JP2001169729A - Dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain simple cleaning, even when the kinds of ices to be produced are changed. SOLUTION: This dispenser 1 is equipped with a mixing tank 6 for storing an ice mix as the raw material, a cooling cylinder 11 that is arranged in the mixing tank 6, and a stirrer that is arranged adjacently to this cooling cylinder 11 to stir the ice mix in the mixing tank 6, and the ices are produced by stirring with the stirrer while cooling the ice mix with the cooling cylinder 11. When this dispenser is washed, it is additionally equipped with a cleaning unit that is attachable to and detachable from the mix tank 6 on washing, in other words, a cleaning part 30 and a drainage part 31 and a stirrer 32 that is to be positioned in the mixing tank 6, and a water feeder 33.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a soft ice cream,
The present invention relates to a dispenser mainly for producing ice cream or frozen dessert such as frozen sorbet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional dispenser of this type is disclosed in
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-262360 (A23G9 / 16) discloses a mix tank for storing a mix serving as a raw material, a cooling cylinder disposed in the mix tank, and a mixing cylinder provided adjacent to the cooling cylinder. And a stirrer that stirs the mix therein, and a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a semi-frozen frozen dessert by stirring the mix with the stirrer while cooling the mix with the cooling cylinder, that is, a dispenser.

[0003]

When cleaning the inside of the mixing tank of such a conventional dispenser, it is only necessary to inject water and to rinse the same, and there is a possibility that the residue of the mix adhering to the inside does not fall. Was.

Therefore, there is a problem that the dispenser has to be disassembled and cleaned, for example, when producing coffee milk flavor soft ice cream and then producing grapefruit frozen ice cream.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a dispenser intended to be easily cleaned even when the type of frozen dessert is changed.

[0006]

As means for achieving the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mix tank for storing a mix as a raw material, and a cooling cylinder provided in the mix tank. A dispenser that is provided adjacent to the cooling cylinder and stirs the mix in the mix tank, and that produces a frozen dessert by stirring the mix while cooling the mix with the cooling cylinder. , A dispenser provided with a stirring device and a water supply device located in the mix tank at the time of washing, and a washing device detachable from the mix tank.

As described above, by supplying water into the mix tank and stirring the accumulated water by the stirrer, the inside of the mix tank can be kept clean.

[0008] In the invention of claim 2, the stirring device is
The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: a shaft that is rotated by driving of the driving device, a propeller provided below the shaft, and a vortex preventing portion located above the propeller.

As described above, since the vortex preventing portion is provided above the propeller, it is possible to prevent the generation of a vortex due to the rotation of the propeller and to minimize the bubbling of the washing water. Of the washing water other than the propeller part can be prevented from rising as much as possible.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, the cleaning device is provided with a heating device which is located in the washing water in the mix tank and heats the washing water. A dispenser as described is provided.

As described above, by heating the washing water with the heating device, the mix adhering to the mix tank can be dropped.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the washing device is provided with a washing temperature sensor which is located in the washing water in the mix tank and detects a temperature of the washing water. Provide a dispenser.

As described above, the cleaning device is provided with the cleaning temperature sensor, and the heating device is controlled by the cleaning temperature sensor.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dispenser according to the third aspect, wherein a temperature sensor is provided in the mix tank, and the heating of the heating device is controlled by the detection of the temperature sensor.

As described above, the temperature sensor for controlling the heating or the cooling by detecting the mixing temperature in the mixing tank is provided, and the heating of the heating device is controlled using the temperature sensor even during the cleaning.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the heating device for heating the cleaning water stops the power supply when the cleaning water in the mix tank drops below a predetermined value at the time of power supply. To provide a dispenser.

As described above, when the water level in the mix tank falls below the predetermined water level, the power supply is stopped.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dispenser according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a guard is provided on a side where the water supply device and the stirring device of the cleaning device protrude.

As described above, the guard is provided on the side where the water supply device and the stirring device of the cleaning device protrude, and when the cleaning device is attached to the mix tank, it is possible to prevent the hand or the like from hitting the water supply device or the stirring device as much as possible.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser having the present invention, FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a dispenser having the present invention, FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a cleaning apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set in a dispenser, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set in a dispenser, and FIG. 6 is a control circuit of the cleaning device. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a display panel of a dispenser, FIG. 8 shows a display panel of a cleaning apparatus, FIG. 9 shows a timing chart of a water washing step, FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of a heat sterilization washing step, and FIG. 11 shows a dispenser of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set in a dispenser.

