Beverage supply device

Abstract

A beverage supply device (1) is used to supply a beverage to a cup (C) via a beverage supply path, and is provided with a cleaning section (60) for cleaning the beverage supply path. The beverage supply device (1) is provided with a control section (100). When a cleaning instruction is provided, the control section (100) adjusts the hot water supplied from a hot water tank (25) storing hot water constituting the beverage to the beverage supply path to a predetermined suitable cleaning temperature range and supplies the hot water to the beverage supply path, and intermittently supplies the cleaning stock solution stored in the cleaning stock solution storage sections (65) and (66), thereby supplying the cleaning stock solution to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused in the hot water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage supply device, and more particularly to a beverage supply device for supplying a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path and having a cleaning portion for cleaning the beverage supply path. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path and includes a cleaning unit for cleaning the beverage supply path.

[0003] In the beverage supply device, when a cleaning instruction is provided, a cleaning stock solution supplied from a cleaning stock solution storage section and a cleaning hot water supplied from a hot water storage section are mixed in a mixing container to generate a cleaning liquid, and the hot water storage section stores hot water for generating pressurized steam constituting a beverage. Then, the mixing container and the beverage supply path are connected to supply the cleaning liquid to the beverage supply path. Thereafter, the beverage supply device supplies the hot water supplied from the hot water storage section to the beverage supply path as flushing hot water.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-105489 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In addition, in the above-mentioned beverage supply device, when a cleaning instruction is provided, a cleaning concentrate and a cleaning hot water are mixed in a mixing container to generate a cleaning liquid, the mixing container and the beverage supply path are connected, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the beverage supply path. Therefore, there is the following problem.

[0009] That is, in the hot water storage unit, hot water at 85°C or above is generally stored. When the hot water at 85°C or above is mixed with the cleaning stock solution as cleaning hot water, there is a problem that the components of the cleaning stock solution are decomposed and denatured, thereby reducing the cleaning ability of the cleaning solution.

[0010] Furthermore, time is required to generate the cleaning liquid in the mixing container, resulting in a longer cleaning time.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device capable of shortening the cleaning time and suppressing a decrease in the cleaning ability.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the beverage supply device involved in the present invention is a beverage supply device for supplying beverages to containers through a beverage supply path, and is equipped with a cleaning section for cleaning the beverage supply path. The beverage supply device is characterized in that it is equipped with a control section, which, when provided with a cleaning instruction, adjusts the hot water supplied from a hot water storage section for storing hot water constituting the beverage to the beverage supply path to a predetermined suitable cleaning temperature range and then supplies it to the beverage supply path, and intermittently supplies the cleaning solution stored in a cleaning solution storage section, thereby supplying the cleaning solution to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused in the hot water.

[0014] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned beverage supply device, after the control unit supplies the cleaning solution to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused in the hot water, the control unit supplies the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit to the beverage supply path as flushing hot water.

[0015] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned beverage supply device, the control unit supplies the hot flushing water after supplying the alkaline cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused into the hot water adjusted to the suitable cleaning temperature range, and thereafter, supplies the hot flushing water after supplying the acidic cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused into the hot water adjusted to the suitable cleaning temperature range.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, when a cleaning instruction is provided, the control unit adjusts the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit storing hot water constituting the beverage to the beverage supply path to a predetermined suitable cleaning temperature range and supplies it to the beverage supply path, and intermittently supplies the cleaning stock solution stored in the cleaning stock solution storage unit, thereby supplying the cleaning stock solution to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused into the hot water, so that there is no need to mix the cleaning stock solution and the cleaning hot water to generate the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning stock solution will not be denatured to reduce the cleaning ability. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened and the reduction of the cleaning ability can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram schematically showing the structure of a beverage supply device as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 1 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the cleaning control processing performed by the control unit.

[0020] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A flowchart showing the processing contents of the pre-rinsing process is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 Flow chart showing the processing contents of the alkaline cleaning process.

[0022] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A flowchart showing the processing contents of the hot water temperature adjustment processing is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 Flow chart showing the processing contents of the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process.

[0024] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 Flow chart showing the processing contents of the acid cleaning process.

[0025] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 Flow chart showing the processing contents of the acid cleaning and rinsing process.

[0026] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing the main part of a modified example of the beverage server according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing the main part of a modified example of the beverage server according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a modification of the stock solution supply unit.

[0029] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 A three-dimensional view of the cold storage shown.

[0030] Fig.13 It is shown Fig.11 A three-dimensional view of the cold storage shown.

[0031] Fig.14 It is shown Fig.11 A rear view of the internal structure of the cold storage shown.

[0032] Fig.15 It is enlarged to show Fig.11 A side view of the main parts of the cold storage shown.

[0033] Fig.16 It is schematically shown Fig.11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the cold storage shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the beverage server according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the structure of a beverage supply device as an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage supply device 1 illustrated here is used to supply milk as a milk beverage in a frothy state to a cup C as a container, and the beverage supply device 1 is configured to include a steam supply unit 20, a raw liquid supply unit 30, an air supply unit 40, a stirring unit 50, a forming unit 52, a nozzle unit 54, and a cleaning unit 60.

