Beverage supply device

Abstract

A beverage supply device (100) includes: a beverage supply source (4); a beverage supply tube (L1); a cleaning liquid supply source (8); a supply connection portion (11) provided at an upstream side end portion of the beverage supply tube (L1); a first connection portion (12) provided at a downstream side end portion of a first supply tube (L0a) from the beverage supply source (4) and formed so as to be connectable to the supply connection portion (11) by fitting connection; a second connection portion (13) provided at a downstream side end portion of a second supply tube (L0b) from the cleaning liquid supply source (8) and formed so as to be connectable to the supply connection portion (11) by fitting connection; and a switcher (50) that selectively switches a connection object of the supply connection portion (11) between the first connection portion (12) and the second connection portion (13). The switcher (50) has: an operation portion (20) to which an external force is applied; and a link portion that links between the operation portion (20) and the supply connection portion (11) and converts a movement of the operation portion (20) based on the external force into a switching movement that switches the connection object of the supply connection portion (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverages. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an auxiliary device for supplying milk to a coffee machine. The auxiliary device includes: a milk container; a milk supply tube that guides milk supplied from the milk container to the coffee machine; and a cleaning system for cleaning the milk supply tube. In this auxiliary device, a tube connector is provided at the downstream end of a suction tube extending from the milk container, and a joint is provided at the downstream end of a branched tube extending from the cleaning container of the cleaning system and at the upstream end of the milk supply tube. In this auxiliary device, when supplying milk to the coffee machine, the tube connector of the suction tube extending from the milk container is manually connected to the joint of the milk supply tube, and when cleaning the milk supply tube, the joint of the branched tube extending from the cleaning container is manually connected to the joint of the milk supply tube via an embedded bridge-shaped connecting member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6771028 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the operator of the auxiliary device described in Patent Document 1 must manually connect the aforementioned connector of the branch conduit to the aforementioned connector of the milk supply tube using a connecting component when cleaning the milk supply tube. Furthermore, when supplying milk, the operator disassembles the connecting component and then manually connects the aforementioned tube connector of the suction conduit to the aforementioned connector of the milk supply tube. Subsequently, when re-cleaning the milk supply tube, the operator disconnects the aforementioned tube connector of the suction conduit from the aforementioned connector of the milk supply tube and manually connects the appropriate connectors to each other using the connecting component in the aforementioned manner. Thus, the operator of the auxiliary device described in Patent Document 1 must reliably perform complex operations such as connecting and disconnecting the appropriate connectors, connecting the appropriate connectors using the connecting component, disassembling the connecting component, and confirming the complete insertion (connection) of the connecting component during milk supply and milk supply tube cleaning. Due to differences in the operator's skill level, it is possible that proper connections cannot be achieved, resulting in connection errors or poor connections.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its object is to provide a beverage supply device having a structure that can switch between a state that can supply beverages and a state that can clean the beverage supply pipe through simple operation.

[0009] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a beverage dispensing device is provided, comprising: a beverage dispensing source; a beverage dispensing tube that guides a beverage to a predetermined dispensing object; and a cleaning liquid dispensing source for cleaning the beverage dispensing tube. The beverage dispensing device includes: a dispensing connection portion disposed at an upstream end of the beverage dispensing tube; a first connection portion disposed at a downstream end of a first dispensing tube extending from the beverage dispensing source and configured to be connected to the dispensing connection portion by fitting; a second connection portion disposed at a downstream end of a second dispensing tube extending from the cleaning liquid dispensing source and configured to be connected to the dispensing connection portion by fitting; and a switcher that selectively switches the connection object of the dispensing connection portion between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. The switcher includes: an operating portion to which an external force is applied; and a conversion mechanism that connects the operating portion to the dispensing connection portion and converts the movement of the operating portion based on the external force into a switching movement for switching the connection object of the dispensing connection portion.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a beverage dispensing device can be provided, having a structure that allows switching between a state capable of dispensing beverages and a state capable of cleaning the beverage dispensing pipe through simple operation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic structure of a beverage dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic piping circuit diagram of the aforementioned beverage supply device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a front view of the main parts of the aforementioned beverage supply device, including the supply connection and the switch.

[0016] Figure 4 This is the right-side view of the main part mentioned above.

[0017] Figure 5 This is the left-side view of the main part mentioned above.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the main parts mentioned above.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an exploded 3D view of the main parts mentioned above.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the situation where the position of the aforementioned supply connection changes.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the outer movable part of the aforementioned switcher.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the detection unit of the aforementioned switcher.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a conceptual diagram used to explain the operation of the switch described above.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram used to explain the operation of the switch described above.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a conceptual diagram used to explain the operation of the switch described above. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic structure of a beverage dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is the piping circuit diagram of the beverage supply device 100.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 100 is disposed adjacent to the coffee machine 200 and is used as an optional device for the coffee machine 200.

[0028] Coffee machine 200 is, for example, a device that uses coffee powder to extract coffee and supplies the extracted coffee into a cup C. Coffee machine 200 is configured to add liquid milk (hereinafter referred to as "milk"), milk foam (i.e., a mixture of milk and air with relatively low viscosity), or whipped cream (i.e., a mixture of milk and air with high viscosity) to the extracted coffee according to the customer's request, so as to provide the customer's preferred coffee.

[0029] The beverage dispensing device 100 is a device that supplies beverages to a designated recipient. The designated recipient is the cup C installed in the coffee machine 200. In this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 100 is configured to supply milk or mixed beverages, i.e., beverages containing milk, to the cup C installed in the coffee machine 200 according to a request from the coffee machine 200 (in other words, the customer).

[0030] The beverage supply device 100 is configured to supply milk or a mixture of milk and air in either a warm or cooled state, and it has a housing 1 forming the outer shell of the device, a control unit 2, and a main body 3.

[0031] The housing 1 is, for example, a box-shaped frame (not shown) with a generally long longitudinal dimension and multiple outer covers installed on the frame. The control unit 2 and the main body 3 are disposed inside the housing 1. Specifically, the housing 1, which is made of a box, has a front opening, for example. A door that can open and close the opening is installed at the front of the housing 1. The manager of the beverage supply device 100 can enter the interior of the housing 1 by opening the door and perform maintenance operations such as replacing the milk tank, which is the beverage supply source 4 described later, and adding milk to the milk tank.

[0032] The control unit 2 controls the operation of the main body 3 of the device. For example, based on instructions from the coffee machine 200, the control unit 2 controls the operation of various devices (cooling device 5, heating device 6, pump 7, air supply device 9, on / off valve V1 and switching valve V2, etc., described later) of the main body 3 of the device in a way that supplies milk or mixed beverages in a warm state or a cooled state respectively.

[0033] The beverage dispensing device 100 controls the operation of each device in the following manner: it dispenses warm milk when a warm milk dispensing command S1 is input to the control unit 2; it dispenses a warm mixed beverage when a warm mixed beverage dispensing command S2 is input to the control unit 2; it dispenses cold milk when a cold milk dispensing command S3 is input to the control unit 2; and it dispenses a cold mixed beverage when a cold mixed beverage dispensing command S4 is input to the control unit 2. Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 100 enters a standby state when no dispensing command (S1 to S4) is input to the control unit 2.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, the main body 3 of the device includes a beverage supply source 4, a cooling device 5, a heating device 6, a pump 7, a cleaning liquid supply source 8, and an air supply device 9.

[0035] The beverage supply source 4 is, for example, a tank for storing milk as a beverage (in other words, a beverage storage tank or milk tank). The beverage supply source 4 is housed within a cooling device 5 (specifically, chamber 5a, described later) and configured to store milk at a suitable low temperature. Here, the beverage supply source 4 (beverage storage tank) is made of a transparent resin material and is injection molded into a generally rectangular shape.

