Beverage supply device, assembly method of beverage supply device, and beverage supply box

Abstract

To provide a beverage supply device capable of post-installing a function for supplying a beverage different from a predetermined beverage to the beverage supply device that supplies the predetermined beverage after installing the beverage supply device, an assembly method for the beverage supply device, and a beverage supply box.SOLUTION: A beverage supply device 2 comprises: a device body 5; a first water supply box 6 having a first storage part 6a, capable of supplying a first beverage to a container set in the first storage part 6a; and a second water supply box 60 having a second storage part 60a provided inside the device body 5, capable of supplying a second beverage different from the first beverage to the container set in the second storage part 60a. The first water supply box 6 is detachably attached to an outer face of the device body 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage supply device, a method for assembling the beverage supply device, and a beverage supply box. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, water supply systems installed in supermarkets etc. have been known. For example, the water supply system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a permeated water generating device and a carbonated water generating device, and after a user sets a container such as a bottle in the permeated water generating device or the carbonated water generating device, the user can operate a touch panel, for example, to supply a beverage such as permeated water to the set container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-7173 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, for example, after a beverage supply device that supplies a specified beverage (e.g., permeated water) is installed in a supermarket or the like, there is a need to retrofit the beverage supply device with the function of supplying a beverage other than the specified beverage (e.g., carbonated water).

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its object is to provide a beverage supply device, a method for assembling a beverage supply device, and a beverage supply box that can be retrofitted with the function of supplying a beverage other than the specified beverage after the beverage supply device that supplies a specified beverage has been installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a beverage supplying device comprising an apparatus main body, a first beverage supplying box having a first storage section and capable of supplying a first beverage to a container set in the first storage section, and a second beverage supplying box having a second storage section provided within the apparatus main body and capable of supplying a second beverage different from the first beverage to a container set in the second storage section, wherein the first beverage supplying box is removably attached to the outer surface of the apparatus main body. According to the present invention configured in this manner, after a beverage supply device having an apparatus body without a first beverage supply box attached is installed in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to retrofit the first beverage supply box to the outer surface of the apparatus body of the beverage supply device.

[0007] In the present invention, the first beverage supply box is preferably smaller than the second beverage supply box. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the relatively small first beverage supply box can be attached to the outer surface of the device main body as a retrofit, making it possible to reduce the amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the device main body compared to when the second beverage supply box is attached to the outer surface of the device main body as a retrofit.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the device main body has a front portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion, the first beverage supply box is attached to at least one of the right side portion and the left side portion, and the front portion is provided with the second beverage supply box. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the first beverage supply box is attached to at least one of the right side portion and the left side portion, so that, for example, when a user is setting a container in the second beverage supply box provided on the front portion, the first beverage supply box attached later can be prevented from getting in the way of the work.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the system further comprises a reverse osmosis membrane for separating raw water into permeate and concentrated water, the first beverage being carbonated water obtained by mixing the permeate with carbon dioxide gas, and the second beverage being the permeate. According to the present invention configured in this manner, for example, after installing a beverage supply device equipped with a second beverage supply box that supplies permeated water in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to retrofit a first beverage supply box that supplies carbonated water.

[0010] In the present invention, the temperature of the first beverage is preferably lower than room temperature or higher than room temperature, and the temperature of the second beverage is room temperature. According to the present invention configured in this manner, for example, after installing a beverage supply device equipped with a second beverage supply box that supplies a second beverage at room temperature in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to retrofit a first beverage supply box that supplies a first beverage at a temperature lower than room temperature or a first beverage at a temperature higher than room temperature.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the device main body further includes a control unit that controls the supply of the first beverage to a container set in the first storage unit and controls the supply of the second beverage to a container set in the second storage unit. According to the present invention configured in this way, the supply of the first beverage and the supply of the second beverage are controlled by the control unit, and therefore, even when the first beverage supply box is retrofitted, for example, there is no need to add a separate control unit for the first beverage supply box, and therefore costs can be suppressed.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the front portion further includes an operating portion for operating the supply of the first beverage to a container set in the first storage portion and for operating the supply of the second beverage to a container set in the second storage portion. According to the present invention configured in this way, the user can operate the supply of the first beverage and the supply of the second beverage by using the selection unit. This makes it possible to suppress cost increases, for example, because there is no need to add a separate operation unit for the first beverage supply box even when the first beverage supply box is later installed. Furthermore, since the operation unit is provided on the front part, it is easier for the user to operate the operation unit compared to when the operation unit is provided on a part other than the front part of the device body.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a method for assembling a beverage supplying device, comprising the steps of: preparing a device main body having a first beverage supplying box having a first storage section and capable of supplying a first beverage to a container set in the first storage section, and a second beverage supplying box having a second storage section and capable of supplying a second beverage different from the first beverage to a container set in the second storage section; and removably attaching the first beverage supplying box to an outer surface of the device main body. According to the present invention configured as described above, after preparing the device main body having the first and second beverage supply boxes, the first beverage supply box can be detachably attached to the outer surface of the device main body. This makes it possible to install a beverage supply device having a second beverage supply box in a supermarket or the like, and then later attach the first beverage supply box to the outer surface of the device main body of the beverage supply device.

[0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a beverage supply box having a storage section and capable of supplying a beverage to a container set in the storage section, which can be attached freely and detachably as an after-market attachment to the outer surface of the main body of a beverage supply device having another beverage supply box having another storage section and capable of supplying a beverage different from the beverage to a container set in the other storage section. According to the present invention configured in this manner, after a beverage supply device having another box is installed in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to retrofit a box to the outer surface of the main body of the beverage supply device. Effect of the Invention

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a beverage supply device, an assembly method for a beverage supply device, and a beverage supply box that can be retrofitted with the function of supplying a beverage other than the specified beverage after the beverage supply device that supplies a specified beverage is installed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic overall view showing a configuration of a beverage supply system to which a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view showing a beverage supply system to which a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Diagram 3] 1 is a bottom view showing a beverage supply system to which a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view showing a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a beverage supply system to which a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a beverage supply system to which a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for assembling the beverage dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing step 21 in the flowchart of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a front view showing step 22 in the flowchart of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature.

