WO2021132671A1

WO2021132671A1 - Cleaning device for beverage supply system

Info

Publication number: WO2021132671A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/049000
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: 2019-12-26
Filing date: 2020-12-25
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Also published as: CN114728778A; JP2021104810A; KR20220097526A; JP7349905B2

Abstract

Provided is a cleaning device for a beverage supply system (1, 1'), the cleaning device including: a dispense head (50) that has a fluid outlet (52) and a fluid inlet (51); a gas supply path (60) that connects a gas supply source (10) and the fluid inlet; a gas on-off valve (61) that opens and closes the gas supply path; a water supply path (90) that connects a water supply source (100) and the fluid inlet; a water on-off valve (91) that opens and closes the water supply path; a pressure sensor (44) that detects the pressure of the gas supply path on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve; and a control device (80) that controls the gas on-off valve and the water on-off valve. The dispense head is configured so as to be manually switched between a first state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are communicated with each other via the inside of a beverage storage container and a second state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are directly communicated with each other. The control device detects an improper operation of a user of the beverage supply system on the basis of an output from the pressure sensor.

Description

Beverage supply system cleaning equipment

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

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 (for example, Japanese Patent Application 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 from a beverage dispenser into a container (glass or the like).

However, after the beverage supply by the beverage supply system is completed, the beverage is left in the beverage flow path. The remaining beverage may cause deterioration of the beverage, propagation of microorganisms, and the like. Therefore, in order to prevent the taste of the beverage from being deteriorated, the beverage supply system is regularly washed.

However, when cleaning the beverage supply system, the user of the beverage supply system may perform an operation different from the normal procedure, and the beverage supply system may not be properly cleaned. For example, when a dispense head as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-36221 is used, cleaning is started with the fluid inlet of the dispense head and the inside of the beverage container communicating with each other due to an erroneous operation by the user. Then, the washing water is mixed with the beverage in the beverage storage container.

Also, if the tap remains closed during cleaning of the beverage supply system due to an erroneous operation by the user, the flow of the washing water is blocked by the tap, and the beverage left in the beverage flow path is not discharged.

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

The gist of this disclosure is as follows.

(1) A cleaning device for a beverage supply system that supplies a fluid transferred from a beverage storage container through a beverage transfer path to the outside from a tap of a beverage dispenser, which is attached to the beverage storage container and is attached to the beverage transfer path. A dispense head having a connected fluid outlet and a fluid inlet, a gas supply path connecting the gas supply source and the fluid inlet, a gas on-off valve for opening and closing the gas supply path, and a water supply source. A water supply path connecting the fluid and the fluid inlet, a water on-off valve for opening and closing the water supply path, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the gas supply path on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve, and the gas. The dispense head includes an on-off valve and a control device for controlling the water on-off valve, and the dispense head has at least a first state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are communicated with each other through the inside of the beverage storage container. The controller is configured to be manually switched between a second state of direct communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the controller being erroneously operated by the user of the beverage supply system based on the output of the pressure sensor. The cleaning device of the beverage supply system to detect.

(2) The control device changes the gas on-off valve from the valve-opened state to the valve-closed state when the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system, and the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state. When the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the tap is closed, and the cleaning of the beverage supply system according to the above (1) is performed. apparatus.

(3) In the control device, the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state is larger than the first threshold value and equal to or lower than the second threshold value. The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to (2) above, which determines that the dispense head is in the first state in some cases.

(4) The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to (2) or (3) above, wherein the control device maintains the water on-off valve in a 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 executing the water discharge control, opens and closes the gas. When the valve is closed and 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 the third threshold value, it is determined that the tap is closed. The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to any one of (4) to (4).

(6) 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 reduces the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein when the amount is larger than the fourth threshold value, it is determined that the tap is open.

(7) The method according to 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 the erroneous operation is detected. Beverage supply system cleaning equipment.

