Frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus, and control method for the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure provides a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus and a control method for the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus that can effectively encourage users to perform heat sterilization. [Solution] The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus comprises a hopper for storing frozen dessert ingredients, a cooling cylinder connected to the hopper and having a beater that rotates to send the ingredients to a downstream dispensing outlet, a lever for opening and closing the dispensing outlet, and a notification means for prompting a sterilization operation of the ingredients in the hopper and the cooling cylinder. After prompting a sterilization operation by the notification means, if the sterilization operation of the ingredients is not performed and the lever is detected to be open, the apparatus has a control device that prohibits the rotation of the beater.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a cold confectionery manufacturing apparatus and a control method thereof. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of a cold confectionery manufacturing apparatus that starts a sterilization process by pressing a sterilization switch. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-126084 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 The present disclosure provides a cold confectionery manufacturing apparatus and a control method thereof that can effectively prompt a user to perform a heat sterilization process. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 The cold confectionery manufacturing apparatus in the present disclosure includes a hopper that stores cold confectionery materials, a cooling cylinder connected to the hopper and having a beater that sends the materials to a downstream outlet by rotation, a lever that opens and closes the outlet, and notification means that prompts a sterilization operation of the materials in the hopper and the cooling cylinder. After prompting the sterilization operation by the notification means, when the sterilization operation of the materials is not performed and the open state of the lever is detected, it has a control device that prohibits the rotation of the beater. 【0006】 Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a hopper for containing frozen dessert ingredients; a cooling cylinder connected to the hopper and having a beater that rotates to send the ingredients to a downstream dispensing outlet; a lever for opening and closing the dispensing outlet; and a notification means for prompting a sterilization operation of the ingredients in the hopper and the cooling cylinder, the method for controlling a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a first step of prompting a sterilization operation using the notification means; a second step of detecting the opening and closing of the lever; and a third step of determining whether a sterilization operation of the ingredients is being performed when the lever is detected to be open in the second step, and if a sterilization operation of the ingredients is being performed, allowing the rotation of the beater, and prohibiting the rotation of the beater if a sterilization operation of the ingredients is not being performed. [Effects of the Invention] 【0007】 The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus and control method for the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus in this disclosure prompt heat sterilization and, after prompting heat sterilization, prevent the frozen dessert from being dispensed. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prompt the user to perform the heat sterilization process. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0008】 [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Side view showing the internal structure of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the refrigerant cycle of a frozen dessert manufacturing system. [Figure 4] Diagram showing the main components of the control system for a frozen dessert manufacturing device. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the display panel. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the display panel. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the display panel. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the operation of the control device [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the control device [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0009】 (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology in which heat sterilization was performed by pressing a button at any time the user chose. In such a technology, it is conceivable to prompt the user to perform heat sterilization. However, the inventors discovered that simply prompting the user to perform heat sterilization would allow for continuous dispensing of frozen desserts, potentially resulting in the heat sterilization not being performed. To solve this problem, they came to form the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure provides a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus and a control method for the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus that can effectively encourage users to perform heat sterilization. 【0010】 The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. 【0011】 (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Structure] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view showing the internal structure of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1. This frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 is a device for manufacturing and selling frozen desserts such as soft serve ice cream and sherbet (shake). 【0012】 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a box-shaped main body 2. A hopper 4 for storing frozen confectionery materials is disposed on the ceiling portion 3 of the main body 2. The upper surface of the hopper 4 is open, and above the hopper 4, a lid member 13 for closing the upper surface of the tank 4A provided in the hopper 4 is detachably disposed. 【0013】 As shown in FIG. 2, inside the main body 2 and below the hopper 4, a cylindrical cooling cylinder 5 is disposed. Inside the cooling cylinder 5, a spiral-shaped beater 6 is provided so as to be rotatable. The beater 6 is provided with plate-shaped blades 6A. 【0014】 A drive motor 7 is housed inside the main body 2. As the drive motor 7, for example, a geared motor is applied. 【0015】 A speed reduction device 8 that reduces the rotational driving force of the drive motor 7 to a predetermined rotation amount and transmits it is connected to the drive motor 7. The beater 6 is connected to the output shaft 8A of the speed reduction device 8 via a drive shaft 9. 