JP4445688B2 - Cold beverage supply device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cold beverage supply apparatus of a type that supplies a cold beverage by circulating a beverage through a pour pipe immersed in a cold water tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a chilled water machine as an example of this type of cold beverage supply apparatus, one shown in FIG. 6 is known. In this case, a cooler 2 (evaporation pipe) constituting a part of a refrigeration cycle is spirally wound along a peripheral wall in a cold water tank 1 in which cooling water W is stored. A pouring pipe 3 is disposed inside the cooler 2, and the stop and operation of the refrigeration cycle (compressor) are controlled based on detection of the presence or absence of ice by the ice storage sensor 4. An ice layer I having a predetermined thickness is formed on the cooling water W and the cooling water W is cooled while being stirred by the stirring member 5. In this state, the water supply valve 6 A and the discharge valve 6 B are opened and the water supply source 7 discharges the discharge pipe. When normal temperature drinking water is circulated through the cooling water 3, cold water is generated by heat exchange with the cooling water W and is poured out from the spout 8.
[0003]
Here, the ice storage sensor 4 includes a pair of electrodes 4A and 4B submerged in the cooling water W. The conductivity is different between water and ice, in other words, the resistance value between the electrodes 4A and 4B is different. It is designed to identify whether it is water or ice.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when icing progresses around the cooler 2 and the measured value detected by the ice storage sensor 4 reaches the upper reference value, for example, 170 KΩ, there is no continuity, that is, the ice storage sensor 4. Is determined to be covered with ice, the compressor is stopped, that is, the ice making is finished.
On the other hand, when the ice melts and the measured value detected by the ice storage sensor 4 falls to a lower reference value, for example, 74 KΩ, there is continuity, that is, the ice around the ice storage sensor 4 disappears and is exposed in the cooling water W. Therefore, the compressor is restarted, that is, ice making is resumed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the quality of tap water generally used as the cooling water W may vary depending on the region. As an example, if the content of the conductive material is somewhat, and a large amount of conductive material is contained, the resistance value tends to be lower than that of a small amount. If tap water with a high content of conductive material is used as cooling water, even if ice is generated, the conductive material is mixed in the ice, so even if the ice storage sensor 4 is covered with ice, It is possible that the resistance value between the electrodes 4A and 4B does not increase to a predetermined value (170 KΩ). Then, there is a possibility that ice making is continued while it is determined that there is still continuity, that is, ice is not generated, and that the entire cold water tank 1 eventually freezes.
The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to make it possible to appropriately control ice making irrespective of the quality of cooling water.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Invention 請 Motomeko 1, the pooled cold water tank of the cooling water is equipped with a cooling means connected to the refrigeration system, the drive of the refrigeration system based on the detection of the presence or absence of ice by savings ice detection means The cooling water is cooled while controlling the cooling means to form an ice layer having a predetermined thickness around the cooling means, and the cold drink is supplied by circulating the beverage through the extraction pipe immersed in the cooling water. in the cold beverage supply apparatus to the ice storage detection means to detect the presence of ice by comparing with a reference value measurement of the ice storage sensor for measuring the resistance between the electrodes comprises a pair of electrodes And a change means for changing the reference value in the ice storage detection means. The change means includes a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the cooling water, and a combination of the resistance value of the cooling water and the water temperature. Based on compound Storage means storing the reference value data of the reference value, and the changing means measures the resistance value of the cooling water with the ice storage sensor before ice making, measures the water temperature with the thermistor, and measures these It is characterized in that a reference value based on the resistance value of the cooling water and the water temperature is retrieved from the storage means and taken into the reference value of the ice storage detection means .
[0006]
[Action and effect of the invention]
<Invention of Claim 1>
The storage means stores data of a plurality of reference values based on a combination of the resistance value of the cooling water and the water temperature, and the changing means measures the resistance value of the cooling water with an ice storage sensor before the start of ice making. A water temperature is measured by a thermistor, and a reference value based on the measured resistance value of the cooling water and the water temperature is retrieved from the storage means, and is taken in and changed to the reference value of the ice storage detection means.
