JP2017127630A - Beverage providing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce generation of a scale in a steam tank.SOLUTION: A beverage providing device 1 for providing beverage to a cup C and comprising a steam tank 11 for generating compression steam for forming beverage, comprises: a hot water tank 13 for generating and storing hot water for generating beverage; a hot water passage 12 for introducing hot water from a hot water guide port 121b provided on an upper side of a low water level L1 which is a preset level of hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 and supplying the hot water to the steam tank 11; and a strainer 17 provided on the hot water passage 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage providing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a beverage providing device that provides a coffee beverage such as cappuccino, a device provided with a steam tank that generates pressurized steam constituting the coffee beverage is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-10049

  Although not explicitly disclosed in Patent Document 1, the steam tank generates pressurized steam by heating supplied water. Therefore, components such as calcium contained in the water are crystallized to generate scale, and there is a problem that such scale accumulates in the steam tank.

  An object of this invention is to provide the drink provision apparatus which can reduce generation | occurrence | production of the scale in a steam tank in view of the said situation.

  In order to achieve the above object, a beverage providing apparatus according to the present invention provides a beverage to a beverage container, and has a steam tank that generates pressurized steam constituting the beverage. A hot water tank that generates and stores hot water constituting the beverage, and hot water is introduced from a hot water outlet provided above a preset low water level of the hot water stored in the hot water tank. A hot water supply path for supplying to the tank and a strainer provided in the hot water supply path are provided.

  In the beverage providing apparatus according to the present invention, the hot water supply path includes an auxiliary hot water inlet having a diameter smaller than that of the hot water inlet below the hot water inlet and below the low water level. And

  Moreover, the drink provision apparatus which concerns on this invention provides a drink with respect to a drink container, Comprising: The drink provision apparatus which has a vapor | steam tank which produces | generates the pressurized vapor | steam which comprises this drink comprises the said drink. A hot water tank that generates and stores hot water, and a hot water supply path that supplies hot water to the steam tank by introducing hot water from a hot water inlet provided above a preset low water level of the hot water stored in the hot water tank And one end connected to the steam tank, a drain pipe for discharging the hot water in the steam tank, and an openable and closable installation in the drain pipe. When opening, the hot water is discharged through the drain pipe. On the other hand, when closing, a drain valve that regulates the discharge of hot water through the drain pipe, and when the hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to the steam tank through the hot water supply path, At a given time Is opened, characterized in that a control means for discharging the hot water through the drain pipe.

  According to the present invention, the hot water supply path supplies hot water generated and stored in the hot water tank to the steam tank, so that a scale generated by crystallization of components such as calcium contained in the water can be generated in the hot water tank. it can. And since the hot water supply path introduces hot water from the hot water inlet provided above the preset low water level of hot water stored in the hot water tank and supplies it to the steam tank, the scale accumulated in the hot water tank can be reduced. Supplying can be suppressed. In addition, since the strainer is provided in the hot water supply path, even if the scale floating in the hot water in the hot water tank is sucked from the hot water inlet, it can be removed by the strainer. Therefore, there is an effect that scale generation in the steam tank can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the hot water supply path supplies hot water generated and stored in the hot water tank to the steam tank, so that a scale generated by crystallization of components such as calcium contained in the water is generated in the hot water tank. Can do. And since the hot water supply path introduces hot water from the hot water inlet provided above the preset low water level of hot water stored in the hot water tank and supplies it to the steam tank, the scale accumulated in the hot water tank can be reduced. Supplying can be suppressed. In addition, when hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to the steam tank through the hot water supply path, the control means opens the drain valve for a predetermined time and discharges the hot water through the drain pipe. The component to be discharged can be discharged together with hot water, and the concentration of the component that is the basis of the scale in the hot water in the steam tank can be reduced to a predetermined concentration or less. Therefore, there is an effect that scale generation in the steam tank can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration of a beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of the steam generation unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the hot water supply pipe shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a characteristic control system of the beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process contents of the hot water supply control process performed by the control unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the heating control process performed by the control unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the drainage control processing performed by the control unit. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a steam generation unit that is a main part of the beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a characteristic control system of the beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the water supply / drainage control processing performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the vapor pressure check processing performed by the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the water leak detection process performed by the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the hot water circulation control process performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the water level float shown in FIGS. 2 and 9.

  Exemplary embodiments of a beverage providing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration of a beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The beverage providing device 1 exemplified here provides a coffee beverage containing a milk beverage component to the cup C, which is a beverage container, and includes a steam generation unit 10, a milk beverage supply unit 30, an air supply unit 40, The mixing unit 50, the forming unit 60, and the nozzle 70 are provided.

  The steam generation unit 10 includes a steam tank 11, a steam supply pipe 24, a drain pipe 25, and a relief pipe 26. The steam tank 11 is connected to the hot water tank 13 through the hot water supply path 12. Here, the hot water tank 13 includes a hot water generating heater 14 as shown in FIG. The hot water generating heater 14 is energized by being driven by a drive command given from the control unit 90 described later, and is supplied to the hot water tank 13 by water supply means (not shown) when energized. The water is heated to produce hot water. That is, the hot water tank 13 generates and stores hot water. Such a hot water tank 13 is provided with an overflow pipe 15. The overflow pipe 15 is for discharging hot water to the outside when the water level inside the hot water tank 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined height. That is, the inside of the hot water tank 13 communicates with the outside air through the overflow pipe 15.

  The hot water supply path 12 is configured by connecting a plurality of hot water supply pipes 121, and a hot water supply pump 16, a strainer 17, and a hot water supply pump 18 are provided on the way.

  In such a hot water supply path 12, the hot water supply pipe 121 constituting the one end side (hereinafter also referred to as the upstream hot water supply pipe 121 a) enters the hot water tank 13 in such a manner as to protrude upward from the bottom of the hot water tank 13. Yes. A hot water inlet 121b is formed at the upper end surface of the upstream hot water supply pipe 121a, and the hot water inlet 121b is located above the preset low water level L1 (see FIG. 2) of hot water stored in the hot water tank 13. Is provided. The low water level L1 is a minimum height level in which hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is allowed.

  Further, in the upstream hot water supply pipe 121a, an auxiliary hot water supply port 121c having a smaller diameter than the hot water supply port 121b is provided in a peripheral surface portion below the hot water supply port 121b and below the low water level L1.

  The hot water supply pump 16 is constituted by a centrifugal pump, for example, and is driven when a drive command is given from the control unit 90. When the hot water supply pump 16 is driven, the hot water sucked through the upstream hot water supply pipe 121a is sent to a hot water supply pipe 19 having one end connected to itself. That is, when the hot water supply pump 16 is driven, the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is sent to the hot water supply pipe 19, while when the driving is stopped, the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is supplied with hot water. It is allowed to pass through the route 12.

