JP2009072352A - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of highly efficiently producing iced coffee in an energy saving manner by efficiently raising the temperature of hot water in a hot water tank and efficiently cooling the inside of a cooling water tank. <P>SOLUTION: This beverage dispenser 1 includes a coffee extractor 3 for extracting coffee from coffee raw materials, the hot water tank 22 having a heater 60 and generating hot water to be supplied to the coffee extractor 3, a coffee tank 4 for storing the coffee extracted by the coffee extractor 3, and a cooling device 5 cooling the coffee by circulating cooling water to a circulation passage 7 and cooling the coffee tank 4; and supplies water after exchanging the heat with the coffee in the coffee tank 4 to the hot water tank 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that can extract coffee liquid from coffee raw material powder composed of ground coffee beans and then cool it to a predetermined temperature and provide it as iced coffee.

  Conventionally, in restaurants such as restaurants, coffee has been an essential menu for soft drinks, and usually, hot water drip coffee is generally provided. In this drip coffee, a coffee raw material powder made of ground coffee beans ground to a predetermined particle size is stored in a predetermined chamber, and hot water is sprinkled from an upper watering device to be extracted as a coffee liquid ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, when providing iced coffee, the coffee liquid extracted by the above apparatus is stored in a coffee tank in which cold water is circulated indirectly, and hot drip coffee is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature with cold water. Served ice coffee, by maintaining.
Japanese Patent No. 3015249

  When providing iced coffee using the above apparatus, it is first necessary to extract drip coffee with hot water. Therefore, when the amount of hot water in the hot water tank decreases due to the supply of hot water into the chamber, water supply is newly performed. Usually, the water supplied to the hot water tank is often water drawn directly from tap water, and the water temperature is relatively low. Therefore, in order to boil to a temperature suitable for coffee extraction, a certain amount of time and energy are required, and there is a problem that time and power required for extraction increase.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the capacity of the heating heater provided in the hot water tank, but there is a problem that the cost is undeniable.

  On the other hand, the extracted hot coffee liquid is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature by exchanging heat with the cooling water flowing through the circulation circuit in the coffee tank. Here, the circulation circuit is provided with a cooling water tank in which ice is generated, and low-temperature water cooled in the cooling water tank is circulated in the circulation circuit.

  Thus, the coffee liquid in the coffee tank is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature by heat exchange with the hot coffee liquid in the coffee tank, while the ice in the cooling water tank is melted. However, when ice coffee is continuously produced, the amount of ice produced in the cooling water tank is insufficient, and if all ice melts, the ice coffee cannot be cooled to the predetermined cooling temperature. Will occur.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problems, and can efficiently raise the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank and efficiently cool the cooling water tank to save energy. And the drink dispenser which can manufacture ice coffee efficiently is provided.

  The beverage dispenser of the present invention includes a coffee extraction device that extracts coffee from a coffee raw material, a hot water tank that includes a heater and generates hot water to be supplied to the coffee extraction device, and a coffee that stores the coffee extracted by the coffee extraction device A cooling device for cooling the coffee by cooling the coffee tank by circulating cooling water through the circulation circuit and the water after the heat exchange with the coffee in the coffee tank. The hot water tank is supplied.

  The beverage dispenser of the invention of claim 2 is a coffee extraction device that extracts coffee from a coffee raw material, a hot water tank that is provided with a heater and generates hot water to be supplied to the coffee extraction device, and coffee extracted by the coffee extraction device. A coffee tank that is stored, and a cooling device that cools the coffee tank by circulating cooling water through a circulation circuit to cool the coffee tank. It is characterized by heat exchange with coffee.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the beverage dispenser in the above inventions uses at least a part of the circulation circuit to exchange heat between the water supplied to the hot water tank or the water in the hot water tank and the coffee in the coffee tank. It is characterized by making it.

  According to the present invention, a coffee extraction device that extracts coffee from a coffee raw material, a hot water tank that includes a heater and generates hot water to be supplied to the coffee extraction device, and a coffee tank that stores the coffee extracted by the coffee extraction device And a cooling device for cooling the coffee by circulating the cooling water in the circulation circuit to cool the coffee tank, the water after the heat exchange with the coffee in the coffee tank is performed in the hot water tank Therefore, the water heated to the hot water tank by heat exchange with the hot coffee after extraction can be supplied to the hot water tank.

  Therefore, since the water heated up to a certain temperature is supplied to the hot water tank by exchanging heat with the coffee in the coffee tank, the conventional water is directly supplied to the hot water tank. The energy can be reduced as compared with heating up to a temperature suitable for coffee extraction with a heater. In addition, water that has been heated to some extent by heat exchange with coffee needs to be heated to a temperature suitable for coffee extraction. It becomes possible to make hot water into the said temperature.

  On the other hand, since the coffee in the coffee tank can take heat by exchanging heat with the water before being supplied to the hot water tank, it is possible to efficiently cool the coffee with the cooling water flowing through the circulation circuit. Can be done.

  As a result, by transferring the amount of heat of the hot coffee to be cooled from now on to the water heated by the hot water tank, the heat can be reused and the heat loss can be reduced. Become. Therefore, the thermal efficiency of the entire apparatus can be improved and energy saving can be realized. In addition, since the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be increased efficiently, ice coffee can be efficiently manufactured.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the coffee extraction apparatus which extracts coffee from a coffee raw material, the hot water tank which equips with a heater and produces | generates the hot water supplied to a coffee extraction apparatus, and the coffee extracted by the coffee extraction apparatus are stored. A beverage dispenser comprising: a coffee tank that cools the coffee by circulating water for cooling in a circulation circuit; and a cooling device that cools the coffee. Since heat is exchanged, the temperature in the hot water tank can be raised by heat exchange with the hot coffee after extraction.

