KR20220097526A - Cleaning device in beverage supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

The cleaning device of the beverage supply system 1 , 1 ′ includes a dispense head 50 having a fluid outlet 52 and a fluid inlet 51 , and a gas supply path 60 connecting the gas supply 10 and the fluid inlet ), a gas opening/closing valve 61 for opening and closing the gas supply path, a water supply path 90 connecting the water supply source 100 and a fluid inlet, and a water opening/closing valve 91 for opening and closing the water supply path; A pressure sensor 44 for detecting the pressure of a gas supply path on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve, and a control device 80 for controlling the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve are provided. The dispense head is configured to be manually switched between a first state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet communicate through the interior of the beverage receiving container and a second state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet communicate directly. The control device detects, based on the output of the pressure sensor, a user's erroneous operation of the beverage supply system.

Description

Cleaning device in beverage supply system

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

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a beverage supply system for supplying a beverage transferred from a beverage container by gas from a beverage dispenser to the outside is known (eg, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-36221). A user of such a beverage supply system can easily obtain a desired amount of beverage by pouring the beverage into a container (eg, glass) from the beverage dispenser.

However, after the beverage supply by the beverage supply system is finished, the beverage remains in the flow path of the beverage. The leftover beverage may cause deterioration of the beverage, propagation of microorganisms, and the like. For this reason, in order to prevent the taste of a beverage from falling, washing|cleaning of a beverage supply system is performed regularly.

However, when cleaning the beverage supply system, the user of the beverage supply system performs an operation different from the normal procedure, and there is a risk that the cleaning of the beverage supply system is not performed properly. For example, when a dispensing head as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-36221 is used, when washing is started while the fluid inlet of the dispensing head and the inside of the beverage container are in communication due to a user's erroneous operation, the washing water It is incorporated into the beverage in the beverage receiving container.

In addition, if the tap remains closed during washing of the beverage supply system due to a user's erroneous operation, the flow of washing water is blocked by the tap, so that the beverage remaining in the beverage flow path is not discharged.

In view of the above object, it is an object of the present invention to detect erroneous operation by a user of the beverage supply system when the beverage supply system is being cleaned.

The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) a cleaning device of a beverage supply system for supplying a beverage transferred from a beverage container to the outside through a beverage transfer path from a tap of a beverage dispenser, which is mounted on the beverage container and connected to the beverage transfer path, A dispensing head having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet, a gas supply path connecting a gas supply source and the fluid inlet, a gas opening/closing valve opening and closing the gas supply path, and a water supply path connecting a water supply source and the fluid inlet a water on/off valve for opening and closing the water supply path; a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the gas supply path on a downstream side of the gas on/off valve; and a control device for controlling the gas opening/closing valve and the water opening/closing valve. wherein the dispensing head includes at least a first state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet communicate with each other through the interior of the beverage container, and a second state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are directly communicated. configured to be manually switched, wherein the control device detects, based on an output of the pressure sensor, a erroneous operation of a user of the beverage supply system.

(2) the control device changes the gas opening/closing valve from the valve open state to the valve closing state when cleaning of the beverage supply system is requested by the user, and the gas opening/closing valve is maintained in the valve closed state; The cleaning apparatus of the beverage supply system according to (1) above, wherein when there is a decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and is equal to or less than a first threshold, it is determined that the tap is closed.

(3) the control device is configured to, when the amount of a decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor while the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state, is greater than the first threshold and equal to or less than a second threshold, the dispense head The cleaning apparatus of the beverage supply system according to (2) above, wherein it is determined that is the first state.

(4) The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to (2) or (3), wherein the control device maintains the water on-off valve in a valve closed state while detecting the erroneous operation.

(5) the control device executes water discharge control for closing the water on-off valve and opening the gas on-off valve for a predetermined time at the end of cleaning of the beverage supply system, and after execution of the water discharge control, From (1) above, it is determined that the tap is closed when the gas on-off valve is closed, and when the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is closed is equal to or less than a third threshold value, The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to any one of (4).

(6) the control device closes the water on-off valve and opens and closes the gas on-off valve after cleaning of the beverage supply system, and a decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed The cleaning apparatus for a beverage supply system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein when the amount is larger than the fourth threshold, it is determined that the tab is open.

(7) any one of (1) to (6) above, further comprising a warning device for outputting a warning, wherein the control device outputs a warning to the warning device when detecting the erroneous operation A cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to .

(8) further comprising a warning device for outputting a warning, wherein the control device includes: the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is closed after execution of the water discharge control is the third threshold value The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to (5) above, wherein, when it is greater than that, an end alarm sound is output to the warning device.

