Canned beverage dispenser

Abstract

To provide a caned beverage server capable of reducing working man-hours at the time of pouring.SOLUTION: A canned beverage server 10 for pouring a beverage from a beverage can C in which the beverage is stored includes a draw-out pipe 22 to be inserted into the beverage can C arranged in the canned beverage server 10; and a dispensing mechanism 24 for drawing out the beverage inside the beverage can C through the draw-out pipe 22 and pouring the beverage from a beverage pouring nozzle 18. The canned beverage server is configured so that the beverage can C is arranged in the canned beverage server 10 is raised and / or the draw-out pipe 22 is lowered, and has lid opening units 22 and 62 for opening a cap LD on a lower side of the draw-out pipe 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a canned beverage server.

Background Art

[0002] A beer server of a form in which carbon dioxide gas pressure is applied from one side of a set draft beer keg, beer is extruded into a tube from the other side, the beer passing through the tube is cooled by passing the tube through a heat exchanger coil provided in a cooling water tank, and the cooled beer is poured from a spout into a glass by an opening / closing operation of a cock is generally put into practical use. Such a beer server is used in relatively large-scale food and beverage stores with a large number of customers and a large consumption of beer, using a large-capacity beer keg.

[0003] On the other hand, in small-scale stores compared to large-scale food and beverage stores, the number of customers per hour is smaller, so it may take a relatively long time to consume one draft beer keg. In such a case, since the carbon dioxide contained in the beer is gradually released once the draft beer keg is opened, the release of carbon dioxide over time may cause a deterioration in the flavor of the beer.

[0004] For this reason, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a beer server equipped with a tube for extracting beer from an opening on the top of a beer can. In this beer server, with the top of the beer can sealed with a cap, the server is equipped with two tubes: one that pushes out the beer using air pressure blown in through the opening, and another that converts the beer into foam using a foam converter before pushing it out. As a result, beer drawn from the beer can is poured into a glass from an opening connected to one tube, and beer drawn from the same can is converted into foam and poured onto the beer already in the glass from the other opening. This suppresses the release of carbon dioxide over time, allowing the beer to be poured into the glass. However, with this beer server, opening the lid of the beer can, inserting the tube into the opened can, and placing the tube into the beer server are all done manually. Therefore, when used in a store, it may increase the workload for the staff. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-113166 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a canned beverage dispenser that can reduce the amount of work required during dispensing, taking into consideration the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a canned beverage server for dispensing beverages from beverage cans containing beverages, comprising: a dispensing tube inserted into a beverage can placed in the canned beverage server; and a dispensing mechanism that dispenses beverages from inside the beverage can through the dispensing tube and dispenses the beverages from a dispensing spout, wherein the beverage can placed in the canned beverage server is configured to rise and / or the dispensing tube to descend, and the dispensing tube has an opening portion on the lower side for opening the can lid.

[0008] In addition, in one aspect of this disclosure, the lid opening portion may be formed on the lower side of the dispensing pipe and may be a cutting blade portion for cutting open the can lid.

[0009] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the cutting edge may be configured to cut through a score formed along the outer circumference of a nozzle formed on the can lid.

[0010] In addition, in one aspect of this disclosure, the opening portion may be formed flat and be the lower surface of a dispensing pipe that presses against the can lid.

[0011] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the dispensing tube may be configured such that its lower surface presses against a projection that is formed on the can lid and protrudes upward.