  The other end of the hot water supply pipe 19 is connected to the beverage generation unit 20. The drink production | generation part 20 is called a brewer, and extracts a coffee drink with the hot water supplied through the hot water supply pipe | tube 19, and the coffee raw material supplied into self. Since the structure of this beverage production | generation part 20 is well-known, the description is omitted here.

  The hot water supply pipe 19 has an upper slope portion 19a that gradually inclines upward toward the direction of supply to the beverage generation unit 20 at a portion above the hot water level in the hot water tank 13, As shown in FIG. 3, an air introduction hole 19b is formed in the upper slope portion 19a. Further, one end of an air introduction pipe 21 is connected to the upper slope portion 19a in such a manner that the hot water supply pipe 19 communicates through the air introduction hole 19b. The air introduction pipe 21 is connected to the hot water tank 13 in such a manner that the other end communicates with the hot water tank 13.

  In the upper slope portion 19a, a reduced diameter tube 19c is inserted in a portion upstream of the air introduction hole 19b. The outer diameter of the reduced diameter pipe 19c is adapted to the inner diameter d1 of the hot water supply pipe 19. That is, the inner diameter d2 of the reduced diameter pipe 19c is smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the hot water supply pipe 19. More specifically, when the inner diameter d1 of the hot water supply pipe 19 is about 5.0 to 6.0 mm, the inner diameter d2 of the reduced diameter pipe 19c is about 3.5 to 4.5 mm, for example. Further, in the first embodiment, the inner diameter d3 of the air introduction tube 21 is about 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The inner diameter d3 of the air introduction tube 21 does not need to be smaller than the inner diameter d2 of the reduced diameter tube 19c, and may be larger than the inner diameter d2.

  That is, the upper slope portion 19a is configured such that the upstream portion of the air introduction hole 19b has a resistance to hot water supply higher than the downstream portion including the portion where the air introduction hole 19b is formed.

  Although it is an angle with respect to an upstream side part from the air introduction hole 19b in the upper gradient part 19a of the said air introduction pipe | tube 21, Although it does not specifically limit in this invention, It is preferable that it is 90 degrees or less.

  The strainer 17 is provided on the downstream side of the hot water supply pump 16 in the hot water supply path 12. The strainer 17 removes the fixed matter contained in the hot water passing through the hot water supply path 12, and in the first embodiment, the scale produced by crystallization of the calcium component contained in the water that is the raw material of the hot water is removed. Is.

  The hot water supply pump 18 is constituted by, for example, a diaphragm pump, and is driven when a drive command is given from the control unit 90. The hot water supply pump 18 supplies hot water from the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11 when driven. Further, the hot water supply pump 18 has an air supply function for supplying air inside the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11 by being driven. A check valve 122 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 121 between the hot water supply pump 18 and the steam tank 11. The check valve 122 is adjusted so that the forward closing pressure is higher than the water head pressure of the hot water tank 13.

  The steam tank 11 includes a steam generation heater 22 inside. The steam generating heater 22 is driven by a drive command given from a control unit 90 described later to be in an energized state, and heats and pressurizes hot water supplied through the hot water supply path 12 by being energized. It generates steam. That is, the steam tank 11 generates pressurized steam by heating the supplied hot water.

  The steam supply pipe 24 has one end connected to the steam tank 11 and the other end connected to the mixing unit 50, and connects the steam tank 11 and the mixing unit 50. In the middle of the steam supply pipe 24, a steam supply valve 24a and a steam check valve 24b are provided. The steam supply valve 24 a is opened and closed according to a command given from the control unit 90. The steam supply valve 24 a allows the pressurized steam to pass through the steam supply pipe 24 when opened. Further, the steam supply valve 24a restricts the passage of pressurized steam through the steam supply pipe 24 when closed. The steam check valve 24 b allows passage of fluid (pressurized steam) from the steam tank 11 to the mixing unit 50, while restricting passage of fluid from the mixing to the steam tank 11.

  The drain pipe 25 is connected to the steam tank 11 at one end, and discharges the hot water inside the steam tank 11. The drain pipe 25 is provided with a drain cock 25a. The drain cock 25a is provided so as to be able to swing, and allows hot water to pass through the drain pipe 25 by swinging in the opening direction by manual operation.

  The relief pipe 26 is connected to the steam tank 11 at one end, and discharges the internal air, hot water, and steam from the steam tank 11. The relief pipe 26 is provided with a safety valve 26a. The safety valve 26a is opened when the pressure inside the steam tank 11 is equal to or greater than a preset size (for example, about 400 kPa). In addition, the code | symbol 27 in FIG. 2 is a thermostat. The thermostat 27 gives a stop signal to the control unit 90 when the temperature inside the steam tank 11 exceeds a preset size (for example, about 130 ° C.). Here, the reference temperature (about 130 ° C.) at which the thermostat 27 sends a stop signal is the boiling point when the internal pressure of the steam tank 11 is about 170 kPa, and is lower than the set pressure (about 400 kPa) of the safety valve 26a. Is set.

  The milk beverage supply unit 30 includes a bag-in-box (hereinafter also referred to as BIB) 31 and a tube pump 32.

  The BIB 31 is configured by accommodating a bag-like container enclosing a milk beverage (foamed milk) supplied to the cup C (hereinafter also referred to as milk stock solution) in a box-like container. The BIB 31 is arranged in a cold storage (not shown).

  The tube pump 32 is provided on the lower side of the BIB 31 inside the cool box. The tube pump 32 is driven by a command given from the control unit 90. In the case of driving, the tube 33 connected to the BIB 31 is crushed by a plurality of rollers or the like to pump the milk stock solution of the BIB 31. It is something to be issued.

  In addition, the code | symbol 34 in FIG. 1 is a connector. The connector 34 is attached to the tip of a tube 33 connected to the BIB 31, and connects the tube 33 to one end of a liquid supply pipe 51 connected to the mixing unit 50. The liquid supply pipe 51 is provided with a liquid check valve 51a. The liquid check valve 51 a allows passage of fluid from the BIB 31 to the mixing unit 50, while restricting passage of fluid from the mixing unit 50 to the BIB 31.

  The air supply unit 40 includes an air supply pipe 41. The air supply pipe 41 has one end connected to the air pump 42 and the other end connected to the mixing unit 50, and connects the air pump 42 and the mixing unit 50. The air pump 42 is driven in accordance with a command given from the control unit 90. When driven, the air pump 42 compresses air and sends out compressed air through the air supply pipe 41.

  In the middle of the air supply pipe 41, an air check valve 41a is provided. The air check valve 41 a allows passage of fluid (compressed air) from the air pump 42 to the mixing unit 50, while restricting passage of fluid from the mixing unit 50 to the air pump 42.

  The mixing unit 50 mixes the pressurized steam supplied through the steam supply pipe 24 and the milk stock solution supplied through the liquid supply pipe 51 to heat the milk stock solution, and further, compressed air supplied through the air supply pipe 41. Is mixed to produce a milk beverage in a slightly foamed state.