[0036] The steam supply unit 20 includes a steam tank 21, a first steam supply pipe 22, and a second steam supply pipe 23. The steam tank 21 is connected to a hot water tank 25 via a hot water supply pipe 24.

[0037] The hot water tank 25 is a hot water storage unit for storing hot water. The hot water tank 25 heats the water supplied from the water supply pipe 26 with a built-in heater 25a and stores the water as hot water at, for example, 85°C or above. The heater 25a is a heating unit that is powered on according to an instruction provided from the control unit 100 described later to heat the water. Here, the control unit 100 uniformly controls the operation of each part of the beverage supply device 1 including the cleaning unit 60 according to the program and data stored in the memory not shown.

[0038] In addition, a float switch 25b is provided in the hot water tank 25. The float switch 25b detects the water level inside the hot water tank 25 and provides the control unit 100 with the detection result as a water level signal.

[0039] A water supply valve 26a is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 26. The water supply valve 26a is opened and closed according to a command provided from the control unit 100. When the water supply valve 26a is opened, water is allowed to pass through the water supply pipe 26. When the water supply valve 26a is closed, water is restricted from passing through the water supply pipe 26.

[0040] Thus, in the hot water tank 25, the control unit 100 determines whether the water level (detected water level) included in the water level signal is a predetermined upper limit value based on the water level signal provided by the float switch 25b, and opens the water supply valve 26a when the water level is less than the upper limit value, and closes the water supply valve 26a when the water level is the upper limit value. As a result, the hot water tank 25 is stored in a manner that the hot water heated to 85°C or above by the heater 25a is full of water.

[0041] One end of the hot water supply pipe 24 is connected to the hot water tank 25, and the other end is connected to the steam tank 21, thereby connecting the hot water tank 25 to the steam tank 21. A hot water supply pump 24a is provided in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 24. The hot water supply pump 24a is driven according to an instruction given from the control unit 100, and when driven, hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 25 to the steam tank 21.

[0042] The steam tank 21 generates pressurized steam by heating hot water supplied from the hot water tank 25 through the hot water supply pipe 24. Thus, the hot water tank 25 stores hot water for generating pressurized steam.

[0043] One end of the first steam supply pipe 22 is connected to the steam tank 21, and the other end is connected to the stirring unit 50, thereby connecting the steam tank 21 and the stirring unit 50. In the middle of the first steam supply pipe 22, a first steam supply valve 22a and a first steam check valve 22b are arranged.

[0044] The first steam supply valve 22a is opened and closed according to a command provided from the control unit 100. When the first steam supply valve 22a is open, the pressurized steam is allowed to pass through the first steam supply pipe 22. When the first steam supply valve 22a is closed, the pressurized steam is restricted from passing through the first steam supply pipe 22.

[0045] The first steam check valve 22 b allows the fluid to pass from the steam tank 21 to the stirring portion 50 (pressurized steam), while restricting the fluid from passing from the stirring portion to the steam tank 21 .

[0046] One end of the second steam supply pipe 23 is connected to the steam tank 21 , and the other end is connected to the first connection part 27 , thereby connecting the steam tank 21 to the first connection part 27 , and the first connection part 27 can be connected to the raw liquid supply part 30 and the cleaning part 60 .

[0047] Here, the first connection part 27 is mounted on one end of a liquid supply pipe 28 connected to the stirring part 50. A liquid check valve 28a is provided on the liquid supply pipe 28. The liquid check valve 28a allows the fluid to pass from the first connection part 27 to the stirring part 50, and restricts the fluid from passing from the stirring part 50 to the first connection part 27.

[0048] A second steam supply valve 23a and a second steam check valve 23b are disposed in the middle of the second steam supply pipe 23. The second steam supply valve 23a is opened and closed according to a command from the control unit 100. The second steam supply valve 23a allows pressurized steam to pass through the second steam supply pipe 23 when it is open.

[0049] When the second steam supply valve 23a is closed, the pressurized steam is restricted from passing through the second steam supply pipe 23. In addition, the second steam check valve 23b allows the fluid (pressurized steam) to pass from the steam tank 21 to the first connection part 27, while restricting the fluid from passing from the first connection part 27 to the steam tank 21.

[0050] The stock solution supply unit 30 is configured to include a bag-in-box (hereinafter also referred to as a BIB) 31 , a tube pump 32 , and a second connection unit 33 .

[0051] The BIB 31 is configured by accommodating a bag-shaped container enclosing a raw liquid (hereinafter also referred to as milk raw liquid) of a milk beverage (milk in a foamed state) supplied to the cup C in a box-shaped container. The BIB 31 is arranged in a cold storage (not shown). Here, the cold storage is a room of a heat-insulating structure provided inside the device body 10a of the beverage supply device 1.

[0052] The tube pump 32 is provided inside the cold storage at the lower side of the BIB 31. The tube pump 32 is driven according to the command provided from the control unit 100, and when driven, the tube 34 connected to the BIB 31 is compressed by a plurality of rollers, etc., so as to pump out the milk solution of the BIB 31. The second connection part 33 is attached to the front end of the tube 34 connected to the BIB 31, and is a connector that can be connected to the first connection part 27.

