Beverage supply device

Abstract

To provide a beverage supply device capable of supplying a whipped beverage like whipped cream without requiring an agitator.SOLUTION: A beverage supply device 1 capable of supplying a beverage including a whipped beverage includes a spray can 51, a pressing mechanism part 53, and a whipped beverage flow passage L1. The spray can 51 includes a sealed can 51a in which a raw material for a whipped beverage and a gas for injection are hermetically sealed, and an operation part 51b provided to the sealed can 51a. When the operation part 51b is pressed, the raw material and the gas for injection are injected as a whipped beverage. The pressing mechanism part 53 presses the operation part 51b. The whipped beverage flow passage L1 guides the whipped beverage injected from the spray can 51 to a supply object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that dispenses a whipped beverage, such as whipped cream, to a target. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage manufacturing device (hereinafter referred to as a beverage supply device) that supplies a beverage containing a main beverage such as coffee and whipped cream. In this beverage supply device, cream powder and hot water are poured into a cup into which the beverage is to be supplied, and the mixture of the cream powder and hot water in the cup is stirred and foamed by a stirring device, thereby supplying the whipped cream to the cup. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-208143 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the beverage dispenser described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the agitator of the agitator enters and rotates inside the cup to be dispensed, which poses a problem that, for example, a safety structure is required for the user holding the cup. Note that this problem is not limited to devices that dispense whipped cream, which uses cream as the main ingredient, but is also common to devices that dispense whipped beverages other than whipped cream.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supplying device that can supply a whipped beverage such as whipped cream to a supply target without having an agitator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage supplying device for supplying beverages including whipped beverages. The beverage supplying device includes a spray can, a pressing mechanism, and a whipped beverage flow passage. The spray can has a sealed can in which ingredients of the whipped beverage and a spray gas are sealed, and an operating part provided on the sealed can, and when the operating part is pressed, the ingredients and the spray gas are sprayed as the whipped beverage. The pressing mechanism presses the operating part. The whipped beverage flow passage guides the whipped beverage sprayed from the spray can to a supply target. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The beverage supply device according to the one aspect of the present invention includes a spray can having a sealed can in which ingredients of the whipped beverage and a spray gas are sealed, and an operation unit provided on the sealed can, and the ingredients and the spray gas are sprayed as the whipped beverage by pressing the operation unit. In other words, the beverage supply device has the spray can as a supply source of the whipped beverage, and can supply the whipped beverage to a supply target (such as a cup) through the whipped beverage flow passage by a simple structure that does not have a stirrer, in which the operation unit of the spray can is pressed by the pressing mechanism.

[0008] In this way, a beverage dispenser can be provided that can dispense a whipped beverage such as whipped cream to a target without having an agitator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram (piping circuit diagram) showing a configuration of the beverage supply device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of a whipped beverage producing device of the beverage supplying device. [Figure 4]13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the circuit of the cleaning system for the whipped beverage flow passage in the beverage supply device. FIG. [Diagram 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing modified examples of each ejection portion in the beverage dispenser. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other modified examples of the discharge portions in the beverage dispenser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a beverage dispenser 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a piping circuit diagram showing the configuration of the beverage dispenser 1. As shown in FIG.

[0011] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a beverage supply device 1 is provided adjacent to a coffee server 50 (i.e., outside the housing of the coffee server 50) and is used as an optional device for the coffee server 50.

[0012] The coffee server 50, for example, extracts coffee using coffee powder and serves the extracted coffee in a cup C as a supply target. The coffee server 50 has a function (optional function) of adding liquid milk, milk foam, or whipped cream as a whipped beverage (in other words, a whipped food) to the coffee extracted as a main beverage in response to a request from a customer or the like, and is configured to be able to serve coffee according to the customer's preference. In other words, the coffee server 50 is a device that can supply a beverage obtained by adding a whipped beverage or the like to a main beverage such as coffee to a cup C as a supply target.

[0013] The beverage supplying device 1 is a device for executing the optional functions of the coffee server 50 and capable of supplying beverages including whipped beverages. Here, the beverage supplying device 1 is capable of selectively supplying milk, milk foam, and whipped cream as a whipped beverage, and has a control unit 2 and a device main body 3.

[0014] Here, milk foam is a beverage made by mixing milk as the main ingredient with air to create a froth (i.e., a beverage made by foaming a mixture of milk and air).Whipped cream is a beverage made by mixing cream (i.e., milk fat or vegetable fat, etc.) as the main ingredient (main ingredient) with a specific gas to create a froth (i.e., a whipped beverage made by foaming a mixture of ingredients and gas).

