JP3785346B2 - Raw material liquid pouring device and beverage providing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a raw material liquid pouring device for pouring a raw material liquid, and a beverage providing device using the raw material liquid extraction device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, in a beverage supply device such as a cup-type beverage vending machine that provides and sells cup-containing beverages, a raw liquid for soft drinks is poured into the cup, and cold water or carbonated water is poured into the cup as a diluent. The beverage is prepared by stirring and mixing the raw material liquid and the diluent in the cup, and ice is added according to the selection, thereby providing a cup-containing beverage.
[0003]
The raw material liquid is a concentrated stock solution of a soft drink, and is stored in a sealed state in a raw material liquid container constituted by a flexible bag body such as vinyl. One end of a raw material liquid passage such as a tube is connected to the raw material liquid container, and a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container is sucked into the raw material liquid passage by the operation of a pump provided in the raw material liquid passage and the raw material liquid passage Is poured into the cup from the other end.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a beverage providing device, the administrator periodically circulates and performs maintenance including refilling of the cup and replacement of the raw material container. If the raw material liquid remains, the remaining raw material liquid can be used up effectively if the raw material liquid container is not replaced anew. In addition, if the raw material liquid container is newly replaced, it is possible to prevent a shortage of raw materials and obtain many sales opportunities. However, the remaining raw material liquid is discarded, resulting in a waste.
[0005]
In addition, in order to secure the amount of raw material liquid for beverages with high sales frequency, when the volume of one raw material liquid container is increased, the mass of one raw material liquid container increases and labor is required for handling the raw material liquid container. There's a problem.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and can reliably use up the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container, and continuously use the raw material liquid even if the raw material liquid in one raw material liquid container is used up. An object of the present invention is to provide a raw material liquid pouring device that can be dispensed and can secure the amount of the raw material liquid without increasing the capacity of one raw material liquid container, and a beverage providing device using the raw material liquid extraction device. To do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Contract Claim 1 The described raw material liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of raw material liquid containers containing raw material liquids, a pouring passage for pouring raw material liquids, and a plurality of branches from the pouring passages and connected to the respective raw material liquid containers. A raw material liquid passage having a plurality of branch passages, a pump provided in the pouring passage of the raw material liquid passage, sucking up a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid container side, and pouring out from the pouring passage, and the raw material liquid passage Is provided at a branch position where a plurality of branch passages are branched from the discharge passage, and selectively switches one of the branch passages to a connected state and switches the other branch passage to a closed state with respect to the discharge passage. A pump, a dispensing amount measuring unit for measuring the mass of the raw material liquid dispensed from the dispensing passage of the raw material liquid passage, and a measurement from the dispensing amount measuring unit based on the measurement by the dispensing amount measuring unit. When a fixed amount of raw material liquid is not dispensed, the switching valve Those that and a switching control unit for switching the other one of the branch passages to a connection state for a greater pouring passage.
[0008]
In this configuration, a plurality of raw material liquid containers are used, each branch passage branched from the raw material liquid passage into the plurality of branch passages is connected to each raw material liquid container, and the discharge passages are arranged at the branch positions of the plurality of branch passages. In addition to providing a switching valve for selectively connecting any one of the branch passages to the outlet, a dispensing amount measuring unit for measuring the mass of the raw material liquid dispensed from the dispensing passage of the raw material liquid passage is provided. Thus, based on the measurement by the dispensing amount measuring unit, when a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid is not dispensed from the dispensing passage at the time of dispensing, the other one branch passage is connected to the dispensing passage by the switching valve. Since the raw material liquid in the switched raw material liquid container is poured out, the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container can be used up reliably, and even if the raw material liquid in one of the raw material liquid containers is used up, Pour raw material liquid from the liquid container, and one Without increasing the capacity of the raw material liquid container enabling secure the raw material liquid volume.
[0009]
Claim 2 The raw material liquid pouring device described in claim 1 In the raw material liquid dispensing apparatus, the detection unit for detecting that the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container has decreased for each raw material liquid container and a single extraction passage are switched and connected. When all the detection parts corresponding to all the raw material liquid containers are in the detection state, a prohibition control part for prohibiting the raw material liquid dispensing operation is provided.
