Beverage supply device

Abstract

The object is to provide a beverage supply device capable of appropriately and flexibly independently controlling the foam level of foamed milk and the temperature of steamed milk. For this purpose, the device is divided into one or more foamed milk generation periods (ΔT1) for generating foamed milk and one or more steamed milk generation periods (ΔT2) for generating steamed milk, and the milk ejection speed (tube pump rotation speed ω1) in the foamed milk generation period (ΔT1) and the milk ejection speed (tube pump rotation speed ω2) in the steamed milk generation period (ΔT2) are independently controlled by a tube pump. The foamed milk is milk obtained by mixing steam and air with milk supplied from a milk supply unit to foam the milk, and the steamed milk is milk obtained by mixing steam with milk supplied from a milk supply unit to heat the milk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage supply device capable of appropriately and flexibly independently controlling the foam level of foam milk and the temperature of steam milk. Background Art

[0002] In the past, beverage supply devices such as coffee machines were installed in stores such as convenience stores. When a user selects a beverage, the beverage supply device grinds coffee beans and performs extraction processes such as drip filtering to produce a beverage, and sprays the beverage into a cup disposed in the beverage supply unit using a nozzle constituting the beverage supply unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-274767 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In addition, the beverages supplied by the beverage supply device include coffee drinks containing milk, such as café au lait, latte, and cappuccino. Café au lait is a beverage obtained by adding milk to coffee, latte is a beverage obtained by adding steamed milk, i.e., liquid steam milk, to espresso (distilled coffee), and cappuccino is a beverage obtained by adding steamed milk and foamed milk to distilled coffee, and the foamed milk is foamed milk made by frothing the milk with steam and air. In addition, sometimes not only steamed milk but also foamed milk, which is about 10% of the steamed milk, is added to latte. That is, steamed milk and foamed milk need to be added to latte and cappuccino.

[0008] However, in the conventional beverage supply device, the production of foamed milk and steamed milk is switched by supplying air or not, and milk is supplied at the same ejection speed. That is, foamed milk is produced by mixing steam and air with milk, and steamed milk is produced by mixing steam with milk without supplying air. However, since the ejection speed of milk is the same, there is a problem that the fineness of foam of the foamed milk, that is, the foam level is low. Here, when the ejection speed of milk is increased, foamed milk with a high foam level is produced, but conversely, the temperature of the steamed milk becomes low due to the high ejection speed of milk.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device capable of appropriately and flexibly independently controlling the foam level of foam milk and the temperature of steam milk.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the present invention is a beverage supply device for supplying a beverage generated by a beverage generating section to a cup arranged in a beverage supply section, the beverage supply device being characterized in that it comprises: a steam supply section that supplies steam from a steam tank; an air supply section that supplies air using an air pump; a milk supply section that supplies milk from a milk tank using a milk supply pump; a mixing section that mixes the steam and the air in the milk, or mixes the steam in the milk; and a control section that divides a milk generating period for supplying the milk to the cup into a plurality of periods and allocates each period to generating The control unit variably sets and controls a unit milk supply amount of the milk supply pump during the one or more foamed milk generation periods for foaming milk and a unit air supply amount of the air pump during the one or more steamed milk generation periods for steaming milk, respectively. The foamed milk is milk obtained by mixing the steam and the air with the milk supplied from the milk supply unit to foam the milk, and the steamed milk is milk obtained by mixing the steam with the milk supplied from the milk supply unit to heat the milk.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, is characterized in that the control unit variably sets and controls each of the one or more foam milk production periods and the one or more steam milk production periods.

[0013] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the control unit variably controls the unit milk supply amount by variably controlling the milk ejection speed of the milk supply pump.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the milk supply pump is a tube pump, and the unit milk supply amount is determined based on a rotation speed of the tube pump.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the control unit variably controls the unit air supply amount by variably controlling the air ejection speed of the air pump.

