Beverage Server

Abstract

To provide a beverage server capable of improving a quality of poured foam, and easily realizing structure for pouring fine foam.SOLUTION: A beverage server 1 according to an embodiment controls a liquid cylinder unit 22 through which a liquid of a sparkling drink flows and a foam cylinder unit 23 through which foam of the sparkling drink flows to pour the sparkling drink into a beverage container. The beverage server includes a placing table 31 on which the beverage container is placed, an inclination part 32 for inclining the beverage container placed on the placing table 31, and a control unit 24 for controlling the liquid cylinder unit 22, the foam cylinder unit 23 and the inclination part 32. The control unit 24 controls the foam cylinder unit 23 when returning the inclined beverage container to a state before being inclined, to start pouring the foam into the beverage container. The foam cylinder unit 23 includes an internal channel through which the sparkling drink flows, and a beverage circulation part provided in the internal channel, having a plurality of holes formed therein through which the sparkling drink flows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage server. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2016-182962 A describes an automatic sparkling beverage dispenser that includes a dispenser cock that selectively dispenses beer in a liquid state or a foamy state, a pedestal device that has a pedestal for placing a glass for receiving the beer and a tilting base plate for tilting the glass, and a pedestal tilting device that returns the tilting base plate from a tilted position to an upright position.

[0003] The automatic sparkling beverage dispenser includes a control device that controls the valve mechanism of the dispense cock to be in a foam open state during the process of returning the tilting base from an inclined position to an upright position by the receiving base tilting device, thereby dispensing a predetermined amount of foamed beer. The control device controls the speed at which the tilting base is returned from the inclined position to the upright position to be slower than the speed at which it is tilted from the upright position to the inclined position.

[0004] WO 2018 / 109834 describes a beverage dispensing cock, a valve rod, and a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispensing cock includes a housing attached to the body of the beverage dispenser, a valve body, a valve rod, a movable part, a lever, and a spring. When dispensing a beverage, the lever is rotated counterclockwise to move the movable part and the valve rod, and a flow path is formed between the valve seat of the valve body and the valve body of the valve rod as the valve rod moves, and a beverage is dispensed from the flow path.

[0005] When the lever is rotated clockwise, the movable part moves in the opposite direction to the above, forming a flow path between the movable part and the valve rod, and foam of the beverage is dispensed from the flow path. The valve rod has a first flow path and a plurality of second flow paths branching off from the first flow path inside, and foam is generated from the beverage discharged from the second flow paths to the outside of the valve rod.

[0006] The second flow path has a first portion, which is an internal flow path extending from the first flow path, and a second portion located on the opposite side of the first portion to the first flow path. The inner diameter of the second portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion, and the second portion functions as an orifice that narrows the inner diameter of the second flow path. By providing an orifice in the second flow path, the flow rate of the beverage is increased, thereby efficiently forming fine bubbles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-182962 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 109834 DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the above-mentioned automatic sparkling beverage dispenser, the beverage and the beverage foam are dispensed by tilting the dispense cock. Therefore, the configuration for dispensing the beverage and the foam may be complicated. The same is true for the above-mentioned beverage dispenser. In the above-mentioned beverage dispenser, an orifice is provided in the second part of the second flow path to form fine foam. However, simply providing an orifice in the second part of the second flow path and reducing the inner diameter of the second part leaves room for improvement in terms of the quality of the dispensed foam. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned beverage dispenser, an orifice must be formed in the second part inside the minute second flow path, so there is a problem that a configuration for dispensing fine foam cannot be easily realized.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a beverage server that can improve the quality of the dispensed foam and easily realize a configuration for dispensing fine foam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The beverage server of the present disclosure is a beverage server that pours a carbonated beverage into a beverage container by controlling a liquid cylinder unit through which the liquid of the carbonated beverage passes and a foam cylinder unit through which the foam of the carbonated beverage passes, and is equipped with a mounting base on which the beverage container is placed, a tilting section which tilts the beverage container placed on the mounting base, and a control unit which controls the liquid cylinder unit, the foam cylinder unit and the tilting section, wherein the control unit controls the foam cylinder unit to start pouring foam into the beverage container when the tilted beverage container is returned to its pre-tilt state, and the foam cylinder unit has an internal flow path through which the carbonated beverage passes, and a beverage distribution section which is arranged in the internal flow path and has a plurality of holes through which the carbonated beverage passes.

[0011] This beverage server includes a liquid cylinder unit and a foam cylinder unit, and the control unit controls the liquid cylinder unit and the foam cylinder unit to dispense the liquid and foam of the fizzy beverage. This eliminates the need for a tilting pouring cock, and simplifies the configuration for dispensing the liquid and foam. The beverage server includes a platform on which the beverage container is placed, and a tilting section that tilts the beverage container placed on the platform, and the control unit controls the tilting section. The control unit controls the foam cylinder unit to start dispensing foam into the beverage container when the tilted beverage container is returned to its pre-tilt state. This allows foam to be dispensed while the tilted beverage container is returned, suppressing the foam from hitting the liquid surface and dispensing creamy foam above the liquid surface. This improves the quality of the dispensed foam. The foam cylinder unit includes an internal flow path and a beverage distribution section disposed in the internal flow path, and the beverage distribution section is formed with a plurality of holes through which the fizzy beverage passes. Therefore, since it is possible to form a flow path for the sparkling beverage by forming a plurality of holes in the beverage distribution section disposed in the internal flow path, it is possible to easily realize a configuration for pouring fine bubbles. Furthermore, since the beverage distribution section has a plurality of holes, the bubbles can be poured uniformly, which contributes to further improving the quality of the bubbles.

[0012] The beverage distribution section may have three or more holes formed therein. In this case, by forming three or more holes in the beverage distribution section, the foam can be poured more uniformly, thereby improving the quality of the foam.

