JP2007062813A - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a beverage dispenser which concentrates setting positions of a cup which receives a beverage raw material to one place, and at the same time, can hygienically maintain a leading-out tube which is pulled out from a BIB. <P>SOLUTION: This beverage dispenser 1 leads out the beverage raw material through the leading-out tube 4 which has been pulled out from the BIB 3 storing the beverage raw material. The beverage dispenser 1 is equipped with a receiving nozzle 6 having an upper surface opening and a beverage discharging port 6A which is formed on the lower end, and a dilution water nozzle 7 which feeds water to the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle 6. In this case, the receiving nozzle 6 is arranged under the distal end of the leading-out tube 4 while being away from the distal end. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that derives beverage ingredients through a tube drawn from a beverage supply source that stores the beverage ingredients.

  Conventionally, a beverage dispenser for BIB (Bag In Box) uses a tube pump (peristaltic pump) to handle a derivation tube drawn from the BIB, thereby extruding beverage ingredients from the BIB, and diluted cooling water or cooling carbonated water. And a mechanically mixed supply method (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, in the beverage dispenser provided with the tank unit, the tank unit is equipped with a solenoid valve and a flow regulator in the beverage material flow path for supplying the beverage material filled in the tank. The target beverage is supplied from the nozzle by supplying diluted water or carbonated water. The nozzle in this case is a composite nozzle that discharges different types of target beverages according to the user's selection using different types of beverage ingredients supplied from a plurality of beverage ingredient tanks.

The beverage dispenser which is also conventionally used In addition, a beverage dispenser for the BIB (BIB units), there is a beverage dispenser having both a tank unit. In this case, the tank unit is often arranged at the center and the BIB units are arranged on both sides thereof. Therefore, the nozzle of the target beverage in such a case is provided with a nozzle from the tank unit at the center, and a discharge outlet for beverage ingredients of the outlet tube from each BIB unit and a corresponding dilution water nozzle are provided on both sides thereof. It has been.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-2111299

  Therefore, since a plurality of, in the above example, three nozzles are provided for one beverage dispenser, the user must understand that the target beverage will be discharged from one of the nozzles and set the cup. I must. On the front surface of the apparatus, an operation unit corresponding to the type of the beverage ingredient is provided corresponding to the upper part of each nozzle, and in particular, since there are many kinds of beverage ingredients supplied from the tank unit, It was not easy to understand. It has been desired to develop an apparatus capable of avoiding the complexity of determining from which nozzle the type of beverage material operated in the operation unit is discharged.

  Therefore, in the BIB unit, it is conceivable that the outlet tube derived from the BIB containing the beverage ingredients is pulled out to the vicinity of the nozzle of the tank unit to limit the cup set position to one place. However, the beverage ingredient is led to the vicinity of the tube tip in the BIB lead-out tube, and the beverage ingredient in the vicinity of the tube tip may be diluted due to rebounding in discharging other beverage ingredients. In particular, in the case of tea beverage materials such as oolong tea, there is a problem that deterioration, decay and the like proceed rapidly due to the dilution.

  In addition, for the purpose of using the nozzle of the tank unit in a sanitary manner, in the case of a beverage dispenser that employs a method in which washing water is jetted to the nozzle and the inside of the nozzle or the vicinity of the nozzle is adopted, the nozzle is jetted toward the nozzle. The washed water hits the BIB outlet tube located in the vicinity, and there is a problem that the beverage ingredients in the outlet tube maintained by the surface tension at the tip are further diluted.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problems, and the setting position of the cup that receives the beverage ingredients is concentrated in one place, and the outlet tube drawn from the BIB is maintained in a sanitary manner. It is an object to provide a beverage dispenser that can be used.

  The beverage dispenser of the present invention derives beverage ingredients through a tube drawn from a beverage supply source that stores the beverage ingredients, and is formed at the top and bottom openings spaced apart below the tube tip. A receiving nozzle having a beverage outlet and a diluting water nozzle for supplying water to the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle.

  The beverage dispenser of the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the dilution water nozzle supplies water to the receiving nozzle while forming a film along the entire inner surface.

  The beverage dispenser of the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the beverage supply source is composed of BIB (Bag in Box), and the tube is integrally attached to the beverage bag in the BIB.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispenser comprising the predetermined cleaning device in each of the above-mentioned inventions, a steam spraying step of spraying high-temperature steam into the receiving nozzle from the beverage discharge port by the cleaning device, and the steam spraying step. After the completion of the above, a washing step of supplying water into the receiving nozzle from the upper surface opening from the dilution water nozzle is performed.

  The beverage dispenser of the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the above invention, after the washing step is completed, a drying step of discharging hot air from the beverage discharge port into the receiving nozzle is performed.

  The beverage dispenser of the invention of claim 6 is characterized in that in the above invention, a shutter is provided for closing the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle so as to be openable and closable, and the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle is closed by the shutter in the steam injection process and / or the washing process. .

  According to the present invention, in a beverage dispenser that derives beverage ingredients via a tube drawn from a beverage supply source that stores beverage ingredients, the beverage is formed at the top and bottom ends of the dispenser that are spaced apart below the tube tip. Since the receiving nozzle having the discharge port and the dilution water nozzle for supplying water to the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle are provided, the beverage from the beverage supply source can be conveyed to the vicinity of the other nozzles by the receiving nozzle. It becomes like this.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to concentrate the setting position of the cup which receives a drink raw material in one place. Therefore, the user does not need to confirm the cup setting position for each type of beverage ingredient, and convenience is improved. Moreover, since the receiving nozzle is spaced apart from the lower end of the tube, contamination of the tube can be prevented.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in the above invention, the dilution water nozzle supplies water while forming a film so as to be along the entire inner surface of the receiving nozzle. The target beverage can be discharged while effectively mixing.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in each of the above inventions, the beverage supply source is composed of BIB (Bag in Box), and the tube is integrally attached to the beverage bag in the BIB. Even if the length is determined in advance, the use of the receiving nozzle makes it possible to easily transport the beverage from the beverage ingredients to the vicinity of the other nozzles, which is particularly effective.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in each of the above inventions, a predetermined cleaning device is provided, and the cleaning device injects high-temperature steam into the receiving nozzle from the beverage discharge port, and the steam injection step. After the completion, a washing flow process of supplying water into the receiving nozzle from the upper surface opening from the dilution water nozzle is performed. Will be able to. In particular, at this time, by supplying the water from the dilution water nozzle to the receiving nozzle from the upper side, unlike the case of fountaining from the lower side, it is possible to have a configuration in which the water for removing the dirt does not hit the tube tip. Become.

