Remaining amount detection device and carbon dioxide supply device

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide supply device having a structure advantageous for preventing a pressure regulator from being tightly fixed due to beverage components.SOLUTION: A residual quantity detecting device detects a residual quantity of beverage in a beverage barrel connected to a beverage server. The residual quantity detecting device comprises a pressure sensor that detects pressure in a flow path through which carbon dioxide is supplied to the beverage barrel and a controller that determines a residual quantity of the beverage on the basis of variation in detected pressure that is pressure detected by the pressure sensor. The controller determines the residual quantity on the basis of a time (ti) between a first time point tt1 at which decreased amounts of the detected pressure become larger than a first reference value R1 and a second time point tt2 at which increased amounts of the detected pressure from a minimum value Pmin become larger than a second reference value R2 after the detected pressure falls down to the minimum value Pmin, after the first time point tt1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remaining amount detection device and a carbon dioxide gas supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a beverage dispenser that extrudes the beverage in a beverage container to a pouring means by sending gas from a gas supply source to the sealed beverage container. This beverage dispenser includes gas flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the gas sent from the gas supply source to the beverage container, calculation means for calculating the remaining amount of the beverage in the beverage container or the cumulative amount of the beverage sent from the beverage container to the pouring means from the cumulative flow rate of the gas measured by the gas flow rate measuring means, and display means for displaying the remaining amount of the beverage in the beverage container calculated by the calculation means or the cumulative amount of the beverage sent from the beverage container to the pouring means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The pressure in the path between the gas supply source and the beverage container can change during the beverage pouring period from the pouring tap. For example, the pressure can decrease when the pouring of the beverage is started and then increase. Therefore, the cumulative flow rate of the gas measured by the gas flow rate measuring means includes a rather large error due to the change in the pressure, and the remaining amount of the beverage calculated from the cumulative flow rate or the cumulative amount of the beverage sent from the beverage container to the pouring means may also include an error.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an advantageous technique for more accurately detecting the remaining amount of the beverage in the beverage keg connected to the beverage server.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of beverage in a beverage keg connected to a beverage server, the remaining amount detection device comprising: a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in a flow path that supplies carbon dioxide gas to the beverage keg; and a controller for determining the remaining amount of beverage based on the change in the detected pressure, which is the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, the controller for determining the remaining amount based on the time between a first time point when the decrease in the detected pressure becomes greater than a first reference value, and a second time point after the first time point when the increase from the minimum value after the detected pressure has reached a minimum value becomes greater than a second reference value.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide supply device that supplies carbon dioxide to a beverage keg connected to a beverage server, the carbon dioxide supply device having a primary port and a secondary port, a pressure regulator that adjusts the pressure of carbon dioxide supplied from a carbon dioxide supply source to the primary port and sends it out from the secondary port, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in a first flow path connecting the secondary port and the beverage keg, and a controller that determines the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage keg based on the change in the detected pressure, which is the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, the controller determines the remaining amount based on the time between a first time point when the decrease in the detected pressure becomes greater than a first reference value, and a second time point after the first time point when the increase from the minimum value after the detected pressure has reached a minimum value becomes greater than a second reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a technique is provided that is advantageous for more accurately detecting the remaining amount of beverage in a beverage barrel connected to a beverage server. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the carbon dioxide supply device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Enlarged view of the relief valve in the example shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the carbon dioxide supply device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A magnified view of section A in Figure 3. [Figure 5] A magnified view of section B in Figure 3. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the remaining amount detection in a carbon dioxide supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example configuration of the remaining amount detection unit of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the multiple features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 schematically shows the configuration of the carbon dioxide supply device 100 of the embodiment. The carbon dioxide supply device 100 is configured to supply carbon dioxide supplied from a carbon dioxide supply source (e.g., a carbon dioxide cylinder) 3 to a beverage keg 1, adjusting it to a target pressure. The carbon dioxide supply device 100 can also be understood as a beverage dispensing system. The carbon dioxide supplied to the beverage keg 1 pushes down the liquid level of the effervescent beverage in the beverage keg 1 due to its pressure, thereby pushing the effervescent beverage out of the beverage keg 1 and supplying it to the beverage server 2. The effervescent beverage may be, for example, beer, sparkling wine, beer-like beverage, sour, or highball.