  The forming unit 60 is connected to the mixing unit 50 via the beverage delivery pipe 61. The forming unit 60 is for foaming the milk beverage delivered from the mixing unit 50 through the beverage delivery pipe 61.

  The nozzle 70 is connected to the forming unit 60 through the beverage outlet pipe 71 and is connected to the beverage generation unit 20 through the beverage supply pipe 72. This nozzle 70 puts the milk beverage (milked milk beverage in a foamed state) delivered from the forming unit 60 through the beverage outlet tube 71 and the coffee beverage supplied from the beverage production unit 20 through the beverage supply tube 72 into the cup C. To be discharged.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a characteristic control system of the beverage providing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the beverage providing apparatus 1 includes a drain switch 81, a heating switch 82, a low water level detection sensor 83, a lower limit water level detection sensor 84, an upper limit water level detection sensor 85, a first internal temperature sensor 86, and a second internal A temperature sensor 87 and a control unit 90 are included.

  The drain switch 81 is provided in a remote controller (not shown) that is electrically connected to the control unit 90. This drain switch 81 gives a drain signal to the control unit 90 when operated by an operator.

  The heating switch 82 is provided in the remote controller similarly to the drain switch 81. The heating switch 82 gives a heating signal to the control unit 90 when operated by an operator.

  The low water level detection sensor 83 is provided inside the hot water tank 13. The low water level detection sensor 83 detects that when the water level of the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is lower than the low water level L1, and gives an ON signal to the control unit 90.

  The lower limit water level detection sensor 84 is provided inside the steam tank 11. This lower limit water level detection sensor 84 detects that when the water level float 23 (see FIG. 2) that moves up and down by the level of hot water inside the steam tank 11 is at the lower limit position, and sends an ON signal to the control unit 90. To give.

  The upper limit water level detection sensor 85 is provided inside the steam tank 11. When the water level float 23 is at the upper limit position, the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 detects that and gives an ON signal to the control unit 90.

  The first internal temperature sensor 86 detects the internal temperature T <b> 1 of the hot water tank 13 and gives a detection signal to the control unit 90. The second internal temperature sensor 87 is an internal temperature detection unit that detects the internal temperature T2 of the steam tank 11 and gives a detection signal to the control unit 90.

  The control unit 90 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the beverage providing device 1 according to programs and data stored in the memory 100. As a characteristic of the first embodiment, the input processing unit 91 , A determination processing unit 92, a comparison processing unit 93, a pump drive processing unit 94, a valve drive processing unit 95, and a heater drive processing unit 96.

  For example, the control unit 90 may cause a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, software and hardware may be used in combination.

  The input processing unit 91 inputs a drainage signal or the like given from the drainage switch 81 or the like, or a signal given from each sensor 83 or the like. The determination processing unit 92 starts time measurement by a time measuring unit such as a built-in clock and determines whether or not the set time and the operation time read from the memory 100 have elapsed. The comparison processing unit 93 compares the temperature input through the input processing unit 91 with various temperatures read from the memory 100.

  The pump drive processing unit 94 outputs a drive command or a drive stop command to the hot water supply pump 16 or the hot water supply pump 18 to drive or stop the pump 16 and the like. The valve drive processing unit 95 gives an open command or a close command to the steam supply valve 24a to open or close the steam supply valve 24a. The heater drive processing unit 96 gives a drive command or a drive stop command to the steam generation heater 22 to drive or stop the steam generation heater 22.

  In the beverage providing apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, the water supplied to the hot water tank 13 is heated by driving the hot water generating heater 14 by the control unit 90 to generate hot water having a desired temperature. It is stored in the hot water tank 13.

  Then, when the hot water supply pump 18 is driven by the control unit 90, hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is sent to the steam tank 11, and when the steam generation heater 22 is driven by the control unit 90, the hot water is heated. As a result, pressurized steam is generated.

  As for the delivery of hot water from the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11, the controller 90 drives the hot water supply pump 18 when the lower water level detection sensor 84 detects that the water level float 23 provided in the steam tank 11 is at the lower limit position. When the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 detects that the water level float 23 is at the upper limit position, the controller 90 stops the hot water supply pump 18 by stopping driving. In this way, hot water having a desired temperature is stored in the hot water tank 13, and pressurized steam is generated in the steam tank 11.

  In the said drink provision apparatus 1, the coffee drink containing a milk drink component can be provided to the cup C as follows.

  When the hot water supply pump 16 is driven for a predetermined time by the control unit 90, hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is supplied to the beverage generation unit 20, and a coffee beverage is extracted by the beverage generation unit 20. The extracted coffee beverage is supplied to the nozzle 70.

  The steam supply valve 24a is opened by the control unit 90, and the tube pump 32 and the air pump 42 are driven, whereby the milk stock solution of the BIB 31 is pumped out to the mixing unit 50, and the steam generated in the steam tank 11 is generated. The pressurized steam passes through the steam supply pipe 24 and reaches the mixing unit 50, and the compressed air passes through the air supply pipe 41 and reaches the mixing unit 50.

  In the mixing unit 50, the milk stock solution is heated by the pressurized steam, and mixed with the milk stock solution heated by the pressurized steam when the compressed air enters to produce a milk beverage. The milk beverage produced here is in a state of being slightly foamed by compressed air. In this way, the milk beverage generated by the mixing unit 50 passes through the beverage delivery pipe 61 and reaches the forming unit 60.

  In the forming unit 60, the amount of foaming of the milk drink is increased and the foamed foam is brought into contact with the wall surface or the like. The milk beverage thus foamed is supplied to the nozzle 70 through the beverage outlet pipe 71.

  And the coffee drink containing a milk drink component is provided by discharging the coffee drink supplied from the drink production | generation part 20 by the nozzle 70, and the foamed milk drink supplied from the forming part 60 to the cup C. The

  In the beverage providing device 1, since the air introduction hole 19 b is formed in the upper slope portion 19 a of the hot water supply pipe 19, the hot water supply pump 16 driven for a predetermined time passes through the air introduction pipe 21 when the drive is stopped. As shown by a broken line arrow “a” in FIG. 3, the performed air enters the hot water supply pipe 19 through the air introduction hole 19 b. Here, the air that has entered through the air introduction hole 19b has a specific gravity smaller than that of hot water, and therefore is directed toward the upper side of the upper gradient portion 19a, that is, the downstream side in the supply direction. The hot water in the upper gradient portion 19a tends to flow with inertial force even after the hot water supply pump 16 is stopped. As a result of flowing while entraining the air that has entered through the air introduction hole 19b, the portion A indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The hot water upstream of the portion A is returned to the hot water tank 13 by its own weight as shown by the solid line arrow b in FIG. That is, when the hot water supply pump 16 stops driving, the hot water can be cut well.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the hot water supply control process performed by the control unit 90 shown in FIGS. The operation of the beverage providing device 1 will be described while explaining the hot water supply control process.