[0012] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may include a detection unit for detecting the position of a beverage can placed in a beverage server and a correction unit for correcting the position of the beverage can relative to the dispensing pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a canned beverage server is configured such that a beverage can placed in the server rises and / or a dispensing pipe descends, and the dispensing pipe has an opening section on the lower side for opening the can lid. Therefore, the canned beverage server can open the lid of the beverage can and insert the dispensing pipe into the opened beverage can. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can in the canned beverage server, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the lid opening portion is formed on the lower side of the dispensing tube and is a cutting blade portion for cutting open the can lid. Therefore, the lid of the beverage can can be cut open and the dispensing tube can be inserted into the opened beverage can. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can in the beverage dispenser, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the cutting blade is configured to cut through the score formed along the outer circumference of the nozzle formed on the can lid. This ensures that the lid of the beverage can is reliably cut open, and a dispensing tube can be inserted into the opened beverage can. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can on the beverage dispenser, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0016] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the lid-opening portion is formed in a flat shape and serves as the lower surface of the dispensing tube that presses against the can lid. Therefore, the lid of the beverage can can be pressed and opened, and the dispensing tube can be inserted into the opened beverage can. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can in the beverage dispenser, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the dispensing tube is configured such that its lower surface is formed on the can lid and presses against a projection that protrudes upward. This ensures that the lid of the beverage can is securely pressed against the tube, allowing the dispensing tube to be inserted into the opened beverage can. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can in the beverage dispenser, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0018] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the canned beverage server includes a detection unit for detecting the position of the beverage can placed therein, and a correction unit for correcting the position of the beverage can relative to the dispensing pipe. Therefore, the canned beverage server can detect the position of the beverage can, and if the position of the beverage can is misaligned with the dispensing pipe into which it is inserted, the correction unit can correct the position. As a result, the user does not need to manually correct the position of the beverage can, thus reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a canned beverage server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the canned beverage server cut along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the canned beverage server cut along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the dispensing mechanism and the pressurizing mechanism. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a side perspective view showing a state where a beverage can is placed on the mounting table. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a side perspective view showing a state where a piston is attached to the beverage can. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a side perspective view showing a state where the beverage can is stored in the storage cylinder. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view showing a state where a suction pipe is inserted into the beverage can. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the lid opening part and the beverage can according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a canned beverage server according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. For ease of understanding, the scale of the drawings may be changed for the description.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a canned beverage server 10 as an example. The canned beverage server 10 has a main body 12 for dispensing beverages poured (sealed) into beverage cans C, and a glass holder 14 on its outside and below, which is formed to hold a glass (not shown) into which the beverage is poured and to contain any spilled beverages so that they do not fall. The main body 12 has a switching cock 16 that can be tilted up and down or left and right, and a beverage dispensing nozzle 18 as a dispensing outlet, located above the glass holder 14. Therefore, by tilting the switching cock 16, the beverage poured into the beverage can C can be drawn out and dispensed into the glass from the beverage dispensing nozzle 18.

[0022] The term "beverages" as used here includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages include, for example, beer, non-beer alcoholic carbonated beverages (i.e., sparkling beer, beer-flavored sparkling alcoholic beverages with other alcoholic beverages made from ingredients other than malt added, so-called "third beers"), chuhai, cocktail sours, plum wine soda, spirits soda, sparkling sake, sparkling wine, or highballs. Non-alcoholic beverages include non-alcoholic carbonated beverages (i.e., non-alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic spirits, non-alcoholic wine, non-alcoholic sours, non-alcoholic cocktails, or carbonated juices). These beverages also include concentrated beverages (undiluted liquids).

[0023] The main body 12 includes a base 20 (see Figure 2) on the lower side for positioning the beverage can C, a dispensing tube 22 on the upper side of the base 20 as an opening for insertion into the beverage can C, and a dispensing mechanism 24 for dispensing and pouring the beverage injected (sealed) into the beverage can C through the dispensing tube 22. The main body 12 also includes a pressurizing mechanism 26 for pressurizing the beverage in order to dispense the beverage from the beverage can C, that is, for pressing the liquid surface of the beverage. The dispensing tube 22 is configured to have a length that allows it to reach the bottom of the inside of the beverage can C when inserted into the beverage can C, to press the lid of the beverage can C, and to have a predetermined hardness such that it does not deform or bend and come into contact with the lid even after being inserted into the inside of the beverage can C. Specifically, the dispensing tube 22 is formed of, for example, metal, synthetic resin, etc., to have a predetermined hardness. This eliminates the need for the user to manually assist in inserting the dispensing tube 22 into the beverage can C, and also eliminates the need to manually adjust the position of the dispensing tube 22 after it has been inserted into the beverage can C, thereby reducing the amount of work involved in dispensing.