[0012] The carbon dioxide supply device 100 may include a pressure regulator 10, a relief valve 20, and a controller 30. The pressure regulator 10 may have a primary port P1 and a secondary port P2. The pressure regulator 10 may be configured to regulate the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source 3 to the primary port P1 and discharge it from the secondary port P2. The secondary port P2 of the pressure regulator 10 is connected to the beverage barrel 1 through a first flow path PH1. The relief valve 20 may be connected to the first flow path PH1.

[0013] The controller 30 may be configured to control the pressure regulator 10 and the relief valve 20. The controller 30 may control the relief valve 20 so that the first flow path PH1 is depressurized (or temporarily opened to the atmosphere) in response to the output of a temperature sensor 81 that detects the temperature of the effervescent beverage being delivered from the beverage keg 1 to the beverage server 2. The controller 30 may control the relief valve 20 by supplying an electrical signal to the relief valve 20, or it may be done indirectly by the controller 30 controlling other components (for example, a three-way valve V4), as described later. Alternatively, such other components may be considered components of the relief valve 20.

[0014] The temperature sensor 81 may be placed in or connected to a flow path connecting the beverage keg 1 and the beverage server 2. The temperature sensor 81 may be understood as a component of the carbon dioxide supply device 100, or as not a component of the carbon dioxide supply device 100. The temperature sensor 81 may be provided in the beverage server 2, or it may be attached to the beverage keg 1.

[0015] The carbon dioxide supply device 100 may further include a second flow path PH2 that supplies carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source 3 to the relief valve 20 in order to supply force to the relief valve 20 to maintain the relief valve 20 in a closed state. The carbon dioxide supply device 100 may further include a regulator 40 that reduces the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source 3 to a predetermined pressure. The carbon dioxide supply device 100 may further include a third flow path PH3 that supplies the carbon dioxide reduced to a predetermined pressure by the regulator 40 to the pressure regulator 10. The second flow path PH2 may be arranged to supply the carbon dioxide reduced to a predetermined pressure by the regulator 40 to the relief valve 20.

[0016] The configuration of the relief valve 20 is not limited to a specific configuration. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the relief valve 20 in the example shown in Figure 1. In one example, the relief valve 20 may include a cylinder 21, a piston 22, a valve body 23, and a spring 24. The cylinder 21 may have, for example, a first opening OP1 with a seat 29 and a second opening OP2 that communicates with the atmosphere. The piston 22 may divide the internal space of the cylinder 21 into a first space S1 and a second space S2. The valve body 23 may be positioned in the second space S2 and supported by the piston 22 so as to face the seat 29. The spring 24 may be positioned to press the valve body 23 so as to form a gap 28 between the seat 29 and the valve body 23.

[0017] Carbon dioxide supplied to the first space S1 through the second flow path PH2 is introduced into the first space S1 and can impart a force to the piston 22 in a direction that presses the valve body 23 against the seat 29. The first opening OP1 is in communication with the first flow path PH1. The second opening OP2 connects the second space S2 to the atmosphere.

[0018] The carbon dioxide gas supply device 100 may further include a three-way valve V4 disposed in the second flow path PH2. The three-way valve V4 can be controlled by the controller 30 to be in a first state connecting the second flow path PH2 and the first space S1 of the relief valve 20, or in a second state communicating the first space S1 of the relief valve 20 with the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide gas supply device 100 may further include a check valve 60 disposed in the second flow path PH2 so that carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the regulator 40 toward the three-way valve V4. The check valve 60 can function to prevent the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the first space S1 of the three-way valve V4 or the relief valve 20 from dropping when the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply source 3 drops due to a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas supply source 3.

[0019] The carbon dioxide gas supply device 100 may further include a safety valve V3 connected at a position between the connection portion of the relief valve 20 in the first flow path PH1 and the pressure regulator 10. The safety valve V3 functions to prevent the pressure in the first flow path PH1 from exceeding a specified pressure.