[0013] The inner diameter of the internal flow passage may be 4 mm or more. In this case, by having the inner diameter of the internal flow passage of the foam cylinder unit be 4 mm or more, fine foam can be efficiently dispensed.

[0014] The total area of ​​the holes is 0.85 mm 2 In this case, the total area of ​​the holes formed in the beverage distribution portion may be 0.85 mm 2 By satisfying the above condition, finer foam can be dispensed, thereby further improving the quality of the foam.

[0015] The control unit may control the foam cylinder unit so that the foam dispensing time into the beverage container is 2.4 seconds or more. In this case, the foam can be slowly dispensed into the beverage container, so that the foam can be more reliably prevented from hitting the liquid surface, and the quality of the foam can be further improved.

[0016] The diameter of each of the plurality of holes may be 0.3 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. In this case, when the diameter of each hole is 0.3 mm or more, the foam can be efficiently dispensed. When the diameter of each hole is 0.6 mm or less, finer foam can be dispensed, improving the quality of the foam. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the quality of the dispensed foam and easily realize a configuration for dispensing fine foam. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a beverage server according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the beverage server of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid cylinder unit and a foam cylinder unit of the beverage server of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view showing the foam nozzle of the foam cylinder unit of FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the foam nozzle of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of a beverage distribution section disposed in an internal flow path of the foam nozzle of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7(a), (b) and (c) are front views showing other examples of a beverage distribution section disposed in the internal flow path of the foam nozzle of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing an example of time-series data of the tilt angle of a beverage container. [Figure 9] 1A, 1B, and 1C are diagrams showing an example of a method for dispensing a beverage. [Figure 10] 1A, 1B, and 1C are diagrams showing an example of a method for dispensing a beverage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a beverage server according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary beverage server 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view of the beverage server 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the beverage server 1 has a box shape. The beverage server 1 is, for example, a commercial beverage server installed in a restaurant, and is capable of dispensing beverages by operating it in response to customer orders, etc.

[0021] The beverage is, for example, a sparkling beverage D (see FIG. 10(c)). The sparkling beverage D contains, for example, a fermented alcoholic drink containing a gas such as carbon dioxide gas, and has a foaming characteristic in which a layer of foam B is formed on the liquid L when poured into a beverage container C, and a foam retention characteristic in which the formed foam B is maintained for a certain period of time or more.

[0022] Sparkling beverage D is, for example, a beverage that has a NIBEM value of 50 seconds or more according to the EBC (European Brewery Convention) method. The NIBEM value is an index value that indicates the foam retention characteristics of a beverage. Sparkling beverage D may be a beer-taste beverage. Beer-taste beverages include beverages that taste like beer and beverages that give the drinker the sensation of drinking beer. Beer-taste beverages with an alcohol content of 1% or more are also called beer-taste alcoholic beverages.

[0023] Beer-taste beverages include beer, happoshu, non-alcoholic beer, and liqueur (e.g., beverages classified as "Liqueur (sparkling) (1)" under the Liquor Tax Act) that use malt as an ingredient. Note that sparkling beverage D may be a beverage other than a beer-taste beverage. In the following, an example will be described in which liquid L is a beer liquid and sparkling beverage D is beer.

[0024] For example, beverage server 1 does not have a faucet (e.g., a faucet with an operating lever). As one example, beverage server 1 is an automatic server that can dispense a sparkling beverage D into a beverage container C by operating a button. In this way, because beverage server 1 is an automatic server that does not have a faucet, the sparkling beverage D can be easily dispensed into a beverage container C with a simple operation.

[0025] The exemplary beverage server 1 is capable of providing multiple types (two types as an example) of sparkling beverage D. The beverage server 1 comprises a box-shaped housing 10, a beverage dispensing unit 20 that dispenses the sparkling beverage D, a mounting unit 30 on which a beverage container C is placed, and a receiving stand 40 that receives dropped sparkling beverages D and the like. For ease of explanation, the direction in which the beverage dispensing unit 20 is provided may be referred to as the front or front side, and the opposite direction as the rear or rear side below. However, these directions are for ease of explanation and do not limit the arrangement of parts, etc.

[0026] For example, the beverage server 1 includes a plurality of mounting parts 30 arranged along a first direction D1, and a beverage container C can be placed on each of the plurality of mounting parts 30. For example, the type of sparkling beverage D poured into a beverage container C placed on one of the plurality of mounting parts 30 is different from the type of sparkling beverage D poured into a beverage container C placed on the other of the plurality of mounting parts 30. The receiving stand 40 is, for example, a tray provided below the mounting parts 30. As an example, the receiving stand 40 has a plurality of holes 41 that allow liquid to pass downward, and liquid that falls onto the receiving stand 40 passes through the holes 41 and is collected inside the receiving stand 40.

[0027] The housing 10 is made of stainless steel, for example. The housing 10 has a top surface 10b facing vertically upward, a pair of side surfaces 10c aligned along a first direction D1 which is the width direction of the beverage server 1, a front surface 10d facing one side of a second direction D2 which is the depth direction of the beverage server 1, a back surface 10f facing the other side of the second direction D2, and a bottom surface 10g facing vertically downward. For example, the top surface 10b, the pair of side surfaces 10c, the front surface 10d, the back surface 10f, and the bottom surface 10g are flat.

[0028] The housing 10 includes a lid 11 that can open and close the internal space of the housing 10, and an upper surface 10b is formed by the lid 11. The internal space of the housing 10 accommodates, for example, a beverage pipe that contains a sparkling beverage D and a refrigeration cycle device that cools the sparkling beverage D. In this case, by opening the lid 11, the beverage pipe and the refrigeration cycle device can be viewed.