[0024] A door 28, whose lower end is hinged (not shown), is attached to the lower side of the main body 12. By pulling the handle 28a attached to the upper side, the door 28 can be rotated around its lower end, i.e., tilted and opened. Here, the stand 20 is configured to tilt in conjunction with the rotation of the door 28, with its upper surface facing the side of the door 28 that is opened. Therefore, the user can easily place the beverage can C on the stand 20. In addition, an operating unit 30 with a button 32 for starting beverage dispensing and for opening and closing the discharge valve 48, which will be described later, is located on the front and upper side of the can beverage server 10.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 show cross-sectional views of the canned beverage server 10. As shown in Figure 2, a refrigeration chamber 34 is located at the lower side and a cooling water tank 36 is located at the upper side of the rear side (left side in the figure) of the main body 12. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a stand 20 on which beverage cans C can be placed is located at the front and lower side of the main body 12, and a dispensing pipe 22 and a storage cylinder 38 formed to accommodate the beverage cans C placed on the stand 20 are located above the stand 20.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the dispensing mechanism 24 and the pressurizing mechanism 26. The pressurizing mechanism 26 is a mechanism for introducing gas into the storage cylinder 38 to pressurize the beverage in order to draw the beverage from the beverage can C, and consists of a carbon dioxide cylinder 40 located outside the beverage can server 10 and a gas pipe PP1 connecting the carbon dioxide cylinder 40 and the storage cylinder 38. Furthermore, the pressurizing mechanism 26 includes an on-off valve 44 attached to the gas pipe PP1 connecting the carbon dioxide cylinder 40 and the storage cylinder 38, and a relief valve 46 attached to the gas pipe PP1 in parallel with the on-off valve 44. Specifically, the dispensing mechanism 24 is a mechanism for drawing the pressed beverage from the beverage can C and dispensing the drawn beverage from the beverage dispensing nozzle 18. For this reason, the pressurizing mechanism 26 and the dispensing mechanism 24 are configured as a continuous mechanism. The beverage can server 10 also includes a control unit 42 for controlling the vertical movement of the stand 20 and the opening and closing of the on-off valve 44, the relief valve 46, and the discharge valve 48, which will be described later. The control unit 42 includes a timer 42a for counting the opening times of the on-off valve 44, the relief valve 46, and the discharge valve 48.

[0027] The pumping pipe 22 is attached to the storage cylinder 38 and connected to the beverage dispensing nozzle 18 via piping PP2. Piping PP2, connected to the pumping pipe 22, is formed in a coil shape (not shown) within the cooling water tank 36 and is configured to exchange heat with the cooling water in the cooling water tank 36. A cooling heat exchanger (not shown) connected to the refrigeration cycle in the chiller room 34 (see Figure 2) is installed in the cooling water tank 36 and is configured to circulate a low-temperature refrigerant below the freezing temperature of water. Therefore, when the refrigeration cycle is operated, ice forms around the cooling heat exchanger and the water temperature drops to the freezing temperature. In addition, a discharge section 50 having a discharge valve 48 is connected to piping PP2 between the cooling water tank 36, the switching cock 16 and the beverage dispensing nozzle 18. The discharge valve 48 has a pressure sensor 48a for detecting the pressure in piping PP2 at the position where the discharge valve 48 and the discharge section 50 are installed.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the storage cylinder 38 and the base 20. The base 20 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view and has a cylindrical mounting section 52 in the center for placing a beverage can C. The mounting section 52 has an inner diameter that is the same as or greater than the outer diameter of the beverage can C. In addition, feed screws 54, which constitute a feed screw mechanism, are screwed into the four corners of the base 20 and extend vertically from the bottom of the canned beverage server 10 toward the storage cylinder 38. The feed screw mechanism has a gear 56 located on the bottom of the base 20 and a motor 58 (see Figure 5A) connected to the feed screw 54 via the gear 56. Therefore, by operating the motor 58 to rotate the gear 56, the feed screw 54 can be rotated. This allows the base 20 into which the feed screw 54 is screwed to be moved up and down.