[0016] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, there are a plurality of air pumps, and the control unit variably sets and controls the unit air supply amount by variably setting and controlling the number of activations of the air pumps.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the control unit makes the unit milk supply amount in the one or more foam milk production periods larger than the unit milk supply amount in the steam milk production period.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, is characterized in that the unit milk supply amount in the one or more foamed milk production periods is a unit milk supply amount corresponding to a level of foam fineness.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, is characterized in that the one or more foamed milk production periods are periods set according to the amount of foam produced.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, is characterized in that the unit air supply amount in the one or more foamed milk production periods is a unit air supply amount set according to the amount of foam produced.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, is characterized in that the one or more foam milk production periods are allocated after at least one steam milk production period.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, the foam level of the foam milk and the temperature of the steam milk can be independently controlled appropriately and flexibly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the external appearance structure of a beverage server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the structure of a control system of a beverage supply device shown.

[0026] Figure 3 Detailed description of the invention is a flowchart showing a beverage supply control process performed by the control unit.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the circuit structure of the milk production section in the beverage production section.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a time chart showing an example of the milk production control process.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a time chart showing an example of the milk production control process according to the first modification.

[0030] Figure 7 : is a time chart showing an example of the milk production control process according to the second modification.

[0031] Figure 8 1 is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process according to the third modification.

[0032] Fig. 91 is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process according to the fourth modification.

[0033] Fig.10 : is a time chart showing an example of the milk production control process according to the fifth modification.

[0034] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overall height from the bottom of the cup to the top of the foam and the height of the foam.

[0035] Fig.12 : is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process according to the sixth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] <Overall Structure>

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance structure of a beverage supply device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of a control system of the beverage supply device 1 .

[0039] The beverage supply device 1 illustrated here is, for example, a coffee machine installed in a store such as a convenience store, and performs, for example, coffee bean grinding and drip extraction processing, and supplies a coffee beverage such as a milk-containing beverage such as latte to a bottomed cylindrical cup C as a container.

[0040] The beverage supply device 1 includes a main cabinet 10 and a front door 20. The main cabinet 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front surface. A beverage production unit 11 for producing beverages (for example, latte) is provided inside the main cabinet 10.

[0041] The front surface door 20 is a door body having a size sufficient to close the opening of the front surface of the main cabinet 10. The front surface door 20 is set to be able to swing around the central axis of the shaft portion not shown extending in the up-down direction at one side edge portion of the front side of the main cabinet 10, and the front surface door 20 can open and close the opening of the front surface of the main cabinet 10.

[0042] The front surface of the front door 20 constitutes a customer reception surface, and a display unit 21, a beverage supply unit 22, and an opening and closing door 22a are provided on the front door 20. The display unit 21 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel for displaying various information, and has an input unit 21a capable of input operations such as touch operations.

[0043] The beverage supply unit 22 is formed by providing a recessed portion below the display unit 21. The beverage supply unit 22 includes a nozzle unit 23 and a stage 24. The nozzle unit 23 sprays the beverage generated by the beverage generating unit 11 downward. The nozzle unit 23 includes nozzles 23a and 23b (see Figure 4 ), the nozzle 23a is used to spray milk, and the nozzle 23b is used to spray coffee. The loading table 24 is provided in the area below the nozzles 23a and 23b. The loading table 24 is a loading portion for loading the cup C, and is provided with an arc-shaped stopper 24a. In addition, a plurality of through holes are formed on the loading table 24 for allowing the beverage that is not supplied to the cup C after being sprayed from the nozzle unit 23 to pass through, and a tray (not shown) for storing the beverage is provided below the plurality of through holes.

[0044] The opening and closing door 22a is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin, and has a size sufficient to cover the entrance 27 of the beverage supply unit 22. The left end portion of the opening and closing door 22a is pivotally supported on the front surface door 20, and can swing in the front-back direction. In other words, the opening and closing door 22a can swing in the front-back direction in a manner of approaching or moving away from the beverage supply unit 22, and can close the entrance 27 of the beverage supply unit 22 when swinging backward in a manner of approaching the beverage supply unit 22, and can open the entrance 27 when swinging forward in a manner of moving away from the beverage supply unit 22.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the beverage supply device 1 includes a cup detection unit 31 , a light projecting unit 32 , an imaging unit 33 , a door opening / closing detection unit 35 , a door opening / closing locking mechanism 36 , and a control unit 40 .

[0046] The cup detector 31 is composed of, for example, a photosensor, and detects whether a cup C is placed in the beverage supply unit 22 , that is, whether a cup C is placed on the stage 24 . The cup detector 31 provides the control unit 40 with the detection result of the presence of the cup C.