[0036] The cooling device 5 has a compartment 5a divided by a partition 5a1 with a heat-insulating structure, and cools the air inside the compartment 5a. The beverage supply source 4 is housed within the compartment 5a of the cooling device 5, and the cooling device 5 is configured to maintain the compartment temperature at a suitable low-temperature setpoint. The compartment temperature of the cooling device 5 is controlled to be maintained in a range of, for example, less than 10°C, specifically 1 to 7°C. Furthermore, the cooling device 5 is located near the front of the housing 1 (the aforementioned door side). Additionally, although not shown, the cooling device 5 has a machine room inside, separated from the compartment 5a. A cooling unit or similar device for cooling the compartment 5a is disposed in the machine room.

[0037] Heating device 6 is a device for warming milk or mixed beverages. Heating device 6 is configured to surround a designated portion of beverage supply pipe L1, which guides the beverage (milk or mixed beverage) to a designated serving object (here, a cup C located in coffee machine 200).

[0038] Although not shown, the heating device 6 has a heat source and a bypass pipe. The heat source heats the milk or mixed beverage flowing in the beverage supply pipe, and the bypass pipe bypasses the heat source. The heating device 6 is configured to switch between an operation that allows the incoming milk or mixed beverage to flow out without heating via the bypass pipe and an operation that allows the incoming milk or mixed beverage to flow out after being heated via the heat source, based on a signal from the control unit 2. Furthermore, the discharge pipe L2 is connected to a predetermined portion (in...) between the heating device 6 and the beverage outlet 10 in the beverage supply pipe L1. Figure 2 (The middle part is connected to the switching valve V2, which will be described later). The beverage outlet 10 is, for example, a nozzle that dispenses milk or mixed beverages, and it is positioned above the cup C.

[0039] Pump 7 is a device mainly used to draw milk from beverage supply source 4 and dispense it. It is located in a designated part on the upstream side (beverage supply source 4 side) of the flow direction relative to the heating device 6 in beverage supply pipe L1.

[0040] The cleaning fluid supply source 8 is used to clean the beverage supply pipe L1. The cleaning fluid supply source 8 is a device that supplies cleaning fluid (rinsing water), such as cleaning agent or water, to the beverage supply pipe L1 after, for example, milk or mixed beverages. Although not shown, the cleaning fluid supply source 8 includes a cleaning fluid storage tank for storing the cleaning agent and water, a pump driven based on a signal from the control unit 2, and an electromagnetically driven on / off valve.

[0041] Air supply device 9 is a device for supplying air used in the generation of mixed beverages, air purging in beverage supply pipe 1, etc., via air flow path L3. The air purging is performed to disperse liquid within the piping, such as the beverage supply pipe L1, by forcefully circulating air through it. Air supply device 9 includes an air supply pump with variable discharge flow rate and an electromagnetically driven on / off valve, the air supply pump being driven based on a signal from control unit 2, and the on / off valve being driven based on a signal from control unit 2. One end (upstream end) of air flow path L3 is connected to air supply device 9, and the other end (downstream end) of air flow path L3 is connected to a predetermined section (hereinafter referred to as "manifold Z1") upstream of pump 7 in beverage supply pipe L1. Air from air supply device 9 flows through air flow path L3 and is supplied to beverage supply pipe L1 via manifold Z1.

[0042] Here, a supply connection 11 is provided at the upstream end (i.e., the end of the beverage supply pipe L1 opposite to the object to which the beverage is supplied (cup C)) of the upstream end in the flow direction of the beverage supply pipe L1. A beverage dispensing outlet 10 for dispensing beverage into cup C is provided at the downstream end (i.e., the end of the beverage supply pipe L1 on the cup C side) of the downstream end in the flow direction of the beverage supply pipe L1. That is, the beverage supply pipe L1 extends from the supply connection 11 to the beverage dispensing outlet 10. The beverage supply pipe L1 is mainly composed of piping that forms a flow path for the flow of milk and mixed beverages. A portion of the beverage supply pipe L1, including at least the upstream end, of a predetermined length is flexible. The shape of the supply connection 11 will be described later.

[0043] A first connecting portion 12 is installed on the upper part of the beverage supply source 4. The first connecting portion 12 is provided at the downstream end of the first supply pipe L0a extending from the beverage supply source 4, which is the downstream end in the flow direction, and is formed to be able to be connected to the supply connecting portion 11 by fitting. Specifically, the first supply pipe L0a is a pipe extending from the filter S disposed inside the beverage supply source 4 to the first connecting portion 12 installed on the upper part of the beverage supply source 4. The first supply pipe L0a is flexible. In addition, the first connecting portion 12 has a first fitting portion 12a that can be fitted with the supply connecting portion 11 at the upstream end of the beverage supply pipe L1. The shape of the first connecting portion 12 will be described later.

[0044] A second connection portion 13 is disposed near the first connection portion 12 installed on the upper part of the beverage supply source 4. The second connection portion 13 is provided at the downstream end of the second supply pipe L0b extending from the cleaning liquid supply source 8, which is the downstream end in the flow direction, and is formed to be able to be connected to the supply connection portion 11 by fitting. Specifically, the second supply pipe L0b is a pipe extending from the cleaning liquid supply source 8 to the second connection portion 13. The second supply pipe L0b is flexible. In addition, the second connection portion 13 has a second fitting portion 13a that can be fitted with the supply connection portion 11 provided at the upstream end of the beverage supply pipe L1. Although not particularly limited, the second connection portion 13 is, for example, made of the same components as the first connection portion 12.

[0045] The supply connection 11 can be engaged with the first connection 12 for connection, and can also be engaged with the second connection 13 for connection. When the first connection 12 and the supply connection 11 are engaged with each other for connection (allowing liquid to flow through), the beverage supply device 100 is able to supply beverage to the cup C via the first supply pipe L0a and the beverage supply pipe L1. When the second connection 13 and the supply connection 11 are engaged with each other for connection (allowing liquid to flow through), the beverage supply device 100 is able to supply cleaning liquid to the beverage supply pipe L1 via the second supply pipe L0b.

[0046] In this embodiment, the beverage supply device 100 is configured to supply air to the beverage supply pipe L1 by activating the air supply device 9 (more specifically, by opening the on / off valve V1 described later) while the first connection 12 is connected to the supply connection 11, and to drive the pump 7 to generate a mixed beverage of milk and air, and to dispense the mixed beverage from the beverage outlet 10 and supply it to the cup C.

[0047] Next, the various devices installed in the beverage supply pipe L1 and the air flow path L3 will be described in detail.

[0048] The beverage supply pipe L1, from the beverage supply source 4 (upstream side) to the beverage outlet 10 (downstream side), is sequentially equipped with a supply connection 11, a flow meter 14, an on / off valve V1, a pump 7, an expansion section 15, a heating device 6, and a switching valve V2. The manifold Z1 is located between the on / off valve V1 and the pump 7.

[0049] The flow meter 14 is, for example, a propeller-type flow meter, configured to output a pulse signal to the control unit 2 with each rotation. The control unit 2 is configured to monitor the milk dispensing volume, etc., implemented by the pump 7, based on the number of pulse signals.

[0050] The on / off valve V1 is a valve that opens and closes the beverage supply pipe L1, for example, it is composed of a solenoid valve that is disconnected (NC) in the initial state (power off).

[0051] The switching valve V2 is a valve used to selectively switch the dispensing purpose of liquids such as milk flowing in the beverage supply pipe L1 between the beverage dispensing outlet 10 and the discharge pipe L2. For example, it is a three-way valve of electromagnetic drive type. In the initial state (power off), the switching valve V2 allows flow to the discharge pipe L2 side and blocks flow to the beverage dispensing outlet 10 side. Furthermore, in the energized state (power on), the switching valve V2 operates in a manner that blocks flow to the discharge pipe L2 side and allows flow to the beverage dispensing outlet 10 side.

[0052] A check valve C1 is provided in the air flow path L3. The check valve C1 allows flow from the air supply device 9 to the manifold Z1 and prevents flow from the manifold Z1 to the air supply device 9.

