JP2017109759A

JP2017109759A - Beverage supply device

Info

Publication number: JP2017109759A
Application number: JP2015244711A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 乃里子大山; Noriko Oyama
Original assignee: Hoshizaki Corp
Current assignee: Hoshizaki Corp
Priority date: 2015-12-16
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2017-06-22

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform liquid exhaustion of beverage in a beverage container at a proper and correct timing regardless of a kind and temperature of beverage.SOLUTION: A beverage supply device 10 comprises: a liquid exhaustion sensor 30 which is provided on a beverage supply duct 14 for supplying beverage from a beverage supply source T, and comprises a pair of electrodes 30a, 30b for detecting potential difference which is changed according to electric conductance of beverage which passes the beverage supply duct 14; and detection means for detecting a fact that, liquid exhaustion occurs on the beverage supply source T when the potential difference detected by the pair of electrodes 30a, 30b of the liquid exhaustion sensor 30 becomes higher than a threshold. The beverage supply duct 14 comprises a temperature sensor 31 for detecting temperature of the beverage, and the detection means changes the threshold based on detection temperature of the temperature sensor 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明は、生ビール等の飲料を供給する飲料供給装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a beverage supply device that supplies beverages such as draft beer.

特許文献１及び２には生ビール等の飲料を注出する飲料注出装置が開示されている。特許文献１に記載の飲料注出装置は、ビア樽等の飲料容器（飲料供給源）から飲料を供給する飲料供給管に液切れセンサが設けられている。この種の液切れセンサは１対の電極を備え、制御装置は液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電位差の変化によって液切れを検知する。飲料容器から送られる飲料が飲料供給管を通過しているときには、制御装置に入力される１対の電極間の電位差は低いのに対し、飲料容器の飲料が液切れとなって飲料供給管を通過しなくなると、制御装置に入力される１対の電極間の電位差はしきい値より高くなり、制御装置は１対の電極間の電位差がしきい値より高くなったことに基づいて飲料容器が液切れとなったと検知する。 Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a beverage pouring device for pouring a beverage such as draft beer. In the beverage dispensing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a liquid supply sensor is provided in a beverage supply pipe that supplies a beverage from a beverage container (a beverage supply source) such as a beer barrel. This type of liquid shortage sensor includes a pair of electrodes, and the control device detects liquid shortage by a change in potential difference between the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor. When the beverage sent from the beverage container passes through the beverage supply pipe, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes input to the control device is low, whereas the beverage in the beverage container is out of liquid and the beverage supply pipe is When it does not pass, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes input to the control device becomes higher than the threshold value, and the control device determines that the potential difference between the pair of electrodes becomes higher than the threshold value. Detects that the liquid has run out.

特許文献２に記載の飲料注出装置においても、ビア樽等の飲料容器（飲料供給源）から飲料を供給する飲料供給管に１対の電極よりなる液切れセンサが設けられており、液切れ検知制御部が液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電気抵抗値（電位差）に基づいて飲料容器の液切れを検知するようにしている。 Also in the beverage dispensing apparatus described in Patent Document 2, a liquid breakage sensor comprising a pair of electrodes is provided in a beverage supply pipe for supplying beverage from a beverage container (beverage supply source) such as a beer barrel. The detection control unit detects that the beverage container is out of liquid based on the electrical resistance value (potential difference) between the pair of electrodes of the liquid out sensor.

特許文献２の飲料注出装置では、飲料の種類及び温度に応じて１対の電極間の電気抵抗値（電位差）が変わることを着目し、電源をオンした後で液切れセンサによって固定値ｒ０以下の検知値Ｒを検知して、飲料容器が液切れでないときの液切れセンサの検知値Ｒに定数αを加算したｒｘを算出して液切れを検知するときの基準値（しきい値）としている。飲料容器の飲料が液切れとなっていないときには、液切れセンサによる検知値Ｒは基準値（しきい値）ｒｘよりも低くなっているが、飲料容器の飲料が液切れとなると、液切れセンサによる検知値が基準値（しきい値）ｒｘより高くなり、飲料容器の飲料は液切れセンサによる検知に基づいて液切れが検知される。飲料容器の飲料の液切れが検知されて空となった飲料容器を飲料の入った新しい飲料容器と交換すると、再び飲料容器が液切れでないときの液切れセンサの検知値Ｒに定数αを加算し、液切れを検知するときの新たな基準値（しきい値）ｒｘとしている。 In the beverage dispensing device of Patent Document 2, paying attention to the fact that the electrical resistance value (potential difference) between the pair of electrodes changes according to the type and temperature of the beverage, the fixed value r0 is set by the liquid shortage sensor after the power is turned on. Reference value (threshold value) for detecting the following detection value R and calculating rx by adding a constant α to the detection value R of the liquid shortage sensor when the beverage container is not out of liquid. It is said. When the beverage in the beverage container is not out of liquid, the detection value R by the liquid out sensor is lower than the reference value (threshold value) rx, but when the beverage in the beverage container is out of liquid, the liquid out sensor The detected value due to is higher than the reference value (threshold) rx, and the beverage in the beverage container is detected as being out of liquid based on detection by the liquid out sensor. When a beverage container that has been emptied when a beverage in a beverage container is detected is replaced with a new beverage container that contains a beverage, a constant α is added to the detection value R of the fluid shortage sensor when the beverage container is not liquid again. In addition, a new reference value (threshold value) rx is used for detecting liquid shortage.

