WO2020130149A1

WO2020130149A1 - Beverage server cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2020130149A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/050204
Authority: WO
Inventors: 慶太吉原
Original assignee: サントリーホールディングス株式会社
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: JP7263394B2; JPWO2020130149A1; CN113195397A; KR20210093317A

Abstract

A cleaning device 10 is provided with: a first fluid inlet 11 connected to a gas supply source 70; a second fluid inlet 12 connected to a cleaning solution supply source 80; a first fluid outlet 21 connected to a fluid inlet 52 of a dispenser head 51; a first valve V1 provided in a flow passage 31; a second valve provided in a flow passage 32; a third fluid inlet 13 connected to a fluid outlet 53 of the dispenser head 51; a second fluid outlet 22 connected to a beverage server 60; a third valve V3 provided in a flow passage 33; and a processor 2. The processor 2 is configured to close the third valve V3 if a beverage supply mode is maintained for a prescribed first period or longer without a cleaning mode being executed.

Description

Beverage server cleaning equipment

The present application relates to a cleaning device for a beverage server.

Conventionally, various configurations for cleaning beverage servers are known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a beverage dispenser including a beverage container that stores a beverage, a dispense head mounted on the beverage container, and a dispenser body connected to the dispense head. The dispense head has a suction port and a discharge port. The dispensing head has a first communication path connecting the suction port and the discharge port through the inside of the beverage container, and a second communication path connecting the suction port and the discharge port without passing through the inside of the beverage container. ,have. The suction port is connected to the carbon dioxide gas cylinder and the cleaning liquid supply unit via the fluid selection unit, and is configured to receive one of the carbon dioxide gas and the cleaning liquid by switching the fluid selection unit. The dispense head has an operation lever for switching between the first communication passage and the second communication passage, and an inclination sensor for outputting a signal to the outside according to the inclination state of the operation lever. There is. The tilt sensor is configured to output a signal to the outside when the second communication passage is selected by the operation lever, for example. The fluid selection means supplies the cleaning liquid to the suction port only when the signal is output from the tilt sensor (that is, only when the suction port and the discharge port are connected without passing through the inside of the beverage container). Is configured to.

JP, 2006-36221, A

Although it is possible to clean the beverage server with the above configuration, for example, if the operator does not perform cleaning at an appropriate frequency, it may not be possible to keep the beverage server clean. In this case, the beverage may be served from an unclean beverage server.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device for a beverage server, which can prevent a beverage from being supplied from a beverage server that has not been cleaned for a certain period of time.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a first fluid inlet connected to a gas source, a second fluid inlet connected to a cleaning liquid source, and a fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet. And a first fluid outlet connected to a fluid inlet of a dispense head mounted on the beverage container, a first flow path connecting the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and A second flow passage connecting the two fluid inlets and the first fluid outlet, a first valve provided in the first flow passage, and a second valve provided in the second flow passage, A third fluid inlet connected to the fluid outlet of the dispense head; a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the third fluid inlet and connected to the beverage server; and a third fluid inlet and A third flow path connecting the second fluid outlet, a third valve provided in the third flow path, a processor communicable with the first valve, the second valve and the third valve , The processor comprises a beverage supply mode for providing a beverage, comprising supplying gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve, and a first by opening the second valve. A cleaning mode for cleaning the beverage server, the method comprising: supplying a cleaning liquid from the fluid outlet of the processor, wherein the processor supplies the beverage supply mode to the predetermined supply mode without executing the cleaning mode. A supply limit for restricting the supply of beverage from a beverage server that has not been washed for a predetermined first period or longer by closing the third valve when the beverage is maintained for the first period or longer. A beverage server cleaning device configured to activate a function.

According to the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the dispensing head is connected to the beverage server via the third flow path of the cleaning device, instead of being directly connected to the beverage server. Further, a third valve is provided in the third flow path. Then, in the beverage supply mode, when the beverage supply mode is maintained for the predetermined first period or longer without the cleaning mode being executed, the third valve is closed to set the period for the predetermined first period or longer. Beverages are restricted from being served from an uncleaned beverage server. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage from being served from the beverage server that has not been washed for a certain period of time.

