JP6546393B2 - Beverage supply device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage supply apparatus which prepares and supplies a mixed solution to a beverage.

  Generally, as a beverage supply device, a beverage extraction type device which extracts and provides beverages such as so-called regular coffee and leaf tea using as raw materials tea leaves such as powder or black tea obtained by grinding coffee beans with a mill, A powder type device that dissolves powdered raw materials such as coffee powder and cocoa powder in hot and cold water (hot water or cold water) to produce a beverage such as instant coffee and cocoa, and is provided with a tank for storing hot and cold water Water servers that supply hot and cold water as a beverage are known.

  Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage supply device configured to include the beverage extraction type device and the powder type device. The beverage supply device described in Patent Document 1 is specifically configured to include a main body and an auxiliary device. The main body includes a hot water tank, a raw material tank for storing a raw material of a beverage, a cooking unit for melting the raw material supplied from the raw material tank with hot water supplied from the hot water tank, and a cup station The prepared beverage is supplied into the cup and provided to the user. The auxiliary machine includes a cooking unit for receiving hot water and tea leaves supplied from the hot water tank of the main body and extracting tea, and a cup station different from the cup station of the main body, and extracting the extracted beverage Supply in the cup and provide to the user. Thus, in the drink supply apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the cup station is provided in the main body and the auxiliary machine, and the drink is configured to be supplied into the cup at each cup station.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a beverage supply device configured to include the water server and the powder type device. The beverage supply device described in Patent Document 2 is specifically configured to include a water server unit and a tea dispenser unit. The water server unit includes a cold water tank and a hot water tank, and is configured by diverting an existing water server that supplies cold water or hot water as a beverage into a cup. The tea maker unit includes a canister for storing the raw material, and a mixing unit for mixing the raw material and the cold water from the cold water tank of the water server unit or the hot water from the hot water tank, and supplies the produced beverage to the cup. It is configured to be provided to users. And, with the beverage supply device described in Patent Document 2, a tea dispenser is attached to the front of the water server unit, and cold water or hot water as a beverage from the water server unit or a beverage produced by the tea dispenser is provided It is configured to be supplied in a cup provided to the unit and provided to a user.

JP-A-8-202937 Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-063799

By the way, in a convenience store or the like where the beverage extraction type beverage supply device is installed and regular coffee is sold, individual packaged sugar or liquid milk is provided side by side with the beverage supply device in order to meet the taste of the user. There is. And, in the user, not only mere regular coffee extracted using raw materials and hot water but also café ale or cappuccino in which milk is blended in this regular coffee, and café mocha in which cocoa etc. is blended in regular coffee are sought. There is a case. In other words, there are users who want drinks that suit their tastes, even if the price is somewhat high, reflecting the recent genuine intention.
Therefore, in the beverage extraction type beverage supply device, the user selects a blending menu according to the user's preference, and retrofits a blending function capable of supplying a beverage according to the selected blending menu. It may be required. That is, for example, even if a business operator or the like, such as a convenience store who introduces the beverage extraction type beverage supply apparatus and sells the beverage to the user, does not require the blending function at first, it is sold later. It may be desirable to add the blending function to promote and the like.
Here, since the beverage supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes the beverage extraction type device and the powder type device as described above, the beverage extraction type device sells regular coffee as usual. In the apparatus of powder type, it is conceivable to sell so-called instant cafe au lait, cappuccino, cafe mocha, etc. which are produced by simply dissolving powder raw materials in hot water.
However, in the beverage supply device described in Patent Document 1, the beverage extracted by the beverage extraction device is simply supplied into the cup at the cup station of the beverage extraction device and produced by the powder device. Since the beverage is supplied into the cup at the cup station of the powder type device, it is impossible to supply genuine coffee, cappuccino, cafe mocha, etc. in which milk, cocoa, etc. are blended in regular coffee. In addition, since the beverage is supplied at two places (the above-described cup stations), the user or the like may be confused as to which cup should be set, which is a problem in convenience. And it is also required to suppress the cost increase of the apparatus by addition of the said preparation function as much as possible.

In addition, a water server capable of supplying hot and cold water as a beverage at, for example, a business establishment or the like, as in the case where a business person such as a convenience store wishes to add the blending function after introducing the beverage extraction type beverage supply device. After introduction, there is a desire to supply not only hot water but also so-called instant coffee etc. by mixing powder raw material etc. in hot water.
Here, the beverage supply device described in Patent Document 2 includes the water server and the powder type device as described above.
However, the beverage supply device described in Patent Document 2 uses the existing water server and adds a dispensing function by attaching a tea dispenser unit to the front of the water server. It is not possible to effectively use a cold water / hot water selection button generally provided on the front face portion, a cup extraction portion (extraction port), and the like. For this reason, the above-described elements provided on the front of the existing water server are wasted, and there is a problem in terms of suppressing an increase in cost of the apparatus due to the addition of the blending function, and there is also a problem in resource saving.

  Then, in view of such a real situation, the present invention aims to provide a beverage supply apparatus to which a blending function is added while being excellent in convenience and suppressing the cost increase of the apparatus in the beverage supply apparatus. Do.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a beverage supply apparatus stores an extraction unit that is supplied with a first raw material and hot and cold water to extract a beverage, a first raw material supply unit that supplies the first raw material to the extraction unit, and hot and cold water water storage tank, a first water supply pipe for the hot water of the water storage tank leads to the extraction unit, and a main device having a beverage supply pipe for guiding the beverage in the extraction unit into mosquito Tsu the flop, the second A mixing unit for supplying a raw material and hot and cold water to generate a mixed liquid, a second raw material supply unit for supplying the second raw material to the mixing unit, and a second water supply pipe for introducing hot and cold water in the water storage tank to the mixing unit And a liquid mixture supply pipe for introducing the liquid mixture in the mixing unit into the cup provided in the main device, and an auxiliary device detachable from the main device; It is set as the composition which mixes and supplies the said liquid mixture to a drink.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the beverage supply device, water storage tank for storing hot water, and a main device having a beverage supply pipe for guiding the mosquito Tsu the up hot water as the beverage of the water storage tank, A mixing unit for supplying a second raw material and hot and cold water to generate a mixed liquid, a second raw material supply unit for supplying the second raw material to the mixing unit, and a second for guiding hot and cold water in the water storage tank to the mixing unit A water supply pipe, and a mixed liquid supply pipe for introducing the mixed liquid in the mixing unit into the cup provided in the main device, and an auxiliary device detachably attachable to a side portion of the main device; , And the liquid mixture is prepared and supplied to the beverage.

According to the beverage supply device according to the above aspect of the present invention, the main device can extract the beverage using the first raw material and the hot and cold water and supply the extracted beverage into the cup. On the other hand, with the aid of the removable auxiliary device, the mixed solution generated by mixing the second raw material and the hot and cold water can be introduced into the cup provided in the main device through the mixed solution supply pipe. Thus, for example, the auxiliary device is retrofitted to the main device, and the beverage (eg, regular coffee) extracted by the main device and the mixed liquid (eg, milk liquid or cocoa liquid) produced by the auxiliary device are It can be dispensed to the user in the cup provided in the device. In addition, since both the mixed solution and the extracted beverage are supplied on the main device side, the user can set the cup without losing the place for the cup.
And according to the drink supply apparatus by the said one side, since an auxiliary | assistant apparatus can guide the hot and cold water in the water storage tank provided in the main apparatus to a mixing part via a 2nd water supply pipe, it mixes a mixed liquid. It is not necessary to provide the water storage tank for storing the water to generate on its own. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost of the device resulting from the addition of the auxiliary device.

