JP2015134645A - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a beverage dispenser comprising a multi valve having a plurality of syrup nozzles and a dilution water supply part, which can preferably collide dilution water discharged from the dilution water supply part with syrups discharged from the syrup nozzles by a spout.SOLUTION: Syrup nozzles 44 are protrudingly formed at a lower end part of a diffuser 36 positioned above a supply port 47, and a dilution water supply part 53 is formed on an outer periphery of the diffuser 36 above the syrup nozzles 44. Between the diffuser 36 and the spout 37 is formed a space G through which dilution water discharged from the dilution water supply part 53 passes. On an inner face of the spout 37 positioned below the diffuser 36 is formed a guide wall that guides the dilution water, which is discharged from the dilution water supply part 53 and flows down through the space, to the supply port 47, while twisting the flow of the water.

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that selects one syrup from a plurality of different types of syrup, mixes the selected syrup and diluted water such as carbonated water or cold water, and supplies the mixed syrup from a multi-valve.

  Conventionally, in this type of beverage dispenser, a plurality of syrups (concentrated liquids) of different types such as fragrance, taste, and color are selected and mixed and supplied with diluted water such as carbonated water or cold water. In this case, these syrup and dilution water are discharged from a beverage discharge nozzle called a multi-valve, and the syrup and dilution water are mixed and supplied into the cup.

  This multi-valve has a plurality of syrup nozzles for discharging syrup at the lower end, a diffuser having a dilution water supply unit for discharging dilution water on the outer periphery, a spout having an opening formed at the lower end, and a diffuser It is comprised from the base etc. for attaching to the attachment plate of a main body.

  In this case, the spout is detachably attached to the base and the mounting plate, and constitutes a gap through which the dilution water flows between the diffuser and the spout. Further, an O-ring is attached above the dilution water supply part of the diffuser to seal between the diffuser and the spout. And the dilution water discharged from the dilution water supply part flows down in the clearance gap between a spout and a diffuser, and is discharged from a supply port. On the other hand, the syrup nozzle is positioned above the spout supply port, and the syrup discharged from the syrup nozzle is discharged to the lower supply port and collides with the dilution water below the syrup nozzle (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP-A-10-72099

  Here, when a plurality of syrup nozzles are provided, unless the opening diameter of the spout supply port is enlarged, the syrup that hangs down from the syrup nozzle adheres to the inner surface of the spout, and other syrup is added to the beverage to be supplied thereafter. Inconvenience of mixing.

  However, when the spout supply port is enlarged, the dilution water discharged from the dilution water supply unit does not flow down uniformly on the inner surface of the spout and becomes a single or a plurality of streaks and flows down in an uneven manner. Therefore, there arises a problem that the mixing performance is deteriorated because the syrup discharged from the syrup nozzle hardly collides.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problem, and in a beverage dispenser having a multi-valve having a plurality of syrup nozzles and a dilution water supply unit, the dilution discharged from the dilution water supply unit The purpose is to allow water to collide well with the syrup from the syrup nozzle by a spout.

  In order to solve the above problems, the beverage dispenser of the present invention includes a multi-valve that mixes and supplies syrup selectively discharged from a plurality of syrup nozzles and dilution water discharged from a dilution water supply unit. The multi-valve is a diffuser in which each syrup nozzle and a dilution water supply unit are formed, and is attached to the outside of the diffuser and guides dilution water from the dilution water supply unit to a supply port that opens at the lower end. Each syrup nozzle is projected and formed at the lower end of the diffuser located above the supply port, and the dilution water supply part is formed on the outer periphery of the diffuser above each syrup nozzle, and the diffuser and spout A gap through which the dilution water discharged from the dilution water supply section passes is formed between On the inner surface of which the spout is discharged from the dilution water supply unit, and characterized by forming a guide wall for guiding the supply port so as to twist the flow of dilution water flowing down through the gap.

  According to the present invention, in a beverage dispenser including a multi-valve that mixes and supplies syrup selectively discharged from a plurality of syrup nozzles and dilution water discharged from a dilution water supply unit, Each syrup nozzle includes a diffuser in which a syrup nozzle and a dilution water supply unit are formed, and a spout that is attached to the outside of the diffuser and guides dilution water from the dilution water supply unit to a supply port that opens at the lower end. The diluting water supply section is formed on the outer periphery of the diffuser above each syrup nozzle, and the diluting water supply section is formed between the diffuser and the spout. A gap through which diluted water discharged from the passage passes is formed, and on the inner surface of the spout located below the diffuser, Diluted water discharged from the diluting water supply unit and guided to the supply port by twisting the flow of the diluting water flowing through the gap, so that the diluted water discharged from the diluting water supply unit to the inner peripheral surface of the spout Flows down through a gap between the diffuser and the spout, and the dilution water flowing down the inner peripheral surface of the spout reaches the guide wall, and the flow is twisted by the guide wall.

