a state of the cooling water of a liquid supply device that cools a predetermined liquid introduced from the outside using cooling water and supplies the liquid. A water quality detecting means located in a water tank collecting the cooling water of a supply device, the water quality detecting means for detecting the water quality of the cooling water, the cooling water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooling water, and a value indicating the water quality of the cooling water. And correction means for correcting using temperature, and cooling water state determining means for determining the state of the cooling water using the value of the corrected cooling water.

This makes it possible to accurately determine the state of the water quality of the coolant even when the water quality of the coolant changes with temperature. Therefore, the liquid to be provided can always be cooled appropriately.

[20] In the coolant state detecting apparatus according to the present invention, the coolant state determining means needs to restore the cooling function of the coolant as a state of the coolant using a value indicating the quality of the corrected coolant. Determining the recovery time of the phosphorus cooling function, and the cooling function when the temperature of the cooling water is not the predetermined cooling temperature even if the corrected cooling water quality is the water quality when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature. We think it is time to recover.

This is water quality when the water quality of the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, but when the temperature of the cooling water is not cooled to the predetermined cooling temperature, the cause is that the cooling water is at the recovery time of the cooling function, and sufficient cooling capacity is exhibited. It can be judged that it is not. Therefore, the liquid provided by the cooling function recovery process, such as replacing cooling water immediately, can always be appropriately cooled. In addition, even when the quality of the cooling water changes with temperature, the value indicating the quality of the cooling water is corrected by the temperature of the cooling water, so that the timing of recovery of the cooling function of the cooling water can be accurately determined.

[21] The cooling water state detection device according to the present invention further includes liquid temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside, and the cooling water state determining means further includes a water quality of the corrected cooling water. Is water quality when cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, and when the temperature of the cooling water is the predetermined cooling temperature, it is determined that the cooling capacity of the cooling means is insufficient if the temperature of the liquid is not a predetermined liquid temperature. .

This is the quality of the cooling water when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, and even when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, that is, when the cooling water is normally cooled, the liquid has a predetermined liquid temperature. If it is not cooled until then, the cause is because it can judge that the cooling capacity of the cooling means which cools cooling water is inadequate. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the cooling means can be easily determined.

[22] In the cooling water state detection device according to the present invention, the cooling water state determination means determines the type of the cooling water as the state of the cooling water by using the corrected water quality value of the cooling water.

Thereby, the kind of cooling water can be judged automatically.

[23] The coolant state detection device according to the present invention has coolant state display means for displaying the determined state of the coolant. As a result, a warning display for prompting the replacement of the cooling water can be output based on the change in the quality of the cooling water.

[24] In the cooling water state detection device according to the present invention, the water quality detecting means detects an electrical conductivity of the cooling water. Thereby, the state of the cooling water based on electrical conductivity can be judged easily.

[25] In the cooling water state detection device according to the present invention, the water quality detecting means detects an ion current flowing between two electrodes in the cooling water, and reverses the polarity of the electrode every predetermined time. . As a result, by continuing the detection, it is possible to prevent the polarization around the electrode from progressing and deteriorating the performance of the water quality detecting means.

[26] In the cooling water state detection device according to the present invention, the water quality detecting means and the cooling water temperature detecting means are arranged in proximity. This makes it possible to detect the quality of the cooling water and the temperature of the cooling water at the same position. Therefore, the state of the cooling water can be judged more accurately.

[27] In the cooling water state detection device according to the present invention, the liquid is beer. Thereby, the state of the cooling water in the beer server which is a liquid provision apparatus which provides beer can be judged easily.

Here, the correspondence relationship between the component of the liquid supply apparatus which concerns on this invention, and the component in an Example is shown. The liquid supply device corresponds to beer server 1z beer server 1Az and beer server 1Bz. The water tank is in the water tank 22z, the liquid supply pipe is in the beer cooling pipe 30z, the external supply means is in the pouring tap 20z, the cooling means is the refrigeration unit 25z, the CPU 191z, The memory 192z, the input / output circuit 196z, the refrigerant circulation conduit to the evaporator tube 27z, the refrigerant circulation means to the compressor 23z, the water quality detection means to the ice sensor 51z, and the cooling water temperature detection means. In the coolant temperature sensor 53z, the liquid temperature detection means correspond to the beer temperature sensor 54z, respectively.

The coolant state display means corresponds to the coolant state display panel 55z, the coolant exchange warning lamp 57z, and the coolant species display panel 59z.

Further, the correction means, the coolant state determination means, and the cooling temperature determination means correspond to the control circuit 19z. The liquid also corresponds to beer.

"Restore the cooling function of the cooling water" means increasing the cooling capacity to at least the standard when the cooling capacity, which is the capacity required for cooling water to cool the cooled object, is lower than the standard. However, the concept includes replenishment and removal of predetermined components.

"Low cooling capacity of the cooling means" means that the cooling means cannot cool the cooled object to a predetermined temperature under predetermined conditions. For example, in the process of circulating a refrigerant to cool the object to be cooled, a lack of force for circulating the refrigerant when the temperature of the cooling liquid is normal but the temperature of the cooling water is not normal, a lack of the amount of the refrigerant to be circulated, and the like. The concept is included. In the process of cooling the liquid to be supplied to the outside with the cooling liquid, the external liquid supply pipe is connected to the supply amount of the external supply liquid when the water quality and temperature of the cooling liquid are all normal but the temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside is not normal. It is a concept including a short and the like of a liquid supply device is small.

1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a liquid supply system N1 using a beer server 1 according to the present invention.
2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the beer server 1.
3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control circuit 19.
4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the operation status management apparatus 53.
5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the compressor operation state management DB stored in the memory 192 of the control circuit 19. As shown in FIG.
6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the operation status management DB stored in the hard disk 313 of the operation status management apparatus 53.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store DB stored in the hard disk 313 of the operation status management device 53.
8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 19.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation status management apparatus 53.
10 is a diagram showing a list of setting environments of the beer server 1 on the screen.
11 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a liquid supply system N21 using a beer server 71 according to the present invention.
12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the beer server 71.
13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 19.
14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation status management apparatus 73.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the data structure of the air filter change management DB stored in the hard disk 313 of the operation status management device 53.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the data structure of the air filter state management DB stored in the hard disk 313 of the operating state management apparatus 53. FIG.
17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 19.
18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the operation status management apparatus 53.
19 is a diagram showing a list of the installation environments of the beer server 1 on the screen.
20 is a view showing a beverage supply apparatus 110 which is a conventional liquid supply apparatus.
21 is a diagram illustrating an appearance configuration of the beer server 1z according to the present invention.
22 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the beer server 1z according to the present invention.
23 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control circuit 19z.
24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 19z of the beer server 1z.
25 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a beer server 1Az according to the present invention.
Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a beer server 1Az according to the present invention.
27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 19z of the beer server 1Az.
28 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of the beer server 1Bz according to the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the data structure of the coolant information DB stored in the first memory 192z of the beer server 1Bz.
30 is a diagram showing a data structure of the cooling temperature information DB stored in the memory 192z of the beer server 1Bz.
31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 19z of the beer server 1Bz.
Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a handy coolant state detection device 1Cz according to the present invention.
33 is a view showing the beverage supply apparatus 110z which is a conventional liquid supply apparatus.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described in detail, referring drawings.

    &Lt; Example 1 >

     <First configuration>

      1. System configuration of beer server operation status management system N1

The system configuration of the beer server operation status management system N1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The beer server operation state management system N1 has the beer server 1 and the operation state management apparatus 53. The beer server 1 and the operation state management apparatus 53 are connected so that information may be transmitted and received with each other via the network. In addition, it does not cover wired and wireless about the network to be connected.

The operation state management device 53 acquires operation state information from the beer server 1 installed in a restaurant or the like, and determines whether the environment in which the beer server 1 is installed is appropriate from the operation state of the beer server 1. do.

The hardware configuration of the beer server 1 and the operation state management apparatus 53 is demonstrated below.

      2. Configuration of Beer Server 1

As shown in FIG. 1, a beer barrel 2 for storing beer is connected to the beer server 1 via a beer supply pipe joint 3 and a beer supply pipe 4. Moreover, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 5 to the gas hose joint 8 through the pressure regulating valve 6 and each gas hose 7. The beer in the beer barrel 2 pressed by the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas hose joint 8 is supplied to the beer supply pipe 4 via the beer supply pipe joint 3.

2, the outer side of the main body is covered with the exterior case 10, and the upper side is covered with the lid 11 as shown in FIG. The front face of the exterior case 10 is provided with a pair of supply pipe connecting members 12 to which a beer supply pipe 4 for supplying beer is connected. The supply pipe connection member 12 is a substantially L-shaped pipe joint, and inserts the end of the beer supply pipe 4 into the supply pipe connection member 12 from below. As a result, the end of the beer supply pipe 4 is connected to the supply pipe connecting member 12.

Moreover, on the front side of the supply pipe connection member 12, the receiving plate 16 in which the mesh plate member 15 (refer FIG. 1) is mounted is attached to the upper surface.

In addition, a pair of pouring spouts 20 are attached to the front upper portion of the beer server 1. Moreover, the leg member 13 is fixed in four places of the lower surface of a main body. The beer server 1 is arrange | positioned on the counter etc. in a shop through the leg member 13, and the like.

2, the water tank 22 which stored the cooling water is arrange | positioned at the upper half part of a main body. Below the water tank 22, the refrigeration unit 25 comprised from the compressor 23, the condenser 24, and the cooling fan etc. which do not cool the condenser 24 is provided. The evaporation tube 27 is connected to the refrigeration unit 25. The evaporation tube 27 is attached to the inner wall part of the water tank 22 in the spiral form via the attachment tool 28. As shown in FIG.