[0018] 1 shows a beverage supply system 1 to which a beverage supply device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The beverage supply system 1 includes a beverage supply device 2, a carbonated water unit 3, and a gas cylinder 4. The beverage supply device 2 (beverage supply system 1) is configured to produce carbonated water and permeated water from raw water (tap water), and to supply the produced carbonated water and permeated water to a user's container (e.g., a plastic bottle). In this embodiment, the beverage supply device 2 (beverage supply system 1) is, for example, a water vending machine installed in a supermarket or the like.

[0019] In this embodiment, the temperature of the permeated water is normal temperature (for example, 15° C. to 30° C.) In one example, the temperature of the permeated water is approximately the same as the temperature of the raw water or the air temperature (the temperature around the beverage supply device 2).

[0020] In this embodiment, the temperature of the carbonated water is lower than room temperature (for example, lower than 15° C.). For example, when the raw water and carbon dioxide gas are mixed in the carbonated water unit 3 to produce carbonated water, cooling is performed, so that the carbonated water is adjusted to a temperature lower than room temperature.

[0021] In addition, the "first beverage" and "beverage" in the claims correspond to the "carbonated water" in this embodiment, and the "second beverage" and "other beverage" in the claims correspond to the "permeate water" in this embodiment.

[0022] The beverage supply device 2 includes a device main body 5 and a first water supply box 6 that can be removably attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5 after the fact. In this embodiment, the first water supply box 6 is removably attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5 after the fact using fixing means (not shown) such as bolts. In other words, in this embodiment, since the first water supply box 6 is an add-on type, it is possible to add a function of supplying carbonated water (a beverage different from permeated water) to the device main body 5 of an existing beverage supply device 2 after the fact.

[0023] The device main body 5 is equipped with a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) 7. The reverse osmosis membrane 7 is configured to remove components dissolved in water, such as E. coli, fungi, viruses, organic chlorine compounds such as trihalomethanes, asbestos, arsenic, nitrate nitrogen, fluorine, lead, aluminum, minerals, etc., contained in the raw water, and extract permeated water (RO water). A first flow path 8, a second flow path 9, and a third flow path 10 are connected to the reverse osmosis membrane 7.

[0024] The first flow path 8 is a flow path for supplying raw water to the reverse osmosis membrane 7. An upstream end of the first flow path 8 is connected to a water pipe 11, and raw water is supplied from the water pipe 11 to the first flow path 8. In this embodiment, the raw water includes tap water supplied from the water pipe 11 and water obtained by filtering the tap water with a sediment filter 24 and a carbon filter 25 described below.

[0025] In addition, in the first flow path 8, a check valve 21, a first electromagnetic valve 22, a first flow meter 23, a sediment filter 24, a carbon filter 25, a second electromagnetic valve 27, and a high-pressure pump 28 are provided in this order in the flow direction of the raw water.

[0026] The check valve 21 includes a check valve (not shown) for preventing backflow of raw water. The check valve 21 is a valve capable of adjusting the amount of raw water flowing through the first flow path 8.

[0027] The first electromagnetic valve 22 is a valve that can be switched between a state in which the first flow path 8 is blocked and a state in which it is not blocked (an open state).

[0028] The first flow meter 23 is a flow meter that measures the flow rate of the raw water flowing through the first flow path 8.

[0029] The sediment filter 24 is a filter that removes minute impurities such as rust, sand, and dust, as well as turbidity, contained in the raw water.

[0030] The carbon filter 25 is a filter that removes free residual chlorine and odors contained in the raw water by utilizing the adsorption effect of activated carbon (not shown).

[0031] The second electromagnetic valve 27 is a valve that can be switched between a state in which the first flow path 8 is blocked and a state in which it is not blocked (an open state).

[0032] The high-pressure pump 28 is an electric pump for pumping the raw water to the reverse osmosis membrane 7. When the raw water is supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 7 under a predetermined pressure by the high-pressure pump 28, the raw water is separated into permeated water and concentrated water at the reverse osmosis membrane 7. The concentrated water is water that contains impurities from the raw water (including mineral components contained in the raw water). The permeated water is water from which impurities have been removed.

[0033] The concentrated water coming out of the reverse osmosis membrane 7 flows through a second flow path 9. A first check valve 31 and a drainage adjustment valve 32 are provided in this second flow path 9 in the flow direction of the concentrated water.

[0034] The first check valve 31 is a check valve for preventing concentrated water and the like from flowing back through the second flow path 9 from the drain adjustment valve 32 side to the reverse osmosis membrane 7 side. In other words, the first check valve 31 is configured to allow concentrated water to flow through the second flow path 9 from the reverse osmosis membrane 7 side to the drain adjustment valve 32 side, and to prevent concentrated water and the like from flowing through the second flow path 9 from the drain adjustment valve 32 side to the reverse osmosis membrane 7 side.

[0035] The drainage adjustment valve 32 is a valve for adjusting the amount of concentrated water flowing through the second flow path 9, that is, the drainage amount.

[0036] Further, a fourth flow path 33 branches off from the second flow path 9 at a position upstream (on the reverse osmosis membrane 7 side) of the first check valve 31. The fourth flow path 33 is provided with a circulation adjustment valve 34 and a second check valve 35.

[0037] The circulation adjustment valve 34 is a valve that adjusts the amount of concentrated water circulated to the first flow path 8 via the second flow path 9 and the fourth flow path 33.

[0038] The second check valve 35 is a check valve for preventing concentrated water or raw water from flowing back from the first flow path 8 to the second flow path 9 through the fourth flow path 33. In other words, the second check valve 35 is configured to allow concentrated water to flow from the second flow path 9 to the first flow path 8 through the fourth flow path 33, and to prevent concentrated water, etc. from flowing from the first flow path 8 to the second flow path 9 through the fourth flow path 33.