  Therefore, the water temperature in the hot water tank is raised to a certain temperature by heat exchange with the coffee in the coffee tank, so that conventional water is supplied directly to the hot water tank and is suitable for coffee extraction with a heater. The energy can be reduced as compared with the case where the temperature is raised to a high temperature. In addition, water that has been heated to some extent by heat exchange with coffee needs to be heated to a temperature suitable for coffee extraction. It becomes possible to make hot water into the said temperature.

  On the other hand, since the coffee in the coffee tank can take heat by exchanging heat with the water before the temperature rise supplied in the hot water tank, the coffee is cooled by the cooling water flowing through the circulation circuit. It becomes possible to carry out efficiently.

  As a result, by transferring the amount of heat of the hot coffee to be cooled from now on to the water heated by the hot water tank, the heat can be reused and the heat loss can be reduced. Become. Therefore, the thermal efficiency of the entire apparatus can be improved and energy saving can be realized. In addition, since the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be increased efficiently, ice coffee can be efficiently manufactured.

  According to invention of Claim 3, in said each invention, the water supplied to a hot water tank or the water in a hot water tank and the coffee in a coffee tank are heat-exchanged using at least one part of a circulation circuit. By using a part of the circulation circuit that circulates the cooling water without providing a special circulation circuit in the coffee tank, the water supplied to the hot water tank or the water in the hot water tank And heat exchange with the coffee in a coffee tank is realizable.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a circuit for circulating the water supplied to the hot water tank in the coffee tank or a circuit for circulating the water in the hot water tank, thereby simplifying the configuration of the coffee tank itself. Is possible.

  Below, it demonstrates, referring drawings for each of the drink dispenser of Example 1 and Example 2 as embodiment of this invention. The beverage dispenser in each embodiment is installed as a so-called free drink service device in which a customer himself / herself takes out a beverage in a restaurant or restaurant such as a fast food restaurant.

  First, the beverage dispenser 1 as Example 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispenser 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage dispenser 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a right side view of the beverage dispenser 1 of FIG. Show.

  The beverage dispenser 1 includes a coffee extraction device 3 that extracts coffee from a coffee raw material therein, coffee tanks 4A and 4B that store coffee extracted by the extraction device 3, and coffee in the coffee tanks 4A and 4B. It is comprised by the main body 2 with which the cooling device 5 for cooling is arrange | positioned.

  The coffee extraction device 3 in the present embodiment manufactures a hot water type coffee, that is, a drip coffee, which is a coffee liquid extracted by spraying hot water on a coffee raw material powder.

  A sprinkler 31 that constitutes the coffee extraction device 3 is provided at the upper front of the main body 2, and a powder chamber 6 that also constitutes the coffee extraction device 3 is detachably attached to the lower side of the sprinkler 31. It has been. Further, a tank housing portion 9 is formed below the powder chamber 6, and a tank mounting base 9 A that is slidable back and forth is provided on the bottom surface of the tank housing portion 9. A coffee tank is placed on the table 9A so as to be freely delivered from the front surface of the main body 2.

  In the present embodiment, two coffee tanks 4A, 4B can be placed on the tank placing portion 9, and these coffee tanks 4A, 4B are juxtaposed to the right and left toward the front. A drip tray 24 is provided below the tank accommodating portion 9 so as to be positioned below the coffee takeout nozzles 23A and 23B of the coffee tanks 4A and 4B. The drip tray 24 can dispose of liquid such as coffee spilled inside.

  And the front panel 10 is provided in the front upper part of the main body 2 located on the upper side of the powder chamber 6, and this front panel 10 has extraction buttons 11A and 12A for instructing the start of coffee, and these extraction buttons. Extraction lamps 11B and 12B for notifying that coffee is being extracted based on the above operation are provided.

  In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 4, a keyboard 13 for setting extraction conditions by the extraction buttons 11A and 12A, a display unit 14 composed of 7-segment LEDs, a sale enable switch 15, a drain switch 16, a right tank An appropriate temperature lamp 17, a left tank appropriate temperature lamp 18, a hot water tank appropriate temperature lamp 19, a power lamp 20, and an inspection lamp 21 are provided. The right tank proper temperature lamp 17 is a notification means for notifying that the coffee in the coffee tank 4A (one coffee tank) installed on the right side is at an appropriate temperature, and the left tank appropriate temperature lamp 18 is installed on the left side. Informing means for informing that the coffee in the coffee tank 4B (the other coffee tank) is at an appropriate temperature. The hot water tank appropriate temperature lamp 19 is an informing means for informing that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 22 described later is appropriate.

  The powder chamber 6 has a coffee extraction hole 6A formed in the approximate center of the bottom surface. In addition, the powder chamber 6 is detachably attached to the lower surface of the front panel 10 by an attachment member (not shown) and is movably attached in a horizontal direction, here, in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the coffee extracted by the coffee extraction device 3 can be moved onto the coffee tank 4A or 4B by arbitrarily moving the powder chamber 6.

  On the other hand, the coffee tanks 4A and 4B have, for example, a double structure made of stainless steel, and are composed of an outer tank 25 having extremely high heat retaining performance, and an inner side of the outer tank 25 and a material having high heat conductivity. It is comprised from the inner tank which is not shown in figure. The outer tank 25 and the inner tank are watertightly partitioned by a plurality of partition walls that are also made of a material having high heat conductivity.