The refrigerant circulates through the refrigeration unit 25 → evaporation pipe 27 → refrigeration unit 25. The refrigerant evaporates when passing through the evaporation tube 27 in the water tank 22, and performs heat exchange with the cooling water. As a result, ice C is formed around the evaporation tube 27. The temperature of the cooling water can be controlled by the thickness of the ice C formed around the evaporation tube 27.

In addition, the air filter 26 is attached to the front side of the condenser 24.

On the bottom face of the water tank 22, a pair of stainless steel pipe drink pipes 29 in which the supply end is connected to a pair of supply pipe connecting members 12 are embedded in a heat insulating material. And the beverage pipe 29 is led upwards from the inner bottom face part of the water tank 22, and is connected to the beer cooling pipe 30 made from stainless steel pipes, respectively. The beer cooling tube 30 is formed in a spiral shape and attached to the inside of the evaporation tube 27 in the water tank 22 through an attachment tool. Beer pushed from the beverage pipe 29 is sent out from the lower side of the beer cooling tube 30 to the upper side. The beer is cooled to a predetermined temperature by the cooling water while passing through the beer cooling tube 30.

The pouring end of the beer cooling tube 30 is connected to the pouring end of the pouring spout 20. The cooled beer is poured into a beer jug or the like through the pouring tap 20.

As described above, the temperature of the cooling water can be controlled by the thickness of the ice formed around the evaporation tube 27. In addition, the temperature of beer can be controlled by the temperature of cooling water. That is, the temperature of the beer can be controlled by the thickness of the ice formed around the evaporation tube 27.

The ice sensor 51 is disposed in the vicinity of the evaporation tube 27 of the water tank 22. The reason why the ice sensor 51 is disposed near the evaporation tube 27 is that the ice adheres in the water tank 22 or the ice melts due to the change in the water temperature. Beer is supplied to the beer cooling tube 30 from below the water tank 22 through the beverage pipe 29. Since the beer of relatively high temperature is supplied from under the water tank 22, below the water tank 22, the temperature of cooling water rises relatively quick compared with other parts. For this reason, in order to make the temperature of the water tank 22 uniform, the stirring motor 36 and the stirring blade 34 are provided. The stirring motor 36 drives the stirring blade 34 to rotate. Cooling water is stirred by the rotation of the stirring blade 34, so that the temperature of the water tank 22 is equalized.

The ice sensor 51 detects whether ice C having a predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporation tube 27 by the change (conductivity) of the electrical resistance of water (cooling water). When ice C having a predetermined thickness is not formed around the evaporation tube 27, the ice adhesion sensor 51 does not detect the ice C, and thus detects and outputs the conductivity of the cooling water. When cooling advances and the ice adhesion sensor 51 detects ice C, the ice adhesion sensor 51 detects and outputs the electrical conductivity of ice C. The control circuit 19 (not shown) controls the compressor by using the difference in electrical conductivity.

The control circuit 19 is disposed in the lower half of the water tank 22. The control circuit 19 is electrically connected to the ice sensor 51 and the compressor 23, and the information can be transmitted and received. In addition, the control circuit 19 is mentioned later.

      3. Hardware configuration of the control circuit 19

The hardware structure of the control circuit 19 is shown in FIG. The control circuit 19 has a CPU 191, a memory 192, a power supply circuit 193, an input / output circuit 196, a time clock circuit 197, and a communication circuit 198.

The CPU 191 performs processing based on other applications such as a compressor operation state management program recorded in the memory 192. The memory 192 stores and holds a program such as a compressor operation state management program. The memory 192 also stores and stores a compressor operation state information database (hereinafter referred to as compressor operation state information DB). The compressor operation state information DB is mentioned later. The memory 192 also provides a work area for the CPU 191. The power supply circuit 193 supplies power required for the CPU 191 and the like.

The input / output circuit 196 acquires a detection value from the ice sensor 51 as detection information. The time circuit 197 measures time. The communication circuit 198 has a communication circuit connected to a network, and transmits and receives data to and from an external communication device such as the operation status management device 53.

      4. Hardware configuration of the operation status management device 53

The hardware configuration of the operation status management apparatus 53 is demonstrated using FIG. The operation status management apparatus 53 includes a CPU 311, a memory 312, a hard disk drive 313 (hereinafter referred to as an HDD 313), a keyboard 314, a mouse 315, a display 316, The optical drive 317 and the communication circuit 318 are provided.

The CPU 311 performs processing based on other applications such as an operating system (OS: Operating System), an operation status management program recorded on the HDD 313. The memory 312 provides a work area for the CPU 311. The HDD 313 records and holds an operating system (OS), other applications such as an operation status management program, and various data. As the various data, there is an operation status management database (hereinafter referred to as operation status management DB) and a store database (hereinafter referred to as store DB). The operation status management DB and store DB are mentioned later.

The keyboard 314 and the mouse 315 accept commands from the outside. The display 316 displays an image such as a user interface. The optical drive 317 reads data from the optical media, such as reading the operation status management program from the optical media 310 in which the operation status management program is recorded, and reading other application programs from another optical media. . The communication circuit 318 has a communication circuit connected to a network, and transmits and receives data to and from an external communication device such as the beer server 1.

     <Second data>

The compressor operation state information DB which the control circuit 19 of the beer server 1 stores in the memory 192, and the operation state management DB which store and hold | maintains in the HDD 313 the operation state management apparatus 53, and store DB This will be described below.

      1. Compressor operation status information DB

Compressor operation state information is the information which recorded the time which the compressor 23 has operated. The data structure of the compressor operation state information DB is demonstrated using FIG.

The compressor operation state information DB has an operation start time column and an operation end time column. In the operation start time column, the time at which the compressor 23 starts operation is described, and specifically, the time at which the energization of the compressor 23 is started is described. In the operation end time column, the time at which the compressor 23 ends the operation is described, and specifically, the time when the power supply to the compressor 23 is terminated is described.

For example, when the electricity supply commences with respect to the compressor 23 from 21:30:00 second on July 15, 2009, and ends electricity supply at 21:35:00 on July 15, 2009, FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, July 15, 2009 21:30:00 seconds are described in the operation start time column, and July 15, 2009 21:35:00 seconds are described in the operation end time column.

      2. Operational Status Management DB

Operation status information is information which shows the operation status of the compressor 23 of the beer server 1. The data structure of the operation status information will be described with reference to FIG.

The operation status information has a beer server ID sequence, a judgment sequence sequence, and an installation environment sequence. In the beer server ID column, a beer server ID for identifying the beer server 1 is described. The determination column describes the day when the installation environment of the beer server 1 is determined. The installation environment column describes an evaluation of whether or not the environment in which the beer server 1 is installed is in an appropriate environment on the occasion of serving beer. Specifically, when it is judged that the environment in which the beer server 1 is installed is appropriate, "o" is described, respectively, when it is determined that it is not appropriate.

      3. Store DB

The store DB stores bibliographic matters about the store where the beer server 1 is installed as a database. The data structure of the store DB is shown in FIG.

The store DB has a beer server ID column and a business hours column. In the beer server ID column, the beer server ID of the beer server provided in each store is described. In the business hours column, the business hours of the store where the beer server 1 corresponding to the beer server ID is installed are described as "12: 00-22: 00", for example.

     <Operation of Control Circuit 19 of Third Beer Server 1>

The operation of the CPU 191 of the control circuit 19 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. When the CPU 191 acquires the detection information from the ice sensor 51 (S801), it determines whether or not the value of the detection information indicates the conductivity of the cooling water (S803). If it is determined that the value of the detection information indicates the conductivity of the cooling water, the CPU 191 acquires the value of the detection information acquired last time from the memory 192 (S805). The CPU 191 transmits the operation start information to the compressor 23 (S809) when it is determined that the value of the detection information acquired last time indicates the conductivity of ice (S807). In addition, the CPU 191 acquires the time when the operation start information is transmitted from the time keeping circuit 197 (S811). The CPU 191 describes the value of the acquired time in the operation start time sequence of the compressor operation state management DB (S813), and stores it in the memory 192 (S815). If the CPU 191 determines that the value of the detection information acquired last time in step S807 does not indicate the conductivity of ice, that is, it is the conductivity of cooling water, it performs the process after step S801.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S803 that the value of the detection information does not indicate the conductivity of the cooling water, that is, indicates the conductivity of the ice, the CPU 191 acquires the value of the detection information acquired last time from the memory 192 (S817). ). If it is determined that the value of the detection information acquired last time indicates the conductivity of the cooling water (S819), the CPU 191 transmits the operation end information to the compressor 23 (S821). In addition, the CPU 191 acquires the time at which the operation end information is transmitted from the time keeping circuit 197 (S823). The CPU 191 describes the value of the acquired time in the operation end time sequence of the compressor operation state management DB (S825), and stores it in the memory 192 (S827). If the CPU 191 determines that the value of the detection information acquired last time in step S819 does not indicate the conductivity of the cooling water, that is, the conductivity of ice, it performs the process after step S801.

When the CPU 191 reaches a predetermined time (S829), the operation state management as the compressor operation state information is associated with the beer server ID of the beer server 1 with the value of the compressor operation state management DB stored and held in the memory 192. The apparatus 53 transmits to the apparatus 53 (S831). The CPU 191 repeats the processing of steps S801 to S831 (S833).