First, in FIG. 1, a dispenser 1 according to the embodiment is for producing so-called frozen desserts or hot beverages. A dispenser 1 is provided with a main body 4 containing a heating device, a cooling device, and a control device (not shown), and is disposed on the main body 4. It comprises two left and right mix tanks 6, 6. Each of the mix tanks 6 and 6 is made of a transparent resin and has an opening on the upper surface.
A lid 7 is provided for closing the upper opening so that it can be opened and closed.

Further, a pouring portion 8 is attached to a lower portion of the front surface of each of the mixing tanks 6, 6, and a leaking portion is provided at a front portion of the main body 4 at a position below the pouring portions 8, 8. A saucer 9 for receiving the frozen dessert is provided.

Next, in FIG.
Cooling cylinders 11 having good thermal conductivity are provided on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the mix tank 6 at an interval from the bottom surface of the mix tank 6. A left evaporator 12A (or a right evaporator 12B) of a cooling device is attached to the cooling cylinder 11 in a heat exchange manner. That is, the left evaporator 12A is provided in the left mix tank 6, and the right evaporator 12B is provided in the cooling cylinder 11 of the right mix tank 6. 10A is the left evaporator 1
2A (or right evaporator 12B) refrigerant inlet pipe, 1
OB is a refrigerant outlet pipe. The front end of the cooling cylinder 11 is open into the mix tank 6, and a rotating shaft 13 is provided at the center thereof.

The front end of the rotating shaft 13 is
And a rear end thereof is connected to a left stirring motor 16A (or a right stirring motor 16B) having a speed reduction mechanism. That is, the left stirring motor 16A is provided in the left mix tank 6, and the right stirring motor 16B is provided in the right mix tank 6.

A helical inner blade 17 located inside the cooling cylinder 11 and a helical outer blade 18 located outside the cooling cylinder 11 are attached to the rotating shaft 13. Right stirring motor 16B)
By rotating the rotating shaft 13 clockwise as viewed from the front, the inner blade 17 has a function of transporting the mix inside the cooling cylinder 11 to be described later from the front to the rear. It has the function of transporting the mix from the rear to the front.

The stirring motor 16A (16B), the rotating shaft 13, the inner blade 17, and the outer blade 18 constitute a stirrer.

The pouring section 8 includes a pouring pipe 21 disposed vertically, a plunger 22 inserted vertically into the pouring pipe 21, and a cock 23 for moving the plunger 22 up and down. It is composed of The pouring pipe 21 has an opening 2 formed at the front bottom of the mix tank 6 where the front end of the outer blade 18 is located.
4, the plunger 22 closes the opening 24 in a lowered state, and communicates the opening 24 with a spout 26 at the lower end of the pouring pipe 21 in a raised state. The plunger 22 is constantly urged by the helical spring 27 in a downward direction.

The left stirring motor 16A (or right stirring motor 16B) is disposed in a pendulum shape in a motor case 28 provided at the rear of the mix tank 6.
Reference numeral 29 denotes legs attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the main body 4.

Next, the cleaning apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

This washing apparatus comprises a washing section 30 and a drain section 31. When the washing section 30 is attached to the dispenser 1, the lid 7 of the mix tank 6 is removed, and then the washing section 30 is placed on the mix tank 6. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning unit 3 of the cleaning device
To 0, a stirrer 32 for stirring the washing water, a water supply device 3
3. A heating device, for example, a heater H, and a water level detecting device 35 for detecting a water level of the cleaning water are provided, and these are surrounded by a guard 36 made of a wire having a predetermined rigidity. Further, 37 detects the water temperature, and the heater H
Is a cleaning temperature sensor for controlling the temperature.

The guard 36 is used as a leg for holding the cleaning unit 30 when the cleaning unit 30 is detached and placed on a storage place. Further, the guard 36 prevents the worker's hand from touching the heater H, the cleaning temperature sensor 37, and the like when the cleaning unit 30 is attached and detached, thereby preventing the cleaning unit 30 from being damaged and allowing the worker's hand to stir. It also prevents the user from touching the device 32 and getting injured.