  Thereby, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the beverage raw material staying at the tip of the tube due to surface tension or the like is diluted with washing water or the like, and the beverage raw material is deteriorated or spoiled. Further, since the cleaning water does not hit the tube tip, it can be maintained in a sanitary manner. Furthermore, the dirt removal effect can be improved by receiving dilution water from above and flowing it down into the nozzle.

  According to invention of Claim 5, in the said invention, since the drying process which performs the drying in a receiving nozzle is performed after completion | finish of a washing | cleaning process, propagation of miscellaneous bacteria is suppressed by drying a receiving nozzle. Can be kept hygienic.

  According to the invention of claim 6, in the above invention, a shutter for closing the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle so as to be opened and closed is provided, and the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle is closed by the shutter in the steam injection process and / or the cleaning process. It becomes possible to confine steam, washing water, etc. in the nozzle, and this also dilutes the beverage raw material staying in the tube tip located above the receiving nozzle due to surface tension etc. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of corruption. Further, since the tube is not exposed to steam or the like, it is possible to suppress inconvenience that the tube tip deteriorates.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of a beverage dispenser 1 to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is an internal piping configuration diagram of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of a state in which the door 28 of FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical front view of the cleaning device 30 portion of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of FIG.

  The beverage dispenser 1 according to the embodiment is a BIB beverage dispenser used in restaurants, coffee shops, and the like, and includes BIB units 32 and 32 that supply carbonated beverages such as oolong tea and orange juice, and strong and weak carbonated beverages. This is a device having in the main body 2 a tank unit 31 connected to a tank (not shown) to be supplied. As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage dispenser 1 has a tank unit 31 in the center and BIB units 32 and 32 on both sides thereof. The tank unit 31 and the BIB units 32 and 32 are concealed by an openable / closable door 28 located on the front surface.

  On the front surface of the opening / closing door 28, an operation unit 27 for operating the beverage supply from the tank unit 31 and the BIB units 32 and 32 is provided, and a beverage supply amount or a beverage supply method is provided for each beverage supplied from each unit. For example, button S, button M, button L, button C / P and the like are provided. The buttons S, M, and L are buttons for operating the supply of a predetermined amount of beverage, and the button C / P is a button for supplying a beverage only while operating the button. The operation unit 27 includes a cleaning button (not shown) for starting or ending (stopping) the cleaning operation of the receiving nozzle 6, the dilution water nozzle 7, and the composite nozzle 12, which will be described in detail later. It is assumed that display means (not shown) for displaying is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tank unit 31 includes a plurality of flow regulators 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D in each of the syrup lines 70A, 70B, 70C, and 70D that supply syrup as four types of beverage ingredients in the present embodiment. The electromagnetic valves 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D are arranged. A tank (not shown) filled with syrup as a beverage ingredient is connected to one end of the syrup line 70A and the like, and the other ingredient is supplied from a beverage ingredient and a diluting water line 73 or a carbonated water line 84. A nozzle (beverage supply nozzle) 12 that discharges the target beverage by mixing with diluted water or carbonated water (both beverage ingredients) is provided. The detailed configuration of the nozzle 12 will be described later.

  The tank unit 31 is provided with a dilution water line 73 for supplying city water tap water. The dilution water line 73 is provided with a water inlet electromagnetic valve 74 and a water pump 75, and is connected to the nozzle 12 via a flow regulator 76 and a dilution water electromagnetic valve 77 on the downstream side of the water pump 75. ing.

  In addition, a carbonator line 79 for supplying tap water flowing through the dilution water line 73 to the carbonator 78 is provided between the water pump 75 of the dilution water line 73 and the flow regulator 76. Connected through. In addition to the carbonator line 79, the carbonator 78 is connected to a gas supply line 81 for supplying carbon dioxide gas filled in a gas cylinder (not shown) to the carbonator 78. The carbonator 78 is connected to the nozzle 12 via a carbonated water line 84 provided with a flow regulator 82 and a carbonated water electromagnetic valve 83. Thus, carbonated water generated from the tap water and carbon dioxide gas by the carbonator 78 is supplied to the nozzle 12.

  Further, a bypass line 86 for bypassing the carbonator 78 is connected to the gas supply line 81, and the bypass line 86 is connected to the flow regulator 82 of the carbonated water line 84 and the carbonic acid via the gas electromagnetic valve 87. It is connected between the water solenoid valve 83. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 88 denotes a check valve for inhibiting the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the bypass line 86 from flowing backward to the carbonator 78.

  Here, the nozzle 12 is a composite nozzle that discharges different types of target beverages according to the user's selection by using different types of beverage ingredients supplied from a plurality of beverage ingredient tanks. The opening is provided. The syrup lines 70A, 70B, 70C, and 70D are connected to the upper portion of the nozzle 12, and each line is connected to a syrup discharge port 8 formed in the inner portion (upper portion) of the nozzle 12. In FIG. 4, only one syrup discharge port 8 is illustrated, but actually, the syrup discharge ports 8 are formed by the number of syrup lines connected to the nozzle 12.