By changing the appropriate reference value in accordance with the water quality of the cooling water, can accurately detect the presence or absence of ice formation, the result of its stable ice layer can be around the cooling means it can be held substantially constant Cooling capacity can be obtained.
In particular, because the water quality of the cooling water is detected in advance and the reference value can be automatically selected accordingly, even if the user has no special knowledge about the water quality of the cooling water, the ice layer can be normalized regardless of the water quality. Can be generated.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
< Reference example >
A reference example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this reference example , a cold water supply portion provided in a tea machine is illustrated.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a cold water tank, which is surrounded by a heat insulating material, and the cooling water W can be stored up to a predetermined water level by installing an overflow pipe or the like therein.
In the cold water tank 10, a cooler 12 formed by spirally winding an evaporation pipe in a cylindrical shape is arranged along the inner side of the inner peripheral surface. A compressor 14, a condenser 15, and a capillary tube 16 (expansion valve), which are refrigeration apparatuses 13, are circulated and connected to the cooler 12 through a refrigerant pipe 17 to form a known refrigeration circuit.
[0008]
A pouring pipe 20 is disposed further inside the cooler 12. The pouring pipe 20 is formed by spirally winding a pipe made of a material having excellent heat conductivity into a small-diameter cylindrical shape, and the inlet 20A side is a water supply source such as tap water via a water supply valve 21. 22, and the outlet 20 </ b> B side is branched and connected to an extraction valve 23 corresponding to each outlet 24.
In the center of the cold water tank 10, a shaft 26 that is rotationally driven by a motor 25 is suspended and supported, and an impeller 27 for stirring is provided at the lower end of the shaft 26 so as to be immersed inside the pouring pipe 20. An ice storage sensor 29 including a pair of electrodes 28A and 28B is provided on the inner surface of the cooler 12.
[0009]
As a basic operation, when the cooling water W is stored in the cold water tank 10 and the refrigeration apparatus 13 (compressor 14) is operated, the refrigerant circulated in the refrigerant pipe 17 is vaporized in the cooler 12, The cooling water W in the vicinity of the cooler 12 is cooled by the endothermic action generated at that time to generate the ice layer I, and the cooling water W is cooled by the latent heat of the ice layer I. At the same time, the cooling water W is agitated by the motor 25 being driven and the impeller 27 rotating, so that the cooling water W is uniformly cooled, and the ice layer I is uniformly formed on the cooler 12. Yes. Further, when the ice storage sensor 29 is covered with ice, the refrigeration apparatus 13 is stopped when the ice storage sensor 29 is detected, and conversely, the operation of the refrigeration apparatus 13 is resumed when the ice melts and the ice storage sensor 29 is exposed. The amount of the ice layer I is also kept almost constant.
During this time, when the pouring switch for cold water or cold tea is operated, the water supply valve 21 and the corresponding pouring valve 23 are opened, and the tap water is introduced into the pouring pipe 20 and circulated therethrough. It is cooled by exchanging heat with W and becomes cold water and is discharged toward the spout 24.
[0010]
In this reference example , it is intended to accurately control the generation of a predetermined amount of ice layer I regardless of the quality of tap water used as the cooling water W.
First, basically, as shown in FIG. 2, the measured value of the resistance value between the electrodes 28A and 28B and the reference value in the ice storage sensor 29 are compared by a comparison circuit 31 provided in the control means 30. When the measured value rises to the upper reference value, the compressor 14 of the refrigeration apparatus 13 is stopped via the drive control circuit 32. On the other hand, when the measured value falls to the lower reference value, the compressor 14 is re-driven. It has come to be.