[0047] The light projecting unit 32 is provided on the left side wall and the right side wall of the beverage supply unit 22. The light projecting unit 32 is, for example, an LED, and irradiates light to the surface of the cup C placed on the stage 24. The light projecting unit 32 is provided on the upper part of the side wall so as to irradiate light to the upper peripheral surface of the cup C from obliquely above.

[0048] The imaging unit 33 is provided at the lower portion of the left side wall of the beverage supply unit 22 and is used to obtain an image including the cup C.

[0049] The door opening and closing detector 35 is provided near the entrance 27 of the beverage supply unit 22, and is composed of, for example, a light sensor. The door opening and closing detector 35 is used to detect whether the opening and closing door 22a is opened and closed with respect to the entrance 27, and more specifically, to detect whether the entrance 27 is closed, that is, whether the opening and closing door 22a is closed. The door opening and closing detector 35 provides the control unit 40 with the detection result of whether the opening and closing door 22a is closed.

[0050] The door opening and closing locking mechanism 36 is provided near the entrance 27 of the beverage supply unit 22. The door opening and closing locking mechanism 36 can be switched between a locked state in which the opening and closing door 22a closing the entrance 27 is kept closed so as to restrict the opening and closing door 22a from swinging forward, and a released state in which the opening and closing door 22a is allowed to swing forward. The door opening and closing locking mechanism 36 is switched according to a command from the control unit 40.

[0051] The control unit 40 is connected to the beverage generating unit 11 , the display unit 21 , the cup detecting unit 31 , the light projecting unit 32 , the camera unit 33 , the door opening / closing detecting unit 35 , and the door opening / closing locking mechanism 36 , and controls the operation of each of these units in a unified manner according to the program and data stored in the storage unit 41 .

[0052] The control unit 40 is a control unit for controlling the entire device, and includes a determination unit 40 a and a beverage supply control unit 40 b. The determination unit 40 a determines the color of the cup C based on the color information of the cup C in the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 33 .

[0053] The beverage supply control unit 40b controls the generation of a beverage corresponding to the color of the cup determined by the determination unit 40a and supplies the beverage to the cup C. As described above, the beverages corresponding to the color of the cup include coffee, café au lait, latte, and cappuccino. In addition, the color of the cup may indicate only milk (hot milk).

[0054] The beverage production unit 11 includes a coffee extraction unit 11a and a milk production unit 11b. The coffee extraction unit 11a puts ground raw materials such as coffee beans and hot water into the extraction cylinder of the extractor, stirs them on filter paper, closes the upper surface opening of the extraction cylinder with a cylinder cap and pressurizes them, extracts beverages such as coffee through the filter paper, and sprays them from the nozzle 23b. The milk production unit 11b produces foamed milk by mixing steam and air with milk supplied from a milk tank to foam the milk, and produces steamed milk by mixing steam with milk supplied from a milk tank to heat the milk, and sprays them from the nozzle 23a. At this time, the beverage supply control unit 40b makes the milk spraying speed during the foamed milk production period faster than the milk spraying speed during the steam milk production period. The details of the milk production unit 11b will be described later.

[0055] <Beverage Supply Control Process>

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 3 The flowchart shown is used to explain the beverage supply control processing procedure of the control unit 40.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 40 first determines whether the cup detector 31 detects the presence of the cup C in the beverage supply unit 22 (step S101 ). That is, the cup detector 31 detects whether the cup C is placed on the stage 24 .

[0058] When the cup C is detected (step S101: Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether the door 22a is closed based on the detection result of the door opening and closing detector 35 (step S102). When the door 22a is not closed (step S102: No), the determination process of step S102 is repeated.

[0059] On the other hand, when the opening and closing door 22a is closed (in step S102: "Yes"), the control unit 40 uses the light projection unit 32 to project light onto the surface of the cup C, instructs the camera unit 33 to obtain a captured image including the cup C, thereby obtaining the captured image, and determines the color of the cup C based on the color information in the captured image (step S103).

[0060] Then, the determination unit 40a determines the type of beverage in the cup C corresponding to the determined color (step S104). For example, if the color of the cup C is brown, it is determined to be latte coffee, if the color of the cup C is white, it is determined to be blended coffee, and if the color of the cup C is dark blue, it is determined to be premium coffee.