The cleaning device is a first sensor for detecting the presence of a beverage in the third flow path, and includes a beverage detection state in which the beverage is detected and a beverage non-detection state in which the beverage is not detected. And a sensing state, the processor further comprising a first sensor having a sensing state, the processor in the beverage dispensing mode closing the third valve when the first sensor switches from a beverage sensing state to a beverage non-sensing state. May be configured to activate a splattering prevention function to prevent gas from spurting out of the beverage server. If the beverage container becomes empty while the beverage is being supplied, the gas will start flowing through the flow path from the dispense head to the beverage server, causing the gas to blow out from the beverage server and Beverages inside may be splashed. In this case, since the gas starts flowing through the third flow path, the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state. Therefore, when the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state in the beverage supply mode, by closing the third valve, the flow of the beverage and gas can be stopped and the scattering of the beverage can be prevented. ..

In the beverage supply mode, the processor closes the third valve to keep the beverage supply mode for a predetermined second period or longer by activating the splash prevention function for a predetermined second period or longer. It may be configured to activate the expiration prevention function for preventing the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container that has not been exchanged during the period. As described above, in the cleaning device having the splash prevention function, when the beverage container becomes empty during the beverage supply mode (that is, when the empty beverage container is replaced with a new beverage container filled with the beverage). The splash prevention function is activated. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, if the splash prevention function is not activated and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a certain period or more, it means that the beverage container has not been replaced with a new beverage container during that period. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, if the splash prevention function is not activated and the beverage supply mode is maintained for the predetermined second period or longer, the third valve is closed to close the beverage container that has not been replaced for a long time. It is possible to prevent the beverage from being supplied (for example, the beverage whose expiration date has expired).

In the cleaning mode, the processor supplies gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve and during the predetermined third time period while supplying gas from the first fluid outlet. When the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first fluid outlet and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet by opening the second valve. At this time, when the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state during the third period, the second valve may not be opened. In the cleaning apparatus according to this aspect, in the cleaning mode, the gas is first supplied to the dispense head before the cleaning liquid is supplied. In this situation, if the dispense head has properly switched connections (ie, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the dispense head are connected without passing through the interior of the beverage container), The beverage accumulated in the flow path to the beverage server is pushed out by the gas supply. Therefore, in the third flow path, the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state. In contrast, if the dispense head does not switch connections properly (ie, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the dispense head are connected through the interior of the beverage container), the beverage inside the beverage container Will continue to flow due to the supply of gas. Therefore, in the third flow path, the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state. Therefore, in the cleaning apparatus according to the present aspect, when the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state during the predetermined third period during the gas is first supplied in the cleaning mode, the cleaning liquid is While the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state during the third period, the second valve is not opened. Thus, if the first sensor maintains a beverage detection condition (ie, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are in communication through the interior of the beverage container at the dispense head), the second valve is opened. Since it does not (that is, the cleaning liquid does not flow), it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being accidentally supplied to the inside of the beverage container.

The cleaning device is a second sensor for detecting that the gas is flowing in the first flow path, and is in a gas flow detection state in which the gas is being detected, and the gas is flowing. A second sensor having a gas flow non-sensing condition that is not being sensed by the processor in the cleaning mode by opening the first valve after supplying the cleaning liquid. , Supplying gas from the first fluid outlet and supplying gas from the first fluid outlet, the second sensor detects the gas flow non-detection during the predetermined fourth period from the gas flow detection state. It may be configured to notify an error when switching to the state. After supplying the cleaning liquid to the beverage flow channel, it is necessary to push out the cleaning liquid retained in the flow channel with gas. If, for example, the operator closes the cock valve of the beverage server before pushing out all the accumulated cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may remain in the flow path. When the cock valve is closed, the gas flow in the first flow path stops. In the cleaning apparatus of this aspect, it is possible to detect whether or not the gas is flowing by the second sensor. Then, the controller notifies an error when the second sensor switches from the gas flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state during the predetermined fourth period while supplying the gas for pushing out the cleaning liquid. To be done. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally closing the cock valve of the beverage server before removing all the cleaning liquid in the flow path.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a beverage server cleaning device that can prevent a beverage from being provided from a beverage server that has not been cleaned for a certain period of time.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a beverage supply system including a beverage server cleaning device according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of a drink supply system which shows the internal structure of the washing|cleaning apparatus of the drink server of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of a drink supply system which shows the internal structure of the washing|cleaning apparatus of the drink server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, a beverage server cleaning device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, similar or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. The scale of the figures may be changed for ease of understanding.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a beverage supply system including a cleaning device for a beverage server according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the beverage supply system 100 includes a cleaning device 10, a beverage container 50, a beverage server 60, a gas supply source 70, and a cleaning liquid supply source 80. A dispense head 51 is attached to the beverage container 50 via a spear valve (not shown).