[0053] Here, refer to Figure 2 In addition to the aforementioned components, the beverage dispensing device 100 also includes a switch 50. During beverage dispensing operation, the beverage dispensing device 100 is in a state where the first connecting part 12 and the supply connecting part 11 are engaged and connected (i.e., a state capable of dispensing beverages, and more specifically, a state capable of selling beverages). During cleaning liquid dispensing operation, the beverage dispensing device 100 is in a state where the second connecting part 13 and the supply connecting part 11 are engaged and connected (i.e., a state capable of cleaning). The operator of the beverage dispensing device 100 can switch the beverage dispensing device 100 from a state capable of selling beverages to a state capable of cleaning, and vice versa, simply by operating the switch 50.

[0054] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 10 The shapes of the various connecting parts (11, 12, 13) and the switch 50 are mainly described. Figures 3-7 This is a diagram used to explain the main parts of the beverage dispensing device 100, including the dispensing connection 11 and the switch 50. Figure 3 This is the main view of the main part. Figure 4 This is the right-side view of the main part. Figure 5 This is the left-side view of the main part. Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the main parts. Figure 7 It is an exploded 3D view of the main parts. Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the situation where the position of the supply connection 11 changes. Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the outer movable body 33 of the switch 50, which will be described later. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the detection unit 40 of the switch 50, which will be described later.

[0055] Additionally, as mentioned earlier, a door is provided at the front (main side) of the beverage dispensing device 100. Figure 3The diagram shows the state of the main parts when viewed from the front of the beverage dispensing device 100 with the door open. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the view will be taken from the front (door-side side, front surface) of the beverage dispensing device 100. Figure 3 Based on the perspective shown in the main view, one side of the beverage dispensing device 100 in the width direction is designated as the right side, and the other side in the width direction is designated as the left side.

[0056] Figure 2 In the diagram, the state in which the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12 (the state in which beverages can be sold) is shown with a solid line, and the state in which the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13 (the state in which it can be cleaned) is shown with a dashed line.

[0057] Reference Figures 3-5 Each connecting portion (11, 12, 13) has an internal flow path (111, 121, 131). The internal flow path 111 of the supply connecting portion 11 is always in communication with the beverage supply tube L1, the internal flow path 121 of the first connecting portion 12 is always in communication with the first supply tube L0a, and the internal flow path 131 of the second connecting portion 13 is always in communication with the second supply tube L0b. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the supply connecting portion 11 is inserted into the first connecting portion 12 or the second connecting portion 13 and thus engages with it, resulting in a connection with the first connecting portion 12 or the second connecting portion 13. Furthermore, the supply connecting portion 11 can be detached from the first connecting portion 12 or the second connecting portion 13 by pulling it out. That is, in this embodiment, the supply connecting portion 11 is a connector that can be inserted and removed relative to the first connecting portion 12 or the second connecting portion 13.

[0058] Specifically, refer to Figures 3-6 The supply connection 11 is a connector consisting of a bent section 11a and a supported section 11b. The bent section 11a has an internal flow path 111 and is bent at an obtuse angle. The supported section 11b is located at the center of the bent section 11a and is supported by the switch 50. One end of the bent section 11a of the supply connection 11 is connected to the beverage supply tube L1. Furthermore, the other end of the bent section 11a of the supply connection 11 has a small diameter section 11a1 and a large diameter section 11a2, which is larger than the diameter of the small diameter section 11a1. The entire small diameter section 11a1 and most of the large diameter section 11a2 are inserted into the first fitting part 12a of the first connection 12 or the second fitting part 13a of the second connection 13. Figures 3-6 The image shows the state in which the supply connection 11 is inserted into the interior of the first connection 12.

[0059] The first fitting portion 12a of the first connecting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 13a of the second connecting portion 13 are respectively formed as concave shapes into which the other end of the bent tube portion 11a of the supply connecting portion 11 can be inserted. Specifically, the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 13 are each composed of a connector having an internal flow path (121, 131) bent at approximately 90°. Each fitting portion (12a, 13a) has: a straight hole portion (12a1, 13a1) communicating with the internal flow path (121, 131) and having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 11a1 of the bent tube portion 11a of the supply connecting portion 11; and a tapered hole portion (12a2, 13a2) whose diameter increases from the straight hole portion (12a1, 13a1) toward the opening end of the fitting portion (12a, 13a). With the small-diameter portion 11a1 of the bend portion 11a of the supply connection portion 11 inserted into the straight hole portion (12a1, 13a1), the airtightness of the internal flow path (121, 131) is ensured. When the small-diameter portion 11a1 of the supply connection portion 11 is inserted into the fitting portion (12a, 13a), the tapered hole portion (12a2, 13a2) functions as an insertion guide relative to the supply connection portion 11.

[0060] The first fitting portion 12a is continuously formed at one end of the internal flow path 121 of the first connecting portion 12. A first threaded sleeve 12b is installed at the other end of the internal flow path 121 of the first connecting portion 12, and the first connecting portion 12 is connected to the first supply pipe L0a via the first threaded sleeve 12b. Similarly, the second fitting portion 13a is continuously formed at one end of the internal flow path 131 of the second connecting portion 13. A second threaded sleeve 13b is installed at the other end of the internal flow path 131 of the second connecting portion 13, and the second connecting portion 13 is connected to the second supply pipe L0b via the second threaded sleeve 13b. The end of the first threaded sleeve 12b on the first supply pipe L0a side passes through a hole provided in the upper wall of the beverage storage tank, which serves as the beverage supply source 4, and is located inside the tank. Furthermore, although not specifically limited, the second threaded sleeve 13b is integrally formed with the support plate 31 of the switch 50, which will be described later. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, the first threaded sleeve 12b was disassembled.

[0061] The switcher 50 selectively switches the connection target supplied to the connection section 11 between the first connection section 12 and the second connection section 13. (See reference...) Figures 2-7 The switcher 50 has an operation unit 20 and a switching mechanism 30. In this embodiment, the switcher 50 also has a detection unit 40.

[0062] The operating unit 20 is the part operated by the manager of the beverage supply device 100 and subjected to external forces. For example, the force applied by the manager of the beverage supply device 100 is applied to the operating unit 20 as an external force. The operating unit 20 is, for example, located in the upper part of the front wall (front panel) of the partition wall 5a1 of the cooling device 5 (see reference). Figure 2 The administrator can access and operate the operation unit 20 by opening the door (not shown) at the front of the housing 1.

[0063] Reference Figure 7 In this embodiment, the operating unit 20 includes: a rod 21 supported so as to rotate about an axis X extending in one direction and to be rotated by the external force; a circular plate portion 22 on which the rod 21 is disposed; and a cylindrical operating shaft portion 23, which protrudes rearward from the back of the circular plate portion 22 coaxially with the axis X of the rod 21. The axis X extends in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the beverage dispensing device 100 (housing 1) (the normal direction of the front wall of the partition 5a1).

[0064] The axis X of rod 21 is parallel to the central axis of the straight hole 12a1 and located directly above it in relation to the first connecting part 12. In relation to the second connecting part 13, it is parallel to the central axis of the straight hole 13a1 and, when viewed from the front (refer to...). Figure 3 The first connecting part 12 has its central axis located diagonally above and to the right of the central axis. In other words, the central axis of the straight hole portion 12a1 of the first connecting part 12 is located directly below the axis X of the rod 21, and the central axis of the straight hole portion 13a1 of the second connecting part 13 is located diagonally below and to the left of the axis X of the rod 21. The rod 21 is provided, for example, on the front wall side of the partition 5a1 so that it protrudes outward from the storage room 5a.