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

(9) 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 the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed. The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to (8) above, which stops the end alarm sound when the amount of decrease in the amount of gas is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value.

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 washed.

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

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, similar components are given the same reference numbers.

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

<Beverage supply system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a beverage supply system 1 to which a cleaning device of the beverage supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The beverage supply system 1 includes a gas supply source 10, a beverage storage container 20, a beverage dispenser 30, a dispense 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 storage container 20 through the beverage transfer path 70 by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 from the beverage dispenser 30 to the outside. 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 a container.

The gas supply path 60 connects the gas supply source 10 and the dispense head 50. The gas supply path 60 is configured, for example, as a gas supply hose and is made of various materials capable of withstanding gas pressure (eg, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)). , Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.).

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

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

The gas supply source 10 supplies gas 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 source 10 is configured as, for example, a gas cylinder. The gas supply source 10 is connected to the gas supply path 60, and the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 is supplied to the beverage container 20 through the gas supply path 60.

Beverage storage container 20 stores beverages. For example, the beverage storage container 20 stores effervescent beverages. Effervescent beverages include beer, beer-like alcoholic beverages, beer-taste beverages, chuhai, whiskey-containing beverages (whiskey, highballs, etc.), carbonated juices, and the like. Beer-like alcoholic beverages include low-malt beer, low-malt beer-flavored low-malt beer (so-called third beer) produced from raw materials other than malt, or mixed with low-malt beer and wheat-derived alcoholic beverage. Beer-taste beverages include non-alcoholic beer and the like. The beverage storage container 20 is configured as, for example, a beverage barrel for accommodating effervescent beverages.

The beverage storage container 20 may store non-sparkling beverages. Non-sparkling beverages include coffee, wine and the like.

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

The dispense head 50 is attached to the beverage storage container 20, specifically, the spear valve of the beverage storage 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 passage 60, and the gas supply passage 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 gas pushes down the liquid level of the beverage. As a result, the beverage rises through the spear valve and is pushed out of the beverage storage container 20 into the beverage transfer path 70 via the fluid outlet 52.

The beverage dispenser 30 supplies the beverage transferred from the beverage storage container 20 by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10 to the outside (outside of the beverage dispenser 30). FIG. 1 shows the beverage dispenser 30 with the cover removed. The beverage dispenser 30 includes a coiled beverage introduction pipe 31, a tap 32, a cooling water tank 33, and a cooling device 34.

One end of the beverage introduction pipe 31 is connected to the beverage transfer path 70, and the other end of the beverage introduction pipe 31 is connected to the tap 32. The beverage transferred from the beverage storage container 20 reaches the tap 32 through the beverage introduction pipe 31. At this time, when the handle 321 of the tap 32 is operated by the user (for example, the handle 321 is pulled toward the front), the tap 32 is opened and the beverage is poured from the tap 32 into the container (mug, glass, etc.) installed by the user. It comes off. Therefore, the beverage supply system 1 supplies the beverage from the tap 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 coiled refrigerant flow pipe 35, and a stirrer 36. The cooling device 34 generates ice around the refrigerant flow pipe 35 by the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator to the refrigerant flow pipe 35, and cools the water in the cooling water tank 33 by 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. The beverage transferred to the beverage dispenser 30 is cooled by the cooling water in the cooling water tank 33 when passing through the beverage introduction pipe 31. Therefore, 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 storage container 20 is at room temperature.

<Beverage supply system cleaning device>
After the beverage supply by the beverage supply system 1 is completed, the beverage is left in the beverage flow path. The remaining beverage causes deterioration of the beverage, propagation of microorganisms, and the like. Therefore, in order to prevent the taste of the beverage from deteriorating, it is necessary to periodically wash the beverage supply system 1.

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

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

The cleaning device includes a control box 40, a dispense 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 arranged in the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40.