[0015] In this embodiment, the beverage dispenser 1 is configured to dispense each of milk, milk foam, and whipped cream to the outside (i.e., to the cup C that is the supply target). Here, the beverage dispenser 1 can selectively provide milk and milk foam in a warm or cold state, and can provide whipped cream in a cold state.

[0016] 1, the control unit 2 controls the operation of the device main body 3. For example, based on a command from the coffee server 50, the control unit 2 controls the operation of each device of the device main body 3 (such as the whipped beverage producing device 5, the cooling box 6, the heating device 7, the pump 8, the water supplying device 9, the air supplying device 10, the on-off valve V1, and the switching valves SV1 to SV3, which will be described later) so that milk or milk foam is supplied in a warm or cold state, and whipped cream is supplied in a cold state.

[0017] The beverage dispenser 1 controls the operation of each device so as to dispense cold whipped cream when a cold whipped cream dispense command S1 is input to the control unit 2, to dispense cold milk when a cold milk dispense command S2 is input to the control unit 2, to dispense cold milk foam when a cold milk foam dispense command S3 is input to the control unit 2, to dispense warm milk when a warm milk dispense command S4 is input to the control unit 2, and to dispense warm milk foam when a warm milk foam dispense command S5 is input to the control unit 2. The beverage dispenser 1 goes into a standby state when none of the dispense commands (S1 to S5) are input to the control unit 2.

[0018] In this embodiment, the device main body 3 includes a milk tank 4, a whipped beverage producing device 5, a cooler 6, a heating device 7, a pump 8, a water supplying device 9, and an air supplying device 10, as shown in FIG.

[0019] The milk tank 4 is a tank for storing milk as a liquid beverage. In this embodiment, the milk tank 4 is accommodated in a cooler 6 and is configured to be able to store milk at an appropriate low temperature.

[0020] The whipped beverage producing device 5 is a device for producing whipped cream as a whipped beverage. In this embodiment, the whipped beverage producing device 5 includes a spray can 51, a holding unit 52, and a pressing mechanism unit 53.

[0021] In this embodiment, the whipped beverage producing apparatus 5 is accommodated in the cool storage 6, and is configured to be able to store liquid cream (milk fat or vegetable fat, etc.) as an ingredient of the whipped cream at an appropriate low temperature. Note that, while Fig. 2 shows an example in which the entire whipped beverage producing apparatus 5 is accommodated in the cool storage 6, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the spray can 51 of the whipped beverage producing apparatus 5 may be accommodated in the cool storage 6.

[0022] The spray can 51 has a sealed can 51a in which cream (raw material of whipped cream) and a gas for injection are sealed, and an operating part 51b provided on the sealed can 51a, and when the operating part 51b is pressed, the cream and the gas for injection are injected as whipped cream. In other words, the spray can 51 is a supply source for producing and supplying whipped cream, and is configured to produce and spray the whipped cream by injecting the cream together with the gas for injection to foam it. The spray can 51 is a small (for example, with an external dimension similar to that of a spray can for hair mousse) and portable can. Although not particularly limited, a whipped cream can commercially available as a so-called aerosol canned processed food can be used as the spray can 51.

[0023] In this embodiment, the spray can 51 has a nozzle 51c for spraying whipped cream, and when the operating portion 51b is pressed, the cream and spray gas are sprayed from the nozzle 51c as whipped cream.

[0024] The whipped cream sprayed from the spray can 51 contains a spray gas, which is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, nitrous oxide gas. Alternatively, nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, or the like may be used as the spray gas.

[0025] Specifically, the sealed can 51a is a hollow metal can having a circular cross section. The operating part 51b and the nozzle 51c are resin molded products, and the operating part 51b is molded adjacent to and integral with the nozzle 51c. The integrally molded product of the operating part 51b and the nozzle 51c is attached to the sealed can 51a so as to cover one end of the sealed can 51a. Although not shown in the figure because it is hidden by the operating part 51b and the nozzle 51c, a valve mechanism part having a thin tube-shaped stem that can communicate between the inside of the sealed can 51a and the nozzle 51c is provided at one end of the sealed can 51a. The nozzle 51c is connected to the tip of the stem and can communicate with the inside of the sealed can 51a via the stem. The valve mechanism part is opened when the stem is pressed to retract, and closed when the pressure is released and the stem protrudes to its original position. When the operating portion 51b is pressed and the one-piece molded product is displaced in the direction pressing the stem, the valve mechanism opens, causing whipped cream to be sprayed from the nozzle 51c. When the pressure on the operating portion 51b is released, the valve mechanism closes.