     <Operation status management processing of the fourth operation status management apparatus 53>

An operation status management process executed by the CPU 311 of the operation status management device 53 based on the operation status management program will be described using a flowchart shown in FIG. 9. Upon receiving the compressor operation state information (S901), the CPU 311 extracts the beer server ID (S903), and describes the extracted beer server ID in the beer server ID column in the operation status management DB (S905).

Then, the CPU 311 extracts the operation start time and the operation end time from the compressor operation state information (S907). The CPU 311 calculates an operation time of one day based on the extracted operation start time and operation end time (S909). In addition, the CPU 311 obtains the value of the business time string corresponding to the beer server ID extracted in step S903 from the store DB (S911). And the CPU 311 calculates the operation rate which shows the ratio of the operation time with respect to the operation time regarding operation | movement of the compressor 23 of the beer server 1 based on the operation time computed in step S909 and the operation time acquired in step S911. It calculates (S913).

The CPU 311 acquires the reference operation rate stored in the memory 192 (S915). The reference operating rate indicates a standard ratio of the operating time of the compressor 23 in the working time of one day. The reference operating rate is, for example, the ratio of the operating time of the compressor 23 to the working time of the compressor 23, which is required to install the beer server 1, the kegs, etc. in a standard environment and provide beer of a predetermined temperature. It is the value obtained by the experiment etc. with respect.

If the CPU 311 determines that the operation rate of the beer server 1 calculated in step S913 is higher than the reference operation rate acquired in step S915 (S917), the beer server ID of the beer server 1 in the operation status management DB is determined. "X" is described in the installation environment column with respect to (S919).

On the other hand, when the CPU 311 determines that the operation rate of the beer server 1 calculated in step S1003 is not higher than the reference operation rate acquired in step S1005 (S917), beer in the operation status management DB "○" is described in the installation environment column for the beer server ID of the server 1 (S921).

The quality of beer provided from the beer server 1 is also largely dependent on the environment where the beer server 1 street and the beer kegs are installed. In the case where the beer server 1 is installed in an environment where it becomes hot, it is necessary to operate the condenser frequently by operating the compressor 23 in order to prevent the temperature rise of the cooling water in order to supply the beer of a suitable temperature. . In addition, as an environment where the beer server 1 becomes hot, for example, an environment in which the back of the cooling fan is blocked, an environment in which a refrigerator is placed nearby and exhausted from the heat exchanger, and a light fixture are provided. The environment is installed below. These environments often occur in general stores.

Therefore, by observing the operation state of the compressor 23 for one day, it becomes possible to judge whether the beer server 1 is installed in an appropriate environment.

If the CPU 311 determines that the processing of steps S1001 to S1111 has been performed on all the obtained compressor operation state information (S923), the processing ends.

Thereafter, for example, the CPU 311 displays a list showing the installation environment of each beer server 1 as shown in FIG. On the display, attention is given by highlighting, coloring, etc., when the installation environment is not appropriate.

    <Example 2>

In Example 1 mentioned above, whether the ice of predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporation tube 27 using the ice sensor 51 which uses the change (electric conductivity) of the electrical resistance of water (cooling water). In the present embodiment, it is detected whether or not ice having a predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporation tube 27 by using a temperature sensor that uses a temperature difference between water and ice.

In addition, about the structure, the process, etc. similar to Example 1 below, the code | symbol same as Example 1 is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

     <First configuration>

      1. Hardware configuration of beer server operation management system N21

A network configuration of the beer server operating status management system N21 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The beer server operation status management system N1 has the beer server 71 and the operation status management apparatus 73. About the beer server 71 and the operation state management apparatus 73, it is basically the same as the beer server 1 and the operation state management apparatus 53 in Example 1 except a part structure and some process. .

      2. Configuration of Beer Server 71

The structure of the beer server 71 is shown in FIG. The beer server 71 has the temperature sensor 91 for ice adhesion detection, the temperature sensor 93 for supply beer, and the temperature display panel 95 in the vicinity of the evaporation tube 27 of the water tank 22.

The temperature sensor 91 for ice adhesion detection detects whether ice of predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporation tube 27 by the change of the temperature of cooling water and ice. When no ice having a predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporation tube 27, the temperature sensor 91 for ice adhesion detection detects and outputs the temperature of the cooling water. When cooling progresses and the ice adhesion detection temperature sensor 91 contacts ice, the ice adhesion detection temperature sensor 91 detects and outputs the temperature of the evaporation tube 27 through ice. In addition, the temperature of the evaporation tube 27 is very low compared to the temperature of the cooling water. Therefore, when the ice adhesion detection temperature sensor 91 is in contact with the ice, a significant temperature change is detected. The control circuit 79 (not shown) controls the compressor 23 using this temperature difference. In addition, the control circuit 79 is mentioned later.

In addition, when using antifreeze instead of water for cooling water, it becomes difficult to control the compressor 23 using electrical conductivity. Therefore, it is preferable to use a temperature sensor for ice adhesion detection.

The temperature sensor 93 for supply beer is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the connection part of the beer cooling tube 30 and the pouring tap 20. The temperature sensor 93 for supply beer detects the temperature of the beer actually provided to the customer, that is, the temperature of the beer supplied from the pouring tap 20.

The display panel 95 has a control circuit for controlling the display state of the LED display screen and the LED display screen. The display panel 95 displays the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 91 for detecting ice adhesion and / or the temperature sensor 93 for supply beer.

The control circuit 79 is disposed in the lower half of the water tank 22. The control circuit 79 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 91 for ice detection detection, the temperature sensor 93 for supply beer, the temperature display panel 95, and the compressor 23, and it is possible to transmit and receive information. have.

The beer server 71 detects whether the ice of predetermined thickness is formed around the evaporator 27 using the temperature sensor 91 for ice adhesion detection. By using the temperature sensor in this way, the temperature of the cooling water and further, the temperature of the beer to be supplied can be obtained. In addition, by displaying the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 91 for ice attachment using the temperature display panel 95, the user of the beer server 71 can easily check the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the beer to be supplied. have. Therefore, it can be easily confirmed whether the beer to be supplied is kept at an appropriate temperature.

In addition, the beer server 71 detects the temperature of the beer to be supplied using the temperature sensor 93 for supply beer. When the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the beer to be supplied do not match by using the temperature sensor 93 for supplying beer in addition to the temperature sensor 91 for ice adhesion detection, for example, the kegs 3 at a busy time. Since the beer must be supplied immediately after exchanging, the temperature of the beer to be supplied can be accurately detected even when the beer is not cooled to the right temperature.

The rest of the configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment.

      3. Hardware configuration of the control circuit 79

The hardware configuration of the control circuit 79 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that the memory 192 stores and stores a compressor operation control program and a temperature display control program.

     <Operation of Control Circuit 79 of Second Beer Server 71>

      1. Compressor motion control processing

The compressor control process executed by the CPU 191 of the control circuit 79 in the present embodiment by the compressor operation control program will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 191 acquires the detection information from the ice adhesion detection temperature sensor 91 (S1301), it determines whether or not the value of the detection information indicates the temperature of the cooling water (S1303). If the CPU 191 determines that the value of the detection information indicates the temperature of the cooling water, it acquires the value of the detection information acquired last time from the memory 192 (S1305). If the CPU 191 determines that the value of the detection information acquired last time indicates the temperature of the cooling tube 30 (S1307), it transmits operation start information to the compressor 23 (S1309). In addition, the CPU 191 acquires the time at which the operation start information is transmitted from the time keeping circuit 197 (S1311). The CPU 191 describes the acquired time value in the operation start time sequence of the compressor operation state management DB (S1313), and stores it in the memory 192 (S1315). If the CPU 191 determines that the value of the detection information acquired last time in step S1307 does not indicate the temperature of the cooling tube 30, that is, it is the temperature of the cooling water, it performs the process after step S1301.

On the other hand, when the CPU 191 determines in step S1303 that the value of the detection information does not indicate the temperature of the cooling water, that is, indicates the temperature of the cooling tube 30, the CPU 191 determines the value of the detection information acquired from the memory 192 last time. It acquires (S1317). If it is determined that the value of the detection information acquired last time indicates the temperature of the cooling water (S1319), the CPU 191 transmits the operation end information to the compressor 23 (S1321). In addition, the CPU 191 acquires the time at which the operation end information was transmitted from the time-keeping circuit 197 (S1323). The CPU 191 describes the acquired time value in the operation end time sequence of the compressor operation state management DB (S1325), and stores it in the memory 192 (S1327). If the CPU 191 determines that the value of the detection information acquired last time in step S1319 does not indicate the temperature of the cooling water, that is, it is the temperature of the cooling tube 30, it performs the process after step S1301.

When the CPU 191 reaches a predetermined time (S1329), the operation state management as the compressor operation state information is associated with the beer server ID of the beer server 71 with the value of the compressor operation state management DB stored and held in the memory 192. It transmits to the apparatus 73 (S1331). The CPU 191 repeats the processing of steps S1301 to S1331 (S1333).

The temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the cooling tube 30 are stored in advance in the memory 192.

      2. Temperature display control processing

The temperature display control process executed by the CPU 191 of the control circuit 79 in the present embodiment by the temperature display control program will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 191 acquires detection information from the supply beer temperature sensor 93 (S1401), the CPU 191 transmits the value of the acquired detection information to the display panel 95 (S1403). The CPU 191 repeats the processing of steps S1401 and S1403 until the end (S1405).