【0016】 The drive shaft 9 is rotatably supported at one end of the cooling cylinder 5 via a bearing 10, and the beater 6 is rotatably supported by a support sleeve 12 provided at the other end of the cooling cylinder 5 and a shaft support portion 11 of the drive shaft 9. 【0017】 Also, a rotary seal 14 is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft support portion 11 of the drive shaft 9. The rotary seal 14 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and is formed in a substantially M-shaped cross-sectional shape. The rotary seal 14 is configured to prevent the drain of the frozen confectionery material from the shaft support portion 11 side of the drive shaft 9 from entering the bearing 10 side. 【0018】 A cylinder evaporator 15 is wound around the cylindrical cooling cylinder 5. The cooling cylinder 5 has an inlet 16 that opens above the rotary seal 14. A cylindrical feeder 17 is inserted through the inlet 16 from the hopper 4. The feeder 17 supplies the frozen dessert ingredients and air to the cooling cylinder 5. On the support sleeve 12 side of the cooling cylinder 5, an outlet portion 18 is formed, opening forward. 【0019】 As shown in Figure 1, a front panel 20 is provided on the upper front of the main body 2, protruding in front of the cooling cylinder 5. A lever 28 for opening and closing the freezer door 21, which is located at the end of the cooling cylinder 5, is attached to the front panel 20. In addition, a dish-shaped drain tray 33 is provided on the lower front of the main body 2. 【0020】 As shown in Figure 2, a freezer door 21 is positioned at the front end of the cooling cylinder 5. The freezer door 21 comprises a door body 22. The door body 22 includes a cylindrical plunger 23 and a block 24 that holds the plunger 23 so that it can slide up and down. 【0021】 A through hole 25 is formed in the block 24 located on the front end side of the cooling cylinder 5. The lower end portion 23A of the plunger 23 is capable of fitting into the spout 26 and is formed in a substantially conical shape. The lower end portion 23A of the plunger 23 is capable of blocking the spout 26. The upper end 23B of the plunger 23 is flat, and a pin 27 is provided on the flat surface. The pin 27 is a torsion coil spring and biases the upper end 23B of the plunger 23 downward. 【0022】 The lever 28 is rotatably supported on the block 24 by a support pin 29. The lever 28 fits into a recess 30 of the plunger 23. An actuator 31 is positioned at the rear end of the pin 27. When the lever 28 is lowered and opened, the pin 27 rotates, separating the pin 27 from the actuator 31. Furthermore, the spout 26 is opened, and the cold dessert is poured out through the spout 26 by the pushing force of the rotating beater 6. As described above, the cooling cylinder 5 is connected to a hopper 4 upstream and a dispensing spout 26 downstream. The frozen dessert ingredients contained in the hopper 4 are fed into the cooling cylinder 5. The beater 6 can dispense the frozen dessert ingredients from the cooling cylinder 5 to the dispensing spout 26. 【0023】 As shown in Figure 1, an operation panel 40 is mounted on the front panel 20, and the operation panel 40 is equipped with a display panel 41 and various operation buttons 42. The display panel 41 provides predetermined notifications according to the control of the control device 100. The display panel 41 is an example of a notification means. The notification means may be a display or a touch panel. The operation buttons 42 are an example of an input means. The operation buttons 42 may be physical buttons or software buttons. 【0024】 A water supply pipe is provided at the bottom of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1, and a municipal water supply pipe (not shown) is connected to it. 【0025】 The water supply piping penetrates the ceiling section 3 and is connected to one end of the water tap 43. A water supply pipe 44 is connected to the other end of the water tap 43, forming a water supply system. The water supply pipe 44 is provided to be rotatable in the horizontal direction. 【0026】 When cleaning the hopper 4, opening the lid member 13 and the water tap 43 supplies tap water. This makes it possible to clean the inside of the hopper 4. 【0027】 As shown in Figure 1, an exhaust duct 45, which is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above, is attached to the rear of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1. The lower part of this exhaust duct 45 communicates with the inside of the main body 2, and the upper part opens to the outside of the main body 2. 【0028】 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant cycle of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, a condenser 51 is provided at the bottom of the main body 2. Water supply piping (not shown) is attached to the condenser 51. A compressor 52, a condenser 51, and a fan 53 that blows air to the condenser 51 are also installed at the bottom of the main body 2. 【0029】 The cylinder evaporator 15 on the outer circumference of the cooling cylinder 5 and the hopper evaporator 55 wrapped around the hopper 4 function as evaporators in the refrigeration cycle. A charge port 54 is connected to the low-pressure side of the compressor 52. 【0030】 A hopper cooling valve 56 is provided between the hopper evaporator 55 and the compressor 52 via a condenser 51. The hopper cooling valve 56 is an electrically operated valve that supplies low-temperature refrigerant when open and stops the supply of refrigerant when closed. Note that the high and low temperatures refer to the relative temperatures in the refrigerant cycle. 【0031】 A hopper hot gas valve 57 is provided between the hopper evaporator 55 and the compressor 52, bypassing the condenser 51. The hopper hot gas valve 57 is an electrically operated valve that supplies high-temperature refrigerant when open and stops the supply of refrigerant when closed. 【0032】 A cylinder cooling valve 58 is provided between the cylinder evaporator 15 and the compressor 52 via a condenser 51. The cylinder cooling valve 58 is an electrically operated valve that supplies a low-temperature refrigerant when open and stops the supply of refrigerant when closed. 【0033】 A cylinder hot gas valve 59 is provided between the cylinder evaporator 15 and the compressor 52, bypassing the condenser 51. The cylinder hot gas valve 59 is an electrically operated valve that supplies high-temperature refrigerant when open and stops the supply of refrigerant when closed. 【0034】 The paths from the compressor 52 to the hopper evaporator 55 and the cylinder evaporator 15 are branched. The refrigeration cycle is formed by connecting the compressor 52, condenser 51, pressure reducing mechanism (not shown), and evaporator with refrigerant piping. 【0035】 Then, by driving the compressor 52, the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air in the condenser 51 and is sent to the depressurization mechanism. The low-temperature refrigerant, depressurized in the depressurization mechanism, flows into the hopper evaporator 55 or the cylinder evaporator 15, cools the hopper 4 or the cooling cylinder 5, and then returns to the compressor 52. At this time, the heat generated by the heat exchange in the condenser 51 is released to the outside of the main body 2 via the exhaust duct 45 by the fan 53. 