[0011]
In this reference example , as a reference value serving as a reference for controlling the driving and stopping of the compressor 14, 2 of a first reference value for normal water and a second reference value for water having a high content of conductive material. A pattern is prepared. For example, in the first reference value, the upper reference value is set to 170 KΩ and the lower reference value is set to 74 KΩ, and in the second reference value, the upper reference value is set to 110 KΩ and the lower reference value is set to 40 KΩ. Both patterns are stored in advance in the storage unit 33 shown in FIG.
On the other hand, the operation unit or the like of the tea machine is equipped with a changeover switch 34 for switching between normal water and water with a high content of conductive material. Either the value or the second reference value pattern is taken into the comparison circuit 31.
[0012]
The work dynamic, will be described with reference to FIG. When the tap water used as the cooling water W is normal water, the first reference value is taken into the comparison circuit 31 when it is selected by operating the changeover switch 34.
Therefore, as shown by the characteristic line X in FIG. 3, when icing advances around the cooler 12 and the measured value of the ice storage sensor 29 reaches the upper reference value of 170 KΩ, there is no continuity, that is, the ice storage sensor 29 Is covered with ice, the compressor 14 is stopped, that is, the ice making is finished. When the ice melts and the measured value of the ice storage sensor 29 falls to the lower reference value of 74 KΩ, it is determined that there is continuity, that is, the ice around the ice storage sensor 29 disappears and is exposed to the cooling water W. The compressor 14 is driven again, that is, ice making is resumed. By repeating this, the thickness of the ice layer I is kept substantially constant.
[0013]
On the other hand, if the tap water used as the cooling water W is water with a high content of conductive material, the second reference value is changed and taken into the comparison circuit 31 when it is selected by operating the changeover switch 34. .
Therefore, this time, as indicated by the characteristic line Y in FIG. 3, when the measured value of the ice storage sensor 29 reaches the upper reference value 110 KΩ, it is determined that there is no continuity, that is, the area around the ice storage sensor 29 is covered with ice, and the compression is performed. The machine 14 is stopped, that is, the ice making is finished. When the ice melts and the measured value of the ice storage sensor 29 falls to the lower reference value 40 KΩ, it is determined that there is continuity, that is, the ice around the ice storage sensor 29 has disappeared and is exposed in the cooling water W, and the compressor 14 is driven again, that is, ice making is resumed.
[0014]
As described above, in the case of water containing a large amount of conductive material, even if it becomes ice and covers the ice storage sensor 29, the measured value of the resistance value by the ice storage sensor 29 is kept small, and ice is generated. There is a concern that it will not be detected, but by selecting the second reference value, the upper reference value, which is the criterion for determining the formation of ice, has been changed to a low value such as 110 KΩ, so the resistance value has a small value. This is also reliably detected if ice is produced while still.
As a result, even when water containing a large amount of conductive material is used as the cooling water W, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of excessive icing or even freezing of the entire cold water tank 10.
Accompanying this, the operation of pouring cold water is ensured, and stable cooling capacity is exhibited, so that cold water of a certain quality can be poured out. Of course, the impeller 27 which is a stirring member is not damaged.
Moreover, since only the changeover switch 34 is operated, the correspondence is simple.
[0015]
<Modification of reference example >
Contrary to the above, when water having a smaller content of conductive material than normal water is used as cooling water W, the amount of icing may be reduced by controlling with the first reference value for normal water. There is. In this case, an appropriate icing amount can be obtained by preparing another reference value pattern in which the upper and lower reference values are set higher than that of the first reference value and controlling ice making based on this pattern. Can do.
Further, the upper reference value for controlling ice making and the lower reference value for restarting ice making may be switched independently of each other.
[0016]
As for the difference in conductivity of the cooling water W, for example, dew condensation water on the lid of the cold water tank 10 is sequentially mixed into the cold water tank 10 in addition to the water quality provided in advance as described above. Then, when the cooling water W is purified, the conductivity decreases, or when the cooling water W becomes dirty and the conductivity increases, the conductivity may be changed due to a later factor. Therefore, even if it is not necessary to change the reference value depending on the water quality, it is convenient to have a reference value changing function as in this reference example in order to cope with the difference in conductivity due to later factors. is there.