  Thereby, between the outer tank 25 and the inner tank, the in-tank circulation circuit 30 and the coffee passage 33 are disposed in a heat exchange manner. Further, a water supply circuit 32 for circulating tap water supplied from the outside is configured to exchange heat with the coffee passage 33. Further, the in-tank circulation circuit 30 and the water supply circuit 32 are each configured to exchange heat with the inner tank.

  The in-tank circulation circuit 30 constitutes a part of the circulation circuit 7 that circulates cooling water (hereinafter referred to as cooling water) that is cooled to a predetermined temperature by a cooling device 5 that will be described in detail later. . Therefore, a circulation pipe 37 for supplying cooling water after cooling by the cooling device 5 into the tank is detachably connected to one end of the in-tank circulation circuit 30, and the in-tank circulation circuit 30 is connected to the other end. The circulation pipe 43 for returning the cooling water after passing through to the cooling water tank 70 is connected. Thereby, the in-tank circulation circuit 30 of the coffee tank 4A or 4B constitutes an annular circulation circuit together with the circulation circuit 7 in the cooling device 5.

  A tank connection detection switch 44 for detecting connection to the coffee tank 4 side is provided at the end of the circulation pipe 43 on the main body 2 side. The tank connection detection switch connected to the coffee tank 4A is 44A, and the tank connection detection switch connected to the coffee tank 4B is 44B.

  One end of a water supply circuit 32 is connected to one end of a water supply pipe 42 through which tap water (not limited to tap water but may be simply water) flows from the outside. A water supply pipe 45 for supplying tap water after heat exchange with coffee to the hot water tank 22 is connected. Thereby, the water supply circuit 32 of the coffee tank 4 </ b> A or 4 </ b> B constitutes a series of water supply paths to the water supply pipes 42 and 45 and the hot water tank 22.

  On the other hand, a predetermined amount of coffee extracted from the powder chamber 6 disposed above the coffee tank 4A is held on the upper surface of the coffee tank 4A, and the coffee just extracted and the coffee extracted thereafter are mixed. On the other hand, a trap device 50 is provided that enables smooth discharge into the coffee tank. In the present embodiment, the trap device 50 corresponds to a position immediately below the coffee extraction hole 6A of the powder chamber 6 when the powder chamber 6 is in an extraction state in which the powder chamber 6 is moved to the left side (one direction). Provided in position. In addition, when the powder chamber 6 is in the extraction state moved to the right side (the other direction), the trap device 50 provided on the upper surface of the other coffee tank 4B is connected to the coffee extraction hole of the powder chamber 6. It will correspond directly below 6A.

  The coffee tank 4A is provided with a take-out nozzle 23A (the take-out nozzle 23B is the take-out nozzle 23B) penetrating the outer tank 25, each partition wall and the inner tank. The take-out nozzle 23A is provided with a take-out cock 23C, and the coffee stored in the coffee tank 4A can be taken out by arbitrarily operating the take-out cock 23C.

  The take-out nozzle 23A is connected to a remaining amount display portion 52 that is positioned on the front surface of the coffee tank 4A and extends vertically, so that the amount of coffee stored in the coffee tank 4A can be easily recognized.

  Next, the internal configuration of the beverage dispenser 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The coffee extraction device 3 accommodated in the main body 2 as described above includes the hot water tank 22 and the hot water supply pump 56 (gear pump) interposed in the hot water tank 56 connected to the hot water tank 22 in addition to the powder chamber 6. 57 etc. The hot water tank 22 is connected to an external water supply via a water supply pipe 55 in which two water supply valves 53 and 54 are interposed. Between these water supply valves 53 and 54, the coffee tank 4A as described above is provided. One end of a water supply pipe 42 connected to each of the water supply circuits 32 in 4B is connected. The water supply pipe 42 is provided with water supply valves 58 (58A and 58B, respectively) for controlling water supply to the coffee tank 4A or 4B side. As described above, the other end of the water supply pipe 45 connected to the water supply circuit 32 of the coffee tanks 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B is connected to the hot water tank 22.

  In the present embodiment, the hot water tank 22 is capable of storing a capacity, for example, several liters of drinking water, which can store at least the amount of hot water required to extract a cup of coffee in the coffee tank 4A or 4B. It is a tank. Inside, the water stored in the hot water tank 22 is heated and kept at, for example, + 93 ° C. to + 95 ° C. (appropriate temperature above + 93 ° C.), and the control device C described later is a hot water tank appropriate temperature lamp 19 provided on the front panel 10. A heating electric heater (heater) 60 and a water level switch 61 are provided. Further, a thermistor 62 for detecting the temperature of the hot water tank 22 and a bimetal thermostat 63 for preventing idling are attached.

  As a general rule, the control device C conducts energization control based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 62 to energize the electric heater 60 when the temperature in the hot water tank 22 decreases to + 93 ° C. Do. The water level switch 61 is provided with a low water level at a full water level and a position lower than the full water level by a predetermined water level. In principle, the control device C supplies a water supply when the water level switch 61 detects a low water level. Control is performed to open the valves 53 and 54 and close them when a full water level is detected. The details of the water supply operation to the hot water tank 22 accompanying the coffee extraction operation will be described later.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 64 denotes a steam pipe for discharging steam from the hot water tank 22 or overflowing hot water to the drip tray 24, and a boil prevention bimetal thermostat 65 is attached to the steam pipe 64. If the hot water in the hot water tank 22 is boiled by any trouble, the bimetal thermostat 65 is turned off at the temperature of the steam and hot water coming out of the steam pipe 64 and the electric heater 60 is turned off. It is set as the structure which interrupts | blocks electricity supply.