【0036】 Figure 4 shows the main components of the control system of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 includes a processor 110, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a memory 120, and controls each part of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1. The control device 100 performs various processes through the cooperation of hardware and software so that the processor 110 reads the program 121 stored in the memory 120 and executes the processing. 【0037】 Memory 120 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the processor 110 and data processed by the processor 110. Memory 120 stores control programs executed by the processor 110, setting data related to various settings of the control device 100, extension flags, and other various data. Memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data non-volatilely. Memory 120 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by the processor 110 and data to be processed. 【0038】 The control device 100 is connected to the tank stirring motor 61, which is provided in the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 and installed in the hopper 4, and controls the tank stirring motor 61. The tank stirring motor 61 rotates a stirring unit (not shown) that stirs the frozen dessert ingredients inside the tank 4A of the hopper 4. 【0039】 The control device 100 displays various screens on the display panel 41. The control device 100 provides predetermined notifications via the display panel 41. In this embodiment, the control device 100 provides predetermined notifications by displaying predetermined screens. The screens displayed by the display panel 41 will be described in detail later. The control device 100 performs actions such as lighting, blinking, and extinguishing LEDs in predetermined patterns, and displaying information on the display panel 41. 【0040】 The control device 100 accepts input from the operation button 42. 【0041】 The control device 100 is connected to the hopper temperature sensor 62 and the cylinder temperature sensor 63 provided by the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1. The hopper temperature sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the frozen dessert ingredients inside the hopper 4. More specifically, the hopper temperature sensor 62 detects the temperature of the outer wall of the hopper 4. The cylinder temperature sensor 63 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the frozen dessert ingredients inside the cooling cylinder 5. More specifically, the cylinder temperature sensor 63 detects the temperature of the outer wall of the cooling cylinder 5. 【0042】 The control device 100 controls the hopper cooling valve 56, cylinder cooling valve 58, hopper hot gas valve 57, and cylinder hot gas valve 59, opening or closing them as needed. The control device 100 controls the compressor 52, the fan 53, and the charge port 54. The control device 100 controls the drive motor 7. 【0043】 The control device 100 determines that the lever 28 is in the closed state if the actuator 31, which is an example of an opening / closing detector for the lever 28, is in contact with the pin 27 on the lever 28, and determines that the lever 28 is in the open state if it is separated from the pin 27. 【0044】 The frozen dessert manufacturing device 1 has the following operating modes: normal operation mode, dispensing-disabled mode, extended sales mode, and heat sterilization mode. In normal operation mode and extended sales mode, the control device 100 rotates the beater 6 by driving the drive motor 7 when the lever 28 is in the open position. 【0045】 In the dispensing-off mode, when the lever 28 is in the open position, the control device 100 stops the rotation of the beater 6 by stopping the drive motor 7 if it is being driven, and does not drive the drive motor 7 if it is not being driven. In other words, when the sterilization operation that sterilizes the ingredients for frozen desserts is not being performed, and in the dispensing-off mode, the control device 100 performs a dispensing-off operation by prohibiting the drive of the drive motor 7 when the lever 28 is in the open position. In the extraction-off operation, the rotation of the beater 6 is prohibited, so the ingredients for frozen desserts are not sent to the dispensing port 26. Note that in cases other than the extraction-off mode, for example, when the sterilization operation is performed during the extraction-off mode and the machine is in normal operation mode, when the lever 28 is in the open position, the control device 100 permits the drive of the drive motor 7 and permits the rotation of the beater 6, so that the ingredients for frozen desserts are sent to the dispensing port 26. This series of operations corresponds to an example of the third step. 【0046】 When the lever 28 is in the closed position, the control device 100 operates the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 in three processes: a cylinder cooling process, a cooling standby process, and a hopper cooling process, as well as other processes, during the dispensing-prohibited mode. The other processes include a compressor protection operation process, a first compressor protection stop process, and a second compressor protection stop process, which will be described in detail later. 【0047】 During the cylinder cooling process, the control device 100 drives the compressor 52, opens the cylinder cooling valve 58, and drives the drive motor 7 to perform the cylinder cooling operation. During the cylinder cooling process, the control device 100 closes the hopper cooling valve 56, the hopper hot gas valve 57, and the cylinder hot gas valve 59, and stops the tank stirring motor 61. 【0048】 In the dispensing disabled mode, the condition for transitioning from the cooling standby process or the hopper cooling process to the cylinder cooling process is that the cylinder temperature, as detected by the cylinder temperature sensor 63, reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature. 【0049】 During the cooling standby process, the control device 100 closes the hopper cooling valve 56, hopper hot gas valve 57, cylinder cooling valve 58, and cylinder hot gas valve 59, and stops the compressor 52, drive motor 7, and tank stirring motor 61. 【0050】 During the hopper cooling process, the control device 100 drives the compressor 52 and the tank stirring motor 61, and opens the hopper cooling valve 56. During the hopper cooling process, the control device 100 stops the drive motor 7 and closes the hopper hot gas valve 57, the cylinder cooling valve 58, and the cylinder hot gas valve 59. 