[0010]
And in this structure, the detection part which detects that the residual amount of the raw material liquid in this raw material liquid container has decreased for every raw material liquid container is provided, and all the raw materials switched and connected with respect to one extraction channel | path When all the detection units corresponding to the liquid containers are in the detection state, the raw material liquid is not allowed to be dispensed, so the remaining amount of raw material liquid that can be dispensed after using all the raw material liquid containers is small. It prevents the raw material liquid from being dispensed in a state where it is uncertain whether a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid can be dispensed at a time.
[0011]
Claim 3 The beverage providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the raw material liquid is poured into the cup. Or 2 The raw material liquid pouring device described above and a diluting liquid pouring device for pouring the diluting liquid into the cup are provided.
[0012]
In this configuration, the claim 1 Or 2 Since the described raw material liquid pouring device is provided, it is possible to achieve both effective use of the raw material liquid and an increase in the provision of beverages.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
1 to 3 Prerequisite technology FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a beverage providing device using a raw material liquid pouring device, FIG. 2 shows a negative pressure operation switching valve of the raw material liquid extracting device, and FIG. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the switching state in which the branch passages are connected, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the switching state in which the other branch passage is connected to the extraction passage, and Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the raw material liquid extraction apparatus. It is.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, as a beverage providing device, a cup-type beverage vending machine that mixes and sells beverages in a cup C is shown, and a sales opening is formed on the front surface of the machine body (not shown), and a cup station is located behind the sales opening. 11 is arranged.
[0016]
A cup supply means 12 for supplying the cup C, a plurality of powder raw material supply means 13 for supplying a powder raw material for beverages, and a cup transport means 14 for transporting the cup C are disposed in the machine body.
[0017]
Each powder raw material supply means 13 stores, for example, powder raw materials of various types of beverages such as instant coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar and milk, and canisters 16 which send out powder raw materials in amounts corresponding to the beverage types, and canisters A powder raw material chute 17 that receives the powder raw material fed from 16 and guides it to the powder raw material supply position is provided.
[0018]
The cup conveying means 14 receives the cup C from the cup supply means 12 during the sales operation, conveys the cup C to the powder raw material supply position from the powder raw material supply means 13, receives the powder raw material, and conveys it to the cup station 11. Alternatively, the received cup C is directly conveyed to the cup station 11.
[0019]
Further, in the body, a water supply unit 21 connected to a water source, hot water supply means 22 for supplying hot water, cold water supply means 23 for supplying cold water, ice supply means 24 for supplying ice, and raw material liquid for supplying raw material liquid A pouring device 25, carbonated water supply means 26 for supplying carbonated water, and agitation means 27 for agitating the contents in the cup C to prepare a beverage are arranged. The hot water supply means 22, the cold water supply means 23, the carbonated water supply means 26, etc. constitute a diluting liquid dispensing device 28 for pouring hot water, cold water, and carbonated water as a diluting liquid into the cup C.
[0020]
The water supply unit 21 has a water supply pipe 30 connected to a water source, a water filter 33 is connected to the water supply pipe 30 through valves 31 and 32 in the middle of the water supply pipe 30, and the tip of the water supply pipe 30 is connected to the water reservoir 34. The water reservoir 34 always stores a certain amount of water.
[0021]
The hot water supply means 22 has a hot water tank 37 for storing hot water boiled to a predetermined temperature, and water in the water reservoir 34 is supplied to the hot water tank 37 through a water supply path 40 having a water reservoir 39 by a water supply pump 38. It is sent. Hot water in the hot water tank 37 is discharged through a hot water discharge path 43 having a reservoir 42 by opening the hot water electromagnetic valve 41. A pressurized liquid supply means 44 is connected to the hot water supply path 43, and the pressurized liquid supply means 44 is pressurized by the pressure pump 45 that pressurizes and delivers hot water in the reservoir 42, and the pressure pump 45. A pressurized liquid flow path 46 for guiding the pressurized liquid, that is, pressurized hot water, to the cup station 11 is provided. A nozzle 48 is connected to the distal end side of the pressurized liquid channel 46 via a check valve 47, and pressurized hot water is discharged from the nozzle 48 into the cup C containing the raw material conveyed to the cup station 11.
