Beverage dispenser

Abstract

To provide a beverage dispenser capable preventing a human error and accurately pouring out a beverage selected by a user.SOLUTION: A beverage dispenser 10 comprises: a plurality of pour-out nozzles 16a, 20a, 16b, 20b, 16c (hereinafter referred to as 16a etc.); a plurality of beverage tanks 56, 72 respectively connected to the plurality of pour-out nozzles 16a etc.; an order receiving part 24 having a touch panel 26 that receives information of the beverage selected by the user; and a control device 82 that controls pouring out of the beverage from the plurality of pour-out nozzles 16a etc. based on the received information. The order receiving part 24 displays a confirmation screen of the user's attribute information on the touch panel 26 before receiving the beverage information, and, after receiving the information of the selected beverage, displays or notifies a position indication PI indicating a position of the pour-out nozzles 16a etc. from which the beverage is poured out, based on the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to beverage dispensers. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the way people drink has become more diverse. For example, a lifestyle that does not consume alcoholic beverages, such as sober curious, has been advocated. In addition, even people who enjoy alcoholic beverages are increasingly turning to low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages depending on their mood or physical condition at the time. As such, the needs for the alcohol concentration and flavor strength of beverages offered at restaurants and other establishments have become more diverse, and there is a demand for beverages with customized concentrations.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage supplying device that supplies liquid ingredients and carbonated water constituting a carbonated beverage to a single cup, characterized in that the device has a liquid ingredient nozzle through which the liquid ingredients are supplied and a carbonated water nozzle through which the carbonated water is supplied, which are provided independently. However, such a beverage supplying device aims to improve the mixed state of the beverage, such as suppressing the occurrence of foaming and suppressing a decrease in gas volume, and does not aim to accurately customize the alcohol concentration of the beverage. In addition, if these beverage supplying devices are to be used to provide beverages with various alcohol concentrations or non-alcoholic beverages, it is necessary to increase the number of nozzles that dispense the beverages and further prepare many beverage tanks with different alcohol concentrations. However, since the beverage supplying device becomes larger and requires an increased installation space, it is difficult to install the device in a normal restaurant or the like. Furthermore, as the number of nozzles that dispense increases, it becomes easier to confuse alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and to make mistakes in the alcohol concentration of the beverages to be dispensed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-137396 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a beverage dispenser that can accurately dispense a variety of beverages selected by a user while preventing human error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a beverage dispenser for providing beverages, comprising a plurality of dispensing nozzles for dispensing beverages, a plurality of beverage tanks in which the beverages are contained and each connected to the plurality of dispensing nozzles, an order receiving unit having a display screen for accepting information on the beverage selected by a user, and a control unit for controlling the dispensing of the beverage from the plurality of dispensing nozzles based on the information accepted by the order receiving unit, wherein the order receiving unit displays a confirmation screen on the display screen for confirming attribute information of the user before accepting the information on the beverage, and after accepting the information on the beverage selected by the user, displays or notifies position information to indicate the position of the dispensing nozzle from which the beverage will be dispensed based on the information.

[0007] Furthermore, as another aspect of the present disclosure, the location information may be displayed on a display screen.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attribute information may be age information of the user.

[0009] Furthermore, as another aspect of the present disclosure, the order reception unit may be configured to divide the display screen according to the number of dispensing nozzles, and to darken any of the divided display screens that do not include position information.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of dispensing nozzles may include a non-alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle that dispenses a non-alcoholic beverage, and an alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle that dispenses an alcoholic beverage.