【0051】 In the dispensing disabled mode, the condition for transitioning from the cylinder cooling process and the cooling standby process to the hopper cooling process is that the value detected by the hopper temperature sensor 62 reaches a predetermined temperature or higher. In the dispensing disabled mode, if the conditions for transitioning to the cylinder cooling process and the conditions for transitioning to the hopper cooling process are met during the cooling standby process, the control device 100 will prioritize transitioning to the cylinder cooling process. 【0052】 The dispensing disabled mode ends when the system switches to sales extension mode via an extension instruction, or when the operation button 42 for sterilization is pressed, switching to heat sterilization mode. 【0053】 The condition for transitioning from normal operation mode or dispensing-disabled mode to extended sales mode is that the control device 100 has received an extension instruction. In extended sales mode, one of the following processes is performed, similar to normal mode: cylinder cooling process, cooling standby process, or hopper cooling process. 【0054】 When the system enters sales extension mode, the control device 100 sets an extension flag indicating the number of times it has entered sales extension mode and stores it in memory 120. When heat sterilization is performed, the control device 100 resets the extension flag stored in memory 120 to 0. If one or more extension flags are set, the control device 100 will not enter sales extension mode even if it receives an extension instruction. 【0055】 The control device 100 switches from the extended sales mode to the dispensing-off mode when the extension termination condition is met. In this embodiment, the extension termination condition is that the scheduled time has arrived. The scheduled time in the extended sales mode is the time obtained by adding a predetermined extension period (for example, 60 minutes) to the predetermined scheduled time. 【0056】 In normal operation mode and extended sales mode, the control device 100 operates in one of the following modes: cylinder cooling process, cooling standby process, or hopper cooling process. When the lever 28 is opened, it drives the drive motor 7 to dispense the frozen dessert. 【0057】 When the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization is pressed, the control device 100 switches to the heat sterilization mode. After the sterilization operation in the heat sterilization mode is completed, the control device 100 continues the cooling operation, and when a predetermined operation button 42 is operated, it switches to the normal operation mode. The cooling operation is an operation that keeps the frozen dessert ingredients inside the hopper 4 and cooling cylinder 5 below a predetermined temperature so that the frozen dessert ingredients inside the hopper 4 and cooling cylinder 5 do not spoil. In addition, the control device 100 may switch to the normal operation mode after the sterilization operation in the heat sterilization mode is completed without the operation of a predetermined button. 【0058】 During the sterilization operation, the control device 100 drives the compressor 52, opening the hopper hot gas valve 57 and the cylinder hot gas valve 59, thereby heating the frozen dessert ingredients inside the hopper 4 and cooling cylinder 5 to 68°C or higher for 30 minutes or more. 【0059】 Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed by the display panel 41. When the current time is two predetermined periods (for example, 60 minutes) before the scheduled time, the control device 100 displays a preview screen G1 on the display panel 41. On the notification screen G1, notification time information J1 is displayed. Notification time information J1 includes remaining time information J2. Notification time information J1 has the string "40 minutes remaining until heat sterilization time 24:00". In the example in Figure 5, "24:00" corresponds to the pre-set scheduled time, and "40 minutes" corresponds to the remaining time from the current time to the scheduled time. 【0060】 Furthermore, on the notification screen G1, the following text is displayed as extension instruction confirmation information J3: "Do you want to switch to sales extension mode and change the scheduled time for heat sterilization to 25:00? ■Yes □No". In the example in Figure 5, "25:00" corresponds to the scheduled time in sales extension mode. The extension time is set to 1 hour, but this extension time can be changed in advance as needed. 【0061】 When the user selects "Yes" by operating the operation button 42, the control device 100 accepts it as an extension instruction. The G1 notification screen displays information to confirm whether or not to issue an extension command, making it easier for the user to issue a command to extend the period during which frozen desserts can be dispensed before the dispensing-disabled mode is activated. 【0062】 Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed by the display panel 41. In sales extension mode, the control device 100 displays the sales extension screen G2 on the display panel 41. On the sales extension screen G2, the text "Sales Extension Mode" is displayed to indicate that sales extension mode is active, along with the extension time information J11. The extension time information J11 includes the remaining time information J2. The extension time information J11 has the text "25 minutes remaining until the scheduled heat sterilization time of 25:00". In the example in Figure 6, "25:00" corresponds to the scheduled time in sales extension mode, and "25 minutes" corresponds to the remaining time from the current time to the scheduled time. 【0063】 Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed by the display panel 41. In dispensing-prohibited mode, the control device 100 displays the dispensing-prohibited screen G3 on the display panel 41. The dispensing-prohibited screen G3 is an example of a notification prompting the start of a sterilization operation to sterilize the frozen dessert ingredients in the hopper 4 and cooling cylinder 5. On the dispensing disabled screen G3, the text "Dispensing disabled mode" is displayed to indicate that dispensing disabled mode is in progress, and heat sterilization promotion information J21 is displayed to prompt heat sterilization. Heat sterilization promotion information J21 contains the text "Please perform heat sterilization." Furthermore, on the dispensing unavailable screen G3, extension eligibility information J22 is displayed. Extension eligibility information J22 contains the string "(Transition to sales extension mode: Possible)". The example of extension eligibility information J22 in Figure 7 is the case where no extension flags are set and transition to sales extension mode is possible. If extension flags are set and transition to sales extension mode is not possible, the extension eligibility information J22 on the dispensing unavailable screen G3 will display a string such as "(Transition to sales extension mode: Impossible)". 