[0022]
The cold water supply means 23 includes a cooling water tank 52 for storing cooling water, and a water discharge pipe 54 provided with a cooling coil 53 disposed in the cooling water of the cooling water tank 52, and the water in the water reservoir 34 is supplied to the water pump 55. By being sent to the cooling coil 53 and passing through the cooling coil 53, heat is exchanged with the cooling water to cool it. The cooled cold water is supplied into the cup C of the cup station 11 by opening the water discharge solenoid valve 56 of the water discharge pipe 54. The cooling water tank 52 is supplied with cooling water by opening a valve 57 provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 40, and the cooling water in the cooling water tank 52 is cooled by a cooling means (not shown).
[0023]
The ice supply means 24 includes an ice maker 60 that receives the supply of water from the water reservoir 34 and makes ice, and the ice made by the ice maker 60 is opened by the electromagnetic valve 62 in the ice passage 61 by opening the electromagnetic valve 62. In the cup C.
[0024]
The raw material liquid pouring device 25 supplies, for example, a raw material liquid that is a concentrated stock solution of a soft drink such as juice, and a raw material in which a specified amount of the raw material liquid is constituted by a flexible bag body such as vinyl. The raw material liquid container 65 is housed in a sealed state in the liquid container 65, and the raw material liquid container 65 is housed in an outer box such as a cardboard box.
[0025]
The raw material liquid container 65 includes small-sized raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b and large-sized raw material liquid containers 65L. Depending on the type of raw material liquid, two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b or one raw material liquid container 65L is provided. Used. A raw material liquid passage 66 for each type for pouring the raw material liquid for each type from the side of each raw material liquid container 65 into the cup C of the cup station 11 is provided. Each of these raw material liquid passages 66 is constituted by a pipe or the like, and a pump 67 for sucking a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid container 65 side into the cup C of the cup station 11 in the middle of the pipe line. Is arranged.
[0026]
Each of the raw material liquid passages 66 relating to the raw material liquid types using the two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b has a tip which is one end disposed on the cup station 11 and the other end on the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b side. A cooling water tank is provided in the middle of the extraction passage 68 and has a discharge passage 68 that is communicated, and is disposed so that the middle of the extraction passage 68 passes through the cooling water of the cooling water tank 52 for cooling the raw material liquid. A pump 67 is disposed on the other end side from the position 52, and a check valve 69 is disposed in the vicinity of the tip of the dispensing passage 68 on the cup station 11 side.
[0027]
The other end side of the discharge passage 68 of each raw material liquid passage 66 with respect to the raw material liquid type using the two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b is connected to the discharge passage 68 through the negative pressure operation switching valve 70. The branch passages 71a and 71b are branched into two, and the ends of the branch passages 71a and 71b are connected to the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b.
[0028]
The negative pressure operation switching valve 70 is provided at a branch position where two branch passages 71a and 71b are branched from the extraction passage 68 of the raw material liquid passage 66. For example, one branch passage 71a is connected to the extraction passage 68. When the other branch passage 71b is closed and the negative pressure on one branch passage 71a connected to the discharge passage 68 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value from the other branch passage 71b, the discharge passage is connected. With respect to 68, one branch passage 71a is closed, and the other branch passage 71b is switched to a connected state.