  In this way, the dilution water flowing down the inner peripheral surface of the spout is directed to the central portion of the supply port or in the vicinity thereof by being guided to the supply port in such a way that the flow of the dilution water is twisted by the guide wall. It smoothly collides with syrup from the syrup nozzle located above the syrup.

  Thereby, according to this invention, dilution water can be made to collide reliably with the syrup from a syrup nozzle, syrup and dilution water can be mixed well, and can be supplied to a cup etc. now.

It is a front view of the drink dispenser of one example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1. It is a supply system figure of the carbonated drink supply system of the drink dispenser of FIG. It is a block diagram of the control system of the beverage dispenser of FIG. It is a perspective view of the multi-valve of the state attached to the attachment plate of the drink dispenser of FIG. It is a vertical front view of the mounting plate and multi-valve of FIG. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal side view of the mounting plate and multi-valve of FIG. 5. It is a perspective view of the multi valve | bulb of the drink dispenser of FIG. FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the multi-valve of FIG. 8. It is a downward perspective view of the state which removed the spout of the multi-valve of FIG. FIG. 11 is another lower perspective view of the multi-valve of FIG. 10. It is a perspective view of the spout of the multi-valve of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example at the time of providing one helical guide wall in the spout of the multi-valve of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example at the time of providing two helical guide walls in the spout of the multi-valve of FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the dilution water of the multi-valve of FIG. It is a figure of the state which removed the spout of the multi-valve of FIG. 6, and attached the adapter for washing | cleaning.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The beverage dispenser 1 according to the embodiment includes a non-carbonated beverage supply system 2 that supplies a non-carbonated beverage such as oolong tea and juice, and a carbonated beverage supply that supplies a carbonated beverage such as cola from the multi-valve 10 according to the present invention. System 3 is provided. The beverage dispenser 1 includes a substantially box-shaped main body 4, and a door 5 including a selection switch 5 </ b> B for selecting a beverage to be supplied is attached to the upper front surface of the main body 4. Further, a drip tray 7 on which three cups 6 can be placed is provided at the lower front portion of the main body 4.

  The non-carbonated beverage supply system 2 has a cool box 20 on the front side of the upper portion of the main body 4. The cool box 20 is a cooler in which a pair of left and right BIBs (Bag In Box) 21A, 21B in which syrup (concentrated liquid) for non-carbonated beverages is accommodated, and a continuous S-shaped cooling water conduit 22A are formed. 22, and circulates the cooling water in the cooling water tank 330 into the cooling water pipe 22 </ b> A of the cooler 22 by a circulation pump 334 described later, thereby keeping the syrup for the non-carbonated beverage.

  Further, the non-carbonated beverage supply system 2 is pumped by a pair of left and right tube pumps 23A and 23B for pumping syrup for non-carbonated beverage and cold water as dilution water, and tube pumps 23A and 23B from the BIB 21A and 21B. Syrup tubes 24A and 24B that discharge the syrup to the cup 6 placed immediately below, and dilution water nozzles 25A and 25B that discharge the dilution water pumped by the tube pumps 23A and 23B to the cup 6 placed immediately below I have.

  On the other hand, the carbonated beverage supply system 3 has a multi-valve 10 according to the present invention, a flow control valve, various electromagnetic valves, and the like disposed in the center of the front part of the main body 4. Reference) A pressurizing pump 321 for pressurizing and supplying tap water from 350, a cooling water tank (hereinafter referred to as a water tank) 330 containing cooling water, and a cooling unit 340 for cooling the cooling water in the water tank 330. It is arranged.

  In the water tank 330, a carbonator (see FIG. 3) 331 that mixes water and carbon dioxide gas to generate carbonated water, an agitator motor 333 that stirs cooling water by an agitator propeller 332, and an agitator motor 333 are attached. A circulation pump 334, a coil unit 335 including a syrup coil for passing syrup, a carbonated water coil for passing carbonated water, a tap water coil for passing tap water, and an evaporation pipe 343 constituting a cooling unit 340 are arranged. Yes. The circulation pump 334 and the cooling water pipe 22A of the cooler 22 are connected. Thereby, the agitator motor 333 agitates the cooling water in the water tank 330 and pumps the cooling water in the water tank 330 to the cold storage 20 side.

