Water injection box and carbonated water production apparatus using the same

Abstract

To suppress deterioration of gas strength of produced carbonated water while keeping an area near a vent stage clean.SOLUTION: A pouring box of the present invention has a body in a hollow box shape with one side open and having a spout into which supplied liquid flows on any one of a plurality of interior wall surfaces, and a container holding part for holding a container stored inside the body. The container holding part holds the container so that the spout of the container is positioned on a movement track of the liquid flowing via the spout and a longitudinal direction of the container intersects a flow direction of the liquid flowing into the interior of the body via the spout.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water filling box for holding a container into which carbonated water or drinking water is filled inside a box when filling carbonated water or drinking water, and a carbonated water manufacturing apparatus using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, vending machines that sell various beverages are provided. Some vending machines provide beverages in containers such as plastic bottles or beverage cans filled with the manufactured beverages, and some inject the beverages generated inside the vending machine into cups or the like for providing. In a vending machine that injects and sells the beverages generated inside the vending machine into cups or the like, for example, carbonated water generated by a carbonated water manufacturing apparatus inside the vending machine and various syrups that are the stock solutions of syrup beverages are poured into a container, so that a beverage in which the carbonated water and the syrup are mixed is provided (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a vending machine that injects and provides the generated beverage into a container or the like, when filling the carbonated water from the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus into the container, the carbonated water hits the bottom surface of the container, and the carbon dioxide gas is likely to vaporize due to the impact. Therefore, the gas strength (GV: Gas Volume) of the carbonated water filled in the container becomes weaker than that at the time of generation. For example, in a carbonated water manufacturing apparatus, it is conceivable to generate carbonated water with high gas strength and extract it into a cup, but carbonated water with high gas strength may spout from the pouring nozzle.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of vending machines where beverages are dispensed into the aforementioned containers, the operator inserts their hand into the space above the venting stage, grasps the container placed on the venting stage, and removes the container from the venting stage. When inserting a hand into the space above the venting stage, the operator may unintentionally touch, for example, the dispensing nozzle located above the venting stage. Therefore, there is also the problem of unsanitary conditions near the venting stage.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to suppress the decrease in the gas strength of the generated carbonated water. ru The objective is to provide a water supply box that can do this, and a carbonated water production apparatus using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the water-filling box of the present invention is a hollow box shape with one side open, and comprises a main body having a water inlet on one of the multiple inner wall surfaces through which supplied liquid flows, and a container holding part that holds a container housed inside the main body, wherein the container holding part holds the container such that the center of the spout of the container is located on the trajectory of the movement of the liquid flowing in through the water inlet, and the longitudinal direction of the container intersects the direction of inflow of the liquid flowing into the main body through the water inlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention comprises the water supply box described above, a water storage unit positioned above the water supply box for generating and storing carbonated water by receiving cooling water and carbon dioxide gas, and a water supply pipe, one end of which is connected to the water storage unit and the other end positioned near the opening of the water supply box, for supplying the carbonated water stored in the water storage unit to the interior of the main body through the opening, wherein the carbonated water flowing into the interior of the main body through the water supply pipe is poured into the interior of the container through the water inlet of the container held in the container holding unit, flowing along the inner wall surface of the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the decrease in the gas strength of the generated carbonated water is suppressed. ru It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view showing the front door of the carbonated water maker of this embodiment in a closed state, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view showing the front door of the carbonated water maker in an open state. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) shows the configuration of the water filling box as viewed from the upper front of the water filling box, and Figure 2(b) shows the configuration of the water filling box as viewed from the lower front of the water filling box. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the water supply box with the water supply door open. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) shows the water supply box with a pressure-resistant bottle held in the water supply door, viewed from the upper front of the water supply box. Figure 4(b) also shows the water supply box with a pressure-resistant bottle held in the water supply door, viewed from the upper front of the water supply box. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a front view of the water supply box with the water supply door held in the closed position, Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 5(a), Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 5(a), Figure 5(d) is a cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 5(a), and Figure 5(e) is a cross-sectional view of DD in Figure 5(a). [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a carbonated water production device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the electrical configuration of a carbonated water maker. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the process from the generation of carbonated water in a carbonated water production device to the completion of removing the pressure-resistant bottle. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the flow of RO water during the rinsing process. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the flow of RO water in the water supply process. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the flow of carbon dioxide during the air supply process. [Figure 12]It is a diagram showing the gas flow in the depressurization process. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the flow of carbonated water and carbon dioxide gas in the water injection process. [Figure 14] Figure 14(a) is a perspective view showing the state where the water injection door that slides in the front-rear direction of the self-device is closed, and Figure 14(b) is a perspective view showing the state where the water injection door is open. [Figure 15] Figure 15(a) is a perspective view showing the state where the water injection door pivotally supported at the lower end by the lower end of the box body is closed, and Figure 15(b) is a perspective view showing the state where the water injection door is open. A perspective view showing the carbonated water manufacturing device when the water injection door is in the closed position, Figure 14(b) is

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the carbonated water manufacturing device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The carbonated water manufacturing device 10 of the present embodiment is connected to an RO water manufacturing device 200 (see FIG. 3), generates carbonated water using the RO water generated by the RO water manufacturing device 200, and injects the generated carbonated water into, for example, a pressure-resistant bottle 210 (see FIG. 3). The RO water manufacturing device 200 is a device that manufactures pure water (RO water) by filtering, for example, tap water or natural water through an RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carbonated water manufacturing device 10 has a front door 11 and a device main body 12. The front door 11 rotates between a closed position that shields the inside of the device main body 12 and an open position that exposes the inside of the device main body 12 around one end side (the right side in FIG. 1) in the width direction of the device main body 12.

[0014] The front door 11 has a water injection box 24 in addition to a touch panel 21, a QR (Quick Response) code reader 22, and an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader 23.

[0015] The touch panel 21 displays information based on the operating status of the carbonated water maker 10, as well as information read by the QR code reader 22 and the IC card reader 23. The touch panel 21 also displays selection buttons (not shown) for selecting the gas strength (GV) and volume of carbonated water available for purchase, as needed.

[0016] The QR code reader 22 reads QR codes (registered trademarks) displayed on the purchaser's portable terminal or QR codes printed on receipts, etc. The QR code may, for example, show information about the carbon dioxide being purchased by the purchaser (such as the volume of carbonated water and the gas strength).

[0017] The IC card reader 23 reads the information stored in the IC chip embedded in the IC card. Alternatively, a magnetic card reader that reads magnetic cards may be used instead of the IC card reader 23.

[0018] In this embodiment, a carbonated water maker 10 having a QR code reader 22 and an IC card reader 23 is described as an example, but a carbonated water maker having at least one of the QR code reader 22 or the IC card reader 23 may also be described.

[0019] The water filling box 24 houses a pressure-resistant bottle 210 for injecting carbonated water. The water filling box 24 comprises a box body 25, a water filling door 26, and a drain tray 27. Further details of the water filling box 24 will be described later.

[0020] When the front door 11 is rotated to the open position, the pressurized tank 28 and sterilization filter 29, located on the rear side of the front door 11, are exposed. The pressurized tank 28 stores RO water or generated carbonated water. The sterilization filter 29 filters the RO water cooled by the cooler 31 (described later) to sterilize the RO water and remove impurities.

[0021] Furthermore, when the front door 11 is rotated to the open position, the main body of the device 12 exposes the water storage tank 30, the chiller 31, and other components. The water storage tank 30 stores RO water supplied from the outside and sends the stored RO water toward the pressurized tank 28. The chiller 31 performs heat exchange with the RO water sent from the water storage tank 30 to cool the RO water flowing toward the pressurized tank 28.

