Beverage dispenser

Abstract

This provides a beverage dispenser that is advantageous for keeping the tip of the concentrated ingredient nozzle clean. [Solution] A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages into beverage containers comprises a first dispensing unit for dispensing concentrated components from a concentrated component nozzle and a second dispensing unit for dispensing diluted components from a diluted component nozzle, wherein the concentrated component nozzle and the diluted component nozzle are arranged such that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle strikes the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage server.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a beverage supply device including a tube that discharges syrup and a dilution water discharge unit that discharges dilution water for diluting the syrup discharged from the tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a beverage server including a concentrated component nozzle for pouring out a concentrated component and a diluted component nozzle for pouring out a diluted component, the concentrated component remains at the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle and may solidify if left for a long time.

[0005] Also, in a beverage server as described above, when the pouring of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle is started after the pouring of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle is started, the concentrated component adheres to the inner surface of the beverage container that receives both components earlier than the diluted component, and this may remain undissolved by the diluted component. As a result, the concentration of the concentrated component in the beverage container may become non-uniform.

[0006] Furthermore, in beverage dispensers like the one described above, if concentrated components remain as droplets on the tip of the nozzle or drip into the beverage container at the end of dispensing, the dilution ratio of the concentrated components in the beverage (= volume of concentrated components / volume of diluted components) may vary. This is particularly noticeable when the dilution ratio is high.

[0007] Furthermore, since the dilution ratio is generally only about 10%, the transportation costs for concentrated ingredients are high.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention aims to provide a beverage server that is advantageous for keeping the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle clean.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention aims to provide a beverage server that is advantageous for homogenizing the concentration of concentrated components within a beverage container.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention aims to provide a beverage server that is advantageous for reducing variations in dilution ratios.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention aims to provide a beverage server that is advantageous in reducing the transportation costs of concentrated ingredient nozzles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage server for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container, the beverage server comprising a first dispensing section for dispensing a concentrated component from a concentrated component nozzle and a second dispensing section for dispensing a diluted component from a diluted component nozzle, wherein the concentrated component nozzle and the diluted component nozzle are arranged such that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle strikes the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage server for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container, the beverage server comprising: a first dispensing unit for dispensing a concentrated component from a concentrated component nozzle; a second dispensing unit for dispensing a diluted component from a diluted component nozzle; and a control unit for controlling the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, wherein the control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage server for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container, the beverage server comprising: a first dispensing unit that dispenses a concentrated component from a concentrated component nozzle by sending the concentrated component to a concentrated component nozzle through a flow path; and a second dispensing unit that dispenses a diluted component from a diluted component nozzle, wherein the first dispensing unit has a recovery function that returns the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle to the flow path.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage server for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container, the beverage server comprising: a first dispensing unit for dispensing a concentrated component from a concentrated component nozzle; a second dispensing unit for dispensing a diluted component from a diluted component nozzle; and a control unit for controlling the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, wherein the control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so that the diluted component dispensed from the second dispensing unit is 100 times or more the concentrated component dispensed from the first dispensing unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a beverage dispenser is provided that is advantageous for keeping the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle clean.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a beverage server is provided that is advantageous for homogenizing the concentration of concentrated components within a beverage container.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a beverage server advantageous for reducing variations in dilution ratios is provided.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a beverage server advantageous for reducing the transportation cost of the concentrated component nozzle is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] The figure which shows typically the structure of the beverage server of one Embodiment. [Figure 2] The figure which expanded a part of FIG. [Figure 3] The figure which shows the structural example provided with a plurality of concentrated component pouring parts. [Figure 4] The flowchart which illustrates operation | movement of the beverage server of one Embodiment. [Figure 5] The timing chart which illustrates operation | movement of the beverage server of one Embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0022] In FIG. 1, the configuration of a beverage server 100 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. In FIG. 2, a view enlarging a part of FIG. 1 is shown. The beverage server 100 pours a beverage into a beverage container BC. More specifically, the beverage server 100 pours out a concentrated component and a diluting component so that the concentrated component and the diluting component are mixed in the beverage container BC. The concentrated component can be, for example, a liquid obtained by concentrating a beverage having a fruit juice flavor, or a liquid containing alcohol. The alcohol is, for example, ethanol or propylene glycol. The diluting component is, for example, carbonated water or water.