[0029] The exemplary housing 10 includes an inlet portion 12 through which liquid L flows into the interior of the beverage server 1. For example, the housing 10 includes a plurality of (for example, two) inlet portions 12. For example, the inlet portions 12 protrude from the front surface 10d, and the liquid L flows into the interior of the housing 10 through the inlet portions 12 from a beverage hose inserted into the protruding portion.

[0030] The housing 10 may further include a drain outlet portion 13 that drains water from inside the housing 10. For example, the drain outlet portion 13 is provided below the inlet portion 12. As one example, the drain outlet portion 13 protrudes from the front surface 10d, and water is discharged from the drain outlet portion 13 into a hose inserted into the protruding portion.

[0031] For example, the housing 10 includes an exhaust port 14 and a power cord 15. The power cord 15 extends rearward from the lower end of the housing 10, for example. The exhaust port 14 is formed on each of the side surface 10c and the rear surface 10f of the housing 10, for example. For example, the housing 10 has a plurality of exhaust ports 14, and the plurality of exhaust ports 14 are arranged in a lattice pattern on the side surface 10c along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. For example, the plurality of exhaust ports 14 are arranged in a lattice pattern on the rear surface 10f along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is a direction intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, for example, a vertical direction.

[0032] The exemplary beverage dispensing unit 20 is disposed so as to protrude forward from the housing 10. The beverage dispensing unit 20 is, for example, box-shaped and fixed to the front surface 10d of the housing 10. The beverage dispensing unit 20 includes an operation unit 21 that performs an operation to dispense a sparkling beverage D. The operation unit 21 is, for example, a button-type switch that generates a sparkling beverage D from a liquid L cooled inside the housing 10 and dispenses the sparkling beverage D.

[0033] In the beverage server 1 according to the present embodiment, liquid L is poured into the beverage container C while tilting the beverage container C placed on the placement unit 30, and then foam B is poured (see FIG. 9 or FIG. 10). In the operation unit 21, for example, it is possible to set how many seconds after the stop of the pouring of liquid L the foam B starts to be poured (foam pouring waiting time). This foam pouring waiting time can be set as appropriate, but is set, for example, to 0 seconds or more and 2 seconds or less. In addition, in the beverage server 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set how many seconds it takes for the tilted beverage container C to return to its original state (for example, a state in which the bottom surface of the beverage container C is parallel to the horizontal direction, hereinafter also referred to as the "upright state") (also referred to as the upright return time). This upright return time can be set as appropriate, but is set, for example, to 1.0 seconds or more and 6.0 seconds or less.

[0034] The beverage dispensing unit 20 includes, for example, a liquid cylinder unit 22 through which the liquid L passes, a foam cylinder unit 23 through which the foam B passes, and a control unit 24 that controls the liquid cylinder unit 22, the foam cylinder unit 23, and the mounting unit 30. As an example, an operation unit 21 is electrically connected to the control unit 24. In this case, when a user of the beverage server 1 operates the operation unit 21, the liquid cylinder unit 22, the foam cylinder unit 23, and the mounting unit 30 are operated under the control of the control unit 24, and the liquid L and foam B are dispensed into the beverage container C placed on the mounting unit 30. The liquid cylinder unit 22 and the foam cylinder unit 23 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The exemplary placement unit 30 includes a placement table 31 on which a beverage container C is placed, and a tilting unit 32 that tilts the beverage container C placed on the placement table 31. The placement table 31 is, for example, plate-shaped and extends horizontally (upright) in an initial state (a state in which the beverage container C is not tilted). The tilting unit 32 includes, for example, a fixed portion 32b fixed to the front surface 10d, a rotating portion 32c that is rotatable about an axis A extending in the first direction D1 on the fixed portion 32b, and a container support portion 32d that extends from the rotating portion 32c to the placement table 31. For example, the placement table 31 protrudes forward from a lower end of the container support portion 32d.

[0036] The control unit 24 tilts the mounting table 31 in response to, for example, a user's operation of the operating unit 21. In this case, the control unit 24 rotates the rotating part 32c relative to the fixed part 32b of the tilting part 32 to tilt the container support part 32d and the mounting table 31 forward. When the control unit 24 tilts the mounting table 31 forward with the beverage container C placed on the mounting table 31, it becomes possible to tilt the beverage container C.

[0037] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid cylinder unit 22 and the foam cylinder unit 23. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the liquid cylinder unit 22 and the foam cylinder unit 23 are integrated as a cylinder unit 25. For example, the liquid cylinder unit 22 and the foam cylinder unit 23 include an air cylinder. The cylinder unit 25 includes a first cylindrical portion 26 having a first internal space 26b extending in the third direction D3, a second cylindrical portion 27 having a second internal space 27b extending from the first internal space 26b in the first direction D1, and a support portion 28 that supports the liquid cylinder unit 22 on the first cylindrical portion 26.

[0038] An exemplary liquid cylinder unit 22 has a first liquid nozzle 22b through which the liquid L passes, a second liquid nozzle 22c located above the first liquid nozzle 22b and moving up and down in a first internal space 26b of the first cylindrical portion 26, and a first drive unit 22d that moves the second liquid nozzle 22c up and down. A cylinder and a piston are provided inside the first drive unit 22d. The first liquid nozzle 22b has a cylindrical shape extending along the third direction D3. An end surface 22f located at the lower end of the first liquid nozzle 22b is inclined obliquely with respect to a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3, for example.

[0039] As an example, the support portion 28 includes a first plate portion 28b fixed to an upper portion of the first cylindrical portion 26, a second plate portion 28c located above the first plate portion 28b, and a plurality of pillar portions 28d extending vertically (third direction D3) between the first plate portion 28b and the second plate portion 28c and protruding upward from the second plate portion 28c. The first driving portion 22d is placed on the plurality of pillar portions 28d, and, for example, a nut 28f is interposed between the first driving portion 22d and the second plate portion 28c.