[0039] The permeated water leaving the reverse osmosis membrane 7 flows through the third flow path 10. The downstream of the third flow path 10 is connected to the carbonated water unit 3. In other words, the reverse osmosis membrane 7 and the carbonated water unit 3 are connected via the third flow path 10. As a result, the permeated water leaving the reverse osmosis membrane 7 flows through the third flow path 10 and is supplied to the carbonated water unit 3. In addition, in the third flow path 10, a third solenoid valve 42 and a first hollow fiber membrane 43 are provided in this order in the flow direction of the permeated water.

[0040] The third electromagnetic valve 42 is a valve that is switchable between a state in which the third flow path 10 is blocked and a state in which it is not blocked (an open state).

[0041] The first hollow fiber membrane 43 is a filter that sterilizes the permeate flowing through the third flow path 10.

[0042] The carbonated water unit 3 is connected to a gas cylinder 4 that stores carbon dioxide gas. The carbonated water unit 3 is configured to generate first carbonated water by mixing the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas cylinder 4 with the permeated water supplied from the reverse osmosis membrane 7 via the third flow path 10. The generated first carbonated water is stored in the carbonated water unit 3.

[0043] The first carbonated water coming out of the carbonated water unit 3 flows through the fifth flow path 45. The downstream of the fifth flow path 45 is connected to the first water supply box 6. In other words, the carbonated water unit 3 and the first water supply box 6 are connected via the fifth flow path 45. This makes it possible to supply the first carbonated water from the carbonated water unit 3 to the first water supply box 6.

[0044] The device body 5 is also provided with a tank 52 connected to the fifth flow path 45 via a sixth flow path 51. The tank 52 is, for example, configured of a replaceable liquid transport container, and stores therein a mineral liquid (for example, a mineral concentrate containing magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.).

[0045] The mineral liquid coming out of the tank 52 flows through the sixth flow path 51, and then flows into the fifth flow path 45, and is mixed with the first carbonated water flowing through the fifth flow path 45. The first carbonated water and the mineral liquid are mixed together to generate the second carbonated water. The generated second carbonated water is supplied to the first water supply box 6.

[0046] The sixth flow path 51 is provided with a first tube pump 53 .

[0047] The first tube pump 53 includes a rotating part having a tube (not shown) and a roller, and is configured to be able to adjust the amount of mineral liquid flowing through the sixth flow path 51, that is, the amount of mineral liquid flowing from the tank 52 through the sixth flow path 51 into the fifth flow path 45, by changing the rotation speed of the rotating part. Therefore, the hardness of the second carbonated water can be changed by controlling the rotation speed of the first tube pump 53. For example, the higher the rotation speed of the first tube pump 53, the greater the amount of mineral liquid mixed into the first carbonated water, so that the second carbonated water with a higher hardness is generated. It is also possible to stop the first tube pump 53 from mixing the mineral liquid into the first carbonated water.

[0048] In this embodiment, the second carbonated water is generated by adding (mixing) the mineral liquid in the tank 52 to the first carbonated water. That is, the tank 52 and the sixth flow path 51 in this embodiment are configured to function as an adding section that adds the mineral liquid to the first carbonated water (a mixing section that mixes mineral components into the first carbonated water). Also, the first tube pump 53 in this embodiment is configured to function as an adjusting section that adjusts the amount of mineral liquid added to the first carbonated water (a changing section that changes the amount of mineral components mixed into the first carbonated water).

[0049] The device body 5 is also provided with a second water supply box 60. The second water supply box 60 is connected downstream of a seventh flow path 61. The upstream of the seventh flow path 61 is connected to a third flow path 10. As a result, the second water supply box 60 is connected to the reverse osmosis membrane 7 via the seventh flow path 61 and the third flow path 10. Therefore, the permeated water exiting the reverse osmosis membrane 7 can flow through the third flow path 10 and the seventh flow path 61 and be supplied to the second water supply box 60.

[0050] In addition, in the seventh flow path 61, a fourth electromagnetic valve 62, a second flow meter 63, and a second hollow fiber membrane 64 are provided in this order in the flow direction of the permeated water.

[0051] The fourth electromagnetic valve 62 is a valve that can be switched between a state in which the seventh flow path 61 is blocked and a state in which it is not blocked (an open state).

[0052] The second flow meter 63 is a flow meter that measures the flow rate of the permeated water flowing through the seventh flow path 61.

[0053] The second hollow fiber membrane 64 is a filter that sterilizes the permeate flowing through the seventh flow path 61.

[0054] In addition, the seventh flow path 61 is connected to the tank 52 via the eighth flow path 71. That is, the mineral liquid discharged from the tank 52 flows through the eighth flow path 71 and can be mixed with the permeated water flowing through the seventh flow path 61.

[0055] In addition, a second tube pump 72 is provided in the eighth flow path 71.

[0056] The second tube pump 72 includes a tube (not shown) and a rotating part having a roller, and is configured to be able to adjust the amount of mineral liquid flowing through the eighth flow path 71, that is, the amount of mineral liquid flowing from the tank 52 through the eighth flow path 71 into the seventh flow path 61, by changing the rotation speed of the rotating part. Therefore, the hardness of the permeated water can be changed by controlling the rotation speed of the second tube pump 72. It is also possible to prevent the mineral liquid from being mixed into the permeated water by stopping the second tube pump 72. In this embodiment, for convenience, the permeated water not mixed with the mineral liquid is referred to as the first permeated water, and the permeated water mixed with the mineral liquid is referred to as the second permeated water.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second permeated water is generated by adding (mixing) the mineral liquid in the tank 52 to the permeated water (first permeated water). That is, the tank 52 and the eighth flow path 71 in this embodiment are configured to function as an adding section (a mixing section that mixes mineral components into the permeated water) that adds the mineral liquid to the permeated water (first permeated water). Also, the second tube pump 72 in this embodiment is configured to function as an adjusting section (a changing section that changes the amount of mineral components mixed into the permeated water) that adjusts the amount of mineral liquid added to the permeated water.