[0011] Furthermore, as another aspect of the present disclosure, an alcohol content adjustment mechanism may be provided that adjusts the alcohol content of the beverage dispensed from the dispensing nozzle based on information on the alcohol content of the beverage selected by the user. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a beverage dispenser includes an order receiving unit having a display screen for receiving information on a beverage selected by a user, and a control unit for controlling the dispensing of beverages from a plurality of dispensing nozzles based on the information received by the order receiving unit. Thus, the beverage dispenser can dispense a beverage according to the information on the beverage selected by the user. Furthermore, the order receiving unit is configured to display a confirmation screen for confirming the attribute information of the user on the display screen before receiving the information on the beverage, and to display or notify the user of position information indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle from which the beverage is dispensed based on the information on the beverage selected by the user after receiving the information on the beverage selected by the user. Thus, the beverage dispenser can check the attribute information of the user and control the beverage dispenser not to dispense an alcoholic beverage by mistake, for example, when the user plans to drive a car or a bicycle, when the user is pregnant or breastfeeding, when the user has a chronic illness, etc. Also, by displaying or notifying the user of the position information indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle from which the beverage is dispensed on, for example, a terminal in a store where the beverage dispenser is installed or a terminal owned by the user, the user can be surely made aware of the position of the dispensing nozzle corresponding to the selected beverage. This allows the beverage dispenser to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the position information is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, by displaying the position information for indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle from which the beverage is dispensed on the display screen, the user can be sure to recognize the position of the dispensing nozzle corresponding to the selected beverage. This allows the beverage dispenser to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the attribute information is the age information of the user. Therefore, the beverage dispenser can check the age of the user and, for example, control the dispenser so as not to dispense an alcoholic beverage by mistake if the user is a minor. This allows the beverage dispenser to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the order reception unit is configured to divide the display screen according to the number of dispensing nozzles, and to darken the divided display screens that do not include position information. Therefore, the divided display screens that include position information can be highlighted, and the difference from the display screens that do not include position information can be made clear. Therefore, the user can more reliably recognize the position of the dispensing nozzle corresponding to the selected beverage. This allows the beverage dispenser to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of dispensing nozzles include a non-alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle for dispensing a non-alcoholic beverage and an alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle for dispensing an alcoholic beverage. This allows the non-alcoholic beverage and the alcoholic beverage to be dispensed from separate nozzles, preventing the non-alcoholic beverage from being mixed with the alcoholic beverage. This allows the beverage dispenser to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing the non-alcoholic beverage from being mixed with the alcoholic beverage.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the beverage dispenser includes an alcohol content adjustment mechanism that adjusts the alcohol content of the beverage dispensed from the dispense nozzle based on information on the alcohol content of the beverage selected by the user. This allows the beverage dispenser to accurately dispense the alcohol beverage of the composition selected by the user while preventing human error. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispenser according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the internal configuration of the beverage dispenser. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of order reception by the order reception unit. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows the display screen when use is first started. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a display screen for confirming the user's age information. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C shows a display screen for selecting whether or not to have alcohol. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D shows a display screen including a location display when an alcoholic beverage is selected. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E shows a display screen for selecting whether or not a custom order is required. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F shows a display screen for selecting the alcohol concentration. [Figure 4G] FIG. 4G shows a display screen for selecting the strength of flavor. [Figure 4H] FIG. 4H shows a display screen confirming the alcoholic beverage order. [Figure 4I] FIG. 4I shows the display screen during beverage dispensing. [Figure 4J] FIG. 4J shows the display screen when beverage dispensing is complete. [Figure 4K] FIG. 4K shows a display screen including a position display when a non-alcoholic beverage is selected. [Figure 4L] FIG. 4L shows a display screen for confirming a non-alcoholic beverage order. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. For ease of understanding, the scale of the drawings may be changed.

[0020] 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispenser 10. In the beverage dispenser 10, a first beverage dispensing section 14 and a second beverage dispensing section 18 are formed on the upper side of the front surface of a main body 12. The first beverage dispensing section 14 and the second beverage dispensing section 18 are respectively fitted with dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 (alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle 16 and non-alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle 20) as dispensing nozzles for dispensing alcoholic beverages or non-alcoholic beverages.

[0021] The alcoholic beverages referred to here include, for example, various beverages such as beer, alcoholic carbonated beverages other than beer, i.e., happoshu, beer-flavored sparkling alcoholic beverages infused with another alcoholic beverage produced from a raw material other than malt (so-called third beer), chuhai, cocktail sour, plum wine soda, spirits soda, sparkling sake, sparkling wine, or highball. In addition, non-alcoholic beverages include various beverages such as non-alcoholic carbonated beverages, i.e., non-alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic spirits, non-alcoholic wine, non-alcoholic sour, non-alcoholic cocktails, or carbonated juice. These beverages also include concentrated beverages (undiluted liquids).