(9) the control device closes the water on-off valve and also opens and closes the gas on-off valve after cleaning of the beverage supply system cleaning, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed The washing apparatus for the beverage supply system according to (8) above, wherein the end alarm sound is stopped when the decrease amount is equal to or less than the fourth threshold.

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect an erroneous operation by a user of the beverage supply system when the beverage supply system is being cleaned.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system to which a cleaning apparatus of a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 2 .
4 is a flowchart showing a control routine of a cleaning process in the first embodiment.
5 is a flowchart showing a control routine of a cleaning process according to the second embodiment.
6 is a flowchart showing a control routine of the end processing.
7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system to which the cleaning apparatus of the beverage supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied.
8 is a flowchart showing a control routine of a cleaning process according to the third embodiment.
9 is a flowchart showing a control routine of water shot control.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described in detail with reference to drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same reference number is attached|subjected to the same component.

<First embodiment>

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

<Beverage supply system>

1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system 1 to which a cleaning apparatus of a beverage supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The beverage supply system 1 includes a gas supply source 10 , a beverage container 20 , a beverage dispenser 30 , a dispensing head 50 , a gas supply path 60 , and a beverage transfer path 70 . The beverage supply system 1 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 through the beverage transfer path 70 to the outside from the beverage dispenser 30 by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 . A user of the beverage supply system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "user") can easily obtain a desired amount of beverage by pouring the beverage from the beverage dispenser 30 into the container.

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

The beverage transfer path 70 connects the dispensing head 50 and the beverage dispenser 30 . The beverage conveying path 70 is configured, for example, as a beverage conveying hose, and is made of various materials (such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoride copolymer (ETFE) that can withstand the pressure of beverages and gases). ), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

Hereinafter, each component of the beverage supply system 1 will be described in detail.

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

The beverage container 20 accommodates a beverage. For example, the beverage container 20 accommodates an effervescent beverage. The effervescent beverage includes beer, beer-like alcoholic beverages, beer-flavored beverages, Chu-Hi, beverages containing whiskey (whiskey, highball, etc.), carbonated juices, and the like. The beer-like alcoholic beverage includes a beer-flavored foamed alcoholic beverage (so-called third beer) produced from a raw material other than sparkling wine and malt, or in which an alcoholic beverage derived from barley is mixed with a sparkling wine. Beer-flavored beverages include non-alcoholic beer and the like. The beverage container 20 is configured, for example, as a beverage container for accommodating an effervescent beverage.

In addition, the beverage container 20 may accommodate a non-foaming beverage. Non-foaming beverages include coffee, wine, and the like.

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

The dispensing head 50 is mounted on the beverage container 20 , specifically the spear valve of the beverage container 20 . The dispense head 50 has a fluid inlet 51 and a fluid outlet 52 . The fluid inlet 51 is connected to the gas supply path 60 , and the gas supply path 60 connects the gas supply source 10 and the fluid inlet 51 . The fluid outlet 52 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 , and the beverage transfer path 70 connects the fluid outlet 52 and the beverage dispenser 30 . When gas is supplied into the beverage container 20 through the fluid inlet 51, the liquid level of the beverage is pressed down by the gas. As a result, the beverage rises past the spear valve and is pushed out from the beverage container 20 through the fluid outlet 52 into the beverage transport path 70 .

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

One end of the beverage introduction tube 31 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70 , and the other end of the beverage introduction tube 31 is connected to the tab 32 . The beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 passes through the beverage introduction tube 31 and reaches the tab 32 . At this time, when the handle 321 of the tab 32 is manipulated by the user (for example, when the handle 321 is pulled forward), the tab 32 is opened, and is placed on a container (beer mug, glass, etc.) installed by the user. A beverage is poured from the tab 32 . Accordingly, the beverage supply system 1 supplies beverage from the tab 32 of the beverage dispenser 30 to the outside.

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

<Cleaning device for beverage supply system>

After the supply of the beverage by the beverage supply system 1 ends, the beverage remains in the flow path of the beverage. The leftover beverage causes deterioration of the beverage, propagation of microorganisms, and the like. For this reason, in order to prevent the taste of a drink from falling, it is necessary to wash|clean the drink supply system 1 regularly.

In the present embodiment, the cleaning device of the beverage supply system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a “cleaning device”) cleans the beverage supply system 1 . Specifically, the cleaning device is a beverage flow path of the beverage supply system 1, that is, the dispensing head 50, the beverage transfer path 70 and the beverage dispenser 30 (beverage introduction tube 31 and tab 32). Clean up.

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

The cleaning apparatus includes a control box 40 , a dispensing head 50 , a gas supply path 60 , and a water supply path 90 . A part of the gas supply path 60 and a part of the water supply path 90 are disposed in the control box 40 and covered from the outside by the control box 40 .