  The cooling unit 340 includes a compressor 341 that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser 342 that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 341, and a refrigerant that is condensed by the condenser 342 and depressurized by a capillary tube or an expansion valve (not shown). And an evaporator 343 that exhibits a cooling capacity by an endothermic action at that time.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a supply system of the carbonated beverage supply system 3. The tap water from the municipal water supply 350 flows into the cold water inlet 31 of the multi-valve 10 through the water filter 351, the pressurizing pump 321, the coil unit 335, the distributor 352, the flow rate adjusting valve 353, and the electromagnetic valve 354. A conduit 355 is configured.

  Further, the carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 356 is a syrup tank 357A, 357B, 357C containing a plurality of (four in the embodiment) syrups I, II, III, IV having different types of aroma, taste, color, etc. The syrup I, II, III, and IV sent to the 357D and pumped by carbon dioxide gas from the syrup tanks 357A, 357B, 357C, and 357D are supplied to the multi-valve 10 via the coil unit 335 and the electromagnetic valves 358A, 358B, 358C, and 358D. A pipe line 359 is configured to flow into each of the syrup inlets 32.

  A carbonator 331 is disposed in the cooling water in the water tank 330. Thereby, carbonated water can be produced | generated efficiently. Carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 356 is supplied to the carbonator 331, and cold water from a distributor 352 is supplied via a carbonator water supply electromagnetic valve 360. A pipe 363 is configured so that carbonated water generated by the carbonator 331 flows into a carbonated water inflow connector 33 (to be described later) of the multi-valve 10 through the flow rate adjusting valve 361, the coil unit 335, and the electromagnetic valve 362. .

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part of the control system of the beverage dispenser 1. The beverage dispenser 1 has a control unit 8 that controls the entire beverage dispenser 1, and the control unit 8 includes the selection switch 5B, first to fourth syrup solenoid valves 358A, 358B, 358C, 358D, carbonated water. An electromagnetic valve 362, a cold water electromagnetic valve 354, a pressurizing motor 321, a cooling unit 340, and tube pumps 23A and 23B are connected to each other. The controller 8 is also connected with a cleaning switch 5C provided at a position different from each switch 5B.

  Next, the configuration of the multi-valve 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The multi-valve 10 of the embodiment includes a carbonated water inflow connector 33 into which the carbonated water flows, a resistor piece case 34, a diffuser 36, a spout 37 whose top and bottom are open and whose lower end is a supply port 47, The base 38 is attached to the main body 4 by a mounting plate 39.

  The resistor piece case 34 includes a resistor piece 42 for reducing the pressure of carbonated water from the inlet 41 of the carbonated water inflow connector 33 while the carbonated water inflow connector 33 is screwed to the upper end of the resistor piece case 34. Further, the cold water inlet 31 into which cold water flows is formed to project obliquely upward. The resistance piece 42 includes a plurality of grooves along the axial direction on the peripheral surface, and is configured so that the resistance value can be changed by changing the depth of the grooves. And by this resistance, the carbonated water from the inflow port 41 of the carbonated water inflow connector 33 is pressure-reduced, and it is comprised so that a quality carbonated beverage can be supplied. Further, the resistance piece case 34 forms a carbonated water flow path 43 that communicates with the inlet 41 of the carbonated water inflow connector 33, and the resistance piece 42 is accommodated in the carbonated water flow path 43. The cold water inlet 31 communicates with the lower end of the carbonated water flow path 43.

  The diffuser 36 is attached to the lower side of the resistor piece case 34, and a plurality of the syrup inlets 32 into which syrup flows from the middle stage are formed in the horizontal direction, and the syrup from the syrup inlet 32 and the resistor piece case 34 Dissipate carbonated water and cold water. A plurality (four in the embodiment) of syrup nozzles 44 are formed to project downward from the vicinity of the center of the lower end of the diffuser 36. Each syrup inlet 32 and each syrup nozzle 44 communicate with each other through independent syrup flow paths 46.