[0023] The beverage server 100 may include a first dispensing section (concentrated component dispensing section) 10 for dispensing concentrated components from a concentrated component nozzle 11, and a second dispensing section (diluted component dispensing section) 20 for dispensing diluted components from a diluted component nozzle 21. The first dispensing section 10 may include, in addition to the concentrated component nozzle 11, a flow path 12 communicating with the concentrated component nozzle 11, and a pump 13 for sending concentrated components from a concentrated component source 14 to the concentrated component nozzle 11 through the flow path 12. The concentrated component source 14 may be housed in a housing 60, which will be described later, or it may be located outside the housing 60. Alternatively, part of the concentrated component source 14 may be housed in the housing 60 and the other part may be located outside the housing 60. The pump 13 is, for example, a ring pump. The second dispensing section 20 may include a diluted component supply section 22 for supplying diluted components to the diluted component nozzle 21. The dilution component supply unit 22 may include, for example, a filter for filtering water supplied from an unillustrated water source, a cooler for cooling the water, and the like. The dilution component supply unit 22 may also include a carbonator for adding carbon dioxide to the water. The dilution component supply unit 22 may be housed in the housing 60 or located outside the housing 50. Alternatively, part of the dilution component supply unit 22 may be housed in the housing 60 and the other part may be located outside the housing 50.

[0024] In Figure 2, the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle 11 is schematically shown by arrow A, and the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle 21 is schematically shown by arrow B. As schematically shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the concentrated component nozzle 11 and the diluted component nozzle 21 are arranged so that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle 21 hits the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11. The tip portion TP may be, for example, the portion from the lower end of the concentrated component nozzle 11 up to 10 mm. When the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle 21 hits the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11, concentrated components adhering to or remaining on the tip portion TP can be washed away, thereby purifying the tip portion TP.

[0025] As schematically shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle 21 is higher than the height of the lower end of the concentration component nozzle 11. This configuration is advantageous for realizing a configuration in which the dilution component dispensed from the dilution component nozzle 21 hits the tip portion TP of the concentration component nozzle 11. The height difference ΔH between the lower end of the dilution component nozzle 21 and the lower end of the concentration component nozzle is, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm, and preferably in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Note that the dilution component that hits above the lower end of the concentration component nozzle 11 may travel along the outer surface of the dilution component nozzle 21 to the lower end of the concentration component nozzle 11 and then fall. Note that the height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle 21 may be the minimum height at which the dilution component detaches from the dilution component nozzle 21. Note that the height of the lower end of the concentration component nozzle 11 may be the minimum height at which the concentration component detaches from the concentration component nozzle 11.

[0026] The beverage server 100 may further include a control unit 50 that controls the first dispensing unit 10 and the second dispensing unit 20. The control unit 50 may include, for example, a microprocessor with software. The control unit 50 can control the first dispensing unit 10 and the second dispensing unit 20 so that, for example, the dispensing of concentrated components from the concentrated component nozzle 11 is completed before the dispensing of diluted components from the diluted component nozzle 21 is completed. This allows the diluted component to be supplied to agitate the concentrated component after the supply of concentrated components to the liquid surface of the beverage in the beverage container BC has been completed. Therefore, the concentrated component can be diluted more uniformly in the beverage container BC. In addition, any concentrated components that may remain on the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11 due to surface tension can be washed away by the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle 21. This allows the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11 to be purified. Moreover, the concentrated component to be dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle 11 into the beverage container BC can be dispensed into the beverage container BC almost completely.

