Cleaning device, method for using the cleaning device, and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a washer with a simple structure, capable of washing a lower end part of a dispense head main body, a method for using the washer, and a washing method.SOLUTION: The washer capable of washing the dispense head comprises: a container main body that regulates a main accommodation part accommodating a portion of a washing liquid; a support part that supports the dispense head main body; a washing liquid take-out pipe equipped with a first flow passage communicated with a beverage flow passage of the dispense head, which extends towards a bottom part of the container body; and a mixed fluid generating part that generates a mixed fluid of a pressurized gas and the washing liquid. The mixed fluid generating part includes: a sub-accommodation part that accommodates a portion of the washing liquid; a gas introduction port that introduces the pressurized gas into the sub-accommodation part; and a mixed fluid discharge port that discharges the mixed fluid generated in the sub-accommodation part towards the lower end part of the dispense head main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaner, a method for using a cleaner, and a cleaning method. [Background technology]

[0002] Cleaning devices capable of cleaning a dispense head are known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning system for beer server heads. The cleaning system described in Patent Document 1 includes a pressure-in flow path for pressurizing the cleaning liquid in a cleaning container to which a head is attached, a plurality of injection flow paths formed narrower than the pressure-in flow path for injecting the cleaning liquid upward toward the head connection surface side, a recovery flow path for guiding the cleaning liquid downward to recover the cleaning liquid after it has been injected toward the head connection surface side, and a discharge flow path for flowing the cleaning liquid recovered by the recovery flow path upward and discharging it outside the cleaning container through the protruding opening of the head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4477912 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaner capable of cleaning the lower end of a dispense head main body with a simple configuration, a method for using the cleaner, and a cleaning method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the problems will be described below using the numbers and symbols used in the description of the embodiment of the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference purposes to show an example of the correspondence between the description of the claims and the description of the embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the description in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cleaner is a cleaner (2) capable of cleaning a dispense head (10) having a gas flow path (G), a beverage flow path (D), a dispense head body (11), and a plunger member (14) movable relative to the dispense head body (11). The cleaner (2) includes a container body (3) defining a main storage portion (31) for storing a part of a cleaning liquid (W), a support portion (41) for supporting the dispense head body (11), a cleaning liquid outlet pipe (51) having a first flow path (51f) communicating with the beverage flow path (D) and extending toward a bottom portion (3b) of the container body (3), and a mixed fluid generating portion (60) for generating a mixed fluid of a pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid (W). The mixed fluid generating section (60) has a sub-container section (61) that contains a portion of the cleaning liquid (W), a gas inlet port (OP1) that introduces the pressurized gas into the sub-container section (61), and a mixed fluid outlet port (OP2) that discharges the mixed fluid generated in the sub-container section (61) toward the lower end section (110) of the dispense head main body section (11).

[0008] In the above cleaning device, the mixed fluid discharge port (OP2) may also serve as the gas inlet (OP1).

[0009] The cleaner may further include a communication hole (61h) that allows the cleaning liquid (W) to move between the sub-storage portion (61) and the main storage portion (31). Also, when a liquid level (H2) of the cleaning liquid (Wa) in the main storage portion (31) is higher than a preset height (H1) and the liquid level (H2) of the cleaning liquid (Wa) in the main storage portion (31) is higher than a liquid level (H3) of the cleaning liquid (Wb) in the sub-storage portion (61), the cleaning liquid (W) may move from the main storage portion (31) to the sub-storage portion (61) through the communication hole (61h).

[0010] In the above-mentioned cleaning device, the sub-storage section (61) may have a first wall (61a), a second wall (61c) arranged outside the first wall (61a), a bottom wall (61b) connecting the first wall (61a) and the second wall (61c), and the mixed fluid discharge port (OP2) arranged opposite a space (SP) in which the lower end (110) of the dispense head main body section (11) will be arranged.

[0011] In the above washer, the first wall (61a) may be formed by a part of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe (51).

[0012] When cleaning the dispense head using the above-mentioned cleaner, the cleaning liquid (Wb) in the sub-storage section (61) may be configured to be released from the sub-storage section (Wb) and then discharged to the outside of the container body (3) via the main storage section (31) and the cleaning liquid outlet pipe (51).

[0013] In some embodiments, a method of using the cleaner includes using the above-described cleaner (2). In the method of using the cleaner, before the dispense head body portion (11) is supported by the support portion (41), a portion of the cleaning liquid (W) is stored in the main storage portion (31) and a portion of the cleaning liquid (W) is stored in the sub storage portion (61).