[0029] Inside the storage cylinder 38, a piston 60, which serves as a lid cover, is attached and is formed in a disc shape to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical storage cylinder 38. The piston 60 is normally lowered to the lower end of the storage cylinder 38 by its own weight. At the center of the upper end of the storage cylinder 38, a dispensing pipe 22 is positioned, passing through it and extending in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 3, the dispensing pipe 22 extends to a position where it passes through the center of the piston 60, which is lowered to the lower end of the storage cylinder 38, that is, to the lower end of the storage cylinder 38. Furthermore, the dispensing pipe 22 is formed to be thick enough to press against the mouthpiece LD formed on the lid of the beverage can C when the beverage can C placed on the stand 20 rises, and its outer circumference is formed to be located inside the mouthpiece LD in a plan view. As a result, the dispensing pipe 22 can press only the nozzle LD, and as shown in Figure 6, it can pass through the opening OP of the beverage can C created by opening the nozzle LD, and its tip, i.e., its lower end, can reach the inner bottom of the beverage can C.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 5A, a cutter 62, which serves as a cutting edge (opening part) for cutting open the beverage can C, is positioned at the center of the lower end of the piston 60. The cutter 62 is formed on the radially outer side of the dispensing pipe 22, and its outer circumference is shaped to be positioned inside the nozzle LD in a plan view. Furthermore, a sharp tip 64 is formed at the tip of the cutter 62, i.e., the lower end, so that it can penetrate and cut the score SC, which is formed with a thin wall thickness along the outer circumference of the nozzle LD. As a result, the beverage can C, which has risen together with the stand 20, can be cut open by the cutter 62, and the cutter 62 can be inserted into the inside of the opening OP of the beverage can C as it continues to rise.

[0031] A spherical ball lock 66 is positioned on the side of the piston 60, and when the piston 60 is lowered to the lower end of the housing cylinder 38, the ball lock 66 is configured to fit into an engagement hole 68 formed at a corresponding position on the inner circumference of the housing cylinder 38. Therefore, when the piston 60 is lowered to the lower end of the housing cylinder 38, it is locked in this position.

[0032] As the beverage can C rises along with the stand 20, the nozzle LD of the beverage can C is cut open by the cutter 62. When the cutter 62 enters the opening OP of the beverage can C, the beverage can C rises further and, as shown in Figure 5B, contacts and presses against the bottom surface of the piston 60. The ball lock 66 is configured to be released when the beverage can C presses against the bottom surface of the piston 60 in this way. The piston 60 is configured to rise along with the beverage can C to the upper end of the storage cylinder 38, while sliding the released ball lock 66 inside the ball groove 70 formed along the vertical direction on the inner circumference of the storage cylinder 38. As the beverage can C rises, the nozzle LD portion contacts the bottom surface of the dispensing pipe 22. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the nozzle LD portion is pressed by the dispensing pipe 22 and pushed into the interior of the beverage can C, and the dispensing pipe 22 is inserted into the interior of the beverage can C through the opening OP created in the nozzle LD portion.

[0033] When the piston 60, pressed by the beverage can C, rises to the upper end of the storage cylinder 38, the base 20 is configured to come into close contact with the bottom of the storage cylinder 38, as shown in Figures 5C and 6, and stop rising. This creates a closed space between the storage cylinder 38 and the base 20, and the beverage can C, with its upper side having an opening OP and in close contact with the piston 60, is placed inside this closed space.

[0034] The canned beverage server 10 may also include a detection unit for detecting the position of the beverage can C placed on the stand 20, and a correction unit for correcting the position of the beverage can C relative to the dispensing pipe 22. Specifically, the detection unit is configured to detect the position of the beverage can C and / or score SC using any position detection means such as a camera or position sensor. The correction unit is configured to include, for example, a disc portion that is horizontally arranged on the part of the stand 20 on which the bottom surface of the beverage can C is placed and is rotatable around an axis along the vertical direction, and a drive unit such as a motor that is electrically connected to the control unit 42 and drives (rotates) the disc portion. Therefore, based on the position information of the beverage can C acquired by the detection unit, the correction unit can rotate the beverage can C placed on the disc portion (stand 20) to correct the position of the beverage can C so that the nozzle LD (score SC) of the beverage can C is located directly below the dispensing pipe 22 and cutter 62. This eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust the position of the beverage can C relative to the dispensing pipe 22 and cutter 62, thereby reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0035] Next, the operation and effects of the canned beverage server 10 according to this embodiment will be explained through a description of the server's operation.