    <Example 3>

In Example 1 mentioned above, the operation state management apparatus 53 decided whether the beer server 1 is installed in the suitable environment by observing the operation | movement state of the day of the compressor 23. As shown in FIG. In addition, in this embodiment, the operation state management apparatus 53 further determines the management state of the air filter 26 used by the beer server 1.

In the following, only parts different from those of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

     <First configuration>

      1. System configuration of beer server operation status management system N1

The system configuration of the beer server operation status management system N1 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

      2. Configuration of Beer Server 1

The configuration of the beer server 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

      3. Hardware configuration of the control circuit 19

The hardware configuration of the control circuit 19 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the memory 192 also stores and holds the air filter check record program. The memory 192 also temporarily stores and retains the day when the air filter 26 is inspected.

      4. Hardware configuration of the operation status management device 53

The hardware configuration of the operation status management apparatus 53 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the memory 312 also stores and holds the filter management state determination program. The memory 312 also stores and holds an air filter check management database (air filter check management DB) and an air filter state management database (air filter state management DB).

     <Second data>

The air filter inspection management DB and the air filter state management DB which the operation state management apparatus 53 memorize | stores in the HDD 313 are demonstrated below. The rest of the data is the same as in the first embodiment.

      1. Air filter check management DB

The air filter check management DB stores and holds the day on which the air filter 26 is checked in correspondence with each beer server as a database. The data structure of the air filter inspection management DB is shown in FIG.

The air filter check management DB has a beer server ID string and an air filter check sequence. In the beer server ID column, a beer server ID that uniquely identifies each beer server 1 is described. The air filter check sequence describes the date and time when the air filter 26 was checked.

      2. Air filter status management DB

The air filter state management DB is a database in which the management state of the air filter 26 is associated with each beer server. The data structure of the air filter state management DB is demonstrated using FIG.

The air filter status management DB has a beer server ID column, a judgment column, and a filter status column. In the beer server ID column, the beer server ID uniquely specifying the beer server 1 is described. In the determination column, the day on which the state of the filter 26 of the beer server 1 is determined is described. The filter status column describes the evaluation of whether or not the filter 26 of the beer server 1 is properly checked. Specifically, when it is determined that the filter 26 of the beer server 1 is properly inspected, "x" is described, respectively, when it is determined that "o" is not properly inspected.

     <Air filter check recording process of control circuit 19 of third beer server 1>

The air filter inspection recording process performed by the CPU 191 of the control circuit 19 based on the air filter inspection recording program will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 191 acquires the air filter check completion information indicating that the air filter 26 has been checked (S1701), the CPU 191 acquires the date at the time of acquisition from the timekeeping circuit 197 (S1703). The CPU 191 stores and holds the acquired date in the memory 192 (S1705).

When the CPU 191 reaches a predetermined time (S1707), the CPU 191 transmits the day stored and stored in the memory 192 to the operation status management device 53 as air filter check information in association with the beer server ID of the beer server 1. (S1709). The CPU 191 repeats the processing of steps S1701 to S1709 for all predetermined records (S1711).

In addition, the air filter check completed information is produced | generated by the inspector of the air filter 26 operating the air filter check completed button provided in the beer server 1 at the time of the inspection of the air filter 26, for example. . If the predetermined current flows while the air filter 26 is removed and the current flows from the non-current state, the air filter inspection completed information may be generated. Similarly, if the predetermined current flows while the air filter 26 is attached, and the current does not flow from the current flowing state, the air filter inspection completed information may be generated. This is because the air filter 26 is often accompanied by the removal of the air filter 26.

     <Operation of the fourth operation status management apparatus 53>

The operation of the CPU 311 of the operation status management apparatus 53 is demonstrated using the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the predetermined time is reached (S1801), the CPU 311 acquires one of the predetermined records from the operation status management DB (S1803). In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the filter state management process is executed following the operation state management process in the first embodiment. Therefore, the predetermined 1 record is one of the records having the latest determination date in the operation status management DB.

The CPU 311 determines whether or not the installation environment of the record acquired in step S1803 is "x" (S1805). If it is determined that the installation environment of the record acquired in step S1803 is "x", the CPU 311 extracts the beer server ID of the record (S1807).

The CPU 311 extracts a record having the latest inspection date from among records corresponding to the beer server ID extracted from the filter state management DB (S1809). The CPU 311 determines whether or not the judgment day of the record determined in step S1805 that the installation environment is "x" is outside the range of the predetermined date α from the filter check date of the record extracted in step S1809, that is, judgment day> filter check day. It is determined whether or not it is + α (S1811).

If the CPU 311 determines that it is the determination date> filter inspection date + α, it describes "x" in the filter state column of the air filter state management DB (S1813). In other cases, the CPU 311 describes "o" in the filter state column of the air filter state management DB (S1815).

The CPU 311 executes the processing of steps S1803 to S1815 for all predetermined records (S1817).

In Example 1, the installation environment of the beer server 1 is judged based on the operation rate of the compressor 23. As shown in FIG. Even if the air filter 26 is just replaced, when the operation ratio of the compressor 23 is high, the installation environment of the beer server 1 is considered to be bad. On the other hand, when the air filter 26 is replaced and time has elapsed, and the operation ratio of the compressor 23 is high, a decrease in filter efficiency due to clogging or the like of the air filter 26, that is, management of the air filter 26 is prevented. I think it's bad. Therefore, by using the operation rate of the compressor 23 and the inspection day of the air filter 26, the management state of the air filter 26 can be judged. This makes it possible to suppress the power loss of the beer server 1 and to cool the beer appropriately.

As in the first embodiment, for example, the CPU 311 displays a list indicating the installation environment and the filter state of each beer server 1 as shown in FIG. 19 in response to a request of a user or the like.

When the CPU 311 receives the air filter check information, the CPU 311 associates the beer server ID extracted from the air filter check information with the check date of the air filter and describes it in the air filter check management DB.

    <Example 4>

     <First configuration>

      1. Configuration of beer server 1z

The external configuration of the beer server 1z as one embodiment of the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 21, a beer barrel 2z for storing beer is connected to the beer server 1z via a beer supply pipe joint 3z and a beer supply pipe 4z. Moreover, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the carbon dioxide cylinder 5z to the gas hose joint 8z via the pressure regulating valve 6z and each gas hose 7z. The beer in the beer barrel 2z pressurized by the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas hose joint 8z is supplied to the beer supply pipe 4z via the beer supply pipe joint 3z.

Next, the internal structure of the beer server 1z is demonstrated using FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, the outer side of the main body of the beer server 1z is covered with the outer case 10z, and the upper side is covered with the lid 11z. A front side of the exterior case 10z is provided with a pair of supply pipe connecting members 12z to which a beer supply pipe 4z for supplying beer is connected. The supply pipe connection member 12z is a substantially L-shaped pipe joint, and the end of the beer supply pipe 4z is inserted into the supply pipe connection member 12z from below. Thereby, the edge part of the beer supply pipe 4z is connected to the supply pipe connection member 12z.

Moreover, on the front side of the supply pipe connection member 12z, the receiving plate 16z in which the mesh plate member 15z (refer FIG. 21) is mounted is attached to the upper surface.

In addition, a pair of pouring taps 20z are attached to the upper portion of the front surface of the beer server 1z. Moreover, the leg member 13z is fixedly provided in four places of the lower surface of a main body. Beer server 1z is arrange | positioned on the counter etc. in a shop through leg member 13z.

22, the water tank 22z which stored the cooling water is arrange | positioned at the upper half part of a main body. The refrigeration unit 25z comprised by the compressor 23z, the condenser 24z, and the cooling fan (not shown) which cools the condenser 24z is installed in the lower part of the water tank 22z. The evaporation tube 27z is connected to the refrigeration unit 25z. The evaporation pipe 27z is attached to the inner wall part of the water tank 22z in a spiral shape through the attachment tool 28z.

The refrigerant circulates through the refrigeration unit 25z → evaporator 27z → refrigeration unit 25z. The refrigerant evaporates when passing through the evaporation tube 27z in the water tank 22z, and performs heat exchange with the cooling water. As a result, ice is formed around the evaporation tube 27z. In addition, when a predetermined amount of ice is formed, it is determined that the cooling water is sufficiently cooled. As a predetermined amount of ice, for example, it is set to 3 cm from the periphery of the evaporation tube 27z. Thus, the temperature of cooling water is controlled by the thickness of the ice formed around the evaporation tube 27z.

An ice sensor 51z is provided in a predetermined position near the evaporation tube 27z. The ice attachment sensor 51z is a sensor for detecting whether or not a predetermined amount of ice is formed around the evaporation tube 27z, that is, whether or not the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined temperature.

The ice adhesion sensor 51z is attached with a predetermined distance with respect to the evaporation tube 27z, for example. In this case, when the ice is not sufficiently formed around the evaporation tube 27z, that is, the ice having a predetermined thickness is not formed, the ice attachment sensor 51z detects the conductivity of the cooling water. After that, when the cooling proceeds and ice is sufficiently formed around the evaporation tube 27z, that is, when ice having a predetermined thickness is formed, the ice adhesion sensor 51z detects the conductivity of the ice. Since the conductivity of the cooling water and the conductivity of the ice are different, the ice sensor 51z determines whether a predetermined amount of ice is formed, that is, whether the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined temperature by detecting a change in the conductivity.

In addition, the ice sensor 51z detects an electrical resistance value such as cooling water, that is, conductivity, based on the ion current flowing between the two probe electrodes.

An air filter 26z is attached to the front side of the condenser 24z.