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleaning method is a method for cleaning a dispense head (10) using a cleaner (2). The dispense head (10) includes a gas flow path (G), a beverage flow path (D), a dispense head body (11), and a plunger member (14) movable relative to the dispense head body (11). The cleaner (2) includes a container body (3) defining a main storage section (31) for storing a part of a cleaning liquid (W), a support section (41) for supporting the dispense head body (11), a cleaning liquid outlet pipe (51) including a first flow path (51f) communicating with the beverage flow path (D) and extending toward a bottom (3b) of the container body (3), and a mixed fluid generating section (60) having a secondary storage section (61) for storing a part of the cleaning liquid (W) and for generating a mixed fluid of a pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid (W). The cleaning method includes a storing step of storing the cleaning liquid (W) in both the main storage portion (31) and the sub-storage portion (61); an attachment step of attaching the dispense head main body portion (11) to the support portion (41) after performing the storing step; a mixed fluid generating step of generating the mixed fluid of the pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid (W) by using the momentum of the pressurized gas supplied from the gas flow path (G) to the sub-storage portion (61); a first cleaning step of cleaning the lower end portion (110) of the dispense head main body portion (11) with the mixed fluid released from the mixed fluid generating portion (60); and a second cleaning step of cleaning the inside of the plunger member (14) with the cleaning liquid (W) supplied from the main storage portion (31) to the plunger member (14) through the first flow path (51f) of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe (51). Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaner capable of cleaning the lower end of a dispense head main body with a simple configuration, a method for using the cleaner, and a cleaning method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a beverage supply system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a dispense head to be cleaned. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic two-sided view showing the cleaning device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the attachment is attached to the container body. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dispense head is attached to the cleaner in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dispense head is attached to the cleaner in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic two-sided view showing a cleaning device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the cleaning liquid is stored in the main storage section and the sub storage section. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a cleaning method according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the cleaning device and the beverage server are connected via a dispense head and a beverage supply pipe. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the experimental conditions and results of Experiment 1. In FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the experimental conditions and results of Experiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The cleaner 2, the method of using the cleaner 2, and the cleaning method in the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts having the same functions, and repeated description of the members and parts to which the same reference numerals are used will be omitted.

[0018] (Direction definition) In this specification, the direction from the bottom 3b of the container body 3 of the cleaner 2 toward the support part 41 of the cleaner 2 (in other words, the support part 41 that supports the dispense head main body part 11) is defined as the "upward direction", and the direction opposite to the upward direction is defined as the "downward direction".

[0019] (Beverage supply system 1) An example of a beverage supply system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of a beverage supply system 1.

[0020] The beverage supply system 1 comprises a beverage storage container 210, a dispense head 10, a gas source 220, a beverage supply pipe 230, and a beverage server 240.

[0021] The beverage storage container 210 stores a beverage such as beer. Gas is supplied to the beverage storage container 210 from a gas source 220 such as a gas cylinder through the dispense head 10. The gas supplied to the beverage storage container 210 pressurizes the beverage in the beverage storage container 210, and the beverage pressed by the gas is taken out of the beverage storage container 210 through the dispense head 10. The beverage taken out of the beverage storage container 210 through the dispense head 10 is supplied to the beverage server 240 through the beverage supply pipe 230 and poured from the pouring cock 241. When cleaning the beverage flow path of the beverage supply system 1 after using the beverage server 240, the dispense head 10 is removed from the beverage storage container 210 and attached to the cleaner 2. In this way, the inside of the dispense head 10, the inside of the beverage supply pipe 230, and the beverage flow path 240f in the beverage server 240 can be cleaned using the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaner 2 via the dispense head 10.

[0022] (Dispense Head 10) An example of a dispense head 10 to be cleaned will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a dispense head 10 to be cleaned. Fig. 2(a) shows a state in which the plunger member 14 is in an upper position, and Fig. 2(b) shows a state in which the plunger member 14 is in a lower position.

[0023] The dispense head 10 is attached to a beverage storage container 210 that stores a beverage, such as beer, and is used to dispense the beverage from the beverage storage container 210.

[0024] The dispense head 10 has a gas flow path G, a beverage flow path D, a dispense head body portion 11 and a plunger member 14.

[0025] A gas is supplied to the gas flow passage G from a gas source 220. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the gas flow passage G has a first gas flow passage G1 disposed in the dispense head main body 11 and a second gas flow passage G2 disposed between the dispense head main body 11 and the plunger member 14. As illustrated in Fig. 2(a), when the plunger member 14 is in the upper position, the second gas flow passage G2 is blocked from the first gas flow passage G1, and when the plunger member 14 is in the lower position, the second gas flow passage G2 is communicated with the first gas flow passage G1.

[0026] The beverage flow path D is defined by the plunger member 14 and is used to draw beverage from the beverage storage container 210. When the dispense head 10 is attached to the sanitizer 2, the beverage flow path D is used to draw cleaning fluid from the sanitizer 2.

[0027] The dispense head body portion 11 has a lower end portion 110 , an upper end portion 113 , and an engagement portion 115 .

[0028] The lower end portion 110 has a first seal member 111 and a holding portion 112 that holds the first seal member 111. The first seal member 111 has a ring shape when viewed from the bottom. The holding portion 112 has an annular groove 112d that receives a part of the first seal member 111, and a protrusion 112s that is disposed below the annular groove 112d and protrudes outward. The protrusion 112s is typically made of a metal material.

[0029] 2, the dispense head 10 has an operating handle 17 that moves the plunger member 14 relative to the dispense head main body 11. The operating handle 17 is attached, for example, to an upper end portion 113 of the dispense head main body 11 so as to be swingable about a swing axis AX.

[0030] The engaging portion 115 (hereinafter referred to as the "second engaging portion 115") is a portion that engages with the beverage storage container 210 or the cleaner 2. The dispense head 10 is attached to the beverage storage container 210 by engaging the second engaging portion 115 with the mouthpiece of the beverage storage container 210. Also, the dispense head 10 is attached to the cleaner 2 by engaging the second engaging portion 115 with the first engaging portion 415 of the cleaner 2 (see FIG. 3, if necessary).