  In this case, each syrup nozzle 44 is located above the supply port 47 of the spout 37 and is configured with an angle so as to supply the syrup to the central portion of the supply port 47 of the spout 37 or in the vicinity thereof. It has a tip 44A. The four syrup nozzles 44 are formed so as to be close to each other, and they are arranged at the positions of the vertices of a square as shown in FIGS. In the embodiment, since four syrup nozzles 44 are provided, each syrup nozzle 44 is arranged at the position of a square vertex. However, for example, there are three types of syrup to be supplied, and there are three syrup nozzles 44. In the case where each syrup nozzle 44 supplies more (5 or more) types of syrup at the position of the apex of the triangle, and there are more than 5 syrup nozzles 44, each syrup nozzle 44 is pentagonal. , Such as a hexagon, and the like.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom wall surface 36A of the diffuser 36 has a convex surface in which the portion located between the syrup nozzles 44 is raised. Thus, when a cleaning brush is inserted between the syrup nozzles 44 to remove dirt, dirt (residual syrup, etc.) attached to the bottom wall surface 36A is easily removed.

  In the spout 37, as shown in FIG. 12, two projecting sides 48A formed on the flange 48 at the opening edge of the upper end are detachably engaged with two mounting portions 49 formed on the lower surface of the base 38. And is detachably attached to the base 38. At this time, the spout 37 abuts on the outer periphery of the diffuser 36 via the O-ring 51, mixes the syrup from the diffuser 36 with carbonated water or cold water (both diluted water) and supplies the mixture to the cup 6 from the supply port 47. .

  In this case, an inverted T-shaped dilution water channel 52 is formed in the diffuser 36 from the upper center to the bottom, and the upper end of the dilution water channel 52 communicates with the carbonated water channel 43. A dilution water supply unit 53 is formed in a groove shape on the outer periphery of the diffuser 36 above each syrup nozzle 44, and the lower end of the dilution water channel 52 communicates with the dilution water supply unit 53 at two opposing positions. doing. An attachment groove for attaching the O-ring 51 to the outer periphery of the portion of the diffuser 36 located above the dilution water supply unit 53 and below the bottom surface of the base 38 when the diffuser 36 is fixed to the base 38. 54 is formed, and the lower wall of the mounting groove 54 is partially cut away to form a cutout 54A (FIGS. 10 and 11). Further, as a result, the dilution water supply unit 53 is positioned below the attachment groove 54.

  When the spout 37 is attached to the base 38, the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion comes into contact with the O-ring 51 and the space between the diffuser 36 is sealed. Further, in the portion below the dilution water supply unit 53, the spout 37 forms a gap G between itself and the diffuser 36. Dilution water (carbonated water, cold water) that has flowed out of the dilution water supply unit 53 through the gap G is formed. ) Flows down the inner surface of the spout 37 toward the supply port 47. FIG. 10 shows a part of the dilution water supply unit 53 at a position away from the communication unit 52A where the dilution water supply unit 53 and the dilution water flow path 52 communicate with each other, for example, at an angle of 90 degrees. As shown, ribs 56 are formed.

  The spout 37 is for mixing the syrup discharged from each syrup nozzle 44 of the diffuser and the dilution water (carbonated water or cold water) discharged from the dilution water supply unit 53 and supplying the mixture to the cup 6 from the supply port 47. Yes, the lower part is narrower than the upper part. The nozzle tip 44A of each syrup nozzle 44 has a protrusion 44B for dripping the trailing syrup from the center side, but the opening edge of the supply port 47 is at least the nozzle tip of each syrup nozzle 44. The opening diameter is enlarged so as to be outside the protrusion 44B of 44A. Thus, the trailing syrup is designed not to drip on the inner surface of the spout 37.

  However, when the opening diameter of the supply port 47 is enlarged, the dilution water from the dilution water supply unit 53 flows down and flows separately, so that the spout 37 below the diffuser 36 flows. On the inner surface in the vicinity of the supply port 47, a plurality of guide walls 57 each having an inclined upper surface 57A are formed (two in opposite positions in the embodiment) (FIG. 12). In the embodiment, the upper surface 57A of each guide wall 57 is an inclined surface that becomes lower in height (approaching the supply port 47 side) as it proceeds clockwise as shown in FIG. The operation of the guide wall 57 will be described later.

  FIG. 13 is a view showing another example of the spout 37 having one spiral guide wall 57. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the spout 37 having two clockwise spiral guide walls. The two spiral guide walls 57 may be counterclockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this example, one spiral guide wall 57 having an inclined upper surface 57 </ b> A is provided on the inner surface of the spout 37. Similarly to the upper surface 57A of the guide wall 57 shown in FIG. 12, the upper surface 57A of the guide wall 57 is also an inclined surface that becomes lower in height (approaching the supply port 47 side) as it advances clockwise. .