特開２００８−２２２２６７号公報JP 2008-222267 A 特開２００３−２３７８９７号公報JP 2003-237897 A

上記のような特許文献１に記載の飲料注出装置においては、制御装置に入力される液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電気抵抗値（電位差）が所定のしきい値より高くなったときに、飲料容器の飲料が液切れとなったことを検知している。特許文献１に記載の飲料注出装置で注出する飲料がビール等の電解質の多い飲料であるときには、飲料の電気伝導度が高いので、液切れセンサの電位差は液切れでないときと液切れとなったときの差が大きく、液切れか否かを検知するしきい値を設定しやすい。しかし、図３（ａ）に示したように、この飲料注出装置で注出する飲料がハイボールと呼ばれる蒸留酒を炭酸水で割った飲料としたときには、飲料の電気伝導度が低いので、液切れセンサの電位差は液切れでないときと液切れとなったときの差が小さく、液切れか否かを検知するしきい値を設定しにくかった。特に、液切れセンサの電位差は飲料の温度が低下しただけでも上昇するため、飲料の電気伝導度が低いときには、液切れセンサの電位差の上昇が液切れに起因したのか、飲料の温度が低下したことに起因したのかの区別ができず、液切れの誤検知となるおそれがあった。 In the beverage dispensing device described in Patent Literature 1 as described above, when the electrical resistance value (potential difference) between the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor input to the control device is higher than a predetermined threshold value. In addition, it is detected that the beverage in the beverage container has run out of liquid. When the beverage to be poured out by the beverage dispensing device described in Patent Document 1 is a beverage with a lot of electrolyte such as beer, the electrical conductivity of the beverage is high. It is easy to set a threshold for detecting whether or not the liquid has run out. However, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), when the beverage poured out by this beverage dispensing device is a beverage obtained by dividing distilled liquor called highball with carbonated water, the electrical conductivity of the beverage is low. The difference in potential of the liquid shortage sensor is small when the liquid has not run out and when the liquid has run out, making it difficult to set a threshold for detecting whether or not the liquid has run out. In particular, the potential difference of the liquid shortage sensor rises even when the beverage temperature is lowered. Therefore, when the electrical conductivity of the beverage is low, the increase in the potential difference of the liquid shortage sensor is caused by the liquid shortage or the temperature of the beverage is lowered. It was not possible to distinguish whether it was caused by this, and there was a risk of erroneous detection of running out of liquid.

また、特許文献２に記載の飲料注出装置においては、電源を投入後または飲料容器を交換後に、飲料容器の飲料が液切れでないときに検知された液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電気抵抗値Ｒに定数αを加算したｒｘを液切れとなったことを検知する基準値（しきい値）としており、基準値（しきい値）ｒｘを飲料容器の飲料の種類及び温度に応じたものに設定することができる。しかし、飲料容器の飲料の温度は飲料注出装置を設置した後で周囲の温度の影響を受けて変わることがあり、飲料の温度が低い状態で設定された基準値（しきい値）で、飲料容器の温度が上昇後に液切れが生じたときに、１対の電極間の電位差が飲料の温度が低い状態で設定された基準値（しきい値）まで上昇するのに時間がかかり、液切れを検知するタイミングが遅れる（図２のＴに示した時間だけ遅れる）ことがあった。特に、飲料を自動で注出する飲料注出装置では、液切れを検知するタイミングが遅れると、注出コックのノズルから飲料が炭酸ガスとともに吹き出す問題が生じていた。本発明は、飲料の種類及び温度に関わらず、飲料容器の飲料の液切れを正確かつ適切なタイミングに行えるようにすることを目的とする。 Further, in the beverage dispensing device described in Patent Document 2, the electricity between the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor detected when the beverage in the beverage container is not out of liquid after the power is turned on or after the beverage container is replaced. Rx obtained by adding a constant α to the resistance value R is used as a reference value (threshold value) for detecting that the liquid has run out, and the reference value (threshold value) rx is determined according to the type and temperature of the beverage in the beverage container. Can be set to something. However, the temperature of the beverage in the beverage container may change under the influence of the ambient temperature after installing the beverage dispensing device, and is a reference value (threshold value) set at a low temperature of the beverage, When the liquid runs out after the temperature of the beverage container rises, it takes time for the potential difference between the pair of electrodes to rise to the reference value (threshold value) set in a state where the temperature of the beverage is low. There is a case where the timing for detecting a break is delayed (delayed by the time indicated by T in FIG. 2). In particular, in a beverage dispensing apparatus that automatically dispenses beverages, there is a problem that when the timing for detecting the lack of liquid is delayed, the beverage is blown out together with carbon dioxide from the nozzle of the dispensing cock. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to accurately and appropriately drain a beverage in a beverage container regardless of the type and temperature of the beverage.

本発明は上記課題を解決するため、飲料供給源から飲料を供給する飲料供給管路に介装され、飲料供給管路を通過する飲料の有無により変化する電位差を検出するための１対の電極を有した液切れセンサと、液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差がしきい値より高くなると飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知する検知手段を備えた飲料供給装置であって、飲料供給管路には飲料の温度を検出する温度センサを設け、検知手段は温度センサの検出温度に基づいてしきい値を変更するようにしたことを特徴とする飲料供給装置を提供するものである。 In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a pair of electrodes for detecting a potential difference that varies depending on the presence or absence of a beverage that passes through a beverage supply line and is provided in a beverage supply line that supplies a beverage from a beverage supply source. A beverage supply device comprising: a liquid running sensor having a sensor; and a detecting means for detecting that the beverage supply source has run out of liquid when a potential difference detected from a pair of electrodes of the liquid running sensor becomes higher than a threshold value. The beverage supply line is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the beverage, and the detecting means changes the threshold value based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. It is.