[0022] A receiving base 22 for placing a drinking container (not shown) for pouring a beverage is attached to the lower side of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20. An order receiving unit 24 for setting the type of beverage to be dispensed and the alcohol concentration is disposed on the front side of the beverage dispenser 10. The order receiving unit 24 has a touch panel 26 as a display screen, and a user can set the type of beverage and the alcohol concentration by operating the touch panel 26 (see FIG. 4). The order receiving unit 24 also has a function for inputting and setting the concentration of the beverage to be dispensed and the amount of the beverage dispensed from the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20, and a user can also set the amount of the beverage to be dispensed by operating the touch panel 26. Note that the "concentration" referred to here is not limited to the alcohol concentration, but includes all concentrations that are indices when preparing a beverage, such as the concentration of the concentrate when preparing a beverage by diluting a concentrated concentrate, and the sugar content, salt concentration, and pH concentration of the beverage when adjusting sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and flavor.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the beverage dispenser 10. The beverage dispenser 10 includes a clean water supply unit 30 for supplying clean water. The clean water supply unit 30 includes a clean water source 32, a regulator 34, and a filter 36, which are connected by a rear clean water pipe PA1. The rear clean water pipe PA1 is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, it is not limited to this, and may be made of other flexible materials such as synthetic resin. The clean water of the water source 32 is sent, that is, flows, to a vane pump 37 disposed in the main body 12 of the beverage dispenser 10 via the regulator 34 and the filter 36. The clean water source may be a tank in which clean water is stored, or a waterworks that supplies clean water.

[0024] The clean water sent to the vane pump 37 is discharged toward the carbonator 38. The carbonator 38 is connected to the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 40 via a regulator 42 and a gas pipe PA2. Carbonated water is generated by dissolving carbon dioxide gas adjusted to a predetermined pressure in the clean water sent to the carbonator 38. The carbonated water generated in the carbonator 38 is cooled by a cooling unit 44 having a cooling coil (not shown) and sent to the first beverage extraction unit 14 and the second beverage extraction unit 18 through the front clean water pipe PA3. The front clean water pipe PA3 is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, it is not limited to this, and may be made of other flexible materials such as synthetic resin. The carbonated water sent to the first beverage extraction unit 14 can be poured from the clean water outlet nozzle 16a through the clean water solenoid valve 46 and the needle 48. In addition, the carbonated water sent to the second beverage extraction section 18 can pass through the clean water solenoid valve 50 and the needle 52 and be extracted from the clean water extraction nozzle 20a.

[0025] The beverage dispenser 10 includes a first beverage supply unit 54 for supplying a non-alcoholic beverage. The first beverage supply unit 54 has a first tank 56 as a beverage tank in which a non-alcoholic beverage is stored, and is connected to one end of a first rear supply pipe PA4. The first rear supply pipe PA4 is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, the first tank 56 may be made of other flexible materials such as synthetic resin. The first tank 56 is also connected to a first flow jet pump 58. Therefore, the non-alcoholic beverage in the first tank 56 can be pumped toward the main body 12 through the first rear supply pipe PA4 by the first flow jet pump 58. The first flow jet pump 58 is also connected to the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 40 via a gas pipe PA5. Therefore, carbon dioxide gas can be dissolved in the non-alcoholic beverage pumped toward the main body 12. In addition, although the first tank 56 is described here as containing a non-alcoholic beverage, the present invention is not limited to this and the first tank may contain an alcoholic beverage.

[0026] The non-alcoholic beverage sent to the main body 12 is cooled in the cooling unit 44 and sent to the first beverage dispensing unit 14 or the second beverage dispensing unit 18 through the first front supply pipe PA6 and the first flow regulator 60 arranged thereon. The first front supply pipe PA6 is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, it is not limited to this, and may be made of other flexible materials such as synthetic resin. The non-alcoholic beverage sent to the first beverage dispensing unit 14 can be dispensed from the first dispensing nozzle 16b through the solenoid valve 62 and the needle 64. The non-alcoholic beverage sent to the second beverage dispensing unit 18 can be dispensed from the first dispensing nozzle 20b through the solenoid valve 66 and the needle 68.

[0027] The beverage dispenser 10 also includes a second beverage supply unit 70 for supplying an alcoholic beverage. The second beverage supply unit 70 has a second tank 72 as a beverage tank in which an alcoholic beverage set to a predetermined alcohol concentration is stored, and is connected to one end of the second rear supply pipe PA7. The second rear supply pipe PA7 is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be made of other flexible materials such as synthetic resin. The second tank 72 is also connected to a second flow jet pump 74. Therefore, the alcoholic beverage in the second tank 72 can be pumped toward the main body 12 through the second rear supply pipe PA7 by the second flow jet pump 74. The second flow jet pump 74 is also connected to the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 40 via a gas pipe PA5. Therefore, carbon dioxide gas can be dissolved in the alcoholic beverage pumped toward the main body 12. In addition, although the second tank 72 is described here as containing an alcoholic beverage, the present invention is not limited to this and the second tank may contain a non-alcoholic beverage.