The fluid inlet 51 of the dispense head 50 is connected to the water supply passage 90, and the water supply passage 90 connects the water supply source 100 that supplies water and the fluid inlet 51. A water pressure reducing valve 110 is provided in the water supply path 90, and the pressure of the water supplied from the water supply source 100 is adjusted by the water pressure reducing valve 110. The water supply source 100 is configured as, for example, a tap. The water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 via the dispense head 50 is used as a cleaning liquid.

The gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 are integrated into one common flow path in the control box 40, and are connected to the dispense head 50 via the common flow path. The gas supply path 60 is connected to the control box 40 via the first joint 41. The first joint 41 functions 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 joint 42 functions as a water 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 third joint 43. The third joint 43 functions as a fluid outlet of the control box 40. The gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 may be separately connected to the fluid inlet 51 of the dispense head 50.

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

The dispense head 50 is in the first state in which the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 communicate with each other via the inside of the beverage storage container 20 when the operating lever 53 is in the lower position. That is, the dispense head 50 connects the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 via the inside of the beverage storage container 20 when the operating lever 53 is in the lower position. Therefore, when the beverage in the beverage storage 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 to the lower position by the user.

The dispense head 50 is in the second state in which the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52 are directly communicated with each other when the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position. That is, the dispense head 50 directly connects the gas supply path 60 and the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 when the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position. In this case, the inside of the beverage container 20 is blocked from the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52. Therefore, when water is supplied from the water supply source 100 to the beverage transfer path 70, that is, when the beverage supply system 1 is washed, the position of the operation lever 53 is set to an intermediate position by the user. This makes it possible to prevent water from being mixed into the beverage in the beverage storage container 20 when the beverage supply system 1 is washed.

The dispense head 50 is in a third state in which the fluid inlet 51, the inside of the beverage container 20 and the fluid outlet 52 are blocked from each other when the operating lever 53 is in the upper position. That is, the dispense head 50 does not connect 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 operating lever 53 is in the upper position. Therefore, when the beverage contained 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. This makes it possible to prevent gas leakage when the beverage container 20 is replaced.

Therefore, the dispense head 50 is configured to be manually switched between the first state, the second state, and the third state. As a result, the beverage supply system 1 can be cleaned even when the dispense head 50 is attached to the beverage storage container 20, and the user's labor for cleaning can be reduced.

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device 80 of FIG. 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 a signal line. The control device 80 is configured as, for example, a microcomputer or a sequencer.

The memory 81 has, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory (for example, RAM) and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (for example, ROM). The memory 81 stores a program 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 (for example, 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) and executes various processes.

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

The gas on-off valve 61 is arranged in the gas supply path 60 and opens and closes the gas supply path 60. The gas on-off valve 61 is 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, a solenoid valve.

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

The water on-off valve 91 is arranged in the water supply path 90 and opens and closes the water supply path 90. The water on-off valve 91 is 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 arranged in the water supply path 90 to prevent backflow of water (flow to the water supply source 100). In the present embodiment, the water check valve 92 is arranged in the water supply path 90 on the downstream side of the water on-off valve 91.

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

The pressure sensor 44 is arranged in the gas supply path 60 on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve 61, and detects the pressure in 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 arranged 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 the output of the pressure sensor 44 is input to the control device 80. The pressure sensor 44 may be arranged 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. Further, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, the user operates the handle 321 to open the tap 32 so that the water that has washed the flow path of the beverage is discharged from the tap 32. However, when cleaning the beverage supply system 1, the user may perform an operation different from the normal procedure, and the beverage supply system 1 may not be 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 the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system 1, 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 in the gas supply path 60 is increased by the gas supplied from the gas supply source 10. After that, the gas on-off 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 is discharged from the tap 32 to the atmosphere. Then, the pressure in the gas supply path 60 drops to the vicinity of the atmospheric pressure.