The fluid inlet 51 of the dispensing head 50 is connected to the water supply path 90 , and the water supply path 90 connects the water supply source 100 for supplying water and the fluid inlet 51 . A water pressure reducing valve 110 is installed in the water supply path 90 , and the pressure of water supplied from the water supply source 100 is adjusted by the water pressure reducing valve 110 . The water supply 100 is configured, for example, as a faucet. Water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 through the dispensing head 50 is used as a cleaning liquid.

The gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 are integrated into one shared flow path within the control box 40 , and are connected to the dispensing head 50 through the shared flow path. The gas supply path 60 is connected to the control box 40 through the first joint 41 . The first seam 41 serves as a gas inlet of the control box 40 . The water supply path 90 is connected to the control box 40 via the second joint 42 . The second seam 42 functions as a water flow inlet of the control box 40 . The shared flow path of the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 is connected to the control box 40 via the 3rd joint 43 . The third seam 43 serves as a fluid outlet of the control box 40 . In addition, the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 may be separately connected to the fluid inlet port 51 of the dispensing head 50 .

The dispensing head 50 switches the connection state of the fluid inlet 51 connected to the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 and the fluid outlet 52 connected to the beverage transfer path 70 . is composed The dispensing head 50 includes an operation lever 53 (see FIG. 1 ), and switches the connection state between the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 when the operation lever 53 is operated by the user. . In the present embodiment, the operating lever 53 is movable in the vertical direction, and is switched between three positions (upper position, intermediate position, and lower position).

The dispensing head 50 is in a first state for communicating the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 through the interior of the beverage container 20 when the operating lever 53 is in the lower position. That is, when the operation lever 53 is in the lower position, the dispensing head 50 connects the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 through the inside of the beverage container 20 to the beverage transfer path 70 . ) to connect to For this reason, when the beverage in the beverage container 20 is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 by gas, that is, when the beverage is supplied from the beverage dispenser 30, the position of the operation lever 53 is set by the user to the lower position. is set to

The dispensing head 50 is in a second state in which the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 are directly communicated when the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position. That is, the dispensing head 50 directly connects the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 when the operation lever 53 is in the intermediate position. In this case, the inside of the beverage container 20 is blocked from the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet (52). For this reason, when supplying water from the water supply source 100 to the beverage transfer path 70 , that is, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , the position of the operation lever 53 is set to the intermediate position by the user. Thereby, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , it is possible to prevent water from mixing into the beverage in the beverage container 20 .

The dispensing head 50 is in a third state which blocks the fluid inlet 51 , the inside of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 52 from each other when the operating lever 53 is in the upper position. That is, the dispensing head 50 connects the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the inside of the beverage container 20 and the beverage transfer path 70 when the operation lever 53 is in the upper position. do not connect to For this reason, when the beverage accommodated in the beverage storage container 20 is exhausted and the beverage storage container 20 is replaced with a new beverage storage container, the position of the operation lever 53 is set to the upper position by the user. Thereby, gas leakage at the time of replacing|exchanging the beverage container 20 can be prevented.

Accordingly, the dispense head 50 is configured to be manually switched between a first state and a second state and a third state. Accordingly, the beverage supply system 1 can be cleaned even in a state in which the dispensing head 50 is mounted on the beverage container 20 , thereby reducing the user's effort for cleaning.

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 2 , the cleaning device includes a gas on/off valve 61 , a gas check valve 62 , a water on/off valve 91 , a water check valve 92 , a pressure sensor 44 , and a warning device 45 . ) is further provided. These are arranged in the control box 40 and covered from the outside by the control box 40 .

The gas opening/closing valve 61 is disposed in the gas supply path 60 to open and close the gas supply path 60 . The gas on-off valve 61 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and the control device 80 controls the gas on-off valve 61 . The gas on-off valve 61 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

The gas check valve 62 is disposed in the gas supply path 60 to prevent a reverse flow of gas (flow to the gas supply source 10 ). In this embodiment, the gas check valve 62 is arrange|positioned in the gas supply path 60 on the downstream side rather than the gas on-off valve 61 .

The water opening/closing valve 91 is disposed in the water supply path 90 to open and close the water supply path 90 . The water on-off valve 91 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and the control device 80 controls the water on-off valve 91 . The water on/off valve 91 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

The water check valve 92 is disposed in the water supply path 90 to prevent a reverse flow of water (flow to the water supply source 100 ). In the present embodiment, the water check valve 92 is disposed in the water supply path 90 on the downstream side of the water on-off valve 91 .

In the present embodiment, the gas opening/closing valve 61 is configured to open the gas supply path 60 when de-energized and to close the gas supply path 60 when energized. On the other hand, the water opening/closing valve 91 is configured to close the water supply path 90 when not energized and to open the water supply path 90 when energized.