[0020] The configuration of the pressure regulator 10 is not limited to a specific configuration. In one example, the pressure regulator 10 may include a pressure increasing valve V1 for increasing the pressure in the first flow path PH1 and a pressure reducing valve V2 for reducing the pressure in the first flow path PH1. The internal space of the pressure regulator 10 may have a first space S3, a second space S4, and a third space S5. The first space S3 and the second space S4 may be partitioned by a diaphragm 13. A spring 14 may be connected to the diaphragm 13. Also, a valve body 11 may be connected to the diaphragm 13, and a spring 12 may be connected to the valve body 11. The position of the valve body 11 is determined by the restoring forces of the springs 12 and 14 and the diaphragm 13, and the pressure difference between the first space S3 and the second space S4, thereby determining the gap between the valve body 11 and the seat facing it.

[0021] When the pressure boosting valve V1 is opened, carbon dioxide is introduced from the third flow path PH3 through the third space S5 into the first space S3, increasing the pressure in the first space S3. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide passing through the valve, which is formed by the gap between the valve body 11 and the seal opposite it, increasing the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the second space S4. The pressure in the first space S3 increases until the restoring force of the springs 12, 14 and the diaphragm 13, as well as the pressure difference between the first space S3 and the second space S4, balance out, and the pressure in the second space S4, i.e., the first flow path PH1, also increases.

[0022] When the pressure reducing valve V2 is opened, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere in the first space S3, and the pressure in the first space S3 decreases. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide passing through the valve, which is formed by the gap between the valve body 11 and the seal opposite it, decreases, and the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the second space S4 decreases. The pressure in the first space S3 decreases until the restoring force of the springs 12, 14 and the diaphragm 13, as well as the pressure difference between the first space S3 and the second space S4, balance out, and the pressure in the second space S4, i.e., the first flow path PH1, also decreases.

[0023] The controller 30 may be configured to open the relief valve 20 according to the target pressure while keeping the pressure reducing valve V2 closed when reducing the pressure in the first flow path PH1 to reduce the pressure in the beverage keg 1, that is, to connect the first flow path PH1 to the atmosphere through the opening OP2. By configuring the controller 30 to discharge carbon dioxide gas from the beverage keg 1 through the relief valve 20 when reducing the pressure in the beverage keg 1, it is possible to prevent carbon dioxide gas, including beverage mist (e.g., beer mist), from flowing into the pressure regulator 10. This suppresses the adhesion of components of the pressure regulator 10 due to beverage mist.

[0024] The carbon dioxide supply device 100 may further include a pressure sensor 82 for detecting the pressure in the first flow path PH1. The controller 30 can control the pressure boosting valve V1, the pressure reducing valve V2, and the relief valve 20 based on the output of the pressure sensor 82. In one example, the controller 30 controls the relief valve 20 by controlling the three-way valve V4. The carbon dioxide supply device 100 may further include a pressure sensor 83 for detecting the pressure in the third flow path PH3. The controller 30 can detect a shortage of carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide supply source 3 based on the output of the pressure sensor 83.

[0025] In Figure 1, the pressure boosting valve V1, pressure reducing valve V2, three-way valve V4, temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and pressure sensor 83 are not connected to the controller 30, but they are connected to the controller 30 by wire or wireless connection.

[0026] Figure 3 schematically shows the operation of the carbon dioxide supply device 100. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 3. The vertical axis shows the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 82. This pressure may be the output value of the pressure sensor 82 itself, or it may be the output value (e.g., an analog or digital value expressed on a relative scale) converted to a value on another scale (typically temperature). The horizontal axis shows time.

[0027] The example in Figure 3 begins when a beverage barrel 1 is brought from outdoors (e.g., 35°C) to indoors (e.g., 25°C), and a flow path PH1 is connected to the beverage barrel 1, along with a beverage server 2. The pressure in the first flow path PH1 increases due to the pressure of carbon dioxide gas in the beverage barrel 1. At time t1, the beverage server 2 is operated and the beverage is dispensed. This causes a slight decrease in the pressure in the beverage barrel 1 and the first flow path PH1. As the beverage is dispensed, the temperature indicated by the output of the temperature sensor 81 rises.

