JP2009096508A - Control method for drink dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control method for drink dispenser whereby hot water of high temperature can be discharged at any time. <P>SOLUTION: The drink dispenser includes: a heating means for heating hot water stored in a hot-water storage tank; a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the hot water; and a water supply valve for controlling the supply of water to the hot-water storage tank. The drink dispenser supplies water to the hot-water storage tank by opening the water supply valve while the heating means continues to be supplied with power. When the temperature detecting means detects that the temperature of water in the hot-water storage tank has a lower limit set temperature, set in advance, due to the water supply, the water supply is interrupted. When the temperature detecting means detects that the temperature of the hot water has the upper limit set temperature, set in advance, a supply of water is resumed. In the control method for the drink dispenser, when hot water is discharged from the hot-water storage tank, the lower limit set temperature is changed to another lower limit set temperature that is high by a fixed temperature, which is assigned for the discharge. The opening/closing of the water supply valve is controlled by using the lower limit set temperature assigned for the discharge. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for controlling a beverage dispenser. More specifically, the lower limit set temperature for controlling the temperature of hot water stored in a hot water storage tank is poured out from when no hot water is poured out. The present invention relates to a method for controlling a beverage dispenser that is set to be higher when the user is present.

  A beverage dispenser described in, for example, Patent Document 1 that dispenses diluted water (hot water) heated to a required temperature as needed to provide coffee or the like includes a hot water storage tank inside, and the hot water storage tank includes an external water system. A predetermined amount of water is supplied through a water supply pipe communicating with the pipe. In addition, a heater is disposed in a required portion of the hot water storage tank, and the water in the hot water storage tank is heated to a preset upper set temperature by continuous energization of the heater, and after reaching the upper set temperature, the heater The hot water is kept between the preset lower limit temperature and the upper limit set temperature by the on / off control.

This type of device is installed in, for example, restaurants, restaurants, highway service areas, and the like, and can be used by an unspecified number of users as appropriate. For this reason, the hot water storage tank is always configured to store a sufficient amount of diluted water. However, for example, during periods of high frequency of use, such as during lunch, the diluted water stored in the hot water storage tank is stored. The amount will be greatly reduced. Then, when the storage amount decreases, water is supplied (supplied) until the temperature of the dilution water reaches the lower limit set temperature, and after the dilution water in the hot water storage tank is heated to the upper limit set temperature after the water supply, The control for restarting the replenishment is repeated until the preset upper limit water level is reached.
Japanese Patent No. 3601012

  In the beverage dispenser, when the dilution water in the hot water storage tank is used, as described above, water is replenished from the outside until the lower limit set temperature is reached, but there is no restriction on the dispensing of the dilution water during the replenishment. Therefore, before the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank after replenishing water is heated to the upper limit set temperature, hot water that is not sufficiently heated is poured out, and coffee or the like is not suitably provided. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks inherent in the prior art described above, and has been proposed to suitably solve this problem, and a beverage dispenser control method capable of constantly pouring hot water from a hot water storage tank. The purpose is to provide.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, a method for controlling a beverage dispenser according to the present invention includes:
Heating means for heating the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank;
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank;
A water supply valve for controlling the supply of water to the hot water storage tank,
During the water supply period, the heating means is continuously energized, the water supply valve is opened to supply water to the hot water storage tank, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is preset by the supply of the water. When the temperature detecting means detects the lower limit set temperature, the water supply valve is closed to interrupt the supply of water, and the water temperature is set to a preset upper limit set temperature by heating the heating means. In the control method of the beverage dispenser that opens the water supply valve and resumes the supply of water when the temperature detection means detects,
When hot water is poured out from the hot water storage tank during the water supply period, the lower limit temperature is changed to a lower pouring state lower limit setting temperature that is higher by a certain temperature, and the lower limit setting temperature of the pouring state is set. And the opening / closing control of the water supply valve is performed.
Therefore, according to the invention according to claim 1, the lower limit set temperature for controlling the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank in the hot water pouring state is set higher than the lower limit set temperature other than the pouring state. Thus, hot water can be poured out even when water is supplied in the pouring state.

In the invention according to claim 2, when the water level detecting means detects that the water level of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is equal to or lower than a preset control switching water level, heating by the heating means is performed. The gist is that it was implemented intermittently.
Therefore, according to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, the deterioration of the quantitative property of the hot water poured out resulting from boiling of the hot water by the heating of a heating means can be prevented.

In the invention according to claim 3, when the water level detecting means detects that the water level of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is equal to or lower than a preset lower limit water level, the hot water is poured out. Then, after opening the water supply valve and supplying water for a certain amount or time and closing the water supply valve, hot water is heated by the heating means, and the temperature detecting means detects the upper limit set temperature. This makes it possible to pour out hot water again.
Therefore, according to the invention which concerns on Claim 3, the water level and temperature of the hot water stored in a hot water storage tank can be recovered to the state which can be rapidly poured out.