The pressure sensor 44 is disposed in the gas supply path 60 on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve 61 , and detects the pressure of the gas supply path 60 on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve 61 . In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 44 is disposed in the gas supply path 60 on the downstream side of the gas check valve 62 . The pressure sensor 44 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and an output of the pressure sensor 44 is input to the control device 80 . In addition, the pressure sensor 44 may be arrange|positioned in the gas supply path 60 between the gas on-off valve 61 and the gas check valve 62 .

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

As described above, the user sets the position of the operating lever 53 to the intermediate position when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 . Also, when the user cleans the beverage supply system 1 , the user operates the handle 321 to open the tab 32 so that the water cleaning the flow path of the beverage is discharged from the tab 32 . However, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , the user performs an operation different from a normal procedure, and there is a risk that the beverage supply system 1 is not properly cleaned. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 80 detects a user's erroneous operation based on the output of the pressure sensor 44 .

Before cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 is requested by the user, the water on-off valve 91 and the tap 32 are closed, and the gas on-off valve 61 is open. At this time, the pressure of the gas supply path 60 is increased by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 . After that, the gas opening/closing valve 61 is changed from the valve open state to the valve closed state, and when the tap 32 is opened by the user for cleaning, the gas in the gas supply path 60 and the beverage transfer path 70 Gas is discharged from the tap 32 to the atmosphere, and the pressure of the gas supply path 60 is reduced to near atmospheric pressure.

For this reason, the control device 80 changes the gas on-off valve 61 from the valve open state to the valve closed state when the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system 1, and the gas on-off valve 61 turns off. When the pressure drop amount of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 while maintaining the valve closed state is equal to or less than a first threshold, it is determined that the tap 32 is closed. The first threshold is predetermined based on an experimental result or the like. In addition, zero may be sufficient as a 1st threshold value. That is, the control device 80 controls the tap 32 when the amount of pressure drop in the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 while the gas on/off valve 61 is maintained in the valve closed state is zero. ) may be judged to be closed.

Further, even if the tab 32 is properly opened by the user for cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , the operation lever 53 of the dispensing head 50 is not properly operated, and the dispensing head 50 is It may be the first state. When the dispensing head 50 is in the first state, even if the tap 32 is opened when the gas on-off valve 61 is in the closed state, the gas supply path 60 is affected by the internal pressure of the beverage container 20 . ) does not drop to near atmospheric pressure. That is, the pressure drop amount of the gas supply path 60 becomes small.

For this reason, the control device 80 changes the gas on-off valve 61 from the valve open state to the valve closed state when the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system 1, and the gas on-off valve 61 turns off. When the amount of pressure drop in the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 while the valve is maintained in the closed state is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the dispensing head 50 is in the first state. do. The second threshold is predetermined based on an experimental result or the like, and is set to a value greater than the first threshold.

In addition, while determining that the tap 32 is closed or determining that the dispensing head 50 is in the first state, that is, while detecting a user's erroneous operation, the control device 80 controls the water on/off valve ( 91) to keep the valve closed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent wastage of water due to erroneous operation and mixing of water into beverages.

In addition, the control device 80 outputs a warning to the warning device 45 when a user's erroneous operation is detected. Thereby, the user can be made to recognize an erroneous operation, and the user can be urged to perform washing|cleaning in a correct procedure.

<Washing treatment>

Hereinafter, the above-described control will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 . 4 is a flowchart showing a control routine of a cleaning process according to the first embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

First, in step S101, the control device 80 determines whether a cleaning mode has been selected by the user. When the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 , the user selects a cleaning mode through the input device. The input device is electrically connected to the control device 80 and is configured, for example, as a button 49 (refer to FIG. 1 ) provided on the outer surface of the control box 40 . The control device 80 determines whether or not the cleaning mode is selected based on the output signal of the input device. If it is determined in step S101 that the cleaning mode is not selected, the present control routine ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S101 that the cleaning mode has been selected, the control routine proceeds to step S102. At this time, since the gas opening/closing valve 61 is not energized, the valve open state is maintained. In step S102 , the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 . In this embodiment, the control device 80 supplies electric power to the gas on-off valve 61 . That is, the control device 80 changes the gas on-off valve 61 from the valve open state to the valve closed state.

Next, in step S103 , the control device 80 determines whether the pressure drop amount ΔP of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is greater than the second threshold value TH2 . When it is determined that the pressure drop amount ΔP is greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control routine proceeds to step S109.

In step S109 , the control device 80 performs cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 . For example, the control device 80 opens the water on/off valve 91 for a predetermined time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a predetermined time, and also closes the gas on-off valve 61 . In the present embodiment, the control device 80 supplies electric power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined period of time. After step S109, the present control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the pressure drop amount ?P is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2, the control routine proceeds to step S104. In step S104 , the control device 80 determines whether the pressure drop amount ΔP is greater than the first threshold value TH1 . The first threshold TH1 is smaller than the second threshold TH2.