上記のように構成した飲料供給装置においては、液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電位差は飲料供給管路を通過する飲料の温度により変化するが、飲料供給管路には飲料の温度を検出する温度センサを設け、検知手段は温度センサの検出温度に基づいてしきい値を変更するようにしたので、飲料の温度の影響を受けずにタイミングよく液切れを検知できるようになった。特に、飲料供給源の飲料の温度が時間の経過とともに変わることがあるが、検知手段が温度センサの検出温度に基づいてしきい値を常に変更できるので、飲料の温度の影響を継続的に受けずにタイミングよく液切れを検知できるようになった。 In the beverage supply apparatus configured as described above, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor varies depending on the temperature of the beverage passing through the beverage supply line, but the beverage temperature is detected in the beverage supply line. Since the temperature sensor is provided, and the detection means changes the threshold value based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, it is possible to detect liquid breakage at a good timing without being affected by the temperature of the beverage. In particular, the temperature of the beverage from the beverage source may change over time, but the detection means can always change the threshold based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, so that it is continuously affected by the temperature of the beverage. It is now possible to detect running out of liquid with good timing.

また、本発明は上記課題を解決するため、飲料供給源から飲料を供給する飲料供給管路に介装され、飲料供給管路を通過する飲料の有無により変化する電位差を検出するための１対の電極を有した液切れセンサと、液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差に基づいて飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知する検知手段を備えた飲料供給装置であって、検知手段は液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差の時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値を統計処理したときの処理値が所定のしきい値より高くなると飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知するようにしたことを特徴とする飲料供給装置を提供するものである。 Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention is interposed by the drink supply pipe which supplies a drink from a drink supply source, and is a pair for detecting the electrical potential difference which changes with the presence or absence of the drink which passes a drink supply pipe A beverage supply device comprising: a liquid running sensor having an electrode of the liquid and a detecting means for detecting that the beverage supply source has run out of liquid based on a potential difference detected from a pair of electrodes of the liquid running sensor, The means is that the beverage supply source is out of liquid when the processed value when the first-order differential value, which is the amount of change with respect to time of the potential difference detected from the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor, is statistically processed exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is intended to provide a beverage supply device characterized by detecting that it has become.

上記のように構成した飲料供給装置においては、飲料供給源の飲料が電気伝導度の低い飲料であるときに、液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電位差は液切れでないときと液切れのときとの差が小さく、液切れでないときに飲料供給源の飲料の温度が低下しただけでも、液切れセンサの１対の電極間の電位差が上昇し、液切れとなるときのしきい値を設定しにくかった。この飲料供給装置では、検知手段は液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差の時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値を統計処理したときの処理値が所定のしきい値より高くなると飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知するようにした。液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差の時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値は、飲料の温度が変化したときよりも液切れとなったときの方が大きくなり、この値を用いて飲料の温度変化と液切れを区別することができる。検知手段はこの１階微分値を統計処理したときの処理値がしきい値が所定のしきい値より高くなると液切れとなったと検知するようにしたため、電気伝導度の低い飲料であっても飲料の温度の影響を受けずに液切れを検知できるようになった。この飲料供給装置においては、検知手段は統計処理として標準偏差、分散、歪度、尖度またはマハラノビス距離を用いることができる。 In the beverage supply device configured as described above, when the beverage of the beverage supply source is a beverage with low electrical conductivity, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor is not liquid shortage and when the liquid is full Even if the temperature of the beverage at the beverage supply source is lowered when the liquid is not out of liquid, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes of the liquid out sensor rises and a threshold is set when the liquid runs out. It was difficult. In this beverage supply device, when the detection means performs statistical processing on the first-order differential value that is the amount of change with respect to time of the potential difference detected from the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor, the processing value becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value. It was made to detect that the beverage supply source was out of liquid. The first-order differential value, which is the amount of change in the potential difference detected from the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor with respect to time, is greater when the liquid runs out than when the beverage temperature changes. It can be used to distinguish between temperature changes and liquid breaks in beverages. Since the detection means detects that the liquid has run out when the processing value when the first-order differential value is statistically processed exceeds a predetermined threshold value, even if the beverage has a low electrical conductivity, It is now possible to detect running out of liquid without being affected by the temperature of the beverage. In this beverage supply apparatus, the detection means can use standard deviation, dispersion, skewness, kurtosis or Mahalanobis distance as statistical processing.

本発明による第１実施形態の飲料供給装置の概略図である。It is the schematic of the drink supply apparatus of 1st Embodiment by this invention. 飲料が低温のときと高温のときの液切れセンサの電位差を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the electric potential difference of the liquid shortage sensor when a drink is low temperature and when it is high temperature. 飲料がビールのときとハイボールのときの液切れセンサの電位差を示すグラフ（ａ）であり、飲料がハイボールのときの液切れセンサの電位差を示すグラフ（ｂ）であり、（ｂ）の時間に対する１階微分値を示すグラフ（ｃ）であり、（ｃ）の標準偏差を示すグラフ（ｄ）である。It is a graph (a) which shows the potential difference of the liquid running sensor when the beverage is beer and a high ball, and is a graph (b) which shows the potential difference of the liquid running sensor when the beverage is a high ball. It is a graph (c) which shows the 1st-order differential value with respect to time, and is a graph (d) which shows the standard deviation of (c).