  A dilution water line 73 and a carbonated water line 84 are connected to the upper portion of the nozzle 12, and each line is connected to a carbonated water / diluted water discharge port 17 provided around the syrup discharge port 8 in the nozzle 12. Is done. The carbonated water / diluted water discharge port 17 can discharge carbonated water or diluted water while forming a film so as to follow the entire inner surface of the nozzle 12.

  It is assumed that the front side of the nozzle 12 is covered with a front plate (not shown) attached to the back side of the open / close door 28. Further, the front plate is provided with a gasket (not shown) at a position where it abuts on the main body 2, and the main body 2 side where the gasket abuts is arranged so as to avoid the nozzle 12 as shown in FIG. A contact plate 15 is attached.

  Next, the BIB unit 32 will be described. The BIB 3 is composed of a beverage bag (not shown) that stores a concentrated raw material as a beverage raw material and a box in which the beverage bag is stored, and the outlet tube 4 is formed integrally with the beverage bag and pulled out of the box. Yes. This opaque lead-out tube 4 is sandwiched between a rotor 5A and an arm 5B of a pump (peristaltic pump) 5 via a sensor 13 for detecting sold-out, and a pinch member 19 provided below the pump 5 Thus, the lower end of the outlet tube 4 is drawn out. The pump 5 extrudes the concentrated raw material while sequentially handling the outlet tube 4 by a plurality of rollers attached to the rotor 5A.

  The lower end of the outlet tube 4 is attached so as to face the upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle 6. A dilution water nozzle 7 is provided adjacent to the lower end of the outlet tube 4. Here, the receiving nozzle 6 is formed with an upper surface opened corresponding to the lower end of the outlet tube 4 and the lower end of the dilution water nozzle 7 positioned above, and the lower end is a beverage communicating with the upper surface opening. A discharge port 6A is formed. At this time, it is assumed that the upper end of the receiving nozzle 6 is provided so as to be separated from the tip of the outlet tube 4 and the tip of the dilution water nozzle 7. The receiving nozzle 6 is formed in a tapered shape from the upper end to the lower end, and the lower end is formed so as to be inclined to the vicinity of the composite nozzle 12 of the tank unit 31. Therefore, beverage ingredients such as syrup discharged from the outlet tube 4 and diluted water discharged from the dilution water nozzle 7 are received by the receiving nozzle 6 and then discharged from the beverage discharge port 6A at the lower end of the receiving nozzle 6. It is set as the structure.

  The dilution water line 89 connected to the dilution water nozzle 7 is located between the water pump 75 and the flow regulator 76 of the dilution water line 73 connected to the city water as shown in FIG. The dilution water line 89 is provided with a flow regulator 90 and a dilution water electromagnetic valve 91. Note that one dilution water line 89 is provided for each of the BIB units 32 and 32.

  Furthermore, the dilution water line 89 is connected to a BIB side gas supply line 92 having one end connected to the gas supply line 81 or a bypass line 86 connected to the gas supply line 81. A gas electromagnetic valve 93 is interposed in the BIB side gas supply line 92 and is branched and connected to both dilution water lines 89 and 89 on the downstream side of the gas electromagnetic valve 93. A solenoid valve 94 is provided on the upstream side of the flow regulator 90 of the dilution water line 89 to which the BIB side gas supply line 92 is connected, so that the inflow of gas to the upstream side can be prohibited. Has been.

  On the other hand, a table 14 having a drip tray is provided below the receiving nozzle 6 of the BIB unit 32 and the composite nozzle 12 of the tank unit 31, and a cup guided by a guide (not shown) may be disposed on the table 14. it can.

  The main body 2 is provided with a compressor and a condenser of a cooling device (not shown) for cooling dilution water and the like.

  With the above configuration, when the sales of the beverage from the BIB 3 are started, the pump 5 is driven during a preset sales time, and the concentrated raw material is discharged from the lower end of the outlet tube 4 to the receiving nozzle 6. Further, the dilution water electromagnetic valve 91 is opened, and the dilution water is discharged from the dilution water nozzle 7 to the receiving nozzle 6. When the set sales time has elapsed, the pump 5 is stopped, the dilution water electromagnetic valve 91 is closed, and the pinch member 19 is closed. As a result, the concentrated raw material in an amount determined in the above sales time is diluted with dilution water, and after a non-carbonated beverage of a predetermined concentration is mixed by the receiving nozzle 6, it is supplied into the cup from the beverage discharge port 6A. Will be.

  In the present embodiment, the dilution water discharged from the dilution water nozzle 7 is discharged to a smaller amount than the concentrated raw material discharged from the lead-out tube 4 and is less expensive than the concentrated raw material discharged from the lead-out tube 4. It is discharged until later. Accordingly, the dilution water is received by the receiving nozzle 6 prior to the concentrated raw material, and the dilution water is received by the receiving nozzle 6 even after the concentrated raw material. The inconvenience that the concentrated raw material sticks to the nozzle 6 can be suppressed.

  Further, at this time, the dilution water discharged from the dilution water nozzle 7 is discharged at a predetermined angle with respect to the opening on the upper surface of the receiving nozzle 6, so that the dilution water runs along the entire inner surface of the receiving nozzle 6. In this way, the discharge may be performed while forming the film.

  In this case, the concentrated raw material discharged from the BIB 3 outlet tube 4 and the dilution water discharged from the dilution water nozzle 7 are discharged from the beverage via the receiving nozzle 6 whose tip extends to the vicinity of the composite nozzle 12. The target beverage is discharged from the outlet 6A. For this reason, the concentrated raw material from the BIB 3 and the dilution water nozzle 7 can be conveyed to the vicinity of the composite nozzle 12 by the receiving nozzle 6.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to concentrate the setting position of the cup which receives a drink raw material in one place. Therefore, the user does not need to confirm the cup setting position for each type of beverage ingredient, and convenience is improved. Moreover, since the receiving nozzle 6 is spaced apart below the tip of the outlet tube 4, contamination of the outlet tube 4 can be prevented.