If it is determined in step S104 that the pressure drop amount ?P is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the control routine proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the control device 80 determines that the dispensing head 50 is in the first state, and detects a user's erroneous operation.

Then, in step S107 , the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning. For example, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning sound for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, the user is notified that a erroneous operation is being performed. After step S107, the present control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the pressure drop amount ?P is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1, the control routine proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control device 80 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since closing the gas on-off valve 61 in step S102. The predetermined time is predetermined in consideration of the time required for the user to open the tab 32 .

If it is determined in step S105 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control routine returns to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control routine proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the control device 80 determines that the tab 32 is closed, and detects a user's erroneous operation.

Then, in step S107, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning as described above. After step S107, the present control routine ends.

<Second embodiment>

The cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the cleaning apparatus in the first embodiment. For this reason, hereafter, 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated centeringly on the part different from 1st Embodiment.

When the beverage supply system 1 is washed with water as described above, water remains in the flow path of the beverage after cleaning. For this reason, in order to keep the flow path of a beverage more clean, it is preferable to discharge|emit the remaining water quickly. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the remaining water is discharged from the tap 32 by continuously supplying gas to the flow passage of the beverage at the end of cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 .

Specifically, the control device 80 executes water discharge control, which closes the water on-off valve 91 and opens the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time at the end of cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 . Thereby, the water remaining in the flow path of a beverage can be discharged|emitted quickly, and by extension, the flow path of a beverage can be maintained more cleanly.

However, if the tap 32 is closed due to a user's erroneous operation during the execution of the water discharge control, the flow of gas is blocked by the tap 32, so that the discharge of water is obstructed. For this reason, in the second embodiment, it is confirmed that the tap 32 is open by closing the gas on-off valve 61 after the water discharge control is executed. When the tap 32 is normally open, the pressure of the gas supply path 60 falls to the vicinity of atmospheric pressure when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed.

For this reason, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 after the water discharge control is executed, and the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed. When the pressure drop amount of is equal to or less than the third threshold, it is determined that the tab 32 is closed. The third threshold is predetermined based on an experimental result or the like. Here, the third threshold value may be the same value as the first threshold value. In addition, zero may be sufficient as a 3rd threshold value. That is, when the pressure drop amount of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas opening/closing valve 61 is closed is zero, the control device determines that the tap 32 is closed. good night.

On the other hand, when the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 after the execution of the water discharge control, the amount of pressure drop in the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is greater than the third threshold value. to output an end alarm sound to the warning device 45 . Accordingly, it is possible to make the user aware that the cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 has ended normally, thereby urging the user to close the tab 32 . For example, the end alarm sound has a lower volume than the warning sound or has a lower frequency than the warning sound.

However, when the user forgets to close the tab 32 and the gas opening/closing valve 61 is opened, there is a risk of gas leakage from the tab 32 . For this reason, it is confirmed that the tap 32 is closed by opening and closing the gas on-off valve 61 after cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 . When the tap 32 is normally closed, the pressure of the gas supply path 60 hardly falls when the gas opening/closing valve 61 is opened and closed.

For this reason, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 after cleaning the beverage supply system 1 , and also opens and closes the gas on-off valve 61 , and when the gas on-off valve 61 is opened and closed, the pressure When the pressure drop amount of the gas supply path 60 detected by the sensor 44 is larger than a 4th threshold value, it is determined that the tap 32 is open. The fourth threshold is predetermined based on an experimental result or the like. Here, the fourth threshold value may be the same value as the first threshold value. In addition, zero may be sufficient as a 4th threshold value. The control device may determine that the tap 32 is open when the pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 decreases when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed.

On the other hand, when the pressure drop amount of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas opening/closing valve 61 is opened and closed is equal to or less than a fourth threshold, the control device 80 is configured to release the tap 32 . It is determined that it is closed, and the end alarm sound is stopped. In other words, the control device 80 is a warning device until the pressure drop amount of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is opened and closed becomes equal to or less than the fourth threshold. (45) continues to output the end alarm sound. Accordingly, it is possible to make the user aware that the tab 32 is open, thereby reducing the occurrence of the tab 32 remaining open.

<Washing treatment>

5 is a flowchart showing a control routine of a cleaning process according to the second embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

Steps S201 to S209 are the same as steps S101 to S109 in FIG. 4, and therefore descriptions are omitted. In the present control routine, after step S209, the end processing shown in Fig. 6 is executed in step S210.

6 is a flowchart showing a control routine of the end processing. First, in step S301, the control device 80 executes water discharge control. Specifically, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 for a predetermined time and also opens the gas on-off valve 61 . In this embodiment, the control device 80 does not supply electric power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined time is predetermined in consideration of the time required for discharging the water by the gas.