  A plurality of spiral guide walls 57 may be provided on the inner surface of the spout 37. As shown in FIG. 14, in this example, two spiral guide walls 57 having inclined upper surfaces 57 </ b> A are provided so as to face the inner surface of the spout 37. Similarly to the upper surface 57A of the guide wall 57 shown in FIG. 12, the upper surface 57A of the guide wall 57 is also an inclined surface that becomes lower in height (approaching the supply port 47 side) as it advances clockwise. .

  By changing the number and height of the spiral guide walls 57 and the pitch of the guide walls 57, the syrup discharged from each syrup nozzle 44 of the diffuser in the spout 37 and the dilution discharged from the dilution water supply unit 53. The degree of mixing with water (carbonated water or cold water) can be adjusted.

  On the other hand, the mounting plate 39 includes a horizontal wall 39A, a vertical wall 39B hanging from the rear end of the horizontal wall 39A, and a mounting portion 39C attached to the main body 4, and a through hole 39D in which the multi-valve 10 is disposed on the horizontal wall 39A. Is formed (FIGS. 5 to 7). The attachment plate 39 is attached to the main body 4 by an attachment portion 39C. Further, the vertical wall 39B is located above the back of the drip tray 7.

  The base 38 is disposed below the horizontal wall 39A of the mounting plate 39. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base 38 has a rectangular shape as a whole, and a standing wall 58 is formed around the base 38 to form a container shape. Further, a through hole 59 through which the diffuser 36 passes is formed at the center of the base 38, and discharge portions 61 are formed at both corners on the rear side of the position away from the diffuser 36. Further, the base 38 is formed with two resistor piece cases 34 and two screwing portions 62 for connecting the diffuser 36 and the base 38, and in order to fix the base 38 to the mounting plate 39 at a position away from it. Two screwing portions 63 are formed.

  With the above configuration, when the multi-valve 10 is attached to the attachment plate 39, first, the resistor piece 42 is accommodated in the resistor piece case 34, the carbonated water inflow connector 33 is connected, and the diffuser 36 is superposed in that state. And connect. At this time, the O-ring 51 is not yet attached. Next, the diffuser 36 is inserted into the through hole 59 of the base 38, and in this state, the resistor piece case 34 and the diffuser 36 are fixed to the screwing portion 62 of the base 38 with screws 64 and 64 from above.

  In this state, the O-ring 51 is attached to the attachment groove 54. At this time, the rib 56 is formed in the dilution water supply part 53 that is recessed below the O-ring 51. The inconvenience of attaching the ring 51 is prevented.

  After assembling the resistor piece case 34, the diffuser 36, and the base 38 in this way, the resistor piece case 34 and the diffuser 36 are passed from below through a through hole 39D formed in the horizontal wall 39A of the mounting plate 39, and the base 38 is placed horizontally. In a state of being directed to the lower surface of the wall 39 </ b> A, a screw 66 penetrating from above the horizontal wall 39 </ b> A is inserted into the screw fastening portion 63 and tightened to fix the base 38 to the mounting plate 39. As a result, the base 38 is attached to the lower side of the horizontal wall 39A of the mounting plate 39, and the diffuser 36 and the resistor piece case 34 face the upper side of the horizontal wall 39A from the through hole 39D of the mounting plate 39. Is attached to the mounting plate 39 of the main body 4. Further, since the screw 66 is inserted from above the horizontal wall 39A of the mounting plate 39, even if the screw 66 is removed, there is no risk of dropping into the cup 6 on the drip tray 7 below the mounting plate 39.

  In this state (the state where the spout 37 is removed), the O-ring 51 is exposed below the base 38 (and the mounting plate 39) as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the O-ring 51 can be replaced from the lower side with the multi-valve 10 attached to the attachment plate 39. Further, since the notch 54A is formed in the mounting groove 54, the O-ring 51 can be easily removed by rolling the O-ring 51 with fingers of the hand from the notch 54A.

  Next, the spout 37 is applied to the lower part of the diffuser 36 in such a manner that the lower part of the diffuser 36 (dilution water supply unit 53 and syrup nozzle 44) is inserted into the spout 37. At this time, the projecting side 48A is set at a position deviated from the mounting portion 49 of the base 38, and in this state, the spout 37 is rotated clockwise as viewed from below, and the projecting side 48A is engaged with the mounting portion 49 so as to engage the spout 37. Is attached to the base 38 in a detachable manner. Thereby, the multi-valve 10 according to the present invention is completed. In this state, the gap G between the spout 37 and the diffuser 36 is sealed by the O-ring 51 above the dilution water supply unit 53.