  According to the method for controlling a beverage dispenser according to the present invention, the lower limit set temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank in the hot water pouring state is set higher than the lower limit set temperature of hot water other than in the pouring state. The temperature of hot water poured out from the hot water storage tank can be maintained at a high temperature suitable for pouring.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the method for controlling a beverage dispenser according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a beverage dispenser 10 according to an embodiment includes a housing 12 formed in a box shape that opens to the front surface, and a substantially rectangular plate-shaped front panel 14 that closes the front opening of the housing 12. A main body (dispenser main body) 18 is constituted by an opening / closing cover 16 rotatably disposed on the front side of the front panel 14, and the opening / closing cover 16 has a substantially box-like shape opened on the rear side (front panel 14 side). Is formed. A storage container 20 defined between the opening / closing cover 16 and the front panel 14 (housing 12) stores a raw material container 22 for storing a raw material for pouring coffee, tea, etc., and the container A feed mechanism 30 for feeding the raw material from 22 is disposed. Further, a hot water storage tank 40 having a heat insulating structure for storing dilution water (hot water) in communication with an external water source (not shown) is accommodated in the housing 12. Further, on the front surface of the opening / closing cover 16, there is disposed a display unit for displaying various information such as the temperature of the dilution water and the amount of dispensing, and a display operation unit 34 including a power switch, a dispensing switch and a setting switch. ing.

  The delivery mechanism unit 30 is connected to a raw material pump 24 connected to the raw material container 22 and a lower part of the pump 24, and a dilution water extraction pipe 26, an extraction valve 27, a supply pipe 28, The pumping nozzle 36 is connected to the tank 40 through a pump motor 29 and a water absorption pipe 48. That is, the pouring nozzle 36 communicates with each of the raw material container 22 and the tank 40. In addition, on the front side of the bottom of the housing 12, a tray 12a on which a beverage container 52 such as a bowl or a cup to which a high-temperature diluted beverage obtained by mixing the raw material and dilution water is supplied can be placed, It is attached at a position facing below the dispensing nozzle 36.

  The pump motor 29 is a positive displacement self-priming pump, and drives a valve body (not shown) disposed therein to form a negative pressure to suck dilution water. A supply pipe 28 communicating with the extraction valve 27 is connected to the extraction side of the pump motor 29. The water absorption pipe 48 is inserted in the vicinity of the bottom of the hot water storage tank 40 in order to efficiently absorb water even if the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 decreases to a low water level. The raw material pump 24 and the pump motor 29 are set so that the supply amount of the raw material and the amount of the diluted water are both constant.

  In the beverage dispenser 10, when the material pump 24, the dispensing valve 27 and the pump motor 29 are driven by operating the dispensing switch, the material in the material container 22 is sucked into the material pump 24. Is supplied to the pouring nozzle 36, and high-temperature diluted water is poured from the tank 40 to the pouring nozzle 36, and a high-temperature diluted beverage in which the raw material and the diluting water are mixed in the pouring nozzle 36 is It is supplied to the beverage container 52 placed on the tray 12a.

As shown in FIG. 2, a water supply pipe 60 connected to an external water source communicates with the hot water storage tank 40, and an electromagnetic open / close type water supply valve 62 provided in the water supply pipe 60 is opened, so that the hot water storage tank 40 has a water supply pipe 60. Transition to a water supply state where a required amount of water is supplied (supplied). Inside the hot water storage tank 40 are a float switch for detecting a lower limit water level L _L (hereinafter referred to as “lower limit water level switch”) 42 and a float switch for detecting an upper limit water level L _H (hereinafter referred to as “upper limit water level switch”). 44) are installed in the vicinity of the bottom and upper end of the hot water storage tank 40, respectively, and are configured to keep the level (reserved amount) of the diluted water in the hot water storage tank 40 between the switches 42, 44.

Here, the upper limit water level L _H indicates the upper limit of the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40, that is, the full water position, and the lower limit water level L _L decreases the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40. This indicates a position where an electric heater 46 to be described later may be exposed on the water surface. The detection float switch control switching level L _C (hereinafter referred to as "control switching level switch") 43 is disposed in a predetermined position between the lower limit level switch 42 and upper limit water level switch 44 of the hot water storage tank 40 . A specific arrangement position of the control switching water level switch 43 is that when diluted water in the hot water storage tank 40 is boiled by heating, bubbles due to the boiling may be mixed with the diluted water absorbed from the water absorption pipe 48. It is set at a certain water level.