On the bottom face of the water tank 22z, a set of drink pipes 29z made of stainless steel pipes in which the supply side end portion is connected to the set of supply pipe connecting members 12z is embedded in the heat insulating material. And the beverage pipe 29z is led upwards from the inner bottom face part of the water tank 22z, and is connected to the beer cooling pipe 30z made from stainless steel pipe, respectively. The beer cooling tube 30z is formed in a spiral shape and attached to the inside of the evaporation tube 27z in the water tank 22z through an attachment tool. Beer pushed from the beverage pipe 29z is sent from the lower side to the upper side of the beer cooling tube 30z. The beer is cooled to a predetermined temperature by the cooling water while passing through the beer cooling tube 30z.

The pouring end of the beer cooling tube 30z is connected to the pouring end of the pouring spout 20z. The cooled beer is poured into a beer jug or the like through the pouring tap 20z.

As described above, the temperature of the cooling water can be controlled by the thickness of the ice formed around the evaporation tube 27z. In addition, the temperature of beer can be controlled by the temperature of cooling water. That is, the temperature of beer can be controlled by the thickness of the ice formed around the evaporation tube 27z.

The cooling water temperature sensor 53z is disposed in the vicinity of the ice sensor 51z. The cooling water temperature sensor 53z detects the temperature of the cooling water of the water tank 22z. The conductivity detected by the ice sensor 51z changes depending on the temperature of the cooling water. For this reason, when it is going to judge the quality of cooling water accurately using an electrical conductivity, it is preferable to correct the electrical conductivity detected using the temperature of cooling water.

The ice attachment sensor 51z determines whether or not a predetermined amount of ice is formed around the evaporation tube 27z, that is, whether or not the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined temperature, thereby changing the electrical conductivity of the cooling water and ice as the detection target. Is using. The problem here is that the conductivity of the cooling water changes depending on the temperature of the cooling water. Therefore, since the conductivity of the cooling water changes with temperature, in order to accurately grasp the state of the cooling water using the conductivity, it is necessary to correct the conductivity of the cooling water with the temperature. Thus, the coolant temperature sensor 53z is disposed to detect the coolant temperature.

Beer is supplied to the beer cooling tube 30z from below the water tank 22z through the beverage pipe 29z. Since beer with a relatively high temperature is supplied from below the water tank 22z, the temperature of the cooling water rises relatively quickly in the lower part of the water tank 22z compared with other parts. For this reason, in order to make the temperature of the water tank 22z uniform, the stirring motor 36z and the stirring blade 34z are provided. The stirring motor 36z rotationally drives the stirring blade 34z. The cooling water is stirred by the rotation of the stirring blade 34z, so that the temperature of the water tank 22z is equalized.

As shown in FIG. 21, the coolant state display panel 55z is provided in the exterior case 10z. The cooling water state display panel 55z has LEDs 551z to 555z that are a plurality of light emitting means. In addition, LEDs 551z to 555z that emit light vary depending on the state of the cooling water. Thereby, the state of the cooling water of the water tank 22z can be grasped | ascertained easily.

The control circuit 19z (not shown) is disposed in the lower half of the water tank 22z. The control circuit 19z is electrically connected to the ice sensor 51z, the coolant temperature sensor 53z, the coolant species display panel 55z, and the compressor 23z, and can transmit and receive information.

      2. Hardware configuration of the control circuit 19z

The hardware structure of the control circuit 19z is shown in FIG. The control circuit 19z has a CPU 191z, a memory 192z, a power supply circuit 193z, and an input / output circuit 196z.

The CPU 191z performs processing based on other applications such as a coolant management program recorded in the memory 192z. The memory 192z stores and holds a program such as a coolant management program. The memory 192z also provides a work area for the CPU 191z.

The power supply circuit 193z supplies power to the CPU 191z and the like. The input / output circuit 196z acquires the detection value from the ice attachment sensor 51z as ice detection information and the detection value from the cooling water temperature sensor 53z as cooling water temperature information, respectively. The input / output circuit 196z transmits and receives LED control information for controlling the lighting of the coolant state display panel 55z.

     <Operation of Second Control Circuit 19z>

The operation of the CPU 191z of the control circuit 19z will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 24. When the CPU 191z receives the ice adhesion detection information from the ice adhesion sensor 51z (S401z), the CPU 191z calculates the conductivity of the cooling water from the value of the ice adhesion detection information (S403z). The CPU 191z acquires coolant temperature information from the coolant temperature sensor 53z (S405z). The CPU 191z performs temperature correction on the value of the conductivity calculated using the obtained value of the coolant temperature information, and calculates the temperature correction conductivity at the reference temperature (S407z). In addition, the change rate of the conductivity with respect to the temperature required for calculating the temperature correction conductivity is stored in advance in the memory 192z.

The CPU 191z acquires an upper limit appropriate conductivity indicating the upper limit of the range of the conductivity of the appropriate cooling water at the reference temperature, a lower limit appropriate conductivity, and a lower limit appropriate conductivity (S409z). The upper limit proper conductivity and the lower limit appropriate conductivity are stored in advance in the memory 192z.

If the CPU 191z determines that the temperature correction conductivity is greater than the upper limit proper conductivity (S411z), the CPU 191z determines that the ion concentration of the cooling water is too high, and turns on the excess LED lamp 555z (S413z). When the CPU 191z determines that the temperature correction conductivity is smaller than the lower limit appropriate conductivity (S415z), the CPU 191z determines that the ion concentration of the cooling water is in a insufficient state, and turns on the insufficient LED lamp 551z (S417z). The CPU 191z determines that the ion concentration of the cooling water is in a good state when determining that the temperature correction conductivity is smaller than the upper limit proper conductivity and the temperature correction conductivity is higher than the lower limit appropriate conductivity. 553z) is turned on (S419z).

The CPU 191z repeats the processing from steps S401z to S419z until the end (S421z).

Thus, by correcting the electrical conductivity of the cooling water by temperature, it is possible to grasp the state of the cooling water more accurately without being affected by the installation environment of the beer server. Thus, for example, when the beer server is in an installation environment where it is exposed to direct sunlight to a high temperature state, the conductivity of the cooling water is higher than that in the standard installation environment. For this reason, if it is installed in a standard installation environment, even if it is judged that the conductivity is low, that is, the ion concentration is insufficient, it can be judged that the conductivity is appropriate, that is, the proper ion concentration.

On the other hand, in the beer server 1z in the present embodiment, since the temperature correction conductivity is used regardless of the installation environment of the beer server 1z, it is possible to accurately determine the state of the cooling water.

    <Example 5>

In Example 4 mentioned above, the state of the cooling water was determined more accurately by correcting the detected conductivity of the cooling water using the temperature of the cooling water. In addition, the beer server 1Az in the present embodiment more accurately grasps the state of the cooling water by using the conductivity of the cooling water and the cooling temperature of the cooling water.

Below, about the structure similar to the beer server 1z in Example 4, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

     <First configuration>

25 shows an external configuration of a beer server 1Az, which is one embodiment of a liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 25, the exterior case 10z is provided with the cooling water exchange warning lamp 57z and the lack of cooling ability lamp 58z. As the cooling water exchange warning lamp 57z and the lack of cooling capacity lamp 58z, for example, light emitting means such as an LED is used. Light emission of the coolant replacement warning lamp 57z makes it easy to determine whether or not the coolant in the water tank 22z is at the time of replacement. In addition, the compressor 23z currently being used by light emission of the insufficient cooling capacity lamp 58z can easily grasp that the cooling capacity is insufficient in the current use situation.

Next, the internal structure of the beer server 1z is demonstrated using FIG. The beer temperature sensor 54z is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the connection part of the beer cooling pipe 30z and the pouring tap 20z. The beer temperature sensor 54z actually detects the temperature of the beer provided to the customer, that is, the temperature of the beer supplied from the pouring tap 20z.

The control circuit 19z (not shown) is disposed in the lower half of the water tank 22z. The control circuit 19z is electrically connected to an ice sensor 51z, a coolant temperature sensor 53z, a coolant exchange warning lamp 57z, a lack of cooling capacity lamp 58z, and a compressor 23z. Transmission and reception are possible.

Other configurations including the external configuration and internal configuration are the same as those of the beer server 1z in the fourth embodiment.

     <Operation of Second Control Circuit 19z>

The operation of the CPU 191z of the control circuit 19z will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 27. When the CPU 191z receives the ice adhesion detection information from the ice adhesion sensor 51z (S601z), the CPU 191z calculates the conductivity of the cooling water from the value of the ice adhesion detection information (S603z). The CPU 191z acquires coolant temperature information from the coolant temperature sensor 53z (S605z). The CPU 191z calculates a temperature corrected conductivity that has been temperature-corrected with respect to the value of the conductivity calculated using the obtained value of the coolant temperature information (S607z).

The CPU 191z determines whether or not the value of the temperature correction conductivity is the value of the conductivity (hereinafter referred to as the frozen conductivity) when the cooling water is frozen (S609z). As a result, the CPU 191z determines whether or not a predetermined amount of ice is formed around the evaporation tube 27z. In addition, the freeze conductivity is stored in advance in the memory 192z.

If the CPU 191z determines that the value of the temperature correction conductivity is the value of the freeze conductivity, the CPU 191z acquires the coolant temperature information from the coolant temperature sensor 53z (S611z). The CPU 191z determines whether or not the value of the acquired coolant temperature information is higher than the preset cooling temperature (hereinafter referred to as the set cooling temperature) (S613z). The set cooling temperature is stored in advance in the memory 192z.