[0053] The air supply unit 40 is configured to include an air supply pipe 41. One end of the air supply pipe 41 is connected to the air pump 42, and the other end is connected to the stirring unit 50, thereby connecting the air pump 42 to the stirring unit 50. The air pump 42 is driven according to a command provided from the control unit 100, and when driven, the compressed air is compressed and then sent out through the air supply pipe 41.

[0054] An air check valve 41 a is disposed in the middle of the air supply pipe 41 . The air check valve 41 a allows the fluid (compressed air) to pass from the air pump 42 to the stirring unit 50 , while restricting the fluid from passing from the stirring unit 50 to the air pump 42 .

[0055] The stirring unit 50 mixes the pressurized steam supplied through the first steam supply pipe 22 with the milk liquid supplied through the liquid supply pipe 28 to heat the milk liquid, and mixes with the compressed air supplied through the air supply pipe 41 to produce a slightly foamed milk drink.

[0056] The shaping unit 52 is connected to the stirring unit 50 via the beverage delivery pipe 51. The shaping unit 52 froths the milk beverage delivered from the stirring unit 50 through the beverage delivery pipe 51.

[0057] The nozzle unit 54 is connected to the forming unit 52 via a beverage delivery passage (not shown). The nozzle unit 54 supplies the milk beverage (foamed milk beverage) delivered from the forming unit 52 through the beverage delivery passage to the cup C.

[0058] Thus, in this embodiment, the first connection portion 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring portion 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the shaping portion 52, the beverage delivery passage, and the nozzle portion 54 constitute a beverage supply path for supplying a milk beverage.

[0059] The cleaning unit 60 includes a diffuser 61, a cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62, a cleaning supply pipe 63, and a cleaning hot water supply pipe 64, and some of these are provided in a storage 10b different from the apparatus main body 10a.

[0060] The diffusion part 61 is a container formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the upper surface opening is blocked by a cover body (not shown). One end of the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62 is branched into two, one of which is connected to the first cleaning stock solution storage part 65 storing alkaline cleaning stock solution (hereinafter also referred to as alkaline cleaning stock solution), and the other is connected to the second cleaning stock solution storage part 66 storing acidic cleaning stock solution (hereinafter also referred to as acidic cleaning stock solution).

[0061] In addition, the other end of the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62 is connected to the diffuser 61. A switching valve 62a and a cleaning stock solution supply pump 62b are arranged in the middle of the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62. The switching valve 62a is provided at a branch point of the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62, and the switching valve 62a is a selection unit that allows either the alkaline cleaning stock solution or the acidic cleaning stock solution to pass through the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62 according to an instruction provided from the control unit 100.

[0062] The cleaning solution supply pump 62b is driven according to the instruction provided by the control unit 100, and when driven, supplies the cleaning solution selected by the switching valve 62a to the diffuser 61. In this way, the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 constitutes a common cleaning solution supply path for supplying the alkaline cleaning solution and the acidic cleaning solution.

[0063] One end of the cleaning supply pipe 63 is connected to the diffuser 61, and the other end is connected to the third connection portion 68, thereby connecting the diffuser 61 to the third connection portion 68. Here, one end of the cleaning supply pipe 63 is connected to the diffuser 61 in a manner communicating with a jet port provided at the bottom of the diffuser 61. The third connection portion 68 is a connector that can be connected to the first connection portion 27.

[0064] A cleaning check valve 63 a is disposed in the middle of the cleaning supply pipe 63 . The cleaning check valve 63 a allows the fluid to pass from the diffuser 61 to the third connection portion 68 , while restricting the fluid from passing from the third connection portion 68 to the diffuser 61 .

[0065] One end of the washing hot water supply pipe 64 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 24 upstream of the hot water supply pump 24a. The other end of the washing hot water supply pipe 64 is connected to the diffuser 61 so as to communicate with a hot water supply port provided in the cover of the diffuser 61.

[0066] A washing hot water pump 64a is disposed in the middle of the washing hot water supply pipe 64. The washing hot water pump 64a is driven in accordance with a command given from the control unit 100, and supplies hot water from the hot water tank 25 to the diffuser 61 when driven.

[0067] In the beverage supply device 1 having the above-described configuration, milk can be supplied to the cup C in a frothy state as follows.

[0068] The first steam supply valve 22a is opened by the control unit 100, and the tube pump 32 and the air pump 42 are driven. In addition, the second steam supply valve 23a is closed. In addition, the first connection part 27 is connected to the second connection part 33, and the third connection part 68 is disconnected from the first connection part 27.

[0069] Thus, by driving the tube pump 32, the milk liquid of the BIB 31 is pumped out in the liquid supply unit 30. The milk liquid pumped out from the BIB 31 passes through the tube 34 and then passes through the liquid supply pipe 28. The milk liquid passing through the liquid supply pipe 28 reaches the stirring unit 50.

[0070] Furthermore, by opening the first steam supply valve 22a, the pressurized steam generated in the steam tank 21 reaches the stirring unit 50 through the first steam supply pipe 22. Furthermore, by driving the air pump 42, compressed air reaches the stirring unit 50 through the air supply pipe 41.

[0071] In the stirring section 50, the milk solution is heated by the pressurized steam. In addition, in the stirring section 50, the compressed air is introduced to mix with the milk solution heated by the pressurized steam to produce a milk drink. Here, the compressed air is used to make the produced milk drink slightly foamy. In this way, the milk drink produced in the stirring section 50 reaches the forming section 52 through the drink delivery pipe 51.