  Moreover, BIB3 used in a present Example is what the derivation | leading-out tube 4 is integrally attached to the drink bag in BIB3. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the length of the outlet tube 4 is predetermined, the beverage from the BIB 3 can be easily transported in the vicinity of the composite nozzle 12 by using the receiving nozzle 6. It becomes possible and becomes particularly effective.

  When selling carbonated beverages, the electromagnetic valve 71 provided in any of the syrup lines 70 is opened, and syrup is discharged into the nozzle 12 from the syrup discharge port 8 shown in FIG. At the same time, the electromagnetic valve 83 provided in the carbonated water line 84 is opened, and carbonated water is discharged from the carbonated water / dilution water port 17 along the inner wall of the nozzle 12. As a result, the syrup and carbonated water discharged into the nozzle 12 are supplied into the cup through the opening at the lower end in a mixed state.

  When such a beverage is supplied, beverage ingredients such as syrup remain attached to the receiving nozzle 6 and the composite nozzle 12 and become dry and sticky. In addition, the concentrated raw material, syrup and carbonated / diluted water are scattered around these nozzles 6 and 12, resulting in contamination. Therefore, a cleaning operation is performed by the cleaning device 30 described below.

  First, the cleaning device 30 of the beverage dispenser 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The cleaning device 30 includes a cleaning nozzle 33 provided at a position below the receiving nozzle 6 and the composite nozzle 12, an electromagnetic pump (water supply pump) 34 provided on the side of the main body 2, and a steam generator 36 including a heater 35. A water tank 37 (only FIG. 7 is shown) as a water source, and an air pump 38.

  The cleaning nozzle 33 is a tubular member having a plurality of discharge ports 33A, 33A, and 33B that receive steam, hot water, which will be described later, and warm air, respectively, and jet upwards to positions corresponding to the nozzle 6 and the composite nozzle 12, respectively. The cleaning nozzle driving device 39 provided on the side surface of the main body 2 allows the receiving nozzle 6 and the composite nozzle 12 to move between a state where they are retracted rearward and a state corresponding to these nozzles.

  The cleaning nozzle driving device 39 is rotated in one direction by driving the nozzle moving motor 40 provided in the main body 2 and the nozzle moving motor 40 as shown in a partially enlarged vertical side view seen from the main body 2 side in FIG. And an arm 42 that can move back and forth as the cam 41 moves. An engaging portion 42A that opens downward is formed in the front portion of the arm 42, and the cleaning nozzle 33 is detachably held in the engaging portion 42A. The nozzle movement motor 40 is connected to a control device (not shown) and is controlled based on the control device.

  In addition, on the front surface of the main body 2, on both sides, the cleaning nozzle 33 is associated with the nozzles 6 and 12 as the cam 41 is rotated (FIG. 9) and is retracted rearward ( A directing plate 43 in which a long hole 43A is formed is provided for directing to FIG. Further, a guide member 44 is provided on the inner side of the directional plate 43. One end of the directional plate 43 is rotatably attached to the directional plate 43, and the other end is provided with a guide member 44 for detachably holding the cleaning nozzle 33. Accordingly, the cleaning nozzle 33 is moved forward and backward via the arm 42 by being driven by the nozzle moving motor 40 and is rotated about one end of the guide member 44, so that the length of the directing plate 43 can be smoothly smoothed. Move in the hole 43A. The cleaning nozzle 33 can move between a state in which the cleaning nozzle 33 is smoothly associated with the nozzles 6 and 12 and a state in which the cleaning nozzle 33 is retracted rearward.

  Further, a cover 48 that is rotatable upward about the upper end is attached to the front surface of the main body 2 located below the nozzles 6 and 12 and below the cleaning nozzle 33. In this embodiment, the cover 48 is a cover member that covers the cleaning nozzle 33 from below, and is opened and closed by a cover driving device (not shown). The cover driving device opens and closes the cover 48 by drivingly controlling the cover opening / closing motor 49, and the mechanism is substantially the same as that of the cleaning nozzle driving device 39.

  In the present embodiment, the cover 48 covers the cleaning nozzle 33 and the nozzles 6 and 12 below as described above, and the front of the cleaning nozzle 33 and the nozzles 6 and 12 is the door 28 and the main body 2. It is assumed that it is covered with a front plate (not shown).

  On the other hand, the electromagnetic pump 34 and the steam generator 36 provided are provided on the side surface of the main body 2 in the form of being housed in the housing case 51. The electromagnetic pump 34 is a pump that sends water stored in the water tank 37 to the steam generator 36 via the water pipe 52, and the water sent to the steam generator 36 is heated to a high temperature by the heater 35. After being heated, it is discharged to the cleaning nozzle 33 through a pipe 54 provided with an aspirator 53. The other end of the cleaning nozzle 33 is connected to a drain pipe 56 having a drain valve (drain valve device) 55 interposed therein, and the drain pipe 56 is opened toward the drip tray provided on the table 14. Has been.

  The aspirator 53 is connected to a pipe 58 having one end connected to the water tank 37 and an electromagnetic valve 57 interposed therebetween. Further, the aspirator 53 is connected to a pipe 60 having one end opened to the atmosphere and an electromagnetic valve 59 interposed. On the other hand, the air pump 38 is connected to the air solenoid valve 62 via a pipe 61, and the air solenoid valve 62 is connected to the steam generator 36 together with the water pipe 52 via a pipe 63. The electromagnetic pump 34, the heater 35, the air pump 38, the drain valve 55, the electromagnetic valves 57 and 59, and the air electromagnetic valve 62 are connected to the control device.