[0017]
<Implementation form>
The implementation mode of the present invention will be described by FIGS. The implementation form of this, detects the water quality of the cooling water W, accordingly, so that can automatically select the reference value driven as a reference for controlling the stop of the compressor 14.
In this embodiment, the tap water used as the cooling water W is detected as normal water or water with a high content of conductive material.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 , the control means 40 of this embodiment is provided with a thermistor 41 for detecting the water temperature of the cooling water W and a water quality detection means 42 provided with the above-mentioned ice storage sensor 29 on the input side. Yes.
[0018]
Basically, if the resistance value of the cooling water W is measured by the ice storage sensor 29, it is determined whether the water is low in conductivity or high in water, that is, whether it is normal water or water with a high content of conductive material. I understand. However, even if it is the same water, it is known that electrical conductivity will become low, so that water temperature becomes high, and electrical conductivity will become high, so that water temperature becomes low.
Therefore, the water quality detection means 42 stores in advance data belonging to either normal water or water with a high content of conductive material, depending on the combination of the water temperature and the resistance value of the water.
[0019]
On the other hand, in the storage unit 33, as in the above reference example , the first reference value for normal water (the upper reference value is 170 KΩ, the lower reference value is 74 KΩ), and the first reference value for water with a high content of conductive material is used. A pattern of 2 reference values (upper reference value is 110 KΩ, lower reference value is 40 KΩ) is stored.
Then, when the water temperature is measured by the thermistor 41 and the resistance value is measured by the ice storage sensor 29, whether the cooling water W is normal water or water having a high content of conductive material is determined by the combination. Correspondingly, the pattern of either the first reference value or the second reference value stored in the storage unit 33 is taken into the comparison circuit 31.
The above-described thermistor 41, ice storage sensor 29, storage unit 33, water quality detection means 42, and comparison circuit 31 constitute the changing means of the present invention.
[0020]
The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the power is turned on to start operation, the temperature of the cooling water W is detected using the thermistor 41 described above. When the temperature of the cooling water W is around 0 ° C., it is determined that there is icing in the cooler 12 (“NO” in step S1), and the reference value already taken into the comparison circuit 31 is used.
On the other hand, when the temperature of the cooling water W is, for example, 5 ° C. or more, it is determined that the cooler 12 has not formed ice (step S1 is “YES”), and in step S2, as described above, the thermistor 41 Whether the cooling water W is normal water or water containing a large amount of conductive material is determined on the basis of the water temperature measured in step 1 and the resistance value measured by the ice storage sensor 29. Subsequently, in step S3, the determination result Corresponding to the pattern, either the first reference value or the second reference value is taken into the comparison circuit 31.
[0021]
After that, ice making is started, and if the cooling water W is normal water, the first reference value is selected. Therefore, as shown in the characteristic line X of FIG. Reaches the upper reference value of 170 KΩ, it is determined that there is no continuity, that is, the area around the ice storage sensor 29 is covered with ice (“YES” in step S5, “NO” in step S6), and the compressor 14 in step S8. Is stopped, that is, ice making is finished. When the ice melts and the measured value of the ice storage sensor 29 falls to the lower reference value of 74 KΩ, it is determined that there is continuity, that is, the ice around the ice storage sensor 29 disappears and is exposed in the cooling water W ( Step S5 is “NO” and Step S7 is “NO”), and the compressor 14 is re-driven in Step S9, that is, ice making is resumed. By repeating this, the thickness of the ice layer I is kept substantially constant.
[0022]
On the other hand, if the cooling water W is a water containing a large amount of conductive material, the second reference value is selected. Therefore, as shown by the characteristic line Y in FIG. When the reference value reaches 110 KΩ, it is determined that there is no continuity, that is, the area around the ice storage sensor 29 is covered with ice, and the compressor 14 is stopped, that is, the ice making is finished. When the ice melts and the measured value of the ice storage sensor 29 falls to the lower reference value 40 KΩ, it is determined that there is continuity, that is, the ice around the ice storage sensor 29 has disappeared and is exposed in the cooling water W, and the compressor 14 is driven again, that is, ice making is resumed.