[0029]
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the negative pressure operation switching valve 70 has a case 72, and one branch passage 71a is connected to one side of the case 72 and the other branch passage 71b is connected to the other side. At the same time, a dispensing passage 68 is connected in the middle of the connection position between the branch passages 71a and 71b. In the case 72, a movable plate 73 having a spring property is disposed, one end of the movable plate 73 is fixed to one end of the case 72, and the other end is attached with a sliding member 74 as a free end. At the other end of the case 72, an inversion convex portion 75 with which the sliding member 74 abuts is formed. Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), one branch passage 71 a is poured out through the case 72 with the sliding member 74 of the movable plate 73 engaged with the other side from the top of the reversing convex portion 75. The other branch passage 71b is connected to the passage 68 and is closed by the movable plate 73 from the extraction passage 68. Further, in FIG. 2 (a), when the raw material liquid in one raw material liquid container 65a connected to one branch passage 71a is used up, the negative pressure on one branch passage 71a side is greater than that on the other branch passage 71b side. The sliding member 74 of the movable plate 73 is reversed so as to get over the top of the reversing convex portion 75 and engage with the other side by this pressure difference, that is, as shown in FIG. With the sliding member 74 of the movable plate 73 engaged to one side from the top of the reversing convex portion 75, the other branch passage 71b is connected to the extraction passage 68 through the case 72, and one branch passage 71a Is closed from the extraction passage 68 by the movable plate 73.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, a mounting table 76 on which the raw material liquid containers 65, 65a, and 65b are mounted is disposed in the machine body. The mounting table 76 for the type of raw material liquid using two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b is provided with springs 77a and 77b for urging the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b upward, Detection units 78a and 78b for detecting that the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b is reduced are provided for each of the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b. Each of these detectors 78a, 78b has a switch (not shown), and when the remaining amount of raw material liquid in the raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b remains large, the raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b have springs 77a, The detectors 78a and 78b are turned off when the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b are lowered, and the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b is lowered. Since the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b are lightened, the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b are lifted by the bias of the springs 77a and 77b, and the rising of the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b causes the detection units 78a and 78b to The switch is turned on and detected.
[0031]
FIG. 3 shows the control means 79 of the raw material liquid dispensing device 25 for the raw material liquid types using two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b, and the control means 79 detects from the detection units 78a and 78b. A signal is input and each pump 67 is controlled. The control means 79 then dispenses the raw material liquid when all the detection units 78a and 78b corresponding to all the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b that are switched and connected to the single extraction passage 68 are in the detection state. It has a function of a prohibition control unit 80 that prohibits the outgoing operation.
[0032]
In the carbonated water supply means 26, a carbonated water container 83 is disposed in the cooling water of the cooling water tank 52. In the carbonated water container 83, a part of the cooled water guided through the cooling water needle 84 through the cooling coil 53 and the carbonated cylinder 85 Carbonic acid gas is supplied from each to produce carbonated water, and this carbonated water is supplied into the cup C conveyed to the cup station 11 by opening the electromagnetic valve 87 of the carbonated water supply pipe 86.
[0033]
The agitating means 27 is disposed above the cup station 11 and agitator 91 such as an impeller attached to the tip of the rotating shaft 90, and the agitating device 91 is driven to rotate up and down via the rotating shaft 90. A stirrer drive unit 92 is provided. The stirrer 91 uses the ascending position as the standby position and the descending position as the agitating position. When the agitator 91 descends to the agitating position, it enters the cup C disposed in the cup station 11 and agitates and mixes the contents.
[0034]
next, Prerequisite technology The operation of will be described.
[0035]
When a user inserts money and selects a beverage type, first, the cup C is discharged from the cup supply means 12, and the cup C is received and held by the cup transport means 14.
[0036]
Here, when a beverage using a powder raw material is selected, the cup raw material supplied from the powder raw material supply means 13 is moved to the beverage supply position of the selected beverage type by the cup transport means 14. Is received in cup C. For example, when receiving powder raw materials from a plurality of powder raw material supply means 13 such as in the case of a beverage prepared by coffee, sugar and milk, the cup C is sequentially moved to the corresponding powder raw material supply position, and each powder raw material is The powder raw material supplied from the supply means 13 is received in the cup C.
[0037]
When all the necessary powder raw materials are received in the cup C, the cup C is moved to the cup station 11 by the cup conveying means 14.