[0065] The circular plate portion 22 is provided along the front wall of the partition 5a1. The operating shaft portion 23 protrudes from the back of the circular plate portion 22 into the storage chamber 5a.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first fitting portion 12a of the first connecting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 13a of the second connecting portion 13 open within the chamber 5a, facing the opposite side of the rod 21 (the rear wall side of the partition wall 5a1) in the front-rear direction (the extension direction of the axis X). Specifically, the upstream end of the internal flow path 121 of the first connecting portion 12 faces downward, and the downstream end of the internal flow path 121 and the first fitting portion 12a face the rear wall of the partition wall 5a1. Furthermore, the upstream end of the internal flow path 131 of the second connecting portion 13 faces upward, and the downstream end of the internal flow path 131 and the second fitting portion 13a face the rear wall of the partition wall 5a1. Additionally, the small-diameter portion 11a1 and the large-diameter portion 11a2 of the bend portion 11a of the supply connecting portion 11 extend parallel to the axis X. Furthermore, the supply connection 11 is located on the opposite side (the rear wall side of the partition 5a1) of the first connection 12 and the second connection 13 in the front-rear direction, relative to the side closest to the rod 21. The small diameter portion 11a1 and the large diameter portion 11a2 of the bend 11a extend in the front-rear direction, with the small diameter portion 11a1 located on the front side relative to the large diameter portion 11a2.

[0067] The switching mechanism 30 connects the operating unit 20 to the supply connection unit 11 and converts the movement of the operating unit 20 based on the external force applied to it into a switching movement that switches the connection object of the supply connection unit 11. In this embodiment, the switching mechanism 30 is configured to connect the operating shaft portion 23 of the operating unit 20 to the supported portion 11b of the supply connection unit 11, and to move the supply connection unit 11 (supported portion 11b) by the switching movement.

[0068] In this embodiment, the switching motion in the switching mechanism 30 includes: a first motion for supplying the connection portion 11 with the insertion / removal (pull-out or insertion) relative to the first connection portion 12; a second motion for movement between the first connection portion 12 and the second connection portion 13; and a third motion for supplying the connection portion 11 with the insertion / removal (pull-out or insertion) relative to the second connection portion 13.

[0069] That is, the first movement is to move the supply connection 11 to the first position P1 (refer to...) Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) dashed line) and second position P2 (refer to) Figure 8 The solid line of (b), Figure 8The movement between the dashed lines (c) and the second position P2 is the position of the supply connection 11 when it is connected to the first connection part 12, and the second position P2 is the position of the supply connection 11 when it is detached from the first connection part 12 and opposite to the first fitting part 12a in the first connection part 12. The second movement is to move the supply connection 11 between the second position P2 and the third position P3 (refer to...). Figure 8 The solid line of (c), Figure 8 The movement between the dashed lines of (d), the third position P3 is the position of the supply connection 11 in a state where it is detached from the second connection 13 and opposite to the second fitting part 13a in the second connection 13. The third movement is to move the supply connection 11 between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 (refer to...). Figure 8 The movement between the solid lines of (d), the fourth position P4 is the position of the supply connection 11 in the state of being connected to the second connection 13.

[0070] In this embodiment, the conversion mechanism 30 is configured such that the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12 at one end of the operating range (here, the rotation operating range) of the operation unit 20, and the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13 at the other end of the operating range of the operation unit 20.

[0071] Specifically, although not particularly limited, the rotational operating range (rotation angle range) centered on the axis X of the lever 21, which is the operating range of the operating unit 20, is set to a range of 0° to 180°. When the supply connection 11 is in the first position P1, the lever 21 is in a posture that extends in the horizontal direction. With the horizontal posture set as the reference (0°), the lever 21 can rotate clockwise by an amount equivalent to 180° when viewed from the main view.

[0072] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 30 is configured such that, during the rotation of the lever 21 from 0° clockwise to 180°, the supply connection 11 located at the first position P1 moves continuously in the sequence of the second position P2, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4; and during the rotation of the lever 21 from 180° counterclockwise to 0°, the supply connection 11 located at the fourth position P4 moves continuously in the sequence of the third position P3, the second position P2, and the first position P1. That is, in this embodiment, the switching mechanism 30 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the lever 21 into the switching motion described above. Furthermore, the switching mechanism 30 fully connects the supply connection 11 to the first connection 12 at the 0° angle position of the lever 21, and fully connects the supply connection 11 to the second connection 13 at the 180° angle position of the lever 21.

[0073] return Figures 4-7More specifically, in this embodiment, the conversion mechanism 30 has a support plate 31, an inner movable body 32, an outer movable body 33, and an end movable body 34.

[0074] The support plate 31 supports the operating part 20 so that it can rotate, for example, and is fixed to the partition wall 5a1 of the cooling device 5. The support plate 31 is located above the beverage storage tank, which serves as the beverage supply source 4, in the compartment 5a of the cooling device 5, and also has the function of fixing the switch 50 to the partition wall 5a1.

[0075] Specifically, the support plate 31 has, for example, a front plate 311, a rear plate 312, an upper plate 313, and a left side plate 314.

[0076] The front plate 311 abuts against the back of the circular plate portion 22 of the operating section 20. A front support hole 311a is provided in the opening of the front plate 311 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The front support hole 311a supports the operating shaft portion 23, which protrudes from the back of the circular plate portion 22, allowing it to rotate. The expanded diameter shaft portion 23a on the circular plate portion 22 side of the operating shaft portion 23 (see...) Figure 7 It can be rotatably inserted into the front support hole 311a.

[0077] The rear plate 312 is separated from the front plate 311 at the rear. The main mechanism of the conversion mechanism 30 is arranged in the area between the front plate 311 and the rear plate 312. A rear support hole 312a is formed in the rear plate 312, which supports the end 322a of the rear shaft portion 322 of the inner movable body 32 (described later) so that it can rotate.

[0078] The upper plate 313 connects the upper end of the front plate 311 to the upper end of the rear plate 312. A detection unit 40 is mounted on the upper plate 313. Multiple protrusions 313a protrude upwards from the upper plate 313, surrounding the detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 is fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate 313 by the multiple protrusions 313a. Furthermore, the inner portions of the multiple protrusions 313a on the upper surface of the upper plate 313 have openings for detection holes 313b (see reference) for detection by the detection unit 40. Figure 6 ).

[0079] The left side plate 314 extends downward from the left end of the upper plate 313. A left flange portion 314a, extending parallel (horizontally) to the upper plate 313, is formed at the lower end of the left side plate 314a. In the left flange portion 314a, a second threaded sleeve 13b for the second connecting portion 13 is integrally formed with the left flange portion 314a of the support plate 31. Therefore, the second connecting portion 13, connected to the second supply pipe L0b via the second threaded sleeve 13b, is fixed to the position of the second threaded sleeve 13b on the left side plate 314 of the support plate 31.

[0080] The inner movable body 32 is the part that transmits rotational motion to the operating shaft 23 as the lever 21 rotates. The inner movable body 32 is coaxially connected to the operating shaft 23 of the operating part 20 and can rotate together with the operating shaft 23 about the axis X.

[0081] Specifically, the inner movable body 32 has: a bottomed cylindrical inner cylindrical portion 321, the inner cylindrical portion 321 including a cylindrical portion 321a and a bottom 321b (see reference). Figure 7 The rear axle portion 322 extends rearward from the bottom 321b of the inner cylindrical portion 321; a rotating protrusion 323 protrudes radially outward from a predetermined angular position about the axis X on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 321 and rotates about the axis X together with the inner cylindrical portion 321; and a rotating plate 324 is formed in a predetermined angular range about the axis X on the outer peripheral surface of the rear axle portion 322 and rotates about the axis X together with the rear axle portion 322.

[0082] The inner cylindrical portion 321 extends coaxially with the axis X. The operating shaft portion 23 is inserted into the front end opening of the cylindrical portion 321a of the inner cylindrical portion 321, and is connected (fixed) to the inner cylindrical portion 321 in this state by screws or the like. The bottom 321b of the inner cylindrical portion 321 seals the rear end opening of the cylindrical portion 321a. A flange portion 321c is formed around the front end of the cylindrical portion 321a.

[0083] The rear shaft portion 322 extends rearward from the bottom 321b of the inner cylindrical portion 321, coaxial with the axis X. The diameter of the shaft end 322a of the rear shaft portion 322 is reduced, and it is rotatably supported by the rear support hole 312a of the support plate 31 via a stepped bushing 322b. In other words, the rotating body composed of the operating part 20 and the inner movable body 32 is supported by the support plate 31 (front support hole 311a, rear support hole 312a) at both the expanded diameter shaft portion 23a of the operating shaft portion 23 and the shaft end 322a of the inner movable body 32, enabling it to rotate.