If it is determined that the value of the acquired coolant temperature information is higher than the set cooling temperature, the CPU 191z turns on the coolant replacement warning lamp 57z (S615z). In spite of not being the set cooling temperature, the fact that the cooling water exhibits the freezing conductivity indicates that the cooling water is deteriorated. Therefore, since it is preferable to replace the cooling water, the cooling water replacement warning lamp 57z is turned on to prompt the user to replace the cooling water.

If the CPU 191z determines that the value of the cooling water temperature information acquired in step S613z is equal to or lower than the set cooling temperature, the CPU 191z acquires beer temperature information from the beer temperature sensor 54z (S617z). The CPU 191z determines whether or not the value of the acquired beer temperature information is higher than the preset beer temperature (hereinafter referred to as the set beer temperature) (S619z). In addition, the set beer temperature is previously stored in the memory 192z.

If the CPU 191z determines that the value of the acquired beer temperature information is higher than the set beer temperature, the CPU 191z turns on the low cooling capacity lamp 58z (S621z). Although the cooling water is cooled to the set cooling temperature, the fact that the beer is not cooled to the set beer temperature indicates that the cooling capacity of the cooling means including the compressor 23z is insufficient. Therefore, it is preferable to improve the cooling capacity of the cooling means, such as replacing the compressor 23z, so that the insufficient capacity of the lamp 58z is turned on to check the capacity of the compressor (in some cases, replace it) with the air filter. The clogging of 26z and the checking of the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerating unit 25z and the evaporating pipe 27z (in some cases, replenishment) are urged.

When the CPU 191z determines that the freezing conductivity is not the freezing conductivity in step S609z, and determines that the value of the beer temperature information acquired in step S619z is not higher than the preset beer temperature, the cooling water exchange warning lamp 57z or cooling is performed. The processing after step S601z is executed without turning on the insufficient lamp 58z.

The CPU 191z repeats the processing from steps S601z to S621z until the end (S623z).

Thus, by comparing the electrical conductivity of the cooling water with the cooling temperature of the cooling water, it is possible to more accurately grasp the state of the cooling water. For example, when the same low electrical conductivity is detected as when the cooling water is frozen from the beer server, it is generally considered that the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined temperature. On the other hand, even when the ion concentration of the cooling water is sufficiently low, that is, even when the cooling water is deteriorated, the same low electrical conductivity can be detected, which may lead to an incorrect judgment of the state of the cooling water.

Thus, the beer server 1Az in the present embodiment uses not only the conductivity of the cooling water but also the temperature of the cooling water to prevent erroneous judgment and more accurately determine the state of the cooling water.

    <Example 6>

In Example 4 mentioned above, the state of the cooling water was determined more accurately by correcting the detected conductivity of the cooling water using the temperature of the cooling water. In addition, the beer server 1Bz in this embodiment determines the kind of cooling water from the electrical conductivity of the cooling water which performed temperature correction.

Below, about the structure similar to the beer server 1z in Example 4, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

     <First configuration>

      1. Configuration of beer server 1z

The external appearance structure of the beer server 1Bz which is one Example of the liquid supply apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 28, the cooling case type display panel 59z is provided in the exterior case 10z. The cooling water species display panel 59z includes LEDs 591z to 595z which are one or a plurality of light emitting means. The LEDs 591z to 595z that emit light vary depending on the type of cooling water. Thereby, what is the cooling water of the water tank 22z can be grasped | ascertained easily.

Other configurations including the external configuration and the internal configuration are the same as those of the beer server 1Az in the fifth embodiment.

      2. Hardware configuration of the control circuit 19z

The hardware configuration of the control circuit 19z is the same as that of the fourth embodiment (see Fig. 23). However, the memory 192z stores and holds a cooling water information database (hereinafter referred to as cooling water information DB) and a set cooling temperature information database (hereinafter referred to as set cooling temperature information DB). The cooling water information DB and the set cooling temperature information DB will be described later.

     <Second data>

The cooling water information DB and the setting cooling temperature information DB which the control circuit 19z of the beer server 1z store in the memory 192z are demonstrated.

      1. Coolant Information DB

Cooling water information is information which shows the characteristic which specifies a cooling water. The data structure of the cooling water information DB will be described with reference to FIG. 29.

Cooling water information DB has cooling water sequence, pH sequence, and conductivity sequence. In the cooling water sequence, names, numbers, and the like that specify cooling water are described. The pH column describes the pH of the coolant. The conductivity column describes the conductivity of the cooling water. In addition, the pH and conductivity of a cooling water prepare the value of the value measured beforehand, and the value of the range which can be accepted from the original cooling water standard.

      2. Setting cooling temperature information DB

The set cooling temperature information is information indicating the set cooling temperature which is a cooling temperature which is predetermined for each cooling water. The data structure of the setting cooling temperature information DB is demonstrated using FIG.

Cooling water information DB has cooling water sequence and set cooling temperature sequence. In the cooling water sequence, names, numbers, and the like that specify cooling water are described. The set cooling temperature column describes the set cooling temperature for each cooling water.

     <Operation of Third Control Circuit 19z>

The operation of the CPU 191z of the control circuit 19z will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 31. When the CPU 191z receives the ice adhesion detection information from the ice adhesion sensor 51z (S1101z), the CPU 191z calculates the conductivity of the cooling water (S1103z). The CPU 191z receives the coolant temperature information from the coolant temperature sensor 53z (S1105z). The CPU 191z calculates a temperature corrected conductivity which has been temperature-corrected with respect to the value of the conductivity calculated using the obtained value of the coolant temperature information (S1107z).

The CPU 191z searches for the coolant information DB using the temperature correction conductivity to specify the coolant of the water tank 22z (S1109z). The CPU 191z stores information specifying the specific cooling water in the memory 192z (S1111z). Information specifying the cooling water includes a name and a number.

The CPU 191z transmits LED control information for displaying the corresponding LED from the LEDs 551z to 555z of the coolant species display panel 55z (S1113z). In this embodiment, the type of cooling water and the display of LEDs 551z to 555z are associated with each other in advance. For example, control is performed to turn on the LED 551z at the cooling water Az, the LED 553z at the cooling water Bz, and the LED 555z at the cooling water Cz.

In addition, the CPU 191z receives beer supply temperature information from the beer temperature sensor 54z every predetermined time (S1115z) (S1117z). The CPU 191z acquires coolant temperature information from the coolant temperature sensor 53z (S1119z).

If it is determined that the value of the beer supply temperature information acquired in step S1117z is higher than the value of the coolant temperature information acquired in step S1119z (S1121z), the CPU 191z transmits the compressor operation control information indicating the start of the operation to the compressor 23z. (S1123z). On the other hand, when it determines with the CPU 191z that the value of the beer supply temperature information acquired by step S1117z is below the value of the cooling water temperature information acquired by step S1119z in step S1121z, it keeps as it is.

The CPU 191z repeats the processing of steps S1101z to S1123z (S1125z).

    &Lt; Example 7 >

In Example 4 mentioned above, the ice sensor 51z and the cooling water temperature sensor 53z were installed in the beer server 1z, and the state of cooling water was determined. In addition, in this embodiment, only the structure for grasping the state of the cooling water in the beer server 1z is taken out, and it is set as the cooling water state detection apparatus.

Below, the same code | symbol as Example 4 is attached | subjected about the structure similar to Example 4. As shown in FIG.

32 shows an external configuration of a handy type coolant state detection device 1Cz, which is one embodiment of the coolant state detection device according to the present invention. The cooling water state detection device 1Cz has a main body portion Bz and a sensor portion Uz. The main body portion Bz has a case 50z, a detection start button 56z, and a coolant state display panel 55z. The coolant state display panel 55z has a plurality of light emitting means LEDs 551z to 555z as in the fourth embodiment. LEDs 551z to 555z that emit light vary depending on the state of the coolant. Thereby, the state of the cooling water of the water tank 22z can be grasped | ascertained easily.

The sensor unit Uz has an ice sensor 51z and a coolant temperature sensor 53z. In the present embodiment, the ice sensor 51z and the coolant temperature sensor 53z are arranged at a position close to each other.

The control circuit 19z is arrange | positioned inside the case 50z of the main-body part Bz. The operation of the control circuit 19z is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

    &Lt; Other Embodiments >

[1] Compressor operation state information: In the first embodiment described above, it is assumed that the operation start time and the operation end time of the compressor 23 are acquired as the compressor operation state information. It is not limited to thing of. For example, the current value when the compressor 23 operates, the resistance value of a predetermined sensor, or the like may be used. By using the operating current value of the compressor 23, it becomes possible to acquire not only the start and the end of the operation but also how it was operating during the operation, that is, the operation process. By incorporating the operation process of the compressor 23 into the judgment of the installation environment, more detailed judgment of the installation environment is possible.

[2] Calculation of operation rate: In Example 1 mentioned above, although calculating the operation rate of the compressor 23, it was said that it uses the business hours which the beer server 1 which was previously held in the store DB uses. If the operation rate of (23) can be calculated, it is not limited to an example. For example, the time for which the beer server 1 is turned on and the time for turning off the power may be acquired from the beer server 1 via a network. Thereby, detailed operation rate can be computed every day even if it is different business hours.

[3] Determination of Installation Environment: In Example 1 described above, the installation environment of the beer server 1 was judged by comparing the standard operation rate determined as the operation rate of the beer server 1, but the installation environment was determined. If it can, it is not limited to an example. For example, the ideal operation of the compressor in the bar server installed in the proper environment may be calculated from simulation or experiment, and the installation environment may be judged by comparing the ideal operation with the actual operation. .