[0061] Thereafter, the control unit 40 causes the display unit 21 to display the beverage determined to be supplied to the cup C and to display guidance for guiding the touch of the input unit 21a on which the confirmation message is displayed (step S105).

[0062] After that, the control unit 40 determines whether the input unit 21a is touched (step S106). If the input unit 21a is not touched (step S106: "No"), the control unit 40 repeats the determination process of step S106. On the other hand, if the input unit 21a is touched (step S106: "Yes"), the control unit 40 uses the door opening and closing locking mechanism 36 to lock the opening and closing door 22a to the closed state (step S107), and causes the beverage production unit 11 to produce and supply the beverage to be supplied (step S108).

[0063] After that, the control unit 40 determines whether the beverage supply by the beverage production unit 11 has ended (step S109). If the beverage supply has not ended (step S109: No), the control unit 40 returns to step S108 to continue the process of producing and supplying the beverage.

[0064] On the other hand, when the beverage supply is finished (step S109: Yes), the control unit 40 releases the lock of the door 22a in the closed state by the door lock mechanism 36 (step S110), and ends the present process. The above process is repeated every predetermined period.

[0065] <Circuit structure of milk production unit>

[0066] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing the circuit structure of the milk production unit 11b in the beverage production unit 11. Figure 4 As shown, the milk production unit 11b includes a steam supply unit 51, an air supply unit 52, a milk supply unit 53, and a T-shaped joint J2 as a mixing unit.

[0067] The steam supply unit 51 includes a steam tank 51a, a heater 51b, and a steam valve 51c. The steam tank 51a generates steam by heating the heater 51b and stores the steam. The steam in the steam tank 51a is ejected toward the joint J1 side via the steam valve 51c provided on the pipe L1 connecting the steam tank 51a to the T-shaped joint J1. The heater 51b and the steam valve 51c are controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the opening of the steam valve 51c so that a constant flow of steam is ejected.

[0068] The air supply unit 52 includes an air pump 52a and a pump driving unit 52b. The air pump 52a, under the driving control of the pump driving unit 52b, ejects air toward the joint J1 side through a check valve V1 provided on a pipe L2 connecting the air pump 52a and the joint J1. In addition, the pump driving unit 52b is controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the pump driving unit 52b so as to eject air at a constant flow rate.

[0069] The joint J1 mixes the steam passing through the pipe L1 with the air passing through the pipe L2 and discharges the mixture to the joint J2 side through the pipe L3.

[0070] The milk supply unit 53 includes a tube pump 53a, a pump driving unit 53b, and a milk tank 53c. The tube pump 53a functions as a milk supply pump, and under the driving control of the pump driving unit 53b, the milk in the milk tank 53c is ejected toward the joint J2 side via the pipe L4 connecting the tube pump 53a and the joint J2. The milk tank 53c stores milk in a liquid composite container (bag in box). In addition, the pump driving unit 53b is controlled by the control unit 40.

[0071] The joint J2 is a mixing part for generating foamed milk and steamed milk. The foamed milk is milk obtained by mixing milk, steam and air to foam the milk, and the steamed milk is milk obtained by mixing milk and steam to heat the milk. Check valves V2 and V3 are respectively arranged on the pipe L3 side and the pipe L4 side of the joint J2. The joint J2 generates milk foam by bringing the mixed fluid of steam and air into contact with the ejected milk from an orthogonal direction.

[0072] The control unit 40 divides the milk production period into a foamed milk production period for producing foamed milk and a steamed milk production period for producing steamed milk, and controls the pump driving unit 53b to independently control the milk ejection speed (rotation speed of the tube pump 53a) in the foamed milk production period, which is milk obtained by frothing the milk by mixing steam and air with the milk supplied from the milk supply unit 53, and the milk ejection speed (rotation speed of the tube pump 53a) in the steam milk production period, which is milk obtained by heating the milk by mixing steam with the milk supplied from the milk supply unit 53. The control unit 40 makes the milk ejection speed in the foamed milk production period faster than the milk ejection speed in the steam milk production period.