[0072] In the forming section 52, the milk beverage contacts the wall surface, etc., thereby increasing the amount of foaming of the milk beverage and causing foaming. Thus, the foamed milk beverage is sent to the nozzle section 54 through the beverage outlet passage and ejected into the cup C by the nozzle section 54, thereby supplying the milk beverage.

[0073] Next, the user performs an input operation through a predetermined input unit (not shown) while the second connection portion 33 is disconnected from the first connection portion 27 and the third connection portion 68 is connected to the first connection portion 27. As a result, a cleaning instruction is provided to the control portion 100, and the control portion 100 performs a cleaning control process. In addition, it is assumed that each valve is closed and each pump is stopped.

[0074] Figure 2 2 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the cleaning control process performed by the control unit 100. In the cleaning control process, the control unit 100 performs a pre-rinsing process (step S100).

[0075] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 In the pre-rinsing process, the control unit 100 drives the hot water cleaning pump 64a by sending a drive instruction to the hot water cleaning pump 64a (step S101), starts measuring time through a built-in timing unit (not shown), and waits for a preset drive time to pass (step S102).

[0076] Thus, the hot water tank 25 supplies hot water (hot water at 85°C or higher) as hot water for washing to the diffuser 61 through the hot water for washing supply pipe 64. The hot water supplied to the diffuser 61 flows through the diffuser 61, is ejected from the ejection port to the hot water for washing supply pipe 63, and passes through the hot water for washing supply pipe 63. The hot water passing through the hot water for washing supply pipe 63 passes through the first connection part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the shaping part 52, the beverage outlet passage, and the nozzle part 54 as hot water for washing, which constitute the beverage supply path.

[0077] When the driving time has passed (step S102: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a stop driving instruction to the hot water cleaning pump 64a to stop driving the hot water cleaning pump 64a (step S103), and sends an opening instruction to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S104). In this way, the control unit 100 that opens the second steam supply valve 23a starts measuring time through the timing unit and waits for the preset opening time to pass (step S105).

[0078] Thus, by opening the second steam supply valve 23a until the opening time has passed, the pressurized steam passing through the second steam supply pipe 23 can pass through the first connecting part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming part 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle part 54 to blow away the hot water supplied in the above step S101.

[0079] When the open time has elapsed (step S105: YES), the control unit 100 sends a closing command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S106), and then returns to the process to end the current pre-rinsing process.

[0080] After performing the pre-rinsing process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs the alkaline cleaning process (step S200 ).

[0081] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 Flowchart of the process contents of the alkaline cleaning process shown in FIG. In the alkaline cleaning process, the control unit 100 performs a hot water temperature adjustment process (step S201 ).

[0082] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 Flow chart of the processing contents of the hot water temperature adjustment process shown in FIG. In the hot water temperature adjustment process, the control unit 100 makes the heater 25a in a non-powered state and stops driving (step S201a). Then, the control unit 100 drives the cleaning hot water pump 64a by sending a driving instruction to the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S201b), starts measuring time through the timing unit, and waits for the preset adjustment time to pass (step S201c). Here, the adjustment time is the time until the hot water in the hot water tank 25 becomes about half of the full water. Therefore, the hot water in the hot water tank 25 becomes about half.

[0083] When the adjustment time has elapsed (step S201c: YES), the control unit 100 sends a stop drive command to the washing hot water pump 64a to stop the washing hot water pump 64a (step S201d), and waits for input of a water level signal from the float switch 25b (step S201e).

[0084] When the water level signal is input (step S201e: Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the water level (detected water level) included in the water level signal is equal to or higher than the upper limit value stored in the memory or the like (step S201f).

[0085] As described above, since the washing hot water pump 64a is driven to make the hot water in the hot water tank 25 about half of the full water, the water level included in the water level signal becomes less than the upper limit value. In other words, when the water level is less than the upper limit value (step S201f: "No"), the control unit 100 provides an opening instruction to the water supply valve 26a to open the water supply valve 26a (step S201g). As a result, water is supplied to the hot water tank 25 through the water supply pipe 26.

[0086] The control unit 100 that opens the water supply valve 26a thus returns to the process of step S201e and repeats the processes of steps S201e, S201f, and S201g until it is determined in step S201f that the water level is equal to or higher than the upper limit value.

[0087] When it is determined that the water level is equal to or higher than the upper limit value (Yes in step S201f), the control unit 100 provides a closing command to the water supply valve 26a to close the water supply valve 26a (step S201h), and then returns to the procedure to end the current processing.

[0088] Thus, water is supplied to the hot water tank 25 with the heater 25a in a non-energized state, and the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water tank 25 is adjusted to a temperature range suitable for washing (eg, about 40 to 70°C).

[0089] The control unit 100 that implements the hot water temperature adjustment process controls the switching valve 62a by sending an instruction to the switching valve 62a so that the alkaline cleaning solution passes through the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 (step S202), and sends a driving instruction to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to drive the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S203).

[0090] Thus, the hot water tank 25 supplies hot water in a temperature range suitable for washing as hot water for washing to the diffuser 61 through the hot water supply pipe 64. The hot water supplied to the diffuser 61 flows through the diffuser 61, is ejected from the ejection port to the washing supply pipe 63, and passes through the washing supply pipe 63.

