JP4186299B2

JP4186299B2 - Hot water supply equipment for cup-type beverage vending machines

Info

Publication number: JP4186299B2
Application number: JP07912099A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 康友大西; 康浩辻井; 元野嶋; 繁田中; 正史山中; 隆行田村
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1999-03-24
Filing date: 1999-03-24
Publication date: 2008-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-24
Also published as: JP2000276648A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、カップ容器の飲料を調合販売するカップ式飲料自動販売機等の給湯装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、誘導加熱により加熱した温水を使用するカップ式飲料自動販売機の加熱手段は、特開平２−２６７６９５号公報に開示されているように、カップ１杯分程度の飲料水を貯える小容積の非磁性材の加熱容器と、その外周に巻装された誘導コイルと、加熱容器内に内蔵された強磁性体の金属体とにより構成され、加熱容器内に飲料水を満たした状態で誘導コイルに高周波電流を通電すると、誘導コイルの周囲に磁場が生成し、金属体には誘導電流が流れてジュール熱が発生し、さらにヒステリシス損による発熱も加わり、加熱容器内の飲料水が急速に加熱昇温される。加熱された飲料水はインスタント系飲料の原料と混合もしくは、レギュラーコーヒーの抽出に使用され、カップ飲料として提供される。
【０００３】
しかしながら、販売時に常温の飲料水を９０℃以上の混合温度もしくは抽出温度まで加熱するには誘導加熱といえども、電源容量の制約があり時間がかかってしまうものである。
【０００４】
例えば、１ｋＷの誘導加熱を使用した場合、１５０ｃｃの飲料水を加熱するのに１分程度かかり、３ｋＷの誘導加熱を使用した場合でも２０秒程度かかる。
【０００５】
そのため、特開平２−２６７６９５号公報でも触れられているように、また、誘導加熱を用いた缶飲料の自動販売機の場合でも、特開昭５３−１２７７９８号公報や特開昭６３−１６３９９６号公報に開示されているように、販売待機中に飲料水または缶飲料をある程度予熱しておき、販売時に予熱温度から必要な温度まで加熱することにより比較的短時間で販売することを可能にしている。
【０００６】
また、このようにして加熱した温水出湯方法は各飲料の調合シーケンスにより定められており、１回の販売で出湯を２回以上に分けて出湯するのが一般的になっている。これは利用者の嗜好の多様化に伴い、カップ式飲料の味付けも多彩になり１回の販売においてもいろんな原料をいろんなタイミングで温水と混合して調合する必要性が高まってきたことと、温水と原料を調合してカップに注いだ後、調合容器を温水で洗浄してこの洗浄水もカップに注ぐためである。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら従来の方法では、１回の販売で最低２回の出湯が必要であることからすべての出湯が完了するまで加熱容器に給水することができない。仮に全出湯終了前に給水すると温水と水が混ざり湯温が低下するため、調合に支障を来すとともに出来上がりカップ湯温が低下しぬるくなってしまう。
【０００８】
また加熱容器内で温水部分と水部分を分離することができたとしても加熱容器内の温水は目標温度に達しているために加熱することはできない。つまり、１回の販売の出湯が完全に終了するまで加熱できないため、連続販売時に次の販売のための温水を準備するのに時間がかかることになる。
【０００９】
本発明は上記従来の課題を解決するもので、連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することを目的とするものである。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この課題を解決するために本発明のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し給水口と給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、加熱容器の給湯口側に接続され加熱された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備えている。
【００１１】
また、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し下部に給水口と上部に給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、加熱容器上部の給湯口に連結され給水と同時に揚水された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備えている。
【００１２】
また、出湯制御手段は貯湯容器への給湯中に飲料調合手段へ出湯することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、出湯制御手段は貯湯容器への給湯開始から所定時間後に貯湯容器から飲料調合手段へ出湯を開始することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、出湯制御手段は貯湯容器内の温水を出湯手段により出し切り出湯終了後の水位を一定にすることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、水位検知手段を有し一定水位に保たれる貯水タンクと、貯湯容器内温水の出湯終了後貯水タンク、加熱容器及び貯湯容器に至る経路を開放して貯湯容器内の水位を一定に保つ水位保持制御手段とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し給水口と給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、前記加熱容器の給湯口側に接続され加熱された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、前記加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、前記貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、前記出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて前記出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備え、前記出湯制御手段は前記貯湯容器への給湯開始から所定時間後に前記貯湯容器から前記飲料調合手段へ出湯を開始することにより、加熱手段により加熱された温水を貯湯容器に一旦貯え貯湯容器から飲料調合手段に出湯するものであるから、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができるとともに、安定した出湯を行うことができる。
【００１７】
また、本発明の請求項２に記載の発明は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し下部に給水口と上部に給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、前記加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、前記加熱容器上部の給湯口に連結され給水と同時に揚水された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、前記貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、前記出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて前記出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備え、前記出湯制御手段は前記貯湯容器への給湯開始から所定時間後に前記貯湯容器から前記飲料調合手段へ出湯を開始することにより、簡単かつ安価な構成で、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができるとともに、安定した出湯を行うことができる。
【００１８】
また、本発明の請求項３に記載の発明は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し給水口と給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、前記加熱容器の給湯口側に接続され加熱された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、前記加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、前記貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、前記出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて前記出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備え、前記出湯制御手段は前記貯湯容器内の温水を前記出湯手段により出し切り出湯終了後の水位を一定にすることにより、加熱手段により加熱された温水を貯湯容器に一旦貯え貯湯容器から飲料調合手段に出湯するものであるから、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができるとともに、出湯終了後の貯湯容器の水位を一定にすることができ毎販売時の出湯量を一定にすることができる。
【００１９】
また、本発明の請求項４に記載の発明は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し下部に給水口と上部に給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、前記加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、前記加熱容器上部の給湯口に連結され給水と同時に揚水された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、前記貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、前記出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて前記出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備え、前記出湯制御手段は前記貯湯容器内の温水を前記出湯手段により出し切り出湯終了後の水位を一定にすることにより、簡単かつ安価な構成で、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができるとともに、出湯終了後の貯湯容器の水位を一定にすることができ毎販売時の出湯量を一定にすることができる。
【００２０】
また、本発明の請求項５に記載の発明は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し給水口と給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、前記加熱容器の給湯口側に接続され加熱された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、前記加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、前記貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、前記出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて前記出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段と、水位検知手段を有し一定水位に保たれる貯水タンクと、前記貯湯容器内温水の出湯終了後前記貯水タンク、前記加熱容器及び前記貯湯容器に至る経路を開放して前記貯湯容器内の水位を一定に保つ水位保持制御手段とを備えたことにより、加熱手段により加熱された温水を貯湯容器に一旦貯え貯湯容器から飲料調合手段に出湯するものであるから、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができるとともに、出湯終了後の貯湯容器の水位を一定にすることができ毎販売時の出湯量を一定にすることができる。
【００２１】
また、本発明の請求項６に記載の発明は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し下部に給水口と上部に給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、前記加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、前記加熱容器上部の給湯口に連結され給水と同時に揚水された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、前記貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、前記出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて前記出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段と、水位検知手段を有し一定水位に保たれる貯水タンクと、前記貯湯容器内温水の出湯終了後前記貯水タンク、前記加熱容器及び前記貯湯容器に至る経路を開放して前記貯湯容器内の水位を一定に保つ水位保持制御手段とを備えたことにより、簡単かつ安価な構成で、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができるとともに、出湯終了後の貯湯容器の水位を一定にすることができ毎販売時の出湯量を一定にすることができる。
【００２２】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図１から図１０を用いて説明する。
【００２３】
（実施の形態１）
図１は第１の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の構成図である。
【００２４】
１は水道水を一旦貯水する１Ｌ程度の貯水タンク、２は貯水タンク１の水位を検出する貯水タンクフロートＳＷである。貯水タンクフロートＳＷ２の水位信号により図示しない水道弁を開閉し、貯水タンク１の水位を常に一定に保つ。３は貯水タンク１から水を供給する給水パイプａ３で、Ｔ字ジョイントａ４に接続され、給水パイプｂ５を介して図示しない冷水回路へ給水される。
【００２５】
６は後述の加熱容器へ給水するための給水手段である水弁で、入口側は給水パイプｃ７でＴ字ジョイントａ４と接続され、出口側は給水パイプｄ８でＴ字ジョイントｂ９に接続される。１０は循環ポンプで、吸入側は循環パイプｂ１１とポンプジョイント１２を介してＴ字ジョイントｂ９に接続される。吐出側は循環パイプｃ１３、循環パイプｄ１４及びＬ字ジョイント１５を介して後述の加熱容器の給水口側に接続される。
【００２６】
１６は有効内容積１５０ｃｃ程度の加熱容器及び加熱容器に内包された発熱体等よりなる誘導加熱を用いた加熱手段で、給水された水を加熱し貯湯する。１７は加熱容器の給湯口側に配置された循環湯弁で、その出口は循環パイプａ１８を介してＴ字ジョイントｂ９に接続され、加熱容器内の温水を循環させる。この構成により、加熱容器と循環湯弁１７と循環パイプａ１８とＴ字ジョイントｂ９と循環パイプｂ１１とポンプジョイント１２と循環ポンプ１０と循環パイプｃ１３とＬ字ジョイント１５と循環パイプｄ１４とから合計で３００ｃｃ程度の有効内容積を有する循環路１９を形成する。
【００２７】
２０は内容積２００ｃｃ程度の貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段で、加熱容器の給湯口側と接続パイプ２１により連結されている。２２は貯湯容器内の温水水位を検出する貯湯容器フロートＳＷである。２３は貯湯容器から所定量の温水を出湯する出湯手段で、貯湯容器の下部に配置された出湯弁で構成される。出湯弁２３には大気に開放されたニードル口２３ａがあり、出湯流量を調整するとともに出湯後に出湯パイプ内に温水が残らない構造になっている。本実施の形態で使用する出湯弁２３及び循環湯弁１７は、コストを安く抑えるために同じ湯弁を使用するが、循環湯弁１７のニードル口は大気に開放しないように封止する。
【００２８】
また、貯湯容器２０は大気開放構造になっており、この貯湯容器２０に連結された加熱容器は加熱により内圧が上昇しない。
【００２９】
販売前の貯湯容器内の温水は低水位（水位Ａ）の状態にあり、販売時は加熱手段により加熱された温水が加熱容器から給湯され、さらに給湯中に出湯弁２３からミキシングボールに出湯するために水位Ｂの状態になる。加熱容器から貯湯容器への給湯は、水弁６を開き循環湯弁１７を閉じ循環ポンプ１０を運転すると貯水タンクからの水頭圧（水位Ｃ−水位Ａ）とポンプ圧を加えた圧力により加熱容器に給水されると同時にこれが揚水圧力となり給湯される。給湯中に出湯弁２３を開くと出湯弁にはこの揚水圧力と同等の圧力が掛かり出湯される。
【００３０】
２５は飲料調合手段であるミキシングボールで、出湯パイプ２４を介して注がれた温水と粉末状の原料を蓄えた原料タンク２６から吐出された所定量の原料とを混ぜ合わせカップ飲料を調合する。出来上がった飲料は飲料吐出パイプ２７を介してカップ２８に注ぎ込まれる。実際のカップ式飲料自動販売機では、販売する飲料の種類数に応じて複数の出湯弁とミキシングボールを備え、また、１つのミキシングボールにも複数の原料を吐出できる構造になっているが本実施の形態での説明は割愛する。
【００３１】
図２（ａ）は第１の実施形態の加熱手段１６の構成図であり、（ｂ）は加熱時の加熱容器内温水の温度分布図である。
【００３２】
２９は耐熱性の優れた樹脂で成形された加熱容器の下蓋で給水口３０を有する。３１は同一の樹脂で成形された上蓋で円周回りに１つの循環口３２と最上部に給湯口３３を有する。３４は同一の樹脂で構成された円筒状の胴体部で、下蓋２９及び上蓋３１と環状のシリコンゴム製のＯリング３５と３６を介して接続される。下蓋２９と上蓋３１と胴体部３４で加熱容器を構成する。
【００３３】
３７は加熱容器と同一樹脂で成形された円柱状の心棒で、外径は胴体部３４の内径より細くなっており、胴体部３４内に同心円状に配置される。
【００３４】
３８は円筒状の薄いステンレス板でできた発熱体で、その外径は胴体部３４の内径と心棒３７の外径の中間程度で、胴体部３４と心棒３７の間に挿入される。給水口３０から給水された水は、発熱体３８と心棒３７の間の隙間と発熱体３８と胴体部３４の間の隙間を通過し加熱される。
【００３５】
３９は胴体部３４の外径に螺旋状に巻かれたコイルで、高周波電流を流すことにより高周波磁界が発生し、発熱体に渦電流が流れジュール熱により発熱する。４０は磁界が加熱手段１６の外界へ漏れるのを防止するフェライト棒で、コイル３９の外回りに複数本配置される。
【００３６】
４１は給水口近傍に配置し給水される水温を検知する入口水温検知手段で、サーミスタにより構成される。４２は給湯口及び循環口近傍に配置し給湯または循環する水温を検知する出口水温検知手段で、同じくサーミスタにより構成される。
【００３７】
加熱時の加熱容器内温水の温度分布は（ｂ）に示す通り、給水口側から給湯口側にかけてほぼ一次勾配の温度分布となる。これは循環加熱により給水口から給湯口に向けて一定流量で流れる水に単位面積当たりの発熱量が均一な発熱体から熱量を与えるためである。
【００３８】
その結果、給湯口側の温度が最も高くなる。本実施例の場合は、循環流量が４０ｃｃ／ｓ、ＩＨ出力が３ｋＷなので、給水口側と給湯側との温度差は約１５Ｋとなる。
【００３９】
ただし、これは給水口側の水温を一定とした場合であり、循環加熱の場合は加熱された温水が再び給水口に回り込み、温度分布は一様なものとはならないが、循環中に温水が混ざり合うためにほぼ（ｂ）のような傾向となる。ここで循環加熱とは、加熱手段１６に通電しながら循環湯弁１７を開き（水弁６は閉）、循環ポンプ１０を運転して循環路１９中の温水を循環させながら加熱することである。
【００４０】
図３は、第１の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の制御ブロック図である。
【００４１】
４３は誘導加熱装置である加熱手段１６のコイル３９に高周波電流を通電するインバータで、３ｋＷ程度の出力を得ることができる。４４は予熱制御手段で、出口水温と入口水温を入力し合計値の半分を加熱容器内温水の平均水温とし、販売待機中の平均水温が８０℃になるようにインバータ４３と循環ポンプ１０と循環湯弁１７を制御する。予熱制御は循環加熱の運転／停止により制御される。
【００４２】
４５は販売温度制御手段で、販売がかかれば予熱された温水を循環加熱し、出口水温が販売温度（９５℃程度）になるまで加熱する。予熱温度を販売温度より低く設定するのは販売待機中の消費電力を低く抑えるためである。４６は給湯制御手段で、出口水温が販売温度になれば給水制御手段４７に給水を指示する。給水制御手段４７は給湯制御手段４６の指示を受けて水弁６を開き（循環ポンプ１０運転継続、循環湯弁１７閉）給水を開始する。給水量はカップ１杯分（１５０ｃｃ）で水弁の開閉時間により決定される。
【００４３】
そして加熱容器に給水されると同時に加熱された同等量の温水が貯湯容器２０に給湯される。この時の流量は循環加熱時と同じ４０ｃｃ／ｓｅｃ程度である。給湯中は加熱手段１６の出力を継続し、出口水温が９７℃になれば沸騰保護のため加熱手段１６の通電を停止する。加熱容器には給湯量と同等量が給水されているので給湯制御終了後直ちに予熱制御に移行する。
【００４４】
４８は１秒程度に設定された所定時間をカウントする所定時間積算手段で、給湯開始時点からカウントを開始する。４９は出湯制御手段で、給湯開始１秒後から出湯弁２３により出湯を開始可能とする。出湯量と出湯タイミングは調合シーケンス５０に従って制御され、貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２により低水位（水位Ａ）を検知して出湯を終了する。また、出湯量と出湯弁２３の開閉時間により決定される。
【００４５】
ここで、給湯開始１秒後から出湯を開始する理由は、出湯弁２３からの出湯流量を４０ｃｃ／ｓ程度で安定させるためである。給湯開始直後は、４０ｃｃ／ｓ程度で揚水されるが、給湯開始と同時に出湯すると、出湯弁２３での圧損のため揚水された温水と同等量の温水がそのまま出湯されるのではなく一部は貯湯容器に貯められ水位を押し上げる。
【００４６】
そして押し上げられた水位により生じる水頭圧と出湯弁２３の圧損が釣り合う所で水位が安定し（水位Ｂ）出湯流量が安定する。つまり、出湯流量が安定する水位まで出湯しないで素早く水位を上げるために１秒間の遅延を設けているのである。貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２が検知する低水位（水位Ａ）はこの安定水位（水位Ｂ）より下に設定されているので、出湯終了時の水位は低水位状態となる。
【００４７】
ここで、貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２により検知する低水位を安定水位に設定しないのは、出湯終了後の貯湯容器内の温水量（死水）をできるだけ少なくするためである。つまり、死水は販売待機中に湯温が下がり給湯された温水と混ざると出湯温度が低下するためである。
【００４８】
以上のように構成されたカップ式自動販売機の給湯装置の動作について、タイミングチャートを用いて説明する。
【００４９】
図４は制御動作のタイミングチャートである。
【００５０】
本実施例の今回の調合シーケンスは第一出湯として１００ｃｃ出湯し、その３秒後第二出湯として５０ｃｃ出湯するパターンについて説明する。このパターンでは第一出湯の１００ｃｃで原料と温水とを混合して飲料を作り、第二出湯の５０ｃｃでミキシングボール２５及び飲料吐出パイプ２７を洗浄しカップ２８に注ぐものである。
【００５１】
まず販売がかかると（Ｔ０）、加熱手段１６に３ｋＷを通電しながら循環湯弁１７を開き循環ポンプ１０を運転して循環加熱を行う。次に加熱容器の出口温度が販売温度（９５℃）に達すると（Ｔ１）、加熱手段１６と循環ポンプ１０の運転を継続しながら循環湯弁１７を閉じ水弁６を開いて加熱容器への給水と貯湯容器への給湯を同時に開始する。そして給湯開始から１秒後（Ｔ２）、出湯弁２３を開きミキシングボール２５への出湯を開始する。
【００５２】
第一出湯として１００ｃｃ出湯後（Ｔ３）出湯弁２３を閉じる。この間も給湯は行われており、１５０ｃｃ給湯後（Ｔ４）水弁６を閉じる。しかし、給水により加熱容器内の水温が低下しているので引き続き予熱制御（循環加熱）に移行する。
【００５３】
そして、第一出湯終了３秒後（Ｔ５）同様にして第二出湯５０ｃｃを出湯する。第二出湯の終了は貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２により低水位を検知して終了する（Ｔ６）。最後に、出湯終了と同時に水弁６を開けて給水し、貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２が低水位を検知しない状態にする（Ｔ７）。
【００５４】
これは、貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２を常時低水位以上に保持することにより水無しによる空焚きを防止するためである。
【００５５】
そのため、貯湯容器フロートＳＷ２２は低水位から僅かに水位が上がれば信号が切り替わる構造にしておく。
【００５６】
第二出湯終了をもって調合シーケンスは終了となり以降は予熱制御となる。加熱容器内温水の平均温度が８２℃になれば（Ｔ８）加熱手段１６を停止する。この後循環路１９内の温水温度を均一化するために循環ポンプ１０のみ運転を継続し数秒後停止する（Ｔ９）。この予熱制御中に次の販売がかかれば直ちに販売温度まで加熱しなければならないので、本実施例のように給水された水をできるだけ早く予熱温度まで加熱することが連続販売時の待ち時間を短縮するために重要である。
【００５７】
以上のように、本実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体３８を内装し給水口３０と給湯口３３を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段１６と、加熱容器の給湯口側に接続され加熱された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器２０と、加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口３０から給水する給水弁６と、貯湯容器２０に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯弁２３と、出湯弁２３により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合するミキシングボール２５と、調合シーケンス５０に応じて出湯弁２３からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段４９とを備え、加熱手段１６により加熱された温水を貯湯容器２０に一旦貯え貯湯容器からミキシングボール２５に出湯するものであるから、貯湯容器２０への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱する予熱制御に移行することができ、連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮することができる。
【００５８】
また、貯湯容器２０を加熱容器上部の給湯口３３に連結し、水弁６を加熱容器下部の給水口側に配置して水頭圧とポンプ圧により給水と給湯を同時に行うものであるから、特別な給湯弁を必要とせず比較的簡単で安価な構成とすることができる。
【００５９】
また、出湯制御手段４９は貯湯容器２０への給湯中にミキシングボール２５へ出湯するものであるから、飲料を調合する調合シーケンスを早く開始することができ１回の販売時間を短縮することができる。
【００６０】
また、出湯制御手段４９は貯湯容器への給湯開始から１秒後に貯湯容器２０からミキシングボール２５へ出湯を開始するものであるから、貯湯容器内の水位が安定し出湯流量の変動を抑えることができる。
【００６１】
（実施の形態２）
図５は第２の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の構成図である。尚、第１の実施形態と同構成のものについては同一番号を付し説明を省略する。本実施形態では貯湯容器フロートＳＷを必要としない。
【００６２】
図６は第２の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の制御ブロック図で、同様に第１の実施形態と同構成のものについては同一番号を付し説明を割愛する。
【００６３】
５１は出湯制御手段で、調合シーケンス５０により定められた出湯パターンの中の最後の出湯で貯湯容器２０から温水を出し切るように制御する。
【００６４】
以上のように構成されたカップ式自動販売機の給湯装置の動作について、タイミングチャートを用いて説明する。
【００６５】
図７は制御動作のタイミングチャートである。
【００６６】
本実施形態の調合シーケンスも同様に第一出湯として１００ｃｃ出湯し、その３秒後第二出湯として５０ｃｃ出湯するパターンについて説明する。
【００６７】
最後の出湯となる第二出湯で５０ｃｃを出し切るための出湯弁２３の開放時間は３〜４秒程度（５０ｃｃ／４０ｃｃ／ｓ＋α）となり、第二出湯の終了タイミングは、Ｔ１０となる。
【００６８】
以上のように、本実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置は、出湯制御手段５１により貯湯容器内の温水を出湯手段２３から出し切るものであるから、出湯終了後の水位が常に一定となり毎販売時の出湯量を一定にすることができる。
【００６９】
（実施の形態３）
図８は第３の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の構成図である。尚、第１の実施形態と同構成のものについては同一番号を付し説明を割愛する。
【００７０】
５２は水道水を一旦貯水する１Ｌ程度の貯水タンクで、水位は貯水タンクフロートＳＷ２の水位信号により図示しない水道弁を開閉し常に一定に保たれており、その水位が貯湯容器２０の低水位（水位Ａ）と同じ高さになるように設置されている。また、本実施形態では貯湯容器フロートＳＷを必要としない。
【００７１】
図９は第３の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の制御ブロック図で、同様に第１の実施形態と同構成のものについては同一番号を付し説明を割愛する。
【００７２】
５３は出湯制御手段で、調合シーケンス５０により定められた出湯パターンの中の最後の出湯終了後水位保持指令を出力する。出湯終了の判定は出湯流量から必要出湯時間を計算で求め１．２５秒とする（５０ｃｃ／４０ｃｃ／ｓ）。このため、貯湯容器２０からの出湯流量が４０ｃｃ／ｓとなるように出湯弁２３のニードル等を予め設定しておく。
【００７３】
５４は水位保持制御手段で、水位保持指令を受け取り、２秒間程度循環ポンプ１０を停止して水弁６を開けて貯水タンク５２と貯湯容器２０の水位合わせを行う。
【００７４】
以上のように構成されたカップ式自動販売機の給湯装置の動作について、タイミングチャートを用いて説明する。
【００７５】
図１０は制御動作のタイミングチャートである。
【００７６】
本実施形態の調合シーケンスも実施の形態１と同様である。
【００７７】
第二出湯終了後（Ｔ１１）循環ポンプ１０を停止して水弁６を開けて水位合わせを行い、２秒後（Ｔ１２）水弁６を閉めて循環ポンプ１０を運転し予熱制御を再開する。
【００７８】
以上のように、本実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置は、水位が一定に保たれる貯水タンク５２の水位と貯湯容器２０の低水位を同じ高さに配置し、水位保持制御手段５２と出湯制御手段５３により最後の出湯終了後、循環ポンプ１０を停止して水弁６を開いて水位を合わせるものであるから、出湯終了後の水位を常に一定にし毎販売時の出湯量を一定にすることができる。
【００７９】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置は、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し給水口と給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、加熱容器の給湯口側に接続され加熱された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備えているので、加熱手段により加熱された温水を貯湯容器に一旦貯え貯湯容器から飲料調合手段に出湯することにより、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時の次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮するという効果がある。
【００８０】
また、誘導加熱等により水を加熱する発熱体を内装し下部に給水口と上部に給湯口を設けた加熱容器からなる加熱手段と、加熱容器にカップ１杯分の水を給水口から給水する給水手段と、加熱容器上部の給湯口に連結され給水と同時に揚水された温水を一時貯える貯湯容器からなる貯湯手段と、貯湯容器に設けられ温水を出湯する出湯手段と、出湯手段により出湯された温水と飲料原料とを混合して飲料を調合する飲料調合手段と、調合シーケンスに応じて出湯手段からの出湯を制御する出湯制御手段とを備えているので、加熱された温水を給水と同時に揚水して貯湯容器に一旦貯え貯湯容器から飲料調合手段に出湯することにより、簡単な構成でかつ安価に、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮するという効果がある。
【００８１】
また、出湯制御手段は貯湯容器への給湯中に飲料調合手段へ出湯することを特徴とするので、加熱された温水を貯湯容器への給湯中に、出湯制御手段により貯湯容器から飲料調合手段へ出湯することにより、飲料を調合する調合シーケンスを早く開始することができ１回の販売時間を短縮するとともに、貯湯容器への給湯後直ちに加熱容器内に給水された水を加熱することができ連続販売時に次の販売のための温水の準備時間を短縮するという効果がある。
【００８２】
また、出湯制御手段は貯湯容器への給湯開始から所定時間後に貯湯容器から飲料調合手段へ出湯を開始することを特徴とするので、加熱された温水の貯湯容器への給湯を開始して所定時間後に、出湯制御手段により貯湯容器から飲料調合手段への出湯を開始し安定した出湯を行うことができるという効果がある。
【００８３】
また、出湯制御手段は貯湯容器内の温水を出湯手段により出し切り、出湯終了後の水位を一定にすることを特徴とするので、出湯終了後の貯湯容器の水位を一定にすることができ毎販売時の出湯量を一定にするという効果がある。
【００８４】
また、水位検知手段を有し一定水位に保たれる貯水タンクと、貯湯容器内温水の出湯終了後貯水タンク、加熱容器及び貯湯容器に至る経路を開放して貯湯容器内の水位を一定に保つ水位保持制御手段とを備えたことを特徴とするので、出湯終了後に一定水位に保たれた貯水タンクと水位を合わせることにより、出湯終了後の貯湯容器の水位を一定にすることができ毎販売時の出湯量を一定にするという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の構成図
【図２】同実施形態の加熱手段の構成図及び加熱容器内の温度分布図
【図３】同実施形態の制御ブロック図
【図４】同実施形態の制御動作のタイミングチャート
【図５】本発明の第２の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の構成図
【図６】同実施形態の制御ブロック図
【図７】同実施形態の制御動作のタイミングチャート
【図８】本発明の第３の実施形態のカップ式飲料自動販売機の給湯装置の構成図
【図９】同実施形態の制御ブロック図
【図１０】同実施形態の制御動作のタイミングチャート
【符号の説明】
２水位検知手段（貯水タンクフロートＳＷ）
６給水制御手段
１６加熱手段
２０貯湯手段
２３出湯手段
２６飲料調合手段
２９，３１，３４加熱容器
３０給水口
３３給湯口
３８発熱体
４８所定時間積算手段
４９，５１，５３出湯制御手段
５２貯水タンク
５４水位保持制御手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus such as a cup-type beverage vending machine that mixes and sells beverages in cup containers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, the heating means of a cup-type beverage vending machine using hot water heated by induction heating has a small capacity for storing drinking water for about one cup as disclosed in JP-A-2-267695. A heating container made of non-magnetic material, an induction coil wound around the outer periphery thereof, and a ferromagnetic metal body built in the heating container, and the heating coil filled with drinking water When a high-frequency current is passed through, a magnetic field is generated around the induction coil, an induced current flows through the metal body, Joule heat is generated, and heat is also generated due to hysteresis loss, so that the drinking water in the heating container is heated rapidly. The temperature is raised. The heated drinking water is mixed with instant beverage ingredients or used to extract regular coffee and is provided as a cup beverage.
[0003]
However, in order to heat drinking water at room temperature to a mixing temperature or extraction temperature of 90 ° C. or more at the time of sale, even induction heating is time-consuming due to power capacity limitations.
[0004]
For example, when 1 kW induction heating is used, it takes about 1 minute to heat 150 cc of drinking water, and even when 3 kW induction heating is used, it takes about 20 seconds.
[0005]
Therefore, as mentioned in JP-A-2-267695, even in the case of can beverage vending machines using induction heating, JP-A-53-127798 and JP-A-63-163996. As disclosed in the official gazette, it is possible to preheat drinking water or canned beverages to some extent during sales standby and to sell them in a relatively short time by heating from the preheating temperature to the required temperature at the time of sale. Yes.
[0006]
Moreover, the hot water hot-water method heated in this way is determined by the blending sequence of each beverage, and it is common to divide the hot water into two or more times in one sale. With the diversification of users' tastes, the flavor of cup-type beverages has also become diverse, and the need to mix various ingredients with hot water at various times in one sale has increased. This is because the ingredients are prepared and poured into a cup, and then the compounding container is washed with warm water and this washing water is also poured into the cup.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional method, since at least two taps are required for one sale, water cannot be supplied to the heating container until all the taps are completed. If water is supplied before the end of the entire hot water supply, the hot water and water are mixed and the hot water temperature is lowered, which hinders the blending and at the same time the cup hot water temperature is lowered and becomes slimy.
[0008]
Even if the hot water portion and the water portion can be separated in the heating vessel, the hot water in the heating vessel has reached the target temperature and cannot be heated. That is, since it cannot heat until the hot water of one sale is completed, it takes time to prepare hot water for the next sale at the time of continuous sale.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems and aims to shorten the preparation time of hot water for the next sale at the time of continuous sale.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the hot water supply device of the cup-type beverage vending machine according to the present invention includes a heating means including a heating element that heats water by induction heating or the like and includes a water supply port and a hot water supply port, A hot water storage means that is connected to the hot water inlet side of the heating container and temporarily stores heated hot water, a hot water supply means for supplying one cup of water from the hot water inlet to the heating container, and hot water provided in the hot water storage container There are provided a hot water discharge means for pouring hot water, a beverage blending means for mixing the hot water discharged from the hot water means and a beverage raw material, and a hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence. Yes.
[0011]
In addition, heating means comprising a heating vessel with a heating element that heats water by induction heating or the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for one cup of water are supplied to the heating vessel from the water supply port. Hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage means connected to a hot water outlet at the top of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped up simultaneously with the water supply, a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water, and hot water discharged from the hot water means Beverage blending means for blending the beverage by mixing hot water and beverage ingredients, and tapping control means for controlling the tapping from the tapping means according to the blending sequence.
[0012]
The hot water control means is characterized in that the hot water is supplied to the beverage blending means during hot water supply to the hot water storage container.
[0013]
Further, the hot water control means starts hot water from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means after a predetermined time from the start of hot water supply to the hot water storage container.
[0014]
Further, the hot water control means is characterized in that the hot water in the hot water storage container is taken out by the hot water means and the water level after completion of the hot water is made constant.
[0015]
In addition, a water storage tank that has a water level detection means and is maintained at a constant water level, and a path to the water storage tank, the heating container, and the hot water storage container after the hot water is discharged from the hot water storage container is opened to keep the water level in the hot water storage container constant. And a water level holding control means.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The invention described in claim 1 of the present inventionHeating means comprising a heating container with a heating element for heating water by induction heating or the like and provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, and a hot water storage container for temporarily storing heated hot water connected to the hot water supply side of the heating container Hot water storage means, water supply means for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from a water supply port, hot water supply means for discharging hot water provided in the hot water storage container, hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients, A beverage blending means for blending the beverages and a hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence, the hot water control means after a predetermined time from the start of hot water supply to the hot water storage container The hot water heated by the heating means is temporarily stored in the hot water storage container and discharged from the hot water storage container to the beverage preparation means by starting the hot water discharge from the hot water storage container to the beverage preparation means. It is possible to shorten the warm water preparation time for the next sale immediately during continuous sales can heat water supplied into the heating vessel after the hot water supply to the container, it is possible to perform stable tapped.
[0017]
  The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention providesHeating means consisting of a heating container with a heating element that heats water by induction heating and the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from the water supply port A hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container connected to a hot water outlet at the upper part of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped at the same time as the water supply; a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water; Beverage blending means for blending beverages by mixing the hot water and the beverage ingredients, and hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence, the hot water control means to the hot water storage container The hot water supply from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means is started after a predetermined time from the start of hot water supply, so that water supplied into the heating container can be added immediately after hot water supply to the hot water storage container with a simple and inexpensive configuration. It is possible to shorten the warm water preparation time for the next sales during continuous sales can be, it is possible to perform a stable hot water.
[0018]
  The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention isHeating means comprising a heating container with a heating element for heating water by induction heating or the like and provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, and a hot water storage container for temporarily storing heated hot water connected to the hot water supply side of the heating container Hot water storage means, water supply means for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from a water supply port, hot water supply means for discharging hot water provided in the hot water storage container, hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients, A beverage blending means for blending the beverages and a tapping control means for controlling the tapping from the tapping means according to the blending sequence, wherein the tapping control means uses the tapping means to warm the hot water in the hot water storage container. By making the water level constant after the end of pouring out hot water, the hot water heated by the heating means is temporarily stored in the hot water storage container and discharged from the hot water storage container to the beverage preparation means. Immediately after that, the water supplied in the heating container can be heated, so that the preparation time of the hot water for the next sale can be shortened at the time of continuous sales, and the water level of the hot water storage container after the end of the hot water is made constant. The amount of hot water at the time of sale can be made constant.
[0019]
  The invention according to claim 4 of the present invention isHeating means consisting of a heating container with a heating element that heats water by induction heating and the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from the water supply port A hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container connected to a hot water outlet at the upper part of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped at the same time as the water supply; a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water; Beverage blending means for blending beverages by mixing the heated water and beverage ingredients, and hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence, wherein the hot water control means is in the hot water storage container By heating out the hot water in the hot water supply means and making the water level constant after the hot water is discharged, the water supplied in the heating container can be heated immediately after hot water supply to the hot water storage container with a simple and inexpensive structure. In addition to shortening the preparation time of hot water for the next sale at the time of continuous sales, the water level of the hot water storage container after the end of the hot water can be made constant, and the amount of hot water discharged at every sale can be made constant .
[0020]
  The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention isHeating means comprising a heating container with a heating element for heating water by induction heating or the like and provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, and a hot water storage container for temporarily storing heated hot water connected to the hot water supply side of the heating container Hot water storage means, water supply means for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from a water supply port, hot water supply means for discharging hot water provided in the hot water storage container, hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients, Beverage blending means for blending beverages to mix beverages, tapping control means for controlling tapping from the tapping means according to a blending sequence, a water storage tank having a water level detection means and maintained at a constant water level, and the hot water storage The heating means is provided with a water level holding control means for opening the path to the water storage tank, the heating container and the hot water storage container after the hot water in the container is finished, and keeping the water level in the hot water storage container constant. The heated hot water is temporarily stored in the hot water storage container and discharged from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means, so that the water supplied into the heating container can be heated immediately after the hot water supply to the hot water storage container, The hot water preparation time for sale can be shortened, the water level of the hot water storage container after the end of pouring can be made constant, and the amount of hot water at the time of sale can be made constant.
[0021]
  The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention providesHeating means consisting of a heating container with a heating element that heats water by induction heating and the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from the water supply port A hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container connected to a hot water outlet at the upper part of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped at the same time as the water supply; a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water; Drink mixing means for mixing the heated water and beverage ingredients to prepare a beverage, hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the preparation sequence, and a water level detection means, and kept at a constant water level. And a water level holding control means for maintaining a constant water level in the hot water storage container by opening a path to the water storage tank, the heating container, and the hot water storage container after the hot water in the hot water storage container is discharged. As a result, the water supplied in the heating container can be heated immediately after the hot water supply to the hot water storage container with a simple and inexpensive configuration, and the preparation time of the hot water for the next sale can be shortened at the time of continuous sales. In addition, the water level of the hot water storage container after the end of pouring can be made constant, and the amount of hot water at the time of sale can be made constant.
[0022]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0023]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply device of a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the first embodiment.
[0024]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a 1 L water storage tank for temporarily storing tap water, and 2 denotes a water storage tank float SW for detecting the water level of the water storage tank 1. A water valve (not shown) is opened and closed by a water level signal of the water tank float SW2, and the water level of the water tank 1 is always kept constant. A water supply pipe a3 for supplying water from the water storage tank 1 is connected to the T-shaped joint a4 and supplied to a cold water circuit (not shown) through the water supply pipe b5.
[0025]
A water valve 6 is a water supply means for supplying water to a heating container to be described later. The inlet side is connected to a T-shaped joint a4 by a water supply pipe c7, and the outlet side is connected to a T-shaped joint b9 by a water supply pipe d8. Reference numeral 10 denotes a circulation pump, and the suction side is connected to a T-shaped joint b9 via a circulation pipe b11 and a pump joint 12. The discharge side is connected to a water supply port side of a heating container described later via a circulation pipe c13, a circulation pipe d14 and an L-shaped joint 15.
[0026]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a heating means using induction heating composed of a heating container having an effective internal volume of about 150 cc and a heating element contained in the heating container, and heats the supplied water to store hot water. Reference numeral 17 denotes a circulating hot water valve arranged on the hot water supply port side of the heating container, and its outlet is connected to a T-shaped joint b9 through a circulation pipe a18 to circulate hot water in the heating container. With this configuration, a total of 300 cc from the heating vessel, the circulating hot water valve 17, the circulating pipe a18, the T-shaped joint b9, the circulating pipe b11, the pump joint 12, the circulating pump 10, the circulating pipe c13, the L-shaped joint 15, and the circulating pipe d14. A circulation path 19 having an effective internal volume is formed.
[0027]
Reference numeral 20 denotes hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container having an internal volume of about 200 cc, and is connected to the hot water supply port side of the heating container by a connection pipe 21. A hot water storage container float SW 22 detects the hot water level in the hot water storage container. Reference numeral 23 denotes a hot water discharge means for discharging a predetermined amount of hot water from the hot water storage container, and is constituted by a hot water valve disposed at the lower part of the hot water storage container. The hot water valve 23 has a needle port 23a that is open to the atmosphere, and has a structure that adjusts the flow rate of hot water and that no hot water remains in the hot water pipe after hot water. The hot water valve 23 and the circulating hot water valve 17 used in the present embodiment use the same hot water valve to keep the cost low, but the needle port of the circulating hot water valve 17 is sealed so as not to be opened to the atmosphere.
[0028]
Moreover, the hot water storage container 20 has an air release structure, and the internal pressure of the heating container connected to the hot water storage container 20 does not increase due to heating.
[0029]
The hot water in the hot water storage container before sale is in a low water level (water level A), and at the time of sale, the hot water heated by the heating means is supplied from the heating container, and further hot water is discharged from the hot water valve 23 to the mixing ball. Therefore, the water level B is reached. Hot water is supplied from the heating container to the hot water storage container by opening the water valve 6, closing the circulating hot water valve 17, and operating the circulation pump 10, by the pressure of the water head pressure (water level C-water level A) and the pump pressure from the water storage tank. As soon as the water is supplied, it becomes the pumping pressure and hot water is supplied. When the tap valve 23 is opened during hot water supply, a pressure equivalent to the pumping pressure is applied to the tap valve and the hot water is discharged.
[0030]
A mixing bowl 25 is a beverage blending means, which mixes hot water poured through the hot water pipe 24 with a predetermined amount of raw material discharged from a raw material tank 26 storing powdery raw material, and prepares a cup beverage. . The finished beverage is poured into the cup 28 via the beverage discharge pipe 27. An actual cup-type beverage vending machine is equipped with a plurality of taps and mixing balls according to the number of beverages to be sold, and a structure that can discharge a plurality of ingredients to one mixing ball. The description in the embodiment is omitted.
[0031]
Fig.2 (a) is a block diagram of the heating means 16 of 1st Embodiment, (b) is a temperature distribution figure of the hot water in a heating container at the time of a heating.
[0032]
Reference numeral 29 denotes a lower lid of a heating container formed of a resin having excellent heat resistance, and has a water supply port 30. 31 is an upper lid formed of the same resin, and has one circulation port 32 around the circumference and a hot water supply port 33 at the top. Reference numeral 34 denotes a cylindrical body portion made of the same resin, and is connected to the lower lid 29 and the upper lid 31 via O-rings 35 and 36 made of annular silicon rubber. The lower lid 29, the upper lid 31 and the body portion 34 constitute a heating container.
[0033]
Reference numeral 37 denotes a cylindrical mandrel formed of the same resin as that of the heating container. The outer diameter of the mandrel is smaller than the inner diameter of the body part 34 and is arranged concentrically in the body part 34.
[0034]
Reference numeral 38 denotes a heating element made of a cylindrical thin stainless steel plate, and the outer diameter thereof is approximately between the inner diameter of the body part 34 and the outer diameter of the mandrel 37 and is inserted between the body part 34 and the mandrel 37. The water supplied from the water supply port 30 passes through the gap between the heating element 38 and the mandrel 37 and the gap between the heating element 38 and the body portion 34 and is heated.
[0035]
A coil 39 spirally wound around the outer diameter of the body portion 34 generates a high-frequency magnetic field by flowing a high-frequency current, and an eddy current flows through the heating element to generate heat due to Joule heat. Reference numeral 40 denotes a ferrite rod for preventing the magnetic field from leaking to the outside of the heating means 16, and a plurality of ferrite rods are arranged around the coil 39.
[0036]
Reference numeral 41 denotes an inlet water temperature detecting means that is disposed near the water supply port and detects the temperature of the supplied water, and is constituted by a thermistor. Reference numeral 42 denotes an outlet water temperature detecting means which is disposed in the vicinity of the hot water supply port and the circulation port and detects the temperature of hot water supplied or circulated, and is also constituted by a thermistor.
[0037]
As shown in (b), the temperature distribution of the hot water in the heating container at the time of heating becomes a temperature distribution with a substantially primary gradient from the water supply port side to the hot water supply port side. This is because heat generated from a heating element having a uniform calorific value per unit area is given to water flowing at a constant flow rate from the water supply port to the hot water supply port by circulation heating.
[0038]
As a result, the temperature on the hot water supply side becomes the highest. In the case of the present embodiment, since the circulation flow rate is 40 cc / s and the IH output is 3 kW, the temperature difference between the water supply side and the hot water supply side is about 15K.
[0039]
However, this is a case where the water temperature at the water supply port side is constant. In the case of circulating heating, the heated hot water goes around the water supply port again, and the temperature distribution is not uniform, but the hot water is not circulating during circulation. In order to mix, it tends to be like (b). Here, the circulation heating is to heat the heating means 16 while opening the circulation hot water valve 17 (the water valve 6 is closed) and operating the circulation pump 10 to circulate hot water in the circulation path 19. .
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the hot water supply device of the cup-type beverage vending machine according to the first embodiment.
[0041]
Reference numeral 43 denotes an inverter that applies a high-frequency current to the coil 39 of the heating means 16 that is an induction heating device, and can obtain an output of about 3 kW. 44 is a preheating control means, which inputs the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature, makes the half of the total value the average water temperature in the heating container, and circulates between the inverter 43, the circulation pump 10 and the circulation water so that the average water temperature during standby is 80 ° C. The hot water valve 17 is controlled. The preheating control is controlled by operating / stopping the circulating heating.
[0042]
45 is a sales temperature control means, which heats the preheated hot water when it is sold, and heats it until the outlet water temperature reaches the sales temperature (about 95 ° C.). The reason why the preheating temperature is set lower than the sales temperature is to keep the power consumption during the sales standby low. 46 is a hot water supply control means, and instructs the water supply control means 47 to supply water when the outlet water temperature reaches the selling temperature. In response to an instruction from the hot water supply control means 46, the water supply control means 47 opens the water valve 6 (continuation of the circulation pump 10 operation and the circulation hot water valve 17 is closed) and starts water supply. The amount of water supply is determined by the opening and closing time of the water valve for one cup (150 cc).
[0043]
Then, an equivalent amount of hot water heated simultaneously with the water supply to the heating container is supplied to the hot water storage container 20. The flow rate at this time is about 40 cc / sec, which is the same as that during circulation heating. During the hot water supply, the output of the heating means 16 is continued. When the outlet water temperature reaches 97 ° C., the energization of the heating means 16 is stopped for boiling protection. Since an amount equivalent to the amount of hot water is supplied to the heating container, the process immediately shifts to preheating control after the hot water supply control is completed.
[0044]
48 is a predetermined time integration means for counting a predetermined time set to about 1 second, and starts counting from the start of hot water supply. 49 is a hot water control means, which allows hot water to be started by the hot water valve 23 1 second after the start of hot water supply. The amount of discharged hot water and the timing of hot water are controlled in accordance with the blending sequence 50, and the low water level (water level A) is detected by the hot water storage container float SW22 to terminate the hot water. Further, it is determined by the amount of hot water and the opening / closing time of the hot water valve 23.
[0045]
Here, the reason for starting hot water 1 second after the start of hot water supply is to stabilize the hot water flow rate from the hot water valve 23 at about 40 cc / s. Immediately after the start of hot water supply, the water is pumped at about 40 cc / s. It is stored in a hot water storage container and pushes up the water level.
[0046]
Then, the water level is stabilized (water level B) where the water head pressure generated by the pushed-up water level and the pressure loss of the hot water valve 23 are balanced, and the hot water flow rate is stabilized. In other words, a delay of 1 second is provided in order to quickly raise the water level without leaving the hot water until the level of the outgoing water flow becomes stable. Since the low water level (water level A) detected by the hot water storage container float SW22 is set below the stable water level (water level B), the water level at the end of the hot water is in a low water level state.
[0047]
Here, the reason why the low water level detected by the hot water storage container float SW22 is not set to the stable water level is to reduce the amount of hot water (dead water) in the hot water storage container after the end of hot water as much as possible. That is, when the dead water is mixed with the hot water supplied during the hot sale and the hot water is supplied, the hot water temperature is lowered.
[0048]
The operation of the water heater of the cup type vending machine configured as described above will be described using a timing chart.
[0049]
FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the control operation.
[0050]
In the present preparation sequence of this example, a pattern in which 100 cc of hot water is discharged as the first hot water and 50 cc of hot water is discharged as the second hot water 3 seconds later will be described. In this pattern, a beverage is prepared by mixing raw material and hot water at 100 cc of the first hot water, and the mixing ball 25 and the beverage discharge pipe 27 are washed and poured into the cup 28 with 50 cc of the second hot water.
[0051]
First, when sales are started (T0), the circulating hot water valve 17 is opened while the circulating means 10 is operated while energizing the heating means 16 with 3 kW to perform circulating heating. Next, when the outlet temperature of the heating container reaches the selling temperature (95 ° C.) (T1), the circulating hot water valve 17 is closed and the water valve 6 is opened while continuing the operation of the heating means 16 and the circulation pump 10 to return to the heating container. Start water supply and hot water supply to the hot water storage container at the same time. Then, one second after the start of hot water supply (T2), the hot water valve 23 is opened and the hot water supply to the mixing ball 25 is started.
[0052]
After 100 cc of hot water as the first hot water (T3), the hot water valve 23 is closed. During this time, hot water is being supplied, and after the 150 cc hot water supply (T4), the water valve 6 is closed. However, since the water temperature in the heating container is lowered due to the water supply, the process proceeds to preheating control (circulation heating).
[0053]
And 3 seconds after the end of the first hot water (T5), 50cc of the second hot water is discharged. The end of the second hot water is ended when the low water level is detected by the hot water storage container float SW22 (T6). Finally, simultaneously with the end of the hot water supply, the water valve 6 is opened and water is supplied, so that the hot water storage container float SW22 does not detect the low water level (T7).
[0054]
This is in order to prevent emptying due to the absence of water by constantly holding the hot water storage container float SW22 at a low water level or higher.
[0055]
Therefore, the hot water storage container float SW22 has a structure in which the signal is switched when the water level rises slightly from the low water level.
[0056]
At the end of the second pouring, the blending sequence is completed and thereafter preheating control is performed. When the average temperature of the hot water in the heating container reaches 82 ° C. (T8), the heating means 16 is stopped. Thereafter, in order to make the temperature of the hot water in the circulation path 19 uniform, the operation of only the circulation pump 10 is continued and stopped after a few seconds (T9). If the next sale starts during this preheating control, it must be immediately heated to the sales temperature, so heating the supplied water as soon as possible to the preheating temperature as in this embodiment reduces the waiting time for continuous sales. Is important to do.
[0057]
As described above, the hot water supply device of the cup-type beverage vending machine according to the present embodiment includes a heating element that includes a heating element 38 that heats water by induction heating or the like and is provided with a water supply port 30 and a hot water supply port 33. 16, a hot water storage container 20 that is connected to the hot water supply side of the heating container and temporarily stores heated hot water, a water supply valve 6 that supplies water for one cup to the heating container from the water supply opening 30, and the hot water storage container 20. The hot water discharged from the hot water valve 23, the mixing ball 25 that mixes the hot water discharged from the hot water valve 23 with the beverage ingredients, and blends the beverage, and the hot water from the hot water valve 23 is controlled according to the blending sequence 50. Since the hot water heated by the heating means 16 is temporarily stored in the hot water storage container 20 and discharged from the hot water storage container to the mixing ball 25, immediately after the hot water supply to the hot water storage container 20 is provided. Can migrate to the preheat control for heating the water supplied to the heat vessel may be in continuous sale to reduce the hot water preparation time for the next sale.
[0058]
In addition, the hot water storage container 20 is connected to the hot water supply port 33 at the upper part of the heating container, and the water valve 6 is arranged on the water supply port side of the lower part of the heating container so that water supply and hot water supply are simultaneously performed by water head pressure and pump pressure. A simple hot water supply valve is not required and a relatively simple and inexpensive configuration can be obtained.
[0059]
Moreover, since the hot water control means 49 discharges hot water to the mixing ball 25 during hot water supply to the hot water storage container 20, the preparation sequence for preparing the beverage can be started quickly, and the sales time for one time can be shortened. .
[0060]
Further, the hot water control means 49 starts hot water from the hot water storage container 20 to the mixing ball 25 one second after the start of hot water supply to the hot water storage container, so that the water level in the hot water storage container is stabilized and fluctuations in the hot water flow rate can be suppressed. it can.
[0061]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply device of a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the thing of the same structure as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. In this embodiment, the hot water storage container float SW is not required.
[0062]
FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a hot water supply device for a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the second embodiment.
[0063]
A hot water control means 51 controls the hot water to be completely discharged from the hot water storage container 20 at the last hot water in the hot water pattern determined by the blending sequence 50.
[0064]
The operation of the water heater of the cup type vending machine configured as described above will be described using a timing chart.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a timing chart of the control operation.
[0066]
Similarly, in the blending sequence of this embodiment, 100 cc of hot water is discharged as the first hot water, and 50 cc of hot water is discharged as the second hot water 3 seconds later.
[0067]
The opening time of the hot water valve 23 for taking out 50 cc at the second hot water as the final hot water is about 3 to 4 seconds (50 cc / 40 cc / s + α), and the end timing of the second hot water is T10.
[0068]
As described above, the hot water supply device of the cup-type beverage vending machine according to the present embodiment discharges the hot water in the hot water storage container from the hot water discharge means 23 by the hot water control means 51, so that the water level after the end of the hot water is always constant. The amount of hot water at each sale can be made constant.
[0069]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply device of a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the third embodiment. In addition, about the thing of the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected and description is omitted.
[0070]
52 is a water tank of about 1 L for temporarily storing tap water. The water level is always kept constant by opening and closing a water valve (not shown) according to the water level signal of the water tank float SW2, and the water level is kept low. It is installed so as to be the same height as the water level A). In the present embodiment, the hot water storage container float SW is not required.
[0071]
FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of a hot water supply device for a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the third embodiment.
[0072]
53 is a hot water control means for outputting a water level maintenance command after completion of the final hot water in the hot water pattern determined by the blending sequence 50. The determination of the end of the hot water is obtained by calculating the required hot water time from the hot water flow rate to 1.25 seconds (50 cc / 40 cc / s). For this reason, the needle of the hot water valve 23 is set in advance so that the hot water flow rate from the hot water storage container 20 is 40 cc / s.
[0073]
A water level holding control means 54 receives a water level holding command, stops the circulation pump 10 for about 2 seconds, opens the water valve 6, and adjusts the water level of the water storage tank 52 and the hot water storage container 20.
[0074]
The operation of the water heater of the cup type vending machine configured as described above will be described using a timing chart.
[0075]
FIG. 10 is a timing chart of the control operation.
[0076]
The blending sequence of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0077]
After the end of the second hot water supply (T11), the circulating pump 10 is stopped and the water valve 6 is opened to adjust the water level. After 2 seconds (T12), the water valve 6 is closed and the circulating pump 10 is operated to restart the preheating control.