Moreover, a reasonable average operation rate can also be calculated from the beer shipment volume of each store, environmental information, such as season, temperature, etc., and can be compared with it.

[4] Temperature display: In Example 2 described above, the temperature of the beer to be supplied using the temperature display panel 95 is displayed, but the temperature may not be displayed. In addition, in Example 1, the temperature of the beer to be supplied may be displayed by providing the temperature sensor 93 and the temperature display panel 95 for supply beer.

In addition, about the temperature display panel 95, if the temperature of the beer to supply can be displayed, it is not limited to an example. For example, a display panel provided apart from the beer server 71 may be provided separately from the beer server 71 to display the temperature of beer on the display panel. In addition, the connection between the display panel and the beer server 71 may be wired or wireless.

[5] Beer: In Example 1 described above, the beer server 1 for supplying beer is exemplified. However, the supply of liquid is not limited to the example. For example, the liquid supply apparatus which supplies a carbonated drink or a soft drink may be sufficient.

[6] Start and end of the operation in the compressor 23: In the first embodiment, the start and end of the operation of the compressor 23 are controlled by the control circuit 19 directly, but the control circuit is directly controlled. As long as 19 can confirm the start and end of the operation of the compressor 23, it is not limited to the example. For example, the compressor 23 may directly receive the detection information from the ice attachment sensor 51 and determine the start and end of its own operation. In this case, the control circuit 19 acquires operation start information from the compressor 23 when the compressor 23 starts operation, and the control circuit 19 receives the compressor 23 when the compressor 23 ends the operation. The operation termination information may be obtained from the.

[7] Air filter inspection management DB: In Example 3 mentioned above, although the air filter inspection day was described in the air filter inspection management DB, if an inspection of an air filter can be managed, it is not limited to an example. For example, the air filter replacement and the air filter cleaning may be set as the type of inspection, and both may be distinguished and described in the air filter inspection management DB. This makes it possible to manage finer air filters.

For example, the standard air filter replacement frequency (once / month, etc.) estimated from the operation situation is set in advance. And the exchange frequency calculated from the standard air filter exchange frequency and the air filter inspection management DB are compared, and when the latter exchange frequency is high, washing | cleaning is carried out for the store which installs the corresponding beer server 1 more than exchange. Recommend such as recommendation. Thereby, the replacement of an unnecessary air filter can be reduced and the material cost of the air filter in each store can be reduced. In addition, if the operation condition is good immediately after the replacement / cleaning of the air filter, but the operation condition deteriorates again in a short time, it may be inferred that the installation environment is unsuitable for the air filter such as a lot of dust. Therefore, in such a case, it becomes possible to respond to the store, for example, to change the installation environment or to clean.

[8] Standard operation rate: In Examples 1 to 3 described above, in order to determine the installation environment of the beer server 1, for example, the beer server 1, the kegs, etc. are installed in a standard environment. Although the reference operation rate, which is a value obtained by an experiment or the like, is used for the ratio of the operating time of the compressor 23 required to provide a beer having a predetermined temperature, it is the room temperature, season, model, and beer shipments. A standard environment may be set based on the fluctuation factor. In this case, a standard environment is set for each combination of one variation factor and a plurality of variation factors. For example, the operation of the compressor 23 required to provide a beer of a predetermined temperature for each combination of two fluctuation factors of season and room temperature is 10 ° C in spring and 15 ° C in spring. The ratio of time to work time is obtained by experiment or the like.

Then, the environment most similar to these standard environments may be selected for the current environment, and the installation environment of the beer server 1 may be determined using the standard operation rate in the selected standard environment.

[9] Hardware Configuration of Operation Status Management Apparatus 53 In the above-described Embodiment 1, the operation status management apparatus 53 uses the optical drive 317 to execute a predetermined program recorded on the optical media 310. Although it said that it acquires, if the predetermined program can be acquired, it is not limited to an example. For example, various programs may be downloaded via a network. In addition, although the operation state management apparatus 53 has the HDD 313 and stores various programs, you may have a large memory and what is called a silicon disk, and can store various programs. The operation state management device 53 has a keyboard 314 and a mouse 315 as input means, but other input devices and various pointers may be used.

The same applies to the operation status management device 73.

[10] Realization of functions in the beer server 1 and the operation status management device 53: In the above-described first to third embodiments, detection values from various sensors installed in the beer server 1 are operated. Although the situation management apparatus 53 acquires and the operation state management apparatus 53 makes various judgments regarding the beer server 1, the function of the beer server 1 and the operation state management apparatus 53 is implemented. If it is, it is not limited to the structure of an example. For example, the beer server 1 may have the function of the operation state management apparatus 53. In this case, for example, the operation state management apparatus 53 may perform only one management of the determination of the installation environment of the beer server 1 and the determination of the exchange state of the air filter.

The same applies to the beer server 71 and the operation status management apparatus 73.

[11] Conductivity: In Examples 4 to 7 described above, the conductivity of the cooling water was used as a value representing the quality of the cooling water, but the present invention is not limited to the example as long as the state of the cooling water is shown and changed by temperature. . For example, the pH of cooling water may be sufficient.

[12] Ice sensor 51z: In the above-described Examples 4 to 7, the ice sensor 50z detects the electric current by calculating the ion current of the cooling water, but detects the water quality of the cooling water used. If it can, it is not limited to an example. For example, the pH of cooling water may be detected.

[13] The state of the cooling water: In Example 4 described above, the state of the cooling water is determined using the ion concentration of the cooling water, but the state of the cooling water is not limited to the exemplary one as long as the state of the cooling water can be determined. For example, a conductivity meter or a refractive index meter may be sufficient.

[14] Arrangement Position of Each Sensor: In Examples 4 to 6 described above, the sensor 51z with ice, the coolant temperature sensor 53z, and the beer temperature sensor 54z are shown in FIGS. 22 and 26. Although it is arrange | positioned at a position, if it is a position which can exhibit the function of each sensor, it is not limited to an example.

[15] Cooling Water Status Display Panel 55z In the above-described Embodiment 4, the cooling water status display panel 55z has three LEDs 551z to 555z. It is not limited to that. For example, a predetermined character may be displayed as a liquid crystal display panel. In this case, the state of the cooling water may be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel so as to display the state of the cooling water.

Moreover, you may make it display the cooling temperature set by cooling water and the temperature detected by the cooling water temperature sensor 53z on a liquid crystal display panel.

[16] Cooling water replacement warning lamp 57z: In the fifth embodiment, the cooling water replacement warning lamp 57z indicates whether or not the cooling water needs to be replaced by turning on / off the LED. It is not limited to an example as long as it can show whether it is in the state which needs replacement | exchange of. For example, a predetermined character may be displayed as a liquid crystal display panel. In this case, a warning may be displayed to the user by displaying on the liquid crystal display panel whether the cooling water needs to be replaced.

In addition, the liquid crystal display panel has other information, for example, a cooling temperature set with cooling water, an electrical conductivity of the cooling water detected by the ice sensor 51z, and a temperature of the cooling water detected by the cooling water temperature sensor 53z. Or the like.

[17] Cooling Water Specimen Display Panel 59z: In the sixth embodiment described above, although the cooling water species display panel 59z has three LEDs 591z to 595z, the type of cooling water can be displayed. It is not limited to thing of. For example, a predetermined character may be displayed as a liquid crystal display panel. In this case, the name of the cooling water may be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel to display the type of cooling water.

Moreover, you may make it display the cooling temperature set by cooling water and the temperature detected by the cooling water temperature sensor 53z on a liquid crystal display panel.

[18] Operation Control of the Compressor 23z: In the sixth embodiment described above, the compressor 23z is used when the supply temperature of the beer detected by the beer temperature sensor 54z is higher than the cooling temperature set in advance for the cooling water. Although it is assumed that control is to start the operation, the warning indicating that the supply temperature of the beer and the set cooling temperature of the cooling water do not coincide may be displayed.

In addition, when the temperature of the cooling water detected by the cooling water temperature sensor 53z is higher than the cooling temperature set in advance for the cooling water, it may be controlled to start the operation on the compressor 23z. Further, a warning may be displayed indicating that the set cooling temperature of the cooling water does not coincide with the actual cooling water temperature.

[19] Supply beer temperature display panel: In Example 4 described above, a supply beer temperature display panel, such as a liquid crystal panel, in which the temperature of beer detected by the coolant temperature sensor 53z can be recognized from the outside is provided. You may do so. By providing the supply beer temperature display panel, it is possible to easily grasp the current temperature of the beer to be supplied, which makes it possible to easily grasp the mistake of pouring the cooling water.

[20] Cooling water state detection device 1z: In the seventh embodiment described above, the handy coolant state detecting device has a configuration necessary for judging the state of the cooling water in the fourth embodiment. In order to judge the state of the cooling water in Example 6, you may have a structure required.

[21] Determination of cooling capacity of cooling water: In the above-described Examples 4 to 7, the state of the cooling water was determined using the quality of the cooling water. Further, the cooling capacity of the cooling water may be determined from the quality of the cooling water. In this case, the coolant quality information DB associated with the cooling capacity and the cooling water quality information constituted by the factors for determining the cooling capacity of the cooling water (for example, pH and conductivity) are prepared in advance, and the cooling water quality information and the ice attachment sensor ( 51z) and the like, information may be compared to determine whether or not the cooling water in the water tank is required component composition, and to determine whether or not it has the necessary cooling capacity.