  With the above configuration, the operation of the cleaning apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. At the time of beverage sales before the cleaning operation of the receiving nozzle 6, the dilution water nozzle 7 and the composite nozzle 12 by the cleaning device 30 is started, the cleaning nozzle 33 is retracted backward as shown in FIGS. The cover 48 is assumed to be opened. First, when the washing button provided on the operation unit 27 provided on the door 28 of the beverage dispenser 1 is operated, the control device performs a washing preparation process, a steam injection process, a washing process (fountain process), a blow process, and a draining process. A drying process and an end process are sequentially executed.

  In the cleaning preparation process, the control device controls the driving of the cover opening / closing motor 49 and closes the cover 48 by the cover driving device (the cover 48 is closed and the cleaning nozzle 33 is retracted, see FIGS. 11 and 12). . Thereafter, drive control of the nozzle moving motor 40 is performed, and the cleaning nozzle 33 is moved from the state where the cleaning nozzle 33 is retracted by the cleaning nozzle driving device 39 to the state corresponding to the receiving nozzle 6 and the composite nozzle 12 (the cover 48 is closed and the cleaning is performed). A state in which the nozzle 33 corresponds to each nozzle.) Thereby, the cleaning preparation process is completed, and then the process proceeds to the steam injection process.

  In the steam injection process, the control device energizes the heater 35 of the steam generator 36 and operates the electromagnetic pump 34. Further, only the drain valve 55 is opened, and the solenoid valves 57 and 59 and the air solenoid valve 62 are closed. The air pump 38 is also stopped. Thereby, the water sucked up from the water tank 37 by the electromagnetic pump 34 is sent to the steam generator 36 via the pipe 52. In the steam generator 36, since the heater 35 is energized, the inflowing water flows into the cleaning nozzle 33 through the aspirator 53 and the pipe 54 in a steam state.

  The steam that has flowed into the cleaning nozzle 33 is jetted upward from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B. The sprayed steam is blown to the outer surface of each nozzle 6, 12 and the periphery and inner surface thereof, in particular, the top surface to which the composite nozzle 12 that is easily contaminated due to scattering of concentrated raw materials and syrup is attached. At this time, since the temperature of the steam is as high as + 80 ° C. to + 90 ° C., the inner and outer surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12, syrup and other dirt adhering to the periphery thereof are, for example, dried and stuck. It dissolves quickly even if it exists.

  In the present embodiment, since the heater 35 has a capability of generating steam continuously for about 30 seconds, for example, in the steam injection process, the heater 35 is operated for a predetermined time after operation for about 30 seconds continuously. It is assumed that the preheating operation is performed, and steam is injected again by the electromagnetic pump 34. In this embodiment, steam injection for about 30 seconds is performed a few times.

  At this time, since the drain valve 55 is opened, the water whose temperature has decreased from steam to water while passing through the cleaning nozzle 33 passes from the drain pipe 56 to the drip tray via the drain valve 55. Drained. Thereby, since it is possible to discharge the water whose temperature has dropped in the cleaning nozzle 33, only high-temperature steam can be discharged to the nozzles 6 and 12 from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, and 33B. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the temperature drop of the steam, and it is possible to more effectively dissolve the syrup and other dirt attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 and the periphery thereof.

  After the steam injection process is finished, the control device shifts to a washing process (fountain process). In the washing process, the control device continuously energizes the heater 35 of the steam generator 36 and operates the electromagnetic pump 34. Further, the drain valve 55 is closed and the electromagnetic valve 57 is opened. At this time, the solenoid valve 59 and the air solenoid valve 62 are continuously closed. The air pump 38 is also stopped. As a result, the water sucked into the aspirator 53 from the water tank 37 via the pipe 58 by the venturi effect of the aspirator 53 is heated by the steam generated by the heater 35 in the same manner as in the steam injection process, and is in a hot water state. Is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 33.

  The hot water that has flowed into the cleaning nozzle 33 is jetted upward from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B. The sprayed hot water is sprayed on the outer surface of each nozzle 6, 12 and its surroundings and inner surface. This removes the lower part of the inner surface of the nozzle 6, the inner surface of the nozzle 12, the beverage ingredients and other dirt adhering to the outer surfaces of these nozzles 6, 12 and the periphery thereof, and further the dirt lifted up in the steam injection process. .

  In the washing step, the fountain for about 30 seconds is performed two or three times as in the steam injection step. At this time, since the drain valve 55 is closed, the hot water flowing into the cleaning nozzle 33 is discharged from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B without escaping to the drain pipe 56 provided with the drain valve 55. The As a result, it is possible to ensure the momentum at which hot water is discharged, and the nozzles 6 and 12 can be cleaned effectively.

  In particular, in the flushing process, it is possible to improve the cleaning effect in the flushing process by using the steam used in the steam injection process, and a high cleaning capability can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  Further, in this flushing process, the control device opens the dilution water electromagnetic valve 91, discharges the dilution water to the receiving nozzle 6 from above, and floats in the steam injection process on dirt adhered to the inner surface of the receiving nozzle 6. Remove the raised dirt. In particular, in this case, since the receiving nozzle 6 is attached to be inclined toward the vicinity of the composite nozzle 12, it is difficult for hot water sprayed from the lower side to reach the interior of the receiving nozzle 6. By discharging the diluting water used as the diluting water from the diluting water nozzle 7, the receiving nozzle 6 can wash away the dirt with the diluting water from above. Thereby, the cleaning effect is further enhanced. Further, at this time, unlike the case where cleaning water is sprayed from below to the dilution water nozzle 7 by supplying dilution water from the dilution water nozzle 7 to the receiving nozzle 6, the tip of the outlet tube 4. It becomes possible to make it the structure which the water for dirt removal does not hit.