[0026] The holding part 52 is a device for holding the spray can 51, and is provided, for example, so as to protrude from a frame 52a attached to the inner surface of the side wall of the cooler 6. The holding part 52 is not particularly limited, but is formed, for example, so as to surround and hold the outer peripheral surface of the sealed can 51a. The holding part 52 holds the spray can 51, for example, in a position in which the nozzle 51c faces downward. Furthermore, the holding part 52 normally holds the spray can 51, and when replacing the spray can, the holding of the spray can 51 can be released and replaced with a new spray can 51.

[0027] The pressing mechanism 53 is for pressing the operating part 51b of the spray can 51, and is attached, for example, to a lower end part of the frame 52a. The pressing mechanism 53 has, for example, a movable part 53a that moves so as to be able to press the operating part 51b, and a drive part 53b consisting of a motor or the like that drives the movable part 53a based on a signal from the control part 2.

[0028] The whipped cream sprayed from the spray can 51 flows through the whipped beverage flow passage L1. The whipped beverage flow passage L1 is a flow path that guides the whipped cream sprayed from the spray can 51 to the cup C as a supply target. In this embodiment, the whipped beverage flow passage L1 connects between the nozzle 51c of the spray can 51 and the whipped beverage discharge part 11 arranged above the cup C, and is made of, for example, a flexible piping member. The whipped beverage discharge part 11 discharges the whipped cream to the outside (into the cup C). Therefore, the whipped cream generated by the whipped beverage generating device 5 flows through the whipped beverage flow passage L1, and is then discharged from the whipped beverage discharge part 11 into the cup C. In addition, the first drain pipe L2 is connected to a predetermined portion of the whipped beverage flow passage L1 (a connection portion of a first switching valve SV1 described later in FIG. 2).

[0029] The cool storage 6 accommodates at least the spray can 51 of the whipped beverage producing device 5 therein and stores at least the raw material (cream) of the whipped cream at a predetermined low temperature. In this embodiment, the cool storage 6 accommodates the milk tank 4 and the whipped beverage producing device 5 therein and is configured to be able to maintain the temperature inside the cool storage 6 at an appropriate low temperature setting. In this embodiment, in addition to the milk tank 4 and the whipped beverage producing device 5, various devices such as the pump 8 are also arranged inside the cool storage 6. The temperature inside the cool storage 6 is controlled to be maintained, for example, within a range of less than 10°C (preferably 2 to 3°C).

[0030] The heating device 7 is a device for mainly heating milk and milk foam. As shown in Fig. 2, the heating device 7 is disposed in the middle of the milk flow passage L3 connecting the milk tank 4 and the milk drink discharge part 12. Although not shown, the heating device 7 has a heating part for heating the milk and milk foam flowing through the milk flow passage L3. After the beverage supplying device 1 is started, the heating part of the heating device 7 is always in a state where it can heat the milk and milk foam.

[0031] Specifically, the milk flow passage L3 is a flow passage that connects the strainer 13 arranged in the milk tank 4 and the milk drink discharge part 12, and mainly guides milk and milk foam to the milk drink discharge part 12. The milk drink discharge part 12 is arranged, for example, above the cup C, and discharges milk and milk foam to the outside (into the cup C). Although not shown, the heating device 7 has a bypass pipe that bypasses the heating part. The heating device 7 is configured to selectively perform an operation of discharging milk or milk foam directly without heating via the bypass pipe, and an operation of heating and discharging milk or milk foam via the heating part, based on a signal from the control unit 2. In addition, the second drain pipe L4 is connected to a predetermined portion of the milk flow passage L3 closer to the milk drink discharge part 12 than the heating device 7 (in FIG. 2, a connection portion of a third switching valve SV3 described later).

[0032] The pump 8 mainly sucks milk from the milk tank 4 and discharges it, and is provided at a predetermined position on the milk flow passage L3 closer to the milk tank 4 than the heating device 7.