[0073] When the milk ejection speed during the foam milk generation period is increased, the foam can be made finer, thereby increasing the foam level indicating the fineness of the foam. On the other hand, when the milk ejection speed during the steam milk generation period is decreased, a large amount of heat of steam can be transferred to the milk per unit volume, thereby achieving a desired milk temperature. In addition, the milk ejection speed during the foam milk generation period may be set to a milk ejection speed corresponding to a desired level of foam fineness. In addition, the foam milk generation period may be set to one or more preset periods according to the amount of foam generated, and may be set to one selected period according to the type of beverage.

[0074] The foamed milk and steamed milk produced through the joint J2 are sent to the nozzle 23a through the pipe L5 and supplied to the cup C.

[0075] Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 40, the coffee extraction unit 11a extracts coffee in parallel with the process of the milk production unit 11b, and ejects the extracted coffee into the cup C through the nozzle 23b. Furthermore, when the beverage type is hot milk, the process by the coffee extraction unit 11a is not performed, and only the milk production unit 11b produces steam milk.

[0076] <Milk production control treatment>

[0077] Figure 5 1 is a timing chart showing an example of milk production control processing. Here, the case of producing latte coffee containing foamed milk is described. Figure 5 As shown, when the cup detection unit 31 detects the cup C at time point t0 ( Figure 5(a)), then, at time t1, the confirmation button ( Figure 5 And, at time point t1, the door opening and closing locking mechanism 36 is locked ( Figure 5 (c)), the coffee extraction unit 11a starts the coffee extraction process ( Figure 5 (d)), the milk production unit 11b starts milk production (milk sales) ( Figure 5 (e)).

[0078] The steam valve 51c opens at time t2 when the confirmation button is no longer pressed, and steam at a constant flow rate a1 is ejected to the pipes L1, L3, and L5 during a period ΔT0, thereby heating the pipes L1, L3, and L5 and the joints J1 and J2.

[0079] After that, the period from time point t3 to time point t5 is the milk production period. The milk production period is divided into a foam milk production period ΔT1 and a steam milk production period ΔT2. In the foam milk production period ΔT1 from time point t3 to time point t4, the steam at a constant flow rate a1 and the air at a constant flow rate b1 are mixed in the joint J1, and the mixed fluid is ejected to the joint J2 ( Figure 5 (f), (h)), and the tube pump 53a sprays the milk to the joint J2 ( Figure 5 (g)), thereby generating foamed milk in which milk is frothed by mixing milk with steam and air.

[0080] Thereafter, during the steam milk generation period ΔT2 from time point t4 to time point t5, the tube pump 53a ejects the milk to the joint J2 at a rotation speed ω2 (<ω1). Figure 5 (g)) and with the steam of constant flow rate a1 in joint J2 ( Figure 5 (f)) is mixed to produce steam milk heated to a desired temperature by steam.

[0081] After that, during the period ΔT3 from time point t5 to time point t6, steam is blown to blow away the residual liquid on the pipe, and during the period ΔT4 from time point t7 to time point t8, steam is blown a second time to further blow away the residual liquid on the pipe ( Figure 5 (f)).

[0082] Afterwards, when coffee extraction is completed at time t9 ( Figure 5 (d)), and at time point t10 the final milk production ends ( Figure 5 (e)), the door opening and closing locking mechanism 36 is unlocked ( Figure 5 (c)), at the subsequent time point t11, the cup detection is turned off (OFF) due to the removal of cup C ( Figure 5 (a)).

[0083] In addition, in the case of coffee au gratin, hot milk, etc. that do not require foamed milk, the process during the foamed milk generation period ΔT1 is omitted, and only the process during the steamed milk generation period ΔT2 is performed.

[0084] In this embodiment, the milk ejection speeds during the foamed milk generation period ΔT1 and the steamed milk generation period ΔT2 can be independently controlled, so that the milk ejection speed during the foamed milk generation period ΔT1 is faster than the milk ejection speed during the steamed milk generation period ΔT2, and the temperature of the steamed milk is heated to a desired temperature while the fineness of the foam of the foamed milk, that is, the foam level, is increased. In addition, since the milk ejection speeds during the foamed milk generation period ΔT1 and the steamed milk generation period ΔT2 are independently controlled, control such as shortening the sales period of the milk-containing beverage can be performed. In addition, the foam level and the amount of foam of the foamed milk can be arbitrarily controlled independently of the place where the steamed milk is generated.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the foamed milk generation period ΔT1 and the steamed milk generation period ΔT2 are distinguished by the presence or absence of air, that is, whether the air pump is activated. Therefore, switching control between the foamed milk generation period ΔT1 and the steamed milk generation period ΔT2 becomes easy.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the milk ejection speed is controlled by the tube pump 53a, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various pumps such as a gear pump, a syringe pump, etc. may be used.