[0038]
In the cup station 11, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply means 22 or cold water is supplied from the cold water supply means 23 into the cup C, and the stirring tool 91 of the stirring means 27 is inserted into the cup C and rotated. The contents are mixed with stirring to prepare a beverage, and the stirring tool 91 is retracted upward. Further, in the case of a cold drink and containing ice, ice is supplied from the ice supply device 24 into the cup C.
[0039]
When the preparation of the beverage in the cup C is completed, the cup C containing the beverage in the cup station 11 can be taken out through the sales outlet of the machine body.
[0040]
When a beverage using the raw material liquid is selected, after the cup C supplied from the cup supply means 12 is received by the cup transport means 14, the cup C is moved to the cup station 11 while being empty. .
[0041]
In the cup station 11, the pump 67 corresponding to the selected raw material liquid type in the raw material liquid dispensing device 25 is operated to dispense a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid into the cup C. Further, depending on the beverage type, cold water is supplied from the cold water supply means 23 and carbonated water is supplied from the carbonated water supply means 26 into the cup C. Further, depending on the user's choice, the ice is supplied from the ice supply means 24 to the cup. It supplies in C, mixes a raw material liquid, cold water, and carbonated water in the cup C, and prepares a drink.
[0042]
When the preparation of the beverage in the cup C is completed, the cup C containing the beverage in the cup station 11 can be taken out through the sales outlet of the machine body.
[0043]
Next, the raw material liquid extraction operation regarding the raw material liquid types using two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b will be described.
[0044]
The two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b contain the raw material liquid. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the sliding member 74 of the movable plate 73 of the negative pressure operation switching valve 70 is the inversion convex portion 75. Closed state in which one branch passage 71a is connected to the extraction passage 68 through the inside of the case 72 and the other branch passage 71b is blocked from the extraction passage 68 by the movable plate 73 while being engaged with the other side from the top of the It is in. In this state, if the pump 67 is operated, the raw material liquid in the one raw material liquid container 65a connected to the one branch passage 71a is supplied to the one branch passage 71a, the negative pressure operation switching valve 70, and the extraction passage 68. The water is sucked up by the pump 67 and is poured into the cup C from the tip of the dispensing passage 68.
[0045]
In FIG. 2A, when the raw material liquid in one raw material liquid container 65a connected to one branch passage 71a is used up, the negative pressure on one branch passage 71a is a predetermined value from the other branch passage 71b side. With this pressure difference, the sliding member 74 of the movable plate 73 is reversed so as to get over the top of the reversing convex portion 75 and engage with the other side, that is, as shown in FIG. With the sliding member 74 of the plate 73 engaged with one side from the top of the reversing convex portion 75, the other branch passage 71b is connected to the pouring passage 68 through the case 72, and one branch passage 71a is movable. The closed state is cut off from the dispensing passage 68 by the plate 73. If the pump 67 is operated in this state, the raw material liquid in the other raw material liquid container 65b connected to the other branch passage 71b is supplied to the other branch passage 71b, the negative pressure operation switching valve 70, and the extraction passage 68. The water is sucked up by the pump 67 and is poured into the cup C from the tip of the dispensing passage 68. Therefore, even if the raw material liquid in one raw material liquid container 65a is used up, the raw material liquid can be continuously poured out from the other raw material liquid container 65b.
[0046]
When one of the two raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b is empty during maintenance by the administrator, the empty raw material liquid container 65a is removed and a new raw material liquid containing the raw material liquid is stored. Replace with container 65a.
[0047]
Further, when the raw material liquid in the other raw material liquid container 65b is used up, the negative pressure operation switching valve 70 is connected to the discharge passage 68 and the one branch passage 71a in the same manner as described above. It switches automatically, and it switches to the extraction of the raw material liquid from one raw material liquid container 65a.
[0048]
Therefore, at the time of maintenance by the administrator, by continuously replacing one of the two raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b with a new one containing the raw material liquid, the raw material liquid is continuously poured out. Can do.