[0091] After that, the control unit 100 intermittently drives the cleaning solution supply pump 62b by intermittently sending a drive command to the cleaning solution supply pump 62b (step S204), starts measuring time through the timing unit, and waits for a preset drive time to elapse (step S205).

[0092] Thus, the alkaline cleaning stock solution is intermittently supplied to the diffuser 61 after passing through the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62. In this way, the alkaline cleaning stock solution intermittently supplied to the diffuser 61 collides with the hot water flowing through the inside of the diffuser 61 and diffuses into the hot water. Thus, the alkaline cleaning stock solution is sprayed out from the spray port to the cleaning supply pipe 63 in a state of being diffused into the hot water, and after passing through the cleaning supply pipe 63, passes through the first connecting portion 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring portion 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the shaping portion 52, the beverage outlet passage, and the nozzle portion 54 that constitute the beverage supply path.

[0093] When the driving time has passed (step S205: "Yes"), the control unit 100 sends a stop driving instruction to the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b to stop driving the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b (step S206), sends a stop driving instruction to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop driving the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S207), and provides an opening instruction to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S208). In this way, the control unit 100 that opens the second steam supply valve 23a starts measuring time through the timing unit and waits for the preset start time to pass (step S209).

[0094] Thus, by opening the second steam supply valve 23a until the opening time has passed, the pressurized steam passing through the second steam supply pipe 23 can pass through the first connecting part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming part 52, the beverage outlet passage and the nozzle part 54 to blow away the hot water diffused with the alkaline cleaning solution supplied in the above-mentioned steps S202 to S207.

[0095] When the open time has elapsed (step S209: YES), the control unit 100 sends a closing command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S210), and then returns to the process to end the current alkali cleaning process.

[0096] After performing the alkaline cleaning process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process (step S300 ).

[0097] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 In the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process, the control unit 100 drives the hot water cleaning pump 64a by sending a drive instruction to the hot water cleaning pump 64a (step S301), starts measuring time through the built-in internal timing unit, and waits for a preset drive time to pass (step S302).

[0098] Thus, the hot water tank 25 supplies hot water (hot water in a temperature range suitable for washing) as washing hot water to the diffuser 61 through the washing hot water supply pipe 64. The hot water supplied to the diffuser 61 flows through the interior of the diffuser 61, is ejected from the ejection port to the washing supply pipe 63, and passes through the washing supply pipe 63. The hot water that has passed through the washing supply pipe 63 passes through the first connection portion 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring portion 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the shaping portion 52, the beverage outlet passage, and the nozzle portion 54 as washing hot water that constitute the beverage supply path.

[0099] When the driving time has passed (step S302: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a stop driving instruction to the hot water cleaning pump 64a to stop driving the hot water cleaning pump 64a (step S303), and sends an opening instruction to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S304). In this way, the control unit 100 that opens the second steam supply valve 23a starts measuring time through the timing unit and waits for the preset opening time to pass (step S305).

[0100] Thus, by opening the second steam supply valve 23a until the opening time has passed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 can pass through the first connecting part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming part 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle part 54 to blow away the hot water (flushing hot water) supplied in the above step S301.

[0101] When the open time has elapsed (step S305: YES), the control unit 100 sends a closing command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S306), and then returns to the process to end the current alkali cleaning and rinsing process.

[0102] After performing the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process, the control unit 100 performs the acid cleaning process (step S400 ).

[0103] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 In the acid cleaning process, the control unit 100 controls the switching valve 62a by sending a command to the switching valve 62a so that the acidic cleaning stock solution passes through the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62 (step S401), and sends a driving command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to drive the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S402).

[0104] Thus, the hot water tank 25 supplies hot water (hot water in a temperature range suitable for washing) as washing hot water to the diffuser 61 through the washing hot water supply pipe 64. The hot water supplied to the diffuser 61 flows through the interior of the diffuser 61, is ejected from the ejection port to the washing supply pipe 63, and passes through the washing supply pipe 63.

[0105] After that, the control unit 100 drives the cleaning solution supply pump 62b intermittently by intermittently sending a drive command to the cleaning solution supply pump 62b (step S403), starts measuring time through the timing unit, and waits for a preset drive time to elapse (step S404).

[0106] Thus, the acidic cleaning stock solution is intermittently supplied to the diffuser 61 after passing through the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62. Thus, the acidic cleaning stock solution intermittently supplied to the diffuser 61 collides with the hot water flowing through the inside of the diffuser 61 and diffuses into the hot water. Thus, the acidic cleaning stock solution is sprayed out from the spray port to the cleaning supply pipe 63 in a state of being diffused into the hot water, and after passing through the cleaning supply pipe 63, passes through the first connection part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the shaping part 52, the beverage outlet passage, and the nozzle part 54 constituting the beverage supply path.

[0107] When the driving time has passed (step S404: "Yes"), the control unit 100 sends a stop driving instruction to the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b to stop driving the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b (step S405), sends a stop driving instruction to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop driving the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S406), and provides an opening instruction to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S407). In this way, the control unit 100 that opens the second steam supply valve 23a starts measuring time through the timing unit and waits for the preset opening time to pass (step S408).