[0084] The rotating protrusion 323 constitutes part of a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the operating part 20 (lever 21) into the first and third movements for supplying the insertion and removal of the connecting part 11. The rotating protrusion 323 is, for example, formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. A collar 323a is mounted on the front end side of the rotating protrusion 323. An E-shaped retaining ring 323b prevents the collar 323a from detaching from the rotating protrusion 323.

[0085] The rotating plate 324 constitutes part of a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the operating part 20 (lever 21) into the second motion for supplying movement between the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 13 of the connecting part 11. The rotating plate 324 has a fan-shaped cross-section and is formed along the entire long side of the rear axle part 322. The rotating plate 324 has a front fan-shaped cross-section 324a, a middle fan-shaped cross-section 324b, and a rear fan-shaped cross-section 324b, extending along the long side direction (the extension direction of the axis X). Here, the central angle of the fan-shaped cross-section 324a is approximately 60°, and the central angle of the fan-shaped cross-section 324c is approximately 180°. Furthermore, the middle fan-shaped cross-section 324b is formed such that the central angle of the fan gradually increases from the front to the rear, and smoothly connects the front fan-shaped cross-section 324a and the rear fan-shaped cross-section 324c. In other words, the central angle of the sector of the intermediate sector section 324b increases continuously from the front to the rear. Furthermore, the radius of the sector centered on the axis X of the sector section of the rotating piece 324 is the same as the radius of the inner cylinder section 321.

[0086] The outer movable body 33, together with the rotating protrusion 323, constitutes a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the operating part 20 (rod 21) into the first and third motions for supplying the insertion and removal of the connecting part 11. The outer movable body 33 surrounds the inner movable body 32 from the radially outer side and is configured to be coaxial with the axis X of the operating part 20.

[0087] While allowing relative movement of the outer movable body 33 in the direction of extension (front-back direction) of the axis X relative to the inner movable body 32, it prevents relative rotation of the outer movable body 33 relative to the inner movable body 32 about the axis X.

[0088] A guide portion 313c is formed on the upper plate 313. The guide portion 313c prevents the rotation of the outer movable body 33 and guides the movement of the outer movable body 33 in the forward and backward directions. Furthermore, a sliding portion 33a is formed on the outer cylindrical portion 331 of the outer movable body 33, which slides along the guide portion 313c. Rotation of the outer movable body 33 is prevented by the sliding portion 33a abutting against the guide portion 313c. Furthermore, by allowing the sliding portion 33a of the outer movable body 33 to slide along the guide portion 313c, the outer movable body 33 can move smoothly in the forward and backward directions.

[0089] Furthermore, an electromagnetically driven stop device 35 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 313, which is used to prevent the outer movable body 33 from moving in the front-back direction. The stop device 35 has an electromagnetically driven main body 35a and a cylindrical stop member 35b that can move forward and backward in the vertical direction. An insertion hole is provided in the opening of the upper plate 313 for the front end of the cylindrical stop member 35b to be inserted. In addition, a front-back movement blocking groove 33b is formed in the outer cylindrical portion 331 of the outer movable body 33 (described later) for engaging the front end of the cylindrical stop member 35b. In the initial state (power off), the stop device 35 causes the cylindrical stop member 35b to protrude downward, and in the above state, the front end of the cylindrical stop member 35b engages with the front-back movement blocking groove 33b of the outer movable body 33 to prevent the movement of the outer movable body 33 in the front-back direction. When energized (power is turned on), the stop device 35 pulls the cylindrical stop 35b upward, thereby allowing the outer movable body 33 to move in the front-to-back direction. Although not particularly limited, the stop device 35 is configured, for example, to be turned on or off according to a signal output from a stop device switch (not shown) provided inside the housing 1 of the beverage dispensing device 100 or the coffee machine 200.

[0090] Specifically, the outer movable body 33 has an outer cylindrical portion 331 and a partition wall 332 (see reference). Figure 7 The partition wall 332 divides the space inside the outer cylindrical part 331 into front and back sections.

[0091] The outer cylindrical portion 331 is generally cylindrical. A conversion groove 33c and a rotation range defining groove 33d are formed in the outer cylindrical portion 331. The conversion groove 33c converts the rotational movement (rotational displacement) of the operating shaft 23 of the operating unit 20 into the forward and backward movement (forward and backward displacement) of the outer cylindrical portion 331 itself. The rotation range defining groove 33d defines the rotation range of the end movable body 34. The conversion groove 33c and the rotation range defining groove 33d penetrate the peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion 331. A rotating protrusion 323 and a collar 323a of the inner movable body 32 are inserted into the conversion groove 33c, and a rotation range defining protrusion 34a of the end movable body 34 (described later) is inserted into the rotation range defining groove 33d. Furthermore, the rotation range defining groove 33d is arranged symmetrically about the axis X in the peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion 331.

[0092] Specifically, refer to Figures 4-7 and Figure 9The transition groove 33c is formed in the outer cylindrical portion 331, in the portion further forward than the partition wall 332. The transition groove 33c is composed of a first motion groove 33c1, a second motion groove 33c2, and a third motion groove 33c3, which are continuously formed into a single groove. The first motion groove 33c1 extends in a twisted manner on the right side of the outer cylindrical portion 331c, moving away from the axis X as its portion overlaps with the axis X in the vertical direction and is located in front of the partition wall 332 in the front-rear direction. The third motion groove 33c3 extends in a twisted manner on the left side of the outer cylindrical portion 331c, moving away from the axis X as its portion overlaps with the axis X in the vertical direction and is located in front of the partition wall 332 in the front-rear direction. The second motion groove 33c2 extends such that it connects the front end of the first motion groove 331c to the front end of the third motion groove 33c3. The front end of the first motion groove 33c1 is aligned with the front end of the third motion groove 33c3 in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the first motion groove 33c1 is aligned with the rear end of the third motion groove 33c3 in the front-rear direction. The second motion groove 33c2 extends along an imaginary plane parallel to the circular plate portion 22 of the operation section 20, that is, orthogonal to the axis X, and connects the front ends of the first motion groove 33c1 and the third motion groove 33c3.

[0093] The rotation range defining groove 33d is formed in the outer cylindrical portion 331, further rearward than the partition wall 332. The rotation range defining groove 33d is formed on the right and left sides of the outer cylindrical portion 331. Each rotation range defining groove 33d, like the second motion groove 33c2, extends along an imaginary plane parallel to the circular plate portion 22 of the operating portion 20, i.e., orthogonal to the axis X. The rotation range defining protrusion 34a of the end movable body 34, described later, is inserted into the rotation range defining groove 33d via an end slit 33e extending from the rear end of the outer cylindrical portion 331 to the rotation range defining groove 33d.

[0094] A circular hole 332a is opened at the radial center of the partition wall 332 (see reference). Figure 9 The circular hole 332a supports the inner cylindrical part 321 and the rotating piece 324 of the inner movable body 32 so that they can rotate.

[0095] The end movable body 34 and the rotating plate 324 cooperate to form a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the operating part 20 (lever 21) into the second motion for supplying movement between the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 13 of the connecting part 11. The end movable body 34 is rotatably inserted into the portion of the outer cylindrical part 331 of the outer movable body 33 that is further rearward than the partition wall 332, about the axis X of the operating part 20.

[0096] Although the relative movement of the end movable body 34 in the front-rear direction relative to the outer movable body 33 is prevented by inserting the rotation range defining protrusion 34a into the rotation range defining groove 33d as described later, the relative rotation of the end movable body 34 relative to the outer movable body 33 about the axis X is allowed within the range defined by the rotation range defining groove 33d.

[0097] Specifically, the end movable body 34 has an end cylindrical portion 341, a cylindrical bottom 342, and a connecting piece 343.

[0098] The end cylindrical portion 341 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A rotation range defining protrusion 34a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end cylindrical portion 341, which is inserted into the rotation range defining groove 33d. In addition, the rotation range defining groove 33d is configured to be symmetrical about the axis X on the outer peripheral surface of the end cylindrical portion 341.

