JP4092242B2 - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that provides a beverage by diluting an undiluted solution with hot water, cold water, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a beverage dispenser 1 that provides a conventional hot beverage. The casing 2 constituting the beverage dispenser 1 is composed of an upper casing 2a and a lower casing 2b, and the upper casing 2a projects forward from the lower casing 2b by a predetermined length. In addition, a stock solution storage chamber 5 for storing a stock solution pack 4 in which a predetermined amount of stock solution is stored is provided on the inner front side of the upper housing 2a, and water is supplied to the lower housing 2b by a heater. A tank 3 for storing hot water heated to a temperature is disposed. The stock solution storage chamber 5 is closed so as to be openable and closable by a stainless steel front panel 5a provided on the front surface of the upper housing 2a, and the stock solution pack 4 is exchanged by opening the stock solution storage chamber 5. Composed. A dispensing mechanism 6 is provided at the lower part of the stock solution storage chamber 5.
[0003]
The pouring mechanism 6 pours a required amount of the undiluted solution from the undiluted solution pack 4 and dilutes the undiluted solution with warm water introduced from the tank 3, and then pours the diluted beverage into a container such as a cup or a bowl. . That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip 7b of the joint 7 connected to the outlet 4a of the concentrate pack 4 via the nut 7a is inserted into the concentrate connection port 8 provided at the upper end of the pouring mechanism 6. The stock solution pack 4 and the dispensing mechanism 6 are connected. A pouring nozzle 9 for pouring a diluted beverage into a container is provided at the lower end of the pouring mechanism 6, and a positive displacement pump 10 that sucks and squeezes the undiluted solution of the undiluted solution pack 4 in the central portion of the pouring mechanism 6. Provided. In addition, a tray 13 is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the lower housing 2b so as to protrude to the front surface. By placing the container on the tray 13, the container faces the lower side of the pouring nozzle 9. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3101174 gazette
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the beverage dispenser 1, when the number of times of dispensing increases, each component of the dispensing mechanism 6, the joint 7 and the like are damaged or deteriorated, so that the concentration of the diluted beverage dispensed becomes non-uniform. This causes problems. For this reason, it is necessary to maintain regularly and to replace the damaged or deteriorated parts with new parts to maintain the performance of the beverage dispenser. Therefore, in general, various spare parts 15 necessary for maintenance management are provided so that parts that are relatively frequently damaged or deteriorated or parts that are essential to the function of the beverage dispenser 1 can be immediately replaced on the spot. It is provided in the beverage dispenser 1. For example, in the conventional beverage dispenser 1, the spare parts 15 are respectively stored in the stock solution storage chamber 5 (see FIG. 5). However, since the spare part 15 is merely placed on the shelf portion 5b formed in a step shape in the stock solution storage chamber 5, it has a drawback that it is easily lost. Further, the shelf 5b in the stock solution storage chamber 5 tends to become dirty due to dripping of the stock solution when the stock solution pack 4 is replaced, and the stain is likely to remain in the corner of the stock solution storage chamber 5, so that Problems such as the use of the spare parts 15 stored in the stock solution storage 5 are also contaminated and cannot be used due to deterioration are pointed out.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems inherent in the prior art described above, and it is proposed to suitably solve this problem. The maintenance management component that maintains the performance of the apparatus is stained at a predetermined position. An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispenser that can be stored without any problems.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the desired purpose suitably, the beverage dispenser according to the present invention is:
A pouring mechanism that is disposed on the front side of the front panel that closes the front surface of the main body, and that supplies the concentrated stock solution in the stock solution container disposed on the front side of the front panel to the container; In a beverage dispenser comprising a tank that communicates with the dispensing mechanism and stores the diluted solution of the concentrated stock solution, and a cover member that is disposed on the front panel and covers the dispensing mechanism and the stock solution container in an openable and closable manner .
A plate-like member having a hook on which the stock solution container can be hooked is attached to the front panel facing the storage space between the front panel and the cover member, and maintenance management is performed at a substantially central position of the plate-like member. A pocket-shaped accommodation portion that can accommodate various components necessary for the above is formed .