[0028] The alcoholic beverage sent to the main body 12 is cooled in the cooling unit 44, and is sent to the first beverage dispensing unit 14 through the second front supply pipe PA8 and the second flow regulator 76 arranged thereon. The second front supply pipe PA8 is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, it is not limited to this, and may be made of other flexible materials such as synthetic resin. The alcoholic beverage sent to the first beverage dispensing unit 14 can be dispensed from the second dispensing nozzle 16c through the second solenoid valve 78 and the needle 80.

[0029] A control device 82 is disposed on the lower side of the main body 12 as a control unit. The control device 82 is electrically connected to the first flow jet pump 58 and the second flow jet pump 74, and is configured to be able to vary the discharge rates of these. The control device 82 is also electrically connected to the first flow regulator 60 and the second flow regulator 76, and is configured to be able to vary the flow rate of the beverage passing through by operating these to expand or contract the flow path. Therefore, the control device 82 can adjust the flow rate of the beverage passing through the first flow regulator 60 and the second flow regulator 76 according to the discharge rates of the first flow jet pump 58 and the second flow jet pump 74 that are activated. This allows the concentration of the beverage dispensed from the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 and the beverage prepared from carbonated water to be accurately adjusted. In this way, an alcohol component adjustment mechanism that adjusts the alcohol concentration is configured by the control device 82, the first flow jet pump 58, the second flow jet pump 74, the first flow regulator 60, and the second flow regulator 76. In addition, the first flow regulator and the second flow regulator may be provided with a flow meter or flow sensor, and the control device may be configured to operate the first flow regulator and the second flow regulator to achieve a desired flow rate depending on the actual measured flow rates in the first flow regulator and the second flow regulator.

[0030] Here, it is described that the flow rate of the beverage passing through the first flow regulator 60 and the second flow regulator 76 is adjusted according to the discharge volume of the first flow jet pump 58 and the second flow jet pump 74, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the discharge volume of the first flow jet pump and the second flow jet pump may be kept constant, and the operating conditions of the first flow regulator and the second flow regulator according to the amount of beverage dispensed may be set in advance within the control device, or the expansion or contraction of the flow paths of the first flow regulator and the second flow regulator may be manually set according to the amount of beverage dispensed.

[0031] Furthermore, the control device 82 is electrically connected to the solenoid valves 46, 50, 62, 66, 78 attached to the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20, and can set the time for opening these valves to operate. Therefore, the control device 82 can accurately adjust the amount of beverage and carbonated water dispensed from the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20.

[0032] The control device 82 is also electrically connected to the order receiving unit 24. Therefore, in accordance with the pouring amount and beverage concentration input from the order receiving unit 24, it is possible to control the discharge amount of the first flow jet pump 58 and the second flow jet pump 74, the expansion or contraction of the flow paths of the first flow regulator 60 and the second flow regulator 76, and the opening and closing of the solenoid valves 46, 50, 62, 66, 78.

[0033] The first beverage supply unit 54 that supplies a non-alcoholic beverage is provided with a cleaning mechanism 84 for cleaning the first beverage supply unit 54. The cleaning mechanism 84 is connected to the first rear supply pipe PA4 via an electromagnetic valve 90. During cleaning, the electromagnetic valve 90 is opened and the clean water in the clean water tank 86 can be made to flow to the clean water spout nozzles 16a, 20a using a cleaning flow jet pump 88. This allows the first beverage supply unit 54 that supplies a non-alcoholic beverage to be easily cleaned. Here, the cleaning mechanism 84 has been described as being provided in the first beverage supply unit 54, but this is not limiting, and the cleaning mechanism may also be provided in the second beverage supply unit. In addition, tap water may be used instead of the clean water tank 86.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows an example of a flow chart for ordering a beverage using the order receiving unit 24 of the beverage dispenser 10. Also, FIGS. 4A to 4L show an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel 26 according to the flow chart. When the user starts using the beverage dispenser 10, the order receiving unit 24 displays a start screen at the start of use as shown in FIG. 4A on the touch panel 26. Here, as an example, a case where a non-alcoholic or alcoholic lemon sour is dispensed will be described. After displaying the start screen, the order receiving unit 24 proceeds to step S10 and displays a confirmation screen on the touch panel 26 for confirming attribute information of the user who uses the beverage dispenser 10. Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, the age of the user is confirmed as one of the attribute information. If the user does not select "Yes", that is, if the user's age is less than 20 years old, the beverage dispenser 10 is configured to end operation and prevent the user from further operation (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, if the user's age is 20 years old or older and "Yes" is selected on the touch panel 26, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0035] Here, the user's age is confirmed as one piece of attribute information, but this is not limited to this. In order to prevent the user from accidentally pouring an alcoholic beverage, it is also possible to confirm, for example, whether the user plans to use a car or bicycle, whether the user is pregnant or breastfeeding, or whether the user has a chronic illness.