The cleaning device 10 is used to clean the flow path of the beverage from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60. The cleaning device 10 has a housing 1. The housing 1 is provided with a first fluid inlet 11, a second fluid inlet 12, a third fluid inlet 13, a first fluid outlet 21 and a second fluid outlet 22. .. The first fluid inlet 11, the second fluid inlet 12, and the first fluid outlet 21 are respectively connected to the gas supply source 70, the cleaning liquid supply source 80, and the fluid inlet of the dispense head 51 via the pipes P1, P2, and P3. Connected to 52. The third fluid inlet 13 and the second fluid outlet 22 are connected to the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51 and the beverage server 60 via pipes P4 and P5, respectively. The first fluid inlet 11, the second fluid inlet 12, the third fluid inlet 13, the first fluid outlet 21 and the second fluid outlet 22 are respectively provided with joints for connecting to the pipes P1 to P5. It may be.

The beverage container 50 can be, for example, a beer barrel. The beverage container 50 includes various beverages (for example, beer, alcoholic carbonated beverages other than beer (for example, sparkling liquor, beer-flavored sparkling alcoholic beverages made from raw materials other than malt and mixed with other alcoholic beverages (so-called Third beers), chuhai or highballs), or non-alcoholic carbonated drinks (such as non-alcoholic beers or carbonated juices) can be stored.

The dispense head 51 has a fluid inlet 52 and a fluid outlet 53, and has three connection states between the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 (details will be described later). Further, the dispensing head 51 has an operation lever 54.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the beverage supply system showing the internal configuration of the cleaning device of the beverage server of FIG. With reference to FIG. 2, the operating lever 54 can be switched to, for example, three positions (for example, an “up” position, a “middle” position, and a “down” position), and three connection states at each position. One of them can be selected.

For example, in the “up” position, the dispensing head 51 blocks the fluid inlet 52, the interior of the beverage container 50, and the fluid outlet 53 from each other. The "up" position can be used, for example, when replacing the beverage container 50 with a new beverage container.

For example, in the "medium" position, the dispense head 51 connects the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53, but blocks the interior of the beverage container 50 from the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 (i.e., the interior of the beverage container 50). The fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 are connected without passing through). The "medium" position can be used when the cleaning mode described below is performed.

For example, in the “down” position, the dispense head 51 connects the fluid inlet 52 to the interior of the beverage container 50 and connects the interior of the beverage container 50 to the fluid outlet 53 (ie, the interior of the beverage container 50). Fluid inlet 52 and fluid outlet 53 through). The “down” position can be used when the beverage supply mode described below is implemented.

In this embodiment, the dispense head 51 has three connected states, but in other embodiments, the dispense head 51 has two connected states (ie, the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid inlet 52 without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50). It may have only a state in which the fluid outlet 53 is connected and a state in which the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 are connected through the inside of the beverage container 50). Further, the “upper”, “middle”, and “lower” positions of the operating lever 54 in which the respective connected states are realized are merely examples, and the respective connected states may be realized in different positions of the operating lever 54. Good. Further, the operation lever 54 can be switched to, for example, the “left”, “middle” and “right” positions or other positions instead of the “up”, “middle” and “down” positions. Good.

Referring to FIG. 1, the beverage server 60 can have, for example, a cock type valve (hereinafter, also referred to as “cock valve”) 61. Below the discharge port 62 of the cock valve 61, a container (not shown) such as a glass is arranged at the time of supplying the beverage, and a relatively large container B such as a bucket is arranged at the time of cleaning and replacing the beverage container 50. The beverage server 60 has a cooling water tank 63, and the cooling water tank 63 houses a coiled pipe 64 connected to the cock valve 61. The cooling water tank 63 is cooled by the cooling device 65. With such a configuration, the beverage passing through the coiled tube 64 is cooled. The pipe P5 is connected to the coiled pipe 64.

The gas supply source 70 can be, for example, a gas cylinder. The gas supply source 70 can supply a gas such as carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas, or compressed air. The cleaning liquid supply source 80 supplies a cleaning liquid for cleaning the beverage flow path. The cleaning liquid can be, for example, water, in which case the cleaning liquid supply source 80 can be, for example, a tap. When the cleaning liquid supply source 80 is a tap, a pipe P2 connected to the cleaning liquid supply source 80 may be provided with a pressure reducing valve RV. When the cleaning liquid supply source 80 is a tap, water is supplied from the tap at 1.5 to 7 kgf/cm ² , and the pressure is reduced to about 1.0 kgf/cm ² by the pressure reducing valve RV. May be.