[0027] From another perspective, it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the first dispensing unit 10 and the second dispensing unit 20 so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle 11 after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle 21. If the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle 21 is started after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle 11 is started, the diluted component will be supplied after the concentrated component has adhered to the inner surface (bottom or side) of the beverage container BC, thus delaying the dilution of the concentrated component by the diluted component. As a result, all or part of the concentrated component may remain undissolved, or it may not be uniformly diluted by the diluted component. Therefore, it is preferable that the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle 11 be started after the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle 21 is started. This is advantageous for uniformizing the dilution ratio of the beverage in the beverage container BC.

[0028] The first dispensing unit 10 may be configured to dispense the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle 11 by sending the concentrated component to the concentrated component nozzle 11 through the flow path 12. In such a configuration, at the end of dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle 11, the concentrated component may remain in droplet form on the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11 or drip onto the beverage container BC. This can cause variations in the dilution ratio of the concentrated component (= volume of concentrated component / volume of dilution component) in the diluted beverage produced by mixing the concentrated component and dilution component in the beverage container BC. Therefore, it is preferable that the first dispensing unit 10 has a recovery function that draws the concentrated component back into the flow path 12 from the concentrated component nozzle 11 (either the tip portion TP or near the outlet). Such a recovery function can be achieved, for example, by operating the pump 13 in the suction direction (opposite direction to dispensing). This can reduce or prevent problems such as the concentrated component remaining in droplet form on the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11 or dripping onto the beverage container BC. This is advantageous for reducing variations in the dilution ratio.

[0029] It is preferable that the control unit 50 terminates the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle 11, then terminates the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle 21, and then operates the recovery function to draw the concentrated component back into the flow path 12 from the concentrated component nozzle 11. This is advantageous in reducing the amount of concentrated component at the tip portion TP of the concentrated component nozzle 11 by the time the operation to draw the concentrated component back into the flow path 12 from the concentrated component nozzle 11 begins.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 3, the beverage server 100 may further include a third dispensing section (second concentrated component dispensing section) 30 that dispenses a second concentrated component, different from the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle (first concentrated component nozzle) 11, from a second concentrated component nozzle 31. The third dispensing section 30 may include, in addition to the second concentrated component nozzle 31, a second flow path 32 communicating with the second concentrated component nozzle 31, and a second pump 33 for sending the concentrated component from the second concentrated component source 34 to the second concentrated component nozzle 31 through the second flow path 32. The second pump 33 is, for example, a ring pump. The first concentrated component nozzle 11, the second concentrated component nozzle 31, and the dilution component nozzle 21 are preferably arranged such that the dilution component dispensed from the dilution component nozzle 21 hits the tip portion TP of the first concentrated component nozzle 11 and the tip portion of the second concentrated component nozzle 31. The height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle 21 is preferably higher than the height of the lower end of the first concentration component nozzle 11 and the mold height of the second concentration component nozzle 31. The beverage server 100 may be equipped with more concentration component dispensing sections for dispensing the concentration component, the configuration of which may be similar to that of the first dispensing section (first concentration component nozzle) 10 and the third dispensing section (second concentration component dispensing section) 30.

[0031] The control unit 50 can control the first dispensing unit 10 and the second dispensing unit 20 so that the diluted component dispensed from the second dispensing unit (diluted component dispensing unit) 20 is 100 times, 200 times or more, 300 times or more, 400 times or more, 500 times or more, 600 times or more, 700 times or more, 800 times or more, 900 times or more, or 1000 times or more than the concentrated component dispensed from the first dispensing unit (concentrated component dispensing unit) 10. This can contribute to reducing the transportation cost of the concentrated component source 14. This can also contribute to reducing the frequency of replacement of the concentrated component source 14.

[0032] The beverage server 100 may be equipped with a dispensing switch 42 for the user to instruct the beverage server 100 to dispense concentrated and diluted components. When the dispensing switch 42 is turned ON, the beverage server 100 (control unit 50) starts dispensing the concentrated and diluted components, and when the dispensing switch 42 is turned OFF, the beverage server 100 (control unit 50) can stop dispensing the concentrated and diluted components. The dispensing switch 42 may be positioned in a location that turns ON, for example, by placing the beverage container BC in a predetermined position below the concentrated component nozzle 11 and the diluted component nozzle 21. Alternatively, the dispensing switch 42 may be positioned elsewhere.