According to the beverage supply device according to the other aspect of the present invention, the main device can supply hot water as a beverage into the cup, and the auxiliary device detachable from the main device can be used as the second raw material and the second material The mixed solution produced by mixing the hot and cold water can be introduced into the cup provided in the main device through the mixed solution supply pipe. Thereby, for example, the auxiliary device is retrofitted to the main device, and the hot water supplied by the main device and the mixed liquid generated by the auxiliary device (for example, concentrated liquid such as so-called instant coffee) are It can be prepared and provided to the user in the cup provided in Further, since both the mixed liquid from the auxiliary device and the water from the main device are supplied on the main device side, the user can set the cup without losing the place for the cup.
Then, according to the beverage supply device according to the other aspect described above, the auxiliary device is configured to be attached to and detached from the side portion of the main device, and therefore the cold water / hot water provided in the front surface portion of the existing main device It is possible to effectively use the selection button or the cup take-out part. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost of the device resulting from the addition of the auxiliary device.

  Thus, in the beverage supply apparatus, it is possible to provide a beverage supply apparatus to which a blending function is added while being excellent in convenience and suppressing an increase in cost of the apparatus.

It is a front view of the drink supply apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state when the coffee extraction machine (main apparatus) in the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is utilized alone, and is a front view of a coffee extraction machine. Figure 3 is a side view of the coffee brewing machine shown in Figure 2; Figure 3 is a top view of the coffee brewing machine shown in Figure 2; It is a schematic block diagram of the coffee extraction machine shown in FIG. It is a top view of the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the modification of the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view of the drink supply apparatus in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state when the water server (main apparatus) in the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. 9 is utilized alone, and is a front view of a water server. It is a side view of the water server shown in FIG. It is a top view of the water server shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the water server shown in FIG. It is a top view of the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a principal part schematic block diagram for demonstrating the modification of the preparation part of a drink. It is a principal part schematic block diagram for demonstrating another modification of the preparation part of a drink.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1: is the front view which looked at the drink supply apparatus 100 in 1st Embodiment of this invention from the user side.
The beverage supply apparatus 100 extracts and generates a beverage using the first raw material and the hot and cold water, and supplies the extracted and generated beverage into the cup C as a coffee extraction machine 1 having a beverage extraction and supply function as a basic function A powder unit 50 for producing a mixed liquid of an appropriate type and supplying the mixed liquid into a cup C provided in the coffee brewing machine 1, wherein the mixed liquid can be prepared and supplied to the beverage ing. Here, the “hot water” is warm water or cold water, and in the present embodiment, it is described as extracting a beverage using warm water. In the present embodiment, the coffee brewing machine 1 corresponds to the "main device" according to the present invention, and the powder unit 50 corresponds to the "auxiliary device" according to the present invention.

  Here, a business operator or the like who provides a user with a beverage using the beverage supply device 100 may not require the powder unit 50 initially, and may wish to retrofit the powder unit 50 later. In the following, first, it is assumed that the coffee brewing machine 1 is used alone, and the coffee brewing machine 1 when it is used alone will be described.

2 to 4 are diagrams for explaining the state when the coffee brewing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used alone, FIG. 2 is a front view, and FIG. 3 is a side view (right side view), FIG. 4 is a top view.
In the present embodiment, coffee powder obtained by grinding coffee beans with a mill is used as a first raw material, regular coffee is extracted using this first raw material and warm water, and the extracted regular coffee is put in cup C as a beverage The case of providing will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the coffee brewing machine 1 is configured to include a main device body 2 having an open front surface and a front panel 3 attached to the front surface of the main device body 2.

  The main unit body 2 has an exterior cover 4 formed with an open front, a water supply unit 5 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) for supplying warm water, and an extraction unit 6 for extracting and supplying regular coffee as a beverage. And.

The front panel 3 is a door which is attached to the front of the main device body 2 and which opens and closes the opening of the front of the main device body 2. The front panel 3 is provided with a display unit 3a that displays, for example, the type of the raw material of the regular coffee (type of coffee beans). On both sides of the display unit 3a, a plurality of selection buttons 3b corresponding to the type and the like of coffee beans are provided. Moreover, the cup station 3c in which the cup C is mounted in the lower part of the front panel 3 is provided. Between the cup station 3c and the display unit 3a, a projecting cover 3f having a beverage nozzle 3d1 and a nozzle support 3e, which will be described later, is disposed.
Further, the front panel 3 is rotatably supported by the main apparatus main body 2 via a pivot shaft whose one side in the width direction (the opposite side to the powder unit 50) is not shown. The front panel 3 is locked by a keyed locker (not shown). A control unit 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus is disposed at an appropriate place in the front panel 3.
The control unit 30 will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the exterior cover 4 includes side walls 4b and 4b attached to both sides in the apparatus width direction of the bottom plate 4a, and a back wall 4c attached to the side on the apparatus back side of the bottom plate 4a. It has the upper wall 4d attached to the upper end of both side walls 4b and 4b and the back wall 4c. The front surface of the exterior cover 4 is formed open. In the space surrounded by the exterior cover 4, devices such as the water supply unit 5 and the extraction unit 6 are disposed.

The water supply unit 5 has a water storage tank 5a for storing hot water of a predetermined temperature. The water storage tank 5a is provided with a water heater such as a heater, not shown. For example, the water storage tank 5a is disposed close to the back wall 4c side of the main device body 2 and disposed so that the tank side wall in the device width direction faces the side wall 4b of the exterior cover 4. A first water supply pipe L1 for guiding the hot water in the water storage tank 5a to the extraction container 8 described later of the extraction unit 6 is connected to the tank side wall on the device front side of the water storage tank 5a. A first water supply solenoid valve SV1 is attached in the middle of the first water supply pipe L1. The water supply unit 5 raises the temperature of tap water or the like stored in the water storage tank 5a by the water boiling unit, stores the hot water in the water storage tank 5a, and opens the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 to thereby make the first water supply pipe L1 The hot water in the water storage tank 5a is supplied into the extraction container 8 through the
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a connection port 5b for a second water supply pipe L3 described later is formed in advance in one tank side wall (tank side wall on the powder unit side) of the tank side walls of the water storage tank 5a. There is. When the coffee brewing machine 1 is used alone, the connection port 5b is closed by the closing plug 5c as shown in FIG. Between the tank side wall on the powder unit side of the water storage tank 5a and the side wall 4b on the powder unit side of the outer cover 4, only a necessary and sufficient space for mounting the closing plug 5c is secured. Thus, the size increase of the coffee brewing machine 1 in the device width direction is suppressed as much as possible, and the miniaturization of the coffee brewing machine 1 is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 5, which is a schematic view of the coffee brewing machine 1 shown in FIG. 2, the brewing unit 6 is provided with a first raw material supply unit 7 for supplying a first raw material, and raw material and warm water supplied for regular coffee. And a liquid receiving portion 9 disposed below the extraction container 8 via a filter F, a pump 10, and a pressure sensor 11.
In the present embodiment, the extraction container 8 corresponds to the “extraction unit” according to the present invention.

  The first raw material supply unit 7 has a plurality of (three in FIG. 3) canisters 7a for storing coffee beans. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each canister 7a has a box 7a1 having an open upper surface and formed in a vertically long box-like shape, and a lid 7a2 attached openably and closably to the upper surface opening of the box 7a1. . As shown in FIG. 5, the canister 7a is provided with a feeding mechanism 7c which is driven by a raw material motor 7b and delivers a predetermined volume of coffee beans. Below the canister 7a, a mill 7d for grinding coffee beans into powder is disposed. Thereby, the 1st raw material supply part 7 supplies coffee powder in the extraction container 8 as a 1st raw material. Although the canister 7a, the raw material motor 7b, the feeding mechanism 7c and the mill 7d are shown only in FIG. 5 as a set for simplification of the drawing, they are actually provided for each type of coffee beans, for example. The coffee beans are stored in the canister 7a for each type, and when the user presses the selection button 3b, the coffee beans are drawn out from the canister 7a corresponding to the selection button 3b into the mill 7d. ing. The canister 7a is formed of a transparent resin or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the canister 7 a is disposed to penetrate the upper wall 4 d of the exterior cover 4 so that the upper part thereof protrudes upward from the upper wall 4 d. As a result, it is possible to make the user etc. visually recognize the coffee beans stored in the canister 7a, thereby promoting purchasing. In addition, the business operator can easily confirm the lack of coffee beans.