[0036] Prior to using the canned beverage server 10, the user can set pressure thresholds for opening the relief valve 46 and the discharge valve 48 through the control unit 30. First, the user opens the door 28 and places the beverage can C on the stand 20. Next, the user presses the button 32 on the control unit 30 to start the canned beverage server 10, causing the feed screw 54 to rotate and the stand 20 to start rising. When the top surface of the rising beverage can C reaches the sharp part 64 of the cutter 62, that is, when it comes into contact with the sharp part 64 of the cutter 62, the cutter 62 cuts through the mouthpiece LD (score SC) of the beverage can C and enters the opening OP of the rising beverage can C. The dispensing tube 22 also presses the mouthpiece LD portion with its lower surface, pushing it into the interior of the beverage can C. The beverage can C and the stand 20 continue to rise, and the top surface of the beverage can C presses against the bottom surface of the piston 60, releasing the ball lock 66. Therefore, the beverage can C rises to the upper end of the storage cylinder 38 together with the piston 60 that is tightly pressed against its top surface. As a result, the dispensing pipe 22, which is located inside the storage cylinder 38, is inserted into the interior of the beverage can C.

[0037] As the base 20 rises and reaches the bottom of the storage cylinder 38, it comes into close contact with the storage cylinder 38, forming a closed space. As a result, the inside of the storage cylinder 38 becomes airtight. When the rise of the base 20 stops, the on-off valve 44 opens, and carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide cylinder 40 is introduced into the storage cylinder 38 through the gas pipe PP1. This increases the pressure inside the storage cylinder 38, and the carbon dioxide flows into the beverage can C through the opening OP, pressing down on the liquid surface of the beverage, thus pushing the beverage into the dispensing pipe 22.

[0038] When the switching cock 16 is closed, the pressure in the piping PP2 connecting the storage cylinder 38 and the beverage dispensing nozzle 18 also increases due to the carbon dioxide gas introduced from the carbon dioxide cylinder. When the pressure increase is detected by the pressure sensor 48a, the discharge valve 48 is activated and opened. As a result, any beverage, water, and gas remaining in the piping PP2 due to previous beverage dispensing or water rinsing are discharged to the discharge section 50 through the opened discharge valve 48.

[0039] Furthermore, the new beverage, which is pushed into the drawpipe 22, is cooled in the piping PP2 that passes through the cooling water tank 36, and then pushed to the side of the discharge section 50. The discharge valve 48 is open, and a portion of the beverage immediately after reaching the side of the discharge section 50 is discharged to the discharge section 50 through the discharge valve 48. Here, the discharge valve 48 is configured so that the timing of its closing can be adjusted by the control unit 42 in order to minimize the amount of new beverage discharged. Specifically, the timer 42a of the control unit 42 is configured to set the opening time of the discharge valve 48. Therefore, when the set opening time has elapsed, the discharge valve 48 is closed. When the discharge valve 48 is closed, the beverage drawn from the drawpipe 22 reaches the switching cock 16, that is, just before the beverage dispensing nozzle 18. Note that the discharge valve 48 may also be opened and closed manually by the user without using the timer 42a.

[0040] The discharge valve 48 is closed, and when the beverage reaches just before the beverage dispensing nozzle 18, the relief valve 46 is opened. When the relief valve 46 opens, the pressure inside the gas pipes PP1 and PP2 is reduced. When the pressure inside pipe PP2 is reduced and ready to dispense the beverage, the user can pour the beverage into the glass by placing a glass in the glass holder 14 and tilting the switching cock 16. By reducing the pressure inside the gas pipes PP1 and PP2 in this way, the beverage can be dispensed while suppressing or preventing a sudden gush of liquid the moment the beverage dispensing nozzle 18 is opened. When dispensing is finished, the relief valve 46 is closed.