[0033] The water supply device 9 is a device for supplying water (rinsing water) for rinsing and cleaning the inside of the milk flow passage L3 via the water flow passage L5. Although not shown, the water supply device 9 includes, for example, a water tank for storing water, a pump that is driven based on a signal from the control unit 2, and an electromagnetically driven opening and closing valve. One end of the water flow passage L5 is connected to the water supply device 9, and the other end of the water flow passage L5 is connected to a predetermined portion (hereinafter referred to as a first connection part Z1) between the pump 8 and the strainer 13 in the milk flow passage L3. The water supply device 9 supplies water into the milk flow passage L3 via the first connection part Z1.

[0034] Here, in this embodiment, the beverage dispenser 1 includes a cleaning flow passage L6 for cleaning the whipped beverage flow passage. The cleaning flow passage L6 has one end that joins the whipped beverage flow passage L1 at a position near the nozzle, and guides the cleaning liquid into the whipped beverage flow passage L1. The cleaning flow passage L6 branches off from a predetermined portion (in FIG. 2, a connection portion of a second switching valve SV2 described later) closer to the heating device 7 than the connection portion of the second drain pipe L4 (connection portion of the third switching valve SV3) in the milk flow passage L3, and joins a predetermined portion (hereinafter referred to as a second connection portion Z2) closer to the nozzle 51c than the connection portion of the first drain pipe L2 (connection portion of the first switching valve SV1) in the whipped beverage flow passage L1. The second connection portion Z2 is provided near the nozzle 51c in the whipped beverage flow passage L1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the water supplied from the water supply device 9 to the water flow path L5 can be supplied to the whipped beverage flow path L1 via the milk flow path L3, the heating device 7, and the cleaning flow path L6. Therefore, in this embodiment, the water supplied from the water supply device 9 is also used as a cleaning liquid for rinsing and cleaning the inside of the whipped beverage flow path L1. When the water from the water supply device 9 is introduced to the cleaning flow path L6 as a cleaning liquid, the heating device 7 is configured to selectively perform an operation of discharging the water from the water supply device 9 as it is through the bypass pipe without heating it, and an operation of discharging the water from the water supply device 9 through the heating unit, based on a signal from the control unit 2.

[0036] The air supply device 10 is a device for supplying air for producing milk foam, and air for discharging (for air purging) for discharging water in the milk flow path L3 and water in the whipped beverage flow path L1 through the air flow path L7. Since the amount (flow rate) of air for discharging is greater than the amount (flow rate) of air required for producing milk foam, it is necessary to switch between the amount of air for producing milk foam and the amount of air for discharging. For this reason, the air supply device 10 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the air to be supplied. Although not shown, the air supply device 10 includes an air supply pump that is driven based on a signal from the control unit 2 and has a variable discharge flow rate, and an electromagnetically driven opening / closing valve that operates based on a signal from the control unit 2. One end of the air flow path L7 is connected to the air supply device 10, and the other end is connected to a predetermined portion of the water flow path L5 (hereinafter referred to as the third connection part Z3). The air supplied from the third connection part Z3 into the water flow passage L5 flows through the flow passage between the third connection part Z3 and the first connection part Z1 of the water flow passage L5, and is then supplied into the milk flow passage L3 via the first connection part Z1. Therefore, the flow passage between the third connection part Z3 and the first connection part Z1 of the water flow passage L5 also serves as part of the flow passage for supplying air into the milk flow passage L3.

[0037] Next, each of the devices provided in the whipped beverage flow path L1, the milk flow path L3, the water flow path L5 and the cleaning flow path L6 will be described in detail.

[0038] The whipped beverage flow passage L1 is provided with a first switching valve SV1. The first switching valve SV1 is a valve for selectively switching the discharge destination of whipped cream flowing through the whipped beverage flow passage L1 between the whipped beverage discharge section 11 and the first drain pipe L2, and is, for example, an electromagnetically driven three-way valve. For example, in the initial state (power OFF), the first switching valve SV1 allows flow to the first drain pipe L2 side and blocks flow to the whipped beverage discharge section 11 side, and in the energized state (power ON), it operates to block flow to the first drain pipe L2 side and allow flow to the whipped beverage discharge section 11 side.

[0039] The milk flow passage L3 is provided with a strainer 13, an on-off valve V1, a pump 8, an expander E, a heating device 7, a second switching valve SV2, and a third switching valve SV3 in this order from the milk tank 4 side toward the milk beverage discharge part 12. The first connection part Z1 is located in a portion of the milk flow passage L3 between the on-off valve V1 and the pump 8.

[0040] The on-off valve V1 is a valve that opens and closes the milk flow passage L3, and is, for example, a solenoid valve that is closed (NC) in the initial state (power OFF).