The said extraction container 8 is a container which coffee powder and warm water as a 1st raw material are supplied, and extracts regular coffee, and is formed cylindrical.
Specifically, the extraction vessel 8 is, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, and the upper half is formed with a hemispherical receiving chamber 8a that opens upward, and the lower half is a hemispherical opening that opens downward. A mixing chamber 8b is formed. The receiving chamber 8a and the mixing chamber 8b are communicated with each other by a communicating portion 8c having a smaller diameter than the opening of the upper and lower surfaces. Coffee powder and hot water can be supplied into the receiving chamber 8a from the upper surface opening 8d of the receiving chamber 8a.
A filter F is provided between the lower end portion of the extraction container 8 and the upper end portion of the liquid receiving portion 9. The filter F is formed of a band of paper, a synthetic fiber or the like. The filter F is fed in the filter longitudinal direction (right direction in FIG. 5) by a filter feeding mechanism (not shown).

  The liquid receiving portion 9 is a container for receiving regular coffee extracted in the extraction container 8 and filtered by the filter F by the supply of coffee powder and warm water into the extraction container 8. The liquid receiving portion 9 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 5 by a liquid receiving portion moving mechanism (not shown). The lower end portion of the extraction container 8 is pressure-contacted by the upper end portion of the liquid receiving portion 9 through the filter F.

Specifically, the liquid receiving portion 9 is formed in a funnel shape, and the upper surface opening is formed in a shape corresponding to the lower surface opening of the extraction container 8. A small diameter pipe portion 9 a is formed below the liquid receiving portion 9.
The pipe portion 9a of the liquid receiving portion 9 is connected to a beverage supply pipe L2 for guiding regular coffee in the extraction container 8 into the cup C (specifically, for example, in the cup C on the cup station 3c). Ru. As described above, in the present embodiment, the beverage supply pipe L2 is disposed such that one end is connected to the pipe portion 9a of the liquid receiving portion 9 which is the supply source of the beverage, and the other end is positioned above the cup C. ing. A pump 10 is connected in the middle of the beverage supply pipe L2. The beverage supply pipe L2 is formed using a flexible tube such as silicon. Further, in the present embodiment, the other end of the beverage supply pipe L2 is connected to the beverage nozzle 3d1 which is a discharge port of regular coffee. The beverage nozzle 3d1 is supported by a nozzle support 3e provided in the protruding cover 3f (in other words, above the cup C). Further, the nozzle support portion 3e is formed in advance with a beverage nozzle support portion for detachably supporting the beverage nozzle 3d1 and a mixed liquid nozzle support portion for detachably supporting the mixed liquid nozzle 3d2 described later. .

Further, below the liquid receiving portion 9, a recovery box B is disposed for recovering the used filter F and the like delivered by the above-described filter feeding mechanism. After the liquid receiver 9 is moved downward by the liquid receiver moving mechanism (not shown), the filter F is sent by the filter feeding mechanism (not shown), and the used filter F is collected in the collection box B. Ru.
In this embodiment, the coffee extraction machine 1 is thus supplied with the extraction vessel 8 supplied with the first raw material and the hot water to extract the beverage, the first raw material supply unit 7 supplying the first raw material to the extraction vessel 8, the hot water Water storage tank 5a for storing water, a first water supply pipe L1 for guiding the hot water in the water storage tank 5a to the extraction container 8, and a beverage supply pipe L2 for introducing the beverage in the extraction container 8 into the cup C.

The pump 10 is provided in the middle of the beverage supply pipe L2, and depressurizes the inside of the liquid receiving portion 9 so as to suck regular coffee in the extraction container 8 and discharge it into the cup C.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the pump 10 sucks and discharges the regular coffee in the brewing container 8 and discharges it into the cup C, and supplies air into the liquid receiving portion 9 so that the air can be discharged. Are selectively supplied to the extraction vessel 8 through the filter F to selectively agitate and mix the coffee powder and the hot water.

  The pressure sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the pressure in the liquid receiving unit 9, and is connected to, for example, the beverage supply pipe L2 between the liquid receiving unit 9 and the pump 10. The pressure sensor 11 outputs a detection signal indicating the value of the detected pressure detected. The detection signal is input to the control unit 30 in a predetermined cycle, and is used for stop control for stopping the pump 10.

  The control unit 30 controls the operation of extraction and supply of regular coffee and also controls the operation of the entire apparatus. Specifically, a driving motor (not shown) of the raw material motor 7b and the mill 7d, (1) Control the driving of the feed water solenoid valve SV1, the heater (not shown), the pump motor (not shown) of the pump 10, the filter feed mechanism and the liquid receiver moving mechanism (not shown). A detection signal from the pressure sensor 11 and an identification signal indicating the type of coffee beans assigned to each selection switch 3b are input to the control unit 30. In addition, the regular coffee extraction supply program for extracting regular coffee by the single operation of the coffee extraction machine 1 and supplying it in the cup C is set in the control unit 30 in advance. Further, in the control unit 30, an arranged coffee extraction and supply program and the like to be described later are set in advance corresponding to the case where the powder unit 50 is retrofitted. In addition to the types of coffee beans, the types and the like of each arrange menu to be described later are assigned to the selection switch 3b in advance.

  Next, the operation of the coffee brewing machine 1 will be described.

First, at the time of standby, the liquid receiving portion 9 is at the lower position and is in a state of being separated from the extraction container 8. Here, when the user or the like presses the selection switch 3b corresponding to the desired type of coffee bean, an identification indicating that the type of coffee bean corresponding to the selection switch 3b is selected from the selection switch 3b to the control unit 30 A signal is input. The control unit 30 activates the regular coffee extraction and supply program, generates an operation start signal by the input of the identification signal, and first outputs the operation start signal to the liquid receiver moving mechanism to move the liquid receiver 9 to the upper position. The filter F is moved between the liquid receiving portion 9 and the extraction container 8 so as to be in pressure contact with each other.
Subsequently, the control unit 30 outputs the operation start signal to the first feed water solenoid valve SV1, the raw material motor 7b and the mill 7d corresponding to the pressed selection switch 3b. In response to the operation start signal from the control unit 30, the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 is opened, and the drive motor of the raw material motor 7b and the mill 7d is started. As a result, the hot water in the water storage tank 5a is injected into the extraction container 8, and at the same time, the coffee beans in the canister 7a corresponding to the pressed selection switch 3b are supplied to the mill 7d and crushed and crushed. The ground coffee powder is dropped into the extraction vessel 8. Then, the coffee powder and the hot water are mixed on the filter F in the extraction container 8. Here, after outputting an operation start signal to the drive motor of the raw material motor 7b and the mill 7d, the control unit 30 stops the drive motor of the raw material motor 7b and the mill 7d, for example, when a preset time has elapsed. Further, after the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 is opened, the control unit 30 causes the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 to close when a predetermined time has elapsed.

Then, after closing the first water supply solenoid valve SV1, the control unit 30 drives the pump motor of the pump 10 so that its pump shaft rotates in one direction after a predetermined time has elapsed, and starts the stirring operation Let
Specifically, when the pump shaft is rotationally driven in one direction, the pump 10 sucks in air from the downstream opening of the beverage supply pipe L2 to pressurize the inside of the liquid receiving portion 9, and the pressurized air is By passing the filter F from inside the receiving portion 9 and supplying it into the extraction container 8, the coffee powder and the hot water in the extraction container 8 are stirred and mixed. Thereby, regular coffee can be extracted in a short time. The control unit 30 continues the stirring operation of the pump 10 for a predetermined predetermined time, and stops the stirring operation when the time elapses.