[0040] The second liquid nozzle 22c has a cylindrical shape extending in the third direction D3. For example, an annular recess 22g into which the O-ring R1 fits is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second liquid nozzle 22c. The second liquid nozzle 22c has, for example, a plurality of (three, for example) O-rings R1, and the plurality of O-rings R1 are arranged so as to be aligned along the third direction D3. This ensures airtightness in the first internal space 26b of the first cylindrical portion 26. The cylinder unit 25 has a first inlet 22k through which the liquid L flows from the outside into the cylinder unit 25, and a second inlet 22h formed in the second liquid nozzle 22c and through which the liquid L flows from the first inlet 22k into the second liquid nozzle 22c. The liquid L that flows into the second liquid nozzle 22c from the second inlet 22h moves downward, for example, and flows out of the first liquid nozzle 22b downward from the liquid cylinder unit 22.

[0041] For example, a flow path 29 extends from the second liquid nozzle 22c, and the foam cylinder unit 23 is provided on the opposite side of the flow path 29 from the second liquid nozzle 22c. The flow path 29 is narrower than the second internal space 27b of the second cylindrical portion 27. The flow path 29 includes a small diameter flow path 29b extending from the second liquid nozzle 22c, and a large diameter flow path 29c extending from the small diameter flow path 29b to the second internal space 27b.

[0042] The small diameter flow path 29b and the large diameter flow path 29c are formed inside the first cylindrical portion 26. For example, when the second liquid nozzle 22c moves downward and the vertical position of the second inlet 22h coincides with the position of the first inlet 22k, the liquid L flows into the second liquid nozzle 22c through the first inlet 22k and the second inlet 22h. The liquid L that flows into the second liquid nozzle 22c flows downward inside the second liquid nozzle 22c and is poured out from the first liquid nozzle 22b.

[0043] An exemplary foam cylinder unit 23 includes a foam nozzle 50 through which the foam B passes, a foam control section 23c located above the foam nozzle 50 and moving in the second internal space 27b of the second cylindrical section 27, and a second drive section 23d for moving the foam control section 23c. A cylinder and a piston are provided inside the second drive section 23d. The foam nozzle 50 is fixed to the first cylindrical section 26, for example, by fitting into a recess 26c formed in the first cylindrical section 26 without moving. As an example, the recess 26c is recessed upward from the lower end of the first cylindrical section 26, and the foam nozzle 50 is fixed to the first cylindrical section 26 by entering the recess 26c from below.

[0044] Between the foam nozzle 50 and the large diameter flow passage 29c, a connection flow passage 29d is formed to connect the flow passage 29 and the foam nozzle 50 to each other. As an example, the connection flow passage 29d extends obliquely downward from the large diameter flow passage 29c and communicates with the recess 26c. For example, the connection flow passage 29d includes a small diameter portion 29f extending from the large diameter flow passage 29c and a large diameter portion 29g extending from the small diameter portion 29f to the recess 26c.

[0045] As an example, the second driving part 23d is fixed to the end of the second cylindrical part 27 on the opposite side to the first cylindrical part 26. The foam control part 23c is, for example, a rod extending from the second driving part 23d to the flow path 29 in the second internal space 27b of the second cylindrical part 27. As an example, the foam control part 23c includes a thin diameter part 23f located in the second internal space 27b and a thick diameter part 23g facing the inner surface 29h of the flow path 29 (thick diameter flow path 29c). A packing R5 that is in close contact with the inner surface 29h is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the thick diameter part 23g, and the packing R5 slides on the inner surface 29h when the foam control part 23c is moved by the drive of the second driving part 23d. This ensures airtightness of the thick diameter flow path 29c.

[0046] The first inlet 22k is connected to the flow path 29. When the second liquid nozzle 22c moves upward and the second inlet 22h is positioned above the first inlet 22k, the liquid L from the first inlet 22k enters the flow path 29 (thin-diameter flow path 29b). The liquid L that has entered the flow path 29 passes through the gap S between the foam control unit 23c and the thin-diameter flow path 29b. When the liquid L passes through this gap S, the liquid L is converted into foam B, and the converted foam B passes through the connecting flow path 29d and is poured downward through the foam nozzle 50. The width of the gap S (length in the first direction D1) is, for example, 3.5 mm or less. The width of the gap S may be 1.0 mm or more and less than 3.5 mm. In this case, excess foam B that may be generated after the pouring of the foam B is stopped can be more reliably suppressed.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a side view of an exemplary foam nozzle 50. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the foam nozzle 50. As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the foam nozzle 50 has a cylindrical shape extending along the third direction D3. The foam nozzle 50 includes a connecting portion 51 connected to the first cylindrical portion 26 (recess 26c), a cylindrical foam flow path portion 52 extending downward from the connecting portion 51, and a beverage distribution portion 53 disposed inside the foam flow path portion 52.

[0048] The connecting portion 51 has a first enlarged diameter portion 51b facing upward, a second enlarged diameter portion 51c facing downward, and a third enlarged diameter portion 51d located between the first enlarged diameter portion 51b and the second enlarged diameter portion 51c. For example, the outer diameter of the first enlarged diameter portion 51b is smaller than the outer diameter of the second enlarged diameter portion 51c and the outer diameter of the third enlarged diameter portion 51d. The outer diameter of the second enlarged diameter portion 51c is smaller than the outer diameter of the third enlarged diameter portion 51d.

[0049] The first enlarged diameter portion 51b is a portion that fits into the recess 26c of the first cylindrical portion 26. The foam nozzle 50 is fixed to the first cylindrical portion 26, for example, by the first enlarged diameter portion 51b fitting into the recess 26c. For example, a first narrowed portion 51f is formed between the first enlarged diameter portion 51b and the third enlarged diameter portion 51d, and an O-ring R2 is inserted into the first narrowed portion 51f. When the foam nozzle 50 is fixed to the first cylindrical portion 26, the O-ring R2 is interposed between the foam nozzle 50 and the first cylindrical portion 26. The O-ring R2 is in close contact with the foam nozzle 50 and the first cylindrical portion 26, thereby ensuring airtightness of the foam nozzle 50 and the first cylindrical portion 26.