[0031] The plunger member 14 is a member that is movable relative to the dispense head main body 11. The plunger member 14 is movable relative to the dispense head main body 11 between an upper position (see FIG. 2(a)) and a lower position (see FIG. 2(b)). More specifically, by operating the operating handle 17 downward, the position of the plunger member 14 is changed from the upper position to the lower position. Also, by operating the operating handle 17 upward, the position of the plunger member 14 is changed from the lower position to the upper position.

[0032] A second seal member 141 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion 140 of the plunger member 14.

[0033] (First embodiment) The cleaner 2A in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 3 is a schematic two-sided view showing the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment. The upper side of FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view, and the lower side of FIG. 3 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the attachment AM being attached to the container body 3. FIG. 4(a) shows the state before the attachment AM is attached to the container body 3, and FIG. 4(b) shows the state after the attachment AM is attached to the container body 3. FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the state in which the dispense head 10 is attached to the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 5 shows the state before the pressurized gas is supplied to the mixed fluid generating unit 60, and FIG. 6 shows the state in which the pressurized gas is supplied to the mixed fluid generating unit 60.

[0034] The cleaner 2A is a tool capable of cleaning the dispense head 10. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the dispense head 10 cleaned by the cleaner 2A has a gas flow path G, a beverage flow path D, a dispense head main body 11, and a plunger member 14 that is movable relative to the dispense head main body 11. It is preferable that the cleaner 2A is capable of cleaning the beverage flow path 240f (see Fig. 1) in the beverage server 240 and the inside of the beverage supply pipe 230 that fluidly connects the dispense head 10 and the beverage server 240.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the washer 2A includes a container body 3, a support part 41, a cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51, and a mixed fluid generating part 60. The cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 is a cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51, and a mixed fluid generating part 60. As illustrated in FIG.

[0036] The container body 3 defines a main storage section 31 that stores a portion (Wa) of the cleaning liquid W. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the container body 3 has a mouth section 3c, a body section 3a, and a bottom section 3b. The container body 3 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. In this specification, the cleaning liquid W may be water or a liquid other than water.

[0037] The support portion 41 supports the dispense head main body portion 11. More specifically, the dispense head main body portion 11 is attached to the support portion 41, whereby the support portion 41 supports the dispense head main body portion 11.

[0038] The cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 has a first flow path 51f that communicates with the beverage flow path D of the dispense head 10. The cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 extends toward the bottom 3b of the container body 3.

[0039] The mixed fluid generating unit 60 generates a mixed fluid of the pressurized gas (more specifically, the pressurized gas supplied from the gas flow passage G of the dispense head 10) and the cleaning liquid W.

[0040] The mixed fluid generating section 60 has a sub-container section 61, a gas inlet OP1, and a mixed fluid outlet OP2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the mixed fluid outlet OP2 also serves as the gas inlet OP1. In other words, the mixed fluid outlet OP2 and the gas inlet OP1 are configured by the same opening OP. Alternatively, the mixed fluid outlet OP2 may be separated from the gas inlet OP1 (in other words, the mixed fluid outlet OP2 may be an opening separate from the gas inlet OP1).

[0041] The sub-container 61 contains a portion (Wb) of the cleaning liquid W. The cleaning liquid W contained in the sub-container 61 is used to clean the lower end portion 110 of the dispense head main body portion 11.

[0042] The gas inlet OP1 introduces pressurized gas (more specifically, pressurized gas supplied from the gas flow path G of the dispense head 10) into the sub-container 61 (see dashed arrow A in FIG. 6). By introducing the pressurized gas into the sub-container 61, a mixed fluid C of the cleaning liquid W and the pressurized gas is generated in the sub-container 61. In FIG. 6, the mixed fluid C is virtually indicated by a hollow circle.

[0043] The mixed fluid discharge port OP2 discharges the mixed fluid C produced in the sub-container portion 61 toward the lower end portion 110 of the dispense head main body portion 11 (see the dashed arrow B in FIG. 6).

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 1, when the dispense head 10 is removed from the beverage storage container 210, a beverage such as beer adheres to the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11. In response to this fact, the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment can discharge the mixed fluid C toward the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11. Therefore, the beverage adhered to the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 can be washed off. In addition, the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment has a mixed fluid generating unit 60 that generates a mixed fluid C of a pressurized gas and a cleaning liquid W, and can discharge the mixed fluid generated in the mixed fluid generating unit 60 toward the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11. Therefore, the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 can be washed with a simple configuration. In addition, the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 is washed using the mixed fluid C, so that washing can be performed efficiently using a relatively small amount of cleaning liquid. Furthermore, by cleaning the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 using a small amount of cleaning liquid, the lubricant applied between the dispense head main body 11 and the plunger member 14 is prevented from being unintentionally removed by the cleaning liquid.

[0045] 3, in a method of using the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment, before the dispense head main body 11 is supported by the support part 41 of the cleaner 2A, a part (Wa) of the cleaning liquid W is stored in the main storage part 31, and a part (Wb) of the cleaning liquid W is stored in the sub storage part 61. Thus, with a simple configuration, the cleaning liquid W can be easily stored in both the main storage part 31 and the sub storage part 61.

[0046] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the first embodiment (or the second embodiment described later) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] (Communication hole 61h) 4(b), the cleaner 2A has a communication hole 61h that allows the cleaning liquid W to move between the sub-container 61 and the main container 31. When the cleaner 2A has the communication hole 61h, the cleaning liquid W can be stored in the sub-container 61 more easily.