Next, the cleaning device 10 will be described in detail. Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaning device 10 includes a first flow path 31, a second flow path 32, a third flow path 33, and a processor 2 inside the housing 1. There is. Further, with reference to FIG. 1, the cleaning device 10 further includes a display unit 3 and a button 4. The cleaning device 10 may further include other components such as a memory and a real-time clock (not shown). Whether or not various periods shown below have elapsed can be measured by using a real-time clock, for example.

With reference to FIG. 2, the first flow path 31 connects the first fluid inlet 11 and the first fluid outlet 21, whereby the first fluid inlet 11 and the first fluid outlet 21 are connected. Are in fluid communication. The second flow path 32 connects the second fluid inlet 12 and the first fluid outlet 21 so that the second fluid inlet 12 and the first fluid outlet 21 are in fluid communication. The third flow path 33 connects the third fluid inlet 13 and the second fluid outlet 22 so that the third fluid inlet 13 and the second fluid outlet 22 are in fluid communication.

The first flow path 31, the second flow path 32, and the third flow path 33 are, for example, various materials (for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride) that can withstand the pressure of beverage, gas, and cleaning liquid. (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoride ethylene copolymer (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be formed by a tube.

The first flow path 31 is provided with a first valve V1 and a first check valve CV1. The first valve V1 can be, for example, a pilot-type solenoid valve. The first valve V1 can be, for example, normally open (NO).

The second flow path 32 is provided with a second valve V2 and a second check valve CV2. The second valve V2 can be, for example, a direct-acting solenoid valve. The second valve V2 can be normally closed (NC), for example.

The third flow path 33 is provided with a third valve V3. The third valve V3 can be, for example, an electric ball valve. Further, the third valve V3 can be a valve of various types such as an electric butterfly valve or a gate valve.

The cleaning device 10 also includes a gas sensor (second sensor) GS in the first flow path 31. The gas sensor GS can be used to detect the flow of gas, and can be, for example, a differential pressure gauge or a flow sensor.

The processor 2 can control various operations of the cleaning device 10. The processor 2 can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The processor 2 is electrically connected to the first valve V1, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the gas sensor GS, the display unit 3 and the button 4, and is unidirectional or bidirectional with these components. Can be communicated to. The processor 2 has a beverage supply mode for supplying the beverage from the beverage server 60 and a cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path of the beverage (details will be described later). The following operations executed by the processor 2 can be realized by, for example, a program stored in the memory.

Referring to FIG. 1, the display unit 3 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display 3 can show various information received from the processor 2 (eg, error, wash time, and/or selected mode, etc.). The button 4 can be, for example, a mechanical button. Button 4 can be used, for example, to initiate a wash mode.

Next, the operation of the cleaning device 10 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the beverage supply mode, the operation lever 54 of the dispensing head 51 is set to the “down” position. This connects the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51 through the interior of the beverage container 50. Further, in the beverage supply mode, a container such as a glass is arranged below the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60.

The processor 2 can maintain the beverage supply mode, for example, until the button 4 is pressed. In the present embodiment, the first valve V1 is normally open and the second valve V2 is normally closed. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, the first valve V1 is open and the second valve V2 is closed. ing. Therefore, in the beverage supply mode, gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. When the pressure of the gas is higher than the pressure of the cleaning liquid, the second valve V2 may be opened. Also in this case, the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. Gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21 into the interior of the beverage container 50 via the fluid inlet 52 of the dispense head 51 and pushes the beverage within the beverage container 50 to the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51. The beverage is supplied from the fluid outlet 53 to the beverage server 60 via the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10. When the operator opens the cock valve 61, the beverage is supplied from the discharge port 62.

When performing the cleaning mode, set the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51 to the "middle" position before starting the cleaning mode. This connects the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51 without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50. Further, before starting the cleaning mode, a container B such as a bucket is arranged below the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60.

The processor 2 can start the cleaning mode, for example, when the button 4 is pressed. When the cleaning mode is started, the processor 2 keeps the first valve V1 open and the second valve closed for a predetermined period (third period) so that the first fluid outlet 21 is closed. Supply gas. When the gas pressure is higher than the cleaning liquid pressure, the second valve V2 may be opened. Also in this case, the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. When the operator opens the cock valve 61, the gas flows from the first fluid outlet 21 through the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51 to the fluid outlet 53 without passing inside the beverage container 50, and From the outlet 53, it flows through the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10 to the beverage server 60. Therefore, the gas pushes out the beverage accumulated in the flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60 from the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60.