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the beverage dispenser according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving a preferred embodiment.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 1, a beverage dispenser 20 according to an embodiment includes a housing 21 formed in a box shape that opens to the front surface, and a substantially rectangular plate-shaped front panel 22 that closes the front opening of the housing 21. The main body 18 is constituted by an opening / closing cover (cover member) 36 rotatably disposed on the front side of the front panel 22, and the opening / closing cover 36 has a substantially box shape opened on the rear side (front panel 22 side). Is formed. In addition, a tank 25 having a heat insulating structure for storing dilution water (diluted solution) is housed on the rear side in the casing 21, and the dilution water in the tank 25 is poured out near the front opening of the casing 21. A pump motor (not shown) to be sent to (described later) and an electrical equipment box 21b for controlling energization of each member constituting the beverage dispenser 20 are housed and arranged.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, a plate-like member 26 having hooks 26a, 26a protruding toward the front side is attached to the front upper end of the front panel 22 at positions spaced apart in the left-right direction. A stock solution pack (stock solution container) 40, which will be described later, is suspended from the hooks 26a, 26a so as to be detachable and replaceable. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), holes 26b and 26b are formed at positions spaced apart in the left-right direction of the plate-like member 26, and screws (see FIG. 3) inserted through the holes 26b and 26b from the front side. The plate-like member 26 is screwed to the front panel 22 via a not shown). Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the plate-like member 26 is bent in a substantially U-shape in which a substantially central portion protrudes toward the front side and opens in the vertical direction. Between the panel 22, an accommodating portion 27 for accommodating various spare parts (components) 15 necessary for maintenance management is defined in a pocket shape. In this embodiment, as the spare part 15, a joint 31 and an O-ring 39 (both described later) attached to the joint 31 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 27. Further, a flange portion 27b extending toward the front panel 22 is formed from the lower end edge of the front portion 27a of the plate-like member 26 that defines the front of the housing portion 27. The spare part 15 accommodated from above is configured not to fall. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, when the stock solution pack 40 is suspended from the hooks 26a, 26a, the accommodating portion 27 is located on the back side of the stock solution pack 40.
[0011]
The front panel 22 is integrally formed with an upper concave portion 23 that accommodates the stock solution pack 40 suspended on the front side of the panel 22 and a lower concave portion 24 that serves as a relief portion of the container 42 placed on the tray 21a. The panel 22 is detachably attached to the front opening of the housing 21 with a fastener (not shown). That is, the upper recess 23 and lower recess 24 is formed in a smooth curved shape acute angle groove portion and the concave portion or the like are not formed, and is able to easily clean the surface of the front panel 22. The front panel 22 is removed from the housing 21 so that the electrical equipment box 21b, the tank 25, the pump motor, and the like inside the housing 21 can be maintained from the front side of the beverage dispenser 20.
[0012]
Further, a hinge 22a is attached to the upper end portion of the front panel 22, and an opening / closing cover 36 that opens to the rear via the hinge 22a is disposed so as to be openable / closable with respect to the front panel 22. The stock solution pack 40, the dispensing mechanism 30 and the storage portion 27 are positioned in a storage space 37 defined between the front panel 22 and the front panel 22 (housing 21) (see FIG. 1). That is, by rotating the open / close cover 36 forward with the hinge 22a as a fulcrum, the front surface of the front panel 22 (the dispensing mechanism 30 and the stock solution pack 40) is opened, and the stock solution pack 40 can be replaced or poured. Maintenance of the take-out mechanism 30 and the like can be performed, and the spare part 15 can be taken out. The vertical dimension of the opening / closing cover 36 is set so that the container 42 placed on the tray 21a does not contact the opening / closing cover 36 when the cover 36 is closed.
[0013]
The stock solution pack 40 is filled (stored) with a concentrated stock solution, and a transparent bag is used so that the state of filling of the stock solution can be seen from the outside. The joint 31 is detachably connected via a connection portion (not shown) provided at a substantially central position at the lower end portion of the stock solution pack 40. Note that a pair of through holes (not shown) are opened at the upper end of the stock solution pack 40 at a required interval in the width direction, and hooks 26a, which protrude from the front panel 22 through the through holes. The stock solution pack 40 is inserted into the storage space 37 in such a posture that the spout is directed downward by inserting 26a. In addition, when the stock solution pack 40 is suspended from the hooks 26 a and 26 a of the front panel 22, the rear surface side of the stock solution pack 40 is supported by the upper recessed portion 23 provided in the front panel 22. Configured to prevent shaking.
[0014]
A dispensing mechanism 30 for dispensing a required amount of concentrated stock solution from the stock solution pack 40 is attached to a substantially central portion of the front panel 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing mechanism 30 includes a positive displacement pump 34 to which a joint 31 connected to the stock solution pack 40 can be attached and detached, and a connection pipe 28 and a pump motor are provided below the pump 34. A pouring nozzle 35 connected to the tank 25 is connected. That is, the pouring nozzle 35 communicates with each of the stock solution pack 40 and the tank 25.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 4, the joint 31 is formed with a stock solution passage 32 a extending in the vertical direction, and a main body portion 32 that communicates and connects the stock solution pack 40 and the positive displacement pump 34, and rotates to the main body portion 32. A switching cock 33 that is arranged to open and close the stock solution passage 32a and is formed at the upper end of the main body 32 and inserted into the stock solution pack 40 to display the remaining amount of concentrated stock solution in the stock solution pack 40. The remaining amount display portion 31b and a nut 31a for screwing the main body portion 32 to the connection portion of the stock solution pack 40 are configured. In addition, a plurality of openings 31c in which the stock solution passage 32a opens upward are formed at the base of the remaining amount display portion 31b, and when the joint 31 is connected to the stock solution pack 40, the inside of the stock solution pack 40 is formed. The concentrated undiluted solution flows into the undiluted solution passage 32a through the opening 31c.