[0058] Next, the configuration of the beverage supply system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4. In this embodiment, for convenience, in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the front side (front) of the device main body 5 will be referred to as the front side (front), the rear side (rear) of the device main body 5 will be referred to as the rear side (rear), the left side (left side) of the device main body 5 will be referred to as the left side (left side), the right side (right side) of the device main body 5 will be referred to as the right side (right side), the upper side (upper side) of the device main body 5 will be referred to as the upper side (upper side), and the lower side (lower side) of the device main body 5 will be referred to as the lower side (lower side). Note that, for convenience, in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the carbonated water unit 3 and piping connecting the gas cylinder 4 and the device main body 5 (beverage supply device 2) are omitted from the illustration.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the beverage supply system 1 has a carbonated water unit 3 arranged approximately in the center in the left-right direction (width direction), a gas cylinder 4 arranged to the left of the carbonated water unit 3, and an approximately rectangular prism-shaped device main body 5 arranged to the right of the carbonated water unit 3.

[0060] A first water supply box 6 having a substantially rectangular prism shape is attached to the left side of the device body 5 in the vertical midway position, as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the first water supply box 6 is attached to a position offset to the front side of the left side of the device body 5 (see Fig. 3). The first water supply box 6 is also offset to an upper position on the left side of the device body 5 so as to provide a predetermined vertical gap between its lower end and the upper end of the carbonated water unit 3 (see Fig. 2).

[0061] The front end of the carbonated water unit 3 is disposed at a position rearward of the front ends of the device main body 5 and the first water supply box 6 (see FIG. 3). The upper end of the carbonated water unit 3 is set at a position lower than the upper end of the first water supply box 6 (see FIG. 2). This allows a part (right front part) of the carbonated water unit 3 and a part (left rear part) of the first water supply box 6 to be disposed so as to overlap in a plan view. This eliminates the need to displace the carbonated water unit 3 and the first water supply box 6 in the left-right or front-back direction, making it possible to make the beverage supply system 1 compact in the horizontal direction.

[0062] The gas cylinder 4 is generally cylindrical. In this embodiment, the beverage supply system 1 includes two gas cylinders 4 (see FIG. 3). The two gas cylinders 4 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction. The upper end position of the gas cylinder 4 is set at a position higher than the upper end position of the carbonated water unit 3 and the lower end position of the first water supply box 6. The gas cylinder 4 is disposed at a position on the opposite side of the carbonated water unit 3 from the device main body 5 in the left-right direction (width direction).

[0063] A partition member 75 (e.g., a removable partition) having a substantially L-shape in plan view is provided in the front region of the carbonated water unit 3 and the front and left regions of the gas cylinder 4 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the device main body 5 is disposed in the right region of the carbonated water unit 3 and the gas cylinder 4, and the rear region of the carbonated water unit 3 and the gas cylinder 4 is a wall W. By providing the partition member 75, it becomes difficult for the user to see the carbonated water unit 3 and the gas cylinder 4, so that the appearance of the beverage supply system 1 can be improved. In addition, the partition member 75 can prevent the user, etc. from touching the gas cylinder 4, etc., so that the safety of the beverage supply system 1 can be improved.

[0064] Next, the detailed structures of the device body 5 and the first water supply box 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0065] The device body 5 is substantially rectangular prism-shaped and has a front surface 5a, a right side surface 5b, a left side surface 5c, a rear surface 5d, a top surface 5e, and a bottom surface 5f. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right legs 5g are provided so as to protrude downward from the bottom surface 5f. A water supply port 5h is provided between the two legs 5g. The water supply port 5h is connected to a water pipe 11 via a piping member 5i. Thus, raw water is introduced from the water pipe 11 to the device body 5 via the piping member 5i and the water supply port 5h.

[0066] The front part 5a is provided with a front door 5j for opening and closing a front opening (not shown) of the device body 5. A hinge 5k extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the right end of the front opening of the device body 5. The front door 5j is attached to the device body 5 via the hinge 5k. As a result, the front door 5j can open and close the front opening (not shown) of the device body 5 via the hinge 5k. In this embodiment, the first water supply box 6 is provided on the opposite side to the hinge 5k in the left-right direction. That is, the hinge 5k is provided at the right front end of the device body 5, and the first water supply box 6 is provided at the left front end of the device body 5. As a result, it is possible to prevent the front door 5j from interfering with the first water supply box 6 when the front door 5j is opened.

[0067] Further, the front surface 5a is provided with an operation panel 5l, an authentication section 5m, and an input port 5n.

[0068] The operation panel 5l is, for example, a touch panel, and allows the user to select the type of water (permeated water or carbonated water) and hardness (the amount of mineral liquid to be mixed into the permeated water or the first carbonated water) by touch operation.

[0069] The authentication unit 5m is a reader capable of reading magnetic cards, bar codes, and the like.

[0070] The insertion slot 5n is configured to accept coins, etc. For example, a user can purchase carbonated water by inserting an amount equivalent to the price of the carbonated water into the insertion slot 5n.

[0071] The first water supply box 6 includes a first storage section 6a capable of storing the first container r1 therein. In this embodiment, the first storage section 6a is capable of storing a plurality of types of containers (for example, a 1 L or 0.5 L plastic bottle having a cap that can close the opening provided at the top) as the first container r1.

[0072] A first water supply pipe (not shown) connected downstream of the fifth flow path 45 (see FIG. 1) is provided at the top of the first storage unit 6a. This makes it possible to supply carbonated water (the first carbonated water or the second carbonated water selected by the user) from the first water supply pipe to the first container r1 when the first container r1 is stored (set) in the first storage unit 6a.

[0073] The front opening of the first storage section 6a is provided with a first water supply door 6b that can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, the first water supply door 6b opens to the left. By opening the first water supply door 6b, the user can set the first container r1 in the first storage section 6a and remove the first container r1 set in the first storage section 6a.