[0050] The second enlarged diameter portion 51c is a portion that fits into the foam flow path portion 52. The connecting portion 51 is fixed to the foam flow path portion 52 by the second enlarged diameter portion 51c fitting into the foam flow path portion 52. A second narrowed portion 51g is formed between the second enlarged diameter portion 51c and the third enlarged diameter portion 51d, and an O-ring R3 fits into the second narrowed portion 51g. When the connecting portion 51 is fixed to the foam flow path portion 52, the O-ring R3 is interposed between the second narrowed portion 51g and the inner peripheral surface of the foam flow path portion 52. The O-ring R3 fitted into the second narrowed portion 51g is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the foam flow path portion 52, thereby ensuring airtightness between the connecting portion 51 and the foam flow path portion 52.

[0051] For example, the foam nozzle 50 (connecting portion 51) has an internal flow passage 54 through which the sparkling beverage D (e.g., foam B) passes. The internal flow passage 54 has an inner diameter X, for example, of 4 mm or more. The inner diameter X may be 4.5 mm or more or 5 mm or more. The inner diameter X may be 6 mm or less, 5.5 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The value of the inner diameter X is not particularly limited.

[0052] The foam flow path section 52 has, for example, a large diameter section 52b facing upward and a small diameter section 52c extending downward from the large diameter section 52b. The second enlarged diameter section 51c of the connecting section 51 fits into the large diameter section 52b, and an end face 52d of the large diameter section 52b faces the third enlarged diameter section 51d. As an example, the outer diameter of the large diameter section 52b is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the third enlarged diameter section 51d.

[0053] For example, beverage distribution section 53 is held inside foam flow path section 52, and beverage distribution section 53 fits into small diameter section 52c. As an example, beverage distribution section 53 includes a beverage distribution member 55 that allows the sparkling beverage D (e.g., foam B) to pass through. As an example, beverage distribution member 55 is a resin plate.

[0054] The beverage distribution member 55 has, for example, a plate shape. As one example, the beverage distribution member 55 has a disk shape. For example, the beverage distribution member 55 is made of resin. However, the beverage distribution member 55 may be made of a material other than resin (for example, metal), and the material of the beverage distribution member 55 is not particularly limited. For example, the beverage distribution member 55 faces the internal flow path 54 at the large diameter portion 52b.

[0055] For example, an O-ring R4 is sandwiched between the beverage distribution member 55 and the connecting portion 51 (for example, the second enlarged diameter portion 51c). This O-ring R4 ensures airtightness in the space Y between the internal flow path 54 and the beverage distribution member 55. Therefore, the sparkling beverage D flowing through the internal flow path 54 enters the beverage distribution member 55 without leaking in the space Y.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an exemplary beverage distribution member 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the beverage distribution member 55 has a plurality of holes 56 through which the sparkling beverage D passes. The width W of the beverage distribution member 55 (the diameter of the beverage distribution member 55 when the beverage distribution member 55 is disc-shaped) is, for example, 10 mm or more and 11 mm or less, and is, for example, 10.5 mm. The thickness (length in the third direction D3) of the beverage distribution member 55 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less, and may be 1 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The width and thickness of the beverage distribution member 55 are not limited to the above values.

[0057] The holes 56 penetrate the beverage distribution member 55 in the thickness direction (third direction D3) and allow the sparkling beverage D entering the beverage distribution member 55 to pass downward. The diameter Z of each of the multiple holes 56 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The diameter Z may be 0.35 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, or 0.45 mm or more. The diameter Z may be 0.55 mm or less, 0.5 mm or less, or 0.45 mm or less. However, the value of the diameter Z may be other than the above values.

[0058] The total area of ​​the holes 56 (the sum of the areas of the holes 56) is, for example, 0.85 mm 2 The total area of ​​the plurality of holes 56 is 0.35 mm 2 In this case, the problem that the foam B is difficult to come out from the foam cylinder unit 23 (foam nozzle 50) can be reliably avoided. The total area of ​​the multiple holes 56 is 0.4 mm 2 More than 0.45mm 2 Above 0.5mm 2 Above 0.55mm 2 or more, or 0.6 mm 2 The total area of ​​the holes 56 may be 0.8 mm or more. 2 Below, 0.75mm 2 Below, 0.7mm 2 Below, 0.65mm 2 Less than or equal to 0.6 mm 2 However, the total area of ​​the plurality of holes 56 may be other than the above values.

[0059] The diameters Z of the multiple holes 56 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. For example, the beverage distribution member 55 has five holes 56. As an example, the five holes 56 may be arranged in a regular pentagonal shape in the beverage distribution member 55. In this way, in the beverage distribution member 55 including the multiple holes 56, the multiple holes 56 may be arranged in a regular polygonal shape.

[0060] 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) show beverage distribution members 55A, 55B and 55C according to modified examples. As shown in FIG. 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c), the number of holes 56 is not limited to five and can be changed as appropriate. As an example, beverage distribution member 55A has three holes 56, for example, the three holes 56 are arranged in an equilateral triangle. As another example, beverage distribution member 55B has four holes 56, for example, the four holes 56 are arranged in a square shape.

[0061] As yet another example, beverage distribution member 55C has two holes 56. For example, the two holes 56 are arranged at a position where an imaginary line segment E connecting the two holes 56 passes through center F of beverage distribution member 55C. Above, examples have been described in which the beverage distribution member has two, three or four holes 56. However, the number of holes 56 provided in the beverage distribution member may be six or more.