  Next, the beverage supply operation by the beverage dispenser 1 with the above configuration will be described. The control unit 8 controls the pressurization motor 321, the agitator motor 333, the circulation pump 334, and the cooling unit 340 to cool the cooling water in the water tank 330 and cool the cool box 20. Then, when the selection switch 5B is pressed in a state where the cooling water in the water tank 330 and the syrup in the cool box 20 are cooled to a temperature sufficient to supply, the control unit 8 causes the selection switch 5B to select Control is performed to supply a carbonated beverage or a carbonated beverage.

  Here, the case where a carbonated drink is supplied is demonstrated. The control unit 8 controls the corresponding electromagnetic valves 358A to 358D, 362, and 354 based on the pressing of the selection switch 5B, and any one of the syrups of syrups I to IV, carbonated water, and cold water is selected. A beverage composed of one syrup and carbonated water, or a beverage composed of any one syrup and cold water is pumped to the multi-valve 10, and the diluted water of syrup, carbonated water or cold water is placed in the center of the drip tray 7. Into the cup 6 made.

  At this time, the syrup (any of syrup I, II, III, IV) pumped by carbon dioxide gas from any of the syrup tanks 357A, 357B, 357C, 357D is cooled by the coil unit 335 with cooling water, It flows into the corresponding syrup inlet 32 formed in the diffuser 36 of the multi-valve 10 through one of the electromagnetic valves 358A, 358B, 358C, and 358D via the pipe line 359. The syrup flowing into the syrup inlet 32 reaches the syrup nozzle 44 through the syrup flow path 46 in the diffuser 36 and is discharged from the nozzle tip 44A.

  In this case, the nozzle tip 44A of each syrup nozzle 44 is configured with an angle so as to supply the syrup to the central portion of the supply port 47 of the spout 37 or the vicinity thereof as described above. From the nozzle tip 44A, syrup is discharged to the central portion of the supply port 47 of the spout 37 or in the vicinity thereof.

  On the other hand, the carbonated water generated by the carbonator 331 flows into the inflow port 41 of the carbonated water inflow connector 33 of the multi-valve 10 through the flow rate adjustment valve 361, the coil unit 335, and the pipe 363 and the electromagnetic valve 362, The pressure is reduced by the resistance piece 42 in the carbonated water flow path 43 in the resistance piece case 34. The cold water flows into the cold water inlet 31 of the resistance piece case 34 via the pressurizing pump 321, the coil unit 335, the distributor 352, the flow rate adjustment valve 353, and the electromagnetic valve 354 in the pipe line 355, and enters the carbonated water flow path 43. It reaches.

  These dilution water (carbonated water, cold water) that has flowed into the carbonated water flow path 43 of the resistor piece case 34 passes through the dilution water flow path 52 in the diffuser 36, and from the dilution water supply part 53 formed on the outer periphery of the spout 37. Discharged to the inner peripheral surface. The dilution water (carbonated water or cold water) at this time has a flow as shown in FIG.

  That is, the dilution water (carbonated water, cold water) discharged from the dilution water supply unit 53 to the inner peripheral surface of the spout 37 flows down through the gap G between the diffuser 36 and the spout 37. The dilution water flowing down the inner peripheral surface of the spout 37 reaches the guide wall 57, and the flow is twisted in the clockwise direction when viewed from above due to the inclination of the upper surface 57A of the guide wall 57. (FIG. 15).

  Thus, the dilution water flowing down the inner peripheral surface of the spout 37 is guided to the central portion of the supply port 47 or in the vicinity thereof by being guided to the supply port 47 so that the flow of the dilution water is twisted by the guide wall 57. Opposite, it collides with the syrup from the syrup nozzle 44.

  As described above, when the opening diameter of the supply port 47 is increased so that the trailing syrup from the syrup nozzle 44 does not drip on the inner surface of the spout 37, the dilution water from the dilution water supply unit 53 flows down or is separated. However, if the guide wall 57 is formed in the spout 37 and the dilution water is guided to the supply port 47 so as to twist it, the syrup is surely collided with the syrup from the syrup nozzle 44 and diluted with the syrup. Water can be mixed well and supplied to the cup 6.