[0074] Furthermore, a first drainage tray 6c that protrudes forward is provided at the lower portion of the first water supply box 6 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The first drainage tray 6c is configured to receive, for example, carbonated water or the like that overflows from the first container r1. The carbonated water or the like received in the first drainage tray 6c is drained using a predetermined drainage channel shown in Fig. 1.

[0075] 2, the device body 5 is provided with a second water supply box 60 that is substantially rectangular prism-shaped and has a larger dimension in the width direction (left-right direction) than the first water supply box 6. In this embodiment, the second water supply box 60 is attached to the front door 5j.

[0076] The second water supply box 60 is arranged to be aligned in the left-right direction (width direction) with the first water supply box 6. In other words, when viewed from one side in the left-right direction, at least a part of the first water supply box 6 and at least a part of the second water supply box 60 overlap with each other.

[0077] Moreover, the second water supply box 60 is larger (e.g., larger in width and depth) than the first water supply box 6. In other words, the first water supply box 6 is smaller (e.g., smaller in width and depth) than the second water supply box 60.

[0078] The second water supply box 60 is offset in the width direction (left-right direction) from the first water supply box 6 in the device body 5. In this embodiment, the second water supply box 60 is offset to the right in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to provide an authentication unit 5m and an input port 5n in the area between the first water supply box 6 and the second water supply box 60.

[0079] The second water supply box 60 is provided with a second storage section 60a capable of storing the second container r2 therein. The second storage section 60a is provided inside the device main body 5. More specifically, the second storage section 60a of the second water supply box 60 is configured to be capable of storing the second container r2 inside the device main body 5. In this embodiment, the second storage section 60a is capable of storing multiple types of containers (for example, plastic bottles with a capacity of 8 L, 5 L, 2 L, 0.5 L, or 0.3 L having a cap that can close the opening provided at the top) as the second container r2. In other words, the second storage section 60a is sized to be capable of storing a container with a larger capacity than the first storage section 6a.

[0080] A second water supply pipe (not shown) connected to the downstream of the seventh flow path 61 (see FIG. 1) is provided at the top of the second storage section 60a. This makes it possible to supply permeated water from the second water supply pipe to the second container r2 when the second container r2 is stored (set) in the second storage section 60a.

[0081] The front opening of the second storage section 60a is provided with a second water supply door 60b that can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, the second water supply door 60b opens to the left. By opening the second water supply door 60b, the user can set the second container r2 in the second storage section 60a and remove the second container r2 set in the second storage section 60a.

[0082] Furthermore, a second drainage tray 60c protruding forward is provided at the lower portion of the second water supply box 60 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The second drainage tray 60c is configured to receive, for example, permeated water overflowing from the second container r2. The permeated water received in the second drainage tray 60c is drained using a predetermined drainage channel shown in Fig. 1.

[0083] Next, an example of control executed by the control unit 20 of the beverage supply system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. The control unit 20 is provided inside the device main body 5 (see Fig. 1), and includes a memory (not shown) in which a control program is stored, and a processor (not shown) for executing the processing of the control program. The control unit 20 is configured to control the carbonated water unit 3, each valve, each pump, and the like that constitute the beverage supply system 1 based on information received through the operation panel 5l, etc. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to control the supply of carbonated water to the first container r1 set in the first storage unit 6a, and to control the supply of permeated water to the second container r2 set in the second storage unit 60a. Note that Fig. 5 shows a method for producing the first permeated water and the first carbonated water that the beverage supply system 1 executes regardless of the selection operation of the user. FIG. 6 also shows a method (production method) by which the beverage supply system 1 produces second carbonated water and second permeate containing mineral components in accordance with a user's selection operation, and a method (beverage supply method) by which the water (beverage) selected by the user is supplied to the user's container.

[0084] In step S1 of Fig. 5, the beverage supply system 1 separates raw water into permeated water and concentrated water using the reverse osmosis membrane 7, and then proceeds to step S2. More specifically, the high-pressure pump 28 is driven to pump the raw water to the reverse osmosis membrane 7. The reverse osmosis membrane 7 separates the pumped raw water into permeated water and concentrated water, and causes the permeated water to flow into the third flow path 10 and the concentrated water to flow into the second flow path 9. The permeated water in the third flow path 10 also flows into the seventh flow path 61 connected to the third flow path 10. In other words, step S1 is a step of producing permeated water (first permeated water) from raw water.

[0085] In step S2 of Fig. 6, beverage supply system 1 produces first carbonated water by mixing the permeated water and carbon dioxide gas in carbonated water unit 3. More specifically, in step S2, the permeated water from reverse osmosis membrane 7 is supplied to carbonated water unit 3 via third flow path 10, and carbon dioxide gas is supplied to carbonated water unit 3 from gas cylinder 4. As a result, in carbonated water unit 3, the permeated water and carbon dioxide gas are mixed to produce first carbonated water. The produced first carbonated water is stored in carbonated water unit 3.

[0086] Next, an example of the control shown in FIG. 6 that is executed in response to a selection operation by the user will be described.

[0087] In step S11, the beverage supply system 1 accepts the type of water (carbonated water or permeated water) and the hardness of water selected by the user by operating the operation panel 5l, and then proceeds to step S12. In this embodiment, the hardness of water can be selected from five types of hardness, namely, hardness 0 to 5, hardness 6 to 99, hardness 100 to 299, hardness 300 to 599, and hardness 600 or more. In this embodiment, when the hardness is 0 to 5, the mineral liquid (mineral components) is not mixed. The reason why the hardness is 0 to 5 is that there is a possibility that mineral components of the raw water remain. In addition, before step S1, the user sets the container (first container r1, second container r2) in the storage section (first storage section 6a, second storage section 60a) of the water supply box (first water supply box 6, second water supply box 60).