Therefore, the control device 80 changes the gas on-off valve 61 from the valve-opened state to the closed state when the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system 1, and the gas on-off valve 61 is maintained in the closed state. When the amount of decrease in pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the tap 32 is closed. The first threshold value is predetermined based on the experimental results and the like. The first threshold value may be zero. That is, the control device 80 closes the tap 32 when the amount of decrease in the pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is zero while the gas on-off valve 61 is maintained in the closed state. It may be determined that it is.

Also, even if the tap 32 is properly opened by the user for cleaning the beverage supply system 1, the operating lever 53 of the dispense head 50 may not be properly operated and the dispense head 50 may be in the first state. Absent. When the dispense 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 pressure in the gas supply path 60 is increased due to the influence of the internal pressure of the beverage container 20. It does not drop to the vicinity of atmospheric pressure. That is, the amount of decrease in pressure in the gas supply path 60 becomes small.

Therefore, the control device 80 changes the gas on-off valve 61 from the valve-opened state to the closed state when the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system 1, and the gas on-off valve 61 is maintained in the closed state. When the amount of decrease in pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value, the dispens head 50 is determined to be in the first state. The second threshold value is predetermined based on the experimental results and the like, and is set to a value larger than the first threshold value.

Further, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 while the tap 32 is determined to be closed or the dispense head 50 is determined to be in the first state, that is, while the user's erroneous operation is detected. Maintain the valve state. This makes it possible to prevent wasting water due to erroneous operation and mixing water into the beverage.

Further, when the control device 80 detects an erroneous operation by the user, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning. As a result, the user can be made aware of the erroneous operation, and the user can be urged to perform cleaning in the correct procedure.

<Washing process>
Hereinafter, the above-mentioned control will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control routine of the 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 or not the cleaning mode has been selected by the user. When requesting cleaning of the beverage supply system 1, the user selects a cleaning mode via an input device. The input device is electrically connected to the control device 80 and is configured as, for example, a button 49 (see 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 has not been selected, the control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the cleaning mode has been selected, the control routine proceeds to step S102. At this time, the gas on-off valve 61 is maintained in the open state because it is not energized. 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 or not the amount of decrease in pressure ΔP of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is larger than the second threshold value TH2. If it is determined that the pressure decrease amount ΔP is larger than the second threshold value TH2, the control routine proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the control device 80 cleans the beverage supply system 1. For example, the control device 80 opens the water on-off valve 91 and closes the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time so that water is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 for a predetermined time. 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 time. After step S109, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the pressure drop amount ΔP 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 or not the pressure drop amount ΔP is larger than the first threshold value TH1. The first threshold value TH1 is a value smaller than the second threshold value Th2.

If it is determined in step S104 that the pressure drop amount ΔP 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 dispense head 50 is in the first state, and detects an erroneous operation by the user.

Next, 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 time. This notifies the user that an erroneous operation has been performed. After step S107, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the pressure drop amount ΔP 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 or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the gas on-off valve 61 was closed in step S102. The predetermined time is predetermined in consideration of the time required for the user to open the tap 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 tap 32 is closed, and detects an erroneous operation by the user.

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

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

When the beverage supply system 1 is washed with water as described above, water is left in the beverage flow path after washing. Therefore, in order to keep the flow path of the beverage cleaner, it is desirable to quickly drain the remaining water. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the remaining water is discharged from the tap 32 by continuously supplying the gas to the flow path of the beverage at the end of the cleaning of the beverage supply system 1.

Specifically, the control device 80 executes water discharge control for closing the water on-off valve 91 and opening the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time at the end of cleaning of the beverage supply system 1. As a result, the water left in the beverage channel can be quickly discharged, and thus the beverage channel can be kept cleaner.

However, if the tap 32 is closed due to an erroneous operation by the user during execution of the water discharge control, the gas flow is blocked by the tap 32 and the water discharge is hindered. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is confirmed that the tap 32 is opened by closing the gas on-off valve 61 after executing the water discharge control. When the tap 32 is normally opened, the pressure in the gas supply path 60 drops to the vicinity of atmospheric pressure when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed.