[0033] In addition, the beverage server 100 may be equipped with an operating unit 40. The operating unit 40 may have a function to allow the user to select which concentrated component to dispense from in a configuration where multiple concentrated component dispensing units are provided. The beverage server 100 may be equipped with a housing 60 that supports the concentrated component nozzle 11 and the dilution component nozzle 21 and houses the pump 13, the operating unit 40 and the control unit 50. All or part of the concentrated component source 14 may be housed in the housing 60. All or part of the dilution component supply unit 22 may be housed in the housing 60.

[0034] The concentrated component nozzle 11 may have an outer diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and preferably an outer diameter in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm. The concentrated component nozzle 11 may have an inner diameter in the range of 0.5 mm to 7 mm and smaller than the outer diameter, and preferably an inner diameter in the range of 1 mm to 7 mm and smaller than the outer diameter. The concentrated component nozzle 11 may be made of polyolefin, for example. The path length from the outlet of the pump 13 to the outlet of the concentrated component nozzle 11 may be in the range of 40 mm to 400 mm, and preferably in the range of 40 mm to 70 mm. The flow path 12 may be made of polyolefin, for example.

[0035] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the operation of the beverage server 100. Figure 4 is a flowchart, and Figure 5 is a timing chart. This operation is controlled by a control unit 50, which is activated when a power switch (not shown) is turned on.

[0036] In step S301, the control unit 50 determines whether to transition to a setting mode in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 40. If it transitions to the setting mode, it proceeds to step S302; otherwise, it proceeds to step S303. In step S302, the control unit 50 performs the setting in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 40. This setting includes, for example, determining which concentrated component to dispense from in a configuration where multiple concentrated component dispensing units are provided.

[0037] In step S303, the control unit 50 waits for the dispensing switch 42 to be turned ON, that is, for a dispensing command from the user. Once the dispensing switch 42 is turned ON (T0), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S304 and can start dispensing the diluted component from the second dispensing unit (diluted component dispensing unit) 20 (T1). Subsequently, in step S305, the control unit 50 can start dispensing the concentrated component from the first dispensing unit (concentrated component dispensing unit) 10 (T2). Here, the control unit 50 may control the first dispensing unit 10 such that the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle 11 (first dispensing unit 10) goes from 0 to a first flow rate FR1, and then decreases to a second flow rate FR2 which is smaller than the first flow rate FR1 (T2-T5), and that the flow rate maintains the second flow rate FR2 (T5-T7). The reason for setting FR1 > FR2 is that, after the dispensing of the dilution component is started by the second dispensing section (dilution component dispensing section) 20, the dispensing of the concentrate component is performed by the first dispensing section (concentration component dispensing section) 10, resulting in a shortage of the concentrate component in the initial state compared to the target amount (the amount of concentrate component corresponding to the set dilution ratio).

[0038] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may control the first dispensing unit 10 so as to include a period (T2-T3) during which the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle 11 (first dispensing unit 10) goes from 0 to a first flow rate FR1, a period (T3-T4) during which the flow rate maintains the first flow rate FR1, a period (T4-T5) during which the flow rate decreases from the first flow rate FR1 to a second flow rate FR2 which is smaller than the first flow rate FR1, and a period (T5-T7) during which the flow rate maintains the second flow rate FR2.

[0039] In step S306, the control unit 50 waits for the dispensing switch 42 to turn off, that is, for the user to finish issuing a dispensing command. Once the dispensing switch 42 is turned off (T6), the process proceeds to step S307, where the dispensing of the concentrated component by the first dispensing unit (concentrated component dispensing unit) 10 can be terminated (T7). Subsequently, in step S308, the control unit 50 can terminate the dispensing of the diluted component by the second dispensing unit (diluted component dispensing unit) 20 (T8). Subsequently, in step S309, the control unit 50 can activate the recovery function of the first dispensing unit (concentrated component dispensing unit) 10 to draw the concentrated component back from the concentrated component nozzle 11 into the flow path 12. Subsequently, in step S310, the control unit 50 terminates its operation when the power switch (not shown) is turned off, and returns to step S301 if the power switch is not turned off.