[0088] In step S12, the beverage supply system 1 determines whether or not carbonated water (first carbonated water, second carbonated water) is selected by the user in step S1. If the determination in step S12 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the determination in step S12 is No, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0089] In step S13, the beverage supply system 1 determines whether or not the user selected carbonated water with a hardness of 6 or more in step S11, in other words, whether or not it is necessary to mix mineral liquid into the first carbonated water. If the determination in step S13 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the determination in step S13 is No, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0090] In step S14, the beverage supply system 1 mixes the first carbonated water with the mineral liquid to generate the second carbonated water. More specifically, the first tube pump 53 is driven to cause the mineral liquid in the tank 52 to flow into the fifth flow path 45 via the sixth flow path 51. This causes the first carbonated water flowing through the fifth flow path 45 supplied from the carbonated water unit 3 to be mixed with the mineral liquid to generate the second carbonated water. The generated second carbonated water is supplied to the first water supply box 6 through the fifth flow path 45. After step S14, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0091] In step S15, the beverage supply system 1 supplies the second carbonated water to the first container r1 set in the first storage portion 6a of the first water supply box 6. Then, the process proceeds to END.

[0092] In step S16, which is executed when the determination in step S13 is No, the beverage supply system 1 supplies the first carbonated water not mixed with the mineral liquid in the tank 52 to the first container r1 set in the first storage section 6a of the first water supply box 6. More specifically, in step S16, the driving of the first tube pump 53 is stopped. As a result, the mineral liquid in the tank 52 is not mixed with the first carbonated water flowing through the fifth flow path 45. Therefore, the first carbonated water is supplied to the first water supply box 6, and the first carbonated water is supplied to the first container r1. After step S16, the process proceeds to END.

[0093] In S17, which is executed if the determination in step S12 is No, the beverage supply system 1 determines whether or not the user selected permeated water with a hardness of 6 or more in step S11, in other words, whether or not it is necessary to mix mineral liquid into the permeated water. If the determination in step S17 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if the determination in step S17 is No, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0094] In step S18, the beverage supply system 1 mixes the permeated water and the mineral liquid to generate the second permeated water. More specifically, the second tube pump 72 is driven to cause the mineral liquid in the tank 52 to flow into the seventh flow path 61 via the eighth flow path 71. This causes the permeated water flowing through the seventh flow path 61 to be mixed with the mineral liquid to generate the second permeated water. The generated second permeated water is supplied to the second water supply box 60 through the seventh flow path 61. After step S18, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0095] In step S19, the beverage supply system 1 supplies the second permeated water to the second container r2 set in the second storage section 60a of the second water supply box 60. Then, the process proceeds to END.

[0096] In step S20, which is executed when the determination in step S17 is No, the beverage supply system 1 supplies the first permeated water (permeated water) not mixed with the mineral liquid in the tank 52 to the second container r2 set in the second storage section 60a of the second water supply box 60. More specifically, in step S20, the second tube pump 72 is stopped from being driven. As a result, the mineral liquid in the tank 52 is not mixed with the first permeated water flowing through the seventh flow path 61. Therefore, the first permeated water is supplied to the second water supply box 60, and the first permeated water is supplied to the second container r2. After step S20, the process proceeds to END.

[0097] Once the supply of water to the containers (first container r1, second container r2) is completed, the user of the beverage supply system 1 opens each water supply door (first water supply door 6b, second water supply door 60b), removes the containers (first container r1, second container r2) and takes them home.

[0098] Next, a method for assembling the beverage supply device 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. In this embodiment, a method for attaching the first water supply box 6 detachably afterwards to a device main body 5 having a second water supply box 60 without the first water supply box 6 attached thereto (a method for assembling the beverage supply device 2) will be described. The method for assembling the beverage supply device 2 shown in Fig. 7 is carried out, for example, in a factory. In addition, when assembling the beverage supply device 2, the first container r1 and the second container r2 are not contained in the first water supply box 6 and the second water supply box 60, but for convenience, the first container r1 and the second container r2 are shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0099] In step S21, an assembly worker or the like prepares the device main body 5 without the first water supply box 6 attached, and the first water supply box 6 (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, after the device main body 5 (beverage supply device 2) without the first water supply box 6 attached is installed in a supermarket or the like, the installed device main body 5 (beverage supply device 2) is carried out from the supermarket or the like and carried into a factory. The first water supply box 6 is prepared in advance in the factory.

[0100] In step S22, an assembly worker or the like attaches the first water supply box 6 to the outer surface of the device body 5 in a manner that allows it to be attached and detached later. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the first water supply box 6 is attached to the outer surface of the device body 5 (in this embodiment, the left side surface portion 5c) in a manner that allows it to be attached and detached later. After step S22, the device body 5 (beverage supply device 2) having the assembled first water supply box 6 is carried out of the factory and carried into and installed in a supermarket or the like where the device body 5 (beverage supply device 2) without the first water supply box 6 was installed. As a result, it becomes possible to install the device body (beverage supply device 2) to which the first water supply box 6 has been attached later in the supermarket or the like.

[0101] As described above, according to this embodiment, after installing a beverage supply device 2 having an apparatus main body 5 without a first water supply box 6 attached in a supermarket or the like, it is possible to retrofit the first water supply box 6 to the outer surface of the apparatus main body 5 of the beverage supply device 2.

[0102] In addition, since the relatively small first water supply box 6 can be attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5 as a retrofit, it is possible to reduce the amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the device main body 5 compared to when the second water supply box 60 is attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5 as a retrofit.

[0103] Furthermore, since the first water supply box 6 is attached to at least one of the right side portion 5b and the left side portion 5c, it is possible to prevent the first water supply box 6, which is attached later, from getting in the way of work, for example, when a user is setting the second container r2 in the second water supply box 60 provided on the front portion 5a.

[0104] Also, for example, after installing the beverage supply device 2 including the second water supply box 60 that supplies permeated water in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to later attach the first water supply box 6 that supplies carbonated water.

[0105] In addition, for example, after installing a beverage supply device 2 equipped with a second water supply box 60 that supplies permeated water at room temperature in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to retrofit a first water supply box 6 that supplies carbonated water at a temperature lower than room temperature.