【0064】 [1-2. Operation] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. The control device 100 operates the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 in normal operation mode (step S1). Next, the control device 100 determines whether or not it is before the second predetermined period before the scheduled time (step S2). 【0065】 If the control device 100 is not within the second predetermined period before the scheduled time (step S2: NO), it repeats the determination in step S2. If it is before the second predetermined period before the scheduled time (step S2: YES), the control device 100 displays the advance notice screen G1 (step S3). 【0066】 Next, the control device 100 determines whether or not an extension instruction has been given (step S4). If there is no extension instruction (step S4: NO), the control device 100 determines whether the scheduled time has arrived or not (step S5). If the scheduled time has not arrived (step S5: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S4. 【0067】 If the scheduled time arrives (Step S5: YES), the control device 100 operates the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 in dispensing-dispensing mode (Step S6). If there is an extension instruction (step S4: YES), the control device 100 operates the frozen dessert manufacturing device 1 in sales extension mode and sets one extension flag to store in memory 120 (step S11). 【0068】 Next, the control device 100 displays the sales extension screen G2 (step S12). Next, the control device 100 determines whether or not the extension termination conditions have been met (step S13). If the control device 100 determines that the extension termination condition is not met (step S13: NO), it repeats the determination in step S13. 【0069】 If the control device 100 determines that the extended termination condition is met (step S13: YES), it operates the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 in dispensing-dispensing mode (step S6). After the operation in the non-dispensing mode in step S6, the control device 100 determines whether or not the operation button 42 that instructs sterilization was pressed (step S7). 【0070】 If the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization is not pressed (step S7: NO), the control device 100 determines whether the extension flag is 0 and whether an extension instruction has been given (step S8). In other words, the control device 100 determines whether an extension instruction has been given if no extension instruction has been given during the display of the warning screen G1 or after the end of the first dispensing-prohibited mode. 【0071】 If the extension flag is 0 and there is no extension instruction (step S8: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S6. If the extension flag is 0 and there is an extension instruction (step S8: YES), the control device 100 proceeds to step S11. 【0072】 If the operation button 42 that instructs sterilization is pressed (step S7: YES), the control device 100 switches to the heat sterilization mode and performs the sterilization operation (step S21). Next, the control device 100 resets the extension flag (step S22). Then, the control device 100 performs the cooling operation, and when the predetermined operation button 42 is operated, it operates the frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus 1 in normal operation mode (step S23). 【0073】 Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100 in the dispensing-dispensing mode. Figure 9 shows the details of the operation in step S6 shown in Figure 8. 【0074】 In the dispensing disabled mode, the control device 100 first displays the dispensing disabled screen G3 (step S30). Next, the control device 100 determines whether or not the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization has been pressed (step S31). If the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization has not been pressed (step S31: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S32. If the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization has been pressed (step S31: YES), the control device 100 proceeds to step S21 shown in Figure 8. 【0075】 Next, the control device 100 operates the frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus 1 in one of the following stages: cylinder cooling, hopper cooling, or cooling standby (step S32). Next, the control device 100 determines whether the lever 28 is in the open position or not (step S33). If the lever 28 is not in the open position (step S33: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S32. 【0076】 Next, if the lever 28 is in the open position (step S33: YES), the control device 100 determines whether or not it is a cylinder cooling process (step S34). 【0077】 If it is a cylinder cooling process (step S34: YES), the control device 100 determines whether the compressor operating time is 15 seconds or longer (step S35). The compressor operating time is the time that has elapsed since the most recent start of operation of the compressor 52, which repeatedly starts and stops. In other words, it is the time that the compressor 52 has been operating since the most recent time before the lever 28 was opened. After a positive determination is made in step S34, the control device 100 performs protective actions on the cooling cylinder 5, such as prohibiting the driving of at least the beater 6 and opening the cylinder hot gas valve 59. 【0078】 If the compressor operating time is equal to or greater than the third predetermined period (step S35: YES), the control device 100 performs a second compressor protection stop process (step S36). In the second compressor protection stop process, the control device 100 stops the compressor 52 and the drive motor 7, closes the cylinder cooling valve 58, and opens the cylinder hot gas valve 59. 【0079】 Next, the control device 100 determines whether a fourth predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the most recent second compressor protection stop process (step S37). 【0080】 If the control device 100 has not yet completed the fourth predetermined period since the most recent second compressor protection stop process (step S37: NO), it proceeds to step S36. 【0081】 If the control device 100 has recently entered the second compressor protection stop process and a fourth predetermined period has elapsed (step S37: YES), it determines whether the lever 28 is in the closed position (step S38). 【0082】 If the lever 28 is not in the closed position (step S38: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S36. 【0083】 If lever 28 is in the closed position (step S38: YES), the control device operates the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 during the cooling standby process (step S39). 