[0108] Thus, by opening the second steam supply valve 23a until the opening time has passed, the pressurized steam passing through the second steam supply pipe 23 can pass through the first connecting part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming part 52, the beverage outlet passage and the nozzle part 54 to blow away the hot water diffused with the acidic cleaning solution supplied in the above-mentioned steps S401 to S406.

[0109] When the open time has elapsed (step S408: YES), the control unit 100 sends a closing command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S409), and then returns to the process to end the current acid cleaning process.

[0110] After performing the acid cleaning process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs the acid cleaning and rinsing process (step S500 ).

[0111] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 In the acid cleaning and rinsing process, the control unit 100 drives the hot water cleaning pump 64a by sending a drive instruction to the hot water cleaning pump 64a (step S501), starts measuring time through the built-in internal timing unit, and waits for the preset drive time to pass (step S502).

[0112] Thus, hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 25 to the diffuser 61 as hot water for washing through the hot water supply pipe 64. The hot water supplied to the diffuser 61 flows through the diffuser 61, is ejected from the ejection port to the washing supply pipe 63, and passes through the washing supply pipe 63. The hot water that has passed through the washing supply pipe 63 passes through the first connection portion 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring portion 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the shaping portion 52, the beverage delivery passage, and the nozzle portion 54 as hot water for washing, which constitute the beverage supply path.

[0113] When the driving time has passed (step S502: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a stop driving instruction to the hot water cleaning pump 64a to stop driving the hot water cleaning pump 64a (step S503), and sends an opening instruction to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S504). In this way, the control unit 100 that opens the second steam supply valve 23a starts measuring time through the timing unit and waits for the preset opening time to pass (step S505).

[0114] Thus, by opening the second steam supply valve 23a until the opening time has passed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 can pass through the first connecting part 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the stirring part 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming part 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle part 54 to blow away the hot water (flushing hot water) supplied in the above step S501.

[0115] When the opening time has passed (step S505: "Yes"), the control unit 100 sends a closing command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S506), and confirms whether the number of times the cleaning hot water pump 64a has been driven has reached the preset number of times (m) (step S507).

[0116] When the number of times the cleaning hot water pump 64a is driven does not reach m times (step S507: "No"), the control unit 100 repeats the above-mentioned processing of steps S501 to S506. On the other hand, when the number of times the cleaning hot water pump 64a is driven reaches m times (step S507: "Yes"), the control unit 100 turns on the heater 25a to drive it (step S508), and sends a cleaning completion signal to an unillustrated upper device or an unillustrated display unit (step S509), and then returns to the process and ends the current acid cleaning and rinsing process. In this way, by implementing the acid cleaning and rinsing process, the process of the above-mentioned cleaning control process is returned to and the current cleaning control process is ended.

[0117] As described above, according to the beverage supply device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention, when a cleaning instruction is provided, the control unit 100 adjusts the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to a predetermined suitable cleaning temperature range (e.g., about 40°C to 70°C) and supplies it to the beverage supply path, and intermittently supplies the cleaning stock solution (alkaline cleaning stock solution, acidic cleaning stock solution) stored in the cleaning stock solution storage parts 65 and 66, thereby supplying the cleaning stock solution to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused into the hot water, so that there is no need to mix the cleaning stock solution and the cleaning hot water to generate the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning stock solution will not be denatured, etc., which will reduce the cleaning ability. As a result, it is possible to shorten the cleaning time and suppress the reduction of the cleaning ability.

[0118] According to the above-mentioned cleaning section 60, the switching valve 62a provided in the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62, which is a common cleaning stock solution supply path for supplying alkaline cleaning stock solution and acidic cleaning stock solution, allows either the alkaline cleaning stock solution or the acidic cleaning stock solution to pass through the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62, and the control unit 100, when provided with a cleaning instruction, controls the opening and closing state of the switching valve 62a to supply the acidic cleaning stock solution after supplying the alkaline cleaning stock solution. Therefore, it is possible to limit the alkaline cleaning stock solution to remain in the cleaning stock solution supply pump 62b provided in the cleaning stock solution supply pipe 62, thereby preventing the rubber material such as fluorine-based rubber constituting the cleaning stock solution supply pump 62b from deteriorating early, and can suppress the reduction in service life.

[0119] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention was described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made.

[0120] In the above-mentioned embodiment, milk is used as an example of a milk beverage, but in the present invention, a milk beverage such as soy milk may also be used.

[0121] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the beverage supply path is cleaned after the first connection part 27 and the second connection part 33 are disconnected and the third connection part 68 is connected to the first connection part 27. However, in the present invention, the beverage supply path may be cleaned in a state where the first connection part 27, the second connection part 33 and the third connection part 68 are connected to each other. Accordingly, it is not necessary to disconnect the second connection part 33 from the first connection part 27 and connect the third connection part 68 to the first connection part 27, and the beverage supply path can be cleaned more simply.

[0122] In the above-mentioned embodiment, in the hot water temperature adjustment process, the heater 25a is stopped and the hot water in the hot water tank 25 is made to be about half of the full water level, and then water is supplied to adjust the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to a suitable cleaning temperature range. However, in the present invention, as long as the hot water supplied to the beverage supply path can be adjusted to a suitable cleaning temperature range, the method is not particularly limited.