Thereafter, the control unit 30 starts the suction and discharge operation of regular coffee by reversing and driving the rotation direction of the pump 10.
Specifically, when the pump shaft is rotationally driven in the opposite direction to the stirring operation, the pump 10 sucks the air in the liquid receiving portion 9 to reduce the pressure in the liquid receiving portion 9. As a result, the pressure in the liquid receiving portion 9 becomes negative than atmospheric pressure, and the coffee powder among the liquid in the extraction container 8 is captured by the filter F, and only the regular coffee is filtered by the filter F to enter the liquid receiving portion 9. It is dripped. The regular coffee dripped into the liquid receiving portion 9 is sucked into the pump 10, flows from the pump 10 through the beverage supply pipe L2, is pressure-fed to the beverage nozzle 3d1, and flows out from the beverage nozzle 3d1 into the cup C. It is broken. Thereafter, the control unit 30 determines that the liquid in the extraction container 8 has run out, for example, based on the value of the detection signal from the pressure sensor 11, stops the pump 10, and sets the regular coffee to the cup C. Complete the supply. Then, the control unit 30 causes the liquid receiving unit moving mechanism to move the liquid receiving unit 9 to the lower position, and then discards the extraction residue in the collection box B. Thereby, the drink supply apparatus 100 will be in a standby state.

Next, a beverage supply apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, which is configured by retrofitting a powder unit 50 to the coffee brewing machine 1, will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG.
6 is a top view of the beverage supply device 100 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the beverage supply device 100 shown in FIG.
Here, before attaching the powder unit 50, one side wall 4b of the exterior cover 4 of the coffee brewing machine 1 is removed, and the closing plug 5c attached to the connection port 5b of the water storage tank 5a is also removed. There is. In the following, the configuration of the powder unit 50 and the method of attachment to the coffee brewing machine 1 will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, the powder unit 50 stores milk powder and cocoa powder, which are previously powdered, dissolves the milk powder and cocoa powder in warm water, and produces a milk liquid or a cocoa liquid to be contained in the cup C. Will be described as an example.
In the present embodiment, each powdery raw material consisting of the milk powder and cocoa powder corresponds to the "second raw material" according to the present invention, and the milk liquid and the cocoa liquid respectively correspond to the "mixed liquid" according to the present invention Do. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish milk powder and cocoa powder, both are called powder raw materials, and when it is not necessary to distinguish milk liquid and cocoa liquid, both are called liquid mixtures.

  The powder unit 50 includes an auxiliary device main body 51 having an open front surface, and a front panel 52 attached to the front surface of the auxiliary device main body 51, and is configured to be detachable from the coffee brewing machine 1. Specifically, the powder unit 50 is disposed adjacent to one end of the coffee brewing machine 1 in the apparatus width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliary device main body 51 includes an exterior cover 53 formed by opening a front surface, and a mixing generation unit 54 for generating and supplying a mixed liquid using a powder raw material and warm water.

  The front panel 52 is a door that is attached to the front surface of the auxiliary device main body 51 and that opens and closes the opening of the front surface of the auxiliary device main body 51. The front panel 52 is pivotally supported by the auxiliary device main body 51 via a pivot shaft (not shown) on the one side in the width direction (the opposite side to the coffee brewing machine 1). That is, the beverage supply device 100 has the door of the double door which consists of the front panel 3 and the front panel 52. The side panel of the front panel 52 on the side of the main device body 2 incorporates a manual-type locking portion capable of locking and unlocking the front panel 52 by manually operating the side surface of the front panel 52 on the side of the main device body 2 ing. Therefore, when locking the door (front panel 3, 52) of the beverage supply apparatus 100, first, the front panel 52 of the powder unit 50 is closed and manually locked, and then the front panel of the coffee brewing machine 1 Close 3 and lock it with a key. On the other hand, in the case of unlocking, first, the front panel 3 of the coffee brewing machine 1 is unlocked with a key, and then the front panel 52 of the powder unit 50 is manually unlocked. Thereby, the lockable double door (front panel 3, 52) can be constructed without providing a key different from the key of the lock provided for the lock of the coffee brewing machine 1. And the front of the drink supply apparatus 100 can be opened widely by the door of this double door opening, and a maintenance etc. can be performed easily.

  The exterior cover 53 is, as schematically shown in FIG. 6, a side wall 53a provided on the side opposite to the coffee brewing machine 1, a back wall 53b provided on the back side of the device, and upper ends of the side wall 53a and the back wall 53b. And an upper wall 53c attached. The front surface of the exterior cover 53 and the side of the coffee brewing machine are formed open. In the space surrounded by the exterior cover 4, an apparatus such as the mixing generation unit 54 is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the mixing generation unit 54 supplies a second raw material supply unit 55 for supplying the powder raw material as a second raw material (that is, a raw material different from the first raw material), and a mixing unit 56 56a, an agitator 56b), a duct box 57, and a drainage tray 58.

The second raw material supply unit 55 has a plurality of (for example, two) canisters 55a for storing the powdered raw material. At the lower part of the canister 55a, there is provided a feeding mechanism 55c, which is an auger screw or the like driven by a raw material motor 55b to feed a predetermined amount of powdered raw material. The canister 55a, the raw material motor 55b, and the delivery mechanism 55c are only shown in FIG. 7 as a set for simplification of the drawing, but actually, for each type of powder raw material, that is, for milk powder in this embodiment. And have two formulas for cocoa powder. Further, at the front end of the delivery mechanism 55c, a guide pipe 55d which is formed by being bent downward so as to guide the powder material to be dispensed into the mixing bowl 56a of the mixing unit 56 described later is connected. Thereby, the second raw material supply unit 55 supplies the powdery raw material into the mixing unit 56 (specifically, the mixing bowl 56a).
Further, in the vicinity of the second raw material supply unit 55 (e.g., the vicinity of the guide tube 55d), a heater H for warming the surrounding air is provided in order to prevent solidification of the powder raw material. The heater H is always on, for example, while the beverage supply apparatus 100 is in operation.

The mixing unit 56 is supplied with powder raw material and warm water to generate a mixed solution, and has a mixing bowl 56a and a stirrer 56b.
The mixing bowl 56a is formed in a hemispherical shape that opens upward, and a small diameter pipe portion 56a1 is formed in the lower portion thereof.
The stirrer 56b is disposed in the mixing bowl 56a with its stirring portion, and stirs and mixes the hot water and the powder raw material supplied into the mixing bowl 56a to prepare a mixed liquid.

  The powder unit 50 further includes a second water supply pipe L3 for guiding the hot water in the water storage tank 5a of the coffee extraction machine 1 to the mixing bowl 56a, and the mixed liquid generated in the mixing bowl 56a into the coffee extraction machine 1. And a liquid mixture supply pipe L4 for leading into the provided cup C (specifically, for example, in the cup C on the cup station 3c).

Specifically, one end of the second water supply pipe L3 is connected to the connection port 5b formed in advance in the tank sidewall on the powder unit side of the water storage tank 5a, and the other end is positioned in the mixing bowl 56a. It is arranged. For example, one end of the second water supply pipe L3 is detachably connected to the connection port 5b via the connection joint 59.
A second water supply solenoid valve SV2 is attached in the middle of the second water supply pipe L3. By opening the second water supply solenoid valve SV2, the hot water in the water storage tank 5a is supplied into the mixing bowl 56a through the second water supply pipe L3. The second water supply solenoid valve SV2 is fixed to the water storage tank 5a via a short pipe which is a part on one end side of the second water supply pipe L3 and the connection joint 59 etc. In this state, the exterior cover 4 of the coffee brewing machine 1 Protrudes outward from the
In the present embodiment, the powder unit 50 has a solenoid valve housing space S (see FIG. 6) for housing the second water supply solenoid valve SV2. In the present embodiment, the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 corresponds to the "solenoid valve" according to the present invention.

