JP2010088732A - Beverage feeding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a beverage feeding apparatus minimizing the heat radiation from the top of a hot-water tank to save energy. <P>SOLUTION: The hot-water tank 20 includes: a hot-water tank body 21 for storing fed drinking water; a lid 22 to cover the top of the hot-water tank body 21; an electric heater 23 for heating the drinking water fed from a reservoir tank 10; a hot-water feed valve 24 for feeding hot water to a coffee brewer and a mixing bowl from a hot-water feed pipe 25 by opening/closing the valve according to a beverage feeding command; and heat insulating materials 27a, 27b and 27c covering the periphery of the hot-water tank body 21 and the lid 22 to save energy by preventing heat radiation and eliminating radiation loss. The reservoir tank 10 is communicating with the hot-water tank 20 via a drinking water communication pipe 30 so that a predetermined first level in the reservoir tank 10 coincides with a predetermined second level in the hot-water tank 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage adjusted from beverage ingredients and hot water.

  Beverage supply devices that supply beverages adjusted from beverage ingredients and hot water (for example, cup-type vending machines) are equipped with a water inlet valve that opens and closes a water supply pipe directly connected to the water supply to supply and stop drinking water. The drinking water supplied with the water inlet valve opened is stored in a reservoir tank, and is pumped to a carbonator, a cold water nozzle, and a hot water tank by a water pump. Also, cold water for iced beverage, cooling water tank for cooling carbonated water and syrup, carbonator for producing and storing carbonated water, cold water nozzle for pouring cold water into the cup, carbonated water nozzle for pouring carbonated water into the cup, It is supplied from a carbon dioxide cylinder that stores carbon dioxide, a syrup container that stores syrup, a syrup nozzle that pours syrup into a cup, an auger type ice machine that makes ice pieces with drinking water supplied from a reservoir tank, and a coffee bean canister A coffee brewer that pours hot water supplied from a hot water tank into ground coffee beans that have been ground with a mill, and extracts coffee liquid from a coffee brewer. Mixing balls to stir and mix coffee liquid to prepare coffee drinks, coffee drinks in cups It is equipped with a coffee nozzle to dispense.

In the hot water tank, the upper surface is covered with a lid in order to prevent the steam from filling the inside of the machine and to prevent floating substances in the machine from being mixed. A float that covers the upper surface of the hot water tank is provided with a float that moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the hot water level, a high water level switch that operates in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the float, a low water level switch, and an electric heater. In addition, the hot water tank is equipped with a hot water temperature sensor, an air blow prevention sensor, a boiling prevention thermo, a hot water supply valve, etc., and the drinking water supplied from the upper part of the hot water tank is an electric heater, and the hot water temperature sensor outputs an upper limit temperature signal Until it is heated and heated to become hot water and stored in the hot water tank, the hot water supply valve is opened and closed in accordance with the beverage supply instruction, and the beverage is prepared from the hot water supplied to the coffee brewer or mixing ball from the hot water supply pipe and the beverage ingredients And poured into the cup (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-8-315244 (FIGS. 2 and 3)

  Since the amount of power consumed by the hot water tank in the beverage supply device having such a hot water tank occupies about 30% of the power consumed by the entire device, the amount of power consumed by the beverage supply device is reduced. In order to save energy, it is important to reduce the heat loss from the hot water tank. In order to reduce the heat loss from the hot water tank and prevent the temperature drop of the stored hot water, heat insulation is attached around the hot water tank to prevent heat dissipation from the tank body and reduce heat loss. To save energy.

  However, the lid that covers the upper surface of the hot water tank is equipped with a float that moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the water level of the hot water, a high water level switch that operates in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the float, a low water level switch, and an electric heater. Therefore, in order to insulate the lid covering the upper surface of the hot water tank, it is necessary to affix the heat insulating material while avoiding these devices, and the area where the heat insulating material can be affixed becomes extremely narrow. The hot water tank stores hot water heated to 95 ° C to 97 ° C, the lid temperature is 90 ° C to 95 ° C, and the difference from the in-machine temperature (20 ° C to 30 ° C) is large. In addition, the heat loss was also caused from the float, the switch mounting bracket, and the electric heater terminal.

  An object of this invention is to provide the drink supply apparatus which can aim at energy saving by minimizing the heat radiation from a hot water tank top surface in view of the said situation.