[0062] A method for dispensing a sparkling beverage D into a beverage container C using the beverage server 1 equipped with the foam cylinder unit 23 having the foam nozzle 50 described above and the liquid cylinder unit 22 will now be described. First, the beverage container C is placed on the placement base 31 of the placement section 30 of the beverage server 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 (step of placing the beverage container on the placement base).

[0063] Then, the operation unit 21 is operated (step of operating the operation unit). At this time, for example, the number of seconds it takes for the tilted beverage container C to return to a horizontal state (upright return time) is set by the operation unit 21. Also, the foam dispensing waiting time, which indicates the number of seconds after the dispensing of the liquid L is stopped to start dispensing the foam B, is set by the operation unit 21. Then, for example, the dispensing start button of the operation unit 21 is pressed to start dispensing the sparkling beverage D into the beverage container C placed on the placement table 31.

[0064] At this time, the control unit 24 controls the tilting unit 32 to pour the sparkling beverage D while tilting the beverage container C. Fig. 8 is a graph showing a schematic time series data of the tilt angle θ of the beverage container C. As shown in Fig. 8, assuming that the timing when the operating unit 21 is operated is time 0, the control unit 24 takes time t1 to tilt the beverage container C (step of tilting the beverage container).

[0065] 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c) are schematic diagrams showing a process of pouring a sparkling beverage D into a tilted beverage container C. As shown in Fig. 8 and 9(a), the control unit 24 tilts the beverage container C by a tilt angle θ over a time t1. Specifically, the control unit 24 tilts the beverage container C such that the angle of the bottom (lower surface) of the beverage container C with respect to the horizontal plane H becomes the tilt angle θ.

[0066] The inclination angle θ is, for example, 10° or more and 45° or less. The inclination angle θ may be 15° or more, 20° or more, 25° or more, or 30° or more. The inclination angle θ may be 40° or less, 35° or less, or 30° or less. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ may be less than 10°. In this way, the value of the inclination angle θ can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] 9(b) and 9(c), the control unit 24 pours the liquid L into the beverage container C while tilting the beverage container C by the tilt angle θ (step of pouring the liquid). For example, the control unit 24 causes the liquid cylinder unit 22 to protrude into (below) the beverage container C and pours the liquid L from the liquid cylinder unit 22.

[0068] For example, the amount of liquid L dispensed into the beverage container C may be set in advance by the operating unit 21. In this case, for example, about 70% of the volume of the beverage container C is dispensed into the beverage container C. After the dispensing of the liquid L is completed, the liquid cylinder unit 22 that has been protruding downward moves upward and returns to its original position.

[0069] 10(a), 10(b) and 10(c) are diagrams showing schematic diagrams of subsequent steps in the method of pouring a sparkling beverage D. After the liquid L has been poured and time t2 has arrived, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the tilted beverage container C is returned to the state before it was tilted (step of returning the beverage container to the state before it was tilted). That is, the control unit 24 gradually returns the tilted state of the beverage container C to the upright state before it was tilted so that the bottom of the beverage container C coincides with the horizontal plane H. The transition from the tilted state to the upright state takes a set return-to-right time.

[0070] 10(b), after the dispensing of the liquid L is completed and the set foam dispensing waiting time has elapsed, the control unit 24 controls the foam cylinder unit 23 to dispense foam B into the beverage container C (a foam dispensing step). For example, the control unit 24 controls the foam cylinder unit 23 so that the dispensing time of foam B into the beverage container C (also called foaming time) is 2.4 seconds or longer.

[0071] The dispensing time of foam B into the beverage container C may be, for example, 12 seconds or less. The dispensing time of foam B into the beverage container C may be 3 seconds or more, 5 seconds or more, 6 seconds or more, or 7 seconds or more. The dispensing time of foam B into the beverage container C may be 10 seconds or less, 9 seconds or less, or 8 seconds or less. The timing at which the beverage container C starts to return to the state before tilting, the timing at which dispensing of foam B starts, and the dispensing time of foam B may be set by the operation unit 21.

[0072] In this embodiment, the timing at which the beverage container C starts to be returned is set to be before the timing at which the foam B starts to be dispensed. However, the timing at which the beverage container C starts to be returned may be set to be simultaneous with the timing at which the foam B starts to be dispensed, or may be set to be after the timing at which the foam B starts to be dispensed.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time (t3-t2) required for the beverage container C to return from the tilted state to the upright state is longer than the time t1 required for the beverage container C to return from the upright state (initial state) to the upright state. This allows the foam B to be poured while the beverage container C is slowly returned to the upright state, making it possible to pour a creamier foam B onto the liquid L. As described above, the foam B is poured while the beverage container C is returned to the state before tilting, and after the beverage container C returns to its original tilted state as shown in FIG. 10(c) and the pouring of the foam B is completed, a series of steps related to the method for pouring a sparkling beverage D is completed.

[0074] Next, the effects obtained from the beverage server 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the beverage server 1 includes a liquid cylinder unit 22 and a foam cylinder unit 23, and a control unit 24 controls the liquid cylinder unit 22 and the foam cylinder unit 23 to dispense the liquid L and foam B of the sparkling beverage D. This eliminates the need for a tiltable pouring cock, and simplifies the configuration for pouring the liquid L and foam B.

[0075] The beverage server 1 includes a platform 31 on which a beverage container C is placed, and a tilting unit 32 that tilts the beverage container C placed on the platform 31, and the control unit 24 controls the tilting unit 32. When returning the tilted beverage container C to its pre-tilt state (e.g., upright state), the control unit 24 controls the foam cylinder unit 23 to start pouring foam B into the beverage container C. As a result, foam B is poured while returning the tilted beverage container C, so that it is possible to suppress the foam from beating against the liquid surface of the liquid L and pour creamy foam B onto the liquid surface. This improves the quality of the poured foam B.