In the hot water storage tank 40, a tip end of a water absorption pipe 48 connected to the pump motor 29 is inserted, and by driving the pump motor 29, diluted water is supplied to the supply pipe 28, the dispensing valve 27, and It is comprised so that it may pour into the pouring nozzle 36 through the dilution water pouring pipe 26 (refer FIG. 2). The supply pipe 28 for connecting the pump motor 29 and the spout valve 27, the via above the upper limit level L _H of the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40, spout valve 27 (See FIG. 2). A discharge hole (not shown) having a diameter of about 1.0 is provided at the highest position in the supply pipe 28 so that the dilution water flowing through the supply pipe 28 can be discharged to the outside (in the hot water storage tank 40). With such a configuration, even when the dispensing valve 27 cannot be closed due to a failure or the like, dilution water is discharged between the pump motor 29 and the dispensing valve 27 in the supply pipe 28. Since the air gap is formed, there is no possibility that the diluted water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 leaks to the outside due to the principle of siphon. Further, since the supply pipe 28 is disposed in the hot water storage tank 40 in which dilution water maintained at a predetermined temperature is stored, the dilution water flowing through the supply pipe 28 is not cooled.

An electric heater (heating means) 46 is disposed below the lower limit water level switch 42 in the hot water storage tank 40, and the heater 46 allows dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 to pass through a predetermined set temperature (upper limit set temperature). with heating to T in the range of H _~ lower limit set temperature T _L), so that the incubation in temperature. A temperature thermistor (temperature detecting means) 50 for detecting the temperature of the diluted water is disposed in the vicinity of the water inlet of the water absorption pipe 48 that absorbs the diluted water stored in the hot water storage tank 40. The open / close control of the water supply valve 62 and the on / off operation of the electric heater 46 are controlled according to the detected temperature. Then, the lower limit set temperature T _L is changed to a discharge state lower limit set temperature T _PL that is higher than the lower limit set temperature T _L by a certain temperature (for example, 1 ° C.) in the dilution water extraction state.

  An electrical box 32 for controlling the operation of the beverage dispenser 10 is housed in the vicinity of the front opening inside the housing 12. The electrical box 32 is provided with a programmable controller. Information (signals) from each of the water level switches 42, 43, 44, information (signals) from the temperature thermistor 50, and each setting input from the setting switch in advance by the controller. Based on the set value, energization control of each member constituting the electric heater 46, the raw material pump 24, the dispensing valve 27, the pump motor 29, the water supply valve 62, and other beverage dispensers 10 is performed according to a flowchart (control program) described later. . In addition, the electrical box 32 is dispensed from the start of dispensing diluted water (diluted beverage) by operating a storage unit (not shown) in which the set values and control programs are stored and the dispensing switch. A dispensing time timer (not shown) for measuring time (for example, 5 minutes) and a water supply valve opening timer (not shown) for measuring the opening time (for example, 60 seconds) of the water supply valve 62 are provided.

(Operation of Example)
Next, the effect | action of the control method of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIGS. It is assumed that an upper limit set temperature T _H (for example, 92 ° C.) and a lower limit set temperature T _L (for example, 90 ° C.) are input as each set value required for controlling the beverage dispenser 10.

Basically, the beverage dispenser 10 is controlled by the dilution water level detected by the water level switches 42, 43, 44 and the dilution water temperature detected by the temperature thermistor 50. Specifically, with respect to the temperature of the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40, the electric heater 46 turns off operation when the temperature thermistor 50 detects the upper limit set temperature T _H, the temperature thermistor 50 is lower limit set temperature At the time when _TL is detected, the electric heater 46 is turned on to maintain the temperature of the dilution water from the upper limit set temperature _TH to the lower limit set temperature _TL . Further, regarding the level of dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40, when the dilution water is used and the water level is lower than the detected water level (upper limit water level L _H ) of the upper limit water level switch 44, the water supply valve 62 is turned on. opened shifts to a water supply state to replenish the water, is adapted to hold the upper water level L _H.

And when the temperature of dilution water falls during the water supply period which replenishes new water and the temperature thermistor 50 detects lower limit setting temperature _TL , the water supply valve 62 is closed and water supply is interrupted. At the same time, the electric heater 46 is turned on as described above. Furthermore, if the water level of the water before closing control the water supply valve 62 has not reached the upper limit water level L _H, a water supply when the temperature thermistor 50 detects that the temperature of the dilution water reaches the upper limit set temperature T _H The valve 62 is controlled to be opened and water supply is resumed.

In the embodiment, in order to cope with a situation such as water breakage or a failure of the temperature thermistor 50, the temperature thermistor 50 remains at the lower limit set temperature T _L even if a certain time elapses after the water supply valve 62 is opened (timed by a timer or the like). Is not detected, the water supply valve 62 is closed and the electric heater 46 is set to be turned off. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the dilution water from being heated more than necessary when an abnormal situation occurs. Further, the on / off state of the electric heater 46 and the open / closed state of the water supply valve 62 are stored in the storage unit, and the electric heater 46 and the water supply valve 62 shift to a new state and are overwritten in the storage unit. Configured to change.