Cooling water contains various components to maintain cooling capacity. For example, the cooling water which does not freeze below zero (zero) degree contains components for maintaining the function, such as propylene glycol.

On the other hand, if the cooling water is used for a long time, the component ratio of the cooling water is volatilized or decomposed, and the component ratio is changed. The cooling water is diluted with the condensed water, and the concentration of the component is lowered. It may be lost. Therefore, deterioration of the quality of the cooling water can be detected by observing the water quality of the cooling water over time. It is also possible to prompt the user of a liquid providing device such as a beer server to exchange cooling water.

[22] One-way management by network: In the above-described Fourth to Sixth Embodiments, the respective control circuits 19z of the beer servers 1z, 1Az, and 1Bz are supposed to determine the state of the coolant, but each beer server Only the information necessary for determining the state of the coolant, for example, only the information acquired by the ice sensor 51z, the coolant temperature sensor 53z, and the beer temperature sensor 54z. In the management apparatus connected by a network, you may make it judge the state of the cooling water in each beer server based on the information which each beer server acquired.

[23] Beer: In Examples 4 to 6 described above, the beer server 1z for supplying beer is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to the example as long as supplying liquid. For example, the liquid supply apparatus which supplies a carbonated drink or a soft drink may be sufficient.

    Industrial availability

The liquid supply apparatus which concerns on this invention can be used for the beer server system which has a beer server which supplies beer, for example.

1, 71 ... beer server 53, 73 ... operation situation management device
22 ... water tank 23 ...
24 Condenser 25 Refrigerating unit
27 ... Evaporator 19 ...
51 Sensors with ice 29 Beverage pipes
30 ····· Beer cooling tube
91 Temperature sensor for detection of ice
93 Temperature sensor for supply beer
Temperature display panel 1z ...
22z ... water tank 23z ...
24z ... Condenser 25z ...
27z ... evaporator 19z ... control circuit
29z ····· Drinking pipe 30z ····· Beer cooling tube
51z ... ice sensor 53z ... coolant temperature sensor
55z Chilled water status display panel
Beer server 54z ...
57z ····· coolant change warning lamp
58z ····· Low cooling capacity lamp
1Bz ... beer server 59z ... cooling species display panel
Cooling water state detection device
Bz ... Main body Uz ... Sensor part

Claims (31)

A liquid supply device for cooling and supplying a predetermined liquid introduced from the outside,
Countertop collecting coolant,
A liquid supply pipe through which a predetermined liquid passes, the liquid supply pipe located inside the tank,
A refrigerant circulation conduit through which a refrigerant circulates, comprising a refrigerant circulation conduit positioned inside the water tank, and a refrigerant circulation means for circulating the refrigerant, comprising: cooling means for cooling the cooling water by the refrigerant;
Control means for controlling an operating state of the refrigerant circulation means to maintain the cooling water in a predetermined cooling state;
A liquid supply apparatus having operation state information supply means for supplying the operation state of the refrigerant circulation means as operation state information,
Wherein,
Having cooling state detecting means for detecting a cooling state by the cooling means,
Wherein,
An operating state of the refrigerant circulation means is controlled using the detected cooling state,
The cooling state detection means,
And detecting the temperature difference of the ice formed on the outer surface of the cooling water and the coolant circulation conduit, thereby detecting the thickness of the ice layer as the cooling state. The method of claim 1,
And a display control means for displaying a temperature of at least one of the cooling water and the ice detected as the cooling state on a predetermined display device. The method of claim 1,
It further has a supply liquid temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the liquid to supply,
And a display control means for displaying the temperature of the liquid to be supplied to a predetermined display device. Operation state information acquisition means for acquiring the operation state information indicating the operation state of the refrigerant circulation means from the liquid supply device according to claim 1;
Operation rate calculation means for calculating an operation rate of the refrigerant circulation means from the obtained operation state information;
Operation status determination means for judging whether or not the refrigerant circulation means is operating normally by comparing whether the calculated operation rate is less than or equal to a predetermined reference operation rate;
If it is determined that the refrigerant circulation means is operating normally, it is determined that the installation environment of the liquid supply device is appropriate. If it is determined that the refrigerant circulation means is abnormally operated, an installation environment that determines that the installation environment of the liquid supply device is inappropriate. An operation state management apparatus having a determination means. 5. The method of claim 4,
If it is determined that the refrigerant circulation means is not operating normally, the latest inspection date of the air filter stored in advance in the liquid supply device corresponding to the refrigerant circulation means is acquired, and the latest inspection date and the installation environment of the refrigerant circulation means are obtained. Further comprising an air filter inspection state judging means for comparing the judging days of and judging that the inspection of the air filter is not performed properly when the judging day has passed a predetermined number of days or more from the inspection day. Situation management device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The operation state determination means,
A predetermined reference operation rate is used for each predetermined fluctuation factor and combination thereof. A liquid supply device for cooling and supplying a predetermined liquid introduced from the outside,
Countertop collecting coolant,
A liquid supply pipe through which a predetermined liquid passes, the liquid supply pipe located inside the tank,
External supply means for supplying the liquid that has passed through the liquid supply pipe to the outside,
Water quality detecting means located in the water tank, Water quality detecting means for detecting the water quality of the cooling water,
Cooling water temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the cooling water;
Correction means for correcting a value representing the water quality of the cooling water by using the temperature of the cooling water;
Coolant state determination means for determining a state of the coolant using the corrected water quality value of the coolant;
And cooling means for cooling the cooling water based on the corrected water quality of the cooling water. The method of claim 7, wherein
The coolant state determination means,
By using the value indicating the water quality of the corrected cooling water to determine the cooling function recovery time, which is the time when it is necessary to restore the cooling function of the cooling water as the state of the cooling water,
Even if the water quality of the corrected cooling water is the water quality when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, it is determined that the cooling function recovers when the temperature of the cooling water is not the predetermined cooling temperature. Liquid supply device. 9. The method of claim 8,
It further has a liquid temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside,
The cooling water state determination means is further
If the water quality of the corrected cooling water is the water quality when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, and the temperature of the cooling water is the predetermined cooling temperature, the cooling is performed when the temperature of the liquid is not a predetermined liquid temperature. A liquid supply apparatus characterized in that it is determined that the cooling capacity of the means is insufficient. The method of claim 7, wherein
The coolant state determination means,
And a type of the coolant as the state of the coolant using the corrected water quality value of the coolant. The method of claim 10,
Cooling temperature determination means for determining a cooling temperature of the cooling water based on a type of the cooling water;
And a cooling means for cooling the cooling water in accordance with the type of the cooling water based on the cooling temperature. 12. The method of claim 11,
It further has a liquid temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside,
The cooling means is also
And cooling the cooling water by using the temperature of the detected liquid. 12. The method of claim 11,
The cooling means is also
A coolant circulation conduit through which a coolant circulates, comprising a coolant circulation conduit located inside the water tank, and a coolant circulation means for circulating the coolant, wherein the coolant is cooled by the coolant, And control the refrigerant circulation means based on the temperature. The method of claim 7, wherein
And a coolant state display means for displaying the determined state of the coolant. The method of claim 7, wherein
The water quality detection means,
Detecting a conductivity of the cooling water. 16. The method of claim 15,
The water quality detection means,
It detects the ion current which flows between two electrodes in the said cooling water, and reverses the polarity of the said electrode every predetermined time. The method of claim 7, wherein
And said water quality detecting means and said cooling water temperature detecting means are arranged adjacent to each other. The method of claim 7, wherein
And the liquid is beer. A cooling water state determination device that cools a predetermined liquid introduced from the outside using cooling water, and determines a state of the cooling water of a liquid supply device to supply.
A water quality detecting means located in a water tank collecting the cooling water of the liquid supply device, the water quality detecting means detecting the water quality of the cooling water;
Cooling water temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the cooling water;
Correction means for correcting a value representing the water quality of the cooling water by using the temperature of the cooling water;
And a coolant state determining means for determining a state of the coolant by using the corrected coolant value. 20. The method of claim 19,
The coolant state determination means,
By using the value indicating the water quality of the corrected cooling water to determine the cooling function recovery time, which is the time when it is necessary to restore the cooling function of the cooling water as the state of the cooling water,
Even if the water quality of the corrected cooling water is the water quality when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, it is determined that the cooling function recovers when the temperature of the cooling water is not the predetermined cooling temperature. Coolant status determination device. 21. The method of claim 20,
It further has a liquid temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the liquid to be supplied to the outside,
The cooling water state determination means is further
The water quality of the corrected cooling water is the water quality when the cooling water is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature, and the temperature of the liquid is not the predetermined liquid temperature when the temperature of the cooling water is the predetermined cooling temperature. Cooling water state determination device characterized in that it is determined that the cooling capacity of the cooling means for cooling the cooling water of the providing device is insufficient. 21. The method of claim 20,
The coolant state determination means,
And a type of the coolant as the state of the coolant using the corrected water quality value of the coolant. 20. The method of claim 19,
And a coolant state display means for displaying the determined state of the coolant. 20. The method of claim 19,
The water quality detection means,
Cooling water state determination device characterized by detecting the conductivity of the cooling water. 25. The method of claim 24,
The water quality detection means,
And detecting the ion current flowing between the two electrodes in the cooling water, and reversing the polarity of the electrode every predetermined time. 20. The method of claim 19,
And said water quality detecting means and said cooling water temperature detecting means are arranged in proximity to each other. 20. The method of claim 19,
Cooling water state determination device, characterized in that the liquid is beer. delete delete delete delete

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