  A drainage manual valve 66 is connected to the bottom surface of the hot water tank 22. Therefore, when performing maintenance etc. of the hot water tank 22, it is possible to drain all the hot water in the hot water tank 22 by opening the drainage manual valve 66.

  A hot water supply pipe 56 provided with a pump 57 is connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 22, and the other end of the hot water supply pipe 56 is connected to a flow meter 67. The flow meter 67 is connected to an extraction supply pipe 69 provided with an extraction electromagnetic valve 68, and the other end of the supply pipe 69 is connected to the hot water inlet of the powder chamber 6.

  The flowmeter 67 in the present embodiment includes a rotor inside, detects the amount of hot water supply by rotating the rotor with flowing hot water and detecting a frequency pulse corresponding to the rotation speed of the rotor. It is. The flow meter 67 and the extraction electromagnetic valve 68 are connected to the control device C, and the pump 57 and the extraction electromagnetic valve 68 are controlled based on the detection of the flow meter 67.

  Next, the cooling device 5 provided in the main body 2 will be described in detail. The cooling device 5 cools the coffee tanks 4A and 4B using the cooling water tank 70 for storing low-temperature water, the refrigerant circuit 71 for cooling the water in the cooling water tank 70, and the water in the cooling water tank 70 as cooling water. And a circulation pump 73 for circulating the cooling water in the circulation circuit 7.

  The refrigerant circuit 71 is a refrigerant circuit that constitutes a well-known refrigeration cycle. A refrigerant, a condenser, a decompression unit, a cooler 72, and the like (not shown) are provided with a predetermined amount of refrigerant in a pipe connected in a ring shape. It is configured by sealing.

  The cooling water tank 70 in this embodiment stores about 12 liters of cooling water, has an opening on the upper surface, and the cooler 72 is immersed therein. Inside and outside of the cooler 72, an ice sensor 74 for detecting the ice thickness of the icing in the cooling water tank 70 is disposed. The ice sensor 74 is connected to the control device C, and when it is determined that the icing in the cooling water tank 70 is sufficient based on the output of the ice sensor 74, the operation of the compressor constituting the refrigerant circuit 71 is operated. Stop. Therefore, the cooling water in the cooling water tank 70 is always controlled to be cooled to around 0 ° C.

  The cooling water tank 70 is provided with a water level switch 76 for detecting a predetermined full water level and a low water level, and an upper part is provided with an overflow pipe 77. The water level in the cooling water tank 70 exceeds the full water level. In this case, the cooling water overflowed through the overflow pipe 77 is discharged to the drip tray 24.

  One end of a circulation pipe 78 constituting the circulation circuit 7 is connected to the bottom surface of the cooling water tank 70, and a drain pipe 80 having a drain manual valve 79 is interposed in the circulation pipe 78. . Therefore, when maintenance or the like in the cooling water tank 70 is performed, it is possible to drain all the cooling water in the cooling water tank 70 by stopping the circulation pump 73 and opening the drainage manual valve 79. A circulation pump 73 and a circulation electromagnetic valve 81 are connected to the other end. The circulation electromagnetic valve 81 includes a circulation electromagnetic valve 81A that controls the inflow into one coffee tank 4A and a circulation electromagnetic valve 81B that controls the inflow into the other coffee tank 4B. , 81B is controlled to open and close to control the circulation of the cooling water to the coffee tank 4A or 4B.

  One end of the circulation pipe 43 is connected to the in-tank circulation circuit 30 of each coffee tank 4A, 4B, and the other end is connected to the cooling water tank 70. Here, a temperature detection chamber 83 capable of storing a certain amount of cooling water is formed in the lower surface of the lid of the cooling water tank 70, and the temperature sensor 84 is disposed in the temperature detection chamber 83. . An end of each circulation pipe 43 is connected above the temperature sensor 84, and a drain hole 85 is formed in the bottom surface of the temperature detection chamber 83.

  With such a configuration, the temperature sensor 84 detects the temperature of the cooling water immediately after flowing into the cooling water tank 70, and in the state where the inflow of cooling water is stopped, it detects the internal air temperature. .

  As described above, the circulation circuit 7 in which the cooling water is circulated is configured such that the cooling water tank 70, the circulation pump 73, and the circulation circuit 30 in each of the coffee tanks 4A and 4B are annularly connected by the pipe connection. .

  The control device C includes a memory that stores programs and data, a timer that generates a clock signal, and a CPU that operates based on the clock signal and the program. As shown in the electric block diagram of FIG. 6, the control device C includes tank connection detection switches 44A and 44B, a flow meter 67, thermistors (temperature sensors) 62 and 84, and an ice sensor 74 on the input side of the control device C. The water level switches 61 and 76 and various buttons and switches provided on the front panel 10 are connected. Further, on the output side of the control device C, the pump 57 of the coffee extraction device 3, the electric heater 60, the extraction electromagnetic valve 68, the water supply valves 53, 54, 58A, 58B, 87, the compressor of the cooling device 5 and the like are circulated. A pump 73, circulation solenoid valves 81A, 81B, and the like are connected and controlled based on the output of the control device C. The water supply valve 87 is a valve device that controls water supply from the direct water supply pipe 55 to the cooling water tank 70.

  With the above configuration, the operation of the beverage dispenser 1 of this embodiment will be described.