The stirring device 32 is provided with a stirring motor KM as a driving device, a rotating shaft 40 rotated by the stirring motor KM, and a lower portion of the rotating shaft 40, and is located in the washing water during washing. It comprises a propeller 41 and umbrella-shaped vortex prevention parts 42, 42 provided above the propeller 41 to prevent the generation of vortices.

When a vortex is generated in the propeller 41 of the stirring device 32, the water level at the center of the vortex falls, and the water level around the stirring device 32, particularly near the wall of the mix tank 6, rises. . Furthermore, when a bactericide was added as a detergent, there was a risk of foaming and overflowing.

For this reason, the generation of the vortex is prevented by the vortex prevention portions 42, 42, and the rise of a part of the water level and the germicide are prevented from being unnecessarily foamed.

The water supply device 33 has a water supply port 43 connected to an external water supply system, and is connected to the water supply port 43.
It comprises a water supply pipe 44 facing the mix tank 6 and a water supply solenoid valve WV provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 44.

Further, the water level detecting device 35 has a cylindrical portion 46 provided with two sensors having different heights therein, that is, an upper water level sensor 57 and a lower water level sensor 58, and the cylindrical portion 46 can be moved up and down. It comprises a float 47 and a stopper 48 provided at a lower portion of the cylindrical portion 46 to prevent the float 47 from coming off.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drainage section 31 is connected to the extraction section 8 and is connected to a drainage pump 49 via a drainage solenoid valve DV. And a liquid detection sensor 53 provided on the drainage introduction pipe 51 between the drainage solenoid valve DV and the extraction unit 8.

Here, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a temperature sensor 54 provided in the mix tank 6 is used instead of the cleaning temperature sensor 37 shown in FIG. The temperature sensor 54 is used not only for washing as in the case of the washing temperature sensor 37 described above, but also for temperature control when selling hot beverages, for example.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, instead of the liquid detection sensor 53, a water level detection sensor 55 for drainage is provided in the washing section 30. The drainage water level detection sensor 55 is composed of two electrodes extending to the bottom of the mix tank 6. When water is present between the electrodes, it conducts to detect the presence of water, and detects the presence of water. If there is no continuity,
Detect that water has run out.

Next, a control circuit of the cleaning apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

This control circuit includes a one-chip microcomputer 56
Is provided with a switching power supply 58,
Pump motor PM of drain pump 49, drain solenoid valve D
V, a water supply solenoid valve WV, a stirring motor KM of the stirring device 32,
The heater H, buzzer B, water cleaning lamp WL, and heating cleaning lamp KL are connected in parallel.

In addition, the one-chip microcomputer 56 includes a water washing switch 59, a heat sterilization switch 60, a washing temperature sensor 37 or a temperature sensor 54, an upper water level switch 57 and a lower water level switch 58 of the water level detecting device 35,
The liquid detection sensor 53 or the drainage water level detection sensor 55 is connected to each.

Next, the display panel of the cleaning device and the display panel of the dispenser 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the display panel of the dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The display panel includes a slash operation switch 61 for enabling sale, and various conditions (for example, a long slash operation, a decrease in ambient temperature, etc.). A thawing operation switch 62 for thawing when frozen is provided, a washing switch 63 for rotating the stirring motor 16A (16B) of the above-described stirrer, adding a germicide and washing with water, and a stop switch 65 are provided.

Here, for example, when a beverage having a low PH value, such as a juice-based beverage, which is strong against microorganisms, is sold, it is not desirable to heat and sterilize it, which takes time. Therefore, sterilization with a disinfectant is performed.

In this sterilization, water and a germicide are put into the mix tank 6, and the above-mentioned stirrer is driven to stir. Then, after sterilizing with a disinfectant for a predetermined time (at least 5 minutes or more), it is only necessary to replace water a predetermined number of times while the stirrer is being driven, and to rinse it.

The display panel of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG.
A power switch 66 is provided, with the first half displaying water washing and the second half displaying heat sterilization cleaning. A water washing switch 5 is also provided on the display panel of the washing device.
9 and a heat sterilization switch 60 for performing heat sterilization cleaning.

This is because when the commercial product is a milk-based product such as a dairy product, the product is susceptible to microorganisms, and thus requires heat sterilization by the present cleaning device.