[0048] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4(b), it is assumed that the liquid level H2 of the cleaning liquid Wa in the main storage section 31 is higher than a preset height H1 (for example, the height of the communication hole 61h) and the liquid level H2 of the cleaning liquid Wa in the main storage section 31 is higher than the liquid level H3 of the cleaning liquid Wb in the sub storage section 61. In this case, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4(b), the cleaning liquid W moves from the main storage section 31 to the sub storage section 61 through the communication hole 61h (see the dashed arrow E). This makes it easier to store the cleaning liquid W in the sub storage section 61. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4(a), by simply storing the cleaning liquid W in the container body 3 and then attaching the attachment AM to the container body 3, a part of the cleaning liquid W in the container body 3 moves through the communication hole 61h to the sub storage section 61 arranged on the attachment AM, and the cleaning liquid Wb can be stored in the sub storage section 61.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the cleaner 2A has a plurality of communication holes 61h (e.g., two, three, or four or more communication holes 61h) that allow the cleaning liquid to move between the sub-container 61 and the main accommodating portion 31. When the cleaner 2A has a plurality of communication holes 61h, the movement of the cleaning liquid W from the main accommodating portion 31 to the sub-accommodating portion 61 is accelerated, and the cleaning liquid Wb can be stored in the sub-accommodating portion 61 more quickly. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the communication holes 61h are formed in the bottom wall 61b of the sub-accommodating portion 61.

[0050] (Attachment AM) 4(a), the cleaner 2A has a container body 3 and an attachment AM attached to the container body 3. The attachment AM may be formed of a single part, or may be formed by an assembly of multiple parts.

[0051] The attachment AM has a support portion 41 that supports the dispense head main body portion 11, a cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51, a mixed fluid generating portion 60 equipped with a secondary storage portion 61, and an attachment portion 71 that is attached to the container body 3 (more specifically, the mouth portion 3c of the container body 3).

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), a seal member 75 is disposed between the mounting portion 71 of the attachment AM and the mouth portion 3c of the container body 3.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 4(b), the main storage section 31 is defined by the outer surface of the attachment AM (more specifically, the outer surface of the mixed fluid generating section 60 and the outer surface of the cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51) and the inner surface of the container body 3.

[0054] (Support part 41) The support portion 41 is a portion that supports the dispense head main body portion 11. The support portion 41 is made of, for example, resin. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the support portion 41 has a first engagement portion 415 that can be engaged with the second engagement portion 115 of the dispense head main body portion 11. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first engagement portion 415 is an engagement protrusion that can be engaged with the second engagement portion 115.

[0055] 5 and 6, in a state in which the dispense head main body 11 is attached to the support part 41, the lower end part 110 of the dispense head main body 11 is disposed directly above the mixed fluid discharge port OP2 of the sub-container part 61. In this case, the lower end part 110 of the dispense head main body 11 can be efficiently washed by using the mixed fluid discharged upward from the mixed fluid discharge port OP2.

[0056] 6, in a state in which the dispense head main body 11 is attached to the support 41, the outer peripheral surface of the first seal member 111 disposed on the dispense head main body 11 is in annular contact with the inner peripheral surface 41n of the support 41. In this way, the cleaning solution W or the pressurized gas is prevented from leaking from the gap between the first seal member 111 and the support 41.

[0057] (Cleaning solution extraction pipe 51) In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 has a first pipe 51-1 and a second pipe 51-2 attached to the first pipe 51-1. In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 is configured by an assembly of the first pipe 51-1 and the second pipe 51-2. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 may be configured by one pipe, or may be configured by an assembly of three or more pipes. The cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 is made of, for example, resin.

[0058] 6, the upper end 51u of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 (more specifically, the upper end 51u of the first pipe 51-1) functions as a contact portion that comes into contact with the second seal member 141 of the plunger member 14. The annular contact between the upper end 51u of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 and the second seal member 141 prevents the cleaning liquid W or the pressurized gas from leaking from the gap between the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 and the second seal member 141.

[0059] (Secondary storage unit 61) 4(b), the sub-container 61 includes (1) a first wall 61a, (2) a second wall 61c disposed outside the first wall 61a, (3) a bottom wall 61b connecting the first wall 61a and the second wall 61c, and (4) a mixed fluid discharge port OP2 disposed opposite to a space SP in which the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 will be disposed. In this case, the sub-container 61 can be made to have a simple structure, and can be disposed in the vicinity of the space SP in which the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 will be disposed. The sub-container 61 is made of, for example, resin.

[0060] In the example shown in Fig. 4(b), the first wall 61a functions as an inner wall of the sub-container 61. In the example shown in Fig. 4(b), the first wall 61a is formed by a part of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51. In this case, the structure of the attachment AM including the sub-container 61 and the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 can be simplified.

[0061] 4(b), the second wall 61c functions as an outer wall of the sub-container 61. More specifically, the first wall 61a and the second wall 61c disposed on the outer side of the first wall 61a form a double cylinder.

[0062] 3, in a plan view, the second wall 61c is disposed on the inside of the inner edge of the support portion 41. Alternatively, the second wall 61c may be disposed on the outside of the inner edge of the support portion 41.

[0063] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the sub-container 61 has a ring shape in a plan view. Also, the mixed fluid discharge port OP2 of the sub-container 61 has a ring shape in a plan view. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the mixed fluid discharge port OP2 can be seen when the cleaner 2A is viewed from above.