(1) Water Supply After the power is turned on, the control device C energizes and opens the water supply valves 53, 54 and 87 to supply water to the hot water tank 22 and the cooling water tank 70. In this state, the water supply valve 58 (58A, 58B) is closed. When the water level switch 61 of the hot water tank 22 detects the full water level, the control device C closes the water supply valve 54. At this time, when the water level switch 76 in the cooling water tank 70 detects the full water level, the control device C closes the water supply valve 87. The water supply valve 53 is closed only when all of the water supply valves 54, 87 and 58 are closed. Thereafter, the control device C starts operation of the compressor and the like of the cooling device 5 and starts cooling the cooling water tank 70. The cooling control of the cooling water tank 70 is performed based on whether or not the ice thickness of the icing detected by the ice sensor 74 as described above has reached a predetermined thickness. Therefore, the cooling water in the cooling water tank 70 is always maintained at around 0 ° C. by the cooling control.

(2) Production of hot water The control device C produces hot water in the hot water tank 22. The control device C starts energizing the electric heater 60. When the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 22 rises to + 95 ° C., the electric heater 60 is turned off. When the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 22 decreases to + 93 ° C. based on the detection of the thermistor 62, temperature control is performed to start energization of the electric heater 60 again and cut off the energization of the electric heater 60 that has risen to + 95 ° C. Execute. Thereby, hot water having a temperature suitable for coffee extraction is stored in the hot water tank 22. When the temperature in the hot water tank 22 is set to an appropriate temperature, the hot water tank appropriate temperature lamp 19 on the front panel 10 is turned on.

(3) Pre-cooling The control device C cools the cooling water in the circulation circuit 7 simultaneously with the generation of the hot water, or before and after. First, the controller C detects whether or not the coffee tanks 4A and 4B are connected by the tank connection detection switches 44A and 44B, and only when one of the coffee tanks is connected, the circulation pump 73 is connected. And the corresponding solenoid valve for circulation 81A or 81B is opened. When the connection is detected by the both tank connection detection switches 44A and 44B, one circulation solenoid valve, for example 81A, is opened.

  Thereby, the cooling water cooled in the cooling water tank 70 flows into the in-tank circulation circuit 30 from one coffee tank 4A, and then flows into the circulation pipe 43 on the main body 2 side. And the cooling water which passed through the circulation piping 43 contacts the temperature sensor 84 of the cooling water tank 70, Then, the circulation which returns in the cooling water tank 70 is performed.

  In addition, although about 12 liters of cooling water is stored in the cooling water tank 70 in advance, the cooling water is supplied to the coffee tank 4A as circulating water, so that the inside of the cooling water tank 70 is circulated to the circulation circuit. For example, about 4 liters of cooling water is reduced. Therefore, the control device C performs opening / closing control of the water supply valve 87 based on the detection of the water level switch 76 to compensate for the insufficient amount of cooling water.

  The control device C controls the circulation control based on the detection output of the temperature sensor 84. Here, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control device C operated the circulation pump 73, for example, a sufficient time has passed for the cooling water passing through the coffee tank circulation circuit to reach the temperature sensor 84 of the cooling water tank 70. After that, when the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 84 and the temperature reaches a predetermined cooling temperature, in this embodiment, + 8 ° C., the circulation pump 73 is stopped, and the corresponding circulation electromagnetic valve 81A is turned on. Close. Thereby, the said coffee tank 4A will be cooled to +8 degreeC. When the temperature in the coffee tank 4A is set to an appropriate temperature, the right tank appropriate temperature lamp 17 on the front panel 10 is turned on.

  Thereafter, when the connection of the other coffee tank 4B is detected by the tank connection detection switch 44B, the corresponding other circulation electromagnetic valve 81B is opened and the circulation pump 73 is operated. Thereby, it cools to predetermined temperature (+8 degreeC) by circulating a cooling water in the coffee tank 4B similarly to the above. When the temperature in the coffee tank BA is set to an appropriate temperature, the left tank appropriate temperature lamp 18 on the front panel 10 is turned on.

(4) Extraction of coffee Next, when extracting coffee, first, a predetermined amount of ground beans for coffee (coffee raw material powder) is put into the powder chamber 6 through a paper filter (not shown), and the front panel 10 Hold on the lower surface. Thereafter, the powder chamber 6 is moved above the coffee tank that accepts the extracted coffee to obtain an extraction state.

  Then, after this extraction state is established, either the extraction button 11A or 12A provided on the front panel 10 is operated. The extraction buttons 11A and 12A have preset extraction programs for the steaming time, the amount of steamed hot water, the main extraction time, the amount of main hot water extracted, the number of main extractions, the waiting time between main extractions, etc. Extraction is executed based on the setting. When any one of the extraction buttons 11A or 12A is operated, the corresponding extraction lamp 11B or 12B is turned on, and extraction is started.

  First, the control device C operates the pump 57 based on the output of the flow meter 67 to supply the hot water amount required for steaming from the hot water tank 22 to the powder chamber 6. And after supplying the amount of hot water required for a predetermined steaming, the pump 74 is stopped with respect to the stop output of the pump 57 first, and the extraction solenoid valve 68 is closed. In this embodiment, 300 ml of hot water is supplied in the steaming. At this time, the control device C turns off the hot water tank appropriate temperature lamp 19 to prohibit the opening of the water supply valves 54 and 58 and prohibit the energization of the electric heater 60. Further, the right and left tank appropriate temperature lamps 17 and 18 are turned off.