Next, in step S302 , the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 . In this embodiment, the control device 80 supplies electric power to the gas on-off valve 61 .

Next, in step S303 , the control device 80 determines whether the pressure drop amount ΔP of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is greater than a third threshold value. When it is determined that the pressure drop amount ΔP is greater than the third threshold value TH3, the control routine proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the control device 80 determines that the tap 32 is open, and causes the warning device 45 to output an end alarm sound.

Next, in step S305, the control device 80 opens and closes the gas on-off valve 61 at predetermined intervals. For example, the control device 80 opens the gas on-off valve 61 for 1 second and closes the gas on-off valve 61 for 1 second.

Next, in step S306 , the control device 80 determines that the pressure drop amount ΔP of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is opened and closed is set to a fourth threshold value ( It is determined whether or not it is greater than TH4). When it is determined that the pressure drop amount ΔP is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value TH4, the control routine proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the control device 80 determines that the tab 32 is closed, and stops the end alarm sound. After step S307, the present control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the pressure drop amount ?P is equal to or less than the third threshold value TH3, the control routine proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the control device 80 determines that the tab 32 is closed, and detects a user's erroneous operation.

Next, in step S310 , similarly to step S107 in FIG. 4 , the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning. After step S310, the present control routine ends.

Further, if it is determined in step S306 that the pressure drop amount ?P is greater than the fourth threshold value TH4, the control routine proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the control device 80 determines that the tab 32 is open, and detects a user's erroneous operation. After step S308, the present control routine returns to step S304, and the output of the end alarm sound continues.

In addition, after step S308, the control device 80 may output a warning to the warning device 45 instead of continuing the output of the end alarm sound. Incidentally, steps S302, S303, S309 and S310, or steps S305 to S308 may be omitted.

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

<Third embodiment>

The cleaning apparatus according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the cleaning apparatus in the first embodiment. For this reason, hereafter, 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated centeringly on the part different from 1st Embodiment.

7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the beverage supply system 1' to which the cleaning apparatus of the beverage supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied. 7, the inside of the control box 40 is shown similarly to FIG. In the third embodiment, the beverage transfer path 70 is connected to the control box 40 by a pair of joints 46 .

Further, in the third embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a flow rate sensor 47 and a capacitive sensor 48 . These are arranged in the control box 40 and covered from the outside by the control box 40 .

The flow rate sensor 47 is disposed in the water supply path 90 and detects a flow rate of water flowing through the water supply path 90 . In the present embodiment, the flow rate sensor 47 is disposed in the water supply path 90 upstream of the water on/off valve 91 . The flow sensor 47 is electrically connected to the control device 80 , and an output of the flow sensor 47 is input to the control device 80 . In addition, the flow rate sensor 47 may be arrange|positioned in the water supply path 90 downstream of the water on-off valve 91 and the water check valve 92.

The capacitive sensor 48 is disposed in the beverage transport path 70 to detect the presence or absence of a beverage in the beverage transport path 70 . The capacitive sensor 48 is a so-called non-contact sensor and is attached, for example, around the beverage transport path 70 . For this reason, the capacitive sensor 48 can detect the state in the beverage transport path 70 without contacting the beverage in the beverage transport path 70 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the beverage from being contaminated by the sensor in the beverage transfer path (70).

Conventionally, in the washing|cleaning of the beverage supply system 1', it was thought that the washing|cleaning power will become high by supplying a large amount of water at once. On the other hand, as a result of earnest examination, the inventor of this application discovered that the washing|cleaning power became high by making the linear velocity of water fast and raising the energy of water. In order to increase the linear speed of water, it is necessary to reduce the amount of water supplied at a time. However, when the amount of water is small, water cannot flow in the beverage transfer path 70 due to the resistance in the beverage transfer path 70 .

So, in this embodiment, the control device 80 controls the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 so that water and gas are alternately supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 . Specifically, the control device 80 includes closing the gas on-off valve 61 and opening the water on-off valve 91 so that a reference amount of water is supplied from the water supply passage 90 to the beverage transfer passage 70; Water shot control is executed in which the gas on-off valve 61 is opened for a predetermined period of time and the water on-off valve 91 is alternately repeated.

In the water shot control, water and gas are intermittently supplied to the beverage transfer path 70, and so-called water shot cleaning is performed. At this time, since the gas functions to extrude water, a small amount of water can flow into the beverage transfer path 70 . Therefore, it is possible to speed up the flow of water, and it is possible to efficiently clean the flow path of the beverage of the beverage supply system 1' with high cleaning power.