  As a result, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the concentrated raw material staying at the tip of the outlet tube 4 due to surface tension or the like is diluted with cleaning water, and deteriorates or decays. Further, since the cleaning water does not hit the leading end of the outlet tube 4, it can be kept hygienic.

  In this embodiment, since the diluting water is discharged to the receiving nozzle 6 as described above in the rinsing process, this is referred to as the rinsing process, but the diluting water is discharged to the receiving nozzle 6. If not, it may be referred to as a fountain process.

  In this embodiment, warm water is sprayed to both the receiving nozzle 6 and the composite nozzle 12 in the washing step. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cleaning nozzle 33 that ejects steam. Separately, a cleaning nozzle in which a discharge port is formed only at a portion corresponding to the composite nozzle 12 is provided, and thereby, in the washing process, hot water may be discharged from below the composite nozzle 12 to wash away dirt inside. And Moreover, what is discharged from the said washing nozzle is not limited to warm water, It shall be water or carbonated water. The carbonated water used at this time may be carbonated water generated in the carbonator 78 as described above.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience that hot water or the like discharged from the cleaning nozzle 33 reaches the upper side of the receiving nozzle 6, that is, the tip of the outlet tube 4. The disadvantage that the concentrated raw material to be maintained is diluted can be suppressed. Therefore, it becomes possible to keep the concentrated raw material more hygienic.

  After the flushing process is finished, the control device shifts to the blowing process. In the blow process, the control device stops energization of the heater 35 of the steam generator 36 and stops the electromagnetic pump 34. Further, the electromagnetic valves 57 and 59 are closed, and the drain valve 55 is opened. Further, the control device opens the dilution water electromagnetic valves 83 and 91 provided in the dilution water lines 84 and 89, and further opens the gas electromagnetic valves 87 and 93, so that each dilution water line 84 and 89 and the gas supply line are opened. 81 is communicated. The water inlet solenoid valve 74 is closed and the water pump 75 is not operated.

  As a result, gas flows from the gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide gas into the dilution water lines 84 and 89 via the gas supply line 81, the bypass line 86, or the BIB side gas supply line 92, and the dilution water in the line is Replaced with gas. Therefore, the diluting water or carbonated water that has stayed in the diluting water lines 84 and 89 and the carbonated water / diluted water port 17 in the nozzle 12 is discharged from the nozzle 12, thereby washing away the dirt in the nozzle 12. It becomes possible.

  The carbon dioxide gas that has reached the composite nozzle 12 via the dilution water line 84 is discharged from the composite nozzle 12 via the carbonated water / dilution water port 17. At this time, the dilution water line 84 located on the downstream side of the check valve 88 is dried by gas blowing, so that the situation where the dilution water always stays and mold is likely to occur can be improved. In particular, the carbonated water / dilution water port 17 formed in a ring shape of the composite nozzle 12 where dilution water is likely to stay at all times is similarly dried by gas blow, and thus mold that tends to occur when dilution water stays there. It becomes possible to suppress the propagation of various germs such as.

  On the other hand, the inside of the dilution water nozzle 7 can also be dried by gas blowing with the carbon dioxide gas that has reached the dilution water nozzle 7 via the dilution water line 89. In particular, the dilution water nozzle 7 has a shape in which the tip is bent downward, and mold is likely to be generated by the dilution water staying at the bent portion. By substituting with gas, the inside of the dilution water nozzle 7 can be effectively dried, and the propagation of germs such as mold can be suppressed.

  Thereby, it is possible to effectively dry the dilution water lines 84 and 89 that cannot be dried by hot air from the outside or natural drying, the carbonated water / dilution water port 17 of the composite nozzle 12, and the dilution water nozzle 7. It becomes possible and it becomes possible to hold | maintain hygienically.

  After the blow process is completed, the control device shifts to a draining process. In the draining process, the control device again energizes the heater 35 of the steam generator 36 and operates the electromagnetic pump 34. Further, the electromagnetic valve 57 is closed, and the electromagnetic valve 59 and the drain valve 55 are opened. At this time, the air solenoid valve 62 is continuously closed. The air pump 38 is also stopped. Thereby, air in the atmosphere is sucked into the aspirator 53 through the pipe 60 by the venturi effect of the aspirator 53. At this time, since the steam generated by the heater 35 is supplied to the aspirator 53 as in the steam injection step, the air heated by the steam, that is, warm air and steam are supplied to the cleaning nozzle 33. The

  Thereby, in the draining step, hot air mixed with steam is jetted upward from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B of the cleaning nozzle 33. The sprayed hot air mixed with steam is blown to the outer surface of each nozzle 6, 7, 12 or the periphery and the inner surface thereof, whereby water droplets adhering to the surface of each nozzle 6, 12 are blown off in the washing process. In particular, since the hot air is hot air containing high-temperature steam, the hot air can be quickly and reliably washed, sterilized, and dried.

  Further, in the draining process, carbon dioxide gas is ejected from the cleaning nozzle in which the discharge port is formed only in the portion corresponding to the composite nozzle 12 described above. As a result, water droplets adhering to the inner surface, the outer surface, and the periphery of the composite nozzle 12 can be blown off.

  In particular, in such a draining process, it is possible to improve the water droplet removal ability in the draining process using steam used in the steam injection process, and a high cleaning / drying ability can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  At this time, since the drain valve 55 is opened, the water whose temperature has decreased from steam to water while passing through the cleaning nozzle 33 passes from the drain pipe 56 to the drip tray via the drain valve 55. Drained. As a result, water whose temperature has dropped in the cleaning nozzle 33 can be discharged, so that only high-temperature steam can be discharged to the nozzles 6 and 12 from the discharge ports 33A, 33A and 33B. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a drop in the temperature of the steam, and it is possible to effectively blow off water droplets attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 and the periphery thereof. Moreover, it can suppress that a cleaning capability and a drying capability fall.

