JPH04102300U - Liquid shortage detection device for beverage dispensing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] In a beverage dispensing device that dispenses beverages such as beer or juice packed in a container into mugs, cups, etc. using a dispenser, it is possible to To obtain an accurate detection operation when a container and a dispenser are connected without hindrance to piping work of a conduit communicating with a container and at a low cost. [Configuration] Tube 70 made of insulating material such as synthetic resin
Joint pipes 71 and 72 made of a conductive material such as a metal material are connected integrally or integrally to both ends in the axial direction, respectively, and a control circuit such as a solenoid valve or an alarm is connected to the connecting pipes 71 and 72. Each connection terminal 75 between the positive side and the negative side of
76 is distributed and connected to configure a detector a, and the detector a
Connecting pipes 71 and 72 are connected in the middle of a pipe line 4 that communicates between a container 3 filled with a beverage and a dispenser 1 that dispenses the beverage.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This invention allows beverages such as beer filled in containers such as kegs at beer halls etc. A beverage dispensing device that dispenses liquids into mugs, etc. from a dispenser installed on a counter, etc. and sells them. to notify you when the beverage container is empty. The present invention relates to a liquid shortage detection device in a beverage dispensing device used for.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Dispensing beer and other beverages into mugs, cups, etc. and selling them at beer halls, etc. When talking about beer, a beverage dispensing device is usually as shown in FIG. Containers 3 and 3 in which beer is packed are located below the counter 2 where the dispenser 1 is installed. are placed side by side in two series and connected by a communication pipe 40, and one of the containers 3- 1 is connected to the dispenser 1 on the counter 2 via the cooler 5 through the communication pipes 41 and 42. Then, the pressure in the other container 3-2 is slightly higher than that in the one container A, and a pressurized cylinder is applied to the other container 3-2. 6, and the beer in one container 3-1 is poured into a mug from the dispenser 1. When the beer is dispensed from the other container 3-2 to the other container 3-2, the reduced amount of beer is transferred from the other container 3-2 to one container. As a result, one container 3-1 is always filled with beer. the other container 3-2 so that the amount of beverage in the other container 3-2 decreases. Ru. When this other container 3-2 becomes empty, the other container 3-2 becomes empty. I am trying to replace container 3-2 with a new one.

0003 Containers 3 and 3 usually have a capacity of about 20 cubic meters, and it takes some effort to replace them with new containers. Even if it takes a while, beer can be supplied from one container 3-1 to the dispenser 1 during that time. With this supply, beer can be continued to be dispensed from the dispenser 1 without any problem.

0004 Therefore, the other container 3-2, which is the spare side of the containers 3 and 3 placed side by side in two series, is As long as you replace it when it's empty, one container 3-1 will always be full. Beer can now be dispensed from the dispenser 1 while maintaining the same state.

[0005] By the way, in the past, the detection of the empty state of the spare side container 3-2 was as follows. Count the number of times beer is taken out from dispenser 1, and then count the number of times beer is removed from dispenser 1 until the reserve container B is empty. It is detected by checking the time when the container 3-2 is exposed and tapping the container 3-2. Accurate detection means are not used.

[0006]

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

When taking out a fixed amount of beverage from a container filled with beverage, the beverage in the container becomes empty. To automatically detect when the beverage is All you have to do is install a flow meter in the pipe line to be taken out, but in the former case, the container is empty. From replacing the beverage with a new one when it is used. , all containers filled with beverages must be equipped with level gauges, and When replacing the level gauge, set up the electrical circuit that connects the level gauge and control box. There are some troublesome problems that need to be reworked. In the latter case, the pipe The cost of the flow meter itself is high, and there are problems that make piping work difficult. There is a problem.

[0007] This invention was made to solve these problems that occur with conventional means. Beverages packed in containers are sold by dispensing them into mugs, cups, etc. Automatically and accurately detect when a container is empty when selling It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for providing a simple configuration at low cost.

[0008]

[Means to solve the problem]

In this invention, as a means to achieve this purpose, synthetic resin etc. At both axial ends of the tube made of insulating material, conductive material such as metal The connecting pipes are connected integrally or integrally, and the connecting pipes are equipped with a solenoid valve or Distribute and connect the positive and negative terminals of the control circuit of the alarm, etc. Configure a detector and connect the connecting tube of the detector to the container filled with beverage and dispense the beverage. The pipe is connected in the middle of the pipe line that communicates with the dispenser to be used. It is characterized by being able to detect the lack of liquid in the beverage container based on the presence or absence of liquid in the container. This invention proposes a liquid shortage detection device in a beverage dispensing device.