[0049]
Ma For each raw material liquid container 65a, 65b, whether or not the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b is reduced is monitored based on the detection of the detection units 78a, 78b. For example, if the raw material liquid in one raw material liquid container 65a is used up, one detection unit 78a is in the detection state, and in this state, if the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the other raw material liquid container 65b decreases, the other The detection unit 78b is also in the detection state. Accordingly, all the detection units 78a and 78b corresponding to all the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b that are switched and connected to one pouring passage 68 will detect, that is, the pouring operation of the corresponding raw material type, that is, Prohibit sales. Therefore, continuation of the pouring operation in a state where it is uncertain whether or not a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid can be dispensed at a time because the remaining amount of the raw material liquid that can be dispensed after using all the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b is small. Can be prevented.
[0050]
Next The figure 4 In The present invention An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0051]
One of the branch passages 71a and 71b is selectively connected to the extraction passage 68 at a branch position where the plurality of branch passages 71a and 71b are branched from the extraction passage 68 of the raw material liquid passage 66. A switching valve 100 is provided for switching the other branch passages 71a and 71b to a closed state. The switching valve 100 is forcibly switched by an electric drive means such as an electromagnetic valve.
[0052]
The cup conveying means 14 for placing the cup C is provided with a dispensing amount measuring unit 104 for measuring the mass of the raw material liquid poured into the cup C from the dispensing passage 68 of the raw material liquid passage 66. The mass measured by the dispensing amount measuring unit 104 includes both the mass of the cup C and the mass of the raw material liquid poured into the cup C.
[0053]
A signal from the dispensing amount measuring unit 104 is input to the control means 79, and the switching valve 100 is controlled by the control means 79. The control means 79 functions as a judgment means for judging whether a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid has been dispensed based on the measurement value of the mass input from the dispensing amount measuring unit 104, and when the pump 67 is operated, When it is determined that the raw material liquid has not been dispensed, the switching control unit 105 switches the connection of the branch passages 71a and 71b to the dispensing passage 68 by the switching valve 100.
[0054]
Then, for example, in a state where the raw material liquid extraction path from one raw material liquid container 65a is formed by the switching valve 100, the raw material liquid from one raw material liquid container 65a is poured into the cup C during the extraction operation. The dispensed amount measurement unit 104 measures the mass in the dispensed state, and the control means 79 confirms whether a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid has been dispensed based on the mass input from the dispensed amount measurement unit 104 and is extracted. If so, the beverage providing operation is continued.
[0055]
Further, when it is confirmed that a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid has not been poured out, the switching valve 100 switches so as to form a pouring path for the raw material liquid from the other raw material liquid container 65a. In this switching state, the mass when the raw material liquid from the other raw material liquid container 65b is poured into the cup C during the dispensing operation is measured by the dispensing amount measuring unit 104, and the dispensing amount is measured by the control means 79. It is confirmed whether a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid has been dispensed based on the mass input from the unit 104.
[0056]
At the time of maintenance, when the empty raw material liquid container 65a is replaced with a new raw material liquid container 65a containing the raw material liquid, the replacement information is input to the control means 79, so that the other raw material liquid container 65b can be replaced. When a fixed amount of raw material liquid can no longer be dispensed, the switching valve 100 switches to the one raw material liquid container 65a side, and the dispensing operation can be continued.
[0057]
In addition, when the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the other raw material liquid container 65b is reduced without replacing the empty raw material liquid container 65a, the control means 79 prohibits the dispensing operation by the detection of the detection units 78a and 78b described above. To do.
[0058]
As described above, a plurality of raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b are used, and the branch passages 71a and 71b branched into a plurality from the dispensing passage 68 of the raw material liquid passage 66 are connected to the respective raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b. A switching valve 100 for selectively connecting any one of the branch passages 71a and 71b to the outlet passage 68 is provided at the branch position of the branch passages 71a and 71b, and from the outlet passage 68 of the raw material liquid passage 66. By providing a dispensing amount measuring unit 104 for measuring the mass of the dispensed raw material liquid, based on the measurement by this dispensing amount measuring unit 104, for example, when dispensing from one raw material liquid container 65a side When a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid is not discharged from the discharge passage 68, the switching valve 100 switches the other branch passage 71b to the connection state with respect to the discharge passage 68 and switches the raw material liquid in the other raw material liquid container 65b. Because the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b can be used up without fail. In addition, even if the raw material liquid in one raw material liquid container 65a, 65b is used up, the raw material liquid can be continuously poured out from the other raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b, and the capacity of one raw material liquid container 65a, 65b can be increased. The amount of the raw material liquid can be secured without increasing the size.