Therefore, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 after executing the water discharge control, and the amount of decrease in the pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed is the third threshold value. If the following, it is determined that the tap 32 is closed. The third threshold value is predetermined based on the experimental results and the like. The third threshold value may be the same value as the first threshold value. Further, the third threshold value may be zero. That is, even if the control device determines that the tap 32 is closed when the amount of decrease in the pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed is zero. Good.

On the other hand, the control device 80 warns when the amount of decrease in pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed after executing the water discharge control is larger than the third threshold value. The device 45 is made to output the end alarm sound. As a result, the user can be made aware that the cleaning of the beverage supply system 1 has been normally completed, and the user can be urged to close the tap 32. For example, the end alarm sound has a volume lower than the warning sound or a frequency lower than the warning sound.

However, there is a risk that the user forgets to close the tap 32 and gas leaks from the tap 32 when the gas on-off valve 61 is opened. Therefore, it is confirmed that the tap 32 is closed by opening and closing the gas on-off valve 61 after cleaning the beverage supply system 1. When the tap 32 is normally closed, the pressure in the gas supply path 60 hardly drops when the gas on-off valve 61 is opened and closed.

Therefore, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and opens and closes the gas on-off valve 61 after cleaning the beverage supply system 1, and the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 when the gas on-off valve 61 is opened and closed. When the amount of decrease in pressure is larger than the fourth threshold value, it is determined that the tap 32 is open. The fourth threshold value is predetermined based on the experimental results and the like. The fourth threshold value may be the same value as the first threshold value. Further, the fourth threshold value may be zero. The control device may determine that the tap 32 is open when the pressure in the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 drops when the gas on-off valve 61 is closed.

On the other hand, when the control device 80 opens and closes the gas on-off valve 61 and the amount of decrease in the pressure of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, the control device 80 determines that the tap 32 is closed. Judge and stop the end alarm sound. In other words, the control device 80 makes a termination alarm sound to the warning device 45 until the amount of decrease in the pressure 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 value. Continue to output. This makes it possible for the user to recognize that the tap 32 is open, and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the tap 32 is left open.

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

Since steps S201 to S209 are the same as steps S101 to S109 of FIG. 4, the description thereof will be omitted. In this control routine, after step S209, the termination process shown in FIG. 6 is executed in step S210.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control routine for termination 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 and opens the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time. In the present 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 time. The predetermined time is predetermined in consideration of the time required for discharging water by 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 or not the amount of decrease in pressure ΔP of the gas supply path 60 detected by the pressure sensor 44 is larger than the third threshold value. If it is determined that the pressure decrease amount ΔP is larger 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 a termination 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 whether or not the amount of decrease in pressure 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 larger than the fourth threshold value TH4. judge. When it is determined that the pressure decrease 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 tap 32 is closed, and stops the end alarm sound. After step S307, the control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the pressure drop amount ΔP 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 tap 32 is closed, and detects an erroneous operation by the user.

Next, in step S310, the control device 80 causes the warning device 45 to output a warning in the same manner as in step S107 of FIG. After step S310, the control routine ends.

If it is determined in step S306 that the pressure drop amount ΔP is larger than the fourth threshold value TH4, the control routine proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the control device 80 determines that the tap 32 is open and detects an erroneous operation by the user. After step S308, the control routine returns to step S304, and the output of the end alarm sound is continued.

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

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

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a beverage supply system 1'to which the cleaning device of the beverage supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 7 shows the inside of the control box 40 as in 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 capacitance type sensor 48. These are arranged in the control box 40 and hidden from the outside by the control box 40.

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

The capacitance type sensor 48 is arranged in the beverage transfer path 70 and detects the presence or absence of beverage in the beverage transfer path 70. The capacitance type sensor 48 is a so-called non-contact type sensor, and is attached around, for example, a beverage transfer path 70. Therefore, the capacitance type sensor 48 can detect the state in the beverage transfer path 70 without coming into contact with the beverage in the beverage transfer path 70. This makes it possible to prevent the beverage from being contaminated by the sensor in the beverage transfer path 70.