[0022] As described above, the water filling box 24 has a box body 25, a water filling door 26, and a drain tray 27. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the box body 25 is a hollow box-shaped member with an open front. The box body 25 has an internal space that cannot accommodate a container larger than the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held by the water filling door 26, that is, a container whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the pressure-resistant bottle 210. Here, the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is a special container used when purchasing carbonated water in the carbonated water production apparatus 10.

[0023] The box body 25 has an opening 33 on its upper side 25a. The opening 33 allows for the insertion of a water supply pipe 112, which is located at the bottom of the pressurized tank 28. Carbonated water produced inside the pressurized tank 28 is poured through the water supply pipe 112 into a pressure-resistant bottle 210 held by the water supply door 26.

[0024] The water inlet door 26 is normally held in the closed position and rotates to the open position when the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is placed on or removed from the water inlet door 26. The water inlet door 26 is biased toward the closed position by a spring (not shown).

[0025] The drain tray 27 collects carbonated water or RO water spilled from the water inlet pipe 112 and drains it to the outside. The drain tray 27 also collects carbonated water that leaks from the water inlet 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 when a cap (not shown) is attached to the water inlet 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 and drains it to the outside.

[0026] The box body 25 has a bottle sensor 34 and a locking mechanism 35 (see Figure 7). The bottle sensor 34 is turned on when the water filling door 26 is closed and it is pressed against the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held in the water filling door 26. The bottle sensor 34 is designed so as not to come into contact with the container even if the water filling door 20 is closed while a container narrower than the dedicated pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held in the water filling door 26. Although this description describes a case where the bottle sensor 34 is turned on when the water filling door 26 is closed and it is pressed against the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held in the water filling door 26, it is not limited to this, and for example, it is also possible to provide an imaging unit in the water filling box 24 that images the inside of the water filling box 24, and determine whether the container held in the water filling door 26 is a pressure-resistant bottle 210 from the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0027] The locking mechanism 35 is a mechanism that engages an engaging portion 36a provided on the handle 36 of the water filling door 26 when the water filling door 26 is rotated to the closed position. The locking mechanism 35 has a lock sensor 35a (see Figure 7). The lock sensor 35a is turned on when it is pressed by the engaging portion 36a provided on the handle 36 of the water filling door 26 when the water filling door 26 is rotated to the closed position. As described above, the box body 25 is sized to accommodate the dedicated pressure-resistant bottle 210. Therefore, even if the water filling door 26 is closed while a container thicker than the dedicated pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held in the water filling door 26, the container will come into contact with the bottle sensor 34, but the water filling door 26 will not move to the closed position. As a result, the lock sensor 35a cannot detect that the water filling door 26 has been closed. The lock sensor 35a is turned off when the water inlet door 26 moves to the open position after the lock mechanism 35 has released the lock on the water inlet door 26.

[0028] The water-filling door 26 rotates between a closed position and an open position, with the vertical direction in Figure 2 as the pivot point, via a hinge portion 37 positioned between it and the box body 25. When the water-filling door 26 is in the closed position, it shields the interior of the box body 25. When the water-filling door 26 is in the open position, it exposes the interior of the box body 25 and the retaining pieces 38 and support guides 39 positioned on the inner surface 26a of the water-filling door 26. Here, the retaining pieces 38 and support guides 39 function as bottle holders for holding the pressure-resistant bottle 210.

[0029] The water inlet door 26 holds the pressure-resistant bottle 210 in an inclined position. Although not shown in the figures, when the water inlet door 26 is closed while the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held, the water inlet 210a of the held pressure-resistant bottle 210 is positioned below the water inlet pipe 112. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the water inlet door 26 has a retaining piece 38 fixed to the upper part of its inner surface 26a and a support guide 39 fixed to the lower part of the inner surface 26a of the water inlet door 26.

[0030] The retaining piece 38 holds the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210. The retaining piece 38 has, for example, a bent portion 38a formed by bending one end of a rectangular metal plate in the longitudinal direction at a right angle, and a notched portion 38b formed by cutting out the other end of the metal plate in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other end in the short direction. The bent portion 38a functions as a fixing part that screws and fixes the retaining piece 38 to the inner surface 26a of the water filling door 26. As shown in Figure 5(a), when the water filling door 26 is closed with the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held, the water inlet 210a of the held pressure-resistant bottle 210 is located below the water filling pipe 112 that extends vertically. In other words, the water inlet 210a is located on the trajectory of the carbonated water flowing downward from the water filling pipe 112. In this configuration, the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held at an angle relative to the vertically extending water supply pipe 112. However, it is also possible to position the pressure-resistant bottle 210 so that its longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the water supply port 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210) is parallel to the vertical, while the axial direction of the water supply pipe 112 is inclined relative to the axial direction of the water supply port 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210.

[0031] The notch 38b is into which the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is inserted when the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held in the water-fill door 26. When the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle is inserted into the notch 38b, the flange portion 210c provided on the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 abuts against the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the notch 38b. Therefore, the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is prevented from falling out of the retaining piece 38. The width of the notch 38b is set to be greater than or equal to the minimum diameter of the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210, and less than the outer diameter of the flange portion 210c provided on the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210.

[0032] The support guide 39 supports the lower side surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210, whose neck is inserted into the notch 38b of the retaining piece 38. The support guide 39 is a metal rod, such as stainless steel, that has been bent multiple times so that both ends extend in the same direction and parallel to each other. Of the two ends of the metal rod that has been bent multiple times, one end 39a has a bent portion 39c that is bent so as to protrude in a direction away from the other end 39b. The bent portion 39c functions as a side support that supports the lower side surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 at two points. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held in the water-filling door 26 is supported with its neck 210b held in the retaining piece 38 and its lower side surface positioned in the support guide 39.

[0033] In this embodiment, the lower side surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is supported by the support guide 39. However, if the pressure-resistant bottle can be held by the retaining piece 38 alone, the support guide 39 can be omitted. Also, although the support guide 39 is designed to support the lower side surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210, the position in which the support guide 39 supports the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is not limited to this. The configuration of the retaining piece 38 and the support guide 39 is shown as an example, and any structure that can hold the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is acceptable. Therefore, the retaining piece 38 and the support guide 39 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the carbonated water production device 10 will be explained using Figure 6. In Figure 6, the signal flow is shown by a dotted line.

[0035] The carbonated water production apparatus 10 includes a cylinder unit 41, an air supply and exhaust unit 42, a water supply unit 43, a cooling unit 44, a sterilization filter 29, a pressurized tank unit 45, a control unit 46, and the like.

[0036] The cylinder unit 41 vaporizes the liquefied carbon dioxide stored in the gas cylinder 51 and supplies it to the intake / exhaust unit 42. The cylinder unit 41 includes the gas cylinder 51 and the pressure reducing valve unit 52. The gas cylinder 51 stores liquefied carbon dioxide inside. The gas cylinder 51 has a container valve 53, which is connected to the pressure reducing valve unit 52.

[0037] The pressure reducing valve unit 52 sends carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas cylinder 51 to the supply and exhaust unit 42. The pressure reducing valve unit 52 has pressure gauges 55 and 56, a pressure reducing valve 57, and a manual valve 58 in the gas passage 54. When the gas cylinder 51 side is considered upstream, the pressure reducing valve unit 52 is arranged from upstream in the order of pressure gauge 55, pressure reducing valve 57, pressure gauge 56, and manual valve 58. Pressure gauge 55 measures the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the pressure reducing valve 57. Pressure gauge 56 measures the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the pressure reducing valve 57.