[0040] The following inventions are described in this specification and the accompanying drawings. (Item 1) A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing section for dispensing concentrated ingredients from a concentrated ingredient nozzle, It comprises a second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The concentrated component nozzle and the diluted component nozzle are arranged such that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle hits the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features. (Item 2) The height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle is higher than the height of the lower end of the concentration component nozzle. A beverage dispenser as described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The system further comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to terminate the dispensing of the diluted component from the dilution component nozzle after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle has been terminated. A beverage server as described in item 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 4) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle. A beverage dispenser as described in item 3, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 5) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit such that the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle increases from 0 to a first flow rate, and then decreases to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the flow rate remains at the second flow rate. A beverage dispenser as described in item 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 6) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit so as to include a period from when the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle goes from 0 to a first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate maintains the first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate decreases from the first flow rate to a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate, and a period during which the flow rate maintains the second flow rate. A beverage dispenser as described in item 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 7) The first dispensing unit is configured to dispense the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle by sending the concentrated component to the concentrated component nozzle through a flow path, The first dispensing unit has a recovery function that draws the concentrated component back into the flow path from the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage server as described in any one of items 3 to 6, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 8) The control unit terminates the dispensing of the concentrated component from the first dispensing unit, then terminates the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle, and subsequently operates the recovery function to draw the concentrated component back into the flow path from the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage dispenser as described in item 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 9) A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing section for dispensing concentrated ingredients from a concentrated ingredient nozzle, A second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The system comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features. (Item 10) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to terminate the dispensing of the diluted component from the dilution component nozzle after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle has been terminated. A beverage dispenser as described in item 9, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 11) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit such that the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle decreases from 0 to a first flow rate and then to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the flow rate is maintained at the second flow rate. A beverage server as described in item 9 or 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 12) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit so as to include a period from when the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle goes from 0 to a first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate maintains the first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate decreases from the first flow rate to a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate, and a period during which the flow rate maintains the second flow rate. A beverage server as described in item 9 or 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 13) A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing unit that dispenses the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle by sending the concentrated component through a flow path to the concentrated component nozzle, It comprises a second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The first dispensing unit has a recovery function that draws the concentrated component back into the flow path from the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features. (Item 14) The concentrated component nozzle and the diluted component nozzle are arranged such that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle hits the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage dispenser as described in item 13, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 15) The system comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to terminate the dispensing of the diluted component from the dilution component nozzle after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the first dispensing unit has been terminated. A beverage dispenser as described in item 14, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 16) The control unit operates the recovery function to return the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle back into the flow path after the dispensing of the diluted component is completed. A beverage dispenser as described in item 15, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 17) The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle. A beverage server as described in item 15 or 16, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 18) A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing section for dispensing concentrated ingredients from a concentrated ingredient nozzle, A second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The system comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first and second dispensing units such that the diluted component dispensed from the second dispensing unit is 100 times or more the concentrated component dispensed from the first dispensing unit. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features. (Item 19) The system further includes a third dispensing section for dispensing a second concentrated component, different from the aforementioned concentrated component, from a second concentrated component nozzle. The concentrated component nozzle, the second concentrated component nozzle, and the dilution component nozzle are arranged such that the dilution component dispensed from the dilution component nozzle strikes the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle and the tip portion of the second concentrated component nozzle. A beverage server according to any one of items 1 to 18, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 20) The height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle is higher than the height of the lower end of the concentration component nozzle and the mold of the second concentration component nozzle. A beverage server as described in item 19, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 21) The first dispensing section includes a ring pump for dispensing the diluent, A beverage server according to any one of items 1 to 20, characterized by the features described herein.