[0016]
When the gripping portion 33a formed on the cock 33 is parallel to the stock solution passage 32a, the switching cock 33 opens the stock solution passage 32a to allow the concentrated stock solution to flow, and the grip portion 33a and the stock solution passage 32a are connected to each other. When extending in the intersecting direction, the stock solution passage 32a is closed to block the flow of the concentrated stock solution. That is, the switching cock 32 always functions to open the stock solution passage 32a and close the stock solution passage 32a when the stock solution pack 40 is replaced to prevent stock solution leakage. Further, the O-ring 39 is attached to the lower end portion of the main body portion 32 (see FIG. 4), and the lower end portion is fitted into the suction side of the positive displacement pump 34, so that the joint 31 and the positive displacement type are fitted. A pump 34 is connected in communication.
[0017]
That is, in the beverage dispenser 20, when the positive displacement pump 34 is driven, the concentrated stock solution in the stock solution pack 40 is sucked into the pump 34 via the joint 31 and supplied to the dispensing nozzle 35. At the same time, high-temperature diluted water is supplied from the tank 25 to the pouring nozzle 35 through the connecting pipe 28. And it is comprised so that the high-temperature diluted drink which mixed concentrated stock solution and dilution water with the said pouring nozzle 35 may be poured into the container 42 mounted in the said receiving tray 21a. In this embodiment, a check valve 28a is disposed in the connection pipe 28 in the vicinity of the dispensing nozzle 35, and the beverage remaining between the check valve 28a and the dispensing nozzle 35 after the beverage is dispensed. This reduces the amount of sag after dilution of the beverage after pouring out the beverage.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the opening / closing cover 36 disposed on the front panel 22 is formed with a cover portion 44 that accommodates the nozzle 35 at a position corresponding to the dispensing nozzle 35. The cover portion 44 is formed with a notch that opens rearward, and when the open / close cover 36 is closed, a part of the dispensing nozzle 35 is inserted into the notch and the cover portion 44 is also inserted. A part of the pouring nozzle 35 is accommodated and extends below the opening / closing cover 36.
[0019]
A transparent confirmation window 36a formed of a transparent resin or the like is provided at a position facing the front side of the stock solution pack 40 in the opening / closing cover 36 when the opening / closing cover 36 is closed, and the cover 36 is opened. The stock solution pack 40 can be visually recognized from the outside without doing so. Further, a dispensing switch 38 for driving the dispensing mechanism 30 (the positive displacement pump 34) is disposed at a substantially central position of the opening / closing cover 36, and by operating the dispensing switch 38, As described above, the concentrated stock solution in the stock solution pack 40 and the high-temperature diluted water in the tank 25 are supplied to the dispensing nozzle 35, and the diluted beverage mixed by the nozzle 35 is poured out to the container 42. .
[0020]
[Effect of the embodiment]
Next, the operation of the beverage dispenser according to the above-described embodiment will be described.
[0021]
In the beverage dispenser 20 according to the present embodiment, when a diluted beverage obtained by diluting the concentrated stock solution with dilution water is poured into the container 42, the container 42 is partially recessed on the lower side 24 of the front panel 22. After being placed on the tray 21a in a state where it is covered with, the dispensing switch 38 provided on the opening / closing cover 36 is turned on. As a result, the control circuit in the electrical box 21b outputs a required dispensing drive command to the motor drive unit of each pump 34, and each motor drive unit that receives this command directs DC power to the corresponding motor. And rotate each motor by the required amount.
[0022]
When the positive displacement pump 34 of the dispensing mechanism 30 rotates, the pump 34 dispenses the concentrated stock solution from the stock solution pack 40 by a necessary amount once and discharges it to the dispensing nozzle 35. At this time, the pump motor connected to the tank 25 simultaneously sucks hot diluted water from the tank 25 by a full amount of the container 42, and the diluted water passes through the connecting pipe 28 to the dispensing nozzle 35. The diluted beverage obtained by diluting the concentrated stock solution with diluted water in the dispensing nozzle 35 is poured into the container 42.