[0028] The controller 30 responds to the rise in temperature indicated by the output of the temperature sensor 81 by changing the target pressure of the beverage barrel 1 (and the first flow path PH1) to a pressure corresponding to that temperature. Then, in response to the change in target pressure, the controller 30 controls the pressure boosting valve V1, the pressure reducing valve V2, and the relief valve 20 (pressure boosting valve V1, pressure reducing valve V2, and three-way valve V4) according to the changed target pressure. Specifically, in this example, the controller 30 can control the pressure boosting valve V1, the pressure reducing valve V2, and the three-way valve V4 so that the temperature indicated by the output of the pressure sensor 82 matches the target pressure. In one example, the controller 30 can simply open the pressure boosting valve V1, as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 3, the beverage server 2 is operated again at time t3 to dispense a carbonated beverage, and again at time t4 to dispense another carbonated beverage. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, after more time has passed and the temperature of the carbonated beverage in the beverage barrel 1 has approached room temperature, the beverage server 2 is operated again at time t5 to dispense another beverage. As the carbonated beverage is dispensed, the temperature indicated by the output of the temperature sensor 81 decreases.

[0030] The controller 30 responds to the decrease in temperature indicated by the output of the temperature sensor 81 by changing the target pressure of the beverage barrel 1 (and the first flow path PH1) to a pressure corresponding to that temperature. Then, in response to the change in target pressure, the controller 30 controls the boosting valve V1, the depressurizing valve V2, and the relief valve 20 (boosting valve V1, depressurizing valve V2, and three-way valve V4) according to the changed target pressure. Specifically, in this example, the controller 30 can control the boosting valve V1, the depressurizing valve V2, and the three-way valve V4 so that the temperature indicated by the output of the pressure sensor 82 matches the target pressure. In one example, the controller 30 can briefly open the three-way valve V4 while keeping the depressurizing valve V2 continuously open, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0031] The carbon dioxide supply device 100 can also function as a remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage keg 1 connected to the beverage server 2. This function as a remaining amount detection device can be provided by a remaining amount detection unit 310 incorporated into the controller 30. The aforementioned pressure sensor 82 detects the pressure in the first flow path PH1 that supplies carbon dioxide to the beverage keg 1. The controller 30 or the remaining amount detection unit 310 may be configured to determine the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage keg 1 based on the change in the detected pressure, which is the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 82.

[0032] The remaining amount detection in the carbon dioxide supply device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Here, Figure 6 illustrates, for example, the pressure (detected pressure) detected by the pressure sensor 82 during a period including time t3 in Figure 3. This pressure may be the output value of the pressure sensor 82 itself, or it may be the output value (for example, an analog or digital value expressed on a relative scale) converted to a value on another scale (typically temperature). The horizontal axis represents time.

[0033] The controller 30 or remaining amount detection unit 310 may be configured to detect the time it takes for the beverage in the beverage barrel 1 to be supplied to the beverage server 2 (i.e., the time it takes for the beverage to be dispensed from the beverage server 2) as time ti (dispensing time). Here, the start of time ti is the first time point tt1 when the decrease in the detected pressure, which is the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 82, becomes greater than the first reference value R1. The end of time ti is the second time point tt2 after the first time point tt1 when the increase from the minimum value Pmin after the detected pressure has reached a minimum value Pmin becomes greater than the second reference value R2. The controller 30 or remaining amount detection unit 310 may be configured to determine the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage barrel 1 based on time ti. The first reference value R1 and the second reference value R2 may be the same or different from each other.

[0034] The controller 30 or the remaining amount detection unit 310 can, for example, detect the point in time tt1 when the decrease in detected pressure from a state in which the fluctuation amount of detected pressure has remained at a predetermined amount for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) or longer becomes greater than the first reference value R1. Furthermore, the controller 30 or the remaining amount detection unit 310 can continuously update the minimum value of detected pressure, and when the increase from the latest minimum value becomes greater than the third reference value R3, it can determine the latest minimum value as the minimum value Pmin.