[0064] 3, in a plan view, a first flow path 51f defined by the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 is disposed inside the sub-container 61. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first flow path 51f can be seen when the cleaner 2A is viewed from above.

[0065] (Mounting part 71) 3, the mounting portion 71 has a second screw portion 71s (more specifically, a female screw portion) that screws into a first screw portion 32s (more specifically, a male screw portion) formed on the mouth portion 3c of the container body 3. The mounting portion 71 is made of, for example, resin.

[0066] (Connection part 81) 3, the cleaner 2A (more specifically, the attachment AM) has a connecting part 81 that connects the support part 41 and the sub-container 61. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the connecting part 81 connects the support part 41 and the second wall 61c of the sub-container 61.

[0067] The connecting portion 81 may have an upper surface 81u that contacts with a lower surface of the first seal member 111 arranged on the dispense head main body 11. In other words, as illustrated in Fig. 6, in a state in which the dispense head main body 11 is attached to the support portion 41, the upper surface 81u of the connecting portion 81 may be configured to contact with a lower surface 111b of the first seal member 111 arranged on the dispense head main body 11. In this case, the dispense head main body 11 is stably positioned by the support portion 41 and the connecting portion 81. The connecting portion 81 is made of, for example, resin.

[0068] (Gas communication hole 81h) In the example shown in FIG. 6, the cleaner 2A (more specifically, the attachment AM) has a gas communication hole 81h. The gas communication hole 81h allows the pressurized gas in the sub-container 61 to move to the main container 31. The gas communication hole 81h may allow a part of the cleaning liquid W that cleans the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 to move to the main container 31. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning liquid Wb in the sub-container 61 eventually moves to the main container 31, and is then discharged to the outside of the container body 3 via the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51. In other words, during cleaning, the cleaning liquid Wb in the sub-container 61 is discharged from the sub-container 61, and then discharged to the outside of the container body 3 via the main container 31 and the first flow path 51f in the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51.

[0069] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the cleaner 2A (more specifically, the attachment AM) has four gas communication holes 81h. Alternatively, the cleaner 2A (more specifically, the attachment AM) may have one, two, three, or five or more gas communication holes 81h. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the gas communication holes 81h are formed in the connecting portion 81.

[0070] (Safety valve 91) 3, the cleaner 2A (more specifically, the attachment AM) has a safety valve 91 that prevents the pressure in the container body 3 from reaching a predetermined pressure or higher. The safety valve 91 is automatically opened when the pressure in the container body 3 reaches or exceeds the predetermined pressure.

[0071] The cleaner 2A (more specifically, the attachment AM) may have an operation unit 93 for manually reducing the pressure inside the container body 3. After the dispense head 10 is cleaned using the cleaner 2A, the operation unit 93 is pressed. By pressing the operation unit 93, the pressure inside the container body 3 is reduced. Thereafter, the dispense head 10 can be safely removed from the cleaner 2A.

[0072] Second embodiment A cleaner 2B in the second embodiment and a method of using the cleaner 2B will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a schematic two-sided view showing a cleaner 2B in the second embodiment. A schematic plan view is shown in the upper part of Fig. 7, and a schematic vertical cross-sectional view is shown in the lower part of Fig. 7. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the cleaning liquid W is stored in the main storage section 31 and the sub storage section 61.

[0073] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that no communication hole 61h is formed in the sub-accommodation portion 61 (more specifically, the bottom wall 61b). In other respects, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0074] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a repetitive description of the matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that the matters already described in the first embodiment can be adopted in the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

[0075] 7, in the second embodiment, there is no communication hole 61h that allows the cleaning liquid W to move between the sub-container 61 and the main container 31. Therefore, when the cleaner 2B is in the upright position, the cleaning liquid W cannot move from the main container 31 to the sub-container 61.

[0076] 8, the cleaning liquid W can be stored in the sub-container 61 by pouring the cleaning liquid W into the sub-container 61 through an opening OP (more specifically, mixed fluid discharge port OP2) above the sub-container 61. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the cleaning liquid W is poured from a water faucet into each of the main container 31 and the sub-container 61, and the cleaning liquid W is stored in each of the main container 31 and the sub-container 61.

[0077] 8, in a method of using the cleaner 2B in the second embodiment, before the dispense head main body 11 is supported by the support part 41 of the cleaner 2B, a part (Wa) of the cleaning liquid W is stored in the main storage part 31, and a part (Wb) of the cleaning liquid W is stored in the sub storage part 61. Thus, with a simple configuration, the cleaning liquid W can be easily stored in both the main storage part 31 and the sub storage part 61.

[0078] (Cleaning method) A cleaning method in an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the cleaning method in an embodiment. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a cleaning device 2 and a beverage server 240 are connected via a dispense head 10 and a beverage supply pipe 230.

[0079] The cleaner 2 used in the cleaning method of the embodiment may be the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment, the cleaner 2B in the second embodiment, or another cleaner.

[0080] The dispense head 10 to be cleaned in the cleaning method of the embodiment includes (1) a gas flow path G, (2) a beverage flow path D, (3) a dispense head main body 11, and (4) a plunger member 14 that is movable relative to the dispense head main body 11. The dispense head 10 has already been described with reference to Fig. 2 and the like, and therefore a repeated description of the dispense head 10 will be omitted.