[0076] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the foam cylinder unit 23 (foam nozzle 50) includes an internal flow path 54 and a beverage distribution section 53 arranged in the internal flow path 54, and the beverage distribution section 53 (beverage distribution member 55) has a plurality of holes 56 through which the sparkling beverage D passes. Therefore, it is possible to form a flow path for the sparkling beverage D by forming a plurality of holes 56 in the beverage distribution section 53 arranged in the internal flow path 54, and therefore it is possible to easily realize a configuration for pouring fine bubbles B. In addition, since the beverage distribution section 53 has a plurality of holes 56, the foam B can be poured uniformly, which contributes to further improving the quality of the foam B.

[0077] Three or more holes 56 may be formed in the beverage distribution part 53. In this case, by forming three or more holes 56 in the beverage distribution part 53, the foam B can be poured more uniformly, and the quality of the foam B can be further improved.

[0078] The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 may be 4 mm or more. In this case, by having the inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 of the foam cylinder unit 23 be 4 mm or more, fine foam B can be efficiently dispensed.

[0079] The total area of ​​the plurality of holes 56 is 0.85 mm 2 In this case, the total area of ​​the holes 56 formed in the beverage distribution portion 53 may be 0.85 mm 2 By satisfying the above condition, it is possible to dispense finer bubbles B. Therefore, the quality of the bubbles B can be further improved.

[0080] The control unit 24 may control the foam cylinder unit 23 so that the foam B is dispensed into the beverage container C for 2.4 seconds or more. In this case, the foam B can be dispensed slowly into the beverage container C, so that the foam B can be more reliably prevented from hitting the liquid surface, thereby further improving the quality of the foam B.

[0081] The diameter Z of each of the multiple holes 56 may be 0.3 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. In this case, when the diameter Z of each hole 56 is 0.3 mm or more, the foam B can be efficiently dispensed. When the diameter Z of each hole 56 is 0.6 mm or less, finer foam B can be dispensed, thereby improving the quality of the foam B.

[0082] The embodiment of the beverage server according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the beverage server according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be modified or applied to other things within the scope of the gist described in each claim. The shape, size, number, material, and arrangement of each part of the beverage server may be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist described above.

[0083] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a beverage server 1 including a housing 10 having an inlet portion 12, a drain portion 13, an exhaust port 14, and a power cord 15 was exemplified. However, the configuration of the beverage server housing is not limited to the above example and can be modified as appropriate. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was described in which a cylinder unit 25 is provided that integrates a liquid cylinder unit 22 and a foam cylinder unit 23. However, the configuration of the cylinder unit (the driving mechanism of the cylinder unit and the internal flow path, etc.) is not limited to the example of the above-mentioned embodiment and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, a cylinder unit may not be provided and the liquid cylinder unit and the foam cylinder unit may be provided separately.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the foam cylinder unit 23 is provided with a foam nozzle 50, and the beverage distribution member 55 is provided inside the foam nozzle 50. However, the configuration of the foam cylinder unit is not limited to the above example and can be modified as appropriate. The configuration of the liquid cylinder unit can also be modified as appropriate, similarly to the above.

[0085] (Example) Next, an example of the beverage server according to the present disclosure will be described. Note that the beverage server according to the present disclosure is not limited to the following example. In the example, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the smacking of the liquid surface of the foam B and the quality of the foam B when the beverage container C was tilted using the beverage server 1 and the foam B was poured out. The smacking of the liquid surface of the foam B and the quality of the foam B were judged visually. The quality of the foam B was evaluated as "◎", "○" and "△" when there were many fine, creamy, good quality bubbles and few coarse bubbles. "◎" indicates the state of the foam B with the best quality, "○" indicates the state of the foam B with the next best quality, and "△" indicates the state of the foam B with inferior quality to "◎" and "○".

[0086] The foam B was dispensed in each of the beverage servers of the following Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are different from each other in the inner diameter X of the internal flow path 54 (foaming nozzle) in Fig. 5, the diameter Z of the hole 56 in Fig. 6, the number of holes 56, the total area of ​​the holes 56, the state of the beverage container C (upright or tilted) at the start of dispensing the foam B (at the start of foaming), the speed of returning to the upright state, and the dispensing time of the foam B (foaming time). The specifications of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are explained below.

[0087] Example 1 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 4 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.6 mm, the number of holes 56 is 3, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.85 mm 2 The beverage container C was in an inclined state when the foam B started to be dispensed (the foam B was dispensed in an inclined state), and the time it took for the beverage container C to return to an upright state from the inclined state was about 3 seconds (slowly returned). The duration of the dispense of foam B was 3.2 seconds. Example 2 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 6 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.4 mm, the number of holes 56 is 5, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.63 mm 2 The beverage container C was in an inclined state when the foam B started to be dispensed, and the time it took for the beverage container C to return to the upright position was about 6 seconds (returned very slowly). The time it took for the foam B to be dispensed was 6.2 seconds. Example 3 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 6 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.3 mm, the number of holes 56 is 5, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.35 mm 2 The beverage container C was in an inclined state when the foam B started to be dispensed, and the time it took to return to the upright position was about 6 seconds (very slowly). The duration of the foam B dispense was 12 seconds. Example 4 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 6 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.5 mm, the number of holes 56 is 3, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.59 mm 2 The beverage container C was in an inclined state when the foam B started to be dispensed, and the time it took to return to the upright position was about 6 seconds (very slowly). The duration of the foam B dispensed was 7.5 seconds. Comparative Example 1 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 4 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.6 mm, the number of holes 56 is 3, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.85 mm 2 The state of the beverage container C at the start of the dispensing of the foam B was set to an upright state, and the time required for the beverage container C to return to the upright position was set to about 1.5 seconds (fast return). The dispensing time of the foam B was set to 1.8 seconds. Comparative Example 2 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 4 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.4 mm, the number of holes 56 is 5, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.63 mm 2 The state of the beverage container C at the start of the pouring of foam B was set to an upright state, and the time required for the beverage container C to return to the upright position was set to about 6 seconds (returned very slowly). The pouring time of foam B was set to 6.1 seconds. Comparative Example 3 The inner diameter X of the internal flow passage 54 is 4 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.5 mm, the number of holes 56 is 3, and the total area of ​​the holes 56 is 0.59 mm 2 The beverage container C was in an upright state when the foam B started to be dispensed, and the time it took to return to the upright position was about 6 seconds (very slowly). The time it took to dispense the foam B was 7.3 seconds.