  In this hot water supply control process, the control unit 90 inputs a detection signal (internal temperature T1) through the input processing unit 91 when the first internal temperature sensor 86 detects the internal temperature T1 of the hot water tank 13 and sends a detection signal. If it has been performed (step S101: Yes), the lower limit temperature (for example, 63 ° C.) stored in the memory 100 is read from the memory 100 through the comparison processing unit 93, and whether or not the internal temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature is compared. (Step S102).

  When the internal temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature (step S102: Yes), the control unit 90 sends a drive prohibition command to the hot water supply pump 18 through the pump drive processing unit 94 (step S103).

  On the other hand, when the ON signal from the low water level detection sensor 83 is input through the input processing unit 91 without inputting the detection signal (internal temperature T1) in step S101 (step S101: No, step S104: Yes), or the above When the internal temperature T1 exceeds the lower limit temperature in step S102 and the ON signal from the low water level detection sensor 83 is input through the input processing unit 91 (step S102: No, step S104: Yes), the control unit 90 Step S103 is performed.

  In this way, the control unit 90 that has performed step S103 returns the procedure and ends the current process.

  According to this, when the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is low temperature, or when the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is small, it is possible to avoid performing the hot water supply operation to the steam tank 11. .

  By the way, when the power is turned on after the maintenance work is performed on the beverage providing device 1, the control unit 90 sends a heating signal through the input processing unit 91 by operating the heating switch 82 by the operator. When input, the controller 90 performs the following heating control process on the assumption that the heating command is given. As a premise of the heating control process, it is assumed that hot water is generated in the hot water tank 13 and is supplied to the steam tank 11.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the heating control process performed by the control unit 90.

  In this heating control process, the control unit 90 inputs a detection signal (internal temperature T2) through the input processing unit 91 when the second internal temperature sensor 87 detects the internal temperature T2 of the steam tank 11 and sends a detection signal. If it has been performed (step S201: Yes), the reference temperature (for example, 88 ° C.) stored in the memory 100 is read from the memory 100 through the comparison processing unit 93, and whether the internal temperature T2 is equal to or lower than the reference temperature is compared. (Step S202).

  If the internal temperature T2 exceeds the reference temperature in this step S202, the procedure is returned without executing the processing described later, and the current processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the internal temperature T2 is equal to or lower than the reference temperature in step S202 (step S202: Yes), the control unit 90 sends an opening command to the steam supply valve 24a through the valve drive processing unit 95 and the heater drive processing unit 96. Then, a drive command is sent to the steam generation heater 22 through (step S203, step S204), and input of a detection signal from the second internal temperature sensor 87 is awaited (step S205).

  When a detection signal (internal temperature T2) is input from the second internal temperature sensor 87 through the input processing unit 91 (step S205: Yes), the control unit 90 stores the data in the memory 100 from the memory 100 through the comparison processing unit 93. A set temperature (for example, 90 ° C.) is read, and whether or not the internal temperature T2 is equal to or higher than the set temperature is compared (step S206).

  When the internal temperature T2 is less than the set temperature (step S206: No), the control unit 90 repeats steps S205 and S206 described above. On the other hand, when the internal temperature T2 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (step S206: Yes), the control unit 90 starts measuring time through the determination processing unit 92 (step S207), and the measured time is read from the memory 100. Wait until a set time (for example, 5 minutes) elapses (step S208). Here, the set time is arbitrarily determined, but is sufficient to expel air remaining in the steam tank 11 through the steam supply pipe 24 by the pressurized steam generated by driving the steam generating heater 22. It's time.

  If it is determined that the measurement time has passed the set time through the determination processing unit 92 (step S208: Yes), the control unit 90 ends the time measurement (step S209), and then the heater drive processing unit 96. Through the valve generation processing unit 95 and a closing command to the steam supply valve 24a (step S210, step S211), and then the procedure is returned to perform the current process. finish.

  According to this, the air remaining in the steam tank 11 can be discharged to the outside of the steam tank 11.

  In such a beverage providing device 1, when the steam tank 11 is emptied for maintenance work of the steam tank 11, the internal hot water is passed through the drain pipe 25 by swinging the drain cock 25 a in the opening direction. Can be discharged.

  However, if the internal pressure of the steam tank 11 is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure due to being left for a while after the power supply to the beverage providing device 1 is turned off, the drain cock 25a is swung in the opening direction. However, the internal hot water cannot be discharged through the drain pipe 25.

  Therefore, when the drain switch 81 is swung in the direction in which the drain cock 25a is opened and the drain switch 81 is operated by the operator, the control unit 90 inputs the drain signal through the input processing unit 91. The following drainage control process will be implemented assuming that the command is given.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the drainage control processing performed by the control unit 90.

  In this drainage control process, the control unit 90 sends a drive command to the hot water supply pump 18 through the pump drive processing unit 94 (step S301), and waits for an ON signal from the lower limit water level detection sensor 84 (step S302).

  When the hot water supply pump 18 is driven, hot water (water) stored in the hot water tank 13 is supplied to the steam tank 11, and when the water level of the hot water becomes lower than the hot water inlet 121b, the internal air of the hot water tank 13 is changed to the steam tank. 11 is supplied. Then, hot water inside the steam tank 11 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 25, and the water level float 23 moves downward as the water level of the hot water decreases.

  When an ON signal is input from the lower limit water level detection sensor 84 through the input processing unit 91 (step S302: Yes), the control unit 90 starts measuring time through the determination processing unit 92 (step S303), and this measurement time is stored in the memory. Wait until the operation time read from 100 elapses (step S304). Here, the operation time is arbitrarily determined, but is sufficient for discharging hot water (water) inside the steam tank 11.

  And when it determines with measurement time having passed operating time through the determination process part 92 (step S304: Yes), the control part 90 complete | finishes measurement of time (step S305), and the pump drive process part 94 after that. Then, a drive stop command is sent to the hot water supply pump 18 (step S306), the procedure is returned, and the current process is terminated.

  According to this, the inside of the steam tank 11 can be emptied by discharging the hot water from the steam tank 11 through the drain pipe 25.

  As described above, according to the beverage providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 90 inputs the drainage signal through the input processing unit 91, the hot water supply pump 18 is driven, while the lower limit water level is detected. Since the hot water supply pump 18 is stopped when a predetermined operation time has elapsed since it was detected that the water level of the steam tank 11 is at a preset lower limit position through the sensor 84, the interior of the steam tank 11 is It can be emptied, whereby the maintenance work of the steam tank 11 can be simplified.

  According to the beverage providing apparatus 1, the control unit 90 inputs a heating signal through the input processing unit 91, and the internal temperature T2 detected by the second internal temperature sensor 87 is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference temperature. If the steam generation heater 22 is driven while the steam supply valve 24a is opened while the internal temperature T2 is equal to or higher than a preset temperature, the steam supply is performed after a preset time has elapsed. Since the valve 24a is closed, the air remaining in the steam tank 11 can be discharged to the outside of the steam tank 11, and the steam tank 11 can be easily vented.