[0009]

【Example】

Next, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that drawing symbols refer to component parts with the same effect. shall use the same symbols as those of the previous means.

0010 FIG. 2 is a front view of a beverage dispensing device that can implement the present invention, and in the same figure, 1 is a dispenser. , 2 is a counter, 3 is a container filled with beverage, 4 is the container 3 and the aforementioned dispenser 1 5 is a cooler for cooling beverages connected in the middle of the pipe 4, 6 is a container. Pressurized gas (usually carbon dioxide gas) is placed in the container 3 to push the beverage in the container 3 toward the dispenser 1 side. The pressurized cylinder that sends the gas, a indicates the detector.

[0011] Dispenser 1 is installed on the top of a counter 2, etc. for drinking beer etc. It is a normal draft that measures the amount of material in fixed amounts,

As shown in FIG. 5, the container body 10 is By operating the switch S provided on the upper part of the front side, the solenoid valve provided inside the container body 10 can be activated. The valve is opened for a certain period of time, and a certain amount of beverage is delivered to the front side of the container 10 at an intermediate position between the upper and lower sides. Discharge from a nozzle 11 provided at a position, and place it below the nozzle 11 in advance. It is in a form that allows it to be dispensed into jugs or cups.

0012 The containers 3 are ordinary beer barrels with a capacity of 20 ft, and are arranged in two rows. So The first container 3-1 and the second container 3-2 are connected via a communication pipe 40. In addition, the first container 3-1 communicates with the cooler 5 via the communication pipe 41, and the cooler 5 communicates with the cooler 5 through the communication pipe 41. It communicates with the dispenser 1 via the passage tube 42, thereby allowing the first container 3-1 and The second containers 3-2 are connected in series, and a communication pipe 40, a communication pipe 41, a communication pipe 42, etc. It communicates with the dispenser 1 via a conduit 4 consisting of: The communication pipe 40 of the pipe line 4 and the container 3 The connection is made by a coupling 4a.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cooler 5 has an inlet (not shown) from the communication pipe 41. (not shown) is connected to the outlet (not shown) through a serpentine pipe inside the container. The liquid is discharged into the communication pipe 42, and while it flows through the corrugated pipe inside the container, it is heated by a refrigerator installed in the container. This is a type of cooling system.

[0014] The pressurized cylinder 6 is a normal cylinder filled with high-pressure carbon dioxide gas. , communicates with the second container 3-2 via the pressure regulator 60 and the tube 61, and the container A predetermined pressure is sent into the first container 3-2 through the communication pipe 40. It is designed to pressurize the inside.

[0015] As shown in Figure 6, detector a is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin with the inner diameter A tube 70 corresponding to the inner diameter of the communication tube 40 is formed to a desired length, and Connection pipes formed from an electrically conductive material such as a metal material are provided at both ends of the tube 70 in the axial direction. 71 and 72 are integrally or integrally connected by screwing or insert molding, These electrically conductive connecting pipes 71 and 72 are assembled into the container 10 of the dispenser 1 described above. The positive and negative side extraction cords of the control circuit for the buzzer or warning light 12 By distributing and assembling the connection terminals 75 and 76 for connecting 73 and 74, It is configured.

[0016] Then, this detector a is connected to the first container 3-1 and the second container 3-2 described above. In the middle of the continuous communication pipe 40, an energizer is provided at both ends of the tube 70 of the detector a. Connected by connecting pipes 71 and 72 made of stainless steel material, and connected to the connecting pipes 71 and 72. Connect the provided connection terminals 75 and 76 to the container of the dispenser 1 using the pull-out cords 73 and 74. A control circuit (not shown) built into the body 10 includes a connection terminal 75 and a connection terminal 76. The buzzer installed in the container 10 of the dispenser 1 or is connected so that the warning light 12 is turned on.

[0017] As a result, when taking out the beverage from the dispenser 1, the beverage remains in the second container 3-2. For a while, the beverage is exposed to high pressure gas in the pressurized cylinder 6, which is placed in the second container 3-2. By filling the communication pipe 40 with the pressure of Connecting terminals provided on the connecting tubes 71 and 72 at both ends of the tube 70 of the detector a 75 and the connection terminal 76 are maintained in an energized state, and the beverage in the second container 3-2 is When the tube 70 of the detector a installed in the middle of the communication pipe 40 is empty, there is no beverage. Then, the power supply between the connection terminal 75 and the connection terminal 76 of the detector a is turned off. A buzzer or warning light 12 is activated.

[0018] Therefore, the beverage in the second container 3-2 becomes empty and the beverage remains in the communication pipe 40. If this happens, the buzzer or warning light 12 will activate to notify you of this. I started to let people do it.