Further, the control device 80 calculates an estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water shot control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 47 , and the estimated value The gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 are controlled to reach the reference amount. That is, the control device 80 closes the gas on/off valve 61 until the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water shot control reaches the reference amount, and Also, the water on-off valve 91 is opened. In other words, when the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water shot control reaches the reference amount, the control device 80 closes the water on/off valve 91 and Further, the gas opening/closing valve 61 is opened. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 due to a change in water pressure or the like in the water shot control, and furthermore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the cleaning power in the water shot control.

However, if the tap 32 is closed due to a user's erroneous operation during water shot control, the flow of water is blocked by the tap 32, so that the water supply does not reach the reference amount. For this reason, the control device 80 determines that, in the water shot control, when the time until the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 reaches the reference amount is longer than the predetermined time, , it is determined that the tab 32 is closed, and a user's erroneous operation is detected.

In addition, when the dispensing head 50 is in the first state due to a user's erroneous operation during water shot control, the beverage is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 . For this reason, when a beverage is detected by the capacitive sensor 48 during water shot control, the control device 80 determines that the dispensing head 50 is in the first state and detects a user's erroneous operation. .

<Washing treatment>

8 is a flowchart showing a control routine of a cleaning process according to the third embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the control device 80 (specifically, the processor 83).

Steps S401 to S408 are the same as steps S101 to S108 in FIG. 4, and therefore descriptions are omitted. In the present control routine, when it is determined in step S403 that the pressure drop amount ?P is greater than the second threshold TH2, in step S409, the water shot control shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

9 is a flowchart showing a control routine of water shot control. First, in step S501, the control device 80 determines whether the capacitive sensor 48 has detected a beverage. When it is determined that the capacitive sensor 48 has detected the beverage, the control routine proceeds to step S509.

In step S509 , similarly to step S107 in FIG. 4 , the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning. After step S509, the present control routine ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S501 that the capacitive sensor 48 has not detected a beverage, the control routine proceeds to step S502. In step S502 , the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61 . In this embodiment, the control device 80 supplies electric power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 .

Next, in step S503 , the control device 80 acquires the output of the flow rate sensor 47 .

Next, in step S504 , the control device 80 , based on the output of the flow rate sensor 47 , provides an estimate ( ) of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transport path 70 in the water shot control. EA) is calculated. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates the estimated value EA of the amount of water by integrating the flow rate of the water detected by the flow sensor 47 .

Next, in step S505, the control device 80 determines whether the estimated value EA of the amount of water is equal to or greater than the reference amount A. The reference amount A is predetermined based on experimental results and the like so that the cleaning power is increased. If it is determined that the estimated value EA of the amount of water is less than the reference amount A, the control routine proceeds to step S510.

In step S510, the control device 80 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since opening the water on-off valve 91 and closing the gas on-off valve 61 in step S502. The predetermined time is predetermined in consideration of the time required for the water supply amount to reach the reference amount A when the water pressure is low. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control routine returns to step S503.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control routine proceeds to step S511. In step S511, the control device 80 determines that the tab 32 is closed, and causes the warning device 45 to output a warning similarly to step S107 in FIG. After step S511, the present control routine ends.

Further, if it is determined in step S505 that the estimated value EA of the amount of water is equal to or greater than the reference amount A, the control routine proceeds to step S506. In step S506 , the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 for a predetermined time and also opens the gas on-off valve 61 . In this embodiment, the control device 80 does not supply electric power to the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is predetermined based on experimental results and the like so that the cleaning power is increased.

Next, in step S507, the control device 80 updates the number of executions N. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates a new number of executions N by adding 1 to the current number of executions N. The initial value of the number of executions N when the present control routine is started is zero.

Next, in step S508, the control device 80 determines whether the number of executions N is equal to or greater than a threshold number Nth. The threshold number Nth is predetermined. If it is determined in step S508 that the number of executions N is less than the threshold number Nth, the control routine returns to step S501. That is, the water shot control continues.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S508 that the number of executions N is equal to or greater than the threshold number Nth, the present control routine ends. That is, the water shot control ends.

Further, steps S503 to S505, S510 and S511 are deleted, and in step S502, the control device 80 may open the water on-off valve 91 for a predetermined time and also close the gas on-off valve 61 . The predetermined time is predetermined so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 is a reference amount in the water shot control. In this case, the flow sensor 47 is omitted.

In addition, the beverage transfer path 70 may be disposed outside the control box 40 as a whole. In this case, the capacitive sensor 48 is arranged, for example, in the control box 40 adjacent to the beverage transport path 70 .

In addition, the control device 80 may perform rinse control for controlling the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91 so that water is continuously supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 before the water shot control. . Thereby, since the foam of the beverage left on the beverage transfer path 70 is washed away, the cleaning effect by the water shot control can be further enhanced.

<Other embodiments>

As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment which concerns on this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Various correction and change can be implemented within description of a claim.