  According to the beverage providing apparatus 1, since the air introduction hole 19 b is formed in the upper slope portion 19 a of the hot water supply pipe 19 that is above the hot water level in the hot water tank 13, the beverage generator 20 is connected to the hot water tank. It can be installed at a location lower than the water level of the 13 hot water, and when the hot water supply pump 16 stops driving, the hot water can be cut well. Thereby, the supply amount of hot water with respect to this drink production | generation part 20 can be stabilized, increasing the freedom degree of the installation location of the drink production | generation part 20. FIG.

  In particular, the upper slope portion 19a is provided with a reduced diameter pipe 19c in the upstream portion of the air introduction hole 19b, so that the upstream portion is more than the downstream portion including the portion where the air introduction hole 19b is formed. The resistance to hot water supply is increased. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the hot water from flowing back to the air introduction pipe 21 by preventing the flow rate and flow velocity of the hot water at the downstream side portion of the air introduction hole 19b in the upper gradient portion 19a from decreasing. it can. As a result, stable hot water can be supplied.

  Further, since the air introduction pipe 21 is provided in such a manner that one end communicates with the hot water supply pipe 19 through the air introduction hole 19 b and the other end communicates with the inside of the hot water tank 13, the air introduction pipe 21 passes through the hot water supply pipe 19. It is possible to prevent hot water from being blown out through the air introduction hole 19b and dust from entering the hot water supply pipe 19 through the air introduction hole 19b.

  According to the beverage providing apparatus 1, the hot water supply path 12 supplies the hot water generated and stored in the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11, so that the scale generated by crystallization of components such as calcium contained in the water is heated. It can be generated in the tank 13. And since the hot water supply path 12 introduces hot water from the hot water inlet 121b provided above the preset low water level of hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 and supplies it to the steam tank 11, the hot water tank 13 It is possible to suppress the supply of the scale that accumulates on the substrate. Moreover, since the strainer 17 is provided in the hot water supply path 12, even if the scale floating in the hot water in the hot water tank 13 is sucked from the hot water inlet 121b, it can be removed by the strainer 17. Therefore, generation of scale in the steam tank 11 can be reduced.

  According to the beverage providing apparatus 1, when the controller 90 performs the hot water supply control process, the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is low temperature or the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is small. It is possible to avoid performing the hot water supply operation to the steam tank 11, thereby avoiding damage to the steam tank 11. In particular, since the auxiliary hot water inlet 121c having a diameter smaller than the hot water inlet 121b is formed below the hot water inlet 121b in the hot water supply path 12 and below the low water level L1, the water level of the hot water in the hot water tank 13 is temporarily set. Even if the water level is lower than the low water level L1, hot water can be sucked from the auxiliary water inlet 121c, and only the air is supplied to the steam tank 11 driven by the steam generating heater 22 and the steam tank 11 is damaged. Can be prevented.

  According to the beverage providing device 1, the forward closing pressure of the check valve 122 provided in the hot water supply pipe 121 between the hot water supply pump 18 and the steam tank 11 is adjusted to be larger than the water head pressure of the hot water tank 13. Therefore, the steam tank 11 should be installed at a location where the hot water level in the steam tank 11 is lower than the hot water level in the hot water tank 13 without providing a solenoid valve for closing in the hot water supply path 12. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the installation location of the steam tank 11 while reducing the manufacturing cost.

  According to the beverage providing apparatus 1, the thermostat 27 provided in the steam tank 11 has a boiling point (for example, about 170 kPa) at a pressure (for example, about 170 kPa) lower than the operating pressure of the safety valve 26a (for example, about 400 kPa). When the temperature reaches about 130 ° C., a stop signal is given to the control unit 90. Therefore, even when the inside of the steam tank 11 becomes abnormally high in pressure, the driving of each part of the beverage providing device 1 is stopped before the safety valve 26a is activated. It is possible to prevent the hot water etc. from being discharged and damaged to the store or the like where the beverage providing apparatus 1 is installed.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a steam generation unit that is a main part of the beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a beverage providing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the characteristic control system. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to what has the structure similar to the drink provision apparatus 1 which is Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the beverage providing device 1 ′ includes a low water level detection sensor 83, a lower limit water level detection sensor 84, an upper limit water level detection sensor 85, a vapor pressure sensor 28a, a high water level detection sensor 88, and a water supply means 13a. , A hot water supply pump 16, a hot water supply pump 18, a steam generating heater 22, a steam supply valve 24a, a drain valve 25b, a hot water supply valve 191, a notification unit 101, and a control unit 110. In this beverage providing device 1 ′, unlike the beverage providing device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the strainer 17 is not provided in the hot water supply path 12.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the steam pressure sensor 28a is connected to the steam tank 11 at one end connected to the steam tank 11 and communicated with the steam tank 11 at the other end, as shown in FIG. is set up. The vapor pressure sensor 28 a detects the vapor pressure in the vapor pressure pipe 28, that is, the vapor pressure inside the vapor tank 11. The vapor pressure sensor 28a gives the detected vapor pressure (hereinafter also referred to as a detected vapor pressure) to the control unit 110 as a vapor pressure detection signal.

  Similar to the low water level detection sensor 83, the high water level detection sensor 88 is provided inside the hot water tank 13. When the water level of the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 reaches a preset upper limit water level, the high water level detection sensor 88 detects that fact and gives an ON signal to the control unit 110.

  The water supply means 13 a supplies water into the hot water tank 13. The drain valve 25b is provided in the drain pipe 25 instead of the drain cock 25a. The drain valve 25b opens and closes according to a command given from the control unit 110. When the drain valve 25 b is opened, the hot water is allowed to pass through the drain pipe 25 by allowing the hot water to pass through the drain pipe 25. Further, when the drain valve 25b is closed, it restricts the hot water from passing through the drain pipe 25 by regulating the passage of the hot water through the drain pipe 25.

  The hot water supply valve 191 is provided on the downstream side of the upper slope portion 19 a in the hot water supply pipe 19. The hot water supply valve 191 opens and closes according to a command given from the control unit 110. The hot water supply valve 191 allows hot water to pass through the hot water supply pipe 19 when opened. Further, the hot water supply valve 191 restricts hot water from passing through the hot water supply pipe 19 when it is closed. The notification unit 101 generates a warning sound such as a buzzer sound.

  The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the beverage providing device 1 ′ according to programs and data stored in the memory 120. As a characteristic feature of the second embodiment, the input processing unit 111, a determination processing unit 112, a comparison processing unit 113, a calculation processing unit 114, a pump drive processing unit 115, a valve drive processing unit 116, a heater drive processing unit 117, a water supply drive processing unit 118, and an output processing unit 119. The control unit 110, for example, causes a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, may be realized by software, or realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, software and hardware may be used in combination.