Control of the beverage dispenser 10 is started by turning on the power switch, as shown in FIG. 3, and the initial setting is made at the first use, but in the present embodiment, the setting has been input as described above. When the power is turned on, initial hot water storage is performed (step S1). This initial hot water storage is performed when dilution water is not stored in the hot water storage tank 40 until the upper limit water level switch 44 or when the temperature of the stored dilution water is not between the upper limit set temperature _TH and the lower limit set temperature _TL. In this stage, the beverage dispenser 10 is ready to be dispensed.

  When the initial hot water storage is completed or not required, the process proceeds to step S2 for determining whether the beverage dispenser 10 is in a dispensing state or not in a dispensing state (hereinafter referred to as a standby state). Here, the “pouring state” is not only during the operation of the raw material pump 24, the pour-out valve 27 and the pump motor 29 as described above, but also during a certain time (for example, five minutes) from the start of pour-out. It is determined as “poured state”. For 5 minutes from the start of the dispensing, the time is counted by the dispensing time timer. The determination in step S2 is made based on whether or not the raw material pump 24, the dispensing valve 27, and the pump motor 29 are in operation or before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of operation. If "", the process proceeds to step S3, and if "extracted", the process proceeds to step S4.

When the state of the beverage dispenser 10 is determined to be "standby state" in step S2, the initial set lower limit set temperature T _L is directly used as the lower limit set temperature T _L (step S3). On the other hand, if the beverage dispenser 10 is determined as "pour state" at step S2, the lower limit set temperature T _L is, pouring state lower limit set temperature T _{PL (initially} set lower limit set temperature T _L above a certain temperature (here Then, the temperature is changed to a higher temperature (91 ° C.) (step S4). As described above, the lower limit set temperature _TL is used as an index for controlling the closing of the water supply valve 62, that is, an index for determining interruption of water supply to the hot water storage tank 40. In the “poured state”, The lower limit set temperature _TL is changed to the dispensing state lower limit set temperature _TPL , which is a constant temperature higher than the “standby state”. This change, since the water supply valve 62 from the lower limit set temperature T _L at a constant temperature higher dispensing state lower limit set temperature T _PL is closed controlled, the supply amount of water is reduced. That is, even out the dilution water Note: in the feedwater period for replenishing water, the temperature of the dilution water will not fall below the lower limit set temperature T _L higher than pouring state lower limit set temperature T _PL. Therefore, even when the beverage dispenser 10 is determined to be in the “pouring state” and the water supply valve 62 is controlled to be opened and water is being replenished, high-temperature diluted water can be poured out.

In general, when “pour out” is performed, there is a high possibility that there are many users of the beverage dispenser 10 such as during breaks. In the beverage dispenser 10 according to the present embodiment, since it is determined as “poured state” for 5 minutes from the start of pouring, the diluted water in the hot water storage tank 40 becomes full within this time and is outside the water supply period. Even so, the temperature of the dilution water is controlled within the range of the upper limit set temperature _TH to the dispensing state lower limit set temperature _TPL . That is, the temperature of the dilution water is kept high even in a situation where the “pour” state is likely to occur.

Thus, after the lower limit set temperature _TL or the dispensing state lower limit set temperature _TPL is set as the temperature control lower limit according to the state of the beverage dispenser 10 in step S3 or step S4, the “standby state” and “ In any of the “pour-out states”, the process proceeds to the water level confirmation routine _RLV , and the level of the diluted water in the hot water storage tank 40 is confirmed (see FIG. 3). Confirmation of the water level in the water level confirmation routine R _LV includes step S _{LV 1} the water level to determine whether the upper limit water level L _H, step S to determine whether the water level is below the control switching level L _C and _LV 2, is made in the step _{S LV} 3 the water level is equal to or less than the lower limit level _{L L.}

(About the water level confirmation routine _RLV (see Fig. 3))
Specifically, if the water level is the upper limit water level L _H (step S _LV 1: Yes), the process proceeds to a full water control routine Ra. If the water level is less than the upper limit water level _{L H} (step _S LV 1: No), the process proceeds to step _{S LV} 2 the water level is equal to or less than the control switching level _{L C.} Then, if the water level exceeds the control switching level _{L C} (Step _S LV 2: Yes), the process proceeds to the water supply valve normal control routine Rb. If the water level is less than the control switching level _{L C} (Step _S LV 2: No), the process proceeds to step _{S LV} 3 the water level is equal to or less than the lower limit level _{L L.} If the water level exceeds the lower limit water level L _L (step S _LV 3: Yes), the routine proceeds to the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc. If the water level control switch level _{L C} or less (Step _S LV 3: No), the process proceeds to the water supply valve limit control routine Rd.