[0041] The expander E is for generating milk foam from a mixture of milk and air, and is disposed in the milk flow passage L3 between the pump 8 and the heating device 7. Specifically, air is supplied from the air supply device 10 into the milk flow passage L3 at a predetermined flow rate, and the pump 8 is operated with the on-off valve V1 open, whereby milk and air are mixed in the milk flow passage L3, and the mixture of milk and air passes through the expander E to generate milk foam. The generated milk foam then flows through the milk flow passage L3, and is then discharged from the milk beverage discharge part 12 and supplied into the cup C.

[0042] The second switching valve SV2 is a valve for selectively switching the discharge destination of water and the like after passing through the heating device 7 in the milk flow passage L3 between the milk flow passage L3 and the cleaning flow passage L6, and is, for example, an electromagnetically driven three-way valve. The second switching valve SV2 is provided in a portion of the milk flow passage L3 between the heating device 7 and the milk drink dispensing part 12. For example, in the initial state (power OFF), the second switching valve SV2 operates to allow flow to the milk flow passage L3 side and block flow to the cleaning flow passage L6 side, and in the energized state (power ON), to block flow to the milk flow passage L3 side and allow flow to the cleaning flow passage L6 side.

[0043] The third switching valve SV3 is a valve for selectively switching the discharge destination of milk flowing through the milk flow passage L3 between the milk drink discharge part 12 and the second drain pipe L4, and is, for example, an electromagnetically driven three-way valve. The third switching valve SV3 is provided in a portion of the milk flow passage L3 closer to the milk drink discharge part 12 than the second switching valve SV2. For example, in the initial state (power OFF), the third switching valve SV3 operates to allow flow to the second drain pipe L4 and block flow to the milk drink discharge part 12, and in the energized state (power ON), it operates to block flow to the second drain pipe L4 and allow flow to the milk drink discharge part 12.

[0044] The water flow passage L5 is provided with a first check valve C1, which is, for example, a check valve. The first check valve C1 is disposed between the third connection part Z3 and the first connection part Z1, and allows a flow from the third connection part Z3 to the first connection part Z1, while blocking a flow from the first connection part Z1 to the third connection part Z3. Note that, instead of the first check valve C1, for example, an opening / closing valve, which is, for example, a solenoid valve, may be used.

[0045] The cleaning passage L6 is provided with a second check valve C2, which may be, for example, a check valve. The second check valve C2 is disposed, for example, near the second connection part Z2, and allows a flow from the second switching valve SV2 to the second connection part Z2, while blocking a flow from the second connection part Z2 to the second switching valve SV2. Note that, instead of the second check valve C2, for example, an opening / closing valve, which may be, for example, a solenoid valve, may be used.

[0046] Next, a beverage dispensing operation in the beverage dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0047] When a command to supply cold whipped cream (supply command S1) is input, the control unit 2 operates the first switching valve SV1 to switch the discharge destination of the whipped cream and the like in the whipped beverage flow passage L1 to the whipped beverage discharge unit 11. Thereafter, the control unit 2 operates the pressing mechanism unit 53 to press the operating unit 51b of the spray can 51. This causes the device main body unit 3 to supply a predetermined amount of cold whipped cream directly from the whipped beverage discharge unit 11 into the cup C. In other words, in response to the supply command S1, the beverage supply device 1 supplies the whipped cream produced by the whipped beverage production device 5 using the cream cooled by the cooling box 6 to the outside.

[0048] When a supply command S2 to S5 is input, the control unit 2 operates the third switching valve SV3 to switch the destination of milk and the like in the milk flow passage L3 to the milk beverage discharge section 12, and operates the pump 8 with the opening / closing valve V1 open.

[0049] When a command to supply cold milk (supply command S2) is input, the control unit 2 causes the cold milk cooled in the refrigerator 6 to flow through the bypass pipe in the heating device 7. As a result, the device main body 3 causes the milk beverage discharge unit 12 to discharge a predetermined amount of cold milk sucked from the milk tank 4 into the cup C.

[0050] When a command to supply cold milk foam (supply command S3) is input, the control unit 2 further operates the air supply device 10 to mix air with milk cooled in the refrigerator 6 to generate cold milk foam, which is then circulated through the bypass pipe in the heating device 7. This causes the device main body 3 to supply a predetermined amount of cold milk foam directly from the milk beverage discharge unit 12 into the cup C. In other words, in response to the supply command S2 and the supply command S3, the beverage supply device 1 supplies a beverage (milk or milk foam) containing milk cooled in the refrigerator 6 to the outside.