Conventionally, in the cleaning of the beverage supply system 1', it has been considered that the cleaning power is enhanced by supplying a large amount of water at one time. On the other hand, as a result of diligent studies, the inventor of the present application has found that the detergency is enhanced by increasing the linear velocity of water to increase the energy of water. In order to increase the linear velocity of water, it is necessary to reduce the amount of water supplied at one time. However, when the amount of water is small, water cannot flow into the beverage transfer path 70 due to the resistance in the beverage transfer path 70.

Therefore, in the present 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 closes the gas on-off valve 61 and opens the water on-off valve 91 so that a reference amount of water is supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70, and gas for a predetermined time. Water bullet control is performed by alternately repeating opening the on-off valve 61 and closing the water on-off valve 91.

In the water bullet control, water and gas are intermittently supplied to the beverage transfer path 70, and so-called water bullet cleaning is performed. At this time, since the gas functions to push out water, a small amount of water can flow into the beverage transfer path 70. Therefore, the linear velocity of water can be increased, and the flow path of the beverage of the beverage supply system 1'can be efficiently cleaned with high detergency.

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 bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 47, so that the estimated value reaches the reference amount. Controls the gas on-off valve 61 and the water on-off valve 91. That is, the control device 80 closes the gas on-off valve 61 and opens the water on-off valve 91 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 in the water bullet control. In other words, the control device 80 closes the water on-off valve 91 and the gas on-off valve 61 when the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 reaches the reference amount in the water bullet control. open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the amount of water supplied to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control from fluctuating due to a change in water pressure or the like, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in detergency in the water bullet control. Can be done.

However, if the tap 32 is closed due to a user's erroneous operation during the water bullet control, the flow of water is blocked by the tap 32, and the water supply amount does not reach the reference amount. Therefore, the control device 80 taps when the time required for the estimated value of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 to reach the reference amount in the water bullet control is longer than a predetermined time. It is determined that 32 is closed, and an erroneous operation by the user is detected.

Further, when the dispense head 50 is in the first state due to an erroneous operation by the user during the water bullet control, the beverage is supplied to the beverage transfer path 70. Therefore, when the capacitance type sensor 48 detects the beverage during the water bullet control, the control device 80 determines that the dispense head 50 is in the first state and detects an erroneous operation by the user.

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

Since steps S401 to S408 are the same as steps S101 to S108 of FIG. 4, the description thereof will be omitted. In this control routine, when it is determined in step S403 that the pressure drop amount ΔP is larger than the second threshold value TH2, the water bullet control shown in FIG. 9 is executed in step S409.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control routine for water bullet control. First, in step S501, the control device 80 determines whether or not the capacitive sensor 48 has detected the beverage. If it is determined that the capacitive sensor 48 has detected a beverage, the control routine proceeds to step S509.

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

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the capacitive sensor 48 did not detect the 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 the present 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 calculates an estimated value EA of the amount of water supplied from the water supply path 90 to the beverage transfer path 70 in the water bullet control based on the output of the flow rate sensor 47. Specifically, the control device 80 calculates the estimated value EA of the amount of water by integrating the flow rate of water detected by the flow rate sensor 47.

Next, in step S505, the control device 80 determines whether or not 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 the experimental results and the like so as to increase the detergency. If it is determined that the estimated water amount EA is less than the reference amount A, the control routine proceeds to step S510.

In step S510, the control device 80 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the water on-off valve 91 was opened and the gas on-off valve 61 was closed 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 tap 32 is closed, and causes the warning device 45 to output a warning in the same manner as in step S107 of FIG. After step S511, the control routine ends.

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 and opens the gas on-off valve 61 for a predetermined time. In the present 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 time. The predetermined time is predetermined based on the experimental results and the like so as to increase the detergency.