(If the water level is the upper limit water level L _H: For full capacity control routine Ra (see FIG. 4))
The full capacity control routine Ra is the water level in the hot water storage tank 40 is a routine which is performed when it becomes the upper limit water level L _H, and controls the on-off operation of the electric heater 46 by the temperature of dilution water. That is, in the full water control routine Ra, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the water supply valve 62 is closed (step Sa1). Subsequently, the temperature of the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 is judged whether a predetermined maximum temperature T _H above (step Sa2), and the electric heater 46 if Yes is turned off operated (step Sa3 ), The process returns to step S2 for checking the state of the beverage dispenser 10. On the other hand, if step Sa2 is determined to be No, it is determined whether the temperature of the dilution water is equal to or lower than the lower limit set temperature _TL (step Sa4). And if the temperature of the dilution water is below the lower limit set temperature _TL (step Sa4: Yes), the electric heater 46 is turned on (step Sa5), and the process returns to step S2 for checking the state of the beverage dispenser 10, If the lower limit set temperature _TL has been reached (step Sa4: No), the process returns to step S2 for confirming the state of the beverage dispenser 10 as it is.

Thus, if the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 is full, the opening control of the water supply valve 62 is not performed, and only the control related to the on / off operation of the electric heater 46 depending on the temperature of the dilution water stored. Is implemented. Then, by carrying out the full water control routine Ra consisting of steps Sa1～Sa5, the temperature of the dilution water is held between the upper limit set temperature T _H of the lower limit set temperature T _L. And the ON / OFF operation | movement of the electric heater 46 can be gently controlled by hold | maintaining the temperature of dilution water in the range of fixed temperature compared with the case where it hold | maintains at one temperature. Further, when the operation state (ON operation or OFF operation) of the electric heater 46 is determined through each of the steps Sa1 to Sa5, the control immediately returns to step S2 in which the state of the beverage dispenser 10 is confirmed. Even if the “pickup state” shifts to the “pickup state”, the corresponding control can be performed immediately.

(If the water level exceeds the control switching level L _C is less than the upper limit water level L _H: for water supply valve normal control routine Rb (see FIG. 5))
The water supply valve normal control routine Rb, said a routine level of the hot water storage tank 40 is carried out when more than a control switching level L _C is less than the upper limit water level L _H, dilution water is always turns on activating the electric heater 46 The water supply valve 62 is controlled to open and close so that the temperature of the dilution water is maintained between the upper limit set temperature _TH and the lower limit set temperature _TL . Specifically, in the water supply valve normal control routine Rb, as shown in FIG. 5, the electric heater 46 is first turned on (step Sb1), and then the temperature of the diluted water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 is the upper limit set temperature T _H. It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied (step Sb2). If Yes, the stored dilution water is determined to be sufficiently heated, and the water supply valve 62 is opened to replenish water from the outside. (Step Sb3), the process returns to step S2 for checking the state of the beverage dispenser 10. On the other hand, if step Sb2 is determined as No, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the dilution water is equal to or lower than the lower limit set temperature _TL (step Sb4).

If the temperature of the dilution water is equal to or lower than the lower limit set temperature T _L (the “poured state lower limit set temperature T _PL if it is“ poured state ”) (step Sb4: Yes), the temperature of the stored diluted water The water supply valve 62 is closed (step Sb5), returning to step S2 for checking the state of the beverage dispenser 10, and if the lower limit set temperature _TL is exceeded (step Sb5). Sb4: No), it returns to step S2 which confirms the state of the beverage dispenser 10 with the water supply valve 62 opened while still allowing replenishment of water.

  If the open / closed state of the water supply valve 62 is determined through the steps Sb1 to Sb5 in the water supply valve normal control routine Rb, the control immediately returns to step S2 for checking the state of the beverage dispenser 10, so that this water supply valve normal control routine Rb Even if the dispensing is performed during the execution, the corresponding control can be performed immediately. Further, in this feed water valve normal control routine Rb, the feed water valve 62 is controlled to be opened / closed according to the temperature of the diluted water, but the on / off operation of the electric heater 46 is not controlled, and the electric heater 46 is turned on in step Sb1. Operation continues.

(If the water level exceeds the lower limit level L _L in the following control switching level L _C: Normal heater for intermittent control routine Rc water supply valve (see FIG. 6))
The water supply valve normally heater intermittent control routine Rc is a routine that the water level in the hot water storage tank 40 is carried out when more than the lower limit water level L _L below the upper control switching limit level L _C, the upper limit temperature of the dilution water The electric heater 46 is turned on and off and the water supply valve 62 is controlled to be opened and closed so as to be maintained between the set temperature _TH and the lower limit set temperature _TL . When the regular water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc is executed, the diluted water is poured out and the routine proceeds from the normal water supply valve control routine Rb, or water is replenished and the water supply valve restriction control routine Rd. However, in any routine, when the routine proceeds to the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc, the electric heater 46 is in an on-operation state. Yes.