[0051] When a command to supply warm milk (supply command S4) is input, the control unit 2 heats the cold milk cooled in the refrigerator 6 with the heating device 7 and causes it to flow towards the milk beverage discharge unit 12. As a result, the device main body 3 warms the cold milk sucked from the milk tank 4 with the heating device 7, thereby discharging a predetermined amount of warm milk from the milk beverage discharge unit 12 and supplying it into the cup C.

[0052] When a command to supply hot milk foam (supply command S5) is input, the control unit 2 further operates the air supply device 10 to mix air with milk cooled in the refrigerator 6 to generate cold milk foam, which is then circulated via the heating unit in the heating device 7. This causes the device main body 3 to supply a predetermined amount of hot milk foam from the milk beverage discharge unit 12 into the cup C. In other words, in response to the supply command S4 and the supply command S5, the beverage supply device 1 supplies a beverage (milk or milk foam) containing milk warmed by the heating device 7 to the outside.

[0053] Next, an example of a cleaning operation for the whipped beverage flow passage L1 and the milk flow passage L3 of the beverage dispenser 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0054] When the beverage dispenser 1 completes the whipped cream supply operation, the control unit 2 returns the first switching valve SV1 to its initial state, allowing flow to the first drain pipe L2 side and blocking flow to the whipped beverage discharge unit 11 side. At the same time, the control unit 2 operates the second switching valve SV2 to switch the discharge destination of water and the like in the milk flow passage L3 to the cleaning flow passage L6. After that, the control unit 2 operates the pump 8 and the water supply device 9, and for example, heats the water from the water supply device 9 via the heating unit of the heating device 7. Then, the water heated by the heating device 7 is supplied to the whipped beverage flow passage L1 via the cleaning flow passage L6, and then drained through the first drain pipe L2. As a result, most of the whipped beverage flow passage L1 and the nozzle 51c are cleaned. Furthermore, following this cleaning operation, for example, by operating the air supply device 10, exhaust air for discharging water and the like from the whipped beverage flow passage L1 is supplied to the whipped beverage flow passage L1 via the air flow passage L7, the water flow passage L5, the milk flow passage L3 and the cleaning flow passage L6.

[0055] In addition, when the supply operation of milk or milk foam in the beverage supply device 1 is completed, the control unit 2 returns the third switching valve SV3 to the initial state, allowing flow to the second drain pipe L4 side and blocking flow to the milk beverage discharge part 12 side. After that, the control unit 2 operates the pump 8 and the water supply device 9, for example, to heat the water from the water supply device 9 via the heating part of the heating device 7. As a result, the water heated by the heating device 7 flows through the part of the milk flow path L3 downstream of the heating device 7, and then is drained through the second drain pipe L4. As a result, most of the milk flow path L3 is cleaned. In addition, following this cleaning operation, for example, the air supply device 10 is operated to supply exhaust air to the milk flow path L3 via the air flow path L7 and the water flow path L5 in order to exhaust water and the like in the milk flow path L3.

[0056] The beverage supply device 1 according to this embodiment has a spray can 51, which includes a sealed can 51a in which ingredients for whipped cream and a gas for injection are sealed, and an operation part 51b provided on the sealed can 51a, and which sprays the ingredients and the gas for injection as whipped cream by pressing the operation part 51b. In other words, the beverage supply device 1 has the spray can 51 as a supply source of whipped cream, and can supply the whipped cream to a supply target (cup C) through the whipped beverage flow path L1 by a simple structure without a stirrer, in which the operation part 51b of the spray can 51 is pressed by a pressing mechanism part 53.

[0057] In this manner, it is possible to provide a beverage dispenser 1 that can dispense whipped cream to a dispense target without including a stirrer.

[0058] Conventionally, in restaurants and the like, staff would use a dedicated machine for making whipped cream, which has a tank for storing cream and a mixer, to serve drinks with whipped cream floating on top of a main beverage such as coffee. In such a conventional serving method, staff must perform tasks such as refilling the tank with cream and cleaning the tank, which places a high workload on staff and leaves room for improvement in terms of hygiene. On the other hand, in the beverage supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, the spray can 51 is used as a source of whipped cream, so there is no need to refill the cream, and there is no need for a tank for storing cream, so there is no need to clean the tank, reducing the workload of staff and improving hygiene.