[0106] In addition, the supply of carbonated water and the supply of permeated water are controlled by the control unit 20. As a result, even when the first water supply box 6 is retrofitted, for example, there is no need to add a separate control unit for the first water supply box 6, so that an increase in costs can be suppressed.

[0107] In addition, the user can operate the supply of carbonated water and the supply of permeated water by the operation panel 5l. This makes it possible to suppress cost increases, for example, because there is no need to add a separate operation unit for the first water supply box 6 even when the first water supply box 6 is later installed. Furthermore, since the operation panel 5l is provided on the front part 5a, it is easier for the user to operate the operation panel 5l compared to when the operation panel 5l is provided on a part other than the front part of the device body.

[0108] Moreover, after preparing the device main body 5 having the first water supply box 6 and the second water supply box 60, the first water supply box 6 can be detachably attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5. This makes it possible, for example, to install the beverage supply device 2 having the second water supply box 60 in a supermarket or the like, and then later attach the first water supply box 6 to the outer surface of the device main body 5 of the beverage supply device 2.

[0109] Also, for example, after installing the beverage dispenser 2 having the second water supply box 60 in a supermarket or the like, it is possible to later attach the first water supply box 6 to the outer surface of the device body 5 of the beverage dispenser 2.

[0110] In this embodiment, the first water supply box 6 is detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body 5 of the beverage supply device 2 after the beverage supply device 2 having the second water supply box 60 is installed in a supermarket or the like. However, the first water supply box 6 detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body 5 may be removed from the device body 5, and the removed first water supply box 6 may be detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body 5 of another beverage supply device 2. For example, the first water supply box 6 can be removed from the device body 5 of a beverage supply device 2 for which the need to supply carbonated water has decreased, and the removed first water supply box 6 can be detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body 5 of another beverage supply device 2 for which the function of supplying carbonated water is to be added later. This allows the first water supply box 6 to be reused.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the temperature of the first beverage is lower than room temperature, but it may be higher than room temperature. In this case, the first beverage is hot water (for example, 70°C to 80°C) or boiled water (about 100°C) that is higher than room temperature. The hot water is used to make baby milk, for example, by mixing with powdered milk. The hot water or the like is generated by heating raw water or permeated water in a heating unit (not shown), and then supplied to a hot water supply box (not shown) that is detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body 5 instead of the first water supply box 6. In this way, for example, after installing the beverage supply device 2 including the second water supply box 60 that supplies permeated water at room temperature in a supermarket or the like, it becomes possible to later attach a hot water supply box that supplies hot water or the like at a temperature higher than room temperature. Furthermore, the first water supply box 6 that supplies carbonated water and the hot water supply box that supplies hot water or the like may be later detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body 5. In addition, it is easily possible to replace the first water supply box 6 for supplying carbonated water, which is removably attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5, with a hot water supply box for supplying hot water, etc., or to replace the hot water supply box for supplying hot water, etc., which is removably attached to the outer surface of the device main body 5, with the first water supply box 6 for supplying carbonated water.

[0112] In addition, the "first beverage supply box" in the claims corresponds to the "first water supply box" and "hot water supply box" in this embodiment, and the "second beverage supply box" in the claims corresponds to the "second water supply box" in this embodiment.

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, the first water supply box 6 supplies carbonated water, but the first water supply box 6 may supply permeated water at a temperature lower than room temperature (for example, less than 15°C). In other words, the first water supply box 6 may supply permeated water at a temperature lower than room temperature, and the second water supply box 60 may supply permeated water at room temperature.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the beverage supply system 1 has been described as being applied to a water vending machine installed in a supermarket or the like, but it may be applied to applications other than water vending machines. For example, instead of the beverage supply device 2 that supplies permeated water and carbonated water, a beverage supply device (not shown) that supplies beverages such as juice, coffee, tea, milk, alcohol, soup, etc. may be used, and the beverage supply device may be provided with at least two beverage supply boxes that can each supply different beverages.

[0115] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which tap water is used as the raw water, but water other than tap water (e.g., well water) may also be used as the raw water, or water stored in a water storage means (not shown) such as a water tank may be used as the raw water.

[0116] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the device main body 5, the first water supply box 6 and the second water supply box 60 are approximately rectangular prism-shaped, but they may also have a shape other than approximately rectangular prism (for example, approximately triangular prism, approximately cylindrical).

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, the first water supply box 6 is attached to the left side surface 5c of the device main body 5, but it may also be attached to an outer surface of the device main body 5 other than the left side surface 5c (for example, the front surface 5a, the right side surface 5b, or the back surface 5d).

[0118] In this embodiment, one first water supply box 6 is provided, but two or more may be provided. When two or more first water supply boxes 6 are provided, for example, the first water supply boxes 6 may be provided on each of the right side surface portion 5b and the left side surface portion 5c of the device main body 5.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the outer dimensions of the first water supply box 6 are smaller than the outer dimensions of the second water supply box 60, but the outer dimensions of the first water supply box 6 and the outer dimensions of the second water supply box may be approximately the same, or the outer dimensions of the first water supply box 6 may be larger than the outer dimensions of the second water supply box.

[0120] Although not mentioned in this embodiment, the beverage supply device 2 may be configured to simultaneously supply carbonated water from the first water supply box 6 and supply permeated water from the second water supply box 60. In this manner, for example, when one of two users purchases carbonated water from the beverage supply device 2, the other user can receive a supply of permeated water from the same beverage supply device 2.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation panel 5l is provided on the front portion 5a, but the operation panel 5l may also be provided on a portion of the front portion 5a on the outer surface of the device main body 5 (for example, the right side portion 5b or the left side portion 5c).