【0084】 Returning to the explanation of step S35, if the compressor operating time is not equal to or greater than the third predetermined period (step S35: NO), the control device 100 performs a compressor protection operation process (step S41). In the compressor protection operation process, the control device 100 stops the drive motor 7 while keeping the compressor 52 running, and opens the cylinder hot gas valve 59. The compressor 52 is prone to wear and tear and the risk of failure increases if it is repeatedly started and stopped in a short period of time. In this embodiment, as described in steps S35, S36, and S41, the control device 100 selects whether to keep the compressor 52 running or stop it depending on whether the compressor operating time is longer than the third predetermined period, thereby protecting the compressor 52. 【0085】 Next, the control device 100 determines whether the compressor operating time is equal to or greater than the third predetermined period (step S42). If the compressor operating time is not equal to or greater than the third predetermined period (step S42: NO), the determination in step S42 is repeated. 【0086】 If the compressor operating time is equal to or greater than the third predetermined period (step S42: YES), the control device 100 performs the first compressor protection stop process (step S43). In the first compressor protection stop process, the control device 100 stops the compressor 52 and the drive motor 7, opens the cylinder cooling valve 58, and closes the cylinder hot gas valve 59. 【0087】 If the process moves from step S42 to step S43, the drive motor 7 will remain stopped in step S43 because it was stopped at step S41. 【0088】 Next, after the completion of step S43, the control device 100 determines whether a fifth predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the most recent first compressor protection stop process (step S44). If the fifth predetermined period has not elapsed since the most recent first compressor protection stop process (step S44: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S43. If the fifth predetermined period has elapsed since the most recent first compressor protection stop process (step S44: YES), the control device 100 determines whether the lever 28 is in the closed position (step S45). If the lever 28 is not in the closed position (step S45: NO), the control device 100 proceeds to step S43. 【0089】 If the lever 28 is in the closed position (step S45: YES), the control device 100 proceeds to step S39. Returning to the explanation of step S34, the control device 100 determines whether it is a cooling standby process or not (step S51) if it is not a cylinder cooling process (step S34: NO). If it is a cooling standby process (step S51: YES), the control device 100 proceeds to step S43. 【0090】 If the control device 100 is not in the cooling standby process (step S51: NO), it operates in the hopper cooling process (step S61). Next, the control device 100 determines whether or not the termination conditions for the hopper cooling process have been met (step S62). If the termination conditions for the hopper cooling process have not been met (step S62: NO), the determination in step S62 is repeated. 【0091】 Next, if the conditions for ending the hopper cooling process are met (step S62: YES), the control device 100 determines whether the lever 28 is in the closed position (step S63). If the lever 28 is in the closed position (step S63: YES), the control device 100 proceeds to step S39; if the lever 28 is not in the closed position (step S63: NO), it proceeds to step S43. After completing step S39, the control device 100 proceeds to step S8 shown in Figure 8. Step S3 described above corresponds to an example of the first step, step S33 corresponds to an example of the second step, and steps S36, S41, and S43 correspond to an example of the third step. 【0092】 [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a hopper 4 for storing frozen dessert ingredients, a cooling cylinder 5 connected to the hopper 4 and having a beater 6 that rotates to send the frozen dessert ingredients to a downstream dispensing outlet 26, a lever 28 for opening and closing the dispensing outlet 26, and a display panel 41 that prompts the sterilization operation of the frozen dessert ingredients in the hopper 4 and the cooling cylinder 5. After prompting the sterilization operation by the display panel 41, if the sterilization operation of the ingredients is not performed and the lever 28 is detected to be in the open state, the apparatus has a control device 100 that prohibits the rotation of the beater 6. This configuration encourages heat sterilization, and prevents the frozen dessert from being dispensed after heat sterilization has been initiated. Therefore, it effectively encourages the user to perform the heat sterilization process. 【0093】 Furthermore, the control device 100 prompts the start of the sterilization operation before the scheduled time each day. This configuration can improve the likelihood of daily heat sterilization. 【0094】 Furthermore, the control device 100 receives an extension instruction before the scheduled time to perform an extension operation that extends the scheduled time by a first predetermined period, and if an extension instruction is received, it performs the extension operation. With this configuration, if it becomes necessary to dispense frozen desserts from the frozen dessert manufacturing device 1 at a time close to the scheduled time, the scheduled time can be extended as appropriate, and the dispensing of frozen desserts can be continued. 【0095】 Furthermore, the control device 100 prompts the user to choose whether or not to issue an extension instruction starting a second predetermined period before the scheduled time. This configuration not only encourages heat sterilization but also allows users to confirm whether or not to extend the process, thus preventing situations where users unknowingly become unable to dispense frozen desserts. 【0096】 Furthermore, the extension operation is limited to once per day. This configuration increases the likelihood of daily heat sterilization. 【0097】 Furthermore, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a compressor 52, a cylinder cooling valve 58 that opens and closes the supply of refrigerant to the cooling cylinder 5, and a cylinder hot gas valve 59 that opens and closes the supply of hot gas to the cooling cylinder 58. When the lever 28 is detected to be open while it is not possible to dispense the material to the dispensing port 26, and the compressor 52 is running, the cylinder cooling valve 58 is open, and the cooling cylinder 58 is in the cooling operation, the control device 100 opens the cylinder hot gas valve 59. This configuration prevents the freezing of the frozen dessert ingredients, which would otherwise freeze easily inside the cooling cylinder 5 if the beater 6 stops. Thus, the cooling cylinder 5 and the beater 6 within it are protected. 【0098】 Furthermore, if the operating time of the compressor 52 is less than the third predetermined period, the compressor 52 is driven to perform protective operation of the cooling cylinder 5. After the third predetermined period has elapsed, the cylinder cooling valve 58 and the cylinder hot gas valve 59 are closed, and the compressor 52 is stopped. This configuration prevents the compressor 52 from stopping shortly after it has been activated. Therefore, the compressor 52 can be protected. 