[0059] In this embodiment, the beverage dispenser 1 can supply water (e.g., hot water) from the heating device 7 to the whipped beverage flow path L1 as a cleaning liquid for the whipped beverage flow path L1 via the cleaning flow path L6, and can clean the whipped beverage flow path L1 without separately providing a cleaning liquid for the whipped beverage flow path L1 or a tank for storing the cleaning liquid. In other words, in this embodiment, the circuit of the cleaning system for the whipped beverage flow path L1 is configured using a part of the circuit of the cleaning system for the milk flow path L3.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the whipped beverage producing device 5 is configured such that the spray can 51 is simply held by the holding part 52. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 3, the whipped beverage producing device 5 (beverage supplying device 1) may be configured to apply vibration to the spray can 51 at predetermined time intervals when the beverage supplying device 1 is in a standby state. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the whipped beverage producing device 5 (beverage supplying device 1) may include a vibrator 54 that applies vibration to the spray can 51. The vibrator 54 has, for example, a vertical reciprocating mechanism that moves the entire holding part 52 up and down along the frame 52a, and applies vertical vibration to the spray can 51 by moving the holding part 52 up and down. This allows the whipped beverage producing device 5 to produce whipped cream with more stable quality. Although not shown, the vibrator 54 may be configured to apply horizontal vibration to the spray can 51 by swinging the entire holding part 52 in the horizontal direction, or may be configured to apply vibration to the spray can 51 by being attached to the surface of the spray can 51 in close contact with the surface of the spray can 51 and generating ultrasonic vibration. The whipped beverage producing device 5 may include a rotator that rotates the entire spray can 51 around its central axis, instead of the vibrator 54. In this case, the nozzle 51c is connected to an end of the whipped beverage flow passage L1 via, for example, a swivel joint.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of the circuit of the cleaning system of the whipped beverage flow passage L1. In this modified example, the beverage supplying device 1 is provided with the circuit of the cleaning system of the whipped beverage flow passage L1 separated from the circuit of the cleaning system of the milk flow passage L3. In addition, in the beverage supplying device 1 shown in FIG. 4, the supply circuit of the whipped cream and the supply circuit of the beverage containing milk (i.e., milk or milk foam) are provided in parallel and separated from each other. Specifically, the beverage supplying device 1 shown in FIG. 4 has a cleaning liquid supplying device 14 that supplies cleaning liquid such as water or a chemical liquid to the whipped beverage flow passage L1 via the cleaning flow passage L6. Although not shown, the cleaning liquid supplying device 14 includes, for example, a cleaning liquid tank that stores the cleaning liquid, a pump that is driven based on a signal from the control unit 2, and an electromagnetically driven opening and closing valve. One end of the cleaning flow passage L6 is connected to the cleaning liquid supplying device 14, and the other end of the cleaning flow passage L6 is connected to the second connection part Z2, and the second switching valve SV2 is not provided. The cleaning liquid supplying device 14 is configured to operate based on a signal from the control unit 2 and supply cleaning liquid into the whipped beverage flow path L1 via the cleaning flow path L6.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of each discharge part (whipped beverage discharge part 11 and milk beverage discharge part 12). In this modified example, the whipped beverage discharge part 11 is configured to move from a retracted position shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 to a supply position above the cup C shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5 when supplying whipped cream to the cup C. Similarly, the milk beverage discharge part 12 is configured to move from a retracted position shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 to a supply position above the cup C shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5 when supplying milk or milk foam to the cup C. Therefore, during the cleaning operation for the whipped beverage flow path L1, the whipped beverage discharge part 11 is in the retracted position, and during the cleaning operation for the milk flow path L3, the milk beverage discharge part 12 is in the retracted position. As a result, the beverage supplying device 1 can wash the part between the first switching valve SV1 and the whipped beverage discharge part 11 in the whipped beverage flow path L1 and the part between the third switching valve SV3 and the milk beverage discharge part 12 in the milk flow path L3 with water or the like during the cleaning operation, and discharge the waste liquid generated by this cleaning to the outside through the whipped beverage discharge part 11 and the milk beverage discharge part 12 in the retracted position. In this case, the beverage supplying device 1 does not need to have the first switching valve SV1, the third switching valve SV3, the first drain pipe L2, and the second drain pipe L4. Even if the beverage supplying device 1 does not have these devices and piping (SV1, SV2, L2, L4), it can discharge the waste liquid such as water that has flowed through the whipped beverage flow path L1 and the milk flow path L3 during the cleaning operation to the outside through the whipped beverage discharge part 11 and the milk beverage discharge part 12 in the retracted position.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another modified example of each discharge part (whipped beverage discharge part 11 and milk beverage discharge part 12). In this modified example, the whipped beverage discharge part 11 also serves as the milk beverage discharge part 12, and the first switching valve SV1 also serves as the third switching valve SV3. The whipped beverage flow path L1 and the milk flow path L3 join each other at a joining part Z4 located near the first switching valve SV1 and the third switching valve SV3 and upstream of these (SV1 and SV3) to form a single flow path, and the part of the whipped beverage flow path L1 between the joining part Z4 and the whipped beverage discharge part 11 also serves as a part of the milk flow path L3. In other words, the part of the milk flow path L3 between the joining part Z4 and the milk beverage discharge part 12 also serves as a part of the whipped beverage flow path L1. This allows the beverage supplying device 1 to supply whipped cream, milk, and milk foam to the cup C by one discharge part, and the piping circuit can be simplified.

