JP2007141141A - Syrup detection circuit for beverage supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a situation such that an electromagnetic pump side is lower in pressure than a storage part side with a solenoid valve as the boundary. <P>SOLUTION: An opening and closing valve 50e opened and closed to the atmosphere is provided at a portion between the electromagnetic pump 50c and the solenoid valve 50d of a suction pipe 50f. In retrying operation or replacing operation of a bag in box 26, the solenoid valve 50d is closed to stop the electromagnetic pump 50c, and the opening and closing valve 50e is opened to open the suction pipe 50f between the pump 50c and the valve 50d to the atmosphere. Regardless of the inertia of the pump 50c, therefore, the pressure on the pump 50c side is kept higher than on the storage part 50a (syrup supply pipe 26a) side with the valve 50d as the boundary. Consequently, the pump 50c side is prevented from being lower in pressure than the storage part 50a side with the valve 50d as the boundary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage supply device (cup-type beverage vending machine) that provides a syrup beverage obtained by diluting a syrup stock solution with dilution water, and relates to a syrup detection circuit of a beverage supply device that detects the presence or absence of a syrup stock solution.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a beverage supply device that takes out a syrup stock solution from a bag-in-box containing the syrup stock solution and cooks a syrup beverage. Some beverage supply apparatuses of this type include a syrup detection circuit that detects the presence or absence of a syrup stock solution inside a bag-in-box. As shown in FIG. 5, the bag-in-box 26 is connected to a syrup supply pipe 26a that reaches the bend stage on which the cup C is placed. The bag-in-box 26 is sucked by a syrup pump 26b provided in the syrup supply pipe 26a. 26 syrup stock solution is supplied to cup C. The syrup detection circuit 50 is interposed in a syrup supply pipe 26a between the bag-in box 26 and the syrup pump 26b, and stores a predetermined amount (for example, an amount used for one drink) of a syrup stock solution, A detection sensor 50b comprising a pair of electrodes for detecting the syrup stock solution in the storage unit 50a, and an electromagnetic pump 50c for sucking the syrup stock solution in the bag-in-box 26 into the storage unit 50a via a suction pipe 50f connected to the storage unit 50a. The electromagnetic valve 50d opens and closes the suction pipe 50f. Note that in a general beverage supply device, in order to cook a plurality of syrup beverages, a syrup pump 26b is provided in each syrup supply pipe 26a connected to a plurality of bag-in boxes 26 as shown in FIG. A syrup detection circuit 50 corresponding to the back-in box 26 is provided, and only the electromagnetic pump 50c is connected in common with each electromagnetic valve 50d.

  In the syrup detection circuit 50 shown in FIG. 5, when the syrup stock solution is stored in the storage unit 50 a, the detection sensor 50 b detects that the syrup stock solution is in the bag in box 26 by contacting the syrup stock solution. On the other hand, the syrup detection circuit 50 detects that there is no syrup raw material in the bag-in-box 26 because the detection sensor 50b is not in contact with the syrup stock solution when the stock syrup solution is not stored in the storage unit 50a. Further, the electromagnetic valve 50d and the electromagnetic pump 50c operate when replacing the bag-in-box 26 or when retrying when the detection sensor 50b is not in contact with the syrup stock solution. That is, when replacing the bag-in box 26, when a new bag-in box 26 is connected to the syrup supply pipe 26a, the electromagnetic valve 50d corresponding to the connected bag-in box 26 is opened and the electromagnetic pump 50c is operated. The syrup stock solution is sucked from 26 and stored in the storage unit 50a, and then the electromagnetic valve 50d is closed to stop the electromagnetic pump 50c. Further, when retrying, the electromagnetic valve 50d corresponding to the corresponding reservoir 50a is opened and the electromagnetic pump 50c is operated to check whether the detection sensor 50b detects the syrup stock solution, and then the electromagnetic valve 50d is closed. The electromagnetic pump 50c is stopped.