以下に、本発明による飲料供給装置（飲料ディスペンサ）の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。本発明の飲料供給装置１０はビア樽等の飲料容器Ｔ内の飲料をグラス等の容器に供給することを目的としたものである。
（第１実施形態）
第１実施形態の飲料供給装置１０は、主として、飲料容器Ｔの飲料の温度の影響をできるだけ受けずに正確に液切れの検知をできるようにすることを目的としたものである。図１に示したように、第１実施形態の飲料供給装置１０は、装置本体１１の内部に冷却水槽１２を備え、冷却水槽１２内には飲料を冷却するコイル状に巻回された飲料冷却管１３が設けられている。なお、冷却水槽１２内の冷却水は冷凍装置（図示省略）により冷却されている。飲料冷却管１３の導入端部には装置本体１１の内部にて飲料供給管１４が連続的に設けられており、この飲料供給管１４はビア樽等の飲料容器Ｔから導出されたビールホースＨに接続されている。ビア樽等の飲料容器（飲料供給源）Ｔには炭酸ガスボンベＧが接続されており、飲料容器Ｔ内の飲料は炭酸ガスボンベＧから送られる炭酸ガスの圧力によってビールホースＨに送られるようになっている。また、飲料冷却管１３の導出端部には装置本体１１の前部に設けられた注出コック２０に接続されている。この飲料供給装置１０の飲料冷却管１３、飲料供給管１４及びビールホースＨは本願特許請求の範囲に記載の飲料供給管路に相当するものである。 Embodiments of a beverage supply device (beverage dispenser) according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The beverage supply apparatus 10 of the present invention is intended to supply a beverage in a beverage container T such as a beer barrel to a container such as a glass.
(First embodiment)
The beverage supply apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is mainly intended to enable detection of liquid breakage accurately without being affected by the temperature of the beverage in the beverage container T as much as possible. As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage supply apparatus 10 of 1st Embodiment is equipped with the cooling water tank 12 inside the apparatus main body 11, and the drink cooling wound by the coil shape which cools a drink in the cooling water tank 12 is carried out. A tube 13 is provided. The cooling water in the cooling water tank 12 is cooled by a refrigeration apparatus (not shown). A beverage supply pipe 14 is continuously provided inside the apparatus main body 11 at the introduction end of the beverage cooling pipe 13, and this beverage supply pipe 14 is a beer hose H led out from a beverage container T such as a beer barrel. It is connected to the. A carbon dioxide cylinder G is connected to a beverage container (beverage supply source) T such as a beer barrel, and the beverage in the beverage container T is sent to the beer hose H by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas sent from the carbon dioxide cylinder G. ing. Further, the outlet end portion of the beverage cooling pipe 13 is connected to a dispensing cock 20 provided at the front portion of the apparatus main body 11. The drink cooling pipe 13, the drink supply pipe 14, and the beer hose H of the drink supply apparatus 10 correspond to the drink supply pipe described in the claims of the present application.

装置本体１１の前部には注出コック２０が設けられており、注出コック２０は操作レバー２１を傾動したときに内部の弁機構部２０ａを開放状態として注出ノズル２２から飲料を注出するものである。装置本体１１の上部には注出コック２０の上側にコック駆動装置２３が設けられており、コック駆動装置２３は注出コック２０の操作レバー２１を傾動させて飲料を注出ノズル２２から注出させるものである。装置本体１１の上下方向の中間部には注出コック２０の下側に容器受台装置２４が設けられており、容器受台装置２４は注出コック２０の注出ノズル２２から注出される飲料を受けるグラス等の容器を載置するものである。容器受台装置２４は装置本体１１の前部に傾動基板２５を備え、傾動基板２５は上端部が装置本体１１の前部に傾動可能に軸架されている。傾動基板２５の前側にはグラス等の容器を載置する受台２６が設けられている。装置本体１１の前部には容器受台装置２４を傾動させる受台傾動装置２７が設けられている。受台傾動装置２７は容器受台装置２４の傾動基板２５を後側から押動することで、傾動基板２５を下端部を前側に持ち上げて前後に傾動させ、受台２６に載置したグラス等の容器を傾斜姿勢に傾動させるものである。 A dispensing cock 20 is provided at the front of the apparatus main body 11, and the dispensing cock 20 dispenses beverage from the dispensing nozzle 22 with the internal valve mechanism 20a opened when the operation lever 21 is tilted. To do. A cock drive device 23 is provided on the upper side of the apparatus main body 11 above the dispensing cock 20, and the cock driving device 23 tilts the operation lever 21 of the dispensing cock 20 to dispense the beverage from the dispensing nozzle 22. It is something to be made. A container receiving device 24 is provided below the pouring cock 20 at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the apparatus main body 11. The container receiving device 24 is a beverage dispensed from the pouring nozzle 22 of the pouring cock 20. A container such as a glass to receive is placed. The container receiving device 24 includes a tilting substrate 25 at the front portion of the apparatus main body 11, and the tilting substrate 25 is pivotally mounted on the front portion of the apparatus main body 11 so as to be tiltable. A cradle 26 for placing a container such as glass is provided on the front side of the tilting substrate 25. A cradle tilting device 27 that tilts the container cradle device 24 is provided at the front of the apparatus main body 11. The cradle tilting device 27 pushes the tilting substrate 25 of the container receiving device 24 from the rear side to lift the tilting substrate 25 to the front side and tilt it back and forth, and the glass placed on the cradle 26. The container is tilted in an inclined posture.