[0019] Next, FIG. 7 shows another embodiment. In this example, the number of containers 3 is one, and the dispensing This is an example of a beverage dispensing device in which the container 1 is in the form of a faucet. A dispenser, 3 is a container in which the beverage is filled, 4 is a pipe line that communicates the dispenser 1 and the container 3, 6 is a pressurized cylinder, a is a detector installed in pipe line 4, and SV always maintains the open position and closes the valve. A solenoid valve that shuts off the supply of beverage to the dispenser 1 by valve operation; 8 is the solenoid valve S; A controller that controls the operation of V by the detection operation of the aforementioned detector a. Boxes 80 and 81 are solenoid valves S installed in the controller box 8. A connection cord connects the drive circuit of V and the terminal pole of the solenoid valve SV, 82 is a power cord , 75 and 76 are the connection terminals of the detector a, and 73 and 74 are the connection terminals 75 and 76. A pull-out cord connecting to the control circuit inside the controller box 8 described above is shown.

[0020] The dispenser 1 has a faucet shape that dispenses beverage by manually rotating the cock 1a. It is in a formed form.

[0021] Container 3 is a normal bottle filled with drinks such as juice, and Beverage is delivered to the dispenser 1 via the pipe line 4 under the pressure of the pressurized gas supplied from the pressurized cylinder 6. It is in the form in which it will be supplied.

[0022] Detector a has the structure shown in FIG. 5 above, and connects container 3 and dispenser 1. It is incorporated in the middle of the conduit 4 passing through, as in the previous embodiment.

[0023] Then, this detector a detects when there is no beverage in the pipe line 4 and the beverage in the container 3 is empty. When the detection is activated, that is, the connection between the connection terminal 75 and the connection terminal 76 When the power supply through the beverage is turned off, the controller board is activated by the detection signal. The drive circuit for the solenoid valve SV built into the box 8 closes the solenoid valve SV. is connected to the control circuit of the solenoid valve SV.

[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, the detector a detects that the beverage in the container 3 is empty. When this occurs, the pipe line 4 that supplies the beverage to the dispenser 1 is forcibly shut off and dispensed. Even if the pourer 1 is operated, the beverage will not be dispensed, and as a result, the container 3 When the beverage inside is empty, a small amount of beverage will bubble with high pressure gas. Dispensing from the dispenser 1 is reliably prevented.

[0025]

[Effect of the idea]

As explained above, the liquid shortage prevention device in the beverage dispensing device according to the present invention is A pipe 4 that communicates between a container 3 for filling a beverage and a dispenser 1 for dispensing the beverage is connected to the The beverage itself in the conduit 4 becomes a current-carrying material and turns on between the pair of connection terminals 75 and 76. A detector a is connected to form a part of the conduit 4, and the inside of the container 3 is empty. Since we are trying to detect when container 3 is empty, Accurate operation can be obtained at extremely low cost, and the plumber of pipe 4 can It will no longer cause any problems.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of conventional means.

FIG. 2 is an overall schematic diagram of a beverage dispensing device that can implement the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispenser of the same device.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the cooler of the same device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cooler of the same device.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a detector of the same device.

FIG. 7 is a developed view of another embodiment of the above device.

[Explanation of symbols]

A...Container, B...Container, a...Detector, S...Switch, SV
... Solenoid valve, 1... Dispenser 1a... Cock, 10... Container body, 11
...Nozzle, 12...Warning light, 2...Counter, 3...Container,
3-1... Container, 3-2... Container, 4... Pipe line, 4a... Coupling, 40... Communication pipe, 41... Communication pipe, 42... Communication pipe,
5...Cooler, 6...Pressure cylinder, 60...Pressure regulator, 61...Tube, 70...Tube, 71...Connection tube, 72...Connection tube, 73...Drawer cord, 74...Drawer cord, 75...Connection terminal, 76 …Connection terminal, 8…Control box, 8
0... Connection cord, 81... Connection cord, 82... Power cord.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] Claim 1: Connecting tubes 71 and 72 made of an electrically conductive material such as a metal material are integrally or integrally connected to both ends in the axial direction of a tube 70 made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. Connection terminals 7 for the positive and negative sides of a control circuit such as a solenoid valve or an alarm are connected to the connecting pipes 71 and 72.
5 and 76 are distributed and connected to constitute a detector a, and the connecting pipes 71 and 72 of the detector a are connected to the container 3 filled with beverage.
and the dispenser 1 for dispensing the beverage, so that it is possible to detect the lack of liquid in the container 3 based on the presence or absence of the beverage in the tube 70 made of an insulating material. A liquid shortage detection device for a beverage dispensing device, characterized by: