JP4194376B2 - Delivery amount setting device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sending amount setting device, and more particularly, to a sending amount setting device capable of accurately and easily setting a desired sending amount.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a beverage supply device that supplies and sells cup-type beverages, according to the cup size such as S, M, and L and the type of beverage, the delivery amount (supply amount) of the beverage supplied to the cup is previously stored in the device as sales data. Is stored in the storage unit. However, even with the same type of device, there are individual differences in the performance of the beverage delivery system, and it is necessary to adjust the supply amount for each beverage before actual sales to provide beverages of a certain quality is there.
[0003]
There is also a request from the device manager to arbitrarily set the beverage supply amount, regardless of the cup size or beverage type described above. In such a case, it is necessary to set the supply amount so that the beverage is supplied with a desired supply amount.
[0004]
As a method for setting an arbitrary supply amount, for example, there is a method for visually setting the supply state. In this method, a cup is arranged in a beverage supply device so that a beverage can be received, and a beverage supply operation to the cup is executed while visually checking the supply state of the beverage. Then, when the desired supply amount is reached, the beverage supply operation is stopped, for example, the beverage is transferred to a measuring instrument such as a measuring cylinder and weighed, and the measured value is input to a keyboard or the like provided in the beverage supply device. Enter by. In the beverage supply apparatus, the beverage supply time corresponding to the desired supply amount is calculated from the flow rate per unit time known for the beverage and the input measured value, and stored in the storage unit.
[0005]
As another method, there is a delivery amount setting device having mode setting means for counting the time during which the beverage discharge valve is open and setting the supply amount based on the count value (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
[0006]
FIG. 5 shows a transmission amount setting device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this delivery amount setting device, a beverage sales button 30 for inputting a beverage sales signal and a sales stop signal, a mode setting button 31 for inputting a signal for setting the sales amount, and a beverage sales stop / addition signal are provided. A stop / add button 32 to be input, a memory button 33 for inputting a signal for executing a storage operation of the sales amount, a beverage sales button 30, a mode setting button 31, a stop / add button 32, and a memory button 33 are connected. I / O unit 34, a discharge valve 35 that is opened and closed based on a beverage discharge operation, a CPU 36 that has timers 36A and 36B and controls the operation of each unit, and a specified sales amount for the beverage And a RAM 37 stored as the open time.
[0007]
When the discharge valve 35 is opened based on the sales signal input from the beverage sales button 30, the timer 36A counts the opening time.
[0008]
The timer 36B accumulates the opening time of the discharge valve 35 timed by the timer 36A, and measures the total opening time of the discharge valve 35.
[0009]
In such a delivery amount setting device, when the beverage sales button 30 is operated, the discharge valve 35 is opened and the beverage is discharged, and the timers 36A and 36B start timing. When the stop / add button 32 is operated during discharge and the discharge valve 35 is closed, the timers 35A and 36B stop timing, and when the beverage sales button 30 is operated again, the timers 36A and 36B restart timing. . At this time, the timer 36A is reset and measures the time from when the discharge is resumed, and the timer 36B measures the time by accumulating the time measured before the discharge is interrupted. When the stop / add button 32 is operated to finally end beverage sales and the memory button 33 is operated, the time counted by the timer 36B is stored in the RAM 37 as the sales amount of the beverage sales button 30.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-72992
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional transmission amount setting device has the following problems.
(1) The visual setting of the supply state requires a measuring instrument such as a graduated cylinder for measuring the beverage, and therefore there is a problem that it requires complicated operations such as receiving, transferring, and weighing the beverage. In addition, since a human error due to the above-described operation may be included in the measured value, a desired supply amount cannot be realized with high accuracy.
(2) In the invention of Patent Document 1, since the sales amount of the beverage based on the push button operation is set based on the opening time of the discharge valve, the flow rate fluctuates due to a supply failure of the beverage while the discharge valve is open. Even if it occurs, it cannot be detected. As a result, an error occurs between the set value and the actual sales amount at the time of sale. In addition, if a detector such as a sensor is separately provided to detect supply failure, there is a problem that the cost increases.
[0012]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to set an arbitrary supply amount easily and accurately based on the actual flow rate even if a flow rate fluctuation of the beverage occurs without using a measuring instrument such as a measuring cylinder. The object is to provide an apparatus for setting a delivery amount.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a delivery unit that is provided in a pipeline to start delivery of a liquid and stops delivery of the liquid, and an operation signal to start or stop delivery of the liquid. An operation unit that inputs to the signal line, a signal generation unit that is provided in the conduit and that monitors the liquid delivery state based on the operation signal and outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the actual flow rate of the liquid, and the flow rate signal A setting unit configured to set a delivery amount specified based on the operation unit, and the setting unit counts the flow rate signal based on an operation of the operation unit, and the sales amount desired by the liquid based on an integrated value of the count value. There is provided a transmission amount setting device characterized by having a configuration for setting so that
[0014]
According to such a configuration, since the signal input from the signal generation unit based on the operation of the operation unit is a signal based on the actual flow rate, the delivery amount can be easily and cumulatively monitored without providing a separate sensor, Even if the delivery state such as flow rate fluctuation changes, it is possible to prevent an incorrect sales amount from being set.
[0015]
The operation unit may continue the liquid feeding operation by continuing the input with the input of the push button being started, and may end the sending operation when the input of the push button is released. It is possible to set a signal when the input of the push button is released as the sales amount.
[0016]
Further, the operation unit may continue the liquid delivery operation with the first input of the push button as the start of delivery, and may end the delivery operation with the second input of the push button.
[0017]
The setting unit outputs a sales operation end signal when the sending amount based on the flow rate signal coincides with the set sales amount when the selling operation is executed. As a result, an error between the set sales volume and the actual sales volume can be prevented.
[0018]
In addition, the setting unit outputs a sales operation end signal when a delivery amount based on the flow rate signal matches a sales amount set in advance before installation of the device when the sales operation is executed. As a result, it is possible to perform sales with no error in the sales volume without adjusting the sales volume at the installation location of the device.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The beverage dispenser includes a sales control unit 1 including a delivery amount setting device, a machine unit 2 that mixes various liquids based on a predetermined dilution ratio and supplies the liquid as a sales beverage, and a cup that receives the sales beverage. 3 and a cup tray 4 on which the cup 3 is mounted.
[0020]
The sales control unit 1 selects a sales button unit 10 having a sales button 10A for sales volume S, a sales button 10B for sales volume M, and a sales button 10C for sales volume L, and a plurality of operation modes. The operation mode input unit 11, the delivery amount setting unit 12, the memory 13, the drive unit 14, the interface (I / F) unit 15 for inputting / outputting control signals to / from the machine unit 2, and the operation of each unit described above. It has a main control unit 16 that controls and a bus 17 that connects the above-described units.
[0021]
The sales button unit 10 has push buttons (not shown) operated by a beverage purchaser or an operator on the above sales buttons 10A, 10B, and 10C, and a sales request signal based on the operation of the push buttons is sent via the bus 17. Output to the main control unit 16.
[0022]
The operation mode input unit 11 includes a push button (not shown) that is operated by an operator to select a sales volume setting mode, a sales mode, or a maintenance / inspection mode. When the push button for the sales volume setting mode is pressed, a sales volume setting mode signal is input to the main control unit 16.
[0023]
The delivery amount setting unit 12 has a push button (not shown) that sets a sale beverage sent as a sale amount based on the operation of the push button of the sale buttons 10A, 10B, or 10C in the sale amount setting mode.
[0024]
The memory 13 stores a predetermined dilution ratio, a type of liquid to be used, and a sales amount for each beverage to be sold, and stores arbitrary sales amount data set in the above-described sales amount setting mode.
[0025]
The drive unit 14 supplies power to an electromagnetic valve and a pump provided in the machine unit 2.
[0026]
The main control unit 16 includes a calculation unit (not shown) that obtains the sales volume of each liquid (diluted water, carbonated water, and syrup) according to the sales beverage, the sales size, and the dilution ratio of the sales beverage by calculation.
[0027]
The machine unit 2 includes a dilution water supply unit 20 that supplies dilution water, a carbonated water supply unit 21 that supplies carbonated water, a syrup supply unit 22 that supplies syrup S, a gas cylinder 23 filled with carbonic acid, and dilution water. , A valve 24 for mixing a liquid such as carbonated water or syrup and supplying the cup 3 with water, a water intake pipe 25 for supplying dilution water to the dilution water supply unit 20, and supplying dilution water to the valve 24 from the dilution water supply unit 20 Dilution water pipe 26A, carbonated water pipe 26B for supplying carbonated water from carbonated water supply section 21 to valve 24, syrup pipe 26C for supplying syrup as a liquid raw material from syrup supply section 22, and carbonated water from dilution water supply section 20 A branch pipe 27 that supplies dilution water to the water supply unit 21, a gas pipe 28 </ b> A that is connected to the gas cylinder 23 and supplies carbon dioxide gas to the carbonated water supply unit 21, and a carbon dioxide that is connected to the gas cylinder 23. The scan and a gas pipe 28B for supplying the syrup supply 22.
[0028]
The dilution water supply unit 20 has a flow meter 20A that monitors the flow rate of the dilution water supplied via the dilution water pipe 26A.
[0029]
The carbonated water supply unit 21 has a flow meter 21A that monitors the flow rate of carbonated water supplied via the carbonated water pipe 26B.
[0030]
The syrup supply unit 22 has a flow meter 22A that monitors the flow rate of the syrup supplied via the syrup pipe 26C.
[0031]
The flow meters 20A, 21A, and 22A have a rotor such as a gear or an impeller that rotates by receiving liquid in the main body, and a pulse encoder that generates a pulse corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotor. . The pulse encoder is a photosensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, but is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the number of rotations of the rotor.
[0032]
The gas cylinder 23 has a valve 23A for connecting the gas pipes 28A and 28B.
[0033]
The dilution water supply unit 20, the carbonated water supply unit 21, the syrup supply unit 22, the gas cylinder 23, the flow meters 20A, 21A, and 22A are connected to the I / F unit 15 of the sales control unit 1 by wires 15A to 15G. ing.
[0034]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the machine part. Dilution water supply unit 20 includes a water pump 20B for pumping the dilution water W _A provided intake pipe 25, and the electromagnetic valve 20C and 20D, the cooling water tank 20E which stores the cooling water W, is immersed in the cooling water W The cooling coil 20F and the electromagnetic valve 20G provided in the branch pipe 27 branched from the dilution water pipe 26A.
[0035]
Solenoid valves 20C and 20D supplies dilution water _{W A} to the valve 24 by opening the conduit on the basis of the energization.
[0036]
The cooling water tank 20E cools the cooling water W stored by a cooler (not shown) to a certain temperature (for example, 5 ° C.).
[0037]
Cooling coil 20F is cooled based on the dilution water W _A that passes through the tube to the temperature of the cooling water W.
[0038]
Solenoid valve 20G is opened when the water supply dilution water W _A for carbonated water carbonator described later provided in the carbonated water supply unit 21, is closed after the water supply is complete.
[0039]
The carbonated water supply unit 21 includes a carbonator 21 </ b> B, electromagnetic valves 21 </ b> C and 21 </ b> D, a cooling water tank 21 </ b> E storing the cooling water W, and a cooling coil 21 </ b> F immersed in the cooling water W.
[0040]
Carbonator 21B generates a carbonated water W _C by dissolving carbon dioxide gas supplied through the gas pipe 28A to the dilution water W _A which is filled into the container.
[0041]
The syrup supply unit 22 includes a syrup tank 22B that stores the syrup S, a syrup pump 22C that delivers the syrup S, a solenoid valve 22D, a cooling water tank 22E that stores the cooling water W, and a cooling that is immersed in the cooling water W. A coil 22F.
[0042]
The syrup tank 22B pressurizes the syrup S based on the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied through the gas pipe 28B and sends it to the syrup pipe 26C.
[0043]
The syrup pump 22 </ b> C is a tube pump that feeds a fixed volume of syrup S by elastically deforming a tube that passes the syrup S in the delivery direction with a roller. In addition to the tube pump, for example, a gear pump that sends the syrup S at a constant volume based on the rotation of a pair of gears may be used. In the case where a gear pump is used, a flow meter 22A may be provided on the rotating shaft of the gear.
[0044]
The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the above-described drawings and the flowchart of FIG.
[0045]
(Sales volume setting)
The operator places the cup 3 used at the time of actual sales on the cup tray 4. For example, the cup 3 is preferably transparent so that the beverage level in the cup can be confirmed from the side surface direction. When a sales volume setting mode push button provided in the operation mode input unit 11 is pressed (S 1), a sales volume setting mode signal is input to the main control unit 16. The main control unit 16 reads the sales volume setting mode program from the memory 13 based on the input of the setting mode signal. In the following description, an operation for setting an arbitrary sales amount as an S size for a certain beverage (non-carbonated beverage) will be described.
[0046]
Next, the operator confirms the water supply state of the intake pipe 25 and presses the sales button 10A with a finger (S2). The main control unit 16 energizes the water pump 20B, the electromagnetic valves 20C, and 20D of the dilution water supply unit 20 based on the operation of the sales button 10A. Solenoid valves 20C and 20D are dilution water _{W A} via the dilution water pipe 26A by opening the conduit on the basis of the current is sent from the valve 24 into the cup 3 (S3).
[0047]
The operator continuously pushes the sales button 10 </ b> _A, and the diluted water WA is sent from the valve 24 to the cup 3. Flowmeter 20A is a pulse corresponding to the flow rate of the diluting water W _A generated as a flow rate signal, and outputs to the I / F section 15 through the wiring 15B. The I / F unit 15 outputs the input flow rate signal to the main control unit 16 via the bus 17. The main control unit 16 causes the sending amount setting unit 12 to count pulses while the sales button 10A is pressed (S4).
[0048]
When the operator confirms the beverage level of the cup 3 and releases his / her finger from the sales button 10A when the desired sales volume is reached (S5), the main control unit 16 controls the water pump 20B, the solenoid valves 20C and 20D. End energization. Solenoid valves 20C and 20D, the transmission of the dilution water W _A is stopped by closing the conduit based on the power distribution end.
[0049]
The main control unit 16 temporarily stores the pulse count value of the pulse input until the push button operation of the sales button 10A is released as a new S size sales amount in the memory (S6), and based on the dilution ratio of the sales beverage the exact amount of dilution water W _a and syrups S Te is computed by the computing unit. This calculation result is stored in the memory 13 as a parameter of the beverage sold in the above-mentioned new S size sales volume (S7).
[0050]
When no pulse is output from the flow meter 20A even though the operator operates the sales button 10A, the main control unit 16 determines that the dilution water pipe 26A or the intake pipe 25 is abnormal and makes an error in setting the sales volume. The process ends (S8).
[0051]
Further, the setting operation of the sales amount as described above, after sent to sales volume to the desired dilution water W _A, but to determine the amount of dilution water W _A and syrups S based on the dilution ratio, the sales beverage The sales amount may be set by supplying it, and it is supplied to the cup 3 while visually checking the supply state of the sales beverage based on the operation of the sales button 10A. the amount of dilution water W _a and syrups S by removing the finger may also be set in the memory 13, respectively.
[0052]
FIG. 4 shows the operation pattern of the sales button and the energization state of the solenoid valve. The sales volume setting operation described above is to continue energization of the water pump 20B, the electromagnetic valve 20C, and 20D while the sales button 10A is continuously pushed as shown in FIG. ) When the sales button 10A is operated when the water pump 20B, the solenoid valve 20C, and 20D are not energized, the energization of the water pump 20B, the solenoid valve 20C, and 20D is started as a first input, When the sales button 10A is operated during energization of the water pump 20B, the solenoid valve 20C, and 20D, the energization of the water pump 20B, the solenoid valve 20C, and 20D may be stopped as the second input.
[0053]
The sales operation of the cup-type beverage by the beverage dispenser described above is performed when the sales button 10A (assuming that the S size is selected) of the sales beverage (non-carbonated beverage) selected by the purchaser is pressed. Outputs to the drive unit 14 energization signals of the water pump 20B, the electromagnetic valves 20C and 20D of the dilution water supply unit 20, and the syrup pump 22C and the electromagnetic valve 22D of the syrup supply unit 22. The drive unit 14 supplies power via the I / F unit 15 based on the energization signal, thereby energizing the water pump 20B, the solenoid valves 20C, 20D, and 22D, and the syrup pump 22C, thereby diluting water diluted water W. _A and syrup S are sent out. The dilution water W _A and syrups S is supplied to the cup 3 as a sales beverage is mixed with the valve 24. The delivery amount setting unit 12 inputs pulses output from the flow meters 20A and 22A via the I / F unit 15 and the bus 17, and when the specified sales amount is reached, the sales control end signal is sent to the main control unit 16. Is output. The main control unit 16 outputs an energization signal to the drive unit 14 by inputting the end signal. When the drive unit 14 receives the energization signal, the drive unit 14 stops energization of the water pump 20B, the electromagnetic valves 20C, 20D, and 22D, and the syrup pump 22C. Thereby, the sales operation is completed.
[0054]
According to the first embodiment described above, pulses corresponding to the flow rate output from the flow meter 20A are counted based on the operation of the sales button 10A, and the pulse count value until the finger is released from the sales button 10A is obtained. Since the sales amount is set based on the sales button 10A, the operation of setting an arbitrary sales amount can be performed accurately and easily based on visual observation without using a measuring instrument such as a measuring cylinder. the flow rate of the diluting water W _a during operation can be prevented that an error occurs in even sales volume as varied accidentally.
[0055]
The above-described operation for setting the sales amount is effective for beverages such as carbonated beverages and weak carbonated beverages in addition to the sales amount of non-carbonated beverages, and is effective regardless of the type of beverages sold.
[0056]
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the sales volume is set based on the operator's operation has been described. However, the operator's operation is performed at the installation site, as well as before the beverage dispenser is shipped from the factory. You may make it carry out in the stage before installation.
[0057]
Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, a case where the sales amount is set before factory shipment will be described. In addition, about the structure of a drink dispenser, since it has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the overlapping description about each part is abbreviate | omitted.
[0058]
After assembling the beverage dispenser, the operator performs a sales volume setting operation based on the value of the sales volume (Aml) of each beverage instructed based on the use conditions at the shipping destination. The sales amount setting operation is performed based on the steps S1 to S8 described in FIG. 3, thereby setting the sales amount for each beverage. The sales control unit 1 stores the set sales volume in the memory 13 for each beverage.
[0059]
According to the second embodiment described above, it is necessary to perform a troublesome operation for setting the sales volume by the user or the device manager at the installation site by performing the sales volume of each designated beverage before the installation of the beverage dispenser. It is possible to sell each beverage without adjustment after installation. In addition, beverage dispenser manufacturers can determine the delivery characteristics according to equipment defects and usage conditions by setting the sales volume according to the usage conditions of the shipping destination before shipment, and a highly reliable beverage dispenser. Can be provided.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the delivery amount setting device of the present invention, the flow rate signal corresponding to the flow rate of the liquid delivered at the time of setting the sales amount is counted, and the pulse count value when the desired sales amount is reached. Since the sales amount is set based on the integrated value, any supply amount can be easily and accurately based on the actual flow rate even if the flow rate of the beverage changes without using a measuring instrument such as a measuring cylinder. Can be set to
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transmission amount setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a piping configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mechanical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a sending amount operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a push button operation of a sales button (S) and a solenoid valve opening / closing operation based on the push button operation in a delivery amount setting operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional sending amount setting device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, Sales control part 2, Machine part 3, Cup 4, Cup tray 10, Sales button part 10A, Sales button 10B, Sales button 10C, Sales button 11, Operation mode input part 12, Sending amount setting part 13, Memory 14, Drive unit 15, I / F units 15A to 15G, wiring 16, main control unit 17, bus 20, dilution water supply unit 20A, flow meter 20B, water pump 20C, electromagnetic valve 20D, electromagnetic valve 20E, cooling water tank 20F, cooling Coil 20G, solenoid valve 21, carbonated water supply unit 21A, flow meter 21B, carbonator 21C, solenoid valve 21D, solenoid valve 21E, cooling water tank 21F, cooling coil 22, syrup supply unit 22A, flow meter 22B, syrup tank 22C, syrup Pump 22D, solenoid valve 22E, cooling water tank 22F, cooling coil 23, gas cylinder 23A, valve 24, valve 25, intake pipe 26A, dilution water pipe 26B, carbonated water pipe 26C, syrup pipe 27, branch pipe 28A, gas pipe 28B, gas pipe 30, beverage sales button 31, mode setting button 32, stop / add button 33, memory button 34 , I / O section 35, discharge valve 36, CPU 36A, timer 36B, timer 37, RAM

Claims (5)

A delivery section provided in a pipeline for starting delivery of the liquid and stopping delivery of the liquid;
An operation unit for inputting an operation signal for starting or stopping the delivery of the liquid to the delivery unit;
A signal generator that is provided in the conduit and that monitors the delivery state of the liquid based on the operation signal and outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the actual flow rate of the liquid;
A setting unit for setting a delivery amount designated based on the flow rate signal ,
The setting unit has a configuration in which the flow rate signal is counted based on an operation of the operation unit, and the liquid is set to a desired sales amount based on an integrated value of the count value. Setting device.   The operation unit continues the liquid feeding operation by continuing the input with the input of the push button being started, and ends the sending operation when the input of the push button is released. A device for setting the amount of delivery.   The operation unit continues the liquid delivery operation with the first input of the push button as the start of delivery, and ends the delivery operation with the second input of the push button. A device for setting the amount of delivery.   2. The sending according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit outputs an end signal of the selling operation when the sending amount based on the flow rate signal matches a set selling amount at the time of executing the selling operation. Quantity setting device.   The setting unit outputs an end signal of the sales operation when the delivery amount based on the flow signal coincides with a sales amount set in advance before installation of the device when the sales operation is executed. The sending amount setting device according to claim 1.

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