  Thus, during the extraction in the powder chamber 6, by prohibiting the water supply to the hot water tank 22, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 22 is lowered by the water supply, and the temperature becomes unsuitable for coffee extraction. This can be avoided beforehand. Therefore, even if a hot water tank 22 having approximately the same capacity as the coffee tank 4A or the like is used, coffee extraction can be realized without lowering the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 22.

  Then, after a predetermined steaming time has elapsed after the extraction electromagnetic valve 68 is closed, the control device C starts the main extraction. In the present embodiment, this extraction is performed by dividing 500 cc into three times with a duty of 70%.

  The amount of steaming hot water, the setting of the steaming time, the number of times of main extraction, the waiting time between main extractions, etc. are operated by operating the keyboard 13 of the front panel 10 according to the customer's request as described above. Each condition can be set as a program for each of the extraction buttons 11A and 12A.

(5) Cooling of coffee When hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 22 to the powder chamber 6 as described above, the extracted hot coffee is trapped on the coffee tank 4A located below the coffee extraction hole 6A. Extracted into

  The coffee that has flowed into the trap device 50 is once held in the trap device 50 until a predetermined amount is reached. Coffee that exceeds a predetermined water level flows down in the coffee passage 33 formed on the wall surface of the coffee tank 4A via the connecting pipe.

  On the other hand, after the hot water supply to the powder chamber 6 for the main extraction is completed, or after a predetermined time delay from the end, the control device C opens the water supply valve 58A. Thereby, the tap water from the outside flows into the water supply circuit 32 formed in the coffee tank 4 </ b> A via the water supply pipe 42. Here, the tap water flowing through the water supply circuit 32 exchanges heat with the coffee passage 33 provided in heat exchange with the water supply circuit 32 and further with the hot coffee in the inner tank.

  Usually, the temperature of tap water directly supplied from the outside is about + 10 ° C. (however, depending on the environment, it is at least lower than the temperature of coffee supplied into the coffee tank). On the other hand, the temperature of the coffee stored in the coffee tank 4 is lowered to some extent from the time of extraction (+ 95 ° C.), for example, about + 80 ° C. Therefore, by providing a heat exchange path for these flows, the hot coffee and the tap water supplied from the outside exchange heat, the tap water is heated by the coffee, and the coffee takes heat. It is done.

  And the tap water which passed through the water supply circuit 32 in a coffee tank is stored in the hot water tank 22 via the water supply piping 45. In the present embodiment, the control device C closes the water supply valve 58 (here, 58A) when detecting that the hot water tank 22 has reached a predetermined full water level based on the detection of the water level switch 61. Thereafter, the electric heater 60 provided in the hot water tank 22 is energized and heated to a predetermined temperature.

  Thereby, since the tap water supplied to the hot water tank 22 is heated by exchanging heat with hot coffee in the coffee tank, the tap water is directly supplied to the hot water tank 22 as in the prior art. From this state, the temperature suitable for coffee extraction by the electric heater 60, in this embodiment, compared to heating to + 93 ° C. to + 95 ° C., it is possible to reduce the energy supplied to the electric heater 60. Become.

  In addition, water that has been heated to some extent by heat exchange with coffee may be heated to a temperature suitable for coffee extraction, so even if the electric heater 60 has an equivalent heating capacity, The hot water in the tank 22 can be set to the temperature.

  Then, the control device C closes the water supply valve 58 and stops water supply to the hot water tank 22, then opens the circulation electromagnetic valve 81 </ b> A corresponding to the coffee tank 4 </ b> A, operates the circulation pump 73, and operates the cooling water tank 70. Start cooling the coffee tank with the cooling water inside.

  Thereby, the cooling water in the cooling water tank 70 is circulated by the circulation pump 73 to the in-tank circulation circuit 30 in the coffee tank 4A. Accordingly, since the coffee passage 33 and the inner tank of the coffee tank 4A are disposed in a heat exchange manner with the in-tank circulation circuit 30 through which the cooling water circulates, the coffee in the coffee tank 4A is transferred to the in-tank circulation circuit. It cools by heat-exchanging 30 with the circulating cooling water. On the other hand, in the coffee tank 4 </ b> A, the cooling water deprived of cold heat by exchanging heat with coffee returns to the cooling water tank 70 via the circulation pipe 43.

  The control device C determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 84 provided in the cooling water tank 70 has reached a predetermined cooling temperature, + 8 ° C. in this embodiment, and when it reaches + 8 ° C., the cooling device 5 Is stopped, the electromagnetic solenoid 81A for circulation is closed, and the cooling operation is terminated.

  At this time, as described above, the coffee in the coffee tank 4A that exchanges heat with the cooling water in the cooling water tank 70 is obtained by first exchanging heat from the tap water supplied to the hot water tank 22 from the outside. The heat is taken. Therefore, the temperature rise of the cooling water flowing through the circulation circuit 7 can be suppressed as compared with the case where heat is exchanged between the hot coffee immediately after extraction and the cooling water near 0 ° C. from the beginning. Thereby, for example, when one coffee extraction operation is completed, all the ice generated in the cooling water tank 70 is melted, and then the temperature of the cooling water becomes high, thereby circulating. It is possible to avoid inconvenience that the cooling efficiency of the coffee by the cooling water flowing through the circuit 7 is lowered. Therefore, even when the coffee extraction operation is continuously performed, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the ice in the cooling water tank 70 is completely melted and the cooling efficiency after the second coffee extraction is significantly reduced. Thus, continuous iced coffee can be produced.

  Thus, by transferring the amount of heat of the hot coffee to be cooled from now on to the water heated by the hot water tank 22, heat can be reused and heat loss can be reduced. It becomes possible. Therefore, the thermal efficiency of the beverage dispenser 1 as a whole can be improved, and energy saving can be realized. Moreover, since the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 22 can be increased efficiently, ice coffee can be efficiently manufactured.