[0036] When the process proceeds to step S20, the order receiving unit 24 displays a selection screen on the touch panel 26 for the user to order a non-alcoholic beverage or an alcoholic beverage, as shown in FIG. 4C. This allows the user to select a non-alcoholic beverage or an alcoholic beverage on the touch panel 26. When the user selects an alcoholic beverage, the process proceeds to step S30. When the user selects a non-alcoholic beverage, the process proceeds to step S40, as described below.

[0037] When the process proceeds to step S30, the order receiving unit 24 prompts the user to place a container such as a glass into which an alcoholic beverage is poured, as shown in FIG. 4D, and displays a position display screen on the touch panel 26 to indicate the position where the container is placed. The order receiving unit 24 also divides the screen of the touch panel 26 according to the number of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20. Here, the beverage dispenser 10 has two dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20, namely, a dispensing nozzle group 16 for dispensing an alcoholic beverage and a dispensing nozzle group 20 for dispensing a non-alcoholic beverage. Therefore, the screen of the touch panel 26 is divided into two parts, left and right, according to the left and right positions of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20. The order receiving unit 24 darkens the screen of the touch panel 26 divided into two parts, the side (right side in the figure) where the dispensing nozzle group 20 of the non-alcoholic beverage not selected by the user is provided. Therefore, the screen on the side (left side in the figure) of the dispensing nozzle group 16 for dispensing the alcoholic beverage selected by the user is highlighted. Additionally, the darkened right screen displays the arrow-shaped dispensing nozzle group 16, 20LR pointing toward the highlighted left screen. This further emphasizes that the dispensing nozzle group 16 that dispenses the beverage selected by the user is on the left side. This allows the user to clearly recognize the side on which the dispensing nozzle group 16 that dispenses the selected beverage is located.

[0038] Also, an image (here, an illustration) of the beverage dispenser 10 is displayed on the highlighted left screen, and further, an arrow-shaped position display PI is displayed on the lower side of the highlighted left screen as position information for indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle group 16 for dispensing alcoholic beverages arranged on the lower side of the touch panel 26. This allows the user to reliably know on which side of the receiving base 22 a container such as a glass for pouring a beverage should be placed, and prevents human error such as placing a container under the dispensing nozzle group 20 on an unselected side and pouring an unselected beverage.

[0039] Here, the arrow-shaped position display PI as position information has been described as a display for pointing to the dispensing nozzle group 16 on the lower side of the touch panel 26, but it is not limited to this, and may include a display for pointing to the position of the beverage dispenser itself notified to a terminal or a smartphone of a user with dedicated software installed, for example, when the order receiving unit is a terminal located away from the beverage dispenser or a smartphone of a user with dedicated software installed. Also, the position display is described as an arrow-shaped screen display such as the left / right position display LR and the position display PI, but it is not limited to this, and may be a voice display, a lit lamp and button display, or a combination of these.

[0040] The user recognizes the dispensing nozzle group 16 from the left / right position display LR on the darkened screen and the position display PI on the highlighted screen, and then places a container on the receiving platform 22 and touches the "Setting Complete" display on the touch panel 26. This causes the order receiving unit 24 to display on the touch panel 26 a selection screen as shown in Fig. 4E, which allows the user to select whether or not to make a custom order (in the figure, "Order to your liking") by selecting the alcohol content and strength of the lemon sour flavor.

[0041] When the user selects a custom order, the process proceeds to step S50, and the order receiving unit 24 displays a selection screen on the touch panel 26 for the user to select the alcohol content desired, as shown in Fig. 4F. Furthermore, when the user selects the alcohol content, the order receiving unit 24 displays a selection screen on the touch panel 26 for the user to select the lemon sour flavor strength desired, as shown in Fig. 4G. When the user selects the lemon sour flavor strength, the order receiving unit 24 displays a confirmation screen on the touch panel 26 for the user to confirm the alcohol content and lemon sour flavor strength selected by the user, as shown in Fig. 4H.