[0099] A cylindrical bottom 342 is formed on the rear end side of the end cylindrical portion 341. A semi-circular hole 342a and a sector-shaped hole 342b are integrally opened at the cylindrical bottom 342. The semi-circular hole 342a supports the rear shaft portion 322 of the inner movable body 32, allowing it to rotate. The sector-shaped hole 342b allows the rotating piece 324 of the inner movable body 32 to pass through. The center of the semi-circular hole 342a and the sector center of the sector-shaped hole 342b pass through the axis X.

[0100] The connecting piece 343 is a portion that connects to and supports the supported portion 11b of the supply connection portion 11, and protrudes radially outward from the end cylindrical portion 341. In other words, the conversion mechanism 30 connects the operation portion 20 (operation shaft portion 23) and the supply connection portion 11 (supported portion 11b) through the inner cylindrical portion 321 of the inner movable body 32 and the connecting piece 343 of the end movable body 34.

[0101] The detection unit 40 is a sensor that detects the connection position of the supply connection unit 11. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to control the beverage supply operation and the cleaning liquid supply operation based on the detection results of the detection unit 40.

[0102] In this embodiment, the detection unit 40 includes: a first sensor 41, which detects whether the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12; and a second sensor 42, which detects whether the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13. Specifically, the detection unit 40 (first sensor 41 and second sensor 42) is mounted on the upper surface of the upper plate 313 of the support plate 31 via multiple protrusions 313a as described above. The same components can be used as the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42. The first sensor 41 is viewed from the main view (refer to...). Figure 3(etc.) when it is positioned on the right side relative to the second sensor 42.

[0103] Reference Figure 10 Each sensor (41, 42) includes, for example, a sensor body 40a; a sensor portion 40b, which is retractable in the vertical direction from the lower surface of the sensor body 40a; and a detection rod portion 40c, which is rotatably supported at one end in the long side direction of the lower surface of the sensor body 40a and abuts against the sensor portion 40b. The detection rod portion 40c extends in the front-rear direction within a detection hole 313b formed in the upper plate 313 (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, a first protrusion 344a and a second protrusion 344b are formed on the end movable body 34 for the detection unit 40 to detect the position of the supply connection 11. The first protrusion 344a and the second protrusion 344b protrude radially outward from the rear surface of the cylindrical bottom 342 of the end movable body 34, and are bent relative to the radially outward portion of the rear end portion of the outer cylindrical portion 331 of the outer movable body 33. The first protrusion 344a and the second protrusion 344b are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 331. When the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12 and is in the first position P1, the front end of the detection rod portion 40c of the first sensor 41 is pressed upward by the first protrusion 344a, and the sensor portion 40b of the first sensor 41 is pressed upward via the detection rod portion 40c. At this time, the first sensor 41 outputs a signal indicating that the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12 (in the case of being in the first position P1), i.e., a first connection signal, to the control unit 2. Similarly, when the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13 and is in the fourth position P4, the front end of the detection rod 40c of the second sensor 42 is pressed upward by the second protrusion 344b, and the sensor part 40b of the second sensor 42 is pressed upward via the detection rod 40c. At this time, the second sensor 42 outputs a signal indicating that the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13 (in the fourth position P4), i.e., a second connection signal, to the control unit 2.

[0104] Next, refer to Figures 11-13 The operation of switch 50 is explained.

[0105] Figures 11-13 These are conceptual diagrams illustrating the main parts used to explain the operation of the switch 50. In each diagram, the supply connection 11 is located at the first position P1 in (a), the second position P2 in (b), the third position P3 in (c), and the fourth position P4 in (d). Figures 11-13 The middle support plate 31 was removed. Figure 11 This is the main view of the main part. Figure 12This is the right-side view of the main part. Figure 13 This is the rear view of the main part.

[0106] When the lever 21 of the operating unit 20 is at the 0° angle position (refer to...) Figure 11 (a)), the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12 and is located at the first position P1. At this time, refer to Figure 12 In (a), the rotating protrusion 323 of the inner movable body 32 is located at the rear end of the first motion groove 33c1 of the conversion groove 33c of the outer movable body 33, and the outer movable body 33 advances to a position near the back of the circular plate portion 22 of the operating part 20 (advancing end). Furthermore, the right-side rotation range defining protrusion 34a of the end movable body 34 abuts against the upper end of the inner wall of the right-side rotation range defining groove 33d of the outer movable body 33, and the left-side rotation range defining protrusion 34a of the end movable body 34 abuts against the lower side of the groove wall of the left-side rotation range defining groove 33d of the outer movable body 33. Furthermore, referring to… Figure 12 (a) and Figure 13 In (a), the first protruding piece 344a presses the sensor 40b upward via the detection rod portion 40c of the first sensor 41 of the detection unit 40. At this time, the first sensor 41 outputs a first connection signal. Furthermore, in the initial state, the aforementioned stop device is disconnected by a switch, and the stop device 35 engages with the groove portion 33b of the outer cylindrical portion 331 of the outer movable body 33 by causing the front end of the cylindrical stop member 35b to engage with the groove portion 33b that prevents the back-and-forth movement of the outer cylindrical portion 331 of the outer movable body 33 (see reference). Figure 12 (a) and Figure 13 (a) prevents the movement of the outer movable body 33 in the front-back direction. As a result, the rotation of the lever 21 of the operating unit 20 is also locked. When the control unit 2 receives a first connection signal from the detection unit 40 (first sensor 41) and there is no second connection signal from the detection unit (second sensor 42), the control unit 2 enters a state that allows the start of the beverage supply operation and prohibits the start of the cleaning liquid supply operation.

[0107] Here, in Figure 11 (a) ~ Figure 13 In state (a), when supply commands S1 to S4 are input from the coffee machine 200 to the control unit 2, the control unit 2 begins controlling the beverage supply operation of supplying a beverage containing milk (milk or a mixture of milk and air) to the cup C according to the supply command. The details of this beverage supply operation will be described in detail later.

[0108] Furthermore, the manager of the beverage supply device 100 performs maintenance such as regular cleaning of the beverage supply pipe L1. At this time, when the manager activates the aforementioned stop device with a switch, the cylindrical stop member 35b of the stop device 35 retracts upwards, thereby releasing the rotation lock of the lever 21 of the operating part 20. Then, when the lever 21 is rotated from 0° to 60° by the manager or others, the supply connection 11 is pulled out (disassembled) from the first connection 12 (see reference). Figure 11 (b) ~ Figure 13 (b)

[0109] Specifically, when lever 21 is operated to rotate from 0° in one direction (clockwise in the main view), the rotating protrusion 323 presses downward against the groove wall on the lower side of the first motion groove 33c1. As a result, the outer movable body 33 slides rearward via the rotating protrusion 323. At this time, the end movable body 34 moves rearward together with the outer movable body 33. Then, when lever 21 of operating part 20 rotates to an angle position of 60° (refer to...), Figure 11 When (b) occurs, the supply connection 11 moves rearward and is detached (pulled out) from the first connection 12, and is located in the second position P2. At this time, refer to Figure 12 (b) The rotating protrusion 323 extends beyond the front end of the first moving groove 33c1 of the conversion groove 33c and is located at the right end of the second moving groove 33c2. As a result, the pressure of the rotating protrusion 323 on the lower side of the groove wall of the first moving groove 33c1 is released, and the retraction of the outer movable body 33 and the end movable body 34 stops. Furthermore, the rear fan-shaped section 324c of the rotating piece 324 of the inner movable body 32 is inserted into the fan-shaped hole 342b of the cylindrical bottom 342 of the end movable body 34, and the inner movable body 32 is connected to the end movable body 34 in a manner that allows the rotational movement of the rod 21 (operating part 20) to be transmitted to the end movable body 34. At this time, the supply connection 11 is maximally separated from the first connection 12 behind it and is completely detached from the first connection 12 and located in the second position P2. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 12 (b) and Figure 13 (b) The first protruding piece 344a retracts to the rear end of the detection rod portion 40c of the first sensor 41, and the sensor portion 40b of the first sensor 41 returns to the lower position. At this time, the first sensor 41 stops outputting the first position signal.