In order to achieve the above object, a beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided with a reservoir tank for storing drinking water supplied from a water source at a predetermined first water level, and supplied from the reservoir tank. A drinking water supply device comprising a hot water tank for storing drinking water as hot water at a predetermined second water level, and preparing and supplying a drink from the hot water supplied from the hot water tank and a beverage raw material,
The reservoir tank and the hot water tank are arranged so that the first water level and the second water level are the same water level, and communicate with each other through a pipeline.
When hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to adjust the beverage, and the water level of the hot water tank drops below the second water level, the drinking water supplied from the water source is kept at a predetermined first water level and stored. The hot water tank is made to flow through the pipe line from the reservoir tank, and the water level of the hot water tank is the same as the first water level.

Moreover, the beverage supply apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is the reverse flow according to claim 1 described above, wherein hot water stored in the hot water tank is prevented from flowing through the reservoir tank in the conduit. A prevention valve is provided.
Moreover, the beverage supply apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that in the above-described claim 1 or 2, the periphery of the hot water tank is covered with a heat insulating material.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the beverage supply apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the reservoir tank is provided with a float that moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the level of stored drinking water. A low water level switch that outputs a water supply start signal when lowered to a low position, and a high water level switch that outputs a water supply stop signal when raised to a predetermined high position, and the drinking water supplied from a water source is provided in the first It is characterized by being stored at a water level.

The beverage supply device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the above-described beverage tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reservoir tank is made of a light transmissive material at least at a predetermined height position.
A water level sensor comprising a light projecting means and a light receiving means is provided for outputting a water supply start signal when the stored drinking water level drops to a predetermined low position and outputs a water supply stop signal when the drinking water level rises to a predetermined high position. It is provided outside the tank and stores drinking water supplied from a water source while maintaining the first water level.

  A beverage supply apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is the beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reservoir tank starts water supply when the level of potable water stored in the reservoir tank drops to a predetermined low position. A water level detection electrode that outputs a signal and outputs a water supply stop signal when it rises to a predetermined high position is provided, and potable water supplied from a water source is maintained and stored at the first water level.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reservoir tank and the hot water tank are arranged so that the first water level and the second water level are the same water level and communicated with each other through the pipeline, and hot water is supplied from the hot water tank. When the beverage is adjusted and the water level in the hot water tank drops below the second water level, the drinking water supplied from the water source flows through the pipeline from the reservoir tank stored at the first water level set in advance. By moving to the hot water tank so that the water level of the hot water tank is the same as the first water level, the lid that covers the upper surface of the hot water tank has a float or float that moves up and down following the fluctuation of the hot water level. By eliminating the need to install a high water level switch and a low water level switch that operate in conjunction with elevation, heat insulating material can be applied to the entire surface of the lid covering the upper surface of the hot water tank, heat loss from the lid, and float And And prevent heat radiation loss from the mounting bracket, it is possible to provide a beverage supply device capable of saving energy and minimizing heat radiation from the hot water tank top.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the backflow prevention valve for preventing the hot water stored in the hot water tank from flowing into the reservoir tank is provided in the pipe line connecting the reservoir tank and the hot water tank. The water pump is driven according to the beverage supply instruction, and the potable water stored in the reserve tank is supplied to the carbonator and the cold water nozzle to lower the water level. As a result, the water level of the reserve tank is lower than the water level of the hot water tank. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the warm water stored in the warm water tank from flowing through the reservoir tank.

Moreover, according to invention of Claim 3, the drink supply apparatus which can aim at energy saving by minimizing the heat radiation from a warm water tank by covering the circumference | surroundings of a warm water tank with the heat insulating material can be provided.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the reservoir tank includes a low water level switch that outputs a water supply start signal when the float that moves up and down following the fluctuation in the level of stored drinking water drops to a predetermined low position. Providing a high water level switch that outputs a water supply stop signal when it rises to a predetermined high position, and storing hot drinking water supplied from a water source at a first water level to supply hot water from a hot water tank When the beverage is adjusted and the water level in the hot water tank drops below the second water level, the potable water flows from the reservoir tank through the pipeline to the hot water tank so that the water level in the hot water tank is the same as the first water level. In addition, the reservoir tank can store the drinking water supplied from the water source at a predetermined first water level.