  By the way, in order to detect the presence or absence of syrup supplied from a syrup tank via a pipe, there is one provided with a syrup detection unit in which a pair of electrodes are arranged in the middle of the pipe (for example, see Patent Document 1). Moreover, in order to detect the residual amount of the syrup raw material in a bag-in-box, there exists what was equipped with the weight sensor which detects the weight of the said bag-in-box (for example, refer patent document 2).

JP 2001-52256 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230637

  In the conventional syrup detection circuit 50 shown in FIG. 5, there is a pressure difference between the storage unit 50a (syrup supply pipe 26a) side and the electromagnetic pump 50c side with the electromagnetic valve 50d as a boundary, and the electromagnetic pump 50c side is the storage unit 50a side. The pressure is lower than that. The cause is that when the electromagnetic pump 50c is stopped after the electromagnetic valve 50d is closed as described above, a negative pressure is generated in the suction pipe 50f between the electromagnetic valve 50d and the electromagnetic pump 50c due to the inertia of the electromagnetic pump 50c. . In addition, in the configuration including the plurality of bag-in boxes 26 as described above, the electromagnetic pump 50c is closed when the bag-in box 26 is replaced because the electromagnetic valve 50d corresponding to the bag-in box 26 that is not replaced is closed. This is because negative pressure is generated in the suction pipe 50f between the closed electromagnetic valve 50d and the electromagnetic pump 50c when the pump is operated. On the other hand, the electromagnetic valve 50d has vibration during operation of the syrup pump 26b, vibration during operation of a cup supply mechanism (not shown) when the beverage supply device is adapted to a cup-type beverage vending machine, and beverage supply. Chattering occurs due to vibrations when the casing door of the device is opened and closed.

  Thus, when chattering occurs in the electromagnetic valve 50d when the electromagnetic pump 50c side is lower in pressure than the storage portion 50a with the electromagnetic valve 50d as a boundary, the syrup stock solution is sucked from the electromagnetic valve 50d to the electromagnetic pump 50c side. Thus, the electromagnetic pump 50c may be reached, and the electromagnetic valve 50d and the electromagnetic pump 50c may malfunction. For this reason, the electromagnetic valve 50d and the electromagnetic pump 50c cannot be operated when the bag-in-box 26 is replaced or retried. That is, the bag in box 26 cannot be replaced. Further, it is erroneously detected that there is no syrup stock solution even though the syrup stock solution still exists in the bag in box 26. As a result, there is a problem that the syrup stock solution cannot be supplied.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a syrup detection circuit for a beverage supply device that can prevent a situation in which an electromagnetic pump side has a lower pressure than a storage unit side with an electromagnetic valve as a boundary.

  In order to achieve the above object, a syrup detection circuit of a beverage supply device according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that a syrup pump is provided in a supply pipe from a bag-in-box containing syrup stock solution to a bend stage, and the bag-in The present invention relates to a beverage supply device that sucks syrup stock solution from a box and supplies it to the bend stage, a storage unit that temporarily stores the syrup stock solution in the middle of the supply pipe, and a detection sensor that detects the syrup stock solution stored in the storage unit And an electromagnetic pump for sucking the syrup stock solution of the bag-in-box into the storage part via a suction pipe connected to the storage part in a manner branched from the supply pipe, and an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the suction pipe. A syrup detection circuit for a beverage supply apparatus, wherein the syrup detection circuit is provided at a portion of the suction pipe between the electromagnetic pump and the electromagnetic valve. Characterized by comprising an opening and closing valve which opens and closes with respect to the atmosphere a Te.

  The syrup detection circuit of the beverage supply device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the syrup detection circuit according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic valve is closed and the operation of the electromagnetic pump is stopped, then the open / close valve is opened and a predetermined time passes. It has the control part which closes an on-off valve.

  The syrup detection circuit of the beverage supply device according to the present invention includes an opening / closing valve that opens and closes to the atmosphere at a portion between the electromagnetic pump and the electromagnetic valve of the suction pipe. For this reason, the pressure on the electromagnetic pump side is maintained higher than that on the reservoir (supply piping) side with the electromagnetic valve as a boundary. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where the electromagnetic pump side has a lower pressure than the storage unit side with the electromagnetic valve as a boundary.