[0087] <Modification 1>

[0088] Figure 6 1 is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process of this modification 1. In the milk production period of the above-mentioned embodiment, after foamed milk is produced in the foamed milk production period ΔT1, steamed milk is produced in the steamed milk production period ΔT2, but in this modification 1, steamed milk is first produced in the steamed milk production period ΔT11, and then foamed milk is produced in the foamed milk production period ΔT12 starting from the time point t14.

[0089] The steamed milk generation period ΔT11 is the same period as the steamed milk generation period ΔT2, and the control of the tube pump 53a and the air pump 52a is also the same. The foamed milk generation period ΔT12 is the same period as the foamed milk generation period ΔT1, and the control of the tube pump 53a and the air pump 52a is also the same. That is, in this modification 1, the generation of the steamed milk and the generation of the foamed milk in the embodiment are reversed in time.

[0090] In the present modification 1, since the foamed milk passes through the previously generated steamed milk, the water content of the foamed milk can be increased, and moist foam can be generated, thereby producing latte coffee with a good taste.

[0091] <Modification 2>

[0092] Figure 7 : is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process of this modification 2. In this modification 2, the milk production period is divided into three periods in terms of time, and the steam milk production periods ΔT21 and ΔT23 for producing steam milk are respectively allocated to the first period (time point t3 to time point t24) and the last period (time point t25 to time point t5), and the foam milk production period ΔT22 for producing foam milk is allocated to the middle period (time point t24 to time point t25) sandwiched between the steam milk production periods ΔT21 and ΔT23.

[0093] In addition, in the steam milk production period ΔT21 and ΔT23, the tube pump 53a is driven and the air pump 52a is turned off, similarly to the steam milk production period ΔT2. In the foamed milk production period ΔT22, the air pump 52a is driven and the rotation speed of the tube pump 53a is made greater than the rotation speed of the steam milk production period ΔT21 and ΔT23, similarly to the foamed milk production period ΔT1, so that the milk ejection speed is increased to increase the unit milk supply amount.

[0094] In this modification 2, the amount of steam milk previously generated is adjusted less, so the moisture of the foamed milk can be adjusted. In addition, the positions of the time points t24 and t25 can be preset, and the rotation speed of the tube pump 53a and the unit air supply amount of the air pump 52a can also be preset.

[0095] <Variation 3>

[0096] Figure 8 1 is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process of this modification 3. In this modification 3, the air pump 52a is driven in the steam milk production period T23 in the modification 2 to set it as the foamed milk production period. In this foamed milk production period, the unit air supply amount of the air pump 52a is made smaller than the unit air supply amount of the air pump 52a in the foamed milk production period ΔT22, and the tube pump 53a is set to the rotation speed ω3 so that the rotation speed is made smaller than the rotation speed ω2 in the steam milk production period ΔT21.

[0097] In the third modification, the amount of foam of the foamed milk, the height of the foam, the mixing of foams of different properties, etc. can be freely changed to produce various lattes.

[0098] <Variation 4>

[0099] Fig. 9: is a timing chart showing an example of milk production control processing in this modification 4. In this modification 4, the rotation speed (unit milk supply amount) of the tube pump 53a and the unit air supply amount of the air pump 52a in the foam milk production period ΔT22 in the modification 3 are changed with time. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the rotation speed (unit milk supply amount) of the tube pump 53a and the unit air supply amount of the air pump 52a are controlled to decrease over time. Thus, it is possible to produce latte coffee that suits various preferences.

[0100] <Variation 5>

[0101] Fig.10 1 is a timing chart showing an example of milk production control processing according to the fifth modification. In the fifth modification, the milk production period from time point t3 to time point t5 is divided into three periods, the period from time point t3 to time point t31 and the period from time point t31 to time point t32 are respectively allocated as steam milk production periods ΔT31 and ΔT32, and the period from time point t32 to time point t5 is allocated as foam milk production period ΔT33.