[0081] The cleaning device 2 used in the cleaning method in the embodiment includes (1) a container body 3 defining a main storage section 31 that stores a part (Wa) of the cleaning liquid W, (2) a support section 41 that supports the dispense head main body section 11, (3) a cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51 that has a first flow path 51f that communicates with the beverage flow path D and extends toward the bottom 3b of the container body 3, and (4) a mixed fluid generating section 60 that has a sub-storage section 61 that stores a part (Wb) of the cleaning liquid W and generates a mixed fluid of the pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid W. The container body 3, the support section 41, the cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51, and the mixed fluid generating section 60 have been described in the first or second embodiment, so repeated description of their configurations will be omitted.

[0082] In the first step ST1, the cleaning liquid W is stored in both the main storage portion 31 and the sub storage portion 61. The first step ST1 is a storing step.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first step ST1 (storage process) includes pouring the cleaning liquid W into the internal space of the container body 3 (see FIG. 4(a)), and moving the cleaning liquid W from the main storage section 31 to the sub-storage section 61 via the communication hole 61h (see dashed arrow E in FIG. 4(b)).

[0084] 4(a), a mark M (e.g., a ring-shaped step portion) indicating a target amount of the cleaning liquid W to be poured is formed on the inner surface 3n of the container body 3. In this case, the user need only pour the cleaning liquid W into the internal space of the container body 3 up to a height equal to or higher than the mark M.

[0085] The movement of the cleaning liquid W from the main storage portion 31 to the sub storage portion 61 is automatically performed, for example, by attaching an attachment AM having a sub storage portion 61 with a communication hole 61h to the container body 3. More specifically, when the mounting portion 71 of the attachment AM is attached to the mouth portion 3c of the container body 3, the height H1 of the communication hole 61h becomes lower than the liquid level H2 of the cleaning liquid W in the main storage portion 31 in the container body 3. As a result, the cleaning liquid W moves from the main storage portion 31 to the sub storage portion 61 through the communication hole 61h. The movement ends when the liquid level H2 of the cleaning liquid Wa in the main storage portion 31 and the liquid level H3 of the cleaning liquid Wb in the sub storage portion 61 substantially coincide with each other.

[0086] 3, the first step ST1 (storing step) may include attaching an attachment AM having a sub-container 61 to the container body 3, and then pouring the cleaning liquid W into the main accommodating portion 31 (or into both the main accommodating portion 31 and the sub-accommodating portion 61). When the cleaning liquid W is poured into the main accommodating portion 31 (or into both the main accommodating portion 31 and the sub-accommodating portion 61), the cleaning liquid W moves through the communication hole 61h so that the liquid level H2 of the cleaning liquid Wa in the main accommodating portion 31 and the liquid level H3 of the cleaning liquid Wb in the sub-accommodating portion 61 substantially coincide with each other.

[0087] 8, when a cleaner 2B not provided with a communication hole 61h is used, the first step ST1 (storing step) includes attaching an attachment AM having a sub-container 61 to the container body 3, and then pouring the cleaning liquid W into both the main container body 31 and the sub-container 61. Alternatively, the first step ST1 (storing step) may include pouring the cleaning liquid W into the internal space of the container body 3, then attaching the attachment AM to the container body 3, and further then pouring the cleaning liquid W into the sub-container 61.

[0088] In the second step ST2, the dispense head main body 11 is attached to the support part 41 of the cleaner 2. The second step ST2 is an attachment step. The attachment step is performed after the first step ST1 (storage step). FIG. 5 shows a state after the attachment step is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, after the attachment step is performed, the plunger member 14 is moved downward relative to the dispense head main body 11. By the downward movement of the plunger member 14, the second seal member 141 arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the plunger member 14 comes into annular contact with the cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51 (more specifically, the first wall 61a). In this way, a sealed state between the second seal member 141 and the cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51 (more specifically, the first wall 61a) is ensured.

[0089] In the third step ST3, a mixed fluid of the pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid W is generated. The third step ST3 is a mixed fluid generating step. In the mixed fluid generating step, a mixed fluid C of the pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid W is generated by using the momentum of the pressurized gas supplied to the sub-container 61 from the gas flow path G of the dispense head 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0090] More specifically, in the mixed fluid generating step, first, a pressurized gas (in other words, a gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure) is supplied from the gas source 220 to the dispense head 10. The pressure of the pressurized gas supplied to the dispense head 10 is, for example, 0.1 MPa (megapascal) or more, or 0.2 MPa or more. The pressurized gas may be carbon dioxide gas or air.

[0091] Secondly, pressurized gas is introduced from the gas flow path G of the dispense head 10 into the sub-container 61 (see dashed arrow A in FIG. 6). A part (Wb) of the cleaning liquid W is stored in the sub-container 61. Therefore, when the pressurized gas is introduced into the sub-container 61, the cleaning liquid Wb in the sub-container 61 is agitated by the momentum of the pressurized gas. As a result, a mixed fluid C of the pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid Wb is generated in the sub-container 61.

[0092] In a fourth step ST4, the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 is washed. The fourth step ST4 is a first washing step. In the first washing step, the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 is washed with the mixed fluid C discharged from the mixed fluid generating section 60 (more specifically, the sub-container section 61).

[0093] More specifically, in the first cleaning step, first, the mixed fluid C generated in the mixed fluid generation unit 60 (more specifically, the sub-container 61) is discharged from the sub-container 61 to the outside through the mixed fluid discharge port OP2 (see dashed arrow B in FIG. 6). This discharge is performed, for example, by the pressurized gas introduced into the sub-container 61 pushing out the cleaning liquid Wb together with the pressurized gas.