The above-described period (third period) may be equal to or longer than the time taken for the gas to flush out all the beverage staying in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60, for example. It can be changed depending on the length and/or the diameter of the channel.

Once all of the beverage that has accumulated in the flow path has been pushed out of the outlet 62, the processor 2 then closes the first valve V1 and opens the second valve V2 to open the first fluid outlet. A cleaning liquid is supplied from 21. When the pressure of the cleaning liquid is higher than the pressure of the gas, the first valve V1 may be open. Also in this case, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. The cleaning liquid flows from the first fluid outlet 21 to the fluid outlet 53 via the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51 without passing through the inside of the beverage container 50, and further from the fluid outlet 53 to the first outlet of the cleaning device 10. It flows to the beverage server 60 via the flow path 33 of No. 3, and is discharged to the container B from the discharge port 62.

The time for flowing the cleaning liquid can be adjusted according to, for example, the type of beverage, the length and/or the diameter of the flow path, and can be, for example, about 1 to 3 minutes. It should be noted that the numerical values are merely examples. The cleaning liquid may be continuously supplied (hereinafter also referred to as “continuous cleaning”) or intermittently supplied (hereinafter also referred to as “intermittent cleaning”). In order to perform the intermittent cleaning, the processor 2 sets the first state in which the first valve V1 is closed and the second valve V2 is open, and the state in which the first valve V1 is open and the second valve V2 is open. The closed second state can be alternately repeated. In the intermittent cleaning, the cleaning liquid flows through the flow path at a higher pressure than that in the continuous cleaning, and thus the cleaning power can be improved.

After flowing the cleaning liquid, the processor 2 causes the gas to flow from the first fluid outlet 21 by opening the first valve V1 and closing the second valve V2 again for a predetermined period (fourth period). Supply. The gas flows from the first fluid outlet 21 to the fluid outlet 53 via the fluid inlet 52 of the dispense head 51, and further from the fluid outlet 53 to the beverage server via the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10. It flows to 60. Therefore, the gas pushes out the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60 through the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60. When all the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path is pushed out from the discharge port 62, gas is supplied from the discharge port 62.

The above period (fourth period) can be equal to or longer than the time taken for the gas to flush out the cleaning liquid staying in the flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60, for example. It may vary depending on the length and/or the diameter of the flow channel. When the fourth period has elapsed, the processor 2 notifies that the cleaning mode has ended. The notification may be shown on the display unit 3 and/or may be shown by a voice from a speaker (not shown), for example. After the cleaning mode ends, the cock valve 61 is closed and the operating lever of the dispensing head 51 is set to the “down” position. This causes the beverage supply system 100 to be ready to serve the beverage again.

If the operator closes the cock valve 61 before the fourth period described above has elapsed, the cleaning liquid may remain in the flow path. In the cleaning device 10 according to the present embodiment, this can be detected by the gas sensor GS. Specifically, when the gas flow state in which the gas sensor GS detects the gas flow is switched to the gas flow non-detection state in which the gas flow is not detected before the fourth period elapses, the processor 2 can signal an error. The error may be shown on the display unit 3 and/or may be shown by a sound from a speaker (not shown), for example.

Next, the supply restriction function will be explained.

In the beverage supply mode, if the cleaning mode is not executed and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a certain period or more, it may mean that the beverage server 60 has not been cleaned for that period. If the beverage server 60 is not cleaned for a certain period of time, the beverage server 60 may not be kept clean. This can lead to poor taste and/or quality of the beverage.

In the cleaning device 10 of the present disclosure, in the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 includes the third valve V3 when the cleaning mode is not executed and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined period (first period) or more. Close. As a result, the supply restriction function for restricting the supply of the beverage from the beverage server 60 that has not been cleaned for the first period or longer is activated.

The above period (first period) is equivalent to, for example, the time period during which it is possible to guarantee that the beverage flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60 is kept clean without performing cleaning. Or less, and can vary depending on the length of the channel, the diameter of the channel, and/or the type of beverage, etc.

Whether or not the beverage supply mode has been maintained for the first period or longer without executing the cleaning mode can be determined by various methods. For example, it may be determined whether or not the elapsed time from when the button 4 was previously pressed to start the cleaning mode is equal to or longer than the first period. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the elapsed time from the last time the processor 2 notifies that the cleaning mode has ended is the first period or longer.

To release the supply limiting function, the third valve V3 may be opened, for example, by pressing the button 4 to start the cleaning mode.