[0035] The controller 30 or remaining amount detection unit 310 may be configured to determine the amount of beverage consumed by a single continuous dispensing by the beverage server 1 by multiplying time ti by a coefficient determined based on the detected pressure. The coefficient may be determined, for example, based on the detected pressure immediately before the decrease in detected pressure becomes greater than a first reference value R1. Alternatively, the coefficient may be determined based on the detected pressure in at least part of the period between a first time point tt1 and a second time point tt2. Alternatively, the coefficient may be determined based on a minimum value Pmin. The controller 30 or remaining amount detection unit 310 may be configured to determine the amount of beverage remaining in the beverage barrel 1 by subtracting the cumulative value of the above consumption from the capacity (official capacity) of the beverage barrel 1.

[0036] The coefficient is given by a function whose variable is a value correlated with the detected pressure (e.g., an evaluation value of the detected pressure). Alternatively, the coefficient may be given by referring to a table based on a value correlated with the detected pressure. The evaluation value of the detected pressure may be, for example, a value indicating which of several classes the detected pressure belongs to. The function or table that gives the coefficient may be determined based on measured values. The remaining amount of beverage determined by this method has been confirmed to be sufficiently accurate to determine the timing of replacing beverage barrel 1.

[0037] Figure 7 shows an example configuration of the remaining amount detection unit 310. The remaining amount detection unit 310 may include, for example, a sampler 700, a filter 701, a dispensing start detection unit 702, a dispensing end detection unit 703, a coefficient determination unit 704, a time calculation unit 705, a dispensing amount calculation unit 706, and a remaining amount calculation unit 707. The sampler 700 samples the pressure (information indicating pressure) detected by the pressure sensor 82 at a predetermined period. The filter 701 filters the pressure sampled by the sampler 700. This filtering may be, for example, a process that calculates a moving average of the pressure sampled by the sampler 700. The dispensing start detection unit 702 detects the aforementioned first time point tt1 based on the output of the filter 701. The dispensing end detection unit 703 detects the aforementioned second time point tt2 based on the output of the filter 701. The coefficient determination unit 704 determines the aforementioned coefficients based on the output of the filter 701. The time calculation unit 705 calculates the time between the first time point tt1 and the second time point tt2 as time ti. The dispensing amount calculation unit 706 calculates the amount of beverage consumed in one dispensing by multiplying the time ti calculated by the time calculation unit 705 by the coefficient determined by the coefficient determination unit 704. The remaining amount calculation unit 707 calculates the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage barrel 1 based on the cumulative amount of beverage consumed and the capacity of the beverage barrel 1.

[0038] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1: Beverage keg, 2: Beverage dispenser, 3: Carbon dioxide gas supply source, 10: Pressure regulator, 11: Valve body, 12: Spring, 13: Diaphragm, 14: Spring, S3: First space, S4: Second space, S5: Third space, 20: Relief valve, 21: Cylinder, 22: Piston, 23: Valve body, 24: Spring, OP1: First opening, OP2: Second opening, 29: Seat, S1: First space, S2: Second space, 30: Controller, 40: Regulator, 60: Check valve, 81: Temperature sensor, 82: Pressure sensor, 83: Pressure sensor, V1: Pressure boosting valve, V2: Pressure reducing valve, V4: Three-way valve, PH1: First flow path, PH2: Second flow path, PH3: Third flow path, 100: Carbon dioxide gas supply device

Claims

1. A remaining amount detection device that detects the remaining amount of beverage in a beverage keg connected to a beverage server, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the flow path that supplies carbon dioxide to the beverage barrel, The system includes a controller that determines the remaining amount of the beverage based on the change in the detected pressure, which is the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, The controller determines the remaining amount based on the time between a first time point in time when the decrease in the detected pressure becomes greater than a first reference value, and a second time point in time after the first time point in time when the increase in the detected pressure from the minimum value after it has reached a minimum value becomes greater than a second reference value. A remaining quantity detection device characterized by the following features.

2. The controller determines the amount of beverage consumed in a single continuous dispensing by the beverage server by multiplying the time by a coefficient determined based on the detected pressure. The remaining amount detection device according to claim 1.

3. The coefficient is determined based on the detected pressure immediately before the decrease in the detected pressure becomes greater than the first reference value. The remaining amount detection device according to feature 2.