Specifically, the mixed solution supply pipe L4 is disposed such that one end is connected to the pipe portion 56a1 of the mixing bowl 56a and the other end is positioned above the cup C provided in the coffee brewing machine 1 . The mixed liquid supply pipe L4 is formed using a flexible tube such as silicon. The other end of the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 is connected to a mixed liquid nozzle 3d2 that serves as a discharge port for mixed liquid and that can be attached to and detached from the nozzle support 3e. The mixed liquid nozzle 3d2 is supported by the nozzle support 3e adjacent to the beverage nozzle 3d1. The mixed liquid nozzle 3d2 is configured to be removable from the mixed liquid nozzle support formed in advance in the nozzle support 3e.
In the present embodiment, the powder unit 50 is thus supplied with the powder raw material and the warm water, and the mixing unit 56 that generates the mixed liquid, the second raw material supply unit 55 that supplies the powder raw material to the mixing unit 56, the water storage tank 5a A second water supply pipe L3 for introducing the hot water in the mixing section 56 to the mixing section 56, and a mixed liquid supply pipe L4 for introducing the mixed liquid in the mixing section 56 into the cup C provided in the coffee extraction machine 1. , The coffee brewing machine 1 is configured to be removable.

  The duct box 57 is, for example, a box disposed so as to surround the mixing bowl 56a, and an exhaust port 57a is formed in the upper wall thereof. Connected to the exhaust port 57a is an exhaust duct D for guiding steam (moisture) that may fill the duct box 57 to the outside through the drainage tray 58. An exhaust fan 60 is provided on the way of the exhaust duct D. As a result, the steam that may be generated in the mixing bowl 56a is exhausted to prevent solidification of the powder material. Further, a drain port 57 b is formed in the bottom wall of the duct box 57. A drain pipe L5 is connected to the drain port 57b. The drain pipe L5 guides water and the like that may accumulate in the bottom of the duct box 57 into the drain tray 58.

  The drainage tray 58 is disposed below the duct box 57, and is a box from which steam and water in the duct box 57 are exhausted through the exhaust duct D and the drainage pipe L5. Although not shown, an exhaust port communicating with the outside is formed in the drainage tray, and the vapor in the drainage tray 58 is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port. The drainage tray 58 is provided with, for example, a capacitance type water level sensor 58a. The water level sensor 58 a detects the water level of the drainage in the drainage tray 58 and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 30. If the control unit 30 determines that the water level of the drainage of the drainage tray 58 is abnormal, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 3a or the like to display an alarm.

Here, in the present embodiment, the beverage supply apparatus 100 is not limited to mere regular coffee extracted using the first raw material and the warm water, but also a café ale or cappuccino or regular coffee in which a milk liquid is mixed with the regular coffee. It is configured to be able to supply cafe mocha in which cocoa liquor is prepared.
Specifically, in addition to the type of coffee beans, the type (recipe code) of an arrange menu (formulation menu) tailored to the user's preference is assigned to each selection switch 3b in advance. In the present embodiment, as an arrange menu, a regular coffee and milk liquid are supplied substantially simultaneously into cup C to prepare and prepare a menu to produce cafe au lait, and after supplying milk liquid to cup C, regular coffee is supplied. And a menu for producing cappuccino, and a menu for supplying regular coffee and a cocoa liquid substantially simultaneously into the cup C to produce cafe mocha.
In this manner, the beverage supply apparatus 100 has a blending function that allows the user to select an arrange menu according to the user's preference and supply a beverage corresponding to the selected arrange menu.

  The operation of the powder unit 50 is controlled by the control unit 30 of the coffee brewing machine 1. That is, the control unit 30 of the coffee brewing machine 1 is configured to control at least the operation of regular coffee supply in the coffee brewing machine 1 and to control the operation of the powder unit 50.

  Specifically, the control unit 30 also controls the driving of the raw material motor 55b, the second feed water solenoid valve SV2, the stirrer 56b and the exhaust fan 60. In addition to the regular coffee extraction and supply program for extracting regular coffee by the single operation of the coffee extraction machine 1 and supplying it into the cup C, the control unit 30 also performs various operations by the combined operation of the coffee extraction machine 1 and the powder unit 50. An arrange coffee extraction and supply program for supplying a beverage corresponding to the arrange menu into the cup C is also preset. In addition to the type of coffee beans, the type of each arrange menu is previously assigned to the selection switch 3b. The control unit 30 also receives a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 58a and an identification signal indicating the type of coffee beans assigned to each selection switch 3b and the type of arrange menu.

  Next, the method of attaching the powder unit 50 to the coffee brewing machine 1 will be described.

First, the side wall 4b on the powder unit side of the exterior cover 4 of the coffee brewing machine 1 is removed, and the closing plug 5c of the connection port 5b of the water storage tank 5a is also removed. Also, the back wall 53b of the powder unit 50 is removed.
Next, in this state, the powder unit 50 is disposed adjacent to the side (for example, the left side in the device width direction in FIG. 6) of the coffee brewing machine 1. And the adjacent part of the coffee extraction machine 1 and the powder unit 50 is fixed and integrated with a screw etc.
The back opening of the powder unit 50 and the large opening between the coffee brewing machine 1 formed by removing the side wall 4b and the powder unit 50, etc. is a working port, and the joint is connected to the connection port 5b of the water storage tank 5a. Connect 59 Further, one end of a short pipe which is a part on one end side of the second water supply pipe L3 is connected to the connection joint 59, and the other end of the short pipe is connected to the suction port of the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 One end of a portion on the other end side of the second water supply pipe L3 is connected to the discharge port of the solenoid valve SV2. Thus, the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 is connected in the middle of the second water supply pipe L3. Then, the other end of the second water supply pipe L3 is laid so as to be positioned in the mixing bowl 56a. At this time, the second supply pipe L3 communicates the large opening between the coffee brewing machine 1 and the powder unit 50, and the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 is a solenoid valve housing space provided on the back wall side in the powder unit 50. It is accommodated in S.
Next, one end of the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 is connected to the pipe portion 56a1 of the mixing bowl 56a, and the other end of the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 is allowed to pass through the large opening between the coffee extraction machine 1 and the powder unit 50. It is laid so as to be located above the cup C in the coffee brewing machine 1, and the mixed solution nozzle 3d2 is connected to the end thereof. Then, the mixed liquid nozzle 3d2 is attached to the nozzle support 3e.
Further, the power supply lines and signal lines of the second water supply solenoid valve SV2, the respective raw material motors 55b, the agitator 56b, the exhaust fan 60, the heater H and the water level sensor 58a, for example, are bundled and formed as a cable harness. The cable harness communicates with the large opening between the coffee brewing machine 1 and the powder unit 50 and is appropriately connected to a connector or the like provided in advance in the coffee brewing machine 1.
Finally, the back wall 53b of the powder unit 50 is attached. This completes the attachment of the powder unit 50 to the coffee brewing machine 1.

  Next, the operation of the beverage supply device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In addition, about operation | movement of extraction and supply of regular coffee, since it is the same as the operation | movement in sole operation of the coffee extraction machine 1, description is abbreviate | omitted, and, below, the composite operation of the coffee extraction machine 1 and the powder unit 50 is demonstrated. .

First, the user presses the selection button 3b corresponding to the type of coffee beans and the type of arrange menu.
Here, it is assumed that the user selects, for example, a predetermined type of coffee beans and a cafe au lait menu as an arrange menu. In this case, an identification signal indicating that the type of coffee beans corresponding to the selection switch 3 b and the menu of the cafe au lait have been selected is input from the selection switch 3 b to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 activates the arranged coffee extraction and supply program, and causes the coffee extraction machine 1 to operate in the same manner as the single operation.
The control unit 30 generates an operation start signal in response to the identification signal input for the powder unit 50, and this operation start signal corresponds to the second feed water solenoid valve SV2, the agitator 56b, and the material motor corresponding to the pressed selection switch 3b. 55 b and the exhaust fan 60. In response to the operation start signal from the control unit 30, the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 is opened, and the drive motor of the raw material motor 55b, the agitator 56b and the exhaust fan 60 is activated. Thus, the warm water in the water storage tank 5a is injected into the mixing bowl 56a, and simultaneously, the milk powder in the canister 55a corresponding to the pressed selection switch 3b is dropped into the mixing bowl 56a. Then, the steam in the duct box 57 is exhausted, and the milk powder and the hot water are stirred and mixed in the mixing bowl 56a. As a result, the milk powder is melted in the warm water without solidifying to form a milk liquid, and the milk liquid starts to flow through the mixed liquid supply pipe L4. Here, for example, a mixed liquid supply solenoid valve whose illustration is omitted is provided on the mixed liquid nozzle side of the mixed liquid supply pipe L4. The produced milk liquid stays in the liquid mixture supply pipe L4 before the electromagnetic liquid supply valve opens.
After outputting an operation start signal to each device (SV2, 55b, 56b, 60), for example, the control unit 30 causes the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 to close and the remaining The drive of each device (55b, 56b, 60) is stopped.