  According to the invention of claim 5, when the reservoir tank is made of a light-transmitting material at least at a predetermined height position, the water supply start signal is generated when the stored drinking water level drops to a predetermined low position. A water level sensor composed of a light projecting means and a light receiving means that outputs a water supply stop signal when it rises to a predetermined high position is provided outside the reservoir tank, and the drinking water supplied from the water source is kept at the first water level. The hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to adjust the beverage, and when the water level of the hot water tank falls below the second water level, the drinking water flows from the reservoir tank through the pipeline to the hot water tank, The reservoir tank can store the drinking water supplied from the water source at a predetermined first water level so that the water level in the hot water tank is the same as the first water level.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the reservoir tank outputs a water supply start signal when the stored drinking water level drops to a predetermined low position, and outputs a water supply stop signal when the water level rises to a predetermined high position. By providing a water level detection electrode to output and storing the drinking water supplied from the water source at the first water level, the hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to adjust the beverage, and the water level of the hot water tank is the second level. When the water level drops below the drinking water level, the drinking water flows from the reservoir tank through the pipeline to the warm water tank, and the reservoir tank supplies the drinking water supplied from the water source in advance so that the warm water tank level is the same as the first water level. The first water level can be maintained and stored.

Exemplary embodiments of a beverage supply device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a view showing a reservoir tank 10 and a hot water tank 20 provided in a beverage supply apparatus (cup type vending machine) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The reservoir tank 10 is driven by a reservoir tank body 13 for storing drinking water supplied through a water inlet valve 12 provided in a water supply pipe 11 directly connected to the water supply, and a fluctuation in the level of drinking water stored in the reservoir tank body 13. The low water level switch 16 that detects the position of the rod 15 erected on the float 14 that moves up and down and outputs a water supply start signal when the drinking water falls to the water supply start water level (predetermined low position: A1), and the drinking water A high water level switch 17 that outputs a water supply stop signal when it rises to a water supply stop water level (predetermined high position: A2), and the reservoir tank 10 supplies a drinking water level between a water supply start water level A1 and a water supply stop water level A2 ( The first water level is maintained and stored. As the low water level switch 16 and the high water level switch 17, for example, a reed switch or a micro switch that is turned on and off with a magnet can be appropriately employed.

  The hot water tank 20 has a hot water tank main body 21 for storing the supplied drinking water, a lid 22 that covers the upper surface of the hot water tank main body 21 in order to prevent the steam from being filled in the machine and to prevent floating substances in the machine from being mixed therein. , An electric heater 23 for heating the drinking water supplied from the reservoir tank 10, a hot water supply valve 24 for opening and closing the valve in accordance with a beverage supply instruction and supplying hot water from the hot water supply pipe 25 to the coffee brewer or mixing ball, Insulating materials 27a, 27b, 27c for covering the periphery of the air (steam) inlet / outlet 26, the hot water tank body 21 and the lid 22 in the hot water tank 20 due to fluctuations in the water level, preventing heat dissipation and eliminating heat loss, and saving energy. The water level is determined in advance so that the hot water is located at the lower position of the air inlet / outlet 26 at the upper position of the electric heater 23 and the feed water supply valve 24 (second water level: FIG. So that storing keeping the water level) between A1 and A2.

  Then, the reservoir tank 10 and the hot water tank 20 are disposed so that the predetermined first water level of the reserve tank 10 and the predetermined second water level of the hot water tank 20 are the same water level, and the drinking water flow is performed. It communicates with the pipe line 30. The drinking water flow conduit 30 is provided with a backflow prevention valve 31 that prevents warm water stored in the warm water tank 20 from flowing into the reservoir tank 10. Thus, the backflow prevention valve 31 is provided in the middle of the drinking water flow conduit 30 because the water pump is driven according to the beverage supply instruction, and the drinking water stored in the reserve tank 10 is supplied to the carbonator and the cold water nozzle. This is to prevent the warm water stored in the hot water tank 20 from flowing into the reservoir tank 10 when the water level is lowered and the water level in the reserve tank 10 is lower than the water level in the warm water tank 20 as a result. is there. Note that the check valve 31 may be a check valve that permits the flow of liquid in one direction and prevents the flow of liquid in the other direction. It is also possible to use an electromagnetic on-off valve that closes and prevents the hot water stored in the hot water tank 20 from flowing into the reservoir tank 10.