[0041] Furthermore, if the beverage is beer, a device that converts beer liquid into foam (for example, a device that converts beer liquid into foam using ultrasound, etc.) may be built into the beverage dispensing nozzle, and a foam button may be provided on the control panel to switch the beer liquid to foam. This allows, during the process of pouring beer into a glass, to press the foam button when most of the beer liquid from the can has been poured out, causing the remaining beer to turn into fine foam that covers the beer liquid in the glass, thereby improving the taste of the beer.

[0042] When the beverage dispensing is complete, the on / off valve 44 leading to the carbon dioxide cylinder closes, returning the pressure inside the storage cylinder 38 to atmospheric pressure, and the discharge valve 48 opens, releasing any remaining beverage and gas. At the same time, the feed screw 54 rotates, lowering the stand 20. This returns the canned beverage server 10 to its initial state, and the user removes the empty beverage can C, completing the dispensing process. The user can then start dispensing beverage from a new beverage can C or stop dispensing by pressing the button 32 on the control panel 30.

[0043] According to the canned beverage server 10 of this embodiment, a dispensing pipe 22 is inserted into the beverage can C that is placed on the stand 20 and raised. Furthermore, the beverage inside the beverage can C is dispensed through the dispensing pipe 22 by the dispensing mechanism 24 and dispensed from the beverage dispensing nozzle 18 of the canned beverage server 10. Therefore, the canned beverage server 10 can open the cap LD of the beverage can C and insert the dispensing pipe 22 into the opened beverage can C. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can C on the stand 20 of the canned beverage server 10, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the canned beverage server 10 of this embodiment, the canned beverage server 10 includes a storage cylinder 38 located above the base 20, with its lower end open and formed to accommodate the base 20 inside, and a piston 60 positioned inside the storage cylinder 38, which covers the opening OP of the beverage can C and is configured to be in close contact with the upper surface of the beverage can C. Therefore, when the base 20 and the storage cylinder 38 are in close contact to cover the opening, or when the beverage can C and the piston 60 are in close contact, the beverage can be dispensed through the dispensing pipe 22 by pressurizing the inside of the beverage can C with the dispensing mechanism 24. This ensures reliable dispensing of the beverage from the beverage can C placed on the base 20 and reduces the user's workload during dispensing.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the canned beverage server 10 of this embodiment, the cutter 62 can cut open the lid by cutting through the score SC formed along the outer circumference of the nozzle LD formed on the can lid. As a result, the nozzle LD of the beverage can C can be reliably cut open, and the dispensing pipe 22 can be inserted into the opened beverage can C. This means that the user only needs to place the beverage can C on the stand 20 of the canned beverage server 10, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0046] In this way, the process from placing beverage can C to dispensing can be automated or simplified, reducing the user's workload and enabling faster beverage delivery. This allows, for example, small stores that do not sell enough beverages to justify using kegs to efficiently serve customers.

[0047] As described above, the canned beverage server 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0048] (Second Embodiment) The canned beverage server 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0049] The canned beverage server 100 (not shown) according to the second embodiment is configured to open the beverage can C using only the dispensing tube 22 as the lid-opening part, without the cutter 62 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, the dispensing tube 22 has a flattened lower surface and is thick enough to press the mouthpiece LD portion of the beverage can C, which is placed on the stand 20 and rises, into the interior of the beverage can C.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a beverage can C designed for opening by pressing, in which a bead portion BD is formed as an upwardly projecting projection on the mouthpiece LD portion of the can lid. The bead portion BD has a hemispherical outer shape and has a constant area in plan view. In the figure, dashed and diagonal lines indicate the position where the lower surface of the dispensing pipe 22 presses against the mouthpiece LD portion. By forming the bead portion BD in this way, the alignment of the dispensing pipe 22 that presses against the mouthpiece LD portion becomes easier. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, by forming the bead portion BD at the end of the mouthpiece LD portion, the dispensing pipe 22 can easily apply a relatively large moment to the mouthpiece LD portion, allowing the lid to be opened effectively.