Then, for example, the control unit 30 starts the suction and discharge operation of regular coffee by the coffee extraction machine 1 and at the same time opens the electromagnetic valve for supplying the mixed liquid to make regular coffee and milk liquid into the cup C substantially simultaneously. Supply. Thus, the beverage supply apparatus 100 operates the coffee brewing machine 1 and the powder unit 50 in combination, and mixes the regular coffee extracted by the coffee brewing machine 1 into the cup C and the milk liquid mixed and produced by the powder unit 50. They are supplied almost at the same time to prepare and produce cafe au lait.
In addition, when the menu of cafe mocha is selected by the user, the control unit 30 corresponds to the canister 55a in which the cocoa powder is stored instead of the raw material motor 55b corresponding to the canister 55a in which the milk powder is stored. The same control as the above control is executed except that the raw material motor 55b is driven. Thereby, regular coffee and a cocoa liquid are supplied substantially simultaneously into cup C, and it mixes, and produces cafe mocha. That is, in the present embodiment, the preparation of the mixture into the beverage is performed in the cup C.
In addition, when the menu of cappuccino is selected by the user, the control unit 30 supplies the milk liquid into the cup C and then supplies regular coffee to prepare and produce the cappuccino, the coffee extraction machine 1 And control the driving of the powder unit 50.

According to the beverage supply apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the coffee extraction machine 1 can extract the beverage using the first raw material and the warm water and supply the extracted beverage into the cup C. The mixed solution produced by mixing the second raw material and the hot water by the powder unit 50 removable from the coffee brewing machine 1 is placed in a cup C provided in the coffee brewing machine 1 via the mixed solution supply pipe L4. It can lead. Thereby, for example, the powder unit 50 is retrofitted to the coffee extraction machine 1, and the beverage (regular coffee) extracted by the coffee extraction machine 1 and the mixed liquid (milk liquid or cocoa liquid) generated by the powder unit 50 are Can be prepared and provided to the user in a cup C provided in the coffee brewing machine 1. In addition, since the mixed solution and the extracted beverage are both supplied by the coffee brewing machine 1, the user etc. can set the cup C without losing the place of the cup C.
And according to the drink supply apparatus 100 by this embodiment, the powder unit 50 can guide the warm water in the water storage tank 5a of the coffee extraction machine 1 to the mixing part 56 (56a) via the 2nd water supply pipe L3. Since it is possible, it is not necessary to provide the water storage tank which stores the warm water for producing a liquid mixture in oneself. For this reason, the cost increase of an apparatus can be suppressed.

  Thus, in the beverage supply apparatus, it is possible to provide a beverage supply apparatus to which a blending function is added while being excellent in convenience and suppressing an increase in cost of the apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, as in the modification of the beverage supply apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 8, the third water supply pipe L6 for directly guiding the warm water in the water storage tank 5a into the cup C is provided in the water storage tank 5a. A third water supply solenoid valve SV3 may be provided in the middle of the third water supply pipe L6. In this case, the hot water nozzle 3d3 connected to the cup-side end of the third water supply pipe L6 is attached to the nozzle support 3e. Thus, when the beverage supply apparatus 100 is installed in a convenience store or the like, the user etc. places the cup container of the cup noodles on the cup station 3c and opens the third water supply solenoid valve SV3. Thus, it can be used for applications such as supplying the hot water in the water storage tank 5a into the cup container via the third water supply pipe L6.

Next, a beverage supply device 100 'according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and different parts will be mainly described. FIG. 9 is a front view of a beverage supply device 100 ′ according to a second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the user side.
The beverage supply apparatus 100 ′ generates a mixed liquid of an appropriate type and a mixed liquid of a suitable type, and the mixed solution is formed in the water server 1 ′. And a powder unit 50 to be supplied into the provided cup C, and it is configured to be able to prepare and supply the mixed solution to the beverage.
In the second embodiment, the water server 1 'corresponds to the "main device" according to the present invention. Moreover, the powder unit 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the following, first, the water server 1 'when used alone is described. 10 to 12 are diagrams for explaining the state when the water server 1 'shown in FIG. 9 is used alone, FIG. 10 is a front view, and FIG. 11 is a side view (right side view), FIG. 12 is a top view. In 2nd Embodiment, the case where cold water is put in the cup C and provided as a drink is demonstrated as an example.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the main device including the water server 1 ′ is configured to include a main device main body 2 and a front panel 3.
In the second embodiment, the main device body 2 includes the exterior cover 4 and the water supply unit 5, and does not include the extraction unit 6 and the mixed liquid supply solenoid valve whose illustration is omitted. A plurality of selection buttons 3b are provided corresponding to the selection of the cold water supply start and the like. In addition, equipment such as the water supply unit 5 is disposed in the space surrounded by the exterior cover 4. The water storage tank 5 a of the water supply unit 5 is provided with a cooling unit and the like (not shown).
Further, as shown in FIG. 13 which is a schematic configuration view of the water server 1 ′ shown in FIG. 10, the water server 1 ′ is a beverage supply pipe instead of the first water supply pipe L1 and the beverage supply pipe L2 of the first embodiment. It has L2 '. The beverage supply pipe L2 'is for guiding the cold water in the water storage tank 5a into the cup C. In the second embodiment, one end of the beverage supply pipe L2 'is connected to the water storage tank 5a (specifically, the tank side wall on the device front side of the water storage tank 5a) which is the beverage supply source, and the other end is above the cup C It is arranged to be located at The first water supply solenoid valve SV1 is attached to the middle of the beverage supply pipe L2 '. The water supply unit 5 cools the tap water or the like stored in the water storage tank 5a by the cooling unit, stores cold water in the water storage tank 5a, and opens the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 to pass through the beverage supply pipe L2 '. The cold water in the water storage tank 5a is supplied into the cup C as a beverage.
Thus, the water server 1 'has the water storage tank 5a for storing cold water, and the beverage supply pipe L2' for guiding the cold water in the water storage tank 5a as a beverage into the cup C.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the control unit 30 controls the operation of the supply of cold water and controls the operation of the entire apparatus. Specifically, the drive of the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 and the cooling unit (not shown) is controlled. In the control unit 30, a water supply program for supplying cold water into the cup C by the sole operation of the water server 1 'is set in advance. Further, in the control unit 30, a mixing program and the like to be described later are set in advance corresponding to the case where the powder unit 50 is retrofitted. In addition to the selection of the water supply start of the cold water, the type and the like of each preparation menu to be described later is assigned to the selection switch 3b in advance.

Next, the operation of the water server 1 'alone will be briefly described.
First, during standby, the water in the water storage tank 5a is cooled by the cold water unit and maintained at a predetermined temperature and stored. Here, when the user or the like presses the selection switch 3b corresponding to the supply start of the cold water, the control unit 30 starts the water supply program and causes the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 to open. As a result, the cold water in the water storage tank 5a starts to be supplied into the cup C by flowing through the beverage supply pipe L2 '. Then, after the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 is opened, the control unit 30 causes the first water supply solenoid valve SV1 to close so that a predetermined volume of cold water is contained in the cup C when a predetermined time elapses. Supply. This completes the supply of cold water into the cup C.