  In addition, after closing the electromagnetic valve to stop the electromagnetic pump, the opening / closing valve is opened to open the suction pipe between the electromagnetic pump and the electromagnetic valve to the atmosphere. For this reason, regardless of the inertia of the electromagnetic pump, the pressure on the electromagnetic pump side is maintained higher than that on the storage part (supply pipe) side with the electromagnetic valve as a boundary. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where the electromagnetic pump side has a lower pressure than the storage unit side with the electromagnetic valve as a boundary.

  Therefore, even if chattering occurs in the electromagnetic valve due to vibration during operation of the syrup pump, vibration during operation of each drive mechanism, vibration during opening and closing of the housing door of the beverage supply device, etc. Since the pressure on the electromagnetic pump side is maintained higher than the storage part (supply piping) side, the syrup stock solution is not sucked from the electromagnetic valve to the electromagnetic pump side. As a result, it is possible to operate the electromagnetic valve and the electromagnetic pump during the bag-in-box replacement operation or the retry operation, thereby preventing the situation where the syrup stock solution cannot be supplied.

  Exemplary embodiments of a syrup detection circuit of a beverage supply device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a beverage supply device to which a syrup detection circuit according to the present invention is applied.

  The beverage supply apparatus 1 illustrated here includes a syrup beverage supply unit 2 for feeding syrup beverage to a cup C which is a beverage container conveyed to the bend stage S by a cup supply mechanism (not shown). Yes.

  The syrup beverage supply unit 2 includes a water reservoir 21, an ice making machine 22, and a cooling water tank 23.

  The water reservoir 21 stores water (tap water) supplied from the water supply.

  The ice making machine 22 is connected to the water reservoir 21 via an ice making water introduction pipe 21a. The ice making machine 22 produces ice using the water transferred from the water reservoir 21 through the ice making water introduction pipe 21a, and stores the ice. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, the ice making machine 22 has a screw-shaped auger disposed inside a cylindrical agitator as an ice making unit, and cuts ice generated in the cylinder of the agitator with an auger rotated by a motor. While pushing up. A fixed blade is provided at the upper part of the agitator, and the ice pushed up by the auger by the fixed blade is compressed into chip-shaped ice. In addition, a stocker for storing the produced chip-shaped ice is provided above the agitator. Then, a necessary amount of ice produced by the ice making machine 22 is put into the cup C from the stocker through the ice supply pipe 22a.

  The cooling water tank 23 is mainly used to generate cooling water (dilution water), and is a water tank that stores cooling water 23a. In the cooling water tank 23, the water cooling coil 24, the carbonator 25, and a part of the syrup supply pipe 26a connected to the bag-in-box 26 are arranged in a form immersed in the cooling water 23a.

  The water cooling coil 24 is connected to the water reservoir 21 via a drinking water supply pipe 21c having a water pump 21b. The water cooling coil 24 cools the water transferred from the water reservoir 21 through the drinking water supply pipe 21c and generates cooling water. A necessary amount of the cooling water generated by the water cooling coil 24 is introduced into the cup C through the cooling water supply pipe 24b having the cooling water valve 24a.

  The carbonator 25 is connected to the carbon dioxide cylinder 27 via a carbon dioxide introduction pipe 27a, and is connected to the middle of the cooling water supply pipe 24b via a check valve 25a. The carbonator 25 mixes the carbon dioxide gas transferred from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 27 with the cooling water transferred from the water cooling coil 24 via the cooling water supply pipe 24b to generate carbonated water. A required amount of carbonated water generated by the carbonator 25 is introduced into the cup C through a carbonated water supply pipe 25c having a carbonated water valve 25b.