[0038] The pressure reducing valve 57 adjusts the pressure of the supplied carbon dioxide gas so that the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the supply and exhaust unit 42 is, for example, 1 MPa. The pressure reduction adjustment of the carbon dioxide gas is performed, for example, by an operator visually confirming the measurement value from a pressure gauge 56. The manual valve 58 is connected to the gas passage 60 located between the cylinder unit 41 and the supply and exhaust unit 42. The manual valve 58 is normally kept in the open position.

[0039] The intake and exhaust unit 42 supplies carbon dioxide gas supplied from the pressure reducing valve unit 52 to the pressurized tank unit 45 during the generation of carbonated water and when carbonated water is poured. The intake and exhaust unit 42 also supplies carbon dioxide gas sent out from the pressurized tank unit 45 to the cooling unit 44 during the generation of carbonated water. Furthermore, the intake and exhaust unit 42 discharges carbon dioxide gas sent out from the pressurized tank unit 45 during depressurization or complete discharge. Complete drainage refers to the discharge of all RO water stored in the water storage tank 30, which will be described later.

[0040] The intake and exhaust unit 42 is positioned between the cylinder unit 41 and the pressurized tank unit 45. The intake and exhaust unit 42 has gas passages 61, 62, 63 and exhaust passages 64, 65.

[0041] When the cylinder unit 41 is considered upstream, the gas passage 61 is connected to gas passage 60 at its upstream end and to the one-way valve 103 of the pressurized tank unit 45 at its downstream end. The gas passage 61 is arranged in the following order from upstream: manual valve 67, gas filter 68, pressure switch (PS) 69, and control valve 70.

[0042] The manual valve 67 is located at the upstream end of the gas passage 61. The manual valve 67 is connected to the pressure reducing valve unit 52 via the gas passage 60. The manual valve 67 is normally held in the open position. The gas filter 68 removes impurities contained in the carbon dioxide flowing through the gas passage 61. The pressure switch 69 turns on when the pressure in the gas passage 61 exceeds a certain pressure (e.g., 0.8 MPa) and outputs an ON signal to the control unit 46. The control valve 70 is open, for example, when carbonated water is produced.

[0043] The gas passage 62 is connected to the gas passage 61 at its upstream end and to the one-way valve 105 of the pressurized tank unit 45 at its downstream end. The gas passage 62 is connected to the gas passage 61, for example, between the pressure switch 69 and the control valve 70.

[0044] The gas passage 62 is arranged from the upstream side with a control valve 71 and a pressure reducing valve 72. The control valve 71 is open, for example, when carbonated water is being injected. The pressure reducing valve 72 reduces the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the pressurized tank unit 45.

[0045] The upstream end of gas passage 63 is connected to gas passage 61. The downstream end of gas passage 63 is inserted into the reservoir of the cooler of the cooling unit 44. Like gas passage 62, gas passage 63 is connected to gas passage 61, for example, between the pressure switch 69 and the control valve 70.

[0046] The gas passage 63 has a control valve 73 and an orifice valve 74 arranged from the upstream side. The control valve 73 opens, for example, when the cooling water stored in the cooling tank of the cooler 31 becomes supercooled. The orifice valve 74 adjusts the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the cooler 31.

[0047] When the pressurized tank unit is considered the upstream side of the exhaust passage 64, the water separator 75, the control valve 76, and the silencer 77 are arranged in that order from the upstream side.

[0048] The water separator 75 separates the liquid contained in the carbon dioxide discharged from the pressurized tank 28. The separated liquid is drained through a drain channel 78 connected to the water separator 75. Downstream, the drain channel 78 connects to an overflow drain channel 94 connected to the cooler 31. Therefore, the liquid drained from the water separator 75 flows into the overflow drain channel 94 and is then drained to the outside.

[0049] The control valve 76 is opened, for example, when the pressure in the pressurized tank 28 is reduced or when all the gas is drained. The silencer 77 silences the noise generated when carbon dioxide gas is discharged from the pressurized tank 28.

[0050] The exhaust passage 65 is connected at its upstream end to the exhaust passage 64 between the water separator 75 and the control valve 76. The exhaust passage 65 is also connected at its downstream end to the gas passage 63 downstream of the orifice valve 74.

[0051] The exhaust passage 65 is equipped with a relief valve 79. The relief valve 79 opens when the pressure in the exhaust passage 65 reaches, for example, 0.5 MPa during the generation of carbonated water. When the relief valve 79 is open, the internal pressure of the pressurized tank 28 is maintained at a constant pressure.

[0052] The water supply unit 43 is a unit that receives RO water supplied to the carbonated water production device 10 and, if necessary, supplies the received water to the pressurized tank unit 45. The timing of supplying the received RO water downstream includes, for example, when carbonated water is produced, when rinsing, and when all water is drained. Rinsing refers to, for example, washing the inside of the pressurized tank 28 with RO water stored in the storage tank.

[0053] The water supply unit 43 has a water channel 80 connected to the RO water production device 200. When the RO water production device 200 side is considered upstream, the water channel 80 is arranged in the following order from upstream: control valve 81, one-way valve 82, flow meter 83, pressure switch (PS) 84, and control valve 85.

[0054] The control valve 81 is open when RO water is supplied from the RO water production device 200. The one-way valve 82 prevents RO water from flowing back into the RO water production device 200. The flow meter 83 measures the flow rate of RO water flowing through the water channel 80 and outputs a measurement signal to the control unit 46. The pressure switch 84 turns on when the pressure value of the RO water flowing through the water channel 80 exceeds a preset pressure value (for example, 0.2 MPa) and outputs an ON signal to the control unit 46. The preset pressure value is the pressure value of the RO water at which the RO water is supplied at a speed sufficient to be supplied toward the pressurized tank 28. The control valve 85 is open, for example, during carbonated water production, rinsing, and total drainage.

[0055] Waterway 80 connects waterways 86 and 87 between the one-way valve 82 and the flow meter 83. Waterway 86 is connected to the water storage tank 30. Waterway 86 has a manual valve 88. The manual valve 88 is normally in the open position and is closed when the water storage tank 30 is replaced or for other purposes.

[0056] The water storage tank 30, although not shown in the illustration, has a balloon inside that functions as a diaphragm. The water storage tank 30 functions as a carbonated water generating means as described in the claim. The water storage tank 30 stores RO water when the balloon contracts due to the pressure of the water sent into the water storage tank 30. The water storage tank 30 also discharges the stored RO water when the contracted balloon expands at predetermined timings. These predetermined timings are, for example, during carbonated water generation, rinsing, and total drainage. The flow rate of RO water when it is discharged from the water storage tank 30 is, for example, 1 to 2 L / min.

[0057] The waterway 87 is a drainage channel for draining RO water, for example, from the waterway 80 or RO water stored in the storage tank 30. The waterway 87 has a manual valve 89. The manual valve 89 is normally kept in the closed position.

[0058] The cooling unit 44 is positioned between the water supply unit 43 and the pressurized tank unit 45. The cooling unit 44 has a cooler 31. The cooler 31 cools the cooling water stored in the water tank using a compressor 31a (see Figure 7), and cools the RO water by exchanging heat with the RO water flowing through a water channel 91 inserted inside the cooler 31. The cooler 31 cools the RO water, for example, from 25°C to 4°C. The cooler 31 has a water thermometer 31b. The water thermometer 31b outputs a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the stored cooling water to the control unit 46. The water channel 91 is connected to the control valve 85 of the water supply unit 43 on the upstream side and to the sterilization filter 29 on the downstream side.