飲料供給管１４には飲料容器Ｔから供給される飲料の液切れを検知するための液切れセンサ３０が設けられている。液切れセンサ３０は飲料供給管１４を通過する飲料の有無により変化する電位差（電気抵抗値、電圧）を検出するための１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂを備え、１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差を後述する制御装置４０に出力する。飲料供給管１４に飲料があるとき（液切れでない）では、１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差は電解質を含む飲料によって低い電位差となっている。これに対し、飲料供給管１４内に飲料がないとき（液切れである）では、１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差は飲料がないために高い電位差となる。また、飲料供給管１４には温度センサ３１が設けられており、温度センサ３１は飲料容器Ｔから供給される飲料の温度を検出するものである。 The beverage supply pipe 14 is provided with a liquid shortage sensor 30 for detecting the liquid shortage of the beverage supplied from the beverage container T. The liquid shortage sensor 30 includes a pair of electrodes 30a and 30b for detecting a potential difference (electric resistance value, voltage) that changes depending on the presence or absence of a beverage passing through the beverage supply pipe 14, and between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b. The potential difference is output to the control device 40 described later. When there is a beverage in the beverage supply pipe 14 (not running out of liquid), the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b is a low potential difference depending on the beverage containing the electrolyte. On the other hand, when there is no beverage in the beverage supply pipe 14 (ie, the liquid has run out), the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b becomes a high potential difference because there is no beverage. Moreover, the temperature sensor 31 is provided in the drink supply pipe 14, and the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the drink supplied from the drink container T.

装置本体１１の前部にはコック駆動装置２３の筐体２３ａの前面に操作パネル３２が設けられており、操作パネル３２には飲料の自動注出操作スイッチ等の操作スイッチ３３と、飲料容器Ｔの液切れを表示する液切れランプ３４が設けられている。 An operation panel 32 is provided at the front of the apparatus main body 11 on the front surface of the casing 23a of the cock drive device 23. The operation panel 32 includes an operation switch 33 such as an automatic beverage dispensing switch, and a beverage container T. A liquid running out lamp 34 is displayed to display the liquid running out.

飲料供給装置１０は、グラス等の容器にビールを自動注出するのを制御するとともに、飲料容器Ｔの飲料が液切れとなったことを検知する制御装置４０を備えており、制御装置４０は、コック駆動装置２３、受台傾動装置２７、液切れセンサ３０、温度センサ３１に接続されている。制御装置４０はメモリに自動注出プログラムと液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）を有しており、内蔵するマイクロコンピュータにより液切れ検知プログラムを常時実行しているとともに操作スイッチ３３の押動によって自動注出プログラムを実行する。 The beverage supply device 10 includes a control device 40 that controls the automatic dispensing of beer into a container such as a glass and detects that the beverage in the beverage container T has run out of liquid. , The cock drive device 23, the cradle tilting device 27, the liquid shortage sensor 30, and the temperature sensor 31. The control device 40 has an automatic dispensing program and a liquid shortage detection program (detection means) in the memory. The liquid discharge detection program is always executed by the built-in microcomputer and the automatic injection is performed by pressing the operation switch 33. Run the source program.

制御装置４０に操作パネル３２の自動注出操作スイッチ３３からの入力があると、制御装置４０は自動注出プログラムを実行する。制御装置４０は、先ず、受台傾動装置２７を駆動させて容器受台装置２４の傾動基板２５を傾動させ、受台２６に載置したグラス等の容器を傾斜姿勢とする。次に、制御装置４０は、コック駆動装置２３を駆動させて注出コック２０の操作レバー２１を傾動させると、飲料容器Ｔの飲料は飲料供給管路Ｈ，１４，１３を通り注出ノズル２２から受台２６に載置したグラス等の容器に注出される。制御装置４０は再び受台傾動装置２７を駆動させて容器受台装置２４の傾動基板２５を傾動した状態から起立した状態に戻す。なお、飲料容器Ｔの飲料がビール等の発泡性の飲料であるときには、制御装置４０はこの後でコック駆動装置２３を駆動させて注出コック２０の注出ノズル２２から飲料を泡状態で注出させるようにする。 When there is an input from the automatic dispensing operation switch 33 on the operation panel 32 to the control device 40, the control device 40 executes the automatic dispensing program. First, the control device 40 drives the cradle tilting device 27 to tilt the tilting substrate 25 of the container cradle device 24 so that the glass or other container placed on the cradle 26 is tilted. Next, when the control device 40 drives the cock driving device 23 to tilt the operation lever 21 of the dispensing cock 20, the beverage in the beverage container T passes through the beverage supply pipes H, 14, 13 and the dispensing nozzle 22. To a container such as a glass placed on the cradle 26. The controller 40 drives the cradle tilting device 27 again to return the tilting substrate 25 of the container cradle device 24 from the tilted state to the standing state. When the beverage in the beverage container T is an effervescent beverage such as beer, the control device 40 thereafter drives the cock driving device 23 to pour the beverage in a foamed state from the dispensing nozzle 22 of the dispensing cock 20. Make it out.