[0042] When the user confirms that his / her selection is correct and selects "Yes" on the touch panel 26, the order receiving unit 24 displays a screen on the touch panel 26 indicating that the lemon sour selected by the user is being dispensed, as shown in FIG. 4I. The control device 82 of the beverage dispenser 10 controls the discharge amount of the first flow jet pump 58 and the second flow jet pump 74, the expansion or contraction of the flow paths of the first flow regulator 60 and the second flow regulator 76, and the opening and closing of the solenoid valves 46, 50, 62, 66, and 78 according to the alcohol content and the strength of the lemon sour flavor input from the order receiving unit 24, to dispense the lemon sour with the flavor selected by the user from the dispensing nozzle group 16. When the dispensing of the lemon sour into the container is completed, the order receiving unit 24 displays a screen on the touch panel 26 indicating that the dispensing of the lemon sour is completed, as shown in FIG. 4J, and ends the operation.

[0043] If the user does not select a custom order in step S30, the process proceeds to step S60, and the order receiving unit 24 displays a selection screen (not shown) on the touch panel 26, which shows a plurality of combinations of preset flavors, i.e., alcohol content and lemon sour flavor intensity. The user selects a lemon sour with a desired flavor from these combinations, and when the order receiving unit 24 accepts the user's selection, the beverage dispenser 10 dispenses the lemon sour from the dispensing nozzle group 16.

[0044] Also, in step S20, when the user selects a non-alcoholic beverage, the process proceeds to step S40. When the process proceeds to step S40, the order receiving unit 24 prompts the user to place a container such as a glass for pouring a non-alcoholic beverage as shown in FIG. 4K, and displays a position display screen on the touch panel 26 to indicate the position to place the container. The order receiving unit 24 also divides the screen of the touch panel 26 into two, left and right, and darkens the screen on the side (left side in the figure) where the dispensing nozzle group 16 of the alcoholic beverage not selected by the user is provided. Therefore, the screen on the side of the dispensing nozzle group 20 for dispensing the non-alcoholic beverage selected by the user (right side in the figure) is emphasized. In addition, on the darkened left screen, a left-right position display LR in the shape of an arrow is displayed toward the highlighted right screen. Therefore, it is possible to further emphasize that the dispensing nozzle group 20 from which the beverage selected by the user is dispensed is on the right side. This allows the user to reliably recognize the dispensing nozzle group 20 from which the selected beverage is dispensed.

[0045] Also, an image (here, an illustration) of the beverage dispenser 10 is displayed on the highlighted right screen, and further, a position display PI is displayed on the lower side of the highlighted right screen as position information for indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle group 20 for dispensing non-alcoholic beverages arranged on the lower side of the touch panel 26. This allows the user to reliably know on which side of the receiving base 22 a container such as a glass for pouring a beverage should be placed, either to the left or right, and prevents human error such as pouring an unselected beverage by placing a container under the dispensing nozzle group 16 on an unselected side.

[0046] The user recognizes the dispensing nozzle group 20 based on the left / right position display LR on the darkened screen and the position display PI on the highlighted screen, places a container on the receiving platform 22, and then touches the "Setting Complete" display on the touch panel 26. This causes the order receiving unit 24 to display a selection screen for the user to select the flavor strength of the non-alcoholic lemon sour desired by the user, as shown in Fig. 4G. When the user selects the flavor strength of the lemon sour, the order receiving unit 24 displays a confirmation screen on the touch panel 26 for the user to confirm the flavor strength of the lemon sour selected by the user, as shown in Fig. 4L.

[0047] When the user confirms that his / her selection is correct and selects "Yes" on the touch panel 26, the order receiving unit 24 displays a screen on the touch panel 26 indicating that the lemon sour selected by the user is being dispensed, as shown in FIG. 4I. In addition, the control device 82 of the beverage dispenser 10 controls the discharge amount of the first flow jet pump 58 and the second flow jet pump 74, the expansion or contraction of the flow paths of the first flow regulator 60 and the second flow regulator 76, and the opening and closing of the solenoid valves 46, 50, 62, 66, and 78 according to the strength of the taste of the lemon sour input from the order receiving unit 24, to dispense the non-alcoholic lemon sour selected by the user from the dispensing nozzle group 20. When the dispensing of the non-alcoholic lemon sour into the container is completed, the order receiving unit 24 displays a screen on the touch panel 26 indicating that the dispensing of the lemon sour is completed, as shown in FIG. 4J.