[0051] According to the canned beverage server 100 of this embodiment, the lower surface of the flattened dispensing tube 22 can press against the mouthpiece LD portion of the beverage can C to open the lid, and the dispensing tube 22 can be inserted into the opened beverage can C. As a result, the user only needs to place the beverage can C on the canned beverage server 100, reducing the amount of work required during dispensing. Furthermore, the lower surface of the dispensing tube 22 can press against the bead portion BD that is formed on the can lid and protrudes upward. Therefore, the mouthpiece LD portion of the beverage can C can be pressed more reliably, and the dispensing tube 22 can be inserted into the opening OP that is formed after the lid is opened. As a result, the user can reduce the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0052] As described above, the modified canned beverage server 100 can reduce the amount of work required during dispensing.

[0053] In this description, beverage can C is described as a beverage can with a partially open-end lid equipped with a pull tab or stay-on tab having a mouthpiece LD. However, it is not limited to this, and other types of beverage cans, such as a fully open-end lid with a full panel, may also be used.

[0054] Furthermore, although this explanation assumes that the canned beverage server 10 is connected to a carbon dioxide cylinder 40, the canned beverage server is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the server dispenses only non-carbonated beverages, it may be connected to a non-carbonated gas cylinder, such as a nitrogen gas cylinder.

[0055] Furthermore, although the canned beverage server 10 has been described here as being configured so that the beverage can C placed on the stand 20 rises, it is not limited to this configuration, and may also be configured so that the dispensing pipe descends and is inserted into the inside of the beverage can.

[0056] Furthermore, although the opening sections 22 and 62 have been described here as cutting or pressing the lid of the beverage can C, the opening sections are not limited to this and may be configured in other ways, such as cutting the upper side of the beverage can with a blade or laser, or pulling up a pull tab or stay-on tab.

[0057] Although embodiments of the canned beverage server 10 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of the above embodiments are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 10 canned beverage dispensers 18. Beverage dispensing nozzle (dispensing outlet) 22. Dispensing pipe (open section) 24 Dispensing mechanism 60 pistons 62 Cutter (opening part, cutting blade part) 100-can beverage dispenser BD bead section (protrusion) C Beverage can LD nozzle (can lid) OP opening SC Score

Claims

1. A canned beverage dispenser that dispenses beverages from beverage cans containing beverages, A dispensing pipe inserted into the beverage can placed in the beverage server, A dispensing mechanism that draws out the beverage from inside the beverage can through the aforementioned dispensing pipe and dispenses the beverage from the dispensing spout, Equipped with, The beverage cans placed in the beverage server are configured to rise and / or the dispensing pipes to descend. The lower side of the aforementioned dispensing pipe has an opening for opening the can lid, The aforementioned opening portion is formed on the lower side of the draining pipe and is a cutting blade portion for cutting open the can lid. A canned beverage server, wherein the cutting blade is configured to cut through a score formed along the outer circumference of the nozzle formed on the can lid.

2. A canned beverage server for dispensing a beverage from a beverage can containing a beverage, A dispensing pipe inserted into the beverage can placed in the beverage server, A dispensing mechanism that draws out the beverage from inside the beverage can through the aforementioned dispensing pipe and dispenses the beverage from the dispensing spout, Equipped with, The beverage cans placed in the beverage server are configured to rise and / or the dispensing pipes to descend. The lower side of the aforementioned dispensing pipe has an opening for opening the can lid, The aforementioned opening portion is formed flat and is the lower surface of the dispensing tube that presses against the can lid. The dispensing tube is configured such that its lower surface presses against a projection that is formed on the can lid and protrudes upward, in a can beverage server.

3. The canned beverage server according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit for detecting the position of the beverage cans placed on the canned beverage server; and a correction unit for correcting the position of the beverage cans with respect to the dispensing pipe.

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