[0122] In the present embodiment, the operation panel 5l is configured to operate the supply of carbonated water to the first container r1 set in the first storage section 6a of the first water supply box 6 and to operate the supply of permeated water to the second container r2 set in the second storage section 60a of the second water supply box 60, but a first operation section (not shown) for operating the supply of carbonated water to the first container r1 set in the first water supply box 6 and a second operation section (not shown) for operating the supply of permeated water to the second container r2 set in the second water supply box 60 may be separately provided. Then, when the first water supply box 6 is retrofitted to the device main body 5, the first operation section may be attached to the device main body 5 as a retrofit.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of the operation panel 5l has been described as the operation unit, but as long as the user can select the type of beverage to be supplied to the container, etc., means other than the operation panel 5l (for example, a button) may be used.

[0124] In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to control the supply of carbonated water to the first container r1 set in the first storage section 6a of the first water supply box 6 and to control the supply of permeated water to the second container r2 set in the second storage section 60a of the second water supply box 60, but a first control unit (not shown) that controls the supply of carbonated water to the first container r1 set in the first water supply box 6 and a second control unit (not shown) that controls the supply of permeated water to the second container r2 set in the second water supply box 60 may be provided separately. Then, when the first water supply box 6 is attached to the device body 5, the first control unit may be attached to the device body 5 later.

[0125] In the present embodiment, one reverse osmosis membrane 7 is provided, but a plurality of reverse osmosis membranes 7 may be provided. When a plurality of reverse osmosis membranes 7 are provided, the raw water may be filtered using the reverse osmosis membranes 7 arranged in parallel, or the raw water may be filtered using the reverse osmosis membranes 7 arranged in series.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of check valves (first check valve 31 and second check valve 35) has been described, but as long as it is possible to prevent backflow of liquid, means other than check valves may be used.

[0127] In addition, in this embodiment, the sixth flow path 51 and the eighth flow path 71 are each independently connected to the tank 52, but the upstream portion of the sixth flow path 51 and the upstream portion of the eighth flow path 71 may be merged and then connected to the tank 52.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mineral liquid in tank 52 is mixed with the first carbonated water flowing through the sixth flow path to the fifth flow path 45, but the mineral liquid in tank 52 may be supplied directly to the first water supply box 6, and the first carbonated water and the mineral liquid may be mixed in the first water supply box 6 to produce the second carbonated water, or a second carbonated water generating section (not shown) may be provided separately, and the first carbonated water and the mineral liquid may be mixed in the second carbonated water generating section to produce the second carbonated water.

[0129] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of a mineral liquid stored in tank 52 has been described as the mineral component to be mixed with the first carbonated water or the permeated water (first permeated water), but solid (e.g., powdered) mineral components may be mixed with the first carbonated water or the permeated water, or the first carbonated water or the permeated water may be mixed with the mineral components by passing the first carbonated water or the permeated water through a filter or the like equipped with ore containing the mineral components.

[0130] In addition, in this embodiment, the seventh flow path 61 is connected to the reverse osmosis membrane 7 via the third flow path 10. However, the seventh flow path 61 may be connected directly to the reverse osmosis membrane 7.

[0131] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first carbonated water is produced by mixing the permeated water extracted in the reverse osmosis membrane 7 with carbon dioxide gas, and the first carbonated water is produced by mixing the first carbonated water with mineral components. However, it is also possible to produce a third permeated water by mixing the permeated water extracted in the reverse osmosis membrane 7 with mineral components, and to produce the third carbonated water by mixing the third permeated water with carbon dioxide gas, or to produce a fourth carbonated water by mixing the permeated water extracted in the reverse osmosis membrane 7 with carbon dioxide gas and mineral components. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is suitable for a beverage supply device, a method for assembling the beverage supply device, and a beverage supply box. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 2 Beverage dispensing equipment 5. Device body 5a Front part 5b Right side part 5c Left side part 5l Operation panel (operation section) 6 1st water supply box (1st beverage supply box, beverage supply box) 6a First storage section (storage section) 7 Reverse osmosis membrane 20 Control section 60 Second water supply box (second beverage supply box, other beverage supply box) 60a Second storage section (another storage section)

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: A device body, a first beverage supply box having a first storage section and capable of supplying a first beverage to a container set in the first storage section; a second beverage supply box having a second storage section provided in the device body and capable of supplying a second beverage different from the first beverage to a container set in the second storage section; The first beverage supply box is detachably attached to the outer surface of the device body.

2. 2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, The beverage supply device, wherein the first beverage supply box is smaller than the second beverage supply box.

3. 3. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, The device body includes a front surface, a right side surface, and a left side surface, The first beverage supply box is attached to at least one of the right side surface portion and the left side surface portion, The beverage supply device has the second beverage supply box provided on the front portion.

4. 3. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, Further comprising a reverse osmosis membrane for separating the raw water into permeate and concentrated water; The first beverage is carbonated water obtained by mixing the permeated water with carbon dioxide gas, A beverage supplying apparatus, wherein the second beverage is the permeate.

5. 3. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, The temperature of the first beverage is lower than room temperature or higher than room temperature, A beverage supplying device, wherein the temperature of the second beverage is room temperature.

6. 3. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, A beverage supply device, wherein the device main body further includes a control unit that controls the supply of the first beverage to a container set in the first storage unit and controls the supply of the second beverage to a container set in the second storage unit.

7. 4. The beverage supply device according to claim 3, The beverage supply device, wherein the front portion further includes an operating portion that operates the supply of the first beverage to a container set in the first storage portion and that operates the supply of the second beverage to a container set in the second storage portion.

8. A method for assembling a beverage dispensing device, comprising the steps of: preparing an apparatus body including a first beverage supply box having a first storage section and capable of supplying a first beverage to a container set in the first storage section, and a second beverage supply box having a second storage section and capable of supplying a second beverage different from the first beverage to a container set in the second storage section; and removably attaching the first beverage supply box to an outer surface of the device body.

9. A beverage supply box having a storage section and capable of supplying a beverage to a container set in the storage section, A beverage supply box that can be attached detachably and retrofitted to the outer surface of the main body of a beverage supply device having another beverage supply box that has another storage section and is capable of supplying another beverage different from the beverage to a container set in the other storage section.

Images