【0099】 Furthermore, if the operating time of the compressor 52 is longer than the third predetermined period, the compressor 52 is stopped and the cylinder hot gas valve 59 is opened. With this configuration, the compressor 52 can be stopped if a sufficient amount of time has elapsed since it was started. Therefore, the compressor 52 can be protected. 【0100】 A control method for a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 comprising a control device 100, a hopper 4 for containing frozen dessert ingredients, a cooling cylinder 5 connected to the hopper 4 and having a beater 6 that rotates to send the ingredients to a downstream dispensing outlet 26, a lever 28 for opening and closing the dispensing outlet 26, and a display panel 41 for prompting sterilization of the ingredients in the hopper 4 and the cooling cylinder 5, comprising: a first step of prompting sterilization using the display panel 41; a second step of detecting the opening and closing of the lever 28; and a third step of determining whether sterilization of the ingredients is being performed when the lever 28 is detected to be open in the second step, and if sterilization of the ingredients is being performed, allowing the rotation of the beater 6, and prohibiting the rotation of the beater 6 if sterilization of the ingredients is not being performed. This configuration produces the same effects as described above. 【0101】 (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiment 1 to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples. 【0102】 In the above embodiment 1, the extension termination condition was set to the scheduled time, but it is not limited to this. The extension termination condition may also be the number of units sold (for example, 10 units). The first predetermined period, which is the extension time in the extension termination condition, and the number of units sold can be changed in advance by the user as appropriate. In the above embodiment 1, the case in which the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization is not pressed during the sales extension mode was described, but the invention is not limited to this. The control device 100 may switch to the heat sterilization mode if the operation button 42 for instructing sterilization is pressed during the sales extension mode. Furthermore, the extension flag may be reset by operating a specific operation button 42 during the dispensing-disabled mode after the sales extension mode has ended. 【0103】 The processor 110 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). 【0104】 The configuration of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 4 is merely an example, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to configure the apparatus so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented as software. 【0105】 The operational step units shown in Figures 8 and 9 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the intent of this disclosure. 【0106】 Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents. 【0107】 (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed. 【0108】 (Technical 1) A frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus comprising: a hopper for containing frozen dessert ingredients; a cooling cylinder connected to the hopper and having a beater that rotates to send the ingredients to a downstream dispensing outlet; a lever for opening and closing the dispensing outlet; and a notification means for prompting a sterilization operation of the ingredients in the hopper and the cooling cylinder, wherein the apparatus has a control device that, after prompting a sterilization operation by the notification means, the sterilization operation of the ingredients is not performed and the lever is detected to be open, prohibits the rotation of the beater. This configuration encourages heat sterilization, and prevents the frozen dessert from being dispensed after heat sterilization has been initiated. Therefore, it effectively encourages the user to perform the heat sterilization process. 【0109】 (Technical 2) The frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus according to Technical 1, wherein the control device prompts the start of the sterilization operation before the scheduled time each day. This configuration can improve the likelihood of daily heat sterilization. 【0110】 (Technical 3) The frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus according to Technical 2, wherein the control device receives an extension instruction to perform an extension operation that extends the scheduled time by a first predetermined period before the scheduled time, and performs the extension operation when the extension instruction is received. With this configuration, if it becomes necessary to dispense frozen desserts from the frozen dessert manufacturing device closer to the scheduled time, the scheduled time can be extended as needed, and the dispensing of frozen desserts can be continued. 【0111】 (Technical 4) The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to Technical 3, wherein the control device prompts the user to choose whether or not to issue an extension instruction from a second predetermined period before the scheduled time. This configuration not only encourages heat sterilization but also allows users to confirm whether or not to extend the process, thus preventing situations where users unknowingly become unable to dispense frozen desserts. 【0112】 (Technical 5) The frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus according to Technical 3 or 4, wherein the extension operation is limited to once a day. This configuration increases the likelihood of daily heat sterilization. 【0113】 (Technical 6) A frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, comprising a compressor, a cylinder cooling valve for opening and closing the supply of refrigerant to the cooling cylinder, and a cylinder hot gas valve for opening and closing the supply of hot gas to the cooling cylinder, wherein when the lever is detected to be open when the material cannot be dispensed to the outlet, the control device opens the cylinder hot gas valve if the compressor is in operation, the cylinder cooling valve is open, and the cooling cylinder is in cooling operation. This configuration prevents the freezing of the frozen dessert ingredients, which can easily freeze inside the cooling cylinder when the beater stops. Therefore, the cooling cylinder and the beater it contains are protected. 【0114】 (Technical 7) A frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to 6, wherein if the operating time of the compressor is less than the third predetermined period, the compressor is driven to perform a protective operation of the cooling cylinder, and after the third predetermined period has elapsed, the cylinder cooling valve and the cylinder hot gas valve are closed and the compressor is stopped. This configuration prevents the compressor from stopping shortly after it has started operating, thus protecting the compressor. 