[0102] Then, if Fig.10 (a)~ Fig.10 As shown in (d), the foam milk generation period ΔT33 is made longer in the order of the foam milk generation period ΔT43 (time point t42 to time point t5), ΔT53 (time point t52 to time point t5), and ΔT63 (time point t62 to time point t5). In addition, the steam milk generation period ΔT31 is made shorter in the order of the steam milk generation period ΔT41 (time point t3 to time point t41), ΔT51 (time point t3 to time point t51), and ΔT61 (time point t3 to time point t61). Furthermore, the unit milk supply amount during the steam milk production periods ΔT31, ΔT41, ΔT51, and ΔT61 is the same, and the milk supply amount during the milk production period is made the same. Therefore, the steam milk production period ΔT32 is made smaller in the same manner as the steam milk production periods ΔT42, ΔT52, and ΔT62, and the unit milk supply amount during the foam milk production period ΔT33 is made smaller in the same manner as the foam milk production periods ΔT43, ΔT53, and ΔT63. Furthermore, the unit air supply amount during the foam milk production periods ΔT33, ΔT43, ΔT53, and ΔT63 is made the same.

[0103] Here, when using Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the overall height h from the bottom of the cup C to the top of the foam and the foam height ha are shown. Fig.10 (a)~ Fig.10 An example of the result of milk production control of (d) is shown in Fig.10 (a)~ Fig.10In (d), the total height h is 61 mm, 62 mm, 65 mm, and 66 mm, and the foam height ha is 13 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm, and 20 mm, respectively. Thus, it can be confirmed that at least the foam height ha is increased by extending the foam milk generation periods ΔT33, ΔT43, ΔT53, and ΔT63.

[0104] Furthermore, if the unit supply amount of the air pump 52a is increased, the foam height ha can be further increased, and the fineness of the foam can also be increased.

[0105] In the fifth modification, by dividing the milk production period into three periods, adjusting the length of each period, and adjusting the unit milk supply amount and the unit air supply amount, it is possible to produce latte coffee according to various preferences.

[0106] <Variation 6>

[0107] Fig.12 : is a timing chart showing an example of the milk production control process of this modification 6. In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, the control of the tube pump 53a and the air pump 52a is synchronized with the steam milk production period and the foam milk production period, respectively. However, in this modification 6, the tube pump 53a and the air pump 52a are not synchronized, but are independently controlled. In addition, this control is equivalent to further dividing the steam milk production period and the foam milk production period into a plurality of periods.

[0108] In the sixth modification, the tube pump 53a divides the milk production period into three parts at time points t71 and t73, and changes the unit milk supply amount in each period. In addition, the air pump 52a divides the milk production period into three parts at time points t72 and t74, and becomes OFF during the period from time point t3 to time point t72 and the period from time point t74 to time point t5, and becomes ON during the period from time point t72 to time point t74.

[0109] In this variation example 6, the milk production period is simply divided into five periods, and the three periods from time point t3 to time point t71, from time point t71 to time point 72, and from time point t74 to time point t5 are set as steam milk production periods ΔT71, ΔT72, and ΔT75, and the two periods from time point t72 to time point t73 and from time point t73 to time point t74 are set as foam milk production periods ΔT73 and ΔT74.

[0110] In addition, the unit milk supply amount in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification example can be changed by changing the discharge speed of the tube pump 53a. In other words, the unit milk supply amount can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the tube pump 53a.

[0111] On the other hand, the unit air supply amount can be changed by changing the discharge speed of the air pump 52a. In addition, the unit air supply amount can be changed stepwise by providing a plurality of air pumps 52a and changing the number of activations of each air pump.

[0112] The above-described embodiment and modified example are merely examples of dividing the milk production period into a plurality of periods, allocating each period into one or more foamed milk production periods and one or more steamed milk production periods, and variably setting and controlling the unit milk supply amount in the one or more foamed milk production periods and the one or more steamed milk production periods, and the unit air supply amount in the foamed milk production period.

[0113] In the present embodiment and its variations, multiple setting controls can be adjusted, such as the desired foam height, the desired foam fineness, the mixing of foams of different properties, the desired foam moisture, etc., thereby enabling the production control of various beverages such as a variety of highly customizable lattes, and enabling the production control of a wide variety of beverages to be flexibly performed.