  Thus, the lid 22 covering the upper surface of the hot water tank 20 needs to be provided with a float that moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the hot water level, a high water level switch that operates in conjunction with the up and down movement of the rod and float, and a low water level switch. The heat insulating material 27c that insulates the cover 22 that covers the upper surface of the hot water tank 20 can be attached to the entire surface of the cover 22 so that the heat loss from the cover 22 is reduced, and the float, rod, high water level switch, It is possible to provide a beverage supply device capable of preventing energy loss from the water level switch mounting bracket and saving energy by minimizing heat dissipation from the top surface of the hot water tank 20. In addition, the float used in the hot water tank was made of stainless steel so as to withstand the hot water temperature of 95 ° C to 97 ° C, but it was expensive. However, in the reserve tank, the float was used for drinking water. Since it can be formed of a plastic material, the cost can be reduced and the size can be reduced by reducing the weight.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the beverage supply apparatus. As shown in the figure, in addition to the control unit 90, a memory 91, a timer 92, and the like are attached. The control unit 90 opens and closes the water inlet valve 12 based on a predetermined command signal stored in the memory 91 and an input signal from the timer 92, the low water level switch 16, and the high water level switch 17, and is supplied from a water source. Water is stored in the reservoir tank 10 and kept at the first water level, and the electric heater 23 is energized to heat the hot water stored in the hot water tank 20 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 95 ° C. to 97 ° C.) to supply beverages. The hot water supply valve 24 is controlled to open and close according to the instruction.

With such a configuration, the control unit 90 opens and closes the hot water supply valve 24 according to the beverage supply instruction, adjusts the beverage from the hot water supplied to the coffee brewer and the mixing ball from the hot water supply pipe 25 and the beverage raw material, and pours it into the cup. . And if the water level of the hot water tank 20 which supplied the hot water used for drink adjustment falls from the 2nd water level, the reservoir tank 10 in which the drinking water supplied from the water source is kept at the predetermined first water level and stored. From the drinking water flow line 30 to the hot water tank 20, the water level of the hot water tank 20 becomes the same as the first water level of the reservoir tank 10, and is heated by the electric heater 23 to a predetermined temperature. Hot water is stored.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the beverage supply apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment. In the beverage supply apparatus according to the first embodiment, the reservoir tank 10 is erected on a float 14 that moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the level of potable water supplied through a water inlet valve 12 provided in a water supply pipe 11 directly connected to the water supply. The position of the rod 15 is detected, and when the drinking water falls to the water supply start water level (predetermined low position: A1), the low water level switch 16 that outputs a water supply start signal, and the drinking water is the water supply stop water level (predetermined high position: A high water level switch 17 that outputs a water supply stop signal when it rises to A2), and reservoir tank 10 stores drinking water at a water level (first water level) between water supply start water level A1 and water supply stop water level A2. However, in the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment, the reservoir tank body 41 of the reservoir tank 40 is made of a light-transmitting transparent material at least at a predetermined height position for storing drinking water. When the drinking water formed and stored in the material drops to the water supply start water level (predetermined low position: A1), the low water level sensor 42 including the light projector 42a and the light receiver 42b that outputs a water supply start signal, and the drinking water is supplied. A high water level sensor 43 composed of a light projector 43a and a light receiver 43b that outputs a water supply stop signal when it rises to a stop water level (predetermined high position: A2) is provided outside the reservoir tank body 41, and the reservoir tank 40 is supplied from a water source. Drinking water is stored at a water level (first water level) between a water supply start water level A1 and a water supply stop water level A2.

As described above, also in the configuration of the second embodiment, the water level of the hot water tank 20 to which the hot water used for beverage adjustment is supplied is lowered from the second water level, and the drinking water supplied from the water source is a predetermined first level. From the reservoir tank 40 kept at the water level and flowing through the drinking water flow conduit 30 to the hot water tank 20, the water level of the hot water tank 20 becomes the same as the first water level of the reservoir tank 40. Since the hot water heated to the predetermined temperature by the heater 23 is stored, the float 22 that moves up and down in accordance with the fluctuation of the hot water level, the rod and the float move up and down on the lid 22 covering the upper surface of the hot water tank 20. By eliminating the need to attach a high water level switch and a low water level switch that operate in conjunction with each other, a heat insulating material 27c that insulates the lid 22 covering the upper surface of the hot water tank 20 can be attached to the entire surface of the lid 22. The heat loss from the lid 22 and the heat loss from the float, rod, high water level switch, and low water level switch mounting bracket are prevented, and the heat radiation from the top surface of the hot water tank 20 is minimized to save energy. A beverage supply device that can be provided can be provided.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the beverage supply apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments. In the beverage supply apparatus according to the second embodiment, the reservoir tank 40 is configured such that when the drinking water supplied through the water inlet valve 12 provided in the water supply pipe 11 directly connected to the water supply falls to the water supply start water level (predetermined low position: A1). From a low water level sensor 42 comprising a light projector 42a and a light receiver 42b for outputting a water supply start signal, and from a light projector 43a and a light receiver 43b for outputting a water supply stop signal when drinking water rises to a water supply stop water level (predetermined high position: A2). A high water level sensor 43 is provided outside the reservoir tank 40, and the reservoir tank 40 stores drinking water supplied from a water source at a water level (first water level) between the water supply start water level A1 and the water supply stop water level A2. However, in the beverage supply apparatus according to the third embodiment, when the stored drinking water falls to the water supply start water level (predetermined low position: A1), a water supply start signal is generated. The reservoir tank 50 is provided with a low water level detection electrode 52 that acts, a high water level detection electrode 53 that outputs a water supply stop signal when drinking water rises to a water supply stop water level (predetermined high position: A2), and a common electrode 54. The reservoir tank 50 stores the drinking water supplied from the water source at a water level (first water level) between the water supply start water level A1 and the water supply stop water level A2.