[0023]
According to the implementation form of this, even if a lot of content of the conductive material water is used as cooling water W, or icing is too large, more the occurrence of situation throughout the cold water tank is freezing prevention Is done. Accompanying this, the operation of pouring cold water is ensured, and stable cooling capacity is exhibited, so that cold water of a certain quality can be poured out. Of course, the impeller 27 which is a stirring member is not damaged.
In addition, since the water quality of the cooling water W is detected in advance, and a reference value for controlling the driving and stopping of the compressor 14 can be automatically selected in accordance with the detection, it is possible for the user to relate to the water quality of the cooling water W. Even without special knowledge, the ice layer I can be generated normally regardless of the water quality.
[0024]
<Modification of the implementation form>
As described above, when water with a low content of conductive material is used as the cooling water W, there is a risk that the amount of icing will be reduced. It is possible to detect such water, and prepare another reference value pattern in which the upper and lower reference values are set higher than that of the first reference value, and this pattern is automatically selected and used as a reference. Similarly, by controlling ice making, an appropriate amount of ice can be obtained.
In addition, the upper reference value for controlling ice making and the lower reference value for restarting ice making may be selected independently.
In addition, when the conductivity is changed due to a later factor, such as when the conductivity decreases due to the purification of the cooling water W, or when the conductivity increases due to contamination of the cooling water W, this is automatically detected. Thus, ice making can be controlled by an appropriate reference value.
[0025]
<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) The present invention is not limited to cold water, and can be widely applied to all cold beverage cooling apparatuses that cool and supply other beverages such as juice and coffee.
[Brief description of the drawings]
According to an embodiment of the disclosed exemplary timing chart of driving of the block diagram Figure 3 compressor schematic cross-sectional view and block diagram Figure 2 controlling the ice making mechanism according to a reference example of the invention [4] The present invention ice Block diagram of control mechanism [FIG. 5] Flow chart showing operation [FIG. 6] Schematic cross-sectional view of conventional example [FIG. 7] Timing chart for driving compressor [Description of reference symbols]
W ... Cooling water I ... Ice layer 10 ... Cold water tank 12 ... Cooler (cooling means) 13 ... Refrigerator 14 ... Compressor 20 ... Outlet pipe 28A, 28B ... Electrode 29 ... Ice storage sensor (ice storage detection means) 30 ... Control Means 31 ... Comparison circuit 32 ... Drive control circuit 33 ... Storage 34 ... Changeover switch 40 ... Control means 41 ... Thermistor 42 ... Water quality detection means

Claims (1)

The pooled cold water tank of the cooling water is equipped with a cooling means connected to the refrigeration system, around the cooling unit controls the driving of said refrigerating apparatus on the basis of the detection of the presence or absence of ice by savings ice detection means In the cold beverage supply device that cools the cooling water while forming an ice layer of a predetermined thickness, and supplies the cold beverage by distributing the beverage to the extraction pipe immersed in the cooling water,
The ice storage detection means is configured to detect the presence or absence of ice by comparing a measured value of an ice storage sensor that includes a pair of electrodes and measures a resistance value between both electrodes with a reference value ,
Change means for changing the reference value in the ice storage detection means is provided,
The changing means includes a thermistor that measures the temperature of the cooling water, and a storage means that stores data of a plurality of reference values based on a combination of the resistance value of the cooling water and the water temperature. Before ice making, the resistance value of the cooling water is measured by the ice storage sensor, the temperature of the water is measured by the thermistor, and the reference value based on the measured resistance value of the cooling water and the water temperature is called from the storage means and the ice storage A cold beverage supply device , wherein the reference value of the detection means is taken in .

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