[0041] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 100: Beverage dispenser, 10: First dispensing section (concentrated component dispensing section), 11: Concentrated component nozzle, 12: Flow path, 20: Second dispensing section (diluted component dispensing section), 21: Diluted component nozzle, BC: Beverage container, 42: Dispensing switch, 60: Housing

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing section for dispensing concentrated ingredients from a concentrated ingredient nozzle, It comprises a second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The concentrated component nozzle and the diluted component nozzle are arranged such that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle hits the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features.

2. The height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle is higher than the height of the lower end of the concentration component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 1.

3. The system further comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to terminate the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle has been terminated. The beverage server according to feature 1.

4. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 3.

5. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit such that the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle increases from zero to a first flow rate, and then decreases to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the flow rate remains at the second flow rate. The beverage server according to feature 4.

6. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit so as to include a period from when the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle goes from zero to a first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate maintains the first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate decreases from the first flow rate to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and a period during which the flow rate maintains the second flow rate. The beverage server according to feature 4.

7. The first dispensing unit is configured to dispense the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle by sending the concentrated component to the concentrated component nozzle through a flow path, The first dispensing unit has a recovery function that draws the concentrated component back into the flow path from the concentrated component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 3.

8. The control unit terminates the dispensing of the concentrated component from the first dispensing unit, then terminates the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle, and subsequently operates the recovery function to draw the concentrated component back into the flow path from the concentrated component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 7.

9. A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing section for dispensing concentrated ingredients from a concentrated ingredient nozzle, A second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The system comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features.

10. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to terminate the dispensing of the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle has been terminated. The beverage server according to feature 9.

11. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit such that the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle decreases from zero to a first flow rate and then to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the flow rate is maintained at the second flow rate. The beverage server according to feature 9.

12. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit so as to include a period from when the flow rate of the concentrated component dispensed from the concentrated component nozzle goes from zero to a first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate maintains the first flow rate, a period during which the flow rate decreases from the first flow rate to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and a period during which the flow rate maintains the second flow rate. The beverage server according to feature 9.

13. A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing unit that dispenses the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle by sending the concentrated component to the concentrated component nozzle through a flow path, It comprises a second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The first dispensing unit has a recovery function that draws the concentrated component back into the flow path from the concentrated component nozzle. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features.

14. The concentrated component nozzle and the diluted component nozzle are arranged such that the diluted component dispensed from the diluted component nozzle hits the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 13.

15. The system comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to terminate the dispensing of the diluted component from the dilution component nozzle after the dispensing of the concentrated component from the first dispensing unit has been terminated. The beverage server according to feature 14.

16. The control unit operates the recovery function to return the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle back into the flow path after the dispensing of the diluted component is completed. The beverage server according to feature 15.

17. The control unit controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit so as to start dispensing the concentrated component from the concentrated component nozzle after starting to dispensing the diluted component from the diluted component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 15.

18. A beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages into beverage containers, A first dispensing section for dispensing concentrated ingredients from a concentrated ingredient nozzle, A second dispensing section for dispensing the diluent from the diluent nozzle, The system comprises a control unit that controls the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit, The control unit controls the first and second dispensing units such that the diluted component dispensed from the second dispensing unit is 100 times or more the concentrated component dispensed from the first dispensing unit. A beverage dispenser characterized by the following features.

19. The system further includes a third dispensing section for dispensing a second concentrated component, different from the aforementioned concentrated component, from a second concentrated component nozzle. The concentrated component nozzle, the second concentrated component nozzle, and the dilution component nozzle are arranged such that the dilution component dispensed from the dilution component nozzle strikes the tip portion of the concentrated component nozzle and the tip portion of the second concentrated component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 1.

20. The height of the lower end of the dilution component nozzle is higher than the height of the lower end of the concentration component nozzle and the mold of the second concentration component nozzle. The beverage server according to feature 19.

21. The first dispensing section includes a ring pump for dispensing the diluent, A beverage server according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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