Next, a beverage supply apparatus 100 'according to the present embodiment, which is configured by adding the powder unit 50 to the water server 1', will be described with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 14 and FIG. FIG. 14 is a top view of the beverage supply device 100 ′ shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of the beverage supply device 100 ′ shown in FIG.
The powder unit 50 is attached to the water server 1 ′ as shown in FIGS. 9, 14 and 15 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the powder unit 50 stores coffee powder and green tea powder, which have been previously powdered, and dissolves them in cold water to produce an instant coffee or green tea concentrate to be supplied into the cup C. The case of this will be described as an example.
In the present embodiment, each powder raw material consisting of the coffee powder and green tea powder corresponds to the “second raw material” according to the present invention, and each concentrate corresponds to the “mixed liquid” according to the present invention. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between coffee powder and green tea powder, both are called powder raw materials, and when it is not necessary to distinguish the respective concentrates, both are called mixed liquids.

Here, in the second embodiment, the beverage supply apparatus 100 ′ is configured to be able to supply not only mere cold water but also instant coffee and green tea obtained by mixing instant coffee and green tea concentrates in this cold water ing.
Specifically, in addition to the selection of the supply start of the cold water, the type (recipe code) of the preparation menu is assigned to each selection switch 3b in advance. In the present embodiment, as a dispensing menu, a menu for preparing an instant coffee by supplying a concentrate of cold water and instant coffee substantially simultaneously into cup C and preparing it, and a concentrate of cold water and instant green tea in cup C And a menu for dispensing and producing instant green tea substantially simultaneously.
In this manner, the beverage supply device 100 'has a dispensing function that allows the user to select a dispensing menu and supply a beverage corresponding to the selected dispensing menu.

In the second embodiment, the operation of the powder unit 50 is controlled by the control unit 30 of the water server 1 ′ in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 30 of the water server 1 ′ is configured to be able to control the operation of the powder unit 50 while controlling the operation of the supply of cold water at least in the water server 1 ′.
In the second embodiment, in addition to the water supply program for supplying cold water into the cup C by the sole operation of the water server 1 ′, the control unit 30 performs each preparation by the combined operation of the water server 1 ′ and the powder unit 50. A blending program for supplying a beverage corresponding to the menu into the cup C is also preset. The control unit 30 also receives an identification signal indicating the type of supply start of cold water and the type of the preparation menu assigned to each selection switch 3b.

  Next, the operation of the beverage supply device 100 'of the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about operation | movement of supply of cold water, since it is the same as operation | movement in sole operation of water server 1 ', description is abbreviate | omitted, and, below, composite operation of water server 1' and the powder unit 50 is demonstrated.

  First, the user presses the selection button 3b corresponding to the type of cold water supply start and the preparation menu. Here, it is assumed that the user selects, for example, a menu of instant coffee as a preparation menu. In this case, from the selection switch 3b to the control unit 30, an identification signal indicating that the cold water supply start and the instant coffee menu have been selected is input. The control unit 30 starts the blending program and causes the water server 1 'to operate in the same manner as the above-described single operation. The control unit 30 controls the driving of the powder unit 50 as in the first embodiment. As a result, an instant coffee concentrate is produced, and this concentrate starts to flow through the mixture feed pipe L4. Then, the control unit 30 supplies the concentrated liquid of cold water and instant coffee into the cup C substantially simultaneously. Thus, the beverage supply apparatus 100 'operates the water server 1' and the powder unit 50 in combination to supply the concentrate of cold water and instant coffee substantially simultaneously into the cup C to prepare and prepare instant coffee. Generate That is, also in the second embodiment, the preparation of the mixture into the beverage is performed in the cup C. In addition, when the menu of instant green tea is selected by the user, the control unit 30 supplies the concentrate of cold water and instant green tea substantially simultaneously in the cup C to generate green tea.

According to the beverage supply device 100 'according to the second embodiment, the water server 1' can supply cold water as a beverage into the cup C, and the powder unit 50 can be attached to and detached from the water server 1 '. Thereby, the mixed solution generated by mixing the second raw material and the cold water can be introduced into the cup C provided in the water server 1 ′ via the mixed solution supply pipe L4. Thereby, for example, the powder unit 50 is retrofitted to the water server 1 ′, and the cold water supplied by the water server 1 ′ and the mixed liquid (eg, concentrate such as so-called instant coffee) generated by the powder unit 50 , And can be prepared and provided to the user in a cup C provided in the water server 1 ′. Also, since both the mixed solution from the powder unit 50 and the cold water from the water server 1 'are supplied on the water server 1' side, the user etc. may set the cup C without losing the place of the cup C it can.
And, according to the beverage supply device 100 'according to the second embodiment, the powder unit 50 is configured to be attached to and detached from the side portion of the water server 1', and thus provided on the front portion of the existing water server 1 '. The display unit 3a, the selection button 3b, the cup station 3c, and the like can be effectively used. For this reason, the cost increase of the apparatus resulting from the powder unit 50 addition can be suppressed.
Thus, as in the first embodiment, in the beverage supply device, it is possible to provide the beverage supply device to which the blending function is added while being excellent in convenience and suppressing the cost increase of the device.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the powder unit 50 is disposed adjacent to one end of the coffee brewing machine 1 or the water server 1 ′ in the apparatus width direction and at the side of the coffee brewing machine 1 or the water server 1 ′. A solenoid valve housing space S is provided, which is detachable and that houses the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 provided on the way of the second water supply pipe L3.
Thus, for example, when using the coffee extraction machine 1 or the water server 1 ', that is, the main device (1, 1') alone, the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 is removed and the connection port 5b of the water storage tank 5a Is closed by the closing plug 5c, whereby the device width of the main device (1, 1 ') can be kept compact. In addition, the main device (1, 1 ') and the powder unit 50 are integrally used, and even if the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 protrudes from the exterior cover 4 of the main device (1, 1'), Since the second water supply solenoid valve SV2 can be housed in the solenoid valve housing space S of the powder unit 50, the overall width of the beverage supply device 100, 100 'can be miniaturized.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, one end of the second water supply pipe L3 is detachably connected to the connection port 5b formed in advance on the side wall on the powder unit side of the water storage tank 5a, and the other end is in the mixing bowl 56a. It was set as the structure arrange | positioned so that it might be located. Thereby, when the powder unit 50 is retrofitted, piping for the powder unit 50 can be easily laid.
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, one end of the beverage supply pipe (L2, L2 ') is connected to the beverage supply source (the pipe portion 9a of the liquid receiving portion 9 for L2 and the water storage tank 5a for L2'). And the other end is located above the cup C, and the mixed solution supply pipe L4 has one end connected to the mixing unit 56 and the other end provided in the main device (1, 1 '). It was arranged to be located above C, and the preparation of the mixture into the beverage was made in cup C. Thus, the blending process can be performed with a simple configuration.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a mixed liquid which is provided with the beverage nozzle 3d1 and the nozzle support 3e provided above the cup C and supporting the beverage nozzle 3d1 and which is detachable from the nozzle support 3e It was set as the structure which has nozzle 3d2. Thus, the mixed liquid nozzle 3d2 can be easily disposed in the vicinity of the beverage nozzle 3d1, and the mixed liquid can be easily supplied into the cup C through the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 and the mixed liquid nozzle 3d2. Can.
Although not shown, the other end of the beverage supply pipe (L2, L2 ') and the other end of the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 are simply cupped without providing the nozzles (3d1, 3d2) and the nozzle support 3e. It may be located above C.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the side wall 4b on the powder unit side of the main device (1,1 ′) is made detachable, and the side portion on the main device (1,1 ′) side of the powder unit 50 is opened. It was composition. Thereby, when the powder unit 50 is retrofitted, the side wall 4b can be removed, and a large opening can be provided between the powder unit 50 and the coffee brewing machine 1, so that the large opening can be provided. The power supply wiring and the signal line of the second water supply pipe L3, the mixed liquid supply pipe L4, and the powder unit 50 can be easily laid.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the control unit 30 provided in the main device (1, 1 ') is configured to be able to control the operation of the beverage supply and to control the operation of the powder unit 50. Thereby, since it is not necessary to provide the control part 30 in the powder unit 50 to retrofit, reduction of the apparatus cost of the powder unit 50 can be aimed at.