  After performing the draining process as described above for a predetermined time, the control device shifts to the drying process. In the drying process, the controller continuously energizes the heater 35 of the steam generator 36. The electromagnetic pump 34 stops operating, while the air pump 38 is operated. Further, the air electromagnetic valve 62 is opened, and the drain valve 55 and the electromagnetic valves 57 and 59 are closed. Thereby, the air taken in from the air pump 38 is supplied to the washing nozzle 33 in the state of warm air in the heater 35.

  The warm air that has flowed into the cleaning nozzle 33 is ejected upward from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B. The jetted warm air is blown to the outer surface of each nozzle 6, 12, its periphery and inner surface. Water droplets attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 and the periphery thereof are blown off and dried by heat and wind. Thereby, effective drying by warm air can be realized. At this time, since the drain valve 55 is closed, warm air can be effectively discharged from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B, and effective drying can be realized.

  This drying step is continued after a predetermined time, and then ends. Thereby, the nozzles 6 and 12 can be kept hygienic by drying the nozzles 6 and 12. Thereby, use of a suitable drink supply nozzle 6,7,12 is attained. In the present embodiment, the drying process is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the drying process is continuously performed until the start of business, and is arbitrarily dried by the user at the start of business. The process may be terminated.

  After finishing the drying step, the process proceeds to the end step. In the ending process, the control device performs drive control of the nozzle moving motor 40, and the cleaning nozzle drive device 39 moves the cleaning nozzle 33 from the state corresponding to each of the nozzles 6 and 12 to the retracted state. Thereafter, drive control of the cover opening / closing motor 49 is performed, and the cover 48 is opened by the cover driving device. Thereby, an end process is complete | finished and a drink can be supplied from each nozzle 6 and 12, without the washing nozzle 33 and the cover 48 interfering.

  In addition, since the residual raw material of the carbonated water / dilution water port 17 in the nozzle 7 and the nozzle 12 is eliminated by such cleaning, and the syrup in the vicinity of each syrup discharge port 8 in the nozzle 12 is diluted by steam cleaning, When the store is opened the next day, for example, the concentrated raw material is dispensed from the syrup discharge port 8 and the outlet tube 4 in the nozzle 12, the concentrated raw material in the tube 4 is discarded, and from the carbonated water / dilution water port 17 and the nozzle 7 in the nozzle 12. For example, the diluted water and carbonated water are dispensed to the full, and the tube 4 is filled with the diluted water and carbonated water to enter a sales standby state.

  With the above configuration, in the present invention, in the cleaning operation, a steam injection process for injecting high-temperature steam to each nozzle 6, 12, hot water, diluted water, or carbonated water is supplied to each nozzle 6, 12, and nozzle 7 A washing process for discharging dilution water from the nozzle, a blowing process for injecting gas from the upstream side of the line for supplying dilution water as a beverage ingredient to the nozzles 6, 7, and 12, and drying for drying the surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 Therefore, the beverage ingredients stuck to the nozzles 6 and 12 can be quickly and reliably removed, and propagation of germs can be suppressed by the high-temperature steam. Further, the nozzles 6 and 12 can be more effectively removed by washing the dirt floating from the surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 with hot water with hot water. Further, as described above, by discharging the dilution water from above the receiving nozzle 6, it becomes possible to effectively wash away the dirt in the receiving nozzle 6.

  Further, in the blow process, gas is ejected from the upstream side of the dilution water supply line, so that the inside of the dilution water supply lines 84 and 89 and the dilution water nozzle 7 and the carbonated water / dilution water port 17 of the composite nozzle 12 are effective. Can be dried. Further, by drying in the drying step, it is possible to remarkably suppress the inconvenience that germs propagate on the surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 after washing, and it is possible to maintain the nozzles 6, 7 and 12 in a sanitary manner.

  Further, since the carbon dioxide used in the blow process uses carbon dioxide for use in the production of carbonated water, the blow process is executed without providing a carbon dioxide supply means used in the blow process. be able to. Thereby, it becomes possible to replace the supply path of the beverage raw material with gas without adding a special member, and it becomes possible to use it hygienically without increasing the cost.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the water droplets remaining on the surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 are performed by performing the draining step for removing the water droplets on the surfaces of the nozzles 6 and 12 after the washing step and before the drying step. By reducing the value, the subsequent drying step can be performed efficiently. Thereby, each nozzle 6 and 12 can be dried efficiently. In this embodiment, the draining process is performed after the blowing process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the blowing process may be performed after the draining process.

  Further, since the steam is filled around the nozzles 6 and 12 in the cover 48, the effect of suppressing the washing and germ growth is further improved. Further, as described above, even after the cleaning operation is completed, the nozzles 6, 7, 12 are covered with the cover 48, so that, for example, the nozzles 6, 7, 12 are exposed to the outside air during standby after the business is completed. Can be avoided.

  In addition to the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a shutter 97 may be provided between the receiving nozzle 6 and the tip of the outlet tube 4 and the dilution water nozzle 7. The shutter 97 blocks the gap between the receiving nozzle 6 and the tip of the outlet tube 4 and the diluting water nozzle 7 by driving the motor 98 by the control device at the start of the steam injection process as described above, and ejects from below. It is good also as a structure which the vapor | steam, warm water, etc. which do not penetrate | invade into the derivation tube 4. In addition, after the flushing process is completed through the steam injection process, the shutter 97 is opened by driving the motor 98 by the control device.

  This makes it possible to confine steam, hot water, or the like in the receiving nozzle 6, and this also dilutes and deteriorates the syrup that stays in the distal end of the outlet tube 4 positioned above the receiving nozzle 6 due to surface tension or the like. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of corruption. Further, by adopting a configuration in which the outlet tube 4 is not exposed to steam, hot water, or the like, it is possible to suppress inconvenience that the distal end of the tube 4 deteriorates. In such a case, water supply from the dilution water nozzle 7 in the washing process is not performed.