4. The coefficient is determined based on the detected pressure during at least a portion of the period between the first time point and the second time point. The remaining amount detection device according to feature 2.

5. The coefficient is determined based on the local minimum value. The remaining amount detection device according to feature 2.

6. The controller determines the remaining amount by subtracting the cumulative amount of consumption from the capacity of the beverage barrel. The remaining amount detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The coefficient is given by a function with the detected pressure as a variable. The remaining amount detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The coefficient is given by referring to a table based on the detected pressure. The remaining amount detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

9. The first time point is the point in time when the amount of decrease in the detected pressure from the state in which the amount of fluctuation in the detected pressure has remained at a predetermined amount for a predetermined time or longer becomes greater than the first reference value. The remaining amount detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A carbon dioxide supply device that supplies carbon dioxide to a beverage keg connected to a beverage server, A pressure regulator having a primary port and a secondary port, which adjusts the pressure of carbon dioxide supplied from a carbon dioxide supply source to the primary port and discharges it from the secondary port, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the first flow path connecting the secondary port and the beverage barrel, The system includes a controller that determines the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage barrel based on the change in the detected pressure, which is the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, The controller determines the remaining amount based on the time between a first time point in time when the decrease in the detected pressure becomes greater than a first reference value, and a second time point in time after the first time point in time when the increase in the detected pressure from the minimum value after it has reached a minimum value becomes greater than a second reference value. A carbon dioxide supply device characterized by the following features.

11. The controller determines the amount of beverage consumed in a single continuous dispensing by the beverage server by multiplying the time by a coefficient determined based on the detected pressure. The carbon dioxide supply device according to feature 10.

12. The system further comprises a relief valve connected to the first flow path, The controller controls the relief valve so that the first flow path is depressurized in accordance with the output of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the beverage being delivered from the beverage keg to the beverage server. The carbon dioxide supply device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The system further includes a second flow path that supplies carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source to the relief valve in order to supply force to the relief valve to maintain the relief valve in a closed state. The carbon dioxide supply device according to feature 12.

14. A regulator that reduces the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source to a predetermined pressure, The system further comprises a third flow path that supplies carbon dioxide gas, reduced to the predetermined pressure by the regulator, to the pressure regulator, The second flow path supplies carbon dioxide gas, which has been reduced to the predetermined pressure by the regulator, to the relief valve. The carbon dioxide supply device according to claim 13, further comprising the above.

15. The aforementioned relief valve is A cylinder having a first opening with a seat and a second opening that communicates with the atmosphere, A piston that separates the internal space of the cylinder into a first space and a second space, A valve body is positioned in the second space and supported by the piston so as to face the seat, The system includes a spring that presses the valve body to form a gap between the seat and the valve body, The carbon dioxide supplied to the relief valve through the second flow path is introduced into the first space, and applies a force to the piston in a direction that presses the valve body against the seat. The first opening communicates with the first flow path, The second opening connects the second space to the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide supply device according to feature 14.

16. The second flow path is further equipped with a three-way valve, The three-way valve is controlled by the controller to either a first state in which the second flow path and the first space of the relief valve are connected, or a second state in which the first space of the relief valve is connected to the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide supply device according to feature 15.

17. The system further includes a check valve positioned in the second flow path so that carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the regulator to the three-way valve. The carbon dioxide supply device according to feature 16.

18. The first flow path further includes a safety valve connected to a position between the relief valve connection and the pressure regulator. A carbon dioxide supply device according to any one of claims 12 to 17.

19. The pressure regulator is, A pressure boosting valve for increasing the pressure in the first flow path, Includes a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure in the first flow path, A carbon dioxide supply device according to any one of claims 12 to 18.

20. When the controller reduces the pressure in the first flow path to reduce the pressure in the beverage barrel, it closes the pressure reducing valve and opens the relief valve according to the target pressure. The carbon dioxide supply device according to feature 19.

21. The first time point is the point in time when the amount of decrease in the detected pressure from the state in which the amount of fluctuation in the detected pressure has remained at a predetermined amount for a predetermined time or longer becomes greater than the first reference value. A carbon dioxide supply device according to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterized by the features described herein.

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