As described above, according to the cleaning device 10 of the first embodiment, the dispense head 51 is connected to the beverage server 60 via the third flow path 33 of the cleaning device 10 instead of being directly connected to the beverage server 60. It Further, a third valve V3 is provided in the third flow path 33. Then, in the beverage supply mode, when the cleaning mode is not executed and the beverage supply mode is maintained for the first period or more, the third valve V3 is closed to perform the cleaning for the first period or more. Beverages from limited beverage servers 60 are restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage from being provided from the beverage server 60 that has not been washed for a certain period or longer.

Further, the cleaning device 10 is a gas sensor GS for detecting that gas is flowing in the first flow path 31, and a gas flow detection state in which gas is detected and Further comprising a gas sensor GS having a gas flow non-detection state that does not detect that the gas is flowing, and in the cleaning mode, the processor 2 opens the first valve V1 after supplying the cleaning liquid. The gas sensor GS changes from the gas flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state during the fourth period while supplying the gas from the first fluid outlet 21 and supplying the gas from the first fluid outlet 21 by When switching, it is configured to notify the error. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally closing the cock valve 61 of the beverage server 60 before removing all the cleaning liquid in the flow path.

Next, a beverage server cleaning device according to the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the beverage supply system showing the internal configuration of the cleaning device of the beverage server according to the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 3, the cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment is provided with a beverage sensor (first sensor) DS upstream of the third valve V3 in the third flow path 33. It is different from the cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment. By including the beverage sensor DS, the cleaning device 40 further has a function of preventing the cleaning liquid from being accidentally supplied to the inside of the beverage container 50, a splash prevention function, and an expiration prevention function.

The beverage sensor DS is used to detect the presence of the beverage in the third flow path 33, and the beverage detection state in which the beverage is detected and the beverage non-detection state in which the beverage is not detected. ,have. The beverage sensor DS can be, for example, an optical sensor (for example, a color sensor or an infrared sensor) or a capacitance type water detection sensor. The beverage sensor DS is electrically connected to the processor 2 and can communicate with the processor 2.

Next, the function of preventing the cleaning liquid from being accidentally supplied to the inside of the beverage container 50 in the cleaning mode will be described.

As described in the first embodiment, when the button 4 is pressed, the cleaning mode is started. In this situation, if the operator forgets to switch the operating lever 54 of the dispense head 51 and the operating lever 54 is maintained in the "down" position (ie, through the interior of the beverage container 50, the fluid inlet 52 and the fluid outlet 52 of the dispense head 51). 53 is connected), the gas supplied to push out the beverage staying in the flow path is supplied to the inside of the beverage container 50 via the fluid inlet 52 of the dispensing head 51, and the beverage container 50 Continue to push the beverage inside the to the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51. In this case, the beverage continues to flow in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60. Therefore, the beverage sensor DS arranged in the third flow path 33 maintains the beverage detection state without switching to the beverage non-detection state during the third period described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the beverage sensor DS can be used to detect that the operator has forgotten to switch the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51.

When the cleaning liquid is flowed from the cleaning device 40 in the above state, since the fluid inlet 52 of the dispense head 51 is connected to the fluid outlet 53 through the inside of the beverage container 50, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the inside of the beverage container. I will end up. However, in the cleaning device 40, the beverage sensor DS can detect that the operator forgets to switch the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51, and in this case, the processor 2 does not open the second valve V2 ( That is, do not flush the washing solution). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied into the beverage container 50. Further, in this case, the processor 2 can notify the error. The error may be shown on the display unit 3 and/or may be shown by a sound from a speaker (not shown), for example.

Further, in the cleaning device 40, by utilizing the above function, the operator mistakenly operates the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51 in the “up” position (that is, the fluid inlet 52, the fluid outlet 53 and the fluid outlet 53 of the dispense head 51) in the cleaning mode. It can also be detected that the inside of the beverage container 50 has been switched to a position where the inside of the beverage container 50 is blocked from each other. Specifically, in this case, the fluid inlet 52 of the dispense head 51, the fluid outlet 53, and the inside of the beverage container 50 are blocked from each other, so that the gas from the first fluid outlet 21 is downstream of the fluid inlet 52. Can't flow to. Therefore, the beverage stays in the flow path from the dispensing head 51 to the beverage server 60. Also in this case, the beverage sensor DS arranged in the third flow path 33 maintains the beverage detection state without switching to the beverage non-detection state during the third period. Therefore, the beverage sensor DS can be used to detect that the operator has erroneously switched the operation lever 54 of the dispense head 51. Also in this case, the processor 2 can notify the error as above without opening the second valve.