[0110] Furthermore, when the lever 21 of the operating unit 20 is rotated from 60° to 120° by the operator, the supply connection 11 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3 along an arc track centered on the axis X (see reference). Figure 11 (c) ~ Figure 13 (c)).

[0111] Specifically, when lever 21 is operated to rotate from 60° in one direction (clockwise in the main view), the rotating protrusion 323 moves within the second motion groove 33c2, and the end movable body 34 begins to rotate around axis X together with the inner movable body 32, causing the supply connection 11 to rotate towards the second connection 13. While the rotating protrusion 323 moves within the second motion groove 33c2, the outer movable body 33 does not move in the front-back direction but stops at the rear end position, and the end movable body 34 rotates relative to the outer movable body 33 together with the inner movable body 32. Next, when lever 21 of operating part 20 rotates to an angle position of 120° (refer to...), Figure 11 (c)), the supply connection 11 separates from the rear of the second connection 13 and is located in the third position P3 (refer to) after being detached from the second connection 13. Figure 12 (c)). At this time, the right-side rotation range defined protrusion 34a of the end movable body 34 abuts against the upper end of the inner wall of the right-side rotation range defined groove 33d of the outer movable body 33 (see reference). Figure 12 (c) The left-side rotation range-defined protrusion 34a of the end movable body 34 abuts against the lower end of the inner wall of the left-side rotation range-defined groove 33d of the outer movable body 33 (illustration omitted), preventing further rotation of the end movable body 34, i.e., further clockwise rotation of the operating part 20. As a result, the supply connection part 11 stops at the third position P3. Furthermore, when referring to Figure 12 (c) and Figure 13 At (c), although the second protrusion 344b rotates to a position below the detection rod 40c of the second sensor 42, it does not press the detection rod 40c of the second sensor 42 upward. Therefore, the second sensor 42 does not output the second connection signal.

[0112] Next, when lever 21 is operated and rotated further from 120° to 180°, supply connection 11 is inserted into and connected to second connection 13 (see reference). Figure 11 (d) Figure 13 (d)

[0113] Specifically, when the lever 21 is operated to rotate from 120° in one direction (clockwise in this case), the rotating protrusion 323 presses upward against the upper side wall of the third motion groove 33c3. As a result, the outer movable body 33 slides forward via the rotating protrusion 323. At this time, the clockwise rotation of the end movable body 34 is prevented by the rotation range defining protrusion 34a, and the engagement between the rear fan-shaped section 324c of the rotating plate 324 and the fan-shaped hole 342b of the cylindrical bottom 342 of the end movable body 34 is released. Therefore, the end movable body 34 moves forward together with the outer movable body 33 while rotating relative to the inner movable body 32 but not relative to the outer movable body 33. When the lever 21 of the operating part 20 is rotated to the 180° position, the outer movable body 33 advances to a position near the back of the circular plate part 22 of the operating part 20 (advancing end) (see reference). Figure 12 (d) The supply connection 11 is inserted into the second connection 13 and is located in the fourth position P4. At this time, the rotating protrusion 323 is located at the rear end of the third moving groove 33c3 of the conversion groove 33c. In addition, refer to Figure 12 (d) and Figure 13 (d) The second protruding piece 344b presses the sensor 40b upward via the detection rod 40c of the second sensor 42 of the detection unit 40. At this time, the second sensor 42 outputs a second connection signal. When the control unit 2 receives the second connection signal from the detection unit 40 (second sensor 42) and there is no input of the first connection signal from the detection unit 40 (first sensor 41), the control unit 2 enters a state where the control of beverage supply is prohibited and the control of cleaning liquid supply is permitted.

[0114] As described above, when the lever 21 of the operating unit 20 is operated to rotate from 0° to 180°, the supply connection 11 moves sequentially to the first position P1, the second position P2, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4. When the lever 21 of the operating unit 20 is operated to rotate from 180° to 0°, the switch 50 performs an operation in the opposite direction to the aforementioned operation, and the supply connection 11 moves sequentially to the fourth position P4, the third position P3, the second position P2, and the first position P1.

[0115] Next, the beverage supply operation of the beverage supply device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] First, the control unit 2 activates the switching valve V2 to block flow to the discharge pipe L2 side and allows flow to the beverage outlet 10 side, and opens the on / off valve V1 to further activate the pump 7. Furthermore, (1) when the control unit 2 receives an instruction to supply cold milk (supply instruction S3), it allows the cold milk cooled by the cooling device 5 to flow through the bypass pipe in the heating device 6. Thus, the main body 3 dispenses a predetermined amount of cold milk drawn from the beverage supply source 4 from the beverage outlet 10 and supplies it into the cup C. (2) When the control unit 2 receives an instruction to supply a cold mixed beverage (supply instruction S4), it activates the air supply device 9 and allows the cold mixed beverage generated by mixing air with the milk cooled by the cooling device 5 to flow through the bypass pipe in the heating device 6. Thus, the main body 3 supplies a predetermined amount of cold mixed beverage from the beverage outlet 10 into the cup C. In other words, the beverage supply device 100 supplies a beverage (milk or a mixture of milk and air) containing milk cooled by the cooling device 5 to the outside in supply instructions S3 and S4. (3) When the control unit 2 is given a supply instruction to supply warm milk (supply instruction S1), the heating device 6 heats the cold milk cooled by the cooling device 5 and causes it to flow out into the beverage outlet 10. As a result, the main body of the device 3 warms the cold milk drawn from the beverage supply source 4 by the heating device 6, thereby dispensing a predetermined amount of warm milk from the beverage outlet 10 and supplying it into the cup C. (4) When the control unit 2 is given a supply instruction to supply warm mixed beverage (supply instruction S2), the air supply device 9 is activated, and the heating device 6 heats the cold mixed beverage generated by mixing air with the milk cooled by the cooling device 5 and causes it to flow into the beverage outlet 10. As a result, the main body of the device 3 supplies a predetermined amount of warm mixed beverage from the beverage outlet 10 into the cup C. In other words, the beverage supply device 100 supplies a beverage (milk or a mixture of milk and air) containing warm milk from the heating device 6 to the outside in supply instructions S1 and S2.

[0117] Next, the cleaning fluid supply operation of the beverage dispensing device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, when the switching valve V2 is in its initial state, allowing flow to the discharge pipe L2 side and blocking flow to the beverage outlet 10 side, the first connection signal is not input from the detection unit 40 (first sensor 41) to the control unit 2, and the second connection signal is input from the detection unit 40 (second sensor 42) to the control unit 2. Additionally, although not specifically limited, a touch panel-type LCD operation panel may be provided on the front of the coffee machine 200, for example. Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 100 is configured such that when cleaning the beverage dispensing pipe L1, the operator can select to switch from the beverage dispensing mode to the cleaning fluid dispensing mode via the LCD operation panel.

[0118] For example, when no first connection signal is input from the detection unit 40 (first sensor 41) and a second connection signal is input from the detection unit 40 (second sensor 42), if a signal indicating switching to the cleaning fluid supply mode is input from the LCD operation panel, the control unit 2 will open the on / off valve V1 and simultaneously activate the cleaning fluid supply source 8. As a result, the cleaning fluid flows through the beverage supply pipe L1 to clean it, and then the cleaning fluid is discharged to the outside via the discharge pipe L2.