[0059] The cooler 31 is connected to a drain channel 92. The drain channel 92 has a manual valve 93. The manual valve 93 is normally kept in a closed position and is switched to an open position, for example, when draining the cooling water stored in the cooler 31's reservoir.

[0060] The cooler 31 is connected to an overflow drain channel 94. The overflow drain channel 94 drains the cooling water stored in the cooler 31's water tank when the amount of cooling water stored in the cooler 31's water tank exceeds a predetermined amount. The overflow drain channel 94 has a drain trap 95. The drain trap 95 blocks any odors from the downstream side of the drainage path. The drain trap 95 may also be designed to prevent gases from leaking out of the drain channel 94. Upstream of the drain trap 95, the drain channel 94 is connected to a ventilation channel 96. The ventilation channel 96 facilitates the flow of drainage water in the drain channel 94 and protects the water seal in the drain trap 95. The ventilation channel 96 may also be provided to allow fresh air to circulate in the drain channel 94 and ventilate the drain channel 94. Furthermore, the overflow drain channel 94 connects to a drain channel 78 that is connected to the water separator 75, upstream of the point where the ventilation channel 96 is connected.

[0061] The sterilization filter 29 is connected to the water channel 91 at its upstream end and to the water channel 97 at its downstream end. The sterilization filter 29 filters the RO water cooled by the cooler 31 to remove bacteria and other contaminants contained in the RO water. The sterilization filter 29 is a filter having a hollow fiber membrane bundle, which is made by bundling hollow fiber membranes, each having multiple openings with a diameter of, for example, 0.2 μm, into a cylindrical shape. Note that the size of the openings provided in the hollow fiber membrane does not need to be limited to 0.2 μm; for example, any opening of 0.45 μm or less, which is generally considered to have a sterilization effect, is acceptable.

[0062] The pressurized tank unit 45 generates carbonated water using RO water and carbon dioxide supplied to the pressurized tank 28. The pressurized tank unit 45 has air supply passages 99, 100, a water supply passage 101, and an exhaust passage 102.

[0063] The air intake passage 99 is connected to a one-way valve 103 on the upstream side and a discharge nozzle 104 installed inside the pressurized tank 28 on the downstream side. The one-way valve 103 is connected to the gas passage 61 of the air intake / exhaust unit 42 to prevent backflow of carbon dioxide gas flowing through the air intake passage 99.

[0064] The air intake passage 100 is connected to a one-way valve 105 on the upstream side and a pressurized tank 28 on the downstream side. The one-way valve 105 is connected to the gas passage 62 of the air intake / exhaust unit 42 to prevent backflow of carbon dioxide gas flowing through the air intake passage 100. The air intake passage 100 is equipped with an orifice valve 106. The orifice valve 106 adjusts the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas flowing through the air intake passage 100.

[0065] The water supply channel 101 is connected to a one-way valve 107 on the upstream side and to a discharge nozzle 108 installed at the bottom of the pressurized tank 28 on the downstream side. The one-way valve 107 is connected to the water channel 97.

[0066] The exhaust passage 102 is configured such that, when the pressurized tank 28 is considered the upstream side, the upper part of the pressurized tank 28 is connected to the upstream side, and the one-way valve 109 is connected to the downstream side. The one-way valve 109 prevents the backflow of carbon dioxide gas toward the intake and exhaust unit 42. The one-way valve 109 is connected to the water separator 75 of the intake and exhaust unit 42 via the exhaust passage 110.

[0067] The pressurized tank 28 has ejection nozzles 104 and 108 inside. Ejection nozzle 104 is positioned at the top of the pressurized tank 28. The position in which ejection nozzle 104 is installed is, for example, such as a position where the outlet of ejection nozzle 104 is immersed in the RO water stored inside the pressurized tank 28. Ejection nozzle 104 ejects carbon dioxide supplied from cylinder unit 41 into the RO water stored inside the pressurized tank 28. Here, ejection nozzle 104 functions as the carbonated water generating means and nozzle described in the claim.

[0068] The discharge nozzle 108 is located at the bottom of the pressurized tank 28. The discharge nozzle 108 discharges RO water supplied from the water supply unit 43 into the pressurized tank 28, upwards. Here, the flow rate of RO water supplied into the pressurized tank 28 is, for example, 1 to 2 L / min.

[0069] The pressurized tank 28 has a pressure switch (PS) 111 in addition to the discharge nozzles 104 and 108. The pressure switch 111 turns on when the pressure in the pressurized tank 28 exceeds a certain value and outputs an ON signal to the control unit 46.

[0070] A water inlet pipe 112 is connected to the bottom of the pressurized tank 28. The water inlet pipe 112 discharges RO water or carbonated water stored in the pressurized tank 28. The water inlet pipe 112 has a control valve 113. The control valve 113 is open, for example, during rinsing, total draining, and carbonated water injection. When the control valve 113 is open, RO water or carbonated water stored in the pressurized tank 28 flows out through the water inlet pipe 112. Here, when carbonated water is injected, if a pressure-resistant bottle 210 is set in the water inlet door 26 of the water inlet box 24, the carbonated water is injected into the pressure-resistant bottle 210 via the water inlet pipe 112. Also, when the control valve 113 is open during rinsing or total draining, the RO water flowing out of the water inlet pipe 112 is received by a drain tray 27 located at the bottom of the water inlet box 24 and drained to the outside. Here, the water injection pipe 112 and the control valve 113 correspond to the water injection means described in the claim.

[0071] Next, the electrical configuration of the carbonated water production device 10 will be explained using the functional block diagram in Figure 7. Note that only units that are electrically connected to other units are shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the configuration of the cylinder unit 41 is omitted in Figure 7.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the carbonated water production apparatus 10 includes a touch panel 21, a QR code reader 22, an IC card reader 23, a supply and exhaust unit 42, a water supply unit 43, a cooling unit 44, a pressurized tank unit 45, and a control unit 46 that is electrically connected to these.

[0073] The control unit 46 executes the functions of the main control unit 131, time control unit 132, water supply control unit 133, air supply and exhaust control unit 134, cooling control unit 135, water injection control unit 136, display control unit 137, and communication control unit 138 by executing a control program (not shown).

[0074] The main control unit 131 comprehensively controls the water supply control unit 133, the air supply and exhaust control unit 134, the cooling control unit 135, the water injection control unit 136, the display control unit 137, and the communication control unit 138 based on the information from the QR code read by the QR code reader 22, the information recorded on the IC card read by the IC card reader 23, and the information controlled by the time control unit 132. The main control unit 131 also transmits and receives signals with the RO water production device 200.

[0075] Furthermore, when supplying RO water to the pressurized tank 28, the main control unit 131 releases the lock on the water supply door 26 of the water supply box 24 by the lock mechanism 35. Also, when the lock sensor 35a outputs an ON signal, the main control unit 131 locks the water supply door 26 by the lock mechanism 35. At this time, if the bottle sensor 34 outputs an ON signal, the main control unit 131 instructs the supply and exhaust control unit 134 to start supplying air after the supply of RO water to the pressurized tank 28 is completed. If neither the ON signal from the lock sensor 35a nor the ON signal from the bottle sensor 34 is output, the main control unit 131, after a certain period of time has elapsed, instructs the supply and exhaust control unit 134 and the water supply control unit 136 to start draining.