  As described above, even in the configuration of the third embodiment, the water level of the hot water tank 20 to which the hot water used for beverage adjustment is supplied is lowered from the second water level, and the drinking water supplied from the water source is determined in advance. From the reservoir tank 50 kept at the water level and stored, the drinking water flow conduit 30 flows to the warm water tank 20 and the water level in the warm water tank 20 becomes the same as the first water level in the reservoir tank 50. Since the hot water heated to the predetermined temperature by the heater 23 is stored, the float 22 that moves up and down in accordance with the fluctuation of the hot water level, the rod and the float move up and down on the lid 22 covering the upper surface of the hot water tank 20. By eliminating the need to attach a high water level switch and a low water level switch that operate in conjunction with each other, a heat insulating material 27c that insulates the lid 22 covering the upper surface of the hot water tank 20 can be attached to the entire surface of the lid 22. The heat loss from the lid 22 and the heat loss from the float, rod, high water level switch, and low water level switch mounting bracket are prevented, and the heat radiation from the top surface of the hot water tank 20 is minimized to save energy. A beverage supply device that can be provided can be provided.

It is a reservoir tank and a warm water tank of Embodiment 1 of a beverage supply device concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the drink supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is the reservoir tank and hot water tank of Embodiment 2 of the drink supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the reservoir tank and hot water tank of Embodiment 3 of the drink supply apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Reservoir tank 12 Water inlet valve 13 Reservoir tank main body 14 Float 15 Rod 16 Low water level switch 17 High water level switch 20 Hot water tank 21 Hot water tank main body 22 Lid 23 Electric heater 24 Hot water supply valve 27a Thermal insulation 27b Thermal insulation 27c Thermal insulation 30 Drinking Water flow pipe (pipe)
31 Backflow prevention valve 40 Reservoir tank 41 Hot water tank main body 42 Low water level sensor 43 High water level sensor 50 Reservoir tank 51 Hot water tank main body 52 Low water level detection electrode 53 High water level detection electrode

Claims (6)

A reservoir tank for storing drinking water supplied from a water source at a predetermined first water level and a hot water tank for storing drinking water supplied from the reservoir tank at a predetermined second water level as hot water A beverage supply device that prepares and supplies a beverage from the hot water and beverage ingredients supplied from the hot water tank,
The reservoir tank and the hot water tank are arranged so that the first water level and the second water level are the same water level, and communicate with each other through a pipeline.
When hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to adjust the beverage, and the water level of the hot water tank drops below the second water level, the drinking water supplied from the water source is kept at a predetermined first water level and stored. The beverage supply device is characterized in that it moves from the reservoir tank passing through the pipe line to the hot water tank so that the water level of the hot water tank is the same as the first water level.   The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein a reverse flow prevention valve is provided in the pipe line to prevent warm water stored in the warm water tank from flowing into the reservoir tank.   The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a periphery of the hot water tank is covered with a heat insulating material.   The reservoir tank includes a low water level switch that outputs a water supply start signal when a float that moves up and down following movement of the stored drinking water level drops to a predetermined low position, and water supply stop when the float rises to a predetermined high position. The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a high water level switch that outputs a signal is provided, and potable water supplied from a water source is stored while being kept at the first water level. The reservoir tank is made of a light transmissive material at least at a predetermined height position.
A water level sensor comprising a light projecting means and a light receiving means is provided for outputting a water supply start signal when the stored drinking water level drops to a predetermined low position and outputs a water supply stop signal when the drinking water level rises to a predetermined high position. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein the beverage supply device is provided outside the tank and stores drinking water supplied from a water source at the first water level.   The reservoir tank is provided with a water level detection electrode that outputs a water supply start signal when the stored drinking water level drops to a predetermined low position and outputs a water supply stop signal when the drinking water level rises to a predetermined high position. The drinking water supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drinking water supplied from is stored in the first water level.

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