[0094] Secondly, the mixed fluid C discharged outside the sub-container portion 61 collides with the lower end portion 110 of the dispense head main body portion 11. In this manner, the lower end portion 110 of the dispense head main body portion 11 is cleaned by the mixed fluid C.

[0095] A part of the mixed fluid C that collides with the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 may move to the main container 31 through the gas communication hole 81h. In addition, a part of the mixed fluid C that collides with the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 may return to the sub container 61.

[0096] In a fifth step ST5, the inside of the plunger member 14 of the dispense head 10 is cleaned. The fifth step ST5 is a second cleaning step. In the second cleaning step, the inside of the plunger member 14 is cleaned by the cleaning liquid supplied from the main storage section 31 to the plunger member 14 via the first flow path 51f in the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51.

[0097] More specifically, in the second cleaning step, first, pressurized gas (in other words, gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure) is supplied from the gas source 220 to the dispense head 10 .

[0098] Secondly, pressurized gas is introduced from the gas flow path G of the dispense head 10 through the gas communication hole 81h into the main storage section 31. A part (Wa) of the cleaning liquid W is stored in the main storage section 31. Therefore, when the pressurized gas is introduced into the main storage section 31, the cleaning liquid Wa is pushed out toward the first flow path 51f of the cleaning liquid extraction pipe 51 by the pressure of the pressurized gas.

[0099] Thirdly, the cleaning liquid pushed out into the first flow path 51f of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe 51 moves upward and passes through the inside of the plunger member 14 (see the dashed arrow F in FIG. 6). In this way, the inside of the plunger member 14 is cleaned by the cleaning liquid.

[0100] 6, a part of the second cleaning step (fifth step ST5) is performed simultaneously with the first cleaning step (fourth step ST4) or immediately after the first cleaning step. A part of the second cleaning step (fifth step ST5) may be performed after the first cleaning step (fourth step ST4) is completed. In other words, a part of the second cleaning step (fifth step ST5) may be performed after the cleaning liquid Wb in the auxiliary storage portion 61 is substantially emptied.

[0101] In the example shown in Fig. 10, the plunger member 14 of the dispense head 10 is fluidly connected to the beverage server 240 via the beverage supply pipe 230. In this case, in a sixth step ST6, the inside of the beverage supply pipe 230 and the beverage flow path 240f in the beverage server 240 are cleaned. The sixth step ST6 is a third cleaning step.

[0102] More specifically, in the third cleaning step, first, the cleaning liquid moves from the inside of the plunger member 14 to the inside of the beverage supply pipe 230. In this way, the inside of the beverage supply pipe 230 is cleaned. Second, the cleaning liquid moves from the inside of the beverage supply pipe 230 to the beverage flow path 240f in the beverage server 240. In this way, the beverage flow path 240f of the beverage server 240 is cleaned. Third, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the beverage flow path 240f of the beverage server 240 to the outside of the beverage server 240 via the dispensing cock portion 241.

[0103] In the cleaning method according to the embodiment, the lower end 110 of the dispense head body 11 can be cleaned with a simple configuration. More specifically, the lower end 110 of the dispense head body 11 can be cleaned with a simple procedure using a cleaner 2 with a simple structure.

[0104] (Experiment 1) The cleaner 2A in the first embodiment was used to clean the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11. Fig. 11(a) shows the experimental conditions of Experiment 1, and Fig. 11(b) shows the experimental results of Experiment 1 (a view of the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 as viewed from below).

[0105] In experiment 1, a cleaner 2A was used in which water as a cleaning liquid was previously stored in the sub-container 61 up to a height position of 30 mm from the bottom wall 61b (10 mm from the top surface of the container body 3). The gas pressure of the pressurized gas supplied to the dispense head 10 was set to 0.15 MPa. Furthermore, in experiment 1, a dispense head 10 was used in which food coloring was attached to the metal portion 110m of the lower end portion 110 of the dispense head body portion 11 at eight locations (see the hatched portion in the left drawing of FIG. 11(b)).

[0106] After the experiment (in other words, after cleaning), when the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 removed from the cleaner 2A was observed, water droplets (see the parts indicated by the open circles in the right-hand diagram of FIG. 11(b)) were found to be attached to the metal portion 110m of the lower end 110 in multiple locations. The water droplets were generally colorless and transparent. From the above, it was confirmed that when the cleaner 2A in the first embodiment is used to clean the dispense head 10, the beverage (simulated with food coloring in the experiment) attached to the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 is effectively washed away. Note that FIG. 11 shows the results of only one experiment, but when the same experiment was performed multiple times, experimental results almost similar to those shown in FIG. 11 were obtained.

[0107] (Experiment 2) The cleaner 2B in the second embodiment was used to clean the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11. Fig. 12(a) shows the experimental conditions of Experiment 2, and Fig. 12(b) shows the experimental results of Experiment 2 (a view of the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 as viewed from below).

[0108] In experiment 2, a cleaner 2B was used in which water was stored in advance as a cleaning liquid in the sub-container 61. The gas pressure of the pressurized gas supplied to the dispense head 10 was set to 0.3 MPa. Furthermore, in experiment 2, a dispense head 10 was used in which food coloring (see the hatched areas in the left-hand drawing of FIG. 12(b)) was attached to eight locations on the metal portion 110m of the lower end portion 110 of the dispense head main body 11.