[0076] The time control unit 132 manages the current date and time. Furthermore, when a preset time is reached, the time control unit 132 outputs a signal to the main control unit 131 indicating that the preset time has been reached. In response, the main control unit 131 controls each part of the control unit 46 to execute the entire drainage process. The preset time is set to a time outside of the operating hours of the store where the carbonated water production device 10 is installed, such as a supermarket.

[0077] Furthermore, the time control unit 132 measures the elapsed time since the sales command was output to each part of the carbonated water production device 10. When a certain amount of time has elapsed (for example, 30 minutes), the time control unit 132 outputs a signal to the main control unit 131 indicating that a certain amount of time has elapsed. In response, the main control unit 131 controls each part of the control unit 46 to start the rinsing process.

[0078] The water supply control unit 133 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 81 in response to instructions from the main control unit 131 to start and stop receiving RO water. For example, the instruction to start receiving RO water is output from the main control unit 131 to the water supply control unit 133 when, for example, after the output of a signal from the pressure switch 84 to the water supply control unit 133 has stopped, the main control unit 131 has sent a signal (water supply signal) to the RO water production device 200 instructing it to supply RO water, and the main control unit 131 has sent a signal (water supply operation signal) to the RO water production device 200 to stop supplying RO water. Similarly, the instruction to stop receiving water is output from the main control unit 131 to the water supply control unit 133 when, for example, after the signal is output again from the pressure switch 84 to the water supply control unit 133, the main control unit 131 has sent a signal (water supply stop signal) to the RO water production device 200 instructing it to stop supplying RO water, and the main control unit 131 has sent a signal (stop operation signal) to the RO water production device 200 indicating that it has stopped supplying RO water.

[0079] Furthermore, the water supply control unit 133 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 85 in response to instructions from the main control unit 131 to start and stop rinsing, to start and stop water supply, or to start and stop all drainage. At this time, the water supply control unit 133 calculates the amount of RO water supplied to the pressurized tank 28 based on the measurement signal from the flow meter 83, and switches the control valve 85 to the closed state when the calculated amount of RO water supplied reaches a preset supply amount.

[0080] The air intake and exhaust control unit 134 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 70 upon receiving instructions from the main control unit 131 to start and stop air intake. The air intake and exhaust control unit 134 also controls the opening and closing of the control valve 71 upon receiving instructions from the main control unit 131 to start and stop water injection. Furthermore, the air intake and exhaust control unit 134 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 73 based on the measurement signal from the water temperature gauge 31b of the cooler 31. In addition, the air intake and exhaust control unit 134 instructs the main control unit 131 that an error has occurred upon receiving a stop signal from the pressure switch 69. At this time, the main control unit 131 instructs each unit to stop selling carbonated water.

[0081] The cooling control unit 135 keeps the compressor 31a running at all times. The cooling control unit 135 also determines, based on the measurement signal from the water thermometer 31b located on the cooler 31, whether the temperature of the cooling water stored in the cooler 31's reservoir is suitable for cooling the RO water supplied to the pressurized tank. If the temperature of the cooling water stored in the cooler 31's reservoir is not suitable for cooling the RO water supplied to the pressurized tank 28 (i.e., the temperature of the cooling water stored in the reservoir is too high), the cooling control unit 135 outputs an error signal to the main control unit 131. In response, the main control unit 131 outputs a sales suspension command to each unit.

[0082] The water injection control unit 136 receives instructions from the main control unit 131 to start and stop rinsing, to start and stop water injection, or to start and stop all drainage, and controls the opening and closing of the control valve 113.

[0083] The display control unit 137 controls the display based on the operation of the touch panel 21, the display based on readings by the QR code reader 22 and the IC card reader 23, and various operations of the carbonated water production device 10.

[0084] The communication control unit 138 is connected to an information management terminal 140, such as a server, via, for example, the communication unit 139. The communication control unit 138 transmits information related to the operation of the carbonated water maker 10 to the information management terminal 140, such as the carbonated water production history and the history of errors that occurred in the carbonated water maker 10.

[0085] The following describes the process for purchasing carbonated water in the carbonated water production device 10, based on the flowchart in Figure 8. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 is executed when the carbonated water production device receives a purchase order.

[0086] Step S101: Rinsing process In step S101, the main control unit 131 displays a comment, such as "rinsing," on the touch panel 21 via the display control unit 137. The main control unit 131 also instructs the water supply control unit 133 to start rinsing. The water supply control unit 133 switches the control valve 85 from the closed state to the open state. As shown in Figure 9, when the control valve 85 is switched to the open state, the pressure in the water channel 80 is released, the balloon in the water storage tank 30 inflates, and the RO water in the water storage tank 30 is sent from the water storage tank 30 to the water channel 86. The RO water sent from the water storage tank 30 flows from the water channel 86 to the water channel 80 and then to the water channel 91 of the cooling unit 44. The RO water flowing through the water channel 91 is cooled by the cooler 31 and then flows to the sterilization filter 29.

[0087] After passing through the sterilization filter 29, the RO water flows through the water channel 97. The RO water then passes through the one-way valve 107 and is ejected into the pressurized tank 28 from the ejection nozzle 108 inside the pressurized tank 28 via the water supply channel 101. The inside of the pressurized tank 28 is cleaned by the ejection of RO water from the ejection nozzle 108. After a certain period of time T1 has elapsed since the instruction to start rinsing, the water supply control unit 133 switches the control valve 85 from the open state to the closed state.

[0088] Subsequently, the main control unit 131 instructs the air supply and exhaust control unit 134 and the water injection control unit 136 to begin draining. The air supply and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 71 from the closed state to the open state. At the same time, the water injection control unit 136 switches the control valve 113 from the closed state to the open state. As a result, the RO water that has cleaned the inside of the pressurized tank 28 is pushed out into the water injection pipe 112 by the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the pressurized tank 28. The RO water pushed out into the water injection pipe 112 flows into the drain tray 27 and is then drained to the outside.

[0089] The main control unit 131 instructs the supply and exhaust control unit 134 and the water injection control unit 136 to stop draining after a certain period of time T2 has elapsed since instructing the start of drainage. The supply and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 71 from the open state to the closed state. At the same time, the water injection control unit 136 switches the control valve 113 from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the drainage of RO water from the pressurized tank 28 through the water injection pipe 112 is stopped. The certain period of time T2 is the time until all the RO water supplied to the pressurized tank 28 is discharged. The certain period of time T2 is set based on the amount of RO water supplied, which is calculated based on the measurement signal from the flow meter 83.

[0090] Step S102: Water supply process In step S102, the main control unit 131 displays a comment, such as "Water supply in progress," on the touch panel 21 via the display control unit 137. The main control unit 131 also instructs the water supply control unit 133 and the air supply / exhaust control unit 134 to start water supply. The water supply control unit 133 switches the control valve 85 from the closed state to the open state. The air supply / exhaust control unit 134 also switches the control valve 76 from the closed state to the open state. As shown in Figure 10, when the control valve 85 is switched to the open state, the RO water stored in the water storage tank 30 flows in the order of water channels 86, water channel 80, and water channel 91. As the RO water flows through water channel 91, it is cooled by the cooler 31. After being filtered by the sterilization filter 29, it flows through water channel 97 and water supply channel 101 and is ejected into the pressurized tank 28 from the ejection nozzle 108. The RO water injected into the pressurized tank 28 is stored inside the pressurized tank 28. At this time, the control valve 76 is switched to the open position, and the carbon dioxide gas remaining in the pressurized tank 28 is pushed out to the exhaust passage 102 by the RO water stored inside the pressurized tank 28. The carbon dioxide gas pushed out to the exhaust passage 102 flows through the exhaust passage 110 and then the exhaust passage 64, and is exhausted to the outside. This prevents the pressure of carbon dioxide gas remaining inside the pressurized tank 28 from rising when RO water is supplied to the pressurized tank 28. As a result, the supply of RO water to the pressurized tank 28 is carried out smoothly.