  The bag-in-box 26 is a syrup stock solution manufacturing facility in which a flexible synthetic resin bag is filled and sealed with a syrup stock solution. The bag-in-box 26 has a discharge port (not shown) for discharging the syrup stock solution connected to the syrup supply pipe 26a. The syrup supply pipe 26a is arranged to reach the bend stage S, and a syrup pump 26b is provided in the middle thereof. The syrup pump 26b is a piston type equipped with a check valve, and sucks the syrup stock solution inside the bag-in-box 26 through the syrup supply pipe 26a, while a predetermined amount (for example, one drink) Min) of the syrup stock solution is retained, and the syrup stock solution retained during the suction of the syrup stock solution is supplied to the cup C. A part of the syrup supply pipe 26 a is immersed in the cooling water 23 a stored in the cooling water tank 23. Then, the syrup stock solution stored in the bag-in-box 26 is put into the cup C through the syrup supply pipe 26a by suction by the syrup pump 26b. At this time, a negative pressure is generated in the syrup supply pipe 26a between the bag-in box 26 and the syrup pump 26b by the operation of the syrup pump 26b. In the beverage supply apparatus according to the present embodiment, a plurality of bag-in boxes 26 are provided to cook a plurality of syrup beverages, and each syrup supply pipe 26a connected to each bag-in box 26 has a syrup pump 26b. Is provided.

  Although not clearly shown in the figure, the beverage supply device 1 described above has a beverage selection button for selecting each beverage. That is, in the beverage supply device 1, each beverage is provided by a desired beverage being put into the cup C placed on the bend stage S from the syrup beverage supply unit 2 by operating the beverage selection button. Although not shown in the figure, the beverage supply device 1 described above is configured as a cup-type beverage vending machine by including a charging unit such as a coin mechanism for processing coins and a bill validator for processing banknotes. is there.

  The syrup detection circuit of the present invention will be described below. First, the configuration of the syrup detection circuit will be described. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a syrup detection circuit according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a syrup detection circuit 50 is provided between the bag-in box 26 and the syrup pump 26 b in the syrup supply pipe 26 a of the syrup beverage supply unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the syrup detection circuit 50 is provided between the bag-in box 26 and the syrup pump 26 b in the syrup supply pipe 26 a from the bag-in box 26 to the bend stage S, and has a storage unit 50 a. And a detection sensor 50b, an electromagnetic pump 50c, an electromagnetic valve 50d, and an opening / closing valve 50e.

  The storage part 50a is interposed in the syrup supply pipe 26a, and constitutes a container for storing a predetermined amount (for example, an amount used for one drink) of syrup.

  The detection sensor 50b is disposed inside the storage unit 50a, and includes a pair of electrodes that come into contact with the syrup stock solution when a predetermined amount of the syrup stock solution is stored in the storage unit 50a.

  The electromagnetic pump 50c is provided in a suction pipe 50f connected to the storage section 50a in a manner branched from the syrup supply pipe 26a, and sucks the syrup stock solution of the bag-in-box 26 into the storage section 50a via the suction pipe 50f. It is.

  The electromagnetic valve 50d is provided at a portion between the storage portion 50a of the suction pipe 50f and the electromagnetic pump 50c, and opens and closes the suction pipe 50f.

  The on-off valve 50e is disposed in an open pipe 50g provided in a portion of the suction pipe 50f between the electromagnetic pump 50c and the electromagnetic valve 50d, and the electromagnetic pump 50c and the electromagnetic valve 50d are connected via the open pipe 50g. It is for opening and closing the suction pipe 50f between them with respect to the atmosphere.

  As described above, in the beverage supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of bag-in boxes 26 are provided in order to cook a plurality of syrup beverages. As shown in FIG. 2, the syrup detection circuit 50 is provided with a reservoir 50a in each syrup supply pipe 26a corresponding to each bag-in-box 26, and in each suction pipe 50f connected to each reservoir 50a. An electromagnetic valve 50d is provided, and a suction pipe 50f is gathered so that the electromagnetic valves 50d are arranged in parallel, and a single electromagnetic pump 50c is used in common. The open / close valve 50e is provided by connecting an open pipe 50g to the gathered suction pipe 50f.