  The input processing unit 111 inputs signals given from the sensors 83 and the like. The determination processing unit 112 is configured to start measuring time by a time measuring unit such as a built-in clock and determine whether or not various times read from the memory 120 have elapsed. The determination processing unit 112 performs normality determination or abnormality determination in a vapor pressure check process described later, and further performs water leakage determination in a water leak detection process described later.

  The comparison processing unit 113 compares the vapor pressure input through the input processing unit 111 with the determination vapor pressure read from the memory 120. The calculation processing unit 114 calculates a necessary water supply amount and a necessary maximum time in a water leak detection process described later.

  The pump drive processing unit 115 sends a drive command or a drive stop command to the hot water supply pump 16 or the hot water supply pump 18 to drive or stop the pump 16 and the like. The valve drive processing unit 116 gives an open command or a close command to the steam supply valve 24a, the drain valve 25b, and the hot water supply valve 191 to open or close these valves 24a and the like. The heater drive processing unit 117 gives a drive command or a drive stop command to the steam generation heater 22 to drive or stop the steam generation heater 22.

  The water supply drive processor 118 sends a drive command or a drive stop command to the water supply means 13a to drive or stop the water supply means 13a. The output processing unit 119 sends a notification command to the notification unit 101 to cause the notification unit 101 to perform a notification operation.

  In the beverage providing device 1 ′ having the above-described configuration, the water supplied to the hot water tank 13 by driving the hot water generating heater 14 is the same as the beverage providing device 1 according to the first embodiment described above. It is heated to produce hot water having a desired temperature and is stored in the hot water tank 13.

  Then, when the hot water supply pump 18 is driven, the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is sent to the steam tank 11, and when the steam generating heater 22 is driven, the hot water is heated to generate pressurized steam.

  When the hot water is fed from the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11, the controller 110 drives the hot water supply pump 18 when the lower water level detection sensor 84 detects that the water level float 23 provided in the steam tank 11 is at the lower limit position. When the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 detects that the water level float 23 is at the upper limit position, the controller 110 stops the hot water supply pump 18 from being driven. In this way, hot water having a desired temperature is stored in the hot water tank 13, and pressurized steam is generated in the steam tank 11.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the water supply / drainage control processing performed by the control unit 110 shown in FIG. 9. The operation of the beverage providing device 1 ′ will be described while explaining the water supply / drainage control process. It is assumed that the steam generation heater 22 is driven and the drain valve 25b is closed as a premise of such water supply / drainage control processing.

  In this water supply / drainage control process, when the ON signal is input from the lower limit water level detection sensor 84 through the input processing unit 111 (step S401: Yes), the control unit 110 sends a drive command to the hot water supply pump 18 through the pump drive processing unit 115 ( Step S402). Thereby, the hot water supply pump 18 is driven, and the hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 is supplied to the steam tank 11.

  The control unit 110 that has sent the drive command to the hot water supply pump 18 waits for an ON signal from the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 through the input processing unit 111 (step S403).

  When hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11, the water level float 23 rises. Then, when the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 detects that the water level float 23 is at the upper limit position, the control unit 110 inputs an ON signal from the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 through the input processing unit 111 (step S403: Yes). ), A drive stop command is sent to the hot water supply pump 18 through the pump drive processing unit 115 (step S404). Thereby, the hot water delivery from the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11 is stopped.

  The control unit 110 that has sent a drive stop command to the hot water supply pump 18 sends an open command to the drain valve 25b through the valve drive processing unit 116 (step S405). Thereby, the drain valve 25b is opened, and the hot water in the steam tank 11 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 25.

  The control unit 110 that has sent an open command to the drain valve 25b starts measuring time through the determination processing unit 112 (step S406), and waits until the drainage set time read from the memory 120 elapses (step S406). S407). Here, the drainage setting time is arbitrarily determined, and is, for example, a time that the water level float 23 at the upper limit position does not reach the lower limit position due to discharge of hot water. Here, the hot water is supplied to the steam tank 11 and then the drain valve 25b is opened to discharge the hot water. However, in the present invention, the hot water supply and the hot water discharge may be performed simultaneously. Good.

  And when it determines with measurement time having passed the drainage setting time through the determination process part 112 (step S407: Yes), the control part 110 complete | finishes measurement of time (step S408), and is a valve drive process part after that. A close command is sent to the drain valve 25b through 116 (step S409), and then the procedure is returned to end the current water supply / drainage control process.

  According to this, by discharging the hot water in the steam tank 11, it is possible to discharge the components that are the basis of the scale concentrated by the generation of the pressurized steam inside the steam tank 11 together with the hot water.

  Therefore, according to the beverage providing apparatus 1 ′, which is Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the hot water supply path 12 supplies the hot water generated and stored in the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11. A scale generated by crystallization of the components such as can be generated in the hot water tank 13. And since the hot water supply path 12 introduces hot water from the hot water inlet 121b provided above the preset low water level of hot water stored in the hot water tank 13 and supplies it to the steam tank 11, the hot water tank 13 It is possible to suppress the supply of the scale that accumulates on the substrate. In addition, in the water supply / drainage control process, the control unit 110 discharges a predetermined amount of hot water according to the hot water supply to the steam tank 11, so that the components that are the basis of the scale concentrated in the steam tank 11 together with the hot water. It is possible to discharge, and the concentration of the component that is the basis of the scale in the hot water of the steam tank 11 can be set to a predetermined concentration or less. Therefore, generation of scale in the steam tank 11 can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the said drink provision apparatus 1 ', when a drink is provided in the middle of the said water supply / drainage control process, it is preferable to stop opening the drain valve 25b. Thereby, the variation in the amount of steam supplied from the steam tank 11 can be suppressed, and the quality deterioration of the beverage to be provided can be prevented.

  In the beverage providing apparatus 1 ′, the control unit 110 performs a vapor pressure check process described below according to a predetermined time schedule.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing content of the vapor pressure check processing performed by the control unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 9. The operation of the beverage providing device 1 ′ will be described while explaining the vapor pressure check process.

  In this steam pressure check process, the control unit 110 sends a drive stop command to the steam generation heater 22 through the heater drive processing unit 117, and sends an open command to the steam supply valve 24a through the valve drive processing unit 116 (step S501). , Step S502). Thus, by stopping the driving of the steam generating heater 22, the pressure inside the steam tank 11 changes in a decreasing direction.

  Thus, the control unit 110 that has sent the opening command to the steam supply valve 24a starts time measurement through the determination processing unit 112 (step S503), and the standby time (for example, about 30 seconds) when the measurement time is read from the memory 120. ) Until it elapses (step S504).

  And when it determines with measurement time having passed the waiting time through the determination process part 112 (step S504: Yes), the control part 110 complete | finishes measurement of time (step S505), and the vapor pressure through the input process part 111 It waits for an input of a vapor pressure detection signal from the sensor 28a (step S506).

  When the vapor pressure detection signal is input through the input processing unit 111 (step S506: Yes), the control unit 110 reads the determination vapor pressure (for example, about 65 kPa) serving as a threshold value from the memory 120 through the comparison processing unit 113, and detects the detected vapor. It is compared whether or not the pressure is equal to or lower than the determination vapor pressure (step S507).