  Next, a beverage dispenser as another embodiment will be described with reference to the internal configuration diagram of the main body of FIG. 7 having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 shown in the above-described embodiment have substantially the same configuration and effects, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tap water supplied to the hot water tank 22 is connected to the water supply circuit 32 formed in each of the coffee tanks 4A and 4B by connecting the water supply pipe 42 provided with the water supply valve 58 to the water supply circuit 32. It is stored in the hot water tank 22 through a water supply pipe 45 connected to the outflow side of the water.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, a hot water supply pipe 56 with a pump 57 interposed is connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 22 in the above embodiment, and the other end of the hot water supply pipe 56 is connected to the flow meter 67. It is connected. The flow meter 67 is connected to an extraction supply pipe 69 provided with an extraction electromagnetic valve 68, and the other end of the supply pipe 69 is connected to the hot water inlet of the powder chamber 6.

  A circulation pipe 46 having a circulation electromagnetic valve 47 interposed is connected to the upstream side of the extraction electromagnetic valve 68. The circulation pipe 46 is provided for each of the coffee tanks 4A and 4B, and a circulation electromagnetic valve 47 for controlling circulation to the coffee tank 4A is provided at one end of a water supply circuit 43 provided in the coffee tank 4A. A circulation pipe 46 provided is connected, and one end of a water supply circuit 43 provided in the coffee tank 4B is connected to a circulation pipe 46 provided with a circulation electromagnetic valve 47 for controlling circulation to the coffee tank 4B. Yes.

  A circulation pipe 48 having one end connected to the hot water tank 22 is connected to the other end of the water supply circuit 43 of each of the coffee tanks 4A and 4B. Accordingly, the hot water tank 22, the circulation pump 57, the flow meter 67, the circulation pipe 46, the circulation electromagnetic valve 47, the water supply circuit 32 of the coffee tanks 4A and 4B, and the circulation pipe 48 are sequentially connected, so that the annular circulation circuit is formed. Composed.

  With this configuration, the operation of the beverage dispenser in the embodiment will be described.

(1) Water Supply After the power is turned on, the control device C energizes and opens the water supply valves 53, 54 and 87 to supply water to the hot water tank 22 and the cooling water tank 70. When the water level switch 61 of the hot water tank 22 detects the full water level, the control device C closes the water supply valve 54. At this time, when the water level switch 76 in the cooling water tank 70 detects the full water level, the control device C closes the water supply valve 87. Thereafter, the control device C starts the operation of the compressor and the like of the cooling device 5 and starts cooling the cooling water tank 70 as in the above embodiment. Thereafter, hot water generation, coffee tank precooling, and coffee extraction operations are performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

(2) Cooling of coffee When hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 22 to the powder chamber 6 as described above, the extracted hot coffee is trapped on the coffee tank 4A located below the coffee extraction hole 6A. Is stored in the coffee tank 4A or 4B.

  On the other hand, after the supply of hot water to the powder chamber 6 for the main extraction is completed, the control device C opens the water supply valve 54 and supplies water to the hot water tank 22 again. When the water level switch 61 of the hot water tank 22 detects the full water level, the control device C closes the water supply valve 54 and the extraction electromagnetic valve 84 and opens the circulation electromagnetic valve 47 connected to the corresponding coffee tank 4A side, The circulation pump 57 is operated.

  Thereby, the tap water which has not yet been heated by the electric heater 60 supplied to the hot water tank 22 is not pumped by the pump 57 via the circulation pipe 46 provided with the opened circulation electromagnetic valve 47 instead of the water sprinkler 31. To the water supply circuit 32 of the coffee tank 4A. Here, the tap water flowing through the water supply circuit 32 exchanges heat with the coffee passage 33 provided in heat exchange with the water supply circuit 32 and further with the hot coffee in the inner tank.

  Normally, the temperature of tap water just supplied directly from the outside to the hot water tank 22 is about + 10 ° C. (however, it depends on the environment, but at least than the temperature of the coffee supplied into the coffee tank) Low). On the other hand, the temperature of the coffee stored in the coffee tank 4 is lowered to some extent from the time of extraction (+ 95 ° C.), for example, about + 80 ° C. Therefore, by providing a heat exchange path for these flows, the hot coffee and the tap water supplied from the outside exchange heat, the tap water is heated by the coffee, and the coffee takes heat. It is done.

  And the tap water which passed through the water supply circuit 32 in a coffee tank returns to the hot water tank 22 via the circulation piping 48, and repeats the said circulation with the pump 57 again. When the control device C detects that the thermistor 62 that detects the temperature in the hot water tank 22 has reached a predetermined preheating end temperature, for example, + 30 ° C. to + 40 ° C., and has reached a preset temperature, Therefore, the pump 57 is stopped and the circulation solenoid valve 47 is closed. Thereafter, the electric heater 60 provided in the hot water tank 22 is energized and heated to a predetermined temperature.

  Thereby, since the tap water stored in the hot water tank 22 is heated by exchanging heat with hot coffee in the coffee tank, the tap water is directly supplied to the hot water tank 22 as in the prior art. The temperature suitable for coffee extraction by the electric heater 60 from the state, in this embodiment, compared to heating to + 93 ° C. to + 95 ° C., it is possible to reduce the energy supplied to the electric heater 60. .