制御装置４０には液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差が入力されており、制御装置４０は液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）の実行によって液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差に基づいて飲料容器Ｔが液切れとなったか否かを判定している。具体的には、制御装置４０に入力される１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差がしきい値を超えたときに、制御装置４０はこの電位差に基づいて飲料容器Ｔの飲料の液切れを検知している。飲料容器Ｔから送られたビール等の飲料が飲料供給管（飲料供給管路）１４にあるときには、制御装置４０に入力される液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差は電解質を含有する飲料の電気伝導度が高いために低くなっており、制御装置４０は液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差がしきい値より低いことに基づいて飲料容器Ｔの飲料が液切れとなっていないと判断する。これに対し、飲料容器Ｔのビール等の飲料が空となって飲料供給管（飲料供給管路）１４に飲料がない状態となると、制御装置４０に入力される液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差は高くなり、制御装置４０は液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差がしきい値より高いことに基づいて飲料容器Ｔが液切れとなったと判断する。 A potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 is input to the control device 40, and the control device 40 executes a liquid shortage detection program (detection means) to execute a pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor 30. It is determined whether or not the beverage container T has run out of liquid based on the potential difference between 30a and 30b. Specifically, when the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b input to the control device 40 exceeds a threshold value, the control device 40 causes the beverage in the beverage container T to run out of liquid based on the potential difference. Detected. When a beverage such as beer sent from the beverage container T is in the beverage supply pipe (beverage supply pipeline) 14, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a, 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 input to the control device 40 is an electrolyte. Since the electrical conductivity of the beverage containing the liquid is high, the controller 40 is low, and the control device 40 determines that the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 is lower than the threshold value. It is determined that the beverage has not run out of liquid. On the other hand, when the beverage such as beer in the beverage container T is emptied and there is no beverage in the beverage supply pipe (beverage supply pipeline) 14, a pair of liquid shortage sensors 30 input to the control device 40. The potential difference between the electrodes 30a and 30b increases, and the control device 40 determines that the beverage container T has run out of liquid based on the fact that the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid runout sensor 30 is higher than the threshold value. To do.

液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差は飲料の種類だけでなく飲料の温度によっても変化する。すなわち、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差は飲料の電気伝導度が高いと低くなり、飲料の電気伝導度が低くなると高くなる。飲料の電気伝導度は飲料の電解質が多いほど、または、飲料の温度が高いほど高く、飲料の電解質が少ないほど、または、飲料の温度が低いほど低くなる。 The potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 varies depending not only on the type of beverage but also on the temperature of the beverage. That is, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 is low when the beverage has high electrical conductivity, and is high when the beverage has low electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the beverage increases as the beverage electrolyte increases or the beverage temperature increases, and decreases as the beverage electrolyte decreases or the beverage temperature decreases.

制御装置４０には飲料供給管（飲料供給管路）１４にある飲料の温度を検出する温度センサ３１の検出温度が入力されており、制御装置４０は温度センサ３１の検出温度に基づいて１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差が液切れであると検知するためのしきい値を変更可能としている。具体的には、制御装置４０は温度センサ３１から入力される検出温度ｔを用い、液切れと判断するしきい値Ｖｔ＝−ａｔ＋ｂ（ａ及びｂは飲料ごとの定数であり、ｔは温度センサ３１により入力される検出温度である）を常時算出し、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖが算出したしきい値Ｖｔを超えたときに飲料容器Ｔの飲料の液切れと判断している。 A detection temperature of a temperature sensor 31 that detects the temperature of the beverage in the beverage supply pipe (beverage supply pipeline) 14 is input to the control device 40, and the control device 40 performs a pair based on the detection temperature of the temperature sensor 31. The threshold for detecting that the potential difference between the electrodes 30a and 30b is out of liquid can be changed. Specifically, the control device 40 uses the detected temperature t input from the temperature sensor 31 to determine a threshold value Vt = −at + b (a and b are constants for each beverage, and t is a temperature sensor. (The detected temperature inputted by 31) is constantly calculated, and the beverage liquid in the beverage container T when the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a, 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 exceeds the calculated threshold value Vt. Judged to be out of stock.

また、制御装置４０は、上述した自動注出プログラムを実行しているときに、液切れ検知プログラムによって液切れを検知したときには、操作パネル３２の液切れランプ３４を点灯させるとともに、コック駆動装置２３の駆動を制御して注出コック２０の操作レバー２１を飲料が注出されない位置に戻すようにしている。 Further, when the controller 40 detects the out of liquid by the out of liquid detection program while executing the above-described automatic dispensing program, the controller 40 turns on the out of liquid lamp 34 of the operation panel 32 and the cock driving device 23. The operation lever 21 of the dispensing cock 20 is returned to the position where the beverage is not dispensed.