[0059]
In the third and fourth embodiments, three or more plural raw material liquid containers are used, three or more plural branch passages connected to each raw material liquid container from the extraction passage are provided, and branch positions are provided. It is also possible to selectively switch any one of the three or more branch passages to the discharge passage and switch the other branch passages to the closed state with the switching valve arranged in The amount of raw material liquid can be secured.
[0060]
Moreover, in the cup type beverage vending machine shown in each of the above embodiments, it is possible to achieve both the effective use of the raw material liquid and the increase in beverage sales opportunities.
[0061]
Next, figure 5 In other An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0062]
The raw material liquid container storage part 108 which stores the raw material liquid container 65 applied to each embodiment mentioned above is shown, and this raw material liquid container storage part 108 is arrange | positioned in the one part of the body of a vending machine. The storage frame 109 having an open front is provided, and the raw material liquid containers 65 are stored in the storage frame 109 in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction. On both sides of the storage frame 109, locking projections 110 are projected at two locations in the front and rear, corresponding to the storage positions of the raw material liquid containers 65 at each stage.
[0063]
The raw material liquid container 65 has a small-sized raw material liquid container 65a, 65b and a large-sized raw material liquid container 65L. Each of the small-sized raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b has a large-sized raw material liquid container 65L. At half capacity, the front and rear lengths and top and bottom height are the same, only the width is halved.
[0064]
There are a shelf 111 used in the operation mode using the small-sized raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b, and a shelf 112 used in the operation mode using the large-sized raw material liquid container 65L. Each of the shelves 111 and 112 includes a placement portion 113 on which the corresponding raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b, and 65L are placed, a mounting piece 114 that is bent downward from both sides of the placement portion 113, and a rear edge of the placement portion 113. A stopper 115 for positioning the rear position of the corresponding raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b, and 65L is provided, and the engagement pieces 114 are removably engaged with the engagement protrusions 110 at two positions before and after each attachment piece 114. Joint grooves 116 and 117 are formed. In the small-size shelf 111, a partition plate 118 is installed in the center of the mounting portion 113 so as to partition the mounting locations of the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b. The raw material liquid containers 65a partitioned by the partition plate 118, Detection units 78a and 78b for mass detection of the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b are disposed at the place where the 65b is placed.
[0065]
When the small-sized raw material liquid containers 65 a and 65 b are used, the engaging grooves 116 and 117 on both sides of the small-size shelf 111 are connected to the engaging protrusions 110 on both sides of the storage frame 109. Are attached in the storage frame 109, and the raw material liquid containers 65a and 65b are set in the mounting places on both sides partitioned by the partition plate 118 of the shelf 111. Further, when the operation mode using the large-sized raw material liquid container 65L is used, the engagement grooves 116 and 117 on both sides of the large-size shelf 112 are engaged with the engagement protrusions 110 on both sides of the storage frame 109. At the same time, it is mounted in the storage frame 109, and the raw material liquid container 65L is set on the shelf 112.
[0066]
In this way, it is possible to easily change the operation mode according to the size of the raw material liquid containers 65a, 65b, 65L to be used.