[0091] The water supply control unit 133 calculates the amount of RO water to be supplied based on the measurement signal measured by the flow meter 83. When the calculated amount of RO water to be supplied equals the amount of RO water required for one batch of carbonated water production, the water supply control unit 133 switches the control valve 85 from the open state to the closed state. This stops the supply of RO water to the pressurized tank 28. After stopping the supply of RO water, the water supply control unit 133 outputs a signal to the main control unit 131 indicating the end of water supply.

[0092] In step S103, the main control unit 131 activates the locking mechanism 35 of the water dispensing box 24 to unlock the water dispensing door 26. This allows the carbonated water purchaser to move the water dispensing door 26 from the closed position to the open position.

[0093] In step S104, the main control unit 131 determines whether the bottle sensor 34 and the lock sensor 35a are turned on or off. When the lock on the water dispensing door 26 is released, the purchaser of carbonated water rotates the water dispensing door 26 from the closed position to the open position. The lock sensor 35a is turned off when the water dispensing door 26 is rotated to the open position. After the water dispensing door 26 is rotated to the open position, the purchaser holds the pressure-resistant bottle 210 in the retaining piece 38 fixed to the inner surface 26a of the water dispensing door 26. The pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held in the retaining piece 38 by inserting the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 into the notch portion 38b of the retaining piece 38. At this time, the lower side surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is supported by the side support portion 39c of the support guide 39.

[0094] Subsequently, the water supply door 26 is rotated from the open position to the closed position. If the container held by the water supply door 26 is a pressure-resistant bottle 210, the water supply door 26 is rotated to the closed position, and the bottle sensor 34 and the lock sensor 35a are turned on. Therefore, these sensors output an ON signal to the main control unit 131. In response, the main control unit 131 determines that the bottle sensor 34 and the lock sensor 35a are ON (step S104 is Yes). The main control unit 131 then proceeds to the processing in step S105.

[0095] On the other hand, if the container held by the water-filling door 26 is narrower than the pressure-resistant bottle 210, the water-filling door 26 rotates to the closed position, similar to the pressure-resistant bottle 210. In this case, the container is not detected by the bottle sensor 34. That is, the lock sensor 35a turns on, but the bottle sensor 34 does not. In this case, the main control unit 131 determines that neither the bottle sensor 34 nor the lock sensor 35a are on (step S104 is No). The main control unit 131 then proceeds to the process in step S112.

[0096] Furthermore, if the container held by the water-filling door 26 is thicker than the pressure-resistant bottle 210, the container will be detected by the bottle sensor 34, but the water-filling door 26 cannot be rotated to the closed position. In other words, the bottle sensor 34 will turn on, but the lock sensor 35a will not turn on. In this case as well, the main control unit 131 determines that neither the bottle sensor 34 nor the lock sensor 35a are on (step S104 is No). The main control unit 131 then proceeds to the process in step S112.

[0097] In step S105, the main control unit 131 activates the locking mechanism 35 to lock the water inlet door 26. This prevents the water inlet door 26 from rotating to the open position, and the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is held inside the water inlet box 24.

[0098] Step S106: Air supply process In step S106, the main control unit 131 instructs the supply and exhaust control unit 134 to start supplying air. The supply and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 70 from the closed state to the open state. As shown in Figure 11, the carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas cylinder 51 flows in the order of gas passage 54, gas passage 60, and gas passage 61. The carbon dioxide gas flowing from gas passage 60 to gas passage 61 has impurities removed by the gas filter 68, then passes through the control valve 70 and is supplied to the pressurized tank unit 45. The carbon dioxide gas that reaches the pressurized tank unit 45 passes through the one-way valve 103 and is ejected into the pressurized tank 28 from the ejection nozzle 104 inside the pressurized tank 28. Then, after a certain time T3 has elapsed, the supply and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 70 from the open state to the closed state. Here, the certain time T3 is a time set based on the gas strength (GV) of the carbonated water being produced.

[0099] As described above, the nozzle 104 has its outlet immersed in the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28. When carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the inside of the pressurized tank 28, the carbon dioxide gas is ejected into the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28. As a result, the carbon dioxide gas ejected into the RO water is agitated and mixed with the RO water. When the carbon dioxide gas and RO water are agitated and mixed, the pressure in the pressurized tank 28 increases. When the pressure value of the pressurized tank 28 exceeds a certain pressure value (for example, 0.5 MPa), the relief valve 79 of the supply and exhaust unit 42 opens. When the relief valve 79 opens, the pressure in the pressurized tank 28 decreases, and new carbon dioxide gas is ejected from the nozzle 104, promoting mixing and agitation with the RO water in the pressurized tank 28, and the pressure inside the pressurized tank 28 rises again. The relief valve 79 opens each time the pressure exceeds a certain level. Therefore, each time the relief valve 79 opens, the RO water and carbon dioxide are mixed and stirred while maintaining a constant pressure value inside the pressurized tank 28. As a result, carbonated water with a predetermined gas strength (GV) is produced after a certain time T3 has elapsed. The certain time T3 is a time set based on the gas strength (GV).

[0100] On the other hand, when the relief valve 79 is opened, the carbon dioxide gas flowing through the exhaust passage 65 is ejected into the water tank of the cooler 31 via the gas passage 63. The carbon dioxide gas is ejected into the cooler water stored in the water tank of the cooler 31 and onto its surface. This prevents the cooler water stored in the water tank from becoming overcooled and from freezing due to overcooling. At the same time, it prevents the generation of noise that would otherwise occur during the exhaust of carbon dioxide gas.

[0101] Step S107: Depressurization process In step S107, the main control unit 131 instructs the intake and exhaust control unit 134 to start depressurizing. The intake and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 76 from the closed state to the open state. As shown in Figure 12, the carbon dioxide gas inside the pressurized tank 28 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust passages 102, 110, and 64. The depressurization process is carried out until the output of the ON signal from the pressure switch 111 stops.

[0102] Step S108: Water injection process In step S108, the main control unit 131 instructs the air supply and exhaust control unit 134 and the water injection control unit 136 to start water injection. The water injection control unit 136 switches the control valve 113 from the closed state to the open state. The air supply and exhaust control unit 134 also switches the control valve 70 from the closed state to the open state. As shown in Figure 13, carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the inside of the pressurized tank 28 via the gas passage 61 and the air supply passage 99. As carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the inside of the pressurized tank 28, the carbonated water stored inside the pressurized tank 28 flows out from the water injection pipe 112 while being pressed by the carbon dioxide gas. In other words, the carbonated water inside the pressurized tank 28 is injected at a constant speed. Also, the ejection of carbonated water injected from the water injection pipe 112 is prevented. After a certain period of time T4 has elapsed, the main control unit 131 instructs the air supply and exhaust control unit 134 and the water injection control unit 136 to stop water injection. The specified time T4 is the time from when the carbonated water is poured until all the carbonated water inside the pressurized tank 28 has been poured.

[0103] Upon receiving notification that the water supply has been stopped, the supply and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 70 from the open state to the closed state. Simultaneously, the water supply control unit 136 switches the control valve 113 from the open state to the closed state.