上記の飲料供給装置１０においては、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖは飲料供給管（飲料供給管路）１４を通過する飲料の温度により変化する。具体的には、図２に示したように、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖは飲料容器Ｔの飲料の温度が低いときより高いときの方が低くなっており、液切れとなったときに１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖはともに上昇するが、飲料の温度が高いときの電位差Ｖは温度が低いときの電位差Ｖより図２に示したＴのタイミングだけ遅れて上昇する。このため、飲料供給管（飲料供給管路）１４には飲料の温度を検出する温度センサ３１を設け、制御装置４０は液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）を実行したときに、１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖが液切れであると検知されるしきい値Ｖｔを温度センサ３１の検出温度ｔに基づいて変更するようにした。これにより、飲料供給装置１０の制御装置４０は、１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖを飲料の温度に応じたしきい値Ｖｔと比較して液切れであると検知するようになったため、飲料容器Ｔの飲料の温度の影響を受けずにタイミングよく液切れを検知できるようになった。特に、飲料容器Ｔの飲料の温度が飲料容器Ｔの交換後に時間の経過とともに変わることがあるが、制御装置４０の液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）が温度センサ３１の検出温度に基づいてしきい値を常に変更することができるので、飲料の温度の影響を継続的に受けずにタイミングよく液切れを検知できるようになった。 In the beverage supply apparatus 10 described above, the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 varies depending on the temperature of the beverage passing through the beverage supply pipe (beverage supply pipe line) 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 is lower when the temperature of the beverage in the beverage container T is higher than when it is lower. When the liquid runs out, the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b increases, but the potential difference V when the beverage temperature is high is higher than the potential difference V when the temperature is low. It rises with a delay by the timing. For this reason, the beverage supply pipe (beverage supply pipeline) 14 is provided with a temperature sensor 31 for detecting the temperature of the beverage, and when the control device 40 executes the liquid breakage detection program (detection means), a pair of electrodes 30a. , 30b is changed based on the detected temperature t detected by the temperature sensor 31. As a result, the control device 40 of the beverage supply device 10 detects that the liquid has run out by comparing the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b with the threshold value Vt corresponding to the temperature of the beverage. The liquid breakage can be detected in a timely manner without being affected by the temperature of the beverage in the beverage container T. In particular, the temperature of the beverage in the beverage container T may change over time after replacement of the beverage container T, but the liquid shortage detection program (detection means) of the control device 40 is based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 31. Since the value can always be changed, it is possible to detect running out of liquid in a timely manner without being continuously affected by the temperature of the beverage.

（第２実施形態）
第２実施形態の飲料供給装置１０は、主として、飲料容器Ｔの飲料がハイボールと呼ばれる蒸留酒を炭酸水で割った飲料のように電気伝導度が低い飲料でも正確に液切れを検知できるようにすることを目的としたものである。第２実施形態の飲料供給装置１０の制御装置４０の液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）は、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂから検出される電位差Ｖの時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値ΔＶ／Δｔを統計処理したときの処理値が所定のしきい値より高くなると飲料容器Ｔの飲料が液切れとなったと検知するようにしたものである。なお、この第２実施形態の飲料供給装置１０も第１実施形態の飲料供給装置１０と同様の構成としたしたものであるが、この第２実施形態では、飲料供給管１４に設けた温度センサ３１を廃したものであってもよい。 (Second Embodiment)
The beverage supply device 10 according to the second embodiment is capable of accurately detecting a liquid shortage even in a beverage having a low electrical conductivity such as a beverage obtained by dividing a beverage in a beverage container T by a carbonated water called a highball. The purpose is to make it. The liquid shortage detection program (detection means) of the control device 40 of the beverage supply device 10 according to the second embodiment is a change amount with respect to time of the potential difference V detected from the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30. When the processed value when the floor differential value ΔV / Δt is statistically processed becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value, it is detected that the beverage in the beverage container T has run out of liquid. In addition, although the drink supply apparatus 10 of this 2nd Embodiment is also set as the structure similar to the drink supply apparatus 10 of 1st Embodiment, in this 2nd Embodiment, the temperature sensor provided in the drink supply pipe 14 31 may be abolished.

統計処理として分散及び標準偏差を算出するために、１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂから検出された電位差Ｖの１階微分値は下式となり、

In order to calculate variance and standard deviation as statistical processing, the first-order differential value of the potential difference V detected from the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b is expressed by the following equation:

電位差Ｖの時間に対する１階微分値に対してデータの個数Ｎとしたときの平均μは下式となり、

The average μ when the number of data is N with respect to the first-order differential value with respect to the time of the potential difference V is as follows:

分散σ²は下式となり、標準偏差σは分散σ²の正の平方根として求められる。

The variance σ ² is expressed by the following equation, and the standard deviation σ is obtained as a positive square root of the variance σ ² .

算出した分散σ²または標準偏差σ（統計処理したときの処理値）が所定のしきい値より高くなったときに、制御装置４０は飲料容器Ｔの飲料が液切れとなったと検知するようにした。 When the calculated variance σ ² or standard deviation σ (process value when statistical processing is performed) becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value, the control device 40 detects that the beverage in the beverage container T has run out of liquid. did.

図３（ａ）に示したように、飲料容器Ｔの飲料がハイボールのような電気伝導度の低い飲料であるときに、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖは液切れでないときと液切れのときとの差が小さく、図３（ｂ）に示したように、液切れでないときに飲料容器Ｔの飲料の温度が低下しただけでも、液切れセンサ３０の１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂ間の電位差Ｖが上昇し、液切れとなるときのしきい値を設定しにくかった。この第２実施形態の飲料供給装置１０では、液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）は液切れセンサの１対の電極３０ａ，３０ｂから検出される電位差Ｖの時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値ΔＶ／Δｔ（図３（ｃ）に示した）を統計処理したときの処理値（図３（ｄ）に示した）が所定のしきい値より高くなると飲料容器Ｔが液切れとなったと検知するようにした。 As shown in FIG. 3A, when the beverage in the beverage container T is a beverage having a low electrical conductivity such as a high ball, the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid shortage sensor 30 is The difference between the time when the liquid does not run out and the time when the liquid runs out is small, and as shown in FIG. It was difficult to set a threshold value when the potential difference V between the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b rose and the liquid was run out. In the beverage supply device 10 according to the second embodiment, the liquid running detection program (detecting means) is a first-order differential value ΔV that is a change amount with respect to time of the potential difference V detected from the pair of electrodes 30a and 30b of the liquid running sensor. / Δt (shown in FIG. 3 (c)) is detected that the beverage container T has run out of liquid when the processing value (shown in FIG. 3 (d)) when the statistical processing is performed is higher than a predetermined threshold value. I did it.