  Next, the control system of the syrup detection circuit will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the syrup detection circuit shown in FIG.

  The beverage supply device 1 includes a beverage supply control unit (control unit) 100. The beverage supply control unit 100 operates a beverage selection button (not shown) to provide a beverage selection signal, and a syrup beverage supply unit for supplying beverages according to programs and data stored in the memory 101 in advance. It is for performing control. The beverage supply control unit 100 is connected to a syrup pump 26b, a detection sensor 50b, an electromagnetic pump 50c, an electromagnetic valve 50d, and an opening / closing valve 50e.

  Although not explicitly shown in the figure, the cup-type beverage vending machine to which the beverage supply device 1 is applied includes a beverage selection button and a vending machine control unit that processes input from a billing unit (coin mechanism / bill validator). Yes. The vending machine control unit gives a beverage selection signal to the beverage supply control unit 100 when the billing unit receives money and the beverage selection button is operated.

  Next, the operation of the syrup detection circuit will be described. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the syrup detection circuit shown in FIG.

  When a beverage selection signal is given by operating a beverage selection button (not shown), the beverage supply control unit 100 operates (ON) the syrup pump 26b for a predetermined time T1, as shown in FIG. A syrup stock solution (for example, for one drink) is put into cup C.

  When the syrup pump 26b is operated, when the detection sensor 50b is turned off when the electrode of the detection sensor 50b is separated from the syrup stock solution stored in the storage unit 50a as shown in FIG. In order to perform the retry operation, the electromagnetic pump 50c, the electromagnetic valve 50d, and the open / close valve 50e are controlled. That is, during the retry operation, the beverage supply control unit 100 opens the electromagnetic valve 50d corresponding to the corresponding storage unit 50a (ON), operates the electromagnetic pump 50c (ON), and the detection sensor 50b detects the syrup stock solution. Check whether or not. In this retry operation, when the electromagnetic valve 50d is opened and the electromagnetic pump 50c is operated, the detection sensor 50b is turned on when the electrode of the detection sensor 50b contacts the syrup stock solution stored in the storage section 50a as shown in FIG. When it becomes, the drink supply control part 100 closes the electromagnetic valve 50d (OFF), and stops the electromagnetic pump 50c (OFF). Next, the beverage supply control unit 100 opens the opening / closing valve 50e (ON) and closes it after the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (OFF). Furthermore, the beverage supply control unit 100 determines that “there is a syrup stock solution”, enables the supply of the beverage related to the corresponding syrup stock solution, and validates the operation of a beverage selection button (not shown) for the beverage.

  On the other hand, in the retry operation, when the electromagnetic valve 50d is opened (ON) and the electromagnetic pump 50c is operated (ON), a predetermined time (for example, an estimated time during which the syrup stock solution in the bag-in-box 26 is stored in the storage unit 50a) elapses. However, when the electrode of the detection sensor 50b remains away from the syrup stock solution stored in the storage unit 50a (still off), the beverage supply control unit 100 closes the electromagnetic valve 50d (OFF) and turns off the electromagnetic pump 50c. Stop (OFF). Next, the beverage supply control unit 100 opens the opening / closing valve 50e (ON) and closes it after the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (OFF). Furthermore, the beverage supply control unit 100 determines that “no syrup undiluted solution” is displayed, and displays a sold-out beverage related to the syrup undiluted solution corresponding to a display unit (not shown) provided in the casing of the beverage supply apparatus 1. The operation of the beverage selection button (not shown) of the beverage related to the corresponding syrup stock solution is invalidated. Here, the replacement of the bag-in-box 26 in which the syrup stock solution has disappeared is performed.