【0115】 (Technical 8) The frozen confectionery manufacturing apparatus according to Technical 6 or 7, wherein if the operating time of the compressor is longer than the third predetermined period, the compressor is stopped and the cylinder hot gas valve is opened. This configuration allows the compressor to be stopped if a sufficient amount of time has elapsed since it started running. Therefore, the compressor can be protected. 【0116】 (Technical 9) A control method for a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus comprising: a hopper for containing frozen dessert ingredients; a cooling cylinder connected to the hopper and having a beater that rotates to send the ingredients to a downstream dispensing outlet; a lever for opening and closing the dispensing outlet; and a notification means for prompting a sterilization operation of the ingredients in the hopper and the cooling cylinder, the method comprising: a first step of prompting a sterilization operation using the notification means; a second step of detecting the opening and closing of the lever; and a third step of determining whether a sterilization operation of the ingredients is being performed when the lever is detected to be open in the second step, and if a sterilization operation of the ingredients is being performed, permitting the rotation of the beater, and if a sterilization operation of the ingredients is not being performed, prohibiting the rotation of the beater. This configuration produces the same effects and benefits as Technology 1. [Industrial applicability] 【0117】 As described above, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus and the control method for the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be used for the purpose of sterilizing the ingredients of frozen desserts. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0118】 1 Frozen dessert manufacturing equipment 2 Main unit 3. Ceiling 4 Hopper 4A Tank 5 Cooling Cylinder 6 beaters 6A Blade 7. Drive motor 8 Reducer 8A output shaft 9 Drive shaft 10 bearings 11 axis branches 12 Support sleeves 13 Lid member 14 Rotary Seal 15 Cylinder Evaporator 16 Entrance 17 Feeder 18 Exit section 20 Front Panel 21 Freezer Door 22 Door Body 23 Plungers 23A Lower end 23B Upper end 24 blocks 25 Through holes 26 spout 27 pins 28 Lever 29 Support pins 30 recessed area 31 Actuator (detection means) 40 Control Panel 41 Display panel (notification means) 42 Operation buttons 43 Water tap 44 Water supply pipe 45 Exhaust duct 51 Condenser 52 Compressors 53 Fans 54 Charging Ports 55 Hopper Evaporator 56 Hopper cooling valve 57 Hopper Hot Gas Valve 58 Cylinder cooling valve 59 Cylinder Hot Gas Valve 61 Tank stirring motor 62 Hopper temperature sensor 63 Cylinder temperature sensor 100 Control device 110 processors 120 memory 121 Programs G1 preview screen G2 Sales Extension Screen G3 Pour not possible screen

Claims

[Claim 1] A hopper for storing the ingredients for frozen desserts, A cooling cylinder having a beater connected to the hopper and which rotates to send the material to a downstream outlet, A lever for opening and closing the aforementioned spout, The hopper and the cooling cylinder are equipped with notification means to promote the sterilization of the material in the hopper, After prompting a sterilization operation by the notification means, if the sterilization operation of the material is not performed and the lever is detected to be in an open state, the control device has a mechanism that prohibits the rotation of the beater. Frozen dessert manufacturing equipment. [Claim 2] The control device prompts the start of the sterilization operation before the scheduled time each day. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The control device receives an extension instruction to perform an extension operation that extends the scheduled time by a first predetermined period before the scheduled time, When the extension instruction is received, the extension operation is performed. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2. [Claim 4] The control device prompts the user to choose whether or not to issue an extension instruction starting from a second predetermined period before the scheduled time. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3. [Claim 5] The aforementioned extension operation shall be limited to once per day. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. [Claim 6] Compressor and A cylinder cooling valve that opens and closes the supply of refrigerant to the cooling cylinder, The system includes a cylinder hot gas valve for opening and closing the supply of hot gas to the cooling cylinder, When the lever is detected to be in an open state while the material cannot be dispensed to the spout, When the compressor is running, the cylinder cooling valve is open, and the cooling cylinder is in the cooling operation, The control device opens the cylinder hot gas valve. A frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Claim 7] If the operating time of the compressor is less than the third predetermined period, The compressor is driven to perform a protective operation for the cooling cylinder, and after the third predetermined period has elapsed, the cylinder cooling valve and the cylinder hot gas valve are closed, and the compressor is stopped. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6. [Claim 8] If the operating time of the compressor is equal to or greater than the third predetermined period, The compressor is stopped, and the cylinder hot gas valve is opened. The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6. [Claim 9] A hopper for storing the ingredients for frozen desserts, A cooling cylinder having a beater connected to the hopper and which rotates to send the material to a downstream outlet, A lever for opening and closing the aforementioned spout, A control method for a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus, comprising notification means for prompting the sterilization of the materials in the hopper and the cooling cylinder, The first step involves prompting a sterilization operation using the aforementioned notification means, A second step involves detecting the opening and closing of the aforementioned lever, If the lever is detected to be in the open state in the second step, it is determined whether the sterilization operation of the material is being performed. If the sterilization process for the aforementioned material is being carried out, the rotation of the beater is permitted. A third step is to prohibit the rotation of the beater if the sterilization operation of the material has not been performed. A control method for a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus.

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