When the washing section 30 of the washing apparatus is set in the mix tank 6 and the water washing switch 59 is pressed, the water washing lamp flashes and the water washing step is started. In this water washing step, as shown in FIG. 9, the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 and the drain solenoid valve DV are turned on for a predetermined time (several seconds), and the water feed solenoid valve WV is turned on. For this reason, water is supplied while draining for the first few seconds, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the pump motor PM is stopped, the drain solenoid valve DV is closed, and the upper water level switch 57 of the water level detection device 35 is turned on. continue.

When the water level switch 57 is turned on, that is, when the water level of the mix tank 6 is detected, the water supply solenoid valve W
V is turned off, and the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 is again turned on.
And the drain solenoid valve DV is turned ON. When the water in the mix tank 6 runs out, the liquid detection sensor 53 detects that the drainage introduction pipe 51 and the drainage pipe 52 have run out of water.
The pump motor PM and the drain solenoid valve DV are turned off.
Note that a drainage water level detection sensor 55 may be used instead of the liquid detection sensor 53.

Then, the water supply solenoid valve WV is turned on again, and the upper water level switch 57 of the water level detecting device 35 is turned on, and at the same time, the stirring motor KM of the stirring device 32 is turned on.
The water in the mix tank 6 is stirred and washed for a predetermined time. Note that the stirrer in the mix tank 6 described above may be driven in conjunction with the stirrer 32.

After the above-described operation has been performed a predetermined number of times (two more times in this embodiment), the water supply solenoid valve WV is turned on.
And water is supplied into the mix tank 6. Then, at the same time when the upper water level switch 57 of the water level detection device 35 is turned on, the buzzer B is leveled, the water cleaning lamp WL is turned on, and the water cleaning step is completed.

Next, the process shifts to the heating sterilization cleaning step shown in FIG. First, when the water washing step is completed, the detergent lamp 69 is turned on, so that a detergent, that is, a disinfectant is put into the mix tank 6. Then, the heat sterilization switch 60 is turned on.
When N, the heating / cleaning lamp KL of the heating / sterilization cleaning blinks, and the stirring motor KM and the heater H of the stirring device 32 are turned on.

Since the water in the mix tank 6 evaporates due to the heating of the heater H, the water level switch 57
Turns off. Thereafter, after a lapse of a predetermined time since the water level switch 57 is turned off, the water supply solenoid valve WV is turned on, and water is supplied until the water level switch 57 is turned on.

Further, when the water temperature reaches a predetermined temperature (in the present embodiment, from 63 ° C. to 85 ° C.) by the heating of the heater H, the heater H is turned off. The heater H is turned on. This is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) from when the predetermined temperature is first detected.
Min) continue. Further, when the water level in the mix tank 6 turns off the sewage level switch 58, the energization of the heater H is stopped to prevent the abnormal temperature rise of the heater H.

After continuing for a predetermined time, the stirring device 3
2, the stirring motor KM and the heater H are turned off, the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 and the drain solenoid valve DV.
Turn ON. For this reason, the water level decreases, and the water level detection device 35 continues until the lower water level switch 58 is turned on.

When the water level drops and the sewage level switch 58 is turned on, the water supply solenoid valve WV is turned on, and then the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 and the drain solenoid valve DV are turned off.
Then, the operation is continued until the upper water level switch 57 of the water level detection device 35 is turned on. This operation is performed a predetermined number of times (2 in this embodiment).
Repeat)

Since a transparent resin is used for the mix tank 6, if the high-temperature washing water is rapidly cooled, cracks may occur due to a change in temperature. Therefore, in order to cool slowly, the mix tank 6 is divided into a plurality of times.
Supply cold tap water inside.

After this operation is repeated twice, the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 and the drain solenoid valve DV are turned on.
And drain completely. Then, as described above, the liquid detection sensor 53 detects that water has run out, and after a few seconds from this detection, the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 and the drain solenoid valve DV are turned off.

Next, the water supply solenoid valve WV is opened until the upper water level switch 57 of the water level detector 35 is turned on. When the water level switch 57 is turned on, the mix tank 6
Since the inside is full, the stirring motor KM of the stirring device 32 is turned on for a predetermined time.

After a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of driving of the stirring motor KM, the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 is
And drain water by turning on the drain solenoid valve DV, and a few seconds after the liquid detection sensor 53 detects that the water has run out,
The water supply solenoid valve WV is turned on again, and the water level switch 57 is turned on.
Continue until N.