  When the detected vapor pressure is equal to or lower than the determination vapor pressure through the comparison processing unit 113 (step S507: Yes), the control unit 110 determines normal through the determination processing unit 112 (step S508), and then returns the procedure to this time. Terminate the process.

  On the other hand, when the detected vapor pressure exceeds the determination vapor pressure through the comparison processing unit 113 (step S507: No), the control unit 110 determines that there is an abnormality through the determination processing unit 112 (step S509), and notifies the notification unit through the output processing unit 119. A notification command is sent to 101 (step S510), and then the procedure is returned to end the current process.

  By performing such a steam pressure check process, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a malfunction such as a failure of the steam supply valve 24a or clogging of the pipe in the steam supply pipe 24 by the beverage providing device 1 ′ itself.

  Moreover, in the said drink provision apparatus 1 ', when supplying water with respect to the hot water tank 13, the water leak detection process demonstrated below is implemented.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the water leak detection process performed by the control unit 110 shown in FIG. The operation of the beverage providing device 1 ′ will be described while explaining the water leak detection process.

  In this water leak detection process, when the control unit 110 inputs an ON signal from the low water level detection sensor 83 through the input processing unit 111 (step S601: Yes), the calculation of the necessary water absorption amount through the calculation processing unit 114 and the maximum required amount are performed. Time is calculated (step S602, step S603). The processes in step S602 and step S603 will be described in detail.

  First, the control unit 110 checks the amount of hot water in the steam tank 11 through the input processing unit 111. Specifically, the signal states of the lower limit water level detection sensor 84 and the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 are confirmed. That is, if the lower limit water level detection sensor 84 sends an ON signal, the hot water in the steam tank 11 is at a low water level, and if the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 sends an ON signal, the hot water in the steam tank 11 is at a high water level. is there. Further, when the lower limit water level detection sensor 84 is in the off state and the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 is in the off state, the hot water in the steam tank 11 is at the middle water level.

  After confirming the amount of hot water in the steam tank 11 in this way, the control unit 110 calculates a necessary water supply amount from the amount of hot water in the steam tank 11 and the amount of hot water in the hot water tank 13 through the calculation processing unit 114. Then, the control unit 110 calculates a necessary maximum time that is an allowable time necessary for supplying the required water supply amount through the calculation processing unit 114.

  The control part 110 which calculated required maximum time through the calculation process part 114 sends a drive command to the water supply means 13a through the water supply drive process part 118 (step S604). Thereby, the water supply to the hot water tank 13 by the water supply means 13a is started.

  The control unit 110 that has sent a drive command to the water supply means 13a starts measuring time through the determination processing unit 112 (step S605), and inputs until the required maximum time calculated in step S603 elapses. The processing waits for an ON signal from the high water level detection sensor 88 through the processing unit 111 (steps S606 and S607).

  When an ON signal is input from the high water level detection sensor 88 through the input processing unit 111 until the required maximum time has elapsed (step S606: Yes, step S607: No), the control unit 110 supplies water through the water supply drive processing unit 118. A drive stop command is sent to 13a (step S608), time measurement is ended (step S609), and then the procedure is returned to end the current process.

  On the other hand, when the necessary maximum time has elapsed without inputting an ON signal from the high water level detection sensor 88 through the input processing unit 111 (step S606: No, step S607: Yes), the control unit 110 passes through the water supply drive processing unit 118. A drive stop command is sent to the water supply means 13a (step S610), and the time measurement is ended (step S611).

  And the control part 110 performs the water leak determination that the malfunction of the water leak has arisen in the steam tank 11, the water supply path 12, the hot water tank 13, etc. through the determination process part 112 (step S612), and through the output process part 119 A notification command is sent to the notification unit 101 (step S613), and then the procedure is returned to end the current process.

  By performing such a water leak detection process, a water leak can be detected, and the amount of leaking water can be minimized.

  Further, in the beverage providing device 1 ′, the control unit 110 performs a hot water circulation control process described below according to a predetermined time schedule.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the hot water circulation control process performed by the control unit 110 shown in FIG. 9. The operation of the beverage providing device 1 ′ will be described while explaining the hot water circulation control process.

  In this hot water circulation control process, the control unit 110 sends a close command to the hot water supply valve 191 through the valve drive processing unit 116 and sends a drive command to the hot water supply pump 16 through the pump drive processing unit 115 (step S701, step S701). S702). As a result, when the hot water supply pump 16 is driven, the hot water in the hot water tank 13 circulates back to the hot water tank 13 via the upstream hot water supply pipe 121a, the hot water supply pump 16, the hot water supply pipe 19 and the air introduction pipe 21. .

  As described above, the control unit 110 that has sent the drive command to the hot water supply pump 16 starts measuring time through the determination processing unit 112 (step S703), and until this measurement time passes the circulation time read from the memory 120. Wait (step S704). Here, the circulation time is arbitrarily determined, but is sufficient for the hot water in the hot water tank 13 to circulate as described above and the hot water supply pipe 19 and the like in the vicinity of the hot water supply pump 16 to be sufficiently heated. It is.

  And when it determines with measurement time having passed circulation time through the determination process part 112 (step S704: Yes), the control part 110 complete | finishes measurement of time (step S705).

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 sends a drive stop command to the hot water supply pump 16 through the pump drive processing unit 115 (step S706), and sends an open command to the hot water supply valve 191 through the valve drive processing unit 116 to send the hot water supply pump. 16 is stopped (step S707), and then the procedure is returned to end the current process.

  According to this, since the hot water supply pipe 19 and the like in the vicinity of the hot water supply pump 16 are sufficiently heated, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water tank 13 can be made sufficiently high, and the beverage to be provided The quality can be improved.

  The preferred embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

  In the first embodiment described above, the air introduction hole 19b is formed in the upper gradient portion 19a of the hot water supply pipe 19, but in the present invention, the air introduction hole is provided in the supply direction of the upper gradient portion in the hot water supply pipe. You may form in the horizontal extension part extended in the horizontal direction continuously downstream.

  In the first embodiment described above, in the heating control process, a drive command or a drive stop command is sent to the steam generation heater 22 through the heater drive processing unit 96 to control the drive of the steam generation heater 22. In the present invention, the following can also be performed.

  That is, when the internal pressure of the steam tank 11 is equal to or lower than a preset first set value (for example, about 80 kPa), an ON signal is sent to the control unit 90, while the internal pressure of the steam tank 11 is set to a second preset value. In the case of having a pressure sensor that sends an off signal to the control unit 90 when it is equal to or higher than a set value (for example, about 90 kPa), the control unit 90 causes steam to pass through the heater drive processing unit 96 by an on signal or an off signal given from the pressure sensor. A drive command or a drive stop command may be sent to the generation heater 22 to control the drive of the steam generation heater 22. In such a case, the process of step S204 and step S210 can be omitted in the heating control process.