Further, the cleaning device 40 can detect that the operator forgets to open the cock valve 61 in the cleaning mode by using the above function. Specifically, in this case, even if the gas is supplied to push out the beverage staying in the flow path, the beverage cannot flow out from the discharge port 62, and reaches the beverage server 60 from the dispensing head 51. Beverage accumulates in the flow path. Also in this case, the beverage sensor DS arranged in the third flow path 33 maintains the beverage detection state without switching to the beverage non-detection state during the third period. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the operator forgets to open the cock valve 61 by using the beverage sensor DS. Also in this case, the processor 2 can notify the error as above without opening the second valve.

Next, I will explain the scattering prevention function.

In the beverage supply mode, when the beverage container 50 becomes empty while the beverage is being supplied, the gas starts flowing through the flow path from the dispense head 51 to the beverage server 60. In this case, gas may spout from the discharge port 62 of the beverage server 60, and the beverage in the container such as a glass may be scattered. When the beverage is scattered, inconveniences such as stains around the beverage server 60 may occur.

In the beverage supply system 200 according to the present embodiment, when the beverage container 50 is emptied in the beverage supply mode, gas starts flowing through the third flow path 33. Switch to the detection state. Therefore, in the cleaning device 40, when the beverage sensor DS switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state in the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 closes the third valve V3 and activates the splash prevention function. This stops the flow of gas and beverage. In the beverage supply system 200, even if the first valve V1 is closed, when the cock valve 61 is opened, the beverage can be provided by the pressure remaining in the beverage container 50. Also in this case, when the beverage sensor DS switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the processor 2 can activate the splash prevention function.

When the splash prevention function is activated, the operator places a container B such as a bucket below the discharge port 62. For example, when the button 4 or an additional button (not shown) is pressed, the splash prevention function is released, and the processor 2 opens the third valve V3. When the third valve V3 is opened, the beverage and the subsequent gas accumulated in the flow path are received by the container B. After all the beverage has been discharged from the discharge port 62, the operator closes the cock valve 61 and sets the operation lever 54 of the dispensing head 51 to the “up” position. Thereafter, the operator removes the dispensing head 51 from the empty beverage container 50 and attaches the dispensing head 51 to the new beverage container 50. This completes the replacement of the beverage container 50. When the operating lever 54 is set to the “down” position, the beverage dispensing system 200 is ready to dispense a beverage.

Next, the expiration prevention function will be explained.

As described above, in the cleaning device 40 according to the present embodiment having the splattering prevention function, when the beverage container 50 becomes empty during the beverage supply mode (that is, the empty beverage container 50 is filled with the new beverage). When the beverage container 50 is replaced), the splash prevention function is activated. From another point of view, if the anti-spill function is not activated and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a certain period of time, it means that the beverage container 50 has not been replaced with a new beverage container 50 during that period. obtain.

In the beverage supply system 200 according to the present embodiment, the processor 2 closes the third valve when the splash prevention function is not activated and the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined period (second period) or longer. This activates the expiration prevention function for preventing the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been exchanged for the second period or longer. As a result, it is possible to prevent the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been replaced for a long period of time.

The second period has various lengths in consideration of the quality and/or taste of the beverage, such as the expiration date of the beverage stored in the beverage container 50 or the period during which the beverage can maintain a good taste. Can be for a period of time.

To release the expiration prevention function, for example, by pressing the button 4 or an additional button (not shown), the processor 2 considers that the barrel exchange is completed, and opens the third valve V3 to supply the beverage. To resume.

The cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment as described above can achieve the same effect as the cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment.

Further, the cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment is a beverage sensor DS for detecting the presence of a beverage in the third flow path 33, and a beverage detection state in which a beverage is detected. And a beverage non-detection state in which no beverage is detected, further comprising a beverage sensor DS, and in the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 switches the beverage sensor DS from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, By closing the third valve V3, a splash prevention function for preventing gas from spouting from the beverage server 60 is activated. Therefore, the cleaning device 40 can prevent the beverage from splashing when the beverage container 50 becomes empty.

Further, in the cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment, in the beverage supply mode, the processor 2 performs the third operation when the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined second period or longer without the splash prevention function being activated. The valve V3 is closed to activate the expiration prevention function for preventing the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been replaced for a predetermined second period or longer. Therefore, the cleaning device 40 can prevent the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container 50 that has not been exchanged for a long time (for example, the beverage whose expiration date has expired).