For example, the beverage dispenser 30 may not be configured to cool the beverage transferred from the beverage container 20 . In this case, the beverage dispenser 30 may be configured with only the tab 32 .

Note that, in the dispensing head 50 , the corresponding relation between the position of the operating lever 53 and the state of the dispensing head 50 may be different. For example, the dispense head 50 may be configured to be in the first state when the operation lever 53 is in the intermediate position. In addition, the state of the dispensing head 50 may be switched by the rotation operation of the operation lever 53, etc. Further, the dispensing head 50 may be configured to be manually switched between the first state and the second state. In this case, when the beverage container 20 is replaced, the gas supply into the beverage container 20 is stopped, for example, by closing the main plug of the gas supply 10 .

In addition, the gas opening/closing valve 61 may be configured to close the gas supply path 60 when de-energized and to open the gas supply path 60 when energized. In addition, the water opening/closing valve 91 may be configured to open the water supply path 90 when not energized, and to close the water supply path 90 when energized.

In addition, the warning device 45 may be comprised as a display like a liquid crystal panel, and may output a warning message as a warning. In this case, the warning device 45 is disposed on the outer surface of the control box 40, the step S107 of Fig. 4, the step S207 of Fig. 5, the step S310 of Fig. 6, the step S407 of Fig. 8, and the step of Fig. 9 In S509 and S511, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning message for a predetermined time, for example.

In addition, the warning device 45 may be configured as a light emitting body such as a light emitting diode (LED), and may output light as a warning. In this case, the warning device 45 is disposed on the outer surface of the control box 40, step S107 in Fig. 4, step S207 in Fig. 5, step S310 in Fig. 6, step S407 in Fig. 8, and step S509 in Fig. 9 and S511, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output light for a predetermined time, for example.

In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by combining arbitrarily. When the second embodiment and the third embodiment are combined, the end processing of step S210 in Fig. 5 is executed after step S409 in the control routine in Fig. 8 .

1, 1': beverage supply system, 10: gas source, 20: beverage container, 30: beverage dispenser, 32: tap, 44: pressure sensor, 50: dispensing head, 51: fluid inlet, 52: fluid outlet, 60 : gas supply path, 61: gas opening/closing valve, 70: beverage transfer path, 80: control device, 90: water supply path, 91: water opening/closing valve, 100: water supply

Claims (9)

A cleaning device of a beverage supply system for supplying a beverage transferred from a beverage container to the outside through a beverage transfer path from a tap of a beverage dispenser,
a dispensing head mounted to the beverage container and connected to the beverage transport, having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet;
a gas supply path connecting the gas supply source and the fluid inlet;
a gas opening/closing valve for opening and closing the gas supply path;
a water supply path connecting the water supply source and the fluid inlet;
a water opening/closing valve for opening and closing the water supply path;
a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the gas supply path on a downstream side of the gas opening/closing valve;
A control device for controlling the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve
to provide
The dispensing head is configured to manually switch between at least a first state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet communicate with each other through the interior of the beverage container and a second state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in direct communication. structured to be
The control device, based on the output of the pressure sensor, the beverage supply system will detect a user's erroneous operation of the beverage supply system, the cleaning device of the beverage supply system. The method of claim 1,
The control device is configured to change the gas on-off valve from an open state to a closed state when the cleaning of the beverage supply system is requested by the user, and when the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state, and it is determined that the tap is closed when the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or less than a first threshold. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control device is configured to, when the amount of a decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor while the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state, is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold, the dispensing head is configured to A cleaning device for a beverage supply system that is determined to be 1 state. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
wherein the control device maintains the water on-off valve in a valve closed state while detecting the erroneous operation. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control device executes water discharge control for closing the water on-off valve and opening the gas on-off valve for a predetermined time at the end of cleaning of the beverage supply system, and after execution of the water discharge control, the gas on-off valve and closing the gas opening/closing valve, and determining that the tap is closed when the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or less than a third threshold value when the gas on-off valve is closed. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control device closes the water on-off valve and opens and closes the gas on-off valve after cleaning the beverage supply system, and a fourth amount of a decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed and when it is greater than the threshold, it is determined that the tap is open. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Further comprising a warning device for outputting a warning,
The control device is configured to output a warning to the warning device when detecting the erroneous operation. 6. The method of claim 5,
Further comprising a warning device for outputting a warning,
The control device outputs an end alarm sound to the warning device when an amount of a decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is closed after execution of the water discharge control is greater than the third threshold value A cleaning device for a beverage supply system, which is to make 9. The method of claim 8,
The control device closes the water on-off valve and opens and closes the gas on-off valve after cleaning of the beverage supply system, and the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed The washing apparatus of the beverage supply system which stops the said end alarm sound when it is below 4 threshold value.

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