  In addition, water that has been heated to some extent by heat exchange with coffee may be heated to a temperature suitable for coffee extraction, so even if the electric heater 60 has an equivalent heating capacity, The hot water in the tank 22 can be set to the temperature.

  Then, the control device C closes the circulation electromagnetic valve 47 and stops the circulation of the hot water tank 22 and the water supply circuit 32 of the coffee tank 4A, and then opens the circulation electromagnetic valve 81A corresponding to the coffee tank 4A and the circulation pump. 73 is operated, and the cooling of the coffee tank by the cooling water in the cooling water tank 70 is started in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  As a result, the coffee in the coffee tank 4A can remove heat by exchanging heat with the water before the temperature rise in the hot water tank 22, so that the cooling of the coffee by the cooling water flowing through the circulation circuit 7 is efficient. Can be performed automatically. Therefore, the temperature rise of the cooling water flowing through the circulation circuit 7 can be suppressed as compared with the case where heat is exchanged between the hot coffee immediately after extraction and the cooling water near 0 ° C. from the beginning. Thereby, for example, when one coffee extraction operation is completed, all the ice generated in the cooling water tank 70 is melted, and then the temperature of the cooling water becomes high, thereby circulating. It is possible to avoid inconvenience that the cooling efficiency of the coffee by the cooling water flowing through the circuit 7 is lowered. Therefore, even when the coffee extraction operation is continuously performed, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the ice in the cooling water tank 70 is completely melted and the cooling efficiency after the second coffee extraction is significantly reduced. Thus, continuous iced coffee can be produced.

  Thus, by transferring the amount of heat of the hot coffee to be cooled from now on to the water heated by the hot water tank 22, heat can be reused and heat loss can be reduced. It becomes possible. Therefore, the heat efficiency of the beverage dispenser as a whole can be improved, and energy saving can be realized. In addition, since the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 22 can be increased efficiently, ice coffee can be efficiently manufactured.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the tank circulation circuit 30 and the water supply circuit 32 that are disposed in the coffee tank 4A or 4B in a heat exchange manner with the coffee passage 33 or the inner tank are separately configured. The cooling water flowing in the internal circulation circuit 30 and the water supply circuit 32 and the water in the hot water tank 22 used for coffee extraction thereafter flow in different circuits, which is preferable in terms of hygiene.

  However, if the cooling water flowing through the in-tank circulation circuit 30 can be managed as drinking water, the in-tank circulation circuit in the coffee tanks 4A and 4B that are at least part of the circulation circuit 7 can be used. 30, the water supplied to the hot water tank 22 as described above, or the water in the hot water tank 22 and the coffee in the coffee tanks 4A and 4B are heat-exchanged, so that the coffee tanks 4A and 4B Water that is supplied to the hot water tank 22 by using a part of the circulation circuit 7 that circulates the cooling water without using the water supply circuit (circulation circuit) 32, that is, the in-tank circulation circuit 30, or The heat exchange between the water in the hot water tank 22 and the coffee in the coffee tank can be realized.

  Therefore, there is no need to provide a circuit for circulating the water supplied to the hot water tank 22 in the coffee tank or a circuit for circulating the water in the hot water tank, thereby simplifying the configuration of the coffee tank itself. It becomes possible.

It is a perspective view of the drink dispenser concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. It is a side view of the right side toward the drink dispenser of FIG. It is a front view of a front panel and a coffee extraction apparatus. It is an internal block diagram of the main body of a drink dispenser. It is an electrical block diagram of a control apparatus. It is an internal block diagram of the main body of the drink dispenser as another Example.

Explanation of symbols

C Control Device 1 Beverage Dispenser 2 Main Body 3 Coffee Extraction Device 4A, 4B Coffee Tank 5 Cooling Device 6 Powder Chamber 6A Coffee Extraction Hole 7 Circulation Circuit 10 Front Panel 11A, 12A Extraction Button 11B, 12B Extraction Lamp 22 Hot Water Tank 25 Outer Tank 30 Tank circulation circuit 31 Sprinkler 32 Water supply circuit 33 Coffee passage 37, 43, 46, 48, 78 Circulation pipe 42, 45, 55 Water supply pipe 47, 81 Circulation solenoid valve 50 Trap device 53, 54, 58, 87 Water supply valve 56 Hot water supply pipe 57 Hot water supply pump 60 Electric heater (heater)
61 Water level switch 62 Thermistor 67 Flow meter 68 Extraction solenoid valve 69 Extraction supply pipe 70 Cooling water tank 73 Circulation pump

Claims (3)

A coffee extraction device for extracting coffee from a coffee raw material, a hot water tank provided with a heater to generate hot water to be supplied to the coffee extraction device, a coffee tank for storing coffee extracted by the coffee extraction device, and a circulation circuit In a beverage dispenser comprising a cooling device for cooling the coffee by circulating water for cooling to cool the coffee tank,
A beverage dispenser characterized in that water after heat exchange with coffee in the coffee tank is supplied to the hot water tank. A coffee extraction device for extracting coffee from a coffee raw material, a hot water tank provided with a heater to generate hot water to be supplied to the coffee extraction device, a coffee tank for storing coffee extracted by the coffee extraction device, and a circulation circuit In a beverage dispenser comprising a cooling device for cooling the coffee by circulating water for cooling to cool the coffee tank,
A beverage dispenser characterized in that heat in the hot water tank is exchanged with coffee in the coffee tank.   The water supplied to the hot water tank or the water in the hot water tank and the coffee in the coffee tank are subjected to heat exchange using at least a part of the circulation circuit. Item 3. A beverage dispenser according to item 2.

Images