  Further, the control device drives the cleaning nozzle 33 by the cleaning nozzle driving device 39 to a state where the cleaning nozzle 33 is retracted from the beverage supply nozzles 6 and 12 and a state corresponding to the nozzles 6 and 12. An appropriate position can be obtained at the time of washing and at the time of beverage sales. That is, at the time of cleaning, the cleaning nozzle 33 is made to correspond to the nozzles 6 and 12 by the cleaning nozzle drive device 39, so that the cleaning operation of the nozzles 6 and 12 can be executed smoothly. In addition, when the beverage is supplied, that is, when the beverage is sold, the beverage can be supplied without interfering with the nozzles 6 and 12 by retracting the washing nozzle 33.

  In the cleaning, the cleaning nozzle 33 may be swung repeatedly by the cleaning nozzle driving device 39 to move between the retracted state and the state corresponding to the nozzles 6 and 12. As a result, high-temperature steam, hot water, drying air, and the like can be effectively ejected from the cleaning nozzle 33 to the nozzles 6 and 12. Thereby, the cleaning / drying effect can be more effectively performed.

  In this embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 33 is moved in accordance with the arc formed by the guide member 44 so as to be movable in both states. However, the movement is not limited to this movement. Also good.

  Further, since the cleaning nozzle 33 in this embodiment is detachably attached to the engaging portion 42A of the arm 42, the cleaning nozzle 33 and the cleaning nozzle driving device 39 can be removed, and the cleaning nozzle 33 is cleaned. Is possible. As a result, it is possible to effectively clean the scales and the chalk attached to the cleaning nozzle 33, and a smooth cleaning operation can be executed.

  In the present embodiment, in each process in the cleaning operation, high temperature steam, hot water, or hot air mixed with steam is discharged from the discharge ports 3A, 33A, 33B of the same cleaning nozzle 33. The apparatus can be miniaturized and the configuration of piping and the like can be simplified.

  In this embodiment, in the washing process, the water in the water tank 37 is sucked using the venturi effect by the aspirator 53, and hot water is jetted from the discharge ports 33A, 33A, 33B of the washing nozzle 33. In addition to this, a gear pump may be used.

  In the present embodiment, in the washing step, the electromagnetic pump 34 is operated and steam is generated to raise the temperature of the washing water. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and normal temperature water is used as the fountain. It may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the air supplied by the air pump 38 is sent to the cleaning nozzle 33 in the drying process. However, other than this, a duct for discharging the dry air to the front surface of the main body 2 is configured. The nozzles 6, 7, and 12 may be dried by using a blower such as a sirocco fan.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to use water in which a detergent is contained in the water tank 37, that is, cleaning liquid, in the water used in the cleaning operation. As a result, the cleaning ability of the nozzles 6, 7, and 12 is improved, and even dirt that cannot be removed in a normal cleaning operation can be effectively removed.

It is a front view of a drink dispenser (sales state which opened the cover and retracted the washing nozzle). It is an internal piping block diagram of the drink dispenser of FIG. It is a front view of the state which removed the front door of FIG. It is an expansion vertical side view of a nozzle. FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical front view of the cleaning device portion of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a partial side view of FIG. 5. It is a schematic block diagram of a washing | cleaning apparatus. It is the elements on larger scale in the state where the cover was closed and the washing nozzle was withdrawn (during the washing preparation process). It is the elements on larger scale of the state where the cover was closed and the washing nozzle was made to correspond to the drink supply nozzle (washing process). It is a figure explaining each washing process. It is a figure which shows the state which closed the cover of FIG. 5 (The state which closed the cover and retracted the washing nozzle). It is a partial side view of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale near the receiving nozzle of another Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Beverage dispenser
2 body
3 BIB
4 Outlet tube
6 Receiving nozzle
6A Beverage outlet 7 Dilution water nozzle
8 Syrup outlet
12 Compound nozzle
17 Carbonated water / dilution port
30 Cleaning device 31 Tank unit
32 BIB unit
33 Cleaning nozzle 33A, 33B Discharge port 34 Electromagnetic pump (water supply pump)
35 Heating heater 36 Steam generator 37 Water tank 38 Air pump 39 Washing nozzle drive device 55 Drain valve 57, 59, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D Solenoid valve 62 Air solenoid valve 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D Syrup line 72A, 72B , 72C, 72D, 76, 82, 90 Flow regulator 73 Dilution water line 78 Carbonator 81, 92 Gas supply line 83 Carbonated water solenoid valve 84 Carbonated water line 86 Bypass line 87, 93 Gas solenoid valve 89 Dilution water line 91 Dilution water electromagnetic Valve 97 Shutter 98 Motor

Claims (6)

In a beverage dispenser for deriving the beverage raw material via a tube drawn from a beverage supply source storing the beverage raw material,
A receiving nozzle having an upper surface opening and a beverage discharge port formed at the lower end, spaced apart below the tube tip;
A beverage dispenser comprising a dilution water nozzle for supplying water to an upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle.   The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dilution water nozzle supplies water while forming a film along the entire inner surface of the receiving nozzle.   The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage supply source is composed of BIB (Bag in Box), and the tube is integrally attached to a beverage bag in the BIB. Equipped with a predetermined cleaning device,
A steam injection step for injecting high-temperature steam into the receiving nozzle from the beverage discharge port by the cleaning device, and water is supplied from the dilution water nozzle into the receiving nozzle from the upper surface opening after the completion of the steam injection step. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the washing step is performed.   The beverage dispenser according to claim 4, wherein a drying step of drying the receiving nozzle is performed after the flushing step.   6. The shutter according to claim 4, further comprising a shutter that closes an upper surface opening of the receiving nozzle so as to be freely opened and closed. Beverage dispenser.

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