[0048] Next, the operation and effects of the beverage dispenser 10 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0049] According to the beverage dispenser 10 of the embodiment, the beverage dispenser 10 includes an order receiving unit 24 having a touch panel 26 for receiving information on a beverage selected by a user, and a control device 82 for controlling the dispensing of beverages from a plurality of dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 based on the information received by the order receiving unit 24. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 10 can dispense a beverage according to the information on the beverage selected by the user. Furthermore, the order receiving unit 24 is configured to display a confirmation screen for confirming the attribute information of the user on the display screen before receiving the information on the beverage, and to display a position display PI for indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 from which the beverage is dispensed based on the information on the beverage selected by the user after receiving the information on the beverage selected by the user. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 10 can check the attribute information of the user and control the beverage dispenser 10 not to erroneously dispense an alcoholic beverage in cases such as when the user is a minor, when the user plans to drive a car or a bicycle, when the user is pregnant or breastfeeding, or when the user has a chronic illness. Furthermore, by displaying left / right position indicators LR and position indicators PI for indicating the positions of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 from which the beverage is dispensed on the touch panel 26 of the beverage dispenser 10, the user can be sure to recognize the positions of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 corresponding to the selected beverage. This allows the beverage dispenser 10 to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0050] Moreover, according to the beverage dispenser 10 of the embodiment, the order receiving unit 24 is configured to divide the display screen of the touch panel 26 according to the number of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20, and to darken the display screen that does not include the position display PI among the divided display screens. Therefore, the display screen that includes the position display PI among the two divided display screens can be emphasized, and the difference from the display screen that does not include the position display PI can be made clear. Therefore, the user can more reliably recognize the position of the dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 corresponding to the selected beverage. As a result, the beverage dispenser 10 can accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the beverage dispenser 10 of the embodiment, the multiple dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20 include a dispensing nozzle group 20 that dispenses a non-alcoholic beverage and a dispensing nozzle group 16 that dispenses an alcoholic beverage. Therefore, non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages can be dispensed from separate dispensing nozzle groups 16, 20, and mixing of alcoholic beverages into non-alcoholic beverages can be prevented. This allows the beverage dispenser 10 to accurately dispense the beverage selected by the user while preventing mixing of alcoholic beverages into non-alcoholic beverages.

[0052] Moreover, the beverage dispenser 10 according to the embodiment includes an alcohol content adjusting mechanism 82, 58, 74, 60, 76 that adjusts the alcohol content of the beverage dispensed from the dispensing nozzle group 16 based on information on the alcohol content of the beverage selected by the user. Specifically, the non-alcoholic beverage contained in the first tank 56 is pumped by the first flow jet pump 58, and is dispensed from the first dispensing nozzles 16b, 20b of the beverage dispensing units 14, 18 through the first supply pipes PA4, PA6. The alcoholic beverage contained in the second tank 72 is pumped by the second flow jet pump 74, and is dispensed from the second dispensing nozzles 16c of the beverage dispensing units 14, 18 through the second supply pipes PA7, PA8. Furthermore, clean water supplied from the clean water supply unit 30 is dispensed from the clean water dispensing nozzles 16a, 20a of the beverage dispensing units 14, 18 through the clean water pipes PA1, PA3. A first flow regulator 60 is disposed in the middle of the first supply pipes PA4 and PA6, and can adjust the flow rate of the non-alcoholic beverage supplied to the first dispensing nozzles 16b and 20b. This allows the concentration of the non-alcoholic beverage made by mixing the non-alcoholic beverage dispensed from the first dispensing nozzles 16b and 20b with the clean water dispensed from the clean water dispensing nozzles 16a and 20a to be adjusted. In addition, a second flow regulator 76 is disposed in the middle of the second supply pipes PA7 and PA8, and can adjust the flow rate of the alcoholic beverage supplied to the second dispensing nozzle 16c. This allows the concentration of the alcoholic beverage made by mixing the alcoholic beverage dispensed from the second dispensing nozzle 16c with the non-alcoholic beverage and clean water dispensed from the first dispensing nozzle 16b and the clean water dispensing nozzle 16a to be adjusted. This allows the beverage dispenser 10 to accurately customize the alcohol concentration of beverages, including non-alcoholic beverages, and accurately dispense non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages of the ingredients selected by the user while preventing human error.

[0053] As described above, the beverage dispenser 10 according to this embodiment can accurately dispense a variety of beverages selected by a user while preventing human error.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the beverage dispenser 10 of this embodiment, non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages can be dispensed separately from the first dispensing nozzles 16b, 20b and the second dispensing nozzle 16c, so that the mixing of alcohol when preparing a non-alcoholic beverage can be prevented or suppressed.