[0078]
As described above, the hot water supply device of the cup-type beverage vending machine according to the present embodiment arranges the water level of the water storage tank 52 and the low water level of the hot water storage container 20 at the same height so that the water level is kept constant, thereby controlling the water level. Since the means 52 and the hot water control means 53 are used to stop the circulating pump 10 and open the water valve 6 to adjust the water level after the end of the final hot water, the water level after the hot water is always kept constant and the amount of hot water at each sale. Can be made constant.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the hot water supply device of the cup-type beverage vending machine of the present invention includes a heating unit including a heating element that heats water by induction heating or the like and is provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, Hot water storage means consisting of a hot water storage container that is connected to the hot water supply side and temporarily stores heated hot water, water supply means for supplying water for one cup to the heating container from the water supply opening, and hot water provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water Means, a beverage blending means for blending the beverage by mixing the hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients, and a hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence, When the hot water heated by the heating means is temporarily stored in the hot water storage container and discharged from the hot water storage container to the beverage preparation means, the water supplied into the heating container can be heated immediately after the hot water supply to the hot water storage container. There is an effect of shortening the warm water of the preparation time for the next sale.
[0080]
In addition, heating means comprising a heating vessel with a heating element that heats water by induction heating or the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for one cup of water are supplied to the heating vessel from the water supply port. Hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage means connected to a hot water outlet at the top of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped up simultaneously with the water supply, a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water, and hot water discharged from the hot water means It is equipped with beverage blending means for mixing beverages by mixing hot water and beverage ingredients, and hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence. Once the water is stored in the hot water storage container, the hot water supplied from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means can be heated immediately after the hot water is supplied to the hot water storage container. There is an effect of shortening the warm water of the preparation time for the next sale when sold.
[0081]
Further, the hot water control means is characterized in that the hot water is supplied to the beverage blending means during the hot water supply to the hot water storage container, so that the heated hot water is supplied from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means during the hot water supply to the hot water storage container. By taking out the hot water, the blending sequence for blending the beverage can be started quickly, reducing the sales time for one time, and the water supplied in the heating container can be heated immediately after the hot water is supplied to the hot water storage container. This has the effect of shortening the preparation time of hot water for the next sale at the time of sale.
[0082]
The hot water control means starts hot water supply from the hot water storage container to the beverage preparation means after a predetermined time from the start of hot water supply to the hot water storage container, so that hot water supply to the hot hot water hot water storage container starts for a predetermined time. Later, there is an effect that the hot water control means can start the hot water discharge from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means and perform stable hot water.
[0083]
In addition, the hot water control means is characterized in that the hot water in the hot water storage container is completely drained by the hot water means, and the water level after the hot water finishes is made constant so that the water level of the hot water storage container can be made constant after the hot water is finished. It has the effect of keeping the amount of hot water out of time.
[0084]
In addition, a water storage tank that has a water level detection means and is maintained at a constant water level, and a path to the water storage tank, the heating container, and the hot water storage container after the hot water is discharged from the hot water storage container is opened to keep the water level in the hot water storage container constant. Since it is equipped with a water level maintenance control means, the water level of the hot water storage container after the end of the hot water can be made constant by matching the water level with the water tank maintained at a constant water level after the end of the hot water. It has the effect of keeping the amount of hot water out of time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply device of a cup-type beverage vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a heating unit according to the embodiment and a temperature distribution diagram in a heating container.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the embodiment
FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the control operation of the embodiment
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply device of a cup-type beverage vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a control block diagram according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a timing chart of the control operation of the embodiment
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply device of a cup-type beverage vending machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart of the control operation of the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Water level detection means (water storage tank float SW)
6 Water supply control means
16 Heating means
20 Hot water storage means
23 Hot spring means
26 Beverage preparation means
29, 31, 34 Heating vessel
30 Water inlet
33 Hot water outlet
38 Heating element
48 Predetermined time integration means
49, 51, 53 Hot water control means
52 Water storage tank
54 Water level retention control means

Claims

Heating means comprising a heating container with a heating element that heats water by sales induction heating or the like and provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, and a hot water storage container that is connected to the hot water supply port side of the heating container and temporarily stores heated hot water A hot water storage means, a water supply means for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from a water supply port, a hot water supply means for discharging hot water provided in the hot water storage container, hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients A blending means for blending beverages and a tapping control means for controlling tapping from the tapping means according to a blending sequence, the tapping control means for a predetermined time from the start of hot water supply to the hot water storage container A hot water supply device for a cup-type beverage vending machine, which starts hot water from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means later .

Heating means consisting of a heating container with a heating element that heats water by induction heating and the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from the water supply port A hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container connected to a hot water outlet at the upper part of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped at the same time as the water supply; a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water; Beverage blending means for blending beverages by mixing the hot water and the beverage ingredients, and hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence, the hot water control means to the hot water storage container A hot water supply device for a cup-type beverage vending machine , wherein hot water is started from the hot water storage container to the beverage blending means after a predetermined time from the start of hot water supply.

Heating means comprising a heating container with a heating element for heating water by induction heating or the like and provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, and a hot water storage container for temporarily storing heated hot water connected to the hot water supply side of the heating container Hot water storage means, water supply means for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from a water supply port, hot water supply means for discharging hot water provided in the hot water storage container, hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients, A beverage blending means for blending the beverages and a tapping control means for controlling the tapping from the tapping means according to the blending sequence , wherein the tapping control means uses the tapping means to warm the hot water in the hot water storage container. A hot water supply device for a cup-type beverage vending machine, characterized in that the water level after the end of pouring out hot water is made constant .

Heating means consisting of a heating container with a heating element that heats water by induction heating and the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from the water supply port A hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container connected to a hot water outlet at the upper part of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped at the same time as the water supply; a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water; Beverage blending means for blending beverages by mixing the heated water and beverage ingredients, and hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the blending sequence , wherein the hot water control means is in the hot water storage container A hot water supply device for a cup-type beverage vending machine characterized in that the hot water is taken out by the hot water supply means and the water level after the hot water is finished is made constant .

Heating means comprising a heating container with a heating element for heating water by induction heating or the like and provided with a water supply port and a hot water supply port, and a hot water storage container for temporarily storing heated hot water connected to the hot water supply side of the heating container Hot water storage means, water supply means for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from a water supply port, hot water supply means for discharging hot water provided in the hot water storage container, hot water discharged from the hot water means and beverage ingredients, Beverage blending means for blending beverages to mix beverages, tapping control means for controlling tapping from the tapping means according to a blending sequence, a water storage tank having a water level detection means and maintained at a constant water level, and the hot water storage cup, characterized by comprising pouring after the end the water storage tank in the vessel warm water, and a water level holding control means for maintaining the water level of the heating vessel and said hot water storage vessel reaches the path by opening the hot water storage vessel at a constant Water heater of a beverage vending machine.

Heating means consisting of a heating container with a heating element that heats water by induction heating and the like, and a water supply port at the bottom and a hot water supply port at the top, and water for supplying one cup of water to the heating container from the water supply port A hot water storage means comprising a hot water storage container connected to a hot water outlet at the upper part of the heating container and temporarily storing hot water pumped at the same time as the water supply; a hot water supply means provided in the hot water storage container for discharging hot water; Drink mixing means for mixing the heated water and beverage ingredients to prepare a beverage, hot water control means for controlling the hot water from the hot water means according to the preparation sequence, and a water level detection means, and kept at a constant water level. Bei a water storage tank, the hot water storage vessel hot water tapping after the end the water storage tank, a water level holding control means for maintaining the water level of the heating container and the inside said open the path to the hot water storage vessel hot water storage vessel at a constant that Hot water supply apparatus of the cup type beverage vending machine, characterized in that was.