  When the bag-in-box 26 is exchanged, the beverage supply control unit 100 controls the electromagnetic pump 50c, the electromagnetic valve 50d, and the open / close valve 50e in order to perform the exchange operation. That is, at the time of the exchange operation, the electromagnetic valve 50d corresponding to the storage unit 50a connected to the exchanged bag-in-box 26 is opened (ON), the electromagnetic pump 50c is operated (ON), and (b) of FIG. When the detection sensor 50b is turned on when the electrode of the detection sensor 50b comes into contact with the syrup stock solution stored in the storage unit 50a, the electromagnetic valve 50d is closed (OFF) and the electromagnetic pump 50c is stopped (OFF). Next, the beverage supply control unit 100 opens (ON) the opening / closing valve 50e and closes (OFF) after a predetermined time T2. Thereafter, the beverage supply control unit 100 enables the supply of the beverage related to the corresponding syrup stock solution, and validates the operation of the beverage selection button (not shown) for the beverage.

  As described above, in the syrup detection circuit 50 according to the present embodiment, the opening / closing valve 50e that opens and closes with respect to the atmosphere is provided in the portion between the electromagnetic pump 50c and the electromagnetic valve 50d of the suction pipe 50f. In the retry operation or replacement operation, the electromagnetic valve 50d is closed and the electromagnetic pump 50c is stopped, and then the open / close valve 50e is opened to open the suction pipe 50f between the electromagnetic pump 50c and the electromagnetic valve 50d to the atmosphere. For this reason, regardless of the inertia of the electromagnetic pump 50c, the pressure on the electromagnetic pump 50c side is maintained higher than that on the reservoir 50a (syrup supply pipe 26a) side with the electromagnetic valve 50d as a boundary. That is, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the electromagnetic pump 50c side has a lower pressure than the storage unit 50a side with the electromagnetic valve 50d as a boundary.

  Therefore, vibration during operation of the syrup pump 26b, vibration during operation of the cup supply mechanism (not shown) when the beverage supply device is adapted to a cup-type beverage vending machine, and the housing door of the beverage supply device Even if chattering occurs in the electromagnetic valve 50d due to vibration at the time of opening and closing, the pressure on the electromagnetic pump 50c side is maintained higher than that on the storage unit 50a (syrup supply pipe 26a) side with the electromagnetic valve 50d as a boundary. The syrup undiluted solution is not sucked from the electromagnetic valve 50d to the electromagnetic pump 50c side. As a result, the electromagnetic valve 50d and the electromagnetic pump 50c can be operated during the replacement operation of the bag-in-box 26 or during the retry operation. That is, the bag-in-box 26 can be replaced as appropriate. Further, there is no erroneous detection that there is no syrup stock solution even though the syrup stock solution still exists in the bag in box 26. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the syrup stock solution cannot be supplied.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows embodiment of the drink supply apparatus to which the syrup detection circuit which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a conceptual diagram which shows embodiment of the syrup detection circuit based on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the syrup detection circuit shown in FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation of the syrup detection circuit shown in FIG. 2. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the conventional syrup detection circuit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drink supply apparatus 2 Syrup drink supply part 26 Bag in box 26a Syrup supply piping (supply piping)
26b Syrup pump 50 Syrup detection circuit 50a Reservoir 50b Detection sensor 50c Electromagnetic pump 50d Electromagnetic valve 50e Open / close valve 50f Suction piping 50g Open piping 100 Beverage supply control unit 101 Memory C cup

Claims (2)

The present invention relates to a beverage supply device that provides a syrup pump in a supply pipe from a bag in box containing a syrup stock solution to a bend stage and sucks the syrup stock solution from the bag in box and supplies it to the bend stage. The storage unit temporarily stores the syrup stock solution, a detection sensor that detects the syrup stock solution stored in the storage unit, and the suction unit connected to the storage unit in a manner branched from the supply pipe. A syrup detection circuit of a beverage supply device having an electromagnetic pump for sucking syrup stock solution in a bag-in-box and an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the suction pipe,
A syrup detection circuit for a beverage supply device, comprising: an opening / closing valve that is provided at a position between the electromagnetic pump and the electromagnetic valve of the suction pipe and that opens and closes to the atmosphere.   The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that closes the electromagnetic valve and stops the operation of the electromagnetic pump, opens the open / close valve, and closes the open / close valve after a predetermined time has elapsed. Syrup detection circuit.

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