  In the first embodiment described above, in the heating control process, after supplying hot water to the steam tank, the air remaining in the steam tank 11 by the steam generated by driving the steam generating heater 22 is removed from the steam tank 11. However, in the present invention, the steam supply valve 24a is kept open even when the upper limit water level detection sensor 85 sends an ON signal, and the hot water from the hot water tank 13 is placed inside the steam tank 11. By satisfying the above, the air in the steam tank 11 may be discharged to the outside.

  In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 14, the water level float 23 ′ is configured such that the rod 231 extending upward passes through the through hole 233 a of the support piece 233 attached to the lower end portion of the support member 232. It may be provided. According to such a configuration, the sliding portion of the water level float 23 ′ with the support piece 233 is provided above the draft surface SM, thereby preventing malfunction due to scale deposition at the sliding portion. be able to.

  In the water supply / drainage control process according to the second embodiment described above, steam is supplied by supplying hot water to the steam tank 11 until it is detected by the upper limit water level detection sensor 85, and then the drain valve 25b is opened until the drainage set time elapses. Although the hot water was discharged from the tank 11, in the present invention, the amount of hot water supplied to the steam tank 11 is measured, and the amount discharged from the steam tank 11 is equal to the supply amount or about half of the supply amount. You may make it.

  By making the discharge amount equal to the supply amount in this way, the component concentration that is the basis of the hot water scale in the steam tank 11 is less than twice the component concentration that is the source of the hot water scale supplied to the steam tank 11. In addition, by reducing the discharge amount to about half of the supply amount, the component concentration that becomes the scale of hot water in the steam tank 11 is changed to the component that becomes the scale of hot water supplied to the steam tank 11. The concentration can be 3 times or less.

  Further, in the present invention, for example, by supplying the component concentration that is the basis of the scale of the hot water in the steam tank 11 through an input means such as a keyboard, the controller 110 supplies the steam tank 11 in a mode that does not exceed the input concentration. The amount and the discharge amount may be adjusted.

  In the water supply / drainage control process according to the second embodiment described above, since the hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 13 to the steam tank 11, the drain valve 25b is opened. However, in the present invention, before the hot water is supplied to the steam tank, The drain valve may be opened to discharge the hot water from the steam tank, and then the hot water from the hot water tank may be supplied to the steam tank.

  In the vapor pressure check process in the second embodiment described above, the vapor pressure detection signal is input from the vapor pressure sensor 28a after the standby time has elapsed, but in the present invention, the vapor pressure sensor 28a during the standby time has elapsed. The vapor pressure detection signal may be constantly monitored, and if the detected vapor pressure is equal to or lower than the determination vapor pressure before the standby time elapses, the normal determination may be performed.

  In the present invention, the processes of steps S506 and S507 in the vapor pressure check process may be repeated several times.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the vapor pressure check may be performed as follows instead of the vapor pressure check process. That is, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor is installed in the steam supply pipe, and if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor after a predetermined time has elapsed after the steam supply valve is opened is determined to be normal if it is equal to or higher than a predetermined determination temperature, If the temperature is lower than the determination temperature, it may be determined as abnormal.

  As described above, when the beverage is continuously provided only by determining the detected temperature after the predetermined time has elapsed after the steam supply valve is opened, the temperature of the steam supplied last time may be detected. Therefore, it may be as follows. That is, the first detected temperature when the first elapsed time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the steam supply valve opened, and the second elapsed time (for example, 7 seconds) after the steam supply valve closed. The second detection temperature may be compared, and when the second detection temperature is higher than the first detection temperature, it may be determined as normal.

  In the water leak detection process in the second embodiment described above, the process is performed by calculating the required water absorption amount and the required maximum time triggered by the input of the ON signal from the low water level detection sensor 83. May detect the amount of hot water in each of the steam tank and the hot water tank in a predetermined time schedule and perform a water leak detection process.

  In the hot water circulation control process in the above-described second embodiment, the hot water supply valve 191 is closed and the hot water supply pump 16 is driven, so that the hot water in the hot water tank 13 becomes upstream of the hot water supply pipe 121a, the hot water supply pump 16, The hot water supply pipe 19 and the air introduction pipe 21 are circulated so as to return to the hot water tank 13, but in the present invention, the following may be used. That is, by opening the drain valve while driving the hot water supply pump, the hot water in the hot water tank may pass through the hot water supply pipe, the steam tank, and the drain pipe. Also by this, since piping etc. near the hot water supply pump is sufficiently heated, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water tank can be made sufficiently high, and the quality of the beverage to be provided is improved. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Beverage provision apparatus 10 Steam generation part 11 Steam tank 12 Hot water supply path 121 Hot water supply pipe 121b Hot water inlet 121c Auxiliary hot water inlet 13 Hot water tank 16 Hot water supply pump 17 Strainer 18 Hot water supply pump 19 Hot water supply pipe 19a Upper gradient part 19b Air introduction hole 20 Beverage Generator 21 Air introduction pipe 22 Steam generating heater 24 Steam supply pipe 24a Steam supply valve 30 Milk beverage supply part 40 Air supply part 50 Mixing part 60 Forming part 70 Nozzle 81 Drain switch 82 Heating switch 83 Low water level detection sensor 84 Lower limit water level Detection sensor 85 Upper limit water level detection sensor 86 First internal temperature sensor 87 Second internal temperature sensor 90 Control unit 91 Input processing unit 92 Determination processing unit 93 Comparison processing unit 94 Pump drive processing unit 95 Valve drive processing unit 96 Heater drive processing unit 100 memory Cup (beverage containers)

Claims (3)

In a beverage providing apparatus that provides a beverage to a beverage container, and has a steam tank that generates pressurized steam constituting the beverage,
A hot water tank for producing and storing hot water constituting the beverage;
A hot water supply path for supplying hot water to the steam tank by introducing hot water from a hot water inlet provided above a preset low water level of hot water stored in the hot water tank;
A beverage providing apparatus comprising: a strainer provided in the hot water supply path.   2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply path includes an auxiliary hot water inlet that is lower than the hot water inlet and below the low water level and has a smaller diameter than the hot water inlet. . In a beverage providing apparatus that provides a beverage to a beverage container, and has a steam tank that generates pressurized steam constituting the beverage,
A hot water tank for producing and storing hot water constituting the beverage;
A hot water supply path for supplying hot water to the steam tank by introducing hot water from a hot water inlet provided above a preset low water level of hot water stored in the hot water tank;
One end connected to the steam tank, and a drain pipe for discharging hot water from the steam tank;
A drain valve that is openably and closably installed in the drain pipe, and that allows hot water to be discharged through the drain pipe when opened, and restricts hot water to be discharged through the drain pipe when closed. ,
And a control means for opening the drain valve for a predetermined time and discharging the hot water through the drain pipe when hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to the steam tank through the hot water supply path. apparatus.

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