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 this control routine is started is zero.

Next, in step S508, the control device 80 determines whether or not the number of executions N is equal to or greater than the threshold number of times 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, water bullet control is continued.

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

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

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

Further, the control device 80 may perform a 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 bullet control. As a result, the bubbles of the beverage left in the beverage transfer path 70 are washed away, so that the cleaning effect of the water bullet control can be further enhanced.

<Other Embodiments>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the beverage dispenser 30 does not have to be configured to cool the beverage transferred from the beverage storage container 20. In this case, the beverage dispenser 30 may be composed of only the tap 32.

Further, in the dispense head 50, the correspondence between the position of the operation lever 53 and the state of the dispense head 50 may be different. For example, the dispense head 50 may be configured to be in the first state when the operating lever 53 is in the intermediate position. Further, the state of the dispense head 50 may be switched by a rotation operation of the operation lever 53 or the like. Further, the dispense 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 supply of gas into the beverage container 20 is stopped by, for example, closing the main plug of the gas supply source 10.

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

Further, the warning device 45 may be configured as a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and may output a warning message as a warning. In this case, the warning device 45 is arranged on the outer surface of the control box 40, and the control device is arranged in step S107 of 4, step S207 of FIG. 5, step S310 of FIG. 6, step S407 of FIG. 8, and steps S509 and S511 of FIG. The 80 causes, for example, the warning device 45 to output a warning message for a predetermined time.

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

Further, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in any combination. When the second embodiment and the third embodiment are combined, the end processing of step S210 of FIG. 5 is executed after step S409 in the control routine of FIG.

1, 1'Beverage supply system 10 Gas supply source 20 Beverage storage container 30 Beverage dispenser 32 Tap 44 Pressure sensor 50 Dispens head 51 Fluid inlet 52 Fluid outlet 60 Gas supply path 61 Gas on-off valve 70 Beverage transfer path 80 Control device 90 Water supply path 91 Water on-off valve 100 Water supply source

Claims

A cleaning device for a beverage supply system that supplies beverages transferred from a beverage storage container through a beverage transfer path to the outside from a tap of a beverage dispenser.
A dispense head mounted on the beverage container and having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet connected to the beverage transfer path.
A gas supply path connecting the gas supply source and the fluid inlet,
A gas on-off valve that opens and closes the gas supply path,
A water supply path connecting the water supply source and the fluid inlet,
A water on-off valve that opens and closes the water supply path,
A pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the gas supply path on the downstream side of the gas on-off valve, and
The gas on-off valve and the control device for controlling the water on-off valve are provided.
The dispense head has at least a first state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are communicated with each other through the inside of the beverage container, and a second state in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are directly communicated with each other. Configured to be manually switched between states
The control device is a cleaning device for a beverage supply system that detects an erroneous operation by a user of the beverage supply system based on the output of the pressure sensor.
The control device changes the gas on-off valve from an open state to a closed state when the user requests cleaning of the beverage supply system, and the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the tap is closed.
The control device is used when the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor while the gas on-off valve is maintained in the closed state is larger than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value. The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to claim 2, wherein the dispense head is determined to be in the first state.
The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control device maintains the water on-off valve in a closed state while detecting the erroneous operation.
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 closes the gas on-off valve after executing the water discharge control. 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 the third threshold value, it is determined that the tap is closed. The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to item 1.
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 the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed is the first. 4. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein if it is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the tap is open.
Equipped with a warning device that outputs a warning
The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device outputs a warning to the warning device when the erroneous operation is detected.
Equipped with a warning device that outputs a warning
The control device ends the warning device when the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is closed after the execution of the water discharge control is larger than the third threshold value. The cleaning device for a beverage supply system according to claim 5, which outputs an alarm sound.
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 the amount of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor when the gas on-off valve is opened and closed. The cleaning device for the beverage supply system according to claim 8, wherein when is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, the end alarm sound is stopped.