Specifically, in the water supply valve normally heater intermittent control routine Rc, as shown in FIG. 6, first, the temperature of the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 is judged whether a predetermined maximum temperature T _H above (step If the answer is Yes, it is determined that the stored dilution water is sufficiently heated, the water supply valve 62 is opened to replenish water from the outside (step Sc2), and the electric heater 46 is turned on. The operation is turned off (step Sc3), and then the process returns to step S2 where the state of the beverage dispenser 10 is confirmed. On the other hand, if it is determined No in step Sc1, it is determined whether the temperature of the dilution water is equal to or lower than the lower limit set temperature _TL (step Sc4). If the temperature of the dilution water is equal to or lower than the lower limit set temperature T _L (the “poured state lower limit set temperature T _PL if it is“ poured state ”) (step Sc4: Yes), the temperature of the stored diluted water The water supply valve 62 is closed (step Sc5) and the electric heater 46 is turned on (step Sc6), and then the state of the beverage dispenser 10 is confirmed. Return. On the other hand, if the lower limit set temperature _TL is exceeded (step Sc4: No), the replenishment of water is still possible, the water supply valve 62 is kept open, and the electric heater 46 is kept off and the beverage dispenser 10 is kept open. The process returns to step S2 for checking the state.

  As described above, in the normal water supply valve / heater intermittent control routine Rc, both the opening / closing control of the water supply valve 62 and the on / off operation of the electric heater 46 are controlled by the temperature of the diluted water. Further, when the control of each of the steps Sc1 to Sc6 in the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc is completed and the operation state of the electric heater 46 (on operation or off operation) and the open / close state of the water supply valve 62 are determined, control is performed. Since the process immediately returns to the step S2 for confirming the state of the beverage dispenser 10, even if the dispensing is performed during the execution of the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc, the corresponding control can be immediately performed.

When the water supply valve normal control routine Rb and the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc are compared, there are the following differences. Specifically, in the water supply valve normal control routine Rb, the temperature at which the dilution water can be dispensed so as to supply as much water as possible while raising the temperature of the dilution water while the electric heater 46 is kept on. While the water supply valve 62 is controlled to be open until the temperature becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit set temperature T _L or the pouring state lower limit set temperature T _PL , the dilution water is poured out in the normal feed water valve / intermittent heater control routine Rc. The electric heater 46 is turned off during the opening control of the water supply valve 62 until the temperature reaches a possible temperature (lower limit set temperature _TL or dispensing state lower limit set temperature _TPL ). In other words, when the electric heater 46 is turned on in the normal water supply valve / intermittent heater control routine Rc, the temperature of the dilution water falls below the lower limit set temperature T _L (the “poured state lower limit set temperature T _PL if“ poured state ”). only after the water supply valve 62 is closed controlled, is only made to raising the temperature of the dilution water up to the upper limit set temperature T _H. Thus, the water supply valve normal control routine Rb and the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc are the same in that the water supply valve 62 is controlled to open and close depending on the temperature of the dilution water. The heating method is different in that it is continuous or intermittent.

  The intermittent heating control in the water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc is performed in order to ensure the quantitative property of the diluted water dispensed from the beverage dispenser 10. In general, as the pump motor 29 for dispensing dilution water used in the beverage dispenser 10, a positive displacement pump is used as described above in order to keep the amount of dilution water to be dispensed constant. Such a positive displacement pump is configured to dispense a constant volume regardless of the phase state (gas, liquid) of the target (diluted water here). By the way, the pump motor 29 absorbs dilution water from a water absorption pipe 48 disposed in the vicinity of the electric heater 46. In such a positional relationship, when the water level decreases due to a decrease in the amount of dilution water stored, the electric heater 46 There is a risk of inhaling air bubbles accompanying boiling caused by heating. And in the state which the bubble entered into the water absorption pipe 48, since the drink dispenser 10 which employ | adopted the positive displacement type pump motor 29 will pour a fixed volume in the state which combined the dilution water and the bubble by boiling. Quantitative dispensing of dilution water alone becomes difficult.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the arrangement position of the control switching water level switch 43 is set to a water level where bubbles due to the boiling may be mixed with the diluted water absorbed from the water absorption pipe 48 when the diluted water boils. by setting, if that water level of the dilution water is equal to or less than the control switching level L _C control switching level switch 43 detects the electric heater 46 is turned off operating at the upper limit set temperature T _H, lower limit set temperature T _L It is controlled to operate on. The control of this intermittent heating, the temperature of the dilution water is easily state boiling reached the upper limit set temperature T _H, the electric heater 46 is turned off actuation. And by this OFF operation, generation | occurrence | production of a bubble is suppressed and the suction | inhalation of this bubble into the water absorption pipe 48 is avoided, Therefore The quantitative property of the drink dispenser 10 is ensured.