[0088] Table 1 below shows the measurement results of the slapping of the liquid surface due to dripping and the quality of foam B when sparkling beverage D was poured from each of the beverage servers of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 above. [Table 1]

[0089] From Table 1, it was found that in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, in which the beverage container C was in an upright state when the foam B started to be dispensed, the liquid surface was slapped due to dripping of beer, and the foam quality was "△". In contrast, in Examples 1 to 4, in which the beverage container C was in an inclined state when the foam B started to be dispensed, the foam quality was improved to "◎" or "○". This shows that the foam quality can be improved by inclining the beverage container C when the foam B started to be dispensed.

[0090] In addition, in Example 1, in which the inner diameter X of the internal flow path 54 was 4 mm, the diameter Z of the hole 56 was 0.6 mm, the number of holes 56 was 3, the upright return time was 3 seconds, and the dispensing time of foam B was 3.2 seconds, the foam quality was "○" but some slapping occurred on the liquid surface. In contrast, in Examples 2 to 4, in which the inner diameter X of the internal flow path 54 was larger than 4 mm (6 mm), the diameter Z of the hole 56 was 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, the number of holes 56 was 3 to 5, the upright return time was 6 seconds, and the dispensing time of foam B was 6.2 to 12 seconds, the foam quality was "◎" and no slapping occurred on the liquid surface. From the above, it was found that the foam quality can be further improved and slapping on the liquid surface can be prevented when the diameter Z of the hole 56 is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, the number of holes 56 is 3 to 5, the upright return time is 6 seconds, and the dispensing time of foam B is 6.2 to 12 seconds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...beverage server, 10...casing, 10b...top, 10c...side, 10d...front, 10f...rear, 10g...bottom, 11...lid, 12...inlet, 13...drain, 14...exhaust, 15...power cord, 20...beverage dispenser, 21...operation, 22...liquid cylinder unit, 22b...first liquid nozzle, 22c...second liquid nozzle, 22d...first drive, 22f...end, 22g...annular recess, 22h...second inlet, 22k ...First inlet, 23...foam cylinder unit, 23c...foam control section, 23d...second drive section, 23f...thin diameter section, 23g...large diameter section, 24...control section, 25...cylinder unit, 26...first cylindrical section, 26b...first internal space, 26c...recess, 27...second cylindrical section, 27b...second internal space, 28...support section, 28b...first plate section, 28c...second plate section, 28d...column section, 28f...nut, 29...flow path, 29b...thin diameter flow path, 29c...large diameter flow path , 29d...connection flow path, 29f...thin diameter portion, 29g...large diameter portion, 29h...inner surface, 30...placement portion, 31...placement base, 32...inclined portion, 32b...fixed portion, 32c...rotating portion, 32d...container support portion, 40...receiving base, 41...hole, 50...foam nozzle, 51...connection portion, 51b...first enlarged diameter portion, 51c...second enlarged diameter portion, 51d...third enlarged diameter portion, 51f...first constricted portion, 51g...second constricted portion, 52...foam flow path portion, 52b...large diameter portion, 52c...small diameter portion, 52 d...end surface, 53...beverage distribution section, 54...internal flow path, 55, 55A, 55B, 55C...beverage distribution component, 56...hole, A...axis, B...foam, C...beverage container, D...sparkling beverage, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, D3...third direction, E...line segment, F...center, H...horizontal plane, L...liquid, R1, R2, R3, R4...O-ring, R5...packing, S...gap, t1...time, t2...time, W...width, X...inner diameter, Y...space, Z...diameter, θ...tilt angle.

Claims

1. A beverage server that controls a liquid cylinder unit through which the liquid of a sparkling beverage passes and a foam cylinder unit through which the foam of the sparkling beverage passes to dispense the sparkling beverage into a beverage container, A stand on which the beverage container is placed; and A tilting portion that tilts the beverage container placed on the placement stand; A control unit for controlling the liquid cylinder unit, the foam cylinder unit, and the tilt unit; Equipped with The control unit controls the foam cylinder unit to start pouring the foam into the beverage container when the tilted beverage container is returned to its pre-tilt state, The foam cylinder unit includes a foam nozzle having an internal flow path through which the carbonated beverage passes, and a beverage distribution section disposed in the internal flow path and having a plurality of holes through which the carbonated beverage passes; The foam nozzle has a cylindrical shape extending along a third direction, and a length of the internal flow passage in the third direction is longer than an inner diameter of the internal flow passage, The beverage distribution section includes a beverage distribution member through which the carbonated beverage passes, and the hole penetrates the beverage distribution member in the third direction and passes the carbonated beverage entering the beverage distribution member downward. Beverage server.

2. Three or more of the holes are formed in the beverage distribution portion. The beverage server according to claim 1.

3. The inner diameter of the internal flow path is 4 mm or more. The beverage server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The total area of ​​the plurality of holes is 0.85 mm ２ Below is the The beverage server according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit controls the foam cylinder unit so that the foam is dispensed into the beverage container for a time period of 2.4 seconds or more. The beverage server according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The diameter of each of the plurality of holes is 0.3 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The beverage server according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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