[0067]
In addition, the structure shown by embodiment mentioned above provides not only the form of the vending machine which provides and sells the drink with a cup with the insertion of money, but also provides the drink with a cup without the insertion of money. It can also be applied to a beverage providing device.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
Contract Claim 1 According to the described raw material liquid dispensing apparatus, a plurality of raw material liquid containers are used, each branch passage branched into a plurality from the raw material liquid passage is connected to each raw material liquid container, and a plurality of branch passages are branched. Dispensing amount for measuring the mass of the raw material liquid dispensed from the dispensing passage of the raw material liquid passage while providing a switching valve for selectively connecting any one branch passage to the dispensing passage at the position By providing the measurement unit, when a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid is not dispensed from the dispensing passage during dispensing based on the measurement by the dispensing amount measuring unit, another one branch is made to the dispensing passage by the switching valve. Since the passage is switched to the connected state and the raw material liquid in the switched raw material liquid container is poured out, the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container can be used up reliably, and the raw material liquid in one of the raw material liquid containers can be used up. Continue to pour raw material liquid from other raw material liquid containers Can, moreover, one also the capacity of the raw material fluid container without increasing can be secured raw material liquid volume.
[0069]
Claim 2 According to the raw material liquid pouring device described in claim 1 In addition to the effects of the raw material liquid dispensing device, a detection unit is provided for each raw material liquid container to detect that the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container is reduced. When all the detection units corresponding to all the raw material liquid containers to be switched and connected are in the detection state, in order to prohibit the dispensing operation, the raw material liquids that can be dispensed after using all the raw material liquid containers It is possible to prevent continuation of the pouring operation in a state where the remaining amount is small and whether a predetermined amount of raw material liquid can be poured out at a time is not certain.
[0070]
Claim 3 According to the beverage providing apparatus described in claim 1, Or 2 Since the described raw material liquid pouring device is provided, it is possible to achieve both the effective use of the raw material liquid and the increase in the opportunity to provide beverages.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 of the present invention Prerequisite technology It is a block diagram of the drink provision apparatus using the raw material liquid extraction apparatus which shows.
FIG. 2 shows the negative pressure operation switching valve of the raw material liquid extraction apparatus, wherein (a) is a schematic sectional view of a switching state in which one branch passage is connected to the dispensing passage, and (b) is the dispensing passage. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the switching state which connected the other branch channel | path with respect to it.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the raw material liquid dispensing apparatus.
[Fig. 4] The present invention It is a block diagram of the raw material liquid extraction apparatus which shows this embodiment.
[Figure 5] other (A) is a perspective view of an operation mode using a small-sized raw material liquid container, and (b) is a large-sized raw material liquid container. It is a perspective view of the operation form to be used.
[Explanation of symbols]
25 Raw material dispenser
28 Diluent dispenser
65a, 65b Raw material container
66 Raw material liquid passage
67 Pump
68 Outlet passage
71a , 71b Branch passage
78a, 78b Detector
80 Prohibition control section
104 Dispensing amount measuring unit
105 Switching control unit
C cup

Claims (3)

A plurality of raw material liquid containers containing the raw material liquid;
A raw material liquid passage which has a plurality of branch passages which are branched into a plurality from the extraction passage and connected to each raw material liquid container;
A pump provided in the extraction passage of the raw material liquid passage, for sucking up a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid container side and discharging it from the extraction passage;
Provided at a branch position where a plurality of branch passages are branched from the pouring passage of the raw material liquid passage, selectively connecting one of the branch passages to the pouring passage and closing the other branch passages A switching valve for switching to a state;
A dispensing amount measuring unit for measuring the mass of the raw material liquid dispensed from the dispensing passage of the raw material liquid passage;
Based on the measurement by the dispensing amount measuring unit, when a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid is not dispensed from the dispensing passage during the operation of the pump, another switching passage is connected to the dispensing passage by the switching valve. A raw material liquid pouring device comprising: a switching control unit for switching. A detection unit for detecting that the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container is reduced for each raw material liquid container;
And a prohibition control unit that prohibits the dispensing operation of the raw material liquid when all the detection units corresponding to all the raw material liquid containers switched and connected to one dispensing passage are in the detection state. raw material liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 Symbol mounting, characterized in that. The raw material liquid pouring device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the raw material liquid is poured into the cup.
A beverage dispenser comprising: a diluent dispenser that dispenses a diluent into the cup.

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