[0123] That is, Fig. 9 As shown, an adjustment pipe 71 may be provided so as to branch from the water supply pipe 26 upstream of the water supply valve 26a and merge with the washing hot water supply pipe 64, and an adjustment valve 72 may be arranged in the middle of the adjustment pipe 71. The adjustment valve 72 is opened and closed according to the command provided from the control unit 100. When it is opened, water is allowed to pass through the adjustment pipe 71, and when it is closed, water is restricted from passing through the adjustment pipe 71.

[0124] According to such a structure, when the hot water pump 64a is driven to send the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to the diffuser 61, the water supply valve 26a is opened according to the water level signal from the float switch 25b. In addition, by opening the adjustment pipe 71 by the control unit 100, a part of the water supplied to the hot water tank 25 can be sent to the hot water supply pipe 64 for washing to mix with the hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 64, and the hot water supplied to the diffuser 61 can be adjusted to a temperature range suitable for washing. As a result, by diffusing the washing stock solution to the hot water adjusted to a temperature range suitable for washing, it is possible to suppress a decrease in washing performance.

[0125] Alternatively, it can be, Fig.10 As shown, a coil portion 641 extending in a spiral shape is provided at a portion of the hot water supply pipe 64 ′, and a cooling fan 642 is provided near the coil portion 641 .

[0126] According to such a structure, by driving the washing hot water pump 64a, the hot water in the hot water tank 25 passes through the coil portion 641 of the washing hot water supply pipe 64', and by driving the cooling fan 642, the blown air can flow around the coil portion 641 to adjust the hot water passing through the coil portion 641 to a temperature range suitable for washing. As a result, by diffusing the washing stock solution into the hot water adjusted to a temperature range suitable for washing, a decrease in washing performance can be suppressed.

[0127] Furthermore, when not only the operating parts of the tube pump but also electrical parts such as a motor for driving the tube pump are arranged inside the cold storage, there is a possibility that the electrical parts may fail due to condensation or the like.

[0128] Therefore, in order to prevent condensation water or the like from causing trouble to the electrical components for driving the tube pump, the concentrate supply unit may have the following configuration.

[0129] like Fig.11 As shown, the stock solution supply unit 80 is mainly provided in the cold storage 12 adjacent to the apparatus main body 10a, and is configured to include a bag in a box (hereinafter also referred to as BIB) 81, a tube pump 83, and a connecting tube 85. Fig.11 In the following figures, the pairs with Figures 1 to 10 The same components of the beverage dispenser 1 shown are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0130] Figure 12 to Figure 16 Shown separately Fig.11 The cold storage 12 shown, Fig.12 and Fig.13 It is a stereogram. Fig.14 is a rear view showing the internal structure, Fig.15 is a side view showing an enlarged main part, Fig.16 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure.

[0131] Here, the illustrated cold storage 12 has an insulating structure having an opening 121 on the rear surface, and the opening 121 is opened and closed by a rear surface door 122 of the insulating structure. A Peltier element 123 is provided at the upper part of the cold storage 12, and a cold and heat generating portion 123a of the Peltier element 123 faces the interior of the cold storage 12. In such a cold storage 12, the air cooled by the Peltier element 123 is blown by an in-store fan 124 provided in the lower area of ​​the Peltier element 123, and as a result, the internal atmosphere is cooled. On the other hand, the heat exhaust portion 123b of the Peltier element 123 faces upward, and the air heated by the heat exhaust portion 123b is blown by an out-store fan 125 provided in the upper area of ​​the Peltier element 123 and discharged to the outside.

[0132] The BIB 81 is configured by accommodating a bag-shaped container enclosing a raw liquid (hereinafter also referred to as raw milk liquid) of a milk beverage (milk in a foamed state) supplied to the cup C in a box-shaped container. The BIB 81 is arranged inside the cold storage 12. The BIB 81 is replenished in a state where the cold storage 12 is opened by swinging the rear surface door 122 in the opening direction.

[0133] The tube pump 83 is provided inside the cold storage 12 at the lower side of the BIB 81. The tube pump 83 is driven according to the command provided from the control unit 100. When driven, the tube 82 connected to the BIB 81 is compressed by a plurality of rollers, etc., so that the milk concentrate in the BIB 81 is sucked out and ejected through the open end of the tube 82, which is the front end portion.

[0134] Here, the operating parts 831 such as the plurality of rollers of the tube pump 83 are provided inside the cold storage 12, but the electrical parts 832 for driving the operating parts 831 are provided outside the cold storage 12. To explain in more detail, the motor 832a for driving the tube pump 83 and the detection unit 832b such as an encoder for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 832a are provided outside the cold storage 12.