[0023]
Here, when the dispensing of the diluted beverage is repeated with the beverage dispenser 20, the constituent members of the beverage dispenser 20 are gradually damaged or deteriorated. For example, when the stock solution pack 40 is replaced, the switching cock 33 of the joint 31 is rotated to open / close the stock solution passage 32a of the joint 31, so that the switching cock 33 may be damaged. When the beverage dispenser 20 is operated in this state, leakage of the concentrated concentrate from the damaged site is caused, and the storage space 37 (the front panel 22 and the opening / closing cover 36) is soiled and the concentrated concentrate may be wasted. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the joint 31 is accommodated as the spare part 15 in the accommodating portion 27 provided in the accommodating space 37, it can be replaced when the joint 31 is damaged. Can be prevented.
[0024]
Further, when the O-ring 39 disposed at the lower end portion of the joint 31 deteriorates, a gap is generated when the joint 31 is connected to the positive displacement pump 34. Therefore, when the positive displacement pump 34 is driven, There is a possibility that a predetermined amount of concentrated stock solution cannot be poured out by sucking external air from the gap. Also in this case, since the O-ring 39 is accommodated as the spare part 15 in the accommodating portion 27 provided in the accommodating space 37, it can be replaced when the O-ring 39 is damaged. There is no invitation.
[0025]
That is, by accommodating the minimum spare parts 15 necessary for functioning as the beverage dispenser 20 in the accommodating portion 27 formed in the beverage dispenser 20, even when a malfunction such as damage or deterioration of the components occurs, It can be quickly replaced and used as normal. For this reason, especially when the beverage dispenser 20 is arranged in a restaurant such as a coffee shop or a restaurant, the stop time of the beverage dispenser 20 can be minimized, so that damage can be minimized.
[0026]
Further, since the necessary spare part 15 can be taken out from the housing portion 27 by simply opening the opening / closing cover 36, it is possible to easily replace a damaged part in a short time. Furthermore, since the spare part 15 is accommodated in the accommodating part 27 and can always be arranged at a predetermined position, the spare part 15 is not lost. Since the front panel 22 is only formed with an upper concave portion 23 and a lower concave portion 24 having smooth curved surfaces, the front panel 22 can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, since the plate-like member 26 forming the accommodating portion 27 can be easily removed by simply removing the screw, the plate-like member 26 can always be kept hygienic.
[0027]
[Example of change]
In addition, as a structure of a drink dispenser, it is not restricted to the thing of an Example, A various change is possible. For example, the storage portion is formed near the upper end of the front panel, but if it is formed at a position that does not hinder the location of the stock solution container, it may be formed at any location and its shape. The size and size may be determined arbitrarily. Moreover, as a part required for the maintenance management accommodated in the said accommodating part, it is not restricted to the thing of an Example, Any component part which comprises a drink dispenser can be employ | adopted. Furthermore, the shape of the front panel forming the housing portion is not limited to that of the embodiment, and cleaning can be easily performed if the shape of the front panel is small. In the embodiment, the high-temperature dilution water and the concentrated stock solution are mixed, but the low-temperature dilution liquid stored in the tank may be supplied to the dispensing nozzle, or the high-temperature dilution liquid and It may be a beverage dispenser configured to selectively supply a low-temperature diluent.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the beverage dispenser according to the present invention, since the accommodating portion for accommodating various parts necessary for maintenance management is provided on the front side of the front panel, it is possible to prevent the parts from being lost. In addition, since various components can be taken out from the housing portion simply by opening and closing the cover member, it is possible to easily replace damaged components.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment with a part cut away.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show a plate-like member that defines an accommodating portion according to an embodiment, where FIG. 3A is a front view, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a joint according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional side view showing a beverage dispenser according to the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
15 spare parts (parts), 18 main body, 22 front panel, 25 tank 26 plate-like member, 26a hook, 27 accommodating portion, 30 dispensing mechanism 35 dispensing nozzle, 36 open / close cover (cover member)
40 stock solution packs (stock solution container), 42 containers

Claims (1)

The concentrated stock solution in the stock solution container (40) disposed on the front side of the front panel (22) disposed on the front side of the front panel (22 ) is supplied to the container (42). A dispensing mechanism (30), a tank (25) disposed inside the main body (18), communicating with the dispensing mechanism (30), and storing the diluted solution of the concentrated stock solution, and the front panel ( is disposed 22), in a beverage dispenser that includes a openable cover covering member (36) the spout mechanism (30) and the stock solution vessel (40),
Hooks (26a, 26a) on which the stock solution container (40) can be hooked to the front panel (22) facing the storage space (37) between the front panel (22) and the cover member (36). the plate mounting member (26) having, in a substantially central position of the plate-like member (26) to form various components pocket-like housing portion capable of housing (15) (27) required maintenance < A beverage dispenser characterized by the above.

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