  And in 1st Embodiment, since the water storage tank provided with water boiling parts, such as a heater which heats warm water, is one, it can also aim at suppression of the power consumption for boiling warm water.

  Here, in each of the above embodiments, the powder raw material to be stored in the powder unit 50 may be appropriately selected according to the arrangement menu or the preparation menu of the beverage, and the type thereof is not limited.

  In each of the above embodiments, the hot water in the water storage tank 5a is directly led into the extraction unit (extraction container 8) or the mixing unit 56 through the pipes (L1, L3). Not limited to this, a retention portion may be provided between the water storage tank 5a and the extraction portion and / or the mixing portion 56, and the hot water may be finally introduced into the extraction portion and the mixing portion 56 through the retention portion.

Furthermore, although the case where preparation was made in the cup C was demonstrated in said each embodiment, you may comprise so that it may be made before the cup C not only this. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the preparation unit 12 is provided above the cup C, and as shown in FIG. 17, the other end of the beverage supply pipe (L2, L2 ') and the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 merge Configure the pipe L7 and mix before the cup C.
FIG. 16 is a main part schematic block diagram for demonstrating the modification of the preparation part of a drink. In this modification, instead of the nozzles (3d1, 3d2) and the nozzle support 3e in the above embodiments, the blending unit 12 is provided above the cup C, and the blending is performed by the blending unit 12 I assume. In this case, the preparation unit 12 supplies the beverage from the other end of the beverage supply pipe (L2, L2 ') and the mixed liquid from the other end of the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 to prepare the mixed liquid in the beverage. The blended beverage is introduced into cup C. The compounding part 12 is formed in the hemispherical shape which opens toward upper direction, for example, and the discharge pipe part 12a which discharges the drink after mixing is formed in the lower part.
FIG. 17 is a main part schematic configuration diagram for explaining another modified example of the blending place of the beverage. In this other variation, the other end side of the beverage supply pipe (L2, L2 ') and the mixed liquid supply pipe L4 is provided with a confluence pipe L7 which is joined with each other above the cup C, and the preparation is this confluence It is set as the composition made with pipe L7. In this case, the junction pipe L7 guides the prepared beverage into the cup C while formulating the mixture into the beverage.

  In the first embodiment, the first raw material supply unit 7 is described as having three canisters 7a and the second raw material supply unit 55 has two canisters 55a. However, the first raw material supply unit 7 has two canisters 7a and 55a. The number is not limited to this, and the number can be appropriately set according to the type of raw material, the variation of the arrange menu, and the like.

Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, although the coffee extraction machine 1 was mentioned as an example and demonstrated as a main apparatus, not only this but a main apparatus extracts and supplies beverages, such as black tea other than a coffee drink, for example An apparatus may be employed, and an apparatus capable of extracting and supplying beverages such as black tea as well as coffee beverages may be employed.
In the first embodiment, the beverage supply device 100 supplies the beverage extracted by the main device or the beverage obtained by preparing the extracted beverage with the mixed liquid produced by the auxiliary device. Although explained, it is also possible to supply the cup C with a beverage such as black tea, cocoa, green tea, matcha tea or the like obtained by simply dissolving the powdered raw material in hot and cold water with an auxiliary device. And although warm water shall be supplied in extraction container 8 and mixing bowl 55a, not only this but cold water may be supplied, and cold water or warm water may be made selectable. Even when cold water is supplied, it is possible to extract the beverage and to melt the powder material.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, although the water server 1 'which supplies cold water as a drink as a main apparatus was mentioned as an example and demonstrated, not only this but this water server 1' supplies warm water as a drink. Alternatively, cold water or hot water may be selectively supplied. When the cold water or the hot water is selectively supplied, the selection switch 3b enables the selection of the cold water or the hot water.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and the like, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. .

1 ・ ・ ・ Coffee extraction machine (main equipment)
1 '· · · · · Water server (master device)
3d1: Nozzle for beverage 3d2: Nozzle for mixed liquid 3e: Nozzle support portion 5a: Water storage tank 5b: Connection port 7. First raw material supply portion 8 .... Extraction vessel (extraction unit)
12: Blending unit 30: Control unit 50: Powder unit (auxiliary device)
55: Second raw material supply unit 56: Mixing unit 100: Beverage supply device 100 ′: Beverage supply device C: Cup L1: Second 1 Water supply pipe L2 ..... Beverage supply pipe L2 ..... ... Beverage supply pipe L3 ..... Second water supply pipe L4 ... Mixed liquid supply pipe L7 .... Merge pipe S ...... electromagnetic valve housing space SV2 ···· the second water supply solenoid valve (electromagnetic valve)

Claims (9)

A first raw material and an extraction unit for extracting a beverage by being supplied with hot water, a first raw material supply unit for supplying the first raw material to the extraction unit, a water storage tank for storing hot water, the extraction unit for hot water in the water storage tank the first water supply pipe for guiding the, and a main device having a beverage supply pipe for guiding the beverage in the extraction unit into mosquito Tsu the flop,
A mixing unit for supplying a second raw material and hot and cold water to generate a mixed liquid, a second raw material supply unit for supplying the second raw material to the mixing unit, and a second for guiding hot and cold water in the water storage tank to the mixing unit A water supply pipe, and a liquid mixture supply pipe for introducing the liquid mixture in the mixing unit into the cup provided in the main device, wherein the auxiliary device is detachable from the main device;
A beverage supply apparatus, comprising: a. Water storage tank for storing hot water, and a main device having a beverage supply pipe for guiding the mosquito Tsu the up hot water as the beverage of the water storage tank,
A mixing unit for supplying a second raw material and hot and cold water to generate a mixed liquid, a second raw material supply unit for supplying the second raw material to the mixing unit, and a second for guiding hot and cold water in the water storage tank to the mixing unit A water supply pipe, and a mixed liquid supply pipe for introducing the mixed liquid in the mixing unit into the cup provided in the main device, and an auxiliary device detachably attachable to a side portion of the main device; ,
A beverage supply apparatus, comprising: a.   The auxiliary device is disposed adjacent to one end side in the device width direction of the main device, and has a solenoid valve housing space for housing a solenoid valve provided in the middle of the second water supply pipe. Beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1.   The second water supply pipe is disposed so that one end is detachably connected to a connection port formed in advance in a side wall on the auxiliary device side of the water storage tank, and the other end is positioned in the mixing unit. The beverage supply device according to 3. The beverage supply pipe is disposed such that one end is connected to the beverage supplier and the other end is located above the cup.
5. The mixed liquid supply pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one end of the mixed liquid supply pipe is connected to the mixing unit and the other end is positioned above the cup provided in the main device. Beverage delivery device as described. The main device includes a beverage nozzle connected to the other end of the beverage supply pipe and serving as a discharge port of the beverage, and a nozzle support portion provided above the cup and supporting the beverage nozzle. ,
The auxiliary device is connected to the other end of the mixed liquid supply pipe to be a discharge port of the mixed liquid, and has a mixed liquid nozzle that can be attached to and detached from the nozzle support portion.
6. A beverage supply device according to claim 5, wherein the preparation is done in the cup. Provided above the cup, the beverage is supplied from the other end of the beverage supply pipe and the mixed solution is supplied from the other end of the mixed liquid supply tube to prepare the mixed solution in the beverage Further comprising a formulating unit for guiding the prepared beverage into the cup,
The beverage supply device according to claim 5, wherein the preparation is performed by the preparation unit. One end of the beverage supply pipe is connected to the beverage supply source, and one end of the mixed liquid supply pipe is connected to the mixing unit,
The other end sides of the beverage supply pipe and the mixed liquid supply pipe merge with each other above the cup to introduce the mixed liquid into the beverage and guide the prepared beverage into the cup. Configure
The beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the preparation is performed in the junction pipe.   The beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main device controls at least the operation of supplying the beverage and has a control unit capable of controlling the operation of the auxiliary device.