[0119] In the beverage supply device 100 of this embodiment, a first connecting portion 12 provided at the downstream end of a first supply pipe L0a extending from a beverage supply source 4 can be fitted to a supply connecting portion 11 provided at the upstream end of a beverage supply pipe L1 that guides the beverage to a cup C, which is a predetermined supply object. A second connecting portion 13 provided at the downstream end of a second supply pipe L0b extending from a cleaning liquid supply source 8 can be fitted to the supply connecting portion 11. Furthermore, a switcher 50 that selectively switches the connection object of the supply connecting portion 11 between the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 13 includes: an operation portion 20 to which an external force is applied; and a conversion mechanism 30 that connects the operation portion 20 and the supply connecting portion 11 and converts the movement of the operation portion 20 based on the external force into a switching movement that switches the connection object of the supply connecting portion 11. Therefore, when the operator of the beverage supply device 100 operates the operation section 20 of the switch 50, the movement of the operation section 20 based on the external force applied to it by the operation is converted by the conversion mechanism 30 into a switching movement that switches the connection object of the supply connection section 11. The conversion mechanism 30 connects the operation section 20 and the supply connection section 11. As a result, the operator of the beverage supply device 100 can switch the beverage supply device 100 from a state where it can sell beverages to a state where it can be cleaned, and can switch the beverage supply device 100 from a state where it can be cleaned to a state where it can sell beverages, simply by operating the switch 50. In this way, the beverage supply device 100 has a structure that allows switching between a state where it can supply beverages and a state where it can clean the beverage supply tube through a simple operation.

[0120] In this embodiment, the switching mechanism 30 of the switcher 50 can move the supply connection 11 between a first position P1 and a second position P2 via the first movement, move the supply connection 11 between a second position P2 and a third position P3 via the second movement, and move the supply connection 11 between a third position P3 and a fourth position P4 via the third movement. Therefore, the manager can continuously move the supply connection 11 between the first position P1 and the fourth position P4 via the switcher 50.

[0121] In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is configured to control the beverage supply operation and the cleaning liquid supply operation based on the detection result of the detection unit 40, which detects the connection position of the supply connection 11. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent adverse situations such as starting the cleaning liquid supply operation when the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12, which is the beverage supply source 4, or starting the beverage supply operation when the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13, which is the cleaning liquid supply source 8.

[0122] In this embodiment, the detection unit 40 includes: a first sensor 41, which detects whether the supply connection 11 is connected to the first connection 12; and a second sensor 42, which detects whether the supply connection 11 is connected to the second connection 13. Therefore, a more reliable and simpler structure can be used to detect both the connection position of the supply connection 11 and its state of not being connected to the first connection 12 and the second connection 13.

[0123] In this embodiment, the switching mechanism 30 is configured to connect the supply connection 11 to the first connection 12 at one end of the operating range of the operating unit 20, and to connect the supply connection 11 to the second connection 13 at the other end of the operating range of the operating unit 20. Therefore, the supply connection 11 can be switched from being connected to the first connection 12 to being connected to the second connection 13 simply by operating the operating unit 20 from one end of the operating range to the other, and the supply connection 11 can be switched from being connected to the second connection 13 to being connected to the first connection 12 simply by operating the operating unit 20 from one end of the operating range to one end. Therefore, the beverage supply device 100 can be quickly switched between a state where beverages can be supplied (a state where beverages can be sold) and a state where cleaning is possible.

[0124] In this embodiment, the conversion mechanism 30 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the lever 21 into the switching motion. The lever 21 is supported so as to be able to rotate about an axis X extending in one direction and is operated to rotate by the external force. Therefore, the manager can easily switch the beverage dispensing device 100 between a state that can dispense beverages and a state that can clean by simply rotating the lever 21.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation range of the operating unit 20 is set to 180°, but it is not limited to this; it can be less than 180° or greater than 180°. The rotation direction of the operating unit 20 from the first position P1 to the fourth position P4 is clockwise, but it can also be counterclockwise. In addition, the operating unit 20 is not limited to the front wall (front surface panel) of the partition 5a1.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating part 20 (lever 21) is rotated by operation, and the conversion mechanism 30 converts the rotational movement of the operating part 20 (lever 21) into the switching movement. However, the operation form of the operating part 20 is not limited to this. As long as the conversion mechanism 30 is configured to convert the movement of the operating part 20 based on the external force into a switching movement that can selectively switch the supply of the connection object to the connection part 11 between the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 13, the operation form of the operating part 20 can be appropriately set. For example, the operating part 20 can also be configured to be operated in any one of the following operating directions: up and down along the front wall (hereinafter referred to as "front surface panel") of the partition wall 5a1 of the cooling device 5, left and right along the front surface panel, and in the normal direction (front and back direction) relative to the front surface panel. The conversion mechanism 30 is configured to convert the movement of the operating part 20 based on the external force in the operating direction into the switching movement. Furthermore, the operation of the operating part 20 is not limited to any one of up and down, left and right, or front and back operations. For example, any one of them can be combined with rotation. In the above case, the position and orientation of the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 13 are set in accordance with the operation mode.

[0127] In this embodiment, the operation unit 20 is directly operated by the manager of the beverage dispensing device 100, and the force exerted by a person (human power) is applied to the operation unit 20 as an external force, but it is not limited to this. For example, the power generated by a drive unit such as an electric motor or solenoid can also be used as the external force. In the above case, for example, as long as a touch panel-type LCD operation panel is provided on the front of the coffee machine 200, the beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured to activate the drive unit by the manager's instruction to the LCD operation panel.

[0128] The preferred embodiments and their variations of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and variations, and various modifications and alterations can be made based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0129] Symbol Explanation

[0130] 2. Control Unit; 4. Beverage supply sources; 8. Cleaning fluid supply source; 11. Supply connection section; 12 First connecting part; 12a First mating part; 13 Second connecting part; 13a Second mating part; 20. Operations Department; 21 strokes; 30. Conversion mechanism; 40. Testing Department; 41. First sensor; 42. Second sensor; 50 Switches; 100 Beverage dispensing devices; L0a First supply pipe; L0b Second supply pipe; L1 Beverage supply pipe; P1 is the first position; P2, second position; P3, third position; P4, fourth position; X-axis.

Claims

1. A beverage supply device comprising: a beverage supply source; and a beverage supply pipe, wherein the beverage supply pipe supplies beverage to a designated recipient; and a cleaning solution supply source, the cleaning solution supply source being used to clean the beverage supply pipe. Its features are, The beverage dispensing device includes: A supply connection portion is provided at the upstream end of the beverage supply pipe; A first connecting portion is provided at the downstream end of a first supply pipe extending from the beverage supply source, and is configured to be able to be connected to the supply connecting portion by fitting. A second connecting portion is disposed at the downstream end of a second supply pipe extending from the cleaning fluid supply source, and is configured to be connected to the supply connecting portion by fitting; and A switcher that selectively switches the connection object of the supply connection between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. The switch has: An operating unit, wherein an external force is applied to the operating unit; and A conversion mechanism connects the operating unit and the supply connection unit, and converts the movement of the operating unit based on the external force into a switching movement that switches the connection object of the supply connection unit.

2. The beverage dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The switching motion of the conversion mechanism includes a first motion, a second motion, and a third motion. The first movement moves the supply connector between a first position and a second position. The first position is the position where the supply connector is connected to the first connector, and the second position is the position where the supply connector is detached from the first connector and faces a first engaging portion in the first connector that can engage with the supply connector. The second movement causes the supply connector to move between a second position and a third position, the third position being the position of the supply connector in which it is detached from the second connector and opposite to a second engaging portion of the second connector that can engage with the supply connector. The third movement causes the supply connection to move between the third position and the fourth position, the fourth position being the position of the supply connection when it is connected to the second connection.

3. The beverage dispensing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device also includes: The detection unit detects the connection position of the supply connection unit; and The control unit controls the supply of the beverage and the supply of the cleaning liquid based on the detection results from the detection unit.

4. The beverage dispensing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The detection unit includes: a first sensor that detects whether the supply connection is connected to the first connection; and a second sensor that detects whether the supply connection is connected to the second connection.

5. The beverage dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conversion mechanism is configured such that the supply connection part is connected to the first connection part at one end of the operating range of the operating part, and the supply connection part is connected to the second connection part at the other end of the operating range of the operating part.

6. The beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The operating part has a lever supported so as to rotate about an axis extending in one direction, and is rotated by the external force. The conversion mechanism is configured to convert the rotational motion of the rod into the switching motion.

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