Further, in the cleaning device 40 according to the second embodiment, in the cleaning mode, the processor 2 supplies gas from the first fluid outlet 21 by opening the first valve V1, and from the first fluid outlet 21. While supplying gas, when the beverage sensor DS switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state during the predetermined third period, the second fluid V 21 is opened by opening the second valve V2. The second valve V2 is not opened when the beverage sensor DS maintains the beverage detection state during the third period when the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21 and the gas is supplied from the first fluid outlet 21. , Is configured as follows. As described above, in the cleaning device 40, when the beverage sensor DS maintains the beverage detection state during the gas is first supplied in the cleaning mode (that is, the fluid inlet 52 passes through the inside of the beverage container 50 in the dispense head 51). And the fluid outlet 53 are in communication with each other), the second valve V2 is not opened (that is, the cleaning liquid does not flow). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being erroneously supplied to the inside of the beverage container 50.

Although the embodiment of the cleaning device for the beverage server has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of the above embodiments are possible. Further, a person skilled in the art should be able to incorporate a feature included in one embodiment into another embodiment or replace the feature included in another embodiment, as long as no contradiction occurs. Will understand.

2

Processors

10, 40 Cleaning device 11 First fluid inlet 12 Second fluid inlet 13 Third fluid inlet 21 First fluid outlet 22 Second fluid outlet 31 First flow passage 32 Second flow passage 33 Third flow path 50 Beverage container 51 Dispensing head 52 Dispensing head fluid inlet 53 Dispensing head fluid outlet 60 Beverage server 70 Gas supply source 80 Cleaning liquid supply source DS Beverage sensor (first sensor)
GS gas sensor (second sensor)
V1 first valve V2 second valve V3 third valve

Claims

A first fluid inlet connected to a gas source;
A second fluid inlet connected to the cleaning liquid supply;
A first fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet and connected to a fluid inlet of a dispense head mounted on a beverage container;
A first flow path connecting the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet;
A second flow path connecting the second fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet;
A first valve provided in the first flow path,
A second valve provided in the second flow path;
A third fluid inlet connected to a fluid outlet of the dispense head;
A second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the third fluid inlet and connected to a beverage server;
A third flow path connecting the third fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet;
A third valve provided in the third flow path,
A processor in communication with the first valve, the second valve and the third valve;
Equipped with
The processor is
A beverage delivery mode for providing a beverage, comprising delivering gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve;
A cleaning mode for cleaning the beverage server, comprising supplying cleaning liquid from the first fluid outlet by opening the second valve,
In the beverage supply mode, the processor
When the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined first period or longer without executing the cleaning mode, the third valve is closed to wash the beverage for a period equal to or longer than the predetermined first period. Activates a supply limiting function for limiting the supply of the beverage from the beverage server which is not
Beverage server cleaning device configured as.
A first sensor for detecting the presence of a beverage in the third channel, a beverage detection state in which the beverage is detected, and a beverage non-detection in which the beverage is not detected Further comprising a first sensor having a state
In the beverage supply mode, the processor
When the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state, the third valve is closed to activate a splash prevention function for preventing the gas from spouting from the beverage server. ,
The cleaning device for a beverage server according to claim 1, which is configured as described above.
In the beverage supply mode, the processor
When the beverage supply mode is maintained for a predetermined second period or longer without the splash prevention function being activated, the third valve is closed to replace the beverage for a period of the predetermined second period or longer. Not activate the expiration prevention function to prevent the beverage from being supplied from the beverage container,
The cleaning device for a beverage server according to claim 2, which is configured as described above.
In the wash mode, the processor
Supplying gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve;
When supplying the gas from the first fluid outlet, when the first sensor switches from the beverage detection state to the beverage non-detection state for a predetermined third period, the second sensor Supplying a cleaning liquid from the first fluid outlet by opening a valve,
The second valve is not opened when the first sensor maintains the beverage detection state during the third period while supplying the gas from the first fluid outlet,
The cleaning device for a beverage server according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured as described above.
A second sensor for detecting that the gas is flowing in the first flow path, the gas flow detection state in which the gas is flowing, and the gas flowing Further comprising a second sensor having a gas flow non-detection state in which it is not detected that
In the wash mode, the processor
Supplying gas from the first fluid outlet by opening the first valve after supplying the cleaning liquid,
When supplying the gas from the first fluid outlet, an error is generated when the second sensor switches from the gas flow detection state to the gas flow non-detection state during a predetermined fourth period. Notice,
The beverage server cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured as described above.