  Here, the syrup inlet 32, the inlet 41 of the carbonated water inflow connector 33, and the syrup, carbonated water, and cold water flowing into the cold water inlet 31 are cooled in the cooling water tank 330. Condensation occurs on the surfaces of the resistor piece case 34 and the diffuser 36. Since these condensed water flows down the surface, passes through the through-hole 39D, and finally drops on the base 38, it is discharged from the discharge portion 61 to the back side of the drip tray 7, so that it is placed below the multi-valve 10. The inconvenience that these condensed water drops on the cup 6 is prevented. In particular, a standing wall 58 is formed around the base 38 and the base 38 has a container shape, so that the condensed water dripped on the base 38 is reliably received and discharged only from the discharge portion 61. Therefore, dripping of the condensed water into the cup 6 is surely prevented.

  Next, the cleaning operation and work of the multi-valve 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the beverage supply operation as described above, the syrup adheres to the nozzle tip portion 44A and the nozzle root portion of the syrup nozzle 44 of the diffuser 36 of the multi-valve 10 and remains solidified. For this reason, various bacteria are likely to propagate, so that a cleaning operation and a cleaning operation are periodically performed.

  When performing the washing operation of the beverage dispenser 1, first, the spout 37 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from below to release the engagement between the projecting side 48 </ b> A and the attachment portion 49, and the spout 37 is removed from the base 38. Next, the cleaning adapter 67 is attached to the base 38. This washing adapter 67 is prepared in advance in the beverage dispenser 1 of the present invention, and has a flange 68 and a projecting side 68A similar to the spout 37 at the upper edge opening as shown in FIG. 67A has a shape along each syrup nozzle 44.

  In addition, a cylindrical portion 69 having a cylindrical shape with an open top and bottom is formed in the center of the lower end of the bottom wall 67A. The cylindrical portion 69 protrudes above and below the bottom wall 67 </ b> A of the cleaning adapter 67, and the opening at the upper end serves as the discharge port 71 of the cleaning adapter 67.

  The cleaning adapter 67 having such a shape is attached to the base 38 in the same manner as the spout 37. That is, the cleaning adapter 67 is attached to the lower portion of the diffuser 36 in such a manner that the lower portion of the diffuser 36 (the dilution water supply unit 53 and the syrup nozzle 44) is inserted into the cleaning adapter 67. At this time, the protruding side 68A is set at a position deviated from the mounting portion 49 of the base 38, and in this state, the cleaning adapter 67 is rotated clockwise as viewed from below, and the protruding side 68A is engaged with the mounting portion 49. A cleaning adapter 67 is detachably attached to the base 38.

  This is the state of FIG. In this state, a similar gap G is formed between the cleaning adapter 67 and the diffuser 36, and this gap G becomes a cleaning space where the syrup nozzle 44 and the dilution water supply unit 53 exist. The gap G is sealed by an O-ring 51 above the syrup nozzle 44 and the dilution water supply unit 53. In addition, the cylindrical portion 69 enters the inside of each syrup nozzle 44 disposed at the apex of the quadrangle, and faces the bottom wall surface 36A of the diffuser 36 with a gap. As a result, each syrup nozzle 44 is positioned so as to surround the outside of the cylindrical portion 69. Further, the discharge port 71 opens at a position higher than the nozzle tip 44A of all the syrup nozzles 44.

  With the cleaning adapter 67 attached to the base 38 as described above, a suitable container (or the cup 6) is placed on the center of the drip tray 7, and the above-described cleaning switch 5C is pressed. When the washing switch 5C is pushed down, the control unit 8 causes the carbonated water (diluted water) generated by the carbonator 331 to pass through the flow rate adjusting valve 361, the coil unit 335, and the pipe line 363, and then through the electromagnetic valve 362 and the multi-valve 10. Then, the water is introduced into the inlet 41 of the carbonated water inflow connector 33, and discharged from the dilution water supply part 53 formed on the outer periphery of the diffuser 36 to the inner peripheral surface of the cleaning adapter 67.

  At this time, since the cleaning adapter 67 and the diffuser 36 are sealed by the O-ring 51 above the dilution water supply unit 53, the carbonated water (dilution water) discharged from the dilution water supply unit 53 is from above. The gap G (cleaning space) is filled without overflowing, and is discharged from the discharge port 71 of the cylindrical portion 69 located at a position higher than the nozzle tip portion 44A of each syrup nozzle 44 to the container below. Become.

  As a result, carbonated water (dilution water) spreads over all the nozzle tip portions 44A and nozzle root portions of each syrup nozzle 44, so that the nozzle tip portions 44A and nozzle root portions of all the syrup nozzles 44 are smoothly and reliably connected. Will be able to be washed.