[0055] In addition, according to the beverage dispenser 10 of this embodiment, the first flow jet pump 58 and the first flow regulator 60 can be linked by the control device 82. Therefore, the first flow regulator 60 can be operated according to the amount of non-alcoholic beverage pumped by the first flow jet pump 58, and the flow rate of the non-alcoholic beverage supplied to the first dispensing nozzles 16b, 20b can be adjusted. In addition, the second flow jet pump 74 and the second flow regulator 76 can be linked by the control device 82. Therefore, the second flow regulator 76 can be operated according to the amount of alcoholic beverage pumped by the second flow jet pump 74, and the flow rate of the alcoholic beverage supplied to the second dispensing nozzle 16c can be adjusted. This allows the alcohol concentration of beverages, including non-alcoholic beverages, to be accurately customized.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the beverage dispenser 10 of this embodiment, the beverage dispensing section 14, 18 is provided with clean water solenoid valves 46, 50 for opening and closing the clean water dispensing nozzles 16a, 20a, first solenoid valves 62, 66 for opening and closing the first dispensing nozzles 16b, 20b, and a second solenoid valve 78 for opening and closing the second dispensing nozzle 16c. The control device 82 is configured to be capable of controlling the time for opening the clean water solenoid valves 46, 50, the first solenoid valves 62, 66, and the second solenoid valve 78, which are electrically connected. Therefore, it is possible to dispense a precise amount of clean water from the clean water dispensing nozzles 16a, 20a, and to dispense a precise amount of non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages from the first dispensing nozzles 16b, 20b and the second dispensing nozzle 16c. This allows accurate customization of the alcohol concentration of beverages, including non-alcoholic beverages.

[0057] Here, the beverage dispenser 10 has been described as being equipped with a clean water supply unit 30 for supplying clean water, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the third liquid dispensed from the third dispensing nozzle may be an alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic beverage, and a tank containing an alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic beverage may be provided as the third liquid supply unit for this purpose.

[0058] Further, although the beverage dispenser 10 has been described herein as being equipped with a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 40, this is not limited thereto, and the beverage dispenser may be configured to dispense only non-carbonated beverages without being equipped with a carbon dioxide gas cylinder.

[0059] Furthermore, although the beverage dispenser 10 has been described here as adjusting the alcohol concentration including non-alcoholic beverages, this is not limited thereto, and the beverage dispenser may be configured to adjust concentrations that serve as indicators when preparing a beverage, such as the concentration of a concentrate when diluting a concentrated concentrate to prepare a beverage, or the sugar content, salt concentration, and pH concentration of a beverage when adjusting sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and flavor.

[0060] Although the embodiment of the beverage dispenser 10 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It is believed that a person skilled in the art would understand that various modifications of the above embodiment are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10 Beverage dispenser 16 Dispensing nozzle group (dispensing nozzle, alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle) 20 Dispensing nozzle group (dispensing nozzle, non-alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle) 24 Order Reception Department 26 Touch panel (display screen) 56 First Tank (Beverage Tank) 58 First flow jet pump (alcohol content adjustment mechanism) 60 First flow regulator (alcohol content adjustment mechanism) 72 Second tank (beverage tank) 74 Second Flow Jet Pump (Alcohol Content Adjustment Mechanism) 76 Second flow regulator (alcohol content adjustment mechanism) 82 Control device (control unit, alcohol content adjustment mechanism) PI location display (location information)

Claims

1. 1. A beverage dispenser for providing a beverage, comprising: A plurality of dispense nozzles for dispensing beverages; A plurality of beverage tanks each containing a beverage and each connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of dispensing nozzles; an order receiving unit having a display screen for receiving information on a beverage selected by a user; A control unit that controls the dispensing of beverages from the plurality of dispensing nozzles based on the information received by the order receiving unit, the order receiving unit displays a confirmation screen on the display screen to confirm attribute information of the user before receiving the information about the beverage; A beverage dispenser characterized in that, after receiving the information of a beverage selected by a user, the beverage dispenser displays or notifies position information indicating the position of the dispensing nozzle from which the beverage is dispensed based on the information.

2. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the location information is displayed on the display screen.

3. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein the attribute information is age information of the user.

4. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the order receiving unit is configured to divide the display screen according to the number of the dispensing nozzles and to darken the display screens that do not include the position information among the divided display screens.

5. 2. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dispensing nozzles comprises a non-alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle for dispensing a non-alcoholic beverage and an alcoholic beverage dispensing nozzle for dispensing an alcoholic beverage.

6. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an alcohol content adjustment mechanism that adjusts the alcohol content of the beverage dispensed from the dispensing nozzle based on information on the alcohol content of the beverage selected by a user.

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