液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差の時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値ΔＶ／Δｔ（図３（ｃ）に示した）は、飲料の温度の変化の前後で殆ど変化がないのに対し、液切れでないときから液切れとなったときの変動が大きくなり、この１階微分値ΔＶ／Δｔを統計処理した処理値（図３（ｄ）に示した）は飲料の温度の変化によって変動せず、液切れとなったときに大きく変動する。制御装置４０の液切れ検知プログラム（検知手段）は、この１階微分値ΔＶ／Δｔを統計処理したときの処理値がしきい値が所定のしきい値より高くなると液切れとなったと検知するようにしたため、電気伝導度の低い飲料であっても飲料の温度の影響を受けずに液切れを検知できるようになった。 The first-order differential value ΔV / Δt (shown in FIG. 3 (c)), which is the amount of change with respect to time of the potential difference detected from the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor, changes almost before and after the temperature change of the beverage. On the other hand, the fluctuation when the liquid runs out from when the liquid is not run out increases, and the processed value (shown in FIG. 3 (d)) obtained by statistically processing the first-order differential value ΔV / Δt is the temperature of the beverage. It does not fluctuate due to the change of, but fluctuates greatly when the liquid runs out. The out-of-liquid detection program (detection means) of the control device 40 detects that the out-of-liquid state occurs when the processing value when the first-order differential value ΔV / Δt is statistically processed becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value. As a result, even when the beverage has a low electrical conductivity, it is possible to detect the lack of liquid without being affected by the temperature of the beverage.

なお、統計処理として、標準偏差、分散以外に、歪度、尖度またはマハラノビス距離を用いることができる。 As statistical processing, in addition to standard deviation and variance, skewness, kurtosis, or Mahalanobis distance can be used.

なお、歪度は下式のように求められ、

In addition, skewness is calculated as the following formula,

尖度は下式のように求められる。

The kurtosis is obtained as follows.

１０…飲料供給装置、１４…飲料供給管路（飲料供給管）、３０…液切れセンサ、３０ａ，３０ｂ…電極、３１…温度センサ、Ｔ…飲料供給源（飲料容器）。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Beverage supply apparatus, 14 ... Beverage supply pipe line (beverage supply pipe), 30 ... Liquid out sensor, 30a, 30b ... Electrode, 31 ... Temperature sensor, T ... Beverage supply source (beverage container).

Claims

飲料供給源から飲料を供給する飲料供給管路に介装され、該飲料供給管路を通過する飲料の有無により変化する電位差を検出するための１対の電極を有した液切れセンサと、
前記液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差がしきい値より高くなると前記飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知する検知手段を備えた飲料供給装置であって、
前記飲料供給管路には飲料の温度を検出する温度センサを設け、
前記検知手段は前記温度センサの検出温度に基づいて前記しきい値を変更するようにしたことを特徴とする飲料供給装置。 A liquid shortage sensor having a pair of electrodes for detecting a potential difference which is interposed in a beverage supply line for supplying a beverage from a beverage supply source and changes depending on the presence or absence of a beverage passing through the beverage supply line;
A beverage supply device comprising detection means for detecting that the beverage supply source has run out of liquid when a potential difference detected from a pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor is higher than a threshold value,
The beverage supply line is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the beverage,
The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means changes the threshold value based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

飲料供給源から飲料を供給する飲料供給管路に介装され、該飲料供給管路を通過する飲料の有無により変化する電位差を検出するための１対の電極を有した液切れセンサと、
前記液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差に基づいて前記飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知する検知手段を備えた飲料供給装置であって、
前記検知手段は前記液切れセンサの１対の電極から検出される電位差の時間に対する変化量となる１階微分値を統計処理したときの処理値が所定のしきい値より高くなると前記飲料供給源が液切れとなったと検知するようにしたことを特徴とする飲料供給装置。 A liquid shortage sensor having a pair of electrodes for detecting a potential difference which is interposed in a beverage supply line for supplying a beverage from a beverage supply source and changes depending on the presence or absence of a beverage passing through the beverage supply line;
A beverage supply device comprising detection means for detecting that the beverage supply source has run out of liquid based on a potential difference detected from a pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor,
When the processing value when the first-order differential value, which is a change amount with respect to time of the potential difference detected from the pair of electrodes of the liquid shortage sensor, is statistically processed becomes higher than a predetermined threshold, the beverage supply source A beverage supply device characterized by detecting that the liquid has run out.

請求項２に記載の飲料供給装置において、
前記検知手段は前記統計処理として標準偏差、分散、歪度、尖度またはマハラノビス距離を用いたことを特徴とする飲料供給装置。 The beverage supply device according to claim 2,
The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection means uses standard deviation, dispersion, skewness, kurtosis or Mahalanobis distance as the statistical processing.