At the same time that the upper water level switch 57 is turned on, the stirring motor KM of the stirring device 32 is driven to stir for a predetermined time as described above.

This operation is repeated twice, and after the stirring is completed, the pump motor PM of the drain pump 49 and the drain solenoid valve DV are turned on again to drain water.
Buzzer B several seconds after detecting that water has run out
And the heating / cleaning lamp KL is turned on, the rinsing operation ends, and the heat sterilization cleaning process ends.

In this embodiment, the cleaning device (the cleaning unit 30 and the drainage unit 31) has a separate structure. However, the drainage unit 31 may be provided as an integral structure, that is, on the cleaning unit 30 or the like.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a rail 70 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the back surface of the mix tank 6 of the dispenser 1, and a washing unit 30 is provided so as to be movable along the rail 70. Is also good. In this case, a lock mechanism is provided so that the lid cannot be moved downward unless the lid 7 of the mix tank 6 is removed.

Although not shown, when the cleaning section 30 and the drain section 31 are integrally formed, both the cleaning section 30 and the drain section 31 move up and down.

[0069]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, water is supplied into the mixing tank by the cleaning device, and the accumulated water is stirred by the stirring device to clean the inside of the mixing tank. Can be kept. Therefore, it can be easily cleaned.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the vortex preventing portion is provided above the propeller, it is possible to prevent the vortex from being generated due to the rotation of the propeller, and to minimize the bubbling of the washing water. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lowest water level immediately below the propeller from lowering, and prevent the highest water level of the cleaning water other than the propeller part from rising as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing water from overflowing from the mix tank.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, by heating the washing water with the heating device, the mix adhering to the mix tank can be dropped.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning temperature sensor is provided in the cleaning device, and the heating device is controlled by the cleaning temperature sensor.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a temperature sensor for detecting the mix temperature in the mix tank and controlling heating or cooling is provided, and the heating of the heating device is controlled using this temperature sensor even during washing. .

Therefore, even beverages that are susceptible to microorganisms, such as milky beverages, can be reliably sterilized, and the equipment can be kept hygienic.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, when the water level in the mix tank falls below the predetermined water level, the power supply is stopped, so that an abnormal rise in the temperature of the heater can be prevented.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a guard is provided on the side where the water supply device and the stirring device of the cleaning device protrude, and when the cleaning device is mounted on the mix tank, a hand or the like hits the water supply device or the stirring device. Can be prevented as much as possible,
This will improve safety.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser having the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispenser provided with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view showing an embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set on a dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set in a dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a control circuit diagram of the cleaning device.

FIG. 7 is a display panel of a dispenser.

FIG. 8 is a display panel of the cleaning device.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart of a water cleaning step.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of a heating sterilization cleaning step.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set in a dispenser.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment in which the cleaning device of the present invention is set in a dispenser.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dispenser 6 Mix tank 11 Cooling cylinder 30 Washing part 31 Drainage part 32 Stirrer 33 Water supply device

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A mixing tank for storing a mix serving as a raw material, a cooling cylinder disposed in the mixing tank, and a stirrer provided adjacent to the cooling cylinder and agitating the mix in the mixing tank. A dispenser for producing frozen desserts and the like by stirring the mix with the stirrer while cooling the mix with the cooling cylinder, comprising: a stirrer and a water supply device located in the mix tank during washing; A dispenser comprising a cleaning device detachable from the dispenser. 2. The stirrer includes a shaft which is rotated by driving of a driving device, a propeller provided below the shaft, and a vortex preventing portion located above the propeller. The dispenser according to claim 1. 3. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the washing device is provided with a heating device that is located in the washing water in the mix tank and heats the washing water. Dispenser. 4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, further comprising a cleaning temperature sensor located in the cleaning water in the mixing tank and configured to detect a temperature of the cleaning water.
Dispenser as described. 5. A temperature sensor is provided in the mix tank,
The dispenser according to claim 3, wherein heating of the heating device is controlled by the detection of the temperature sensor. 6. The dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the heating device for heating the cleaning water stops the power supply when the cleaning water in the mix tank drops below a predetermined value during the power supply. . 7. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein a guard is provided on a side of the cleaning device where the water supply device and the stirring device protrude.