(Regarding the water supply valve restriction control routine Rd (see FIG. 7))
The water supply valve restriction control routine Rd is a control routine that is performed when the water level in the hot water storage tank 40 is equal to or lower than the lower limit water level L _L and quickly restores the diluted water to a state where it can be poured out. When the water level is lower than the lower limit water level L _L , the electric heater 46 may be exposed on the water surface. From the viewpoint of protection of the electric heater 46 and safety in use of the beverage dispenser 10, FIG. As shown, first, the raw material pump 24, the pump motor 29 and the dispensing valve 27 are shifted to a state where they cannot be operated, the dispensing of the beverage dispenser 10 is stopped (Step Sd1), and the electric heater 46 is turned off (Step Sd1). Sd2). Subsequently, the water supply valve 62 is controlled to open (step Sd3), and the water supply valve open timer starts counting for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) (step Sd4). As described above, in the present embodiment, when the water level of the dilution water stored in the hot water storage tank 40 becomes lower than the lower limit water level L _L , the electric heater 46 is immediately turned off (step Sd2). Protection of the electric heater 46 and safety in use of the beverage dispenser 10 are ensured.

When it is determined in step Sd4 that the water supply valve opening timer has completed counting for a predetermined time, the water supply valve 62 is controlled to close (step Sd5). That is, the amount of water replenished is determined by time (60 seconds) regardless of the temperature of the dilution water. Therefore, the water supply valve normal control routine Rb for replenishing water until the temperature of the dilution water reaches the lower limit set temperature T _L (poured state lower limit set temperature T _PL if it is “poured state”). Or, unlike the water supply valve normal / intermittent heater control routine Rc, the water supply valve restriction control routine Rd replenishes water only to an amount that can complete heating in a short time. In this way, by limiting the amount of water replenished, it is possible to quickly recover the level of the dilution water and increase the temperature. That is, the beverage dispenser 10 can be quickly returned to a state where high-temperature diluted water can be poured out. Incidentally, 60 seconds 1.2 liters of water at the opening of the water supply valve 62 under the time limit are possible replenishment, it can raised to the upper limit set temperature T _H in a short time of about 10 minutes by heating the electric heater 46 It has become.

After the completion of the closing of the water supply valve 62 in step Sd5, the water supply valve open timer used for the opening control of the water supply valve 62 is reset (step Sd6) and the electric heater 46 is turned on (step Sd7). ). That is, since the electric heater 46 is turned on after the water supply valve 62 is opened and a certain amount of water is replenished in the hot water storage tank 40, the electric heater 46 is protected and the beverage dispenser 10 is used safely. And the dilution water can be heated. Then, whether or not the temperature of the dilution water reaches the upper limit set temperature T _H or is determined (step Sd8), when the temperature thermistor 50 detects the upper limit set temperature T _H (step Sd8: Yes), the raw material pump 24, the pump After the motor 29 and the dispensing valve 27 are shifted to an operable state to enable the dispensing of the beverage dispenser 10 (step Sd9), the process returns to step S2 for checking the state of the beverage dispenser 10.

In the present embodiment, it is determined that the “poured state” is reached for a certain time from the start of the pour, and even if the diluted water in the hot water storage tank 40 becomes full within this time and becomes outside the water supply period, Since the temperature is controlled within the range of the upper limit set temperature _TH to the pouring state lower limit set temperature _TPL , the temperature of the dilution water is maintained even if the pouring is performed after some time after the first pouring. Since it is kept high, high-temperature diluted water can be poured out. Further, when the diluted water in the hot water storage tank 40 is full, the electric heater 46 is controlled to be turned off at the upper limit set temperature _TH and to be turned on at the lower limit set temperature _TL . Therefore, the temperature control of the electric heater 46 becomes gentler than the case where the temperature of the dilution water is maintained at one temperature (for example, when the temperature exceeds 91 ° C., the operation is turned off, and when the temperature falls below 91 ° C.) Since it is not necessary to repeat frequently, the replacement frequency due to failure of the electric heater 46 is reduced, and the maintenance cost is reduced.