[0114] In addition, each structure illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiment is a functional summary structure, and it is not necessarily necessary to form the structure illustrated physically. That is, the way of dispersing / unifying each device and component is not limited to the illustration, but all or part of each device and component can be functionally or physically dispersed / unified in arbitrary units according to various usage conditions.

[0115] Description of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1: beverage supply device; 10: main cabinet; 11: beverage production unit; 11a: coffee extraction unit; 11b: milk production unit; 20: front surface door; 21: display unit; 21a: input unit; 22: beverage supply unit; 22a: opening and closing door; 23: nozzle unit; 23a, 23b: nozzle; 24: stage; 24a: stopper; 27: entrance; 31: cup detection unit; 32: light projection unit; 33: camera unit; 35: door opening and closing detection unit; 36: door opening and closing locking mechanism; 40: control unit; 40a: determination unit; 40b: beverage supply control unit; 41: storage unit; 51: steam supply unit; 51a: steam tank; 51b: heater; 51c: steam valve; 52: air supply unit; 52a: air pump; 52b, 53b: pump drive unit; 53: milk supply unit; 53a: tube pump; 53c: Milk tank; a1, b1: constant flow; C: cup; h: overall height; ha: foam height; J1, J2: joints; L1~L5: piping; t0~t11, t14, t24, t25, t31, t32, t41, t42, t51, t52, t61, t62: time points; V1, V2, V3: check valves; ΔT0, ΔT3, ΔT4: period; ΔT1, ΔT1 2. ΔT22, ΔT33, ΔT43, ΔT53, ΔT63, ΔT73, ΔT74: period of foam milk generation; ΔT2, ΔT11, ΔT21, ΔT23, ΔT31, ΔT32, ΔT41, ΔT42, ΔT51, ΔT52, ΔT61, ΔT62, ΔT71, ΔT72, ΔT75: period of steam milk generation; ω1, ω2, ω3: rotation speed.

Claims

1. A beverage supply device for supplying a beverage generated by a beverage generating unit to a cup disposed in a beverage supply unit, the beverage supply device comprising: a steam supply unit that supplies steam from a steam tank; an air supply unit that supplies air using an air pump; a milk supply unit that supplies milk from a milk tank using a milk supply pump; a first connection capable of mixing said steam with said air; a second joint that mixes the mixed fluid of the steam and the air or the steam supplied from the first joint with the milk supplied from the milk supply part; and a control unit for dividing a milk production period for supplying the milk to the cup into a plurality of periods and allocating each period into one or more foamed milk production periods for producing foamed milk and one or more steamed milk production periods for producing steamed milk, the control unit variably setting and controlling a unit milk supply amount of the milk supply pump in the one or more foamed milk production periods and the one or more steamed milk production periods, and a unit air supply amount of the air pump in the foamed milk production period, respectively. The foamed milk is milk obtained by frothing the milk by mixing the steam and the air with the milk supplied from the milk supply unit in the second joint, and the steamed milk is milk obtained by heating the milk by mixing the steam with the milk supplied from the milk supply unit in the second joint.

2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit variably sets and controls each of the one or more foam milk production periods and the one or more steam milk production periods.

3. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit variably controls the unit milk supply amount by variably controlling the milk ejection speed of the milk supply pump.

4. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The milk supply pump is a tube pump, The unit milk supply amount is determined according to the rotation speed of the tube pump.

5. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit variably sets and controls the unit air supply amount by variably setting and controlling the air ejection speed of the air pump.

6. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: There are multiple air pumps. The control unit variably sets and controls the unit air supply amount by variably setting and controlling the number of activations of the air pump.

7. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit makes the unit milk supply amount in the one or more foam milk production periods larger than the unit milk supply amount in the steam milk production period.

8. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The unit milk supply amount during the one or more foamed milk production periods is a unit milk supply amount corresponding to the level of foam fineness.

9. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The one or more foamed milk production periods are periods set according to the amount of foam produced.

10. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The unit air supply amount during the one or more foamed milk production periods is a unit air supply amount set according to the amount of foam produced.

11. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The one or more foam milk production periods are allocated after at least one steam milk production period.

Images