[0064] In this embodiment, the beverage supplying device 1 is configured to be able to supply cold beverages (whipped cream, milk, milk foam) and hot beverages (milk, milk foam), but is not limited thereto and may supply only cold beverages. In this embodiment, the beverage supplying device 1 is configured to be able to selectively supply milk and milk foam in addition to whipped cream, but is not limited thereto and may be configured to supply at least whipped cream. If a hot beverage is not to be supplied, the heating device 7 is not required, and if milk foam is not to be supplied and air for discharging water or the like is not required, the air supplying device 10 is not required. If there is no need to rinse the whipped beverage flow path L1 or the milk flow path L3, the water supplying device 9 is not required.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the beverage supplying device 1 is capable of selectively supplying whipped cream, milk, and milk foam, but is not limited thereto, and may continuously supply two or more types of beverages among whipped cream, milk, and milk foam in response to one supply command. The beverage supplying device 1 may supply an appropriate whipped beverage, not limited to whipped cream. For example, as an ingredient of the whipped beverage, an appropriate liquid ingredient such as chocolate flavor or strawberry flavor can be adopted in addition to cream. As a result, whipped beverages of various flavors such as chocolate flavor or strawberry flavor are supplied. In the present embodiment, one spray can 51 is provided, but is not limited thereto, and the beverage supplying device 1 may be configured to be provided with a plurality of different types of spray cans 51 and to supply whipped beverages of a plurality of flavors. The beverage supplying device 1 may supply an appropriate liquid beverage, not limited to milk, and may supply an appropriate liquid beverage and air mixed beverage, not limited to milk foam (mixed beverage of milk and air).

[0066] In addition, beverage supply device 1 is provided adjacent to coffee server 50, but is not limited thereto, and may be incorporated in whole or in part within coffee server 50. Furthermore, beverage supply device 1 is used as an optional device for coffee server 50, but is not limited thereto, and may be used as an optional device such as a device for supplying appropriate beverages using powder such as cocoa or matcha, or a device for supplying shaved ice or ice cream, or may be used independently as a device for supplying beverages, etc.

[0067] Although the preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...beverage supply device, 6...cooler, 11...whipped beverage discharge section, 51...spray can, 51a...sealed can, 51b...operation section, 51c...nozzle, 53...pressure mechanism section, 54...vibrator, C...cup, L1...whipped beverage flow passage, L6...cleaning flow passage

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser capable of dispensing beverages including whipped beverages, a spray can having a sealed can in which ingredients of the whipped beverage and a gas for spraying are sealed, an operating part provided on the sealed can, and a nozzle for spraying the ingredients and the gas for spraying as the whipped beverage by pressing the operating part; A pressing mechanism that presses the operation unit; a whipped beverage flow passage for guiding the whipped beverage sprayed from the nozzle to a supply target; a cleaning flow passage for supplying cleaning liquid or air for cleaning the whipped beverage flow passage; Including, the cleaning passage has one end which joins the whipped beverage passage at a portion adjacent to the nozzle, A beverage supply device, comprising: a valve provided near the one end of the cleaning flow passage for allowing flow from the other end of the cleaning flow passage toward the one end and preventing flow from the one end to the other end.

2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 , further comprising a vibrator for applying vibration to the spray can.

3. 3. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a cooler that houses at least the spray can and stores at least the ingredients at a predetermined low temperature.

4. The supply object is a cup, The whipped beverage flow passage connects the nozzle and a whipped beverage discharge portion disposed above the cup. The beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 5. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the whipped beverage is whipped cream.

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