[0104] In step S109, the main control unit 131 activates the locking mechanism 35 to unlock the water filling door 26. At the same time, the main control unit 131 displays a message on the touch panel 21 via the display control unit 137, such as "Water filling complete. Please remove the bottle." Upon receiving this, the purchaser opens the water filling door 26 and removes the pressure-resistant bottle 210. Then, after attaching the cap to the water filling port 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210, the purchaser closes the water filling door 26.

[0105] In step S110, the main control unit 131 determines whether the lock sensor 35a is on and the bottle sensor 34 is off. When the water supply door 26 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the engaging portion 36a provided on the handle 36 of the water supply door 26 presses against the lock sensor 35a. As a result, the lock sensor 35a turns on, and an on signal is output to the main control unit 131. At this time, if the pressure-resistant bottle 210 has been removed from the water supply door 26, the bottle sensor 34 remains off. Therefore, the main control unit 131 determines that the lock sensor 35a is on and the bottle sensor 34 is off (step S110 is Yes).

[0106] On the other hand, if the pressure-resistant bottle 210 has not been removed from the water-fill door 26, the bottle sensor 34 will turn on again when the water-fill door 26 rotates to the closed position. In this case, the main control unit 131 determines that both the lock sensor 35a and the bottle sensor 34 are on (step S110 is No). In this case, the main control unit 131 repeatedly performs the process in step S110 until it determines that the lock sensor 35a is on and the bottle sensor 34 is off.

[0107] Furthermore, if the water supply door 26, from which the pressure-resistant bottle 210 has been removed, does not rotate to the closed position but remains in the open position, the lock sensor 35a and the bottle sensor 34 remain off. In this case as well, the main control unit 131 repeatedly performs the process in step S110 until it determines that the lock sensor 35a is on and the bottle sensor 34 is off.

[0108] In step S111, the main control unit 131 activates the locking mechanism 35 to lock the water inlet door 26. This prevents the water inlet door 26 from rotating to the open position.

[0109] If, in the determination process of step S104 described above, neither the bottle sensor 34 nor the lock sensor 35a is determined to be ON, the main control unit 131 performs the process of step S112.

[0110] In step S112, if the main control unit 131 determines that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the lock on the water supply door 26 of the water supply box 24 was released (i.e., if the answer in step S112 is Yes), the main control unit 131 proceeds to the process in step S113. On the other hand, if it determines that a certain amount of time has not elapsed (i.e., if the answer in step S112 is No), the main control unit 131 returns to step S104.

[0111] Step S113: Drainage process In step S113, the main control unit 131 instructs the water injection control unit 136 to start draining. The water injection control unit 136 switches the control valve 113 from the closed state to the open state. When the control valve 113 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the RO water stored inside the pressurized tank 28 flows from the water injection pipe 112 to the drain tray 27 and is drained to the outside. After a certain period of time T5 has elapsed, the main control unit 131 instructs the water injection control unit 136 to stop draining. Upon receiving the instruction to stop draining, the water injection control unit 136 switches the control valve 113 from the open state to the closed state. The certain period of time T5 is the time it takes for the RO water in the pressurized tank 28 to be discharged.

[0112] In step S113, during the drainage process, the main control unit 131 can instruct not only the water injection control unit 136 to start drainage, but also the air supply and exhaust control unit 134 to start drainage. For example, if the main control unit 131 instructs the air supply and exhaust control unit 134 to start drainage, the air supply and exhaust control unit 134 switches the control valve 71 from the closed state to the open state. When the control valve 71 is open, carbon dioxide is supplied into the pressurized tank 28 via the gas passage 62 and the air supply passage 100. When carbon dioxide is supplied to the pressurized tank 28, the pressure inside the pressurized tank 28 increases, pushing the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28 towards the water injection pipe 112. As a result, the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28 is drained through the water injection pipe 112.

[0113] Here, the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas inside the pressurized tank 28 is approximately atmospheric pressure. For example, if only the control valve 113 is switched to the open state, that is, if the water is drained without supplying carbon dioxide gas to the pressurized tank 28, the carbon dioxide gas inside the pressurized tank 28 alone may not be enough to drain all of the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28, and some may remain inside the pressurized tank 28. Therefore, by supplying carbon dioxide gas to the pressurized tank 28, the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas inside the pressurized tank 28 pushes the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28 toward the water injection pipe 112, and all of the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 28 is drained to the outside through the water injection pipe 112. This prevents any RO water from remaining inside the pressurized tank 28.

[0114] Thus, in the water supply box 24 of this embodiment, since the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is set in the water supply door 26, or the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held in the water supply door 26 is removed, there is no need to insert one's hand into the water supply box 24. Therefore, dirt and bacteria attached to the purchaser's hand will not adhere to the inside of the water supply box 24 by inserting the purchaser's hand, thus ensuring hygiene inside the water supply box 24.

[0115] Furthermore, since the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held by the water-filling door 26 is held at an angle, the carbonated water poured from the water-filling pipe 112 flows along the inner wall surface of the pressure-resistant bottle into the interior of the pressure-resistant bottle 210. As a result, the impact on the carbonated water during pouring is reduced, preventing the gas strength of the carbonated water from being weakened more than necessary.

[0116] In the water supply box 24, when the dedicated pressure-resistant bottle 210 is placed in the water supply door 26 and the water supply door 26 is closed, the bottle sensor 34 and the lock sensor 35a are turned on. In this case, after the water supply door 26 is locked by the lock mechanism 35, carbonated water is poured into the pressure-resistant bottle 210. On the other hand, if a container thinner or thicker than the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is placed in the water supply door 26 and the water supply door 26 is closed, neither the bottle sensor 34 nor the lock sensor 35a will turn on. In this case, the water supply door 26 will not be locked by the lock mechanism 35, and carbonated water will not be poured into the container. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply of carbonated water using a container other than the dedicated pressure-resistant bottle 210.

[0117] In the above-described configuration, the case in which the water supply box 24 is installed in the carbonated water production device 10 is explained as an example, but it can also be used in vending machines that provide drinking water such as RO water.

[0118] The water supply box 24 used in the carbonated water production apparatus 10 described above is described as having a box body 25 and a water supply door 26 that rotates between an open position and a closed position with respect to the box body 25 as an axis perpendicular to the box body 25. However, the water supply door 26 provided in the water supply box 24 is not limited to the water supply door described above. Hereafter, the same components as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

[0119] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the water supply box 151 of the carbonated water production apparatus 150 has a water supply door 152 and a box body 153. The water supply door 152 moves between a closed position (see Figure 14(a)) in which the box portion 152a provided on the rear side is housed in the box body 153 and an open position (see Figure 14(b)) in which the box portion 152a is exposed from the box body 153. For example, to move the water supply door 152 from the closed position to the open position, the water supply door 152 is pulled out from the box body 153. Also, to move the water supply door 152 from the open position to the closed position, the water supply door 152 is pushed into the box body 153.

[0120] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the water supply box 155 of the carbonated water production apparatus 154 has a box body 156 and a water supply door 157 pivotally supported at the lower part of the box body 156. The water supply door 157 rotates around its lower end as the pivot point between a closed position that shields the front opening of the box body 156 (see Figure 15(a)) and an open position that exposes the front opening of the box body 156 (see Figure 15(b)). For example, to rotate the water supply door 157 from the closed position to the open position, the upper end of the water supply door 157 is pulled out from the box body 156. Also, for example, to rotate the water supply door 157 from the open position to the closed position, the upper end of the water supply door 157 is pushed into the box body 156.