[0135] The connection between the motor 832a and the action component 831 is carried out as follows. A connection hole 126 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction is formed at the lower end portion of the front wall portion of the cold storage 12, and a cylindrical joint member 84 is provided in a manner that penetrates the connection hole 126. The joint member 84 is a resin product made of resin. In addition, the joint member 84 is engaged with the output shaft 832c of the motor 832a through the front end portion facing the outside of the cold storage 12 and is engaged in a state in which power can be transmitted, and is engaged with the connecting shaft 831c of the action component 831 through the rear end portion facing the inside of the cold storage 12 and is engaged in a state in which power can be transmitted. Moreover, the joint member 84 transmits the rotational force provided from the output shaft 832c to the connecting shaft 831c in a state in which the output shaft 832c and the connecting shaft 831c are separated from each other, so that the output shaft 832c and the connecting shaft 831c are thermally insulated. In addition, the motor 832 a is driven according to a command provided from the control unit 100 , and the detection unit 832 b provides the control unit 100 with a detection result.

[0136] The connection pipe 85 is provided with one end facing the inside of the cold storage 12, and is connected to the open end of the pipe 82. The other end of the connection pipe 85 is connected to a second connection part 87 detachably connected to the first connection part 27.

[0137] When the first steam supply valve 22a is opened by the control unit 100 and the tube pump 83 and the air pump 42 are driven, the milk liquid in the BIB 81 is pumped out in the liquid supply unit 80 by driving the tube pump 83 by the control unit 100. The milk liquid pumped out from the BIB 81 passes through the tube 82 and then passes through the liquid supply pipe 28 via the connecting pipe 85. The milk liquid passing through the liquid supply pipe 28 reaches the stirring unit 50. In the stirring unit 50, the milk liquid is heated by the pressurized steam supplied from the steam supply unit 20. In addition, in the stirring unit 50, the compressed air supplied from the air supply unit 40 is mixed with the milk liquid heated by the pressurized steam to produce a milk beverage. Here, the produced milk beverage is slightly foamed by the compressed air. In this way, the milk beverage produced in the stirring unit 50 reaches the forming unit 52 through the beverage delivery pipe 51. In the forming unit 52, the milk beverage is foamed and then delivered to the nozzle unit 54. The frothed milk beverage delivered to the nozzle portion 54 is ejected into the cup C together with the coffee extracted by an extraction unit (not shown) and delivered to the nozzle portion 54 , whereby coffee containing milk such as cappuccino is supplied to the cup C.

[0138] According to such a beverage supply device 1', since the electrical components 832 such as the motor 832a for driving the tube pump 83 and the detection unit 832b are arranged outside the cold storage 12, the influence of condensation water etc. on the electrical components 832 can be eliminated, and the adverse conditions caused by condensation water etc. on the electrical components 832 can be prevented.

[0139] Although in Figures 11 to 16 Although not particularly mentioned in the illustrated example, part of the air heated by the heat exhaust portion 123 b of the Peltier element 123 may be blown to the vicinity of the electric component 832 of the tube pump 83 .

[0140] exist Figures 11 to 16 In the illustrated example, the electric component 832 includes a motor 832a and a detection unit 832b, but the electric component may include components other than a motor.

[0141] A switch for detecting the opening and closing of the rear door 122 of the cold storage 12 may be provided, and when the switch detects that the rear door 122 is swung in the opening direction and the opening 121 is opened, the operation of the tube pump 83 is forcibly stopped.

[0142] Description of Reference Numerals

[0143] 1: beverage supply device; 20: steam supply unit; 21: steam tank; 24: hot water supply pipe; 25: hot water tank; 25a: heater; 25b: float switch; 26: water supply pipe; 26a: water supply valve; 27: first connection unit; 28: liquid supply pipe; 30: raw liquid supply unit; 40: air supply unit; 50: stirring unit; 51: beverage delivery pipe; 52: forming unit; 54: nozzle unit; 60: cleaning unit; 61: diffusion unit; 62: cleaning raw liquid supply pipe; 62a: switching valve; 62b: cleaning raw liquid supply pump; 63: cleaning supply pipe; 63a: cleaning check valve; 64: cleaning hot water supply pipe; 64a: cleaning hot water pump; 65: first cleaning raw liquid storage unit; 66: second cleaning raw liquid storage unit; 100: control unit; C: cup.

Claims

1. A beverage supply device for supplying a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path, comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning the beverage supply path, wherein the beverage supply device comprises: a hot water storage unit for storing hot water constituting the beverage; A diffusion portion, which is a container formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and whose upper surface opening is blocked by a cover; a hot water supply pipe for washing, which supplies hot water supplied from the hot water storage portion to the diffuser portion, one end of the hot water supply pipe for washing being communicated with a hot water supply port of the cover body provided on the diffuser portion; and A control unit, which, when provided with a cleaning instruction, adjusts the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit via the diffusion unit to the beverage supply path to a predetermined suitable cleaning temperature range and supplies it to the beverage supply path, and intermittently supplies the cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage unit to the diffusion unit, thereby supplying the cleaning solution to the beverage supply path in a state of colliding with the hot water flowing through the inside of the diffusion unit and diffusing into the hot water.

2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit supplies the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit to the beverage supply path as flushing hot water after the cleaning stock solution is supplied to the beverage supply path in a state of being diffused in the hot water.

3. The beverage supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit supplies the hot flushing water after the alkaline cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage unit is diffused into the hot water adjusted to the suitable cleaning temperature range and then supplies the hot flushing water after the acidic cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage unit is diffused into the hot water adjusted to the suitable cleaning temperature range and then supplies the hot flushing water after the acidic cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage unit is diffused into the hot water adjusted to the suitable cleaning temperature range and then.

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