[0109] After the experiment (in other words, after cleaning), when the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 removed from the cleaner 2B was observed, water droplets (see the part indicated by the open circle in the right diagram of FIG. 12(b)) were found to be attached to the metal portion 110m of the lower end 110 in multiple places. The water droplets were mostly colorless and transparent. From the above, it was confirmed that when the cleaner 2B of the second embodiment is used to clean the dispense head 10, the beverage (simulated with food coloring in the experiment) attached to the lower end 110 of the dispense head main body 11 is effectively washed away. Note that FIG. 12 shows the results of only one experiment, but when the same experiment was performed multiple times, experimental results almost similar to those shown in FIG. 12 were obtained.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In addition, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or other modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, any additional configuration in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1: Beverage supply system 2, 2A, 2B: Cleaner 3: Container body 3a: Torso 3b: Bottom 3c: Mouth 3n: Inner surface 10: Dispense head 11: Dispense head body 14: Plunger member 17: Operating handle 31: Main containment area 32s: First screw part 41: Support part 41n: Inner surface 51: Cleaning solution extraction pipe 51-1: 1st tube 51-2: 2nd pipe 51f: First flow path 51u: Upper end 60:Mixed fluid generation section 61: Secondary storage unit 61a: First wall 61b:Bottom wall 61c: Second wall 61h:Communication hole 71: Mounting part 71s: Second screw part 75: Sealing material 81:Connection part 81h: Gas communication hole 81u:Top surface 91: Safety valve 93:Operation unit 110: Bottom end 110m: Metal part 111: First seal member 111b: Bottom surface 112: Holding part 112d: Annular groove 112s:Protrusion 113: Upper end 115: Second engagement portion 140: Bottom end 141: Second seal member 210: Beverage storage containers 220: Gas source 230: Beverage supply pipe 240: Beverage server 240f: Beverage flow path 241: pouring cock 415: First engagement part AM: Attachment D: Beverage flow path G: Gas flow path G1: First gas flow path G2: Second gas flow path M: Mark OP: Opening OP1: Gas inlet OP2:Mixed fluid outlet SP: space W, Wa, Wb: cleaning solution

Claims

1. A cleaner capable of cleaning a dispense head having a gas flow path, a beverage flow path, a dispense head body, and a plunger member movable relative to the dispense head body, comprising: a container body defining a main receiving portion for receiving a portion of the cleaning solution; A support portion that supports the dispense head main body portion; a cleaning liquid outlet pipe including a first flow path communicating with the beverage flow path and extending toward a bottom of the container body; a mixed fluid generating unit for generating a mixed fluid of a pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid; Equipped with The mixed fluid generating unit includes: a sub-container for containing a portion of the cleaning liquid; a gas inlet for introducing the pressurized gas into the sub-container; a mixed fluid outlet that discharges the mixed fluid generated in the sub-container toward a lower end of the dispense head body; have Cleaning machine.

2. The mixed fluid outlet also serves as the gas inlet. The cleaner according to claim 1 .

3. a communication hole that allows the cleaning liquid to move between the sub-storage section and the main storage section, When the level of the cleaning liquid in the main storage section is higher than a preset level and the level of the cleaning liquid in the main storage section is higher than the level of the cleaning liquid in the sub-storage section, the cleaning liquid moves from the main storage section to the sub-storage section through the communication hole.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sub-storage section includes: The first wall, A second wall disposed outside the first wall; a bottom wall connecting the first wall and the second wall; the mixed fluid discharge port arranged to face a space in which the lower end portion of the dispense head main body portion will be arranged; have A cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first wall is formed by a part of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe. The cleaner according to claim 4.

6. During cleaning, the cleaning liquid in the sub-container is discharged from the sub-container and then discharged to the outside of the container body via the main container and the cleaning liquid outlet pipe. A cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method of using a cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of: Before the dispense head body is supported by the support, a portion of the cleaning liquid is stored in the main storage portion, and a portion of the cleaning liquid is stored in the sub storage portion. How to use the cleaner.

8. A cleaning method for cleaning a dispense head using a cleaner, comprising: The dispense head comprises: A gas flow path; A beverage flow path; A dispense head body; a plunger member movable relative to the dispense head body; Equipped with The cleaning device includes: a container body defining a main receiving portion for receiving a portion of the cleaning solution; A support portion that supports the dispense head main body portion; a cleaning liquid outlet pipe including a first flow path communicating with the beverage flow path and extending toward a bottom of the container body; a mixed fluid generating section having a sub-storage section for accommodating a part of the cleaning liquid, the mixed fluid generating section generating a mixed fluid of a pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid; Equipped with The cleaning method includes: a storing step of storing the cleaning liquid in both the main storage section and the sub storage section; a mounting step of mounting the dispense head body to the support after the storage step is performed; a mixed fluid generating step of generating the mixed fluid of the pressurized gas and the cleaning liquid by using the momentum of the pressurized gas supplied from the gas flow passage to the sub-container; a first cleaning step of cleaning a lower end portion of the dispense head main body portion with the mixed fluid discharged from the mixed fluid generating portion; a second cleaning step of cleaning the inside of the plunger member with the cleaning liquid supplied from the main storage portion through the first flow path of the cleaning liquid outlet pipe to the plunger member; Equipped with Cleaning method:

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