  Further, in the embodiment, the cleaning adapter 67 can be attached also to the attachment portion 49 for attaching the spout 37 to the base 38, and further, the cleaning adapter can also be used as the O-ring 51 for sealing between the spout 37 and the diffuser 36. Since 67 can be sealed, the number of parts can be significantly simplified.

  Furthermore, since the bottom wall 67A of the cleaning adapter 67 has a shape along the syrup nozzle 44, the nozzle tip 44A of the syrup nozzle 44 can be thoroughly cleaned with carbonated water (diluted water).

  In particular, in the embodiment, the upper end of the cylindrical portion 69 becomes the discharge port 71 and each syrup nozzle 44 is positioned so as to surround the outer side of the cylindrical portion 69. The carbonated water (diluted water) discharged to the inner peripheral surface of each of the cylinders is directed from the periphery of each syrup nozzle 44 toward each nozzle tip 44A, and after cleaning them, the cylinder finally positioned inside each syrup nozzle 44 Since it reaches the discharge port 71 at the upper end of the shape portion 69 and is discharged from there, the cleaning performance of the nozzle tip portion 44A and the nozzle base portion of each syrup nozzle 44 is further improved.

  The cleaning operation is finished after being executed by the control unit 8 for a predetermined time. At this time, if dirt (a solidified residual syrup) remains around the syrup nozzle 44, the cleaning adapter 67 is removed and removed using a cleaning brush. In particular, since the syrup nozzles 44 are arranged close to each other at the quadrangular vertices in the embodiment, even if the discharge port 71 of the cylindrical portion 69 is opposed to the bottom wall surface 36A of the diffuser 36 as in the embodiment. , Wash residue is likely to occur in this part.

  Therefore, a cleaning brush is inserted between the syrup nozzles 44 to scrub off the dirt on the inside of each syrup nozzle 44 (on the side facing each other) and the bottom surface 36A of the diffuser 36. The bottom wall surface 36 </ b> A of the diffuser 36 has a convex surface with raised portions located between the syrup nozzles 44, so that the cleaning brush can easily reach. As a result, when a cleaning brush is inserted between the syrup nozzles 44 to remove dirt, dirt (residual syrup and the like) adhering to the bottom wall surface 36A can be effectively removed.

  After the cleaning operation, with the cleaning adapter 67 attached, the control unit 8 is provided with a function that allows carbon dioxide gas to be discharged from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 356 from the diluting water supply unit 53 of the multi-valve 10. If the path configuration is performed, the carbonated water (diluted water) remaining in the syrup nozzle 44 after washing can be blown off with carbon dioxide gas, and draining after washing can be performed smoothly.

  In the embodiment, the base 38 of the multi-valve 10 is provided on the lower side of the horizontal wall 39A of the mounting plate 39, but may be attached on the upper side. In that case, the O-ring 51 is exposed below the horizontal wall 39A of the mounting plate 39 with the spout 37 removed. Furthermore, in that case, an attachment portion for attaching the spout 37 and the cleaning adapter 67 may be formed on the lower surface of the horizontal wall 39A of the attachment plate 39.

G gap (cleaning space: carbonated water (diluted water) flow path)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Beverage dispenser 4 Main body 10 Multi valve 34 Resistive piece case 36 Diffuser 36A Bottom wall surface 37 Spout 38 Base 39 Mounting plate 39D Through-hole 44 Syrup nozzle 49 Mounting portion 51 O-ring 53 Diluting water supply portion 57 Guide wall 61 Discharge portion 66 Screw 67 Adapter for cleaning 69 Cylindrical part 71 Discharge port

Claims (1)

In a beverage dispenser comprising a multi-valve that mixes and supplies syrup selectively discharged from a plurality of syrup nozzles and dilution water discharged from a dilution water supply unit,
The multi-valve includes a diffuser in which each syrup nozzle and a dilution water supply unit are formed, and a spout that is attached to the outside of the diffuser and guides dilution water from the dilution water supply unit to a supply port that opens at a lower end. And
Each syrup nozzle is formed to protrude from the lower end of the diffuser located above the supply port, and the dilution water supply unit is formed on the outer periphery of the diffuser above each syrup nozzle,
A gap is formed between the diffuser and the spout through which the dilution water discharged from the dilution water supply section passes, and the dilution water supply section is formed on the inner surface of the spout located below the diffuser. The beverage dispenser is characterized in that a guide wall is formed to guide the supply port so as to twist the flow of the diluted water discharged from the water and flowing down through the gap.

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