[0121] In addition, in the case of water filling boxes 151 and 155, just as with water filling box 24, it is necessary to provide a retaining piece on the back side of the water filling door 152 and 157 to hold the pressure-resistant bottle.

[0122] <Summary of Embodiments> This invention relates to a water dispensing box that holds the container into which carbonated water or drinking water is dispensed during the dispensing process, and to a carbonated water production apparatus using the same.

[0123] In vending machines that dispense beverages into containers, carbon dioxide gas tends to vaporize from the carbonated water when it is supplied from the carbonated water maker to the container, resulting in a weaker gas volume (GV) of the carbonated water dispensed into the container. For example, one could consider producing carbonated water with high gas volume in the carbonated water maker and dispensing it into the cup, but carbonated water with high gas volume may spray out of the carbonated water dispensing nozzle.

[0124] Furthermore, in the case of vending machines where beverages are dispensed into the aforementioned containers, the operator inserts their hand into the space above the venting stage, grasps the container placed on the venting stage, and removes the container from the venting stage. When inserting a hand into the space above the venting stage, the operator may unintentionally touch, for example, the dispensing nozzle located above the venting stage. Therefore, there is also the problem of unsanitary conditions near the venting stage.

[0125] To prevent a decrease in the gas strength of the generated carbonated water. ru That is the objective.

[0126] The water supply box described above is a hollow box shape with one side open, and comprises a box body 25 having an opening 33 on one of its multiple inner wall surfaces through which the supplied liquid flows, and a holding piece 38 that holds the pressure-resistant bottle 210 housed inside the box body 25, wherein the holding piece 38 holds the pressure-resistant bottle 210 at a position where the water inlet 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is spaced apart from the opening 33.

[0127] According to the above configuration, if the retaining piece 38 is provided on the water-filling door 26, the pressure-resistant bottle 210 will be set on the water-filling door 26, or the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held on the water-filling door 26 will be removed, so there is no need to insert one's hand into the water-filling box 24. Therefore, dirt and bacteria attached to the purchaser's hand will not adhere to the inside of the water-filling box 24 by inserting the purchaser's hand, thus ensuring hygiene inside the water-filling box 24.

[0128] Furthermore, the box body 25 has a water-filling door 26 that can be opened and closed, and the retaining piece 38 is provided on the surface 26a of the water-filling door 26 that faces the inside of the box body 25 when the water-filling door 26 is closed.

[0129] According to this, the only action required is to set the pressure-resistant bottle 210 in the water-filling door 26 and close the water-filling door 26, eliminating the need to insert one's hands into the water-filling box 24 when setting the pressure-resistant bottle 210. In other words, since the inside of the water-filling box 24 is not touched, dirt and bacteria attached to hands that have touched the inside of the water-filling box 24 are prevented from adhering to the inside of the water-filling box 24. As a result, the inside of the water-filling box 24 can be kept clean.

[0130] Furthermore, the retaining piece 38 is characterized in that it holds the pressure-resistant bottle 210 such that the water inlet 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is located on the trajectory of the movement of the liquid flowing in through the opening 33, and the longitudinal direction of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 intersects with the direction of liquid inflow into the box body 25 through the opening 33.

[0131] According to this, the carbonated water flowing into the pressure-resistant bottle 210 hits the inner wall or bottom surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 at a predetermined angle, rather than perpendicularly. In other words, the impact on the carbonated water is smaller than if it were to fall perpendicularly onto the inner wall surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210, thus suppressing the vaporization of carbon dioxide from the carbonated water.

[0132] Furthermore, the retaining piece 38 is characterized by holding at least the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210.

[0133] According to this, the pressure-resistant bottle 210 can be set into the water-filling door 26 by simply performing the easy task of holding the neck portion 210b of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 with the retaining piece 38. Furthermore, even if multiple pressure-resistant bottles 210 with different capacities but a fixed neck portion 210b are provided as dedicated containers, the retaining piece 38 can still hold the pressure-resistant bottle 210.

[0134] Furthermore, the water supply door 26 has a bottle sensor 34 that determines whether the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held by the retaining piece 38 is a legitimate container when the water supply door 26 is closed, and a locking mechanism 35 that locks the closed water supply door 26. The locking mechanism 35 is characterized in that, when the bottle sensor 34 determines that the pressure-resistant bottle 210 held by the retaining piece 38 is not a legitimate container, it does not lock the water supply door 26 and allows the water supply door 26 to be opened and closed.

[0135] According to this, if a container other than the pressure-resistant bottle 210 is used as the container for dispensing carbonated water, the dispensing door 26 will not be locked, and no carbonated water will be dispensed into the container. Therefore, the use of inappropriate containers can be prevented.

[0136] Furthermore, the carbonated water production apparatus 10 includes a water supply box 24, a pressurized tank 28 positioned above the water supply box 24 which receives cooling water and carbon dioxide to produce and store carbonated water, and a water supply pipe 112, one end of which is connected to the pressurized tank 28 and the other end positioned near the opening 33 of the water supply box 24, which supplies the carbonated water produced in the pressurized tank 28 into the inside of the box body 25 through the opening 33. The carbonated water that is poured into the inside of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 via the water supply pipe 112 is supplied into the inside of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 by flowing along the inner wall surface of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 from the water supply port 210a of the pressure-resistant bottle 210 which is held by the holding piece 38.

[0137] According to this design, carbonated water produced in the pressurized tank 28 can be poured into the pressure-resistant bottle 210 without reducing its gas strength. Furthermore, when setting the pressure-resistant bottle 210, it is no longer necessary to insert one's hands into the water filling box 24, thus keeping the inside of the water filling box 24 clean. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10…Carbonated water maker 18...Water filling box 19... Box body 20...Water-filled door 28... Pressurized tank 34…Bottle Sensor 35…Locking mechanism 35a... Lock sensor 38...Holding piece 39…Support Guide 33…Aperture 112…Water injection pipe 210... Pressure-resistant bottle

Claims

1. A water filling box for filling a container with water, The main body is a hollow box shape with one side open, and has a water inlet on one of its multiple inner walls into which the supplied carbonated water liquid flows. A container holding section for holding a container stored inside the main body, The main body has an opening and closing door that can be opened and closed, The container holding portion is provided on the surface of the opening / closing door that faces the inside of the main body when the opening / closing door is closed. A water-filling box characterized by the following features.

2. The water-filling box according to Claim 1, characterized in that the container holding portion is positioned on the trajectory of the movement of the liquid flowing in through the water-filling port, and the container is held in an inclined state such that the longitudinal direction of the container intersects with the direction of inflow of the liquid flowing into the main body through the water-filling port.

3. The water-filling box according to claim 1, characterized in that the container-holding portion has a notch of a predetermined size for holding at least the neck portion of the container.

4. When the aforementioned opening and closing door is closed, a determination unit determines whether the container held in the container holding unit is a genuine container, A locking mechanism for locking the closed door, It has, The water filling box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the locking mechanism determines that the container held in the container holding section is not a legitimate container, it does not lock the opening / closing door and allows the opening and closing of the opening / closing door.

5. A water supply box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A carbonated water generating unit is located above the aforementioned water supply box and receives a supply of cooling water and carbon dioxide to generate and retain carbonated water. A water supply pipe, one end of which is connected to the carbonated water generating unit and the other end of which is positioned near the water inlet of the water supply box, supplies the carbonated water generated in the carbonated water generating unit into the main body via the water inlet, It has, A carbonated water production apparatus characterized in that the carbonated water poured into the container via the water injection pipe is supplied to the inside of the container from the spout of the container held in the container holding part, flowing along the inner wall surface of the container.

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