(Example of change)
(1) In the above embodiment, the float switch is used as the water level detecting means, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a non-contact type water level sensor 45 using a laser beam or the like is adopted, and the installation location of the sensor 45 is installed in a water level tank 41 separated from the hot water storage tank 40. The water level in 40 may be detected. In this case, since it is a non-contact type, it is not deteriorated by water or heat, and accurate water level detection is possible. Since such a non-contact type water level sensor 45 sensitively detects even a minute fluctuation in the liquid level, when the dilution water boils by heating, the average liquid level fluctuation caused by the boiling is an average. It becomes difficult to detect the water level. However, in the modified example (1), there is no problem because the water level sensor 45 is arranged in a water level tank 41 different from the hot water storage tank 40 in which the electric heater 46 is arranged.
(2) In the above-described embodiment, whether the material pump 24, the dispensing valve 27, and the pump motor 29 are operated and the dispensing is started until 5 minutes have elapsed, and whether or not it is determined as the “dispensing state”. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the elapsed time from the start of dispensing, which is determined as “poured state”, according to the usage frequency of the beverage dispenser 10 may be lengthened or shortened, or the elapsed time may be set for each usage time period.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, in the water supply valve restriction control routine Re that is executed when the water level of the dilution water becomes the lower limit water level L _L , the water supply valve opening timer that measures the opening time of the water supply valve 62 is limited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the amount of dilution water discharged from the positive displacement pump motor 29 is calculated, and 1 to 10 times the amount of water discharged is replenished, that is, the amount of water supplied is limited not in time but in quantity. It may be.
(4) In the above-described embodiment, when the lower limit water level switch 42 detects that the water level of the dilution water has reached the lower limit water level L _L , the operation of the raw material pump 24, the pump motor 29 and the dispensing valve 27 is stopped immediately. At the same time, the electric heater 46 is turned off, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electric heater 46 is turned off in consideration of protection of the electric heater 46 and safety in use of the beverage dispenser 10, while the raw material pump 24, the pump motor 29, and the dispensing valve 27 are predetermined. Only the capacity (for example, one time of dispensing) may be continuously operated. In general, the situation where the water level of the dilution water reaches the lower limit water level L _L occurs when the beverage dispenser 10 is in the “pouring state” and the water level continues to decrease. That is, it occurs while the user of the beverage dispenser 10 is pouring dilution water. Under such circumstances, when the water supply valve restriction control routine Rd according to the above-described embodiment is performed, the above-described user is interrupted in the middle of the dispensing. Obviously, such interruption in the middle of dispensing is undesirable from the user's point of view. However, when the control according to the modified example (4) is executed, at least for the dilution water that is being dispensed, the raw material pump 24, the pump motor 29, and the dispensing valve 27 operate until the dispensing is completed. There is no interruption in the middle. Further, since the electric heater 46 is turned off while the raw material pump 24, the pump motor 29, and the dispensing valve 27 are operated, the protection of the electric heater 46 and the safety in use of the beverage dispenser 10 are ensured. The

It is a side view which partially fractures and shows an example of the beverage dispenser by which the control method of the beverage dispenser concerning the example of the present invention is adopted. It is a vertical side view which shows the hot water storage tank of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the control method of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the control method (control routine Ra at the time of full water) of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the control method (water supply valve normal control routine Rb) of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the control method (water supply valve normal / heater intermittent control routine Rc) of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the control method (water supply valve restriction | limiting control routine Rd) of the drink dispenser which concerns on an Example. It is a vertical side view which shows the hot water storage tank of the drink dispenser which concerns on the example of a change (1).

Explanation of symbols

27 Valve for pouring (pouring means), 29 Pump motor (pouring means)
40 hot water storage tank, 42 lower limit water level switch (water level detection means)
43 Control switching water level switch (water level detection means)
44 Upper water level switch (water level detection means), 45 Water level sensor (water level detection means)
46 Electric heater (heating means), 50 Temperature thermistor (temperature detection means)
62 water supply valve, _{L C} control switching level, _{L L} lower limit level, _{T H} upper limit set temperature T _L lower limit set _{temperature, T PL} pouring state lower limit set temperature

Claims (3)

Heating means (46) for heating the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank (40);
Temperature detecting means (50) for detecting the temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank (40);
A water supply valve (62) for controlling the supply of water to the hot water storage tank (40),
With the heating means continuously energized, the water supply valve (62) is opened to supply water to the hot water storage tank (40). When the temperature detection means (50) detects the set lower limit set temperature (T _L ), the water supply valve (62) is closed to interrupt the water supply, and the heating means (46) is heated. When the temperature detecting means (50) detects that the hot water temperature has reached a preset upper limit set temperature (T _H ), the water supply valve (62) is opened to resume water supply. In a method for controlling a beverage dispenser,
When the hot water is poured out from the hot water storage tank (40), the lower limit set temperature (T _L ) is changed to a lower pouring state lower limit set temperature (T _PL ) that is higher by a certain temperature, A method for controlling a beverage dispenser, wherein opening and closing control of the water supply valve (62) is performed using a state lower limit set temperature ( _TPL ). When the water level detection means (43, 45) detects that the level of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank (40) is equal to or lower than a preset control switching water level (L _C ), the heating means The method according to claim 1, wherein the heating according to (46) is performed intermittently. When the water level detecting means (42, 45) detects that the water level of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank (40) is equal to or lower than a preset lower limit water level (L _L ), The water supply valve (62) is opened to supply a certain amount or time of water to close the water supply valve (62), and then the hot water is heated by the heating means (46). The method of controlling a beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature detecting means (